Internet Shakespeare Editions

About this text

  • Title: As You Like It (Modern)
  • 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 (Modern)

    Enter Rosalind and Celia.
    1710Rosalind
    Never talk to me. I will weep.
    Celia
    Do, I prithee, but yet have the grace to consider that tears do not become a man.
    Rosalind
    But have I not cause to weep?
    Celia
    As good cause as one would desire; 1715therefore weep.
    Rosalind
    His very hair is of the dissembling color.
    Celia
    Something browner than Judas's. Marry, his kisses are Judas's own children.
    1720Rosalind
    I'faith, his hair is of a good color.
    Celia
    An excellent color. Your chestnut was ever the only color.
    Rosalind
    And his kissing is as full of sanctity as the touch of holy bread.
    He hath bought a pair of cast lips of Diana. A nun of winter's sisterhood kisses not more religiously; the very ice of chastity is in them.
    Rosalind
    But why did he swear he would come this morning, and comes not?
    Nay, certainly, there is no truth in him.
    Rosalind
    Do you think so?
    Yes. I think he is not a pickpurse nor a horse-stealer, but for his verity in love, I do think him as concave as a covered goblet or a worm-eaten nut.
    1735Rosalind
    Not true in love?
    Yes, when he is in, but I think he is not in.
    Rosalind
    You have heard him swear downright he was.
    "Was" is not "is." Besides, the oath of a lover is no stronger than the word of a tapster; they are both the 1740confirmer of false reckonings. He attends here in the forest on the Duke, your father.
    Rosalind
    I met the Duke yesterday, and had much question with him. He asked me of what parentage I was. I told him, of as good as he; so he laughed and let me go. 1745But what talk we of fathers, when there is such a man as Orlando?
    Oh, that's a brave man! He writes brave verses, speaks brave words, swears brave oaths, and breaks them bravely, quite traverse, athwart the heart of his lover, 1750as a puny tilter, that spurs his horse but on one side, breaks his staff like a noble goose. But all's brave that youth mounts and folly guides. Who comes here?
    Enter Corin.
    Mistress and master, you have oft inquired
    1755After the shepherd that complained of love,
    Who you saw sitting by me on the turf,
    Praising the proud disdainful shepherdess
    That was his mistress.
    Celia
    Well, and what of him?
    If you will see a pageant truly played
    Between the pale complexion of true love
    And the red glow of scorn and proud disdain,
    Go hence a little, and I shall conduct you,
    If you will mark it.
    1765Rosalind
    Oh, come, let us remove!
    The sight of lovers feedeth those in love.
    Bring us to this sight, and you shall say
    I'll prove a busy actor in their play.
    Exeunt.