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All's Well That Ends Well, Act 3, Scene 3

William Shakespeare
Every note, for your class

The story so far

Earlier in the play

Helena cures the king and marries Bertram, who leaves her for the Tuscan wars.

In the last scene: Act 3, Scene 2

Helena learns Bertram demands his ring and their child before accepting her; she resolves to leave.

SCENE III. Florence. Before the Duke’s palace.

Flourish. Enter the Duke of Florence, Bertram, drum and trumpets, Soldiers, Parolles.
DUKE
The general of our horse thou art, and we,Great in our hope, lay our best love and credenceUpon thy promising fortune.
BERTRAM
Sir, it isA charge too heavy for my strength; but yetWe’ll strive to bear it for your worthy sakeTo th’extreme edge of hazard.
DUKE
Then go thou forth;And fortune play upon thy prosperous helm,As thy auspicious mistress!
BERTRAM
This very day,Great Mars, I put myself into thy file;Make me but like my thoughts, and I shall proveA lover of thy drum, hater of love.
Exeunt.

Characters

Speaking

  • 2 speeches
  • Duke2 speeches

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Themes

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Questions on this scene

  • Reading

    What command does the Duke give Bertram?

Locations

  • FlorenceScene

    Bertram serves in the Duke's army during the war against Siena. In Florence and its neighbouring military camp, Helena meets Diana and the Widow, arranges the bed-trick, and secures Bertram's ring; Parolles is exposed through a staged interrogation.

    Set here · 4 quotes in this scene