Act 3, Scene 1

Original Text

SCENE I. A Room in the Palace Enter Duke Frederick, Lords and Oliver.

Modern English

Scene 1. A room in the palace. Duke Frederick, Lords, and Oliver enter.

Original Text

DUKE FREDERICK. Not see him since? Sir, sir, that cannot be. But were I not the better part made mercy, I should not seek an absent argument Of my revenge, thou present. But look to it: Find out thy brother wheresoe'er he is. Seek him with candle. Bring him dead or living Within this twelvemonth, or turn thou no more To seek a living in our territory. Thy lands, and all things that thou dost call thine Worth seizure, do we seize into our hands, Till thou canst quit thee by thy brother's mouth Of what we think against thee.

Modern English

DUKE FREDERICK. You haven't seen him since then? Sir, sir — that can't be. And if my better nature weren't more inclined to mercy, I wouldn't bother seeking an absent target for my revenge while you stand here. But see to it: find your brother, wherever he is. Search for him by candlelight. Bring him back, dead or alive, within twelve months, or never come back to seek a living in our territory. Your lands and everything you call yours that's worth confiscating we now seize into our hands, until you can clear yourself, through your brother's mouth, of what we suspect about you.

Original Text

OLIVER. O that your highness knew my heart in this: I never loved my brother in my life. DUKE FREDERICK. More villain thou. Well, push him out of doors, And let my officers of such a nature Make an extent upon his house and lands. Do this expediently, and turn him going. [_Exeunt._]

Modern English

OLIVER. Oh, if your highness knew my heart about this — I never loved my brother in my life. DUKE FREDERICK. All the more villain for that. Well — push him out the door, and have my officers of this kind make an inventory of his house and lands. Do it quickly, and send him on his way. [_Exit._]

As You Like It

Act 3, Scene 1

Act 3, Scene 1