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As You Like It, Act 2, Scene 2

William Shakespeare
Every note, for your class

The story so far

Earlier in the play

Frederick has banished Rosalind; she and Celia plan to flee in disguise, taking Touchstone.

In the last scene: Act 2, Scene 1

Duke Senior praises forest life, hears of Jaques mourning a wounded deer, and sets out to find him.

SCENE II. A Room in the Palace

Enter Duke Frederick with Lords.
DUKE FREDERICK
Can it be possible that no man saw them?It cannot be! Some villains of my courtAre of consent and sufferance in this.
FIRST LORD
I cannot hear of any that did see her.The ladies, her attendants of her chamber,Saw her abed, and in the morning earlyThey found the bed untreasured of their mistress.
SECOND LORD
My lord, the roynish clown, at whom so oftYour grace was wont to laugh, is also missing.Hesperia, the princess’ gentlewoman,Confesses that she secretly o’erheardYour daughter and her cousin much commendThe parts and graces of the wrestlerThat did but lately foil the sinewy Charles;And she believes wherever they are goneThat youth is surely in their company.
DUKE FREDERICK
Send to his brother; fetch that gallant hither.If he be absent, bring his brother to me.I’ll make him find him. Do this suddenly!And let not search and inquisition quailTo bring again these foolish runaways.
Exeunt.

Characters

Speaking

  • 2 speeches
  • First Lord1 speech
  • Second Lord1 speech

Mentioned

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Themes

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Questions on this scene

  • Reading

    What do the attendants find in the morning, reports the First Lord?

Locations

  • Duke Frederick's court?Scene

    The unnamed court where Orlando defeats Charles in wrestling, meets Rosalind, and attracts her affection. Duke Frederick banishes Rosalind, prompting her flight with Celia and Touchstone.

    Set here · 8 quotes in this scene