Internet Shakespeare Editions

About this text

  • Title: As You Like It (Folio 1, 1623)
  • Editor: David Bevington
  • ISBN: 978-1-55058-369-4

    Copyright David Bevington. This text may be freely used for educational, non-profit purposes; for all other uses contact the Editor.
    Author: William Shakespeare
    Editor: David Bevington
    Peer Reviewed

    As You Like It (Folio 1, 1623)

    Ros. It is not the fashion to see the Ladie the Epi-
    logue: but it is no more vnhandsome, then to see the
    Lord the Prologue. If it be true, that good wine needs
    no bush, 'tis true, that a good play needes no Epilogue.
    2780Yet to good wine they do vse good bushes : and good
    playes proue the better by the helpe of good Epilogues:
    What a case am I in then, that am neither a good Epi-
    logue, nor cannot insinuate with you in the behalfe of a
    good play? I am not furnish'd like a Begger, therefore
    2785to begge will not become mee. My way is to coniure
    you, and Ile begin with the Women. I charge you (O
    women) for the loue you beare to men, to like as much
    of this Play, as please you: And I charge you (O men)
    for the loue you beare to women (as I perceiue by your
    2790simpring, none of you hates them) that betweene you,
    and the women, the play may please. If I were a Wo-
    man, I would kisse as many of you as had beards that
    pleas'd me, complexions that lik'd me, and breaths that
    I defi'de not : And I am sure, as many as haue good
    2795beards, or good faces, or sweet breaths, will for my kind
    offer, when I make curt'sie, bid me farewell. Exit.
    FINIS.