Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editors: Andrew Griffin, Helen Ostovich
Not Peer Reviewed

All's Well That Ends Well (Modern)

5.[1]
Enter Helen, Widow, and Diana, with two Attendants.
2595Helen
But this exceeding posting day and night
Must wear your spirits low. We cannot help it,
But since you have made the days and nights as one,
To wear your gentle limbs in my affairs,
Be bold: you do so grow in my requital
2600As nothing can unroot you. -- In happy time!
Enter a gentle Austringer.
This man may help me to his majesty's ear,
If he would spend his power. -- [To the Austringer] God save you, sir.
Austringer
And you.
Sir, I have seen you in the court of France.
Austringer
I have been sometimes there.
I do presume, sir, that you are not fall'n
From the report that goes upon your goodness,
And therefore, goaded with most sharp occasions
2610Which lay nice manners by, I put you to
The use of your own virtues, for the which
I shall continue thankful.
Gentleman
What's your will?
That it will please you
2615To give this poor petition to the King,
And aid me with that store of power you have
To come into his presence.
Austringer
The King's not here.
Not here, sir?
2620Austringer
Not, indeed.
He hence removed last night, and with more haste
Than is his use.
Widow
Lord, how we lose our pains!
All's well that ends well yet,
2625Though time seem so adverse, and means unfit.
I do beseech you, whither is he gone?
Austringer
Marry, as I take it, to Roussillon,
Whither I am going.
Helen
I do beseech you, sir,
2630Since you are like to see the King before me,
Commend the paper to his gracious hand,
Which I presume shall render you no blame,
But rather make you thank your pains for it.
I will come after you with what good speed
2635Our means will make us means.
Austringer
This I'll do for you.
And you shall find yourself to be well thanked,
Whate'er falls more. We must to horse again.
[To the Attendants] Go, go, provide.