Helena has cured the King and chosen Bertram as her husband. He marries her under the King’s orders, but refuses to share her bed and plans to send her home while he leaves for the Tuscan wars with Parolles. Lafew has quarrelled with Parolles.
The Clown brings Helena greetings from the Countess. Parolles tells her Bertram must leave tonight on serious business and postpone their married life. He asks her to seek immediate leave from the King, presenting the departure as her own wish, then await Bertram’s further instructions. Helena agrees to obey.
SCENE V. Another room in the same.
Enter Lafew and Bertram.
LAFEW
But I hope your lordship thinks not him a soldier.
BERTRAM
Yes, my lord, and of very valiant approof.
LAFEW
You have it from his own deliverance.
BERTRAM
And by other warranted testimony.
LAFEW
Then my dial goes not true; I took this lark for a bunting.
BERTRAM
I do assure you, my lord, he is very great in knowledge, and accordingly valiant.
LAFEW
I have, then, sinned against his experience and transgressed against his valour; and my state that way is dangerous, since I cannot yet find in my heart to repent.Here he comes; I pray you make us friends; I will pursue the amity.
Enter Parolles.
PAROLLES
These things shall be done, sir.
LAFEW
Pray you, sir, who’s his tailor?
PAROLLES
Sir!
LAFEW
O, I know him well, I, sir; he, sir, is a good workman, a very good tailor.
BERTRAM
Is she gone to the king?
PAROLLES
She is.
BERTRAM
Will she away tonight?
PAROLLES
As you’ll have her.
BERTRAM
I have writ my letters, casketed my treasure,Given order for our horses; and tonight,When I should take possession of the bride,End ere I do begin.
LAFEW
A good traveller is something at the latter end of a dinner; but one that lies three-thirds and uses a known truth to pass a thousand nothings with, should be once heard and thrice beaten.— God save you, Captain.
BERTRAM
Is there any unkindness between my lord and you, monsieur?
PAROLLES
I know not how I have deserved to run into my lord’s displeasure.
LAFEW
You have made shift to run into ’t, boots and spurs and all, like him that leapt into the custard; and out of it you’ll run again, rather than suffer question for your residence.
BERTRAM
It may be you have mistaken him, my lord.
LAFEW
And shall do so ever, though I took him at his prayers.Fare you well, my lord; and believe this of me, there can be no kernal in this light nut; the soul of this man is his clothes; trust him not in matter of heavy consequence; I have kept of them tame, and know their natures.Farewell, monsieur; I have spoken better of you than you have or will to deserve at my hand; but we must do good against evil.
Exit.
PAROLLES
An idle lord, I swear.
BERTRAM
I think so.
PAROLLES
Why, do you not know him?
BERTRAM
Yes, I do know him well; and common speechGives him a worthy pass. Here comes my clog.
Enter Helena.
HELENA
I have, sir, as I was commanded from you,Spoke with the king, and have procur’d his leaveFor present parting; only he desiresSome private speech with you.
BERTRAM
I shall obey his will.You must not marvel, Helen, at my course,Which holds not colour with the time, nor doesThe ministration and required officeOn my particular. Prepared I was notFor such a business; therefore am I foundSo much unsettled: this drives me to entreat you;That presently you take your way for home,And rather muse than ask why I entreat you:For my respects are better than they seem;And my appointments have in them a needGreater than shows itself at the first viewTo you that know them not. This to my mother.
Giving a letter.
BERTRAM
’Twill be two days ere I shall see you; soI leave you to your wisdom.
HELENA
Sir, I can nothing sayBut that I am your most obedient servant.
BERTRAM
Come, come, no more of that.
HELENA
And ever shallWith true observance seek to eke out thatWherein toward me my homely stars have fail’dTo equal my great fortune.
BERTRAM
Let that go.My haste is very great. Farewell; hie home.
HELENA
Pray, sir, your pardon.
BERTRAM
Well, what would you say?
HELENA
I am not worthy of the wealth I owe;Nor dare I say ’tis mine, and yet it is;But, like a timorous thief, most fain would stealWhat law does vouch mine own.
BERTRAM
What would you have?
HELENA
Something; and scarce so much; nothing indeed.I would not tell you what I would, my lord. Faith, yes,Strangers and foes do sunder and not kiss.
BERTRAM
I pray you, stay not, but in haste to horse.
HELENA
I shall not break your bidding, good my lord.Where are my other men, monsieur?Farewell,
Exit Helena.
BERTRAM
Go thou toward home, where I will never comeWhilst I can shake my sword or hear the drum.Away, and for our flight.