Laf. I like him well; 'tis not amiss: and I was about to tell you, Since I heard of the good lady's death, and that my lord your fon was upon his return home, I mov'd the king my master, to speak in the behalf of my daughter; which, in the minority of them both, his majesty, out of a self-gracious remembrance, did first propose: his highness has promis'd me to do it: and, to stop up the displeasure he hath conceiv'd against your fon, there is no fitter matter. How does your ladyship like it?

Count. With very much content, my lord, and I wish it happily effected.

Laf. His highness comes poft from Marseilles, of as able a body as when he number'd thirty; he will be here to-morrow, or I am deceived by him that in fuch intelligence hath feldom fail'd.

Count. It rejoices me, that I hope I fhall fee him ere I die. I have letters, that my fon will be here to-night: I fhall beseech your lordship, to remain with me till they meet together.

d

Laf. Madam, I was thinking, with what manners I might fafely be admitted.

Count. You need but plead your honourable privilege. Laf. Lady, of that I have made a bold charter; but, I thank my God, it holds yet.

Re-enter Clown.

Clo. O madam, yonder's my lord your fon with a patch of velvet on's face: whether there be a scar under❜t or no, the velvet knows; but 'tis a goodly patch of yelvet: his left cheek is a cheek of two pile and a half, but his right

cheek is worn bare.

with what manners I might fafely be admitted.]—whether I might, with propriety, be permitted to do fo.

Laf. A fcar nobly got, or a noble scar, is a good livery of honour fo, belike, is that.

Clo. But it is your carbonado'd face.

Laf. Let us go fee your fon, I pray you; I long to talk with the young noble foldier.

Clo. 'Faith, there's a dozen of 'em, with delicate fine hats, and most courteous feathers, which bow the head, and nod at every man.

[Exeunt.

A CT V.

V.

SCENE I.

The Court of France at Marseilles.

Enter Helena, Widow, and Diana, with two Attendants.

Hel. But this exceeding pofting, day and night,

Muft wear your fpirits low: we cannot help it ;
But, fince you have made the days and nights as one,
To wear your gentle limbs in my affairs,

Be bold, you do fo grow in my requital,

As nothing can unroot you. In happy time;—

f

Enter a gentle Aftringer.

This man may help me to his majesty's ear,

If he would spend his power.-God fave you, fir.
Gent. And you.

Hel. Sir, I have seen you in the court of France.
Gent. I have been fometimes there.

Hel. I do prefume, fir, that you are not fallen
From the report that goes upon your goodness;
And therefore, goaded with most sharp occafions,

• carbonado'd]-flashed, scotched.

{ gentle Aftringer]-a gentleman falconer.

Which lay nice manners by, I put you to
The use of your own virtues, for the which
I fhall continue thankful.

Gent. What's your will?

Hel. That it will please you

To give this poor petition to the king;

And aid me with that ftore of power you have,
To come into his presence.

Gent. The king's not here,

Hel. Not here, fir?

Gent. Not, indeed :

He hence remov'd last night, and with more hafte
Than is his use.

Wid. Lord, how we lofe our pains!

Hel. All's well, that ends well, yet;

Though time feem fo adverse, and means unfit.-
I do befeech you, whither is he gone?

Gent. Marry, as I take it, to Roufillon
Whither I am going,

Hel. I do befeech you, fir,

Since you are like to see the king before me,
Commend the paper to his gracious hand;
Which, I presume, shall render you no blame,
But rather make you thank your pains for it:
I will come after you, with what good speed
'Our means will make us means.

Gent. This I'll do for you.

Hel. And you shall find yourself to be well thank'd, What-e'er falls more.-We must to horse again ;Go, go, provide.

8 Our means will make us means.]—Our strength will enable us to

make.

Gg 4

SCENE

SCENE II.

Roufillon.

Enter Clown and Parolles..

Par. Good Mr. Lavatch, give my lord Lafeu this letter: I have ere now, fir, been better known to you, when I have held familiarity with fresher clothes; but I am now, fir, muddy'd in fortune's moat, and fmell fomewhat strong of her strong displeasure.

h

Clo. Truly, fortune's difpleasure is but fluttish, if it smell so strongly as thou speak'st of: I will henceforth eat no fish of fortune's buttering. Pr'ythee, 'allow the wind. Par. Nay, you need not to stop your nofe, fir; I spake but by a metaphor.

Clo. Indeed, fir, if your metaphor ftink, I will stop my nose; or against any man's metaphor. Pr'ythee, get thee further.

Par. Pray you, fir, deliver me this paper.

Clo. Foh! pr'ythee, ftand away; A paper from fortune's close-stool to give to a nobleman! Look, here he comes himself.

k

Enter Lafeu.

Here is a pur of fortune's, fir, or of fortune's cat, (but not a mufk-cat) that has fallen into the unclean fishpond of her displeasure, and, as he says, is muddy'd withal: Pray you, fir, use the carp as you may; for he looks like a poor, decay'd, ingenious, foolish, rafcally

muddy'd in fortune's moat,]—fortune's mood-under the frowns of fortune. allow the wind.]-stand to windward of me. pur of fortune's,]—kitten—puss.

k

knave. I do pity his distress in 'my fimilies of comfort, and leave him to your lordship. [Exit Clown. Par. My lord, I am a man whom fortune hath cruelly fcratch'd.

Laf. And what would you have me to do? 'tis too late to pare her nails now. Wherein have you play'd the knave with fortune, that fhe fhould fcratch you, who of herself is a good lady, and would not have knaves thrive long under her? There's a quart d'ecu for you: Let the justices make you and fortune friends; I am for other business.

Par. I beseech your honour, to hear me one fingle word.

Laf. You beg a fingle penny more: come, you fhall ha't; fave your word.

Par. My name, my good lord, is Parolles.

Laf. You beg more than "one word then.-Cox' my paffion! give me your hand :-How does your drum?

for

Par. O my good lord, you were the first that found me. Laf. Was I, in footh? and I was the firft that loft thee. Par. It lies in you, my lord, to bring me in some grace, did bring me out.

you

Laf. Out upon thee, knave! doft thou put upon me at once both the office of God and the devil? one brings thee in grace, and the other brings thee out. [Sound trumpets.] The king's coming, I know by his trumpets. Sirrah, inquire further after me; I had talk of you laft night: though you are a fool and a knave, you shall eat; go to, follow.

Par. I praise God for you.

[Exeunt.

1 my families of comfort,]-thofe comfortable epithets which I have just bestowed upon him (ironically)—in my jmiles.

one word then.]-Parolles-words.

SCENE