Act 1, Scene 1

Original Text

SCENE I. The King of Navarre’s park

Modern English

Scene 1. The park of the King of Navarre.

Original Text

Enter Ferdinand, King of Navarre, Berowne, Longaville and Dumaine.

Modern English

Ferdinand, King of Navarre, enters with Berowne, Longaville, and Dumaine.

Original Text

KING. Let fame, that all hunt after in their lives, Live registered upon our brazen tombs, And then grace us in the disgrace of death; When, spite of cormorant devouring time, Th’ endeavour of this present breath may buy That honour which shall bate his scythe’s keen edge, And make us heirs of all eternity. Therefore, brave conquerors, for so you are That war against your own affections And the huge army of the world’s desires,

Modern English

KING. Let the fame everyone chases through their lives Be carved on our tombs in bronze, And dignify us even in death's disgrace. Then, despite time that swallows everything, The work of this brief breath can purchase An honor that blunts time's scythe And makes us heirs of eternity. So, brave conquerors — that is what you are, Men who go to war against your own desires And the vast army of the world's appetites —

Original Text

Our late edict shall strongly stand in force. Navarre shall be the wonder of the world; Our court shall be a little academe, Still and contemplative in living art. You three, Berowne, Dumaine and Longaville, Have sworn for three years’ term to live with me, My fellow-scholars, and to keep those statutes That are recorded in this schedule here. Your oaths are passed, and now subscribe your names, That his own hand may strike his honour down

Modern English

The decree we have just signed will hold firm. Navarre will be the wonder of the world; Our court will be a small academy, Quiet and contemplative in its devotion to art. You three — Berowne, Dumaine, and Longaville — Have sworn to live with me for a three-year term As fellow-scholars, and to keep the rules Written down on this document. Your oaths are sworn; now sign your names, So that anyone who breaks even the smallest clause

Original Text

That violates the smallest branch herein. If you are armed to do as sworn to do, Subscribe to your deep oaths, and keep it too.

Modern English

Will, by his own hand, have struck down his honor. If you mean to do what you have sworn to do, Sign your deep oaths, and keep them too.

Original Text

LONGAVILLE. I am resolved. ’Tis but a three years’ fast. The mind shall banquet, though the body pine. Fat paunches have lean pates, and dainty bits Make rich the ribs, but bankrupt quite the wits. [_He signs._]

Modern English

LONGAVILLE. I'm decided. It is only a three-year fast. The mind will feast even while the body starves. A fat belly makes a thin head; rich food Lines the ribs but bankrupts the wits. [_He signs._]

Original Text

DUMAINE. My loving lord, Dumaine is mortified. The grosser manner of these world’s delights He throws upon the gross world’s baser slaves. To love, to wealth, to pomp, I pine and die, With all these living in philosophy. [_He signs._]

Modern English

DUMAINE. My beloved lord, Dumaine has put his lower self to death. The grosser pleasures of this world He leaves to the gross world's lower servants. To love, to wealth, to pomp, I die, Choosing instead to live in philosophy. [_He signs._]

Original Text

BEROWNE. I can but say their protestation over. So much, dear liege, I have already sworn, That is, to live and study here three years. But there are other strict observances: As not to see a woman in that term, Which I hope well is not enrolled there; And one day in a week to touch no food, And but one meal on every day beside, The which I hope is not enrolled there; And then to sleep but three hours in the night,

Modern English

BEROWNE. I can only repeat what they have said. That much, dear lord, I have already sworn — That is, to live and study here three years. But there are other strict requirements: Not seeing a woman in that whole period, Which I sincerely hope is not in there; And one day a week eating nothing, And only one meal each of the other days, Which I sincerely hope is not in there; And sleeping no more than three hours a night,

Original Text

And not be seen to wink of all the day, When I was wont to think no harm all night, And make a dark night too of half the day, Which I hope well is not enrolled there. O, these are barren tasks, too hard to keep, Not to see ladies, study, fast, not sleep.

Modern English

And not catching a single nap during the day, When I have been used to sleeping all night And making a dark night of half the day too — Which I sincerely hope is not in there. Oh, these are pointless tasks, too hard to keep: Not see ladies, study, fast, no sleep.

Original Text

KING. Your oath is passed to pass away from these. BEROWNE. Let me say no, my liege, an if you please. I only swore to study with your Grace And stay here in your court for three years’ space. LONGAVILLE. You swore to that, Berowne, and to the rest.

Modern English

KING. Your sworn oath is to give up exactly these things. BEROWNE. Let me say no, my lord, if you'll allow it. I only swore to study with your Grace And to stay at your court for three years' time. LONGAVILLE. You swore to that, Berowne — and to the rest.

Original Text

BEROWNE. By yea and nay, sir, then I swore in jest. What is the end of study, let me know? KING. Why, that to know which else we should not know. BEROWNE. Things hid and barred, you mean, from common sense? KING. Ay, that is study’s god-like recompense.

Modern English

BEROWNE. By yes and no, sir, then I swore in jest. What is the goal of study? Tell me that. KING. To know what otherwise we wouldn't know. BEROWNE. Things hidden, you mean, from common understanding? KING. Yes, that is study's godlike reward.

Original Text

BEROWNE. Come on, then, I will swear to study so, To know the thing I am forbid to know: As thus, to study where I well may dine, When I to feast expressly am forbid; Or study where to meet some mistress fine, When mistresses from common sense are hid; Or, having sworn too hard-a-keeping oath, Study to break it, and not break my troth. If study’s gain be thus, and this be so, Study knows that which yet it doth not know. Swear me to this, and I will ne’er say no.

Modern English

BEROWNE. All right then — I'll swear to study like that: To know things I'm forbidden to know, For instance, study where I might find dinner When I'm specifically not allowed to eat; Or study where I might meet a fine mistress, When mistresses are hidden from common sight; Or, having sworn an oath I cannot keep, Study how to break it without breaking my honor. If those are study's gains, and they are, Then study knows what it does not yet know. Swear me to that, and I'll never refuse.

Original Text

KING. These be the stops that hinder study quite, And train our intellects to vain delight.

Modern English

KING. These are the obstacles that block real study And train our minds toward empty pleasures.

Original Text

BEROWNE. Why, all delights are vain, but that most vain Which, with pain purchased, doth inherit pain: As painfully to pore upon a book To seek the light of truth, while truth the while Doth falsely blind the eyesight of his look. Light seeking light doth light of light beguile; So, ere you find where light in darkness lies, Your light grows dark by losing of your eyes. Study me how to please the eye indeed By fixing it upon a fairer eye,

Modern English

BEROWNE. All pleasures are empty — but the emptiest Is the one bought with pain that gives more pain: Like staring painfully at a book To find the light of truth, while truth itself Quietly blinds the eyesight of the seeker. Light hunting light cheats light of light; So, before you discover where light hides in darkness, Your light goes dark from losing your eyes to it. Better to study how to please the eye By fixing it on a more beautiful eye,

Original Text

Who dazzling so, that eye shall be his heed, And give him light that it was blinded by. Study is like the heaven’s glorious sun, That will not be deep-searched with saucy looks; Small have continual plodders ever won, Save base authority from others’ books. These earthly godfathers of heaven’s lights, That give a name to every fixed star, Have no more profit of their shining nights Than those that walk and wot not what they are.

Modern English

Whose dazzle pulls all attention to itself And gives back the very light it took. Study is like the sun in heaven, Which won't be examined by impertinent stares. Endless plodders have always won very little Beyond the second-hand authority of other people's books. These earthly godfathers of heaven's lights, Naming each fixed star, Get no more profit from their sleepless nights Than ordinary people who walk past unaware.

Original Text

Too much to know is to know naught but fame, And every godfather can give a name.

Modern English

To know too much is to know nothing but reputation, And any godfather can give a name.

Original Text

KING. How well he’s read, to reason against reading. DUMAINE. Proceeded well, to stop all good proceeding. LONGAVILLE. He weeds the corn, and still lets grow the weeding. BEROWNE. The spring is near when green geese are a-breeding.

Modern English

KING. How well-read he is, to argue against reading. DUMAINE. How learnedly he proceeds — to halt all good progress. LONGAVILLE. He pulls up the wheat and lets the weeds grow. BEROWNE. Spring must be near when silly geese are hatching.

Original Text

DUMAINE. How follows that? BEROWNE. Fit in his place and time. DUMAINE. In reason nothing. BEROWNE. Something then in rhyme.

Modern English

DUMAINE. What does that have to do with anything? BEROWNE. It fits the time and place. DUMAINE. It makes no sense. BEROWNE. At least it rhymes.

Original Text

LONGAVILLE. Berowne is like an envious sneaping frost That bites the first-born infants of the spring. BEROWNE. Well, say I am. Why should proud summer boast Before the birds have any cause to sing? Why should I joy in any abortive birth? At Christmas I no more desire a rose Than wish a snow in May’s new-fangled shows, But like of each thing that in season grows. So you, to study now it is too late, Climb o’er the house to unlock the little gate.

Modern English

LONGAVILLE. Berowne is like a jealous, biting frost That kills the first-born buds of spring. BEROWNE. Fine, say I am. Why should proud summer boast Before the birds have any reason to sing? Why should I rejoice in something stillborn? At Christmas I don't want a rose Any more than I want snow during May's flowers — I prefer everything in its proper season. So you, taking up study now — it's already too late. You're climbing over the house to unlock the front gate.

Original Text

KING. Well, sit you out. Go home, Berowne. Adieu. BEROWNE. No, my good lord, I have sworn to stay with you, And though I have for barbarism spoke more Than for that angel knowledge you can say, Yet confident I’ll keep what I have sworn And bide the penance of each three years’ day. Give me the paper, let me read the same, And to the strictest decrees I’ll write my name.

Modern English

KING. Fine, sit it out. Go home, Berowne. Goodbye. BEROWNE. No, my good lord, I have sworn to stay, And though I have argued more on the side of ignorance Than for the angelic knowledge you favor, I am still confident I'll keep what I've sworn, And serve the penalty of all three years. Give me the paper, let me read it through, And I'll sign my name to the strictest of its rules.

Original Text

KING. How well this yielding rescues thee from shame. BEROWNE. [_Reads_.] _Item, That no woman shall come within a mile of my court._ Hath this been proclaimed? LONGAVILLE. Four days ago. BEROWNE. Let’s see the penalty. [_Reads_.] _On pain of losing her tongue._ Who devised this penalty?

Modern English

KING. Your giving in saves you from disgrace. BEROWNE. [_Reads_.] _Item: No woman shall come within a mile of my court._ Has this been announced? LONGAVILLE. Four days ago. BEROWNE. Let's see the punishment. [_Reads_.] _Punishable by losing her tongue._ Whose idea was that?

Original Text

LONGAVILLE. Marry, that did I. BEROWNE. Sweet lord, and why? LONGAVILLE. To fright them hence with that dread penalty.

Modern English

LONGAVILLE. Mine, actually. BEROWNE. And why, dear lord? LONGAVILLE. To frighten women off with that dreadful penalty.

Original Text

BEROWNE. A dangerous law against gentility. [_Reads_.] _Item, If any man be seen to talk with a woman within the term of three years, he shall endure such public shame as the rest of the court can possibly devise._ This article, my liege, yourself must break, For well you know here comes in embassy The French King’s daughter, with yourself to speak— A mild of grace and complete majesty— About surrender up of Aquitaine To her decrepit, sick, and bedrid father. Therefore this article is made in vain, Or vainly comes th’ admired Princess hither.

Modern English

BEROWNE. A dangerous law to pass against good manners. [_Reads_.] _Item: If any man is seen speaking with a woman within the three-year period, he shall suffer whatever public humiliation the rest of the court can devise._ This article, my lord, you yourself will have to break, Because you know the French king's daughter is on her way As an ambassador to speak with you in person — A woman of mild grace and complete dignity — About handing over Aquitaine To her decrepit, sick, and bedridden father. So this article was made for nothing, Or else the admired Princess is coming for nothing.

Original Text

KING. What say you, lords? Why, this was quite forgot. BEROWNE. So study evermore is overshot. While it doth study to have what it would, It doth forget to do the thing it should; And when it hath the thing it hunteth most, ’Tis won as towns with fire: so won, so lost.

Modern English

KING. What do you say, my lords? This was completely forgotten. BEROWNE. Study always overshoots the mark. While trying to obtain what it wants, It forgets to do what it should; And when it finally gets what it has been hunting, It has captured it like a town set on fire — won, lost, all at once.

Original Text

KING. We must of force dispense with this decree. She must lie here on mere necessity.

Modern English

KING. We will have to make an exception to the decree. She must stay here out of pure necessity.

Original Text

BEROWNE. Necessity will make us all forsworn Three thousand times within this three years’ space; For every man with his affects is born, Not by might mastered, but by special grace. If I break faith, this word shall speak for me: I am forsworn on mere necessity. So to the laws at large I write my name, And he that breaks them in the least degree Stands in attainder of eternal shame. Suggestions are to other as to me;

Modern English

BEROWNE. Necessity will make us all break our oaths Three thousand times within these three years; Every man is born with his appetites, Which can't be mastered by force, only by special grace. If I break faith, this excuse will speak for me: I broke my oath out of pure necessity. So I sign my name to the rules in general, And whoever breaks them in even the smallest detail Will stand condemned to eternal shame. Temptations come to others as they come to me;

Original Text

But I believe, although I seem so loath, I am the last that will last keep his oath. [_He signs._] But is there no quick recreation granted?

Modern English

But I believe — though I seem so reluctant — I'll be the last one still keeping his oath. [_He signs._] But isn't there any quick form of recreation allowed?

Original Text

KING. Ay, that there is. Our court, you know, is haunted With a refined traveller of Spain, A man in all the world’s new fashion planted, That hath a mint of phrases in his brain; One who the music of his own vain tongue Doth ravish like enchanting harmony, A man of complements, whom right and wrong Have chose as umpire of their mutiny. This child of fancy, that Armado hight, For interim to our studies shall relate

Modern English

KING. Yes, there is. Our court, you know, is graced With a refined Spanish traveler, A man entirely up-to-date in the world's new fashions, With a vast supply of fancy phrases in his head; A man so in love with the music of his own voice He's enchanted by it as if by harmony, A man of compliments, whom right and wrong Have appointed as the umpire of their disputes. This child of fancy, by the name of Armado, Is going to entertain us between studies

Original Text

In high-born words the worth of many a knight From tawny Spain lost in the world’s debate. How you delight, my lords, I know not, I, But I protest I love to hear him lie, And I will use him for my minstrelsy.

Modern English

By telling us, in lofty language, the worth Of many a knight from tawny Spain lost in the world's wars. I don't know how much you'll enjoy him, my lords, But I confess I love to hear him lie, And I'm going to use him as my entertainment.

Original Text

BEROWNE. Armado is a most illustrious wight, A man of fire-new words, fashion’s own knight. LONGAVILLE. Costard the swain and he shall be our sport, And so to study three years is but short. Enter Dull, a Constable, with a letter, and Costard.

Modern English

BEROWNE. Armado is a most magnificent creature, A man of brand-new vocabulary, fashion's own knight. LONGAVILLE. Costard the country man and Armado will be our amusement; Three years of study will pass quickly. Dull, a constable, enters with a letter, and Costard.

Original Text

DULL. Which is the Duke’s own person? BEROWNE. This, fellow. What wouldst? DULL. I myself reprehend his own person, for I am his Grace’s farborough. But I would see his own person in flesh and blood. BEROWNE. This is he.

Modern English

DULL. Which one is the Duke himself? BEROWNE. This one, fellow. What do you want? DULL. I myself represent his own person, since I am his Grace's constable. But I'd like to see his own person in flesh and blood. BEROWNE. This is he.

Original Text

DULL. Signior Arm… Arm… commends you. There’s villainy abroad. This letter will tell you more. COSTARD. Sir, the contempts thereof are as touching me. KING. A letter from the magnificent Armado. BEROWNE. How long soever the matter, I hope in God for high words.

Modern English

DULL. Signor Arm— Arm— sends his regards. There's villainy afoot. This letter will tell you more. COSTARD. Sir, the contents thereof concern me. KING. A letter from the magnificent Armado. BEROWNE. However trivial the matter, I'm hoping for impressive vocabulary.

Original Text

LONGAVILLE. A high hope for a low heaven. God grant us patience! BEROWNE. To hear, or forbear laughing? LONGAVILLE. To hear meekly, sir, and to laugh moderately, or to forbear both. BEROWNE. Well, sir, be it as the style shall give us cause to climb in the merriness.

Modern English

LONGAVILLE. A high hope for low entertainment. God grant us patience! BEROWNE. Patience to listen — or to keep from laughing? LONGAVILLE. To listen quietly, sir, and to laugh in moderation, or to do without either. BEROWNE. Well, sir, that depends on how funny the writing turns out to be.

Original Text

COSTARD. The matter is to me, sir, as concerning Jaquenetta. The manner of it is, I was taken with the manner. BEROWNE. In what manner? COSTARD. In manner and form following, sir, all those three. I was seen with her in the manor-house, sitting with her upon the form, and taken following her into the park, which, put together, is “in manner and form following”. Now, sir, for the manner. It is the manner of a man to speak to a woman. For the form—in some form.

Modern English

COSTARD. The matter concerns me, sir, regarding Jaquenetta. The way of it is that I was caught in the act. BEROWNE. In what manner? COSTARD. In manner and form following, sir, all three of those. I was seen with her in the manor-house, sitting with her on the bench, and was caught following her into the park — which together adds up to "in manner and form following." Now, for the manner: it is the manner of a man to speak to a woman. For the form: in some form.

Original Text

BEROWNE. For the “following”, sir? COSTARD. As it shall follow in my correction, and God defend the right! KING. Will you hear this letter with attention? BEROWNE. As we would hear an oracle.

Modern English

BEROWNE. And the "following," sir? COSTARD. That will follow when I'm punished — and may God defend the right! KING. Will you listen to this letter attentively? BEROWNE. As if it were an oracle.

Original Text

COSTARD. Such is the simplicity of man to hearken after the flesh. KING. [_Reads_.] _Great deputy, the welkin’s vicegerent and sole dominator of Navarre, my soul’s earth’s god and body’s fostering patron—_ COSTARD. Not a word of Costard yet. KING. [_Reads_.] _So it is—_

Modern English

COSTARD. Such is the foolishness of man — to listen with his appetite. KING. [_Reads_.] _Great deputy, the sky's regent and sole ruler of Navarre, the god of my soul's earth and the patron of my body's nourishment—_ COSTARD. Not a word about Costard yet. KING. [_Reads_.] _So it is—_

Original Text

COSTARD. It may be so; but if he say it is so, he is, in telling true, but so. KING. Peace! COSTARD. Be to me, and every man that dares not fight. KING. No words!

Modern English

COSTARD. It may be so; but if he says it is, then he is, for all his fine words, just so. KING. Quiet! COSTARD. Be that to me, and to every man who's afraid to fight. KING. No talking!

Original Text

COSTARD. Of other men’s secrets, I beseech you.

Modern English

COSTARD. About other men's secrets, I beg you.

Original Text

KING. [_Reads_.] _So it is, besieged with sable-coloured melancholy, I did commend the black-oppressing humour to the most wholesome physic of thy health-giving air; and, as I am a gentleman, betook myself to walk. The time when? About the sixth hour, when beasts most graze, birds best peck, and men sit down to that nourishment which is called supper. So much for the time when. Now for the ground which? Which, I mean, I walked upon. It is ycleped thy park. Then for the place, where? Where, I mean, I did encounter that obscene and most preposterous event that draweth from my snow-white pen the ebon-coloured ink, which here thou viewest, beholdest, surveyest, or seest. But to the place where? It standeth north-north-east and by east from the west corner of thy curious-knotted garden. There did I see that low-spirited swain, that base minnow of thy mirth—_

Modern English

KING. [_Reads_.] _So it is, besieged with black melancholy, I committed the dark, oppressing humor to the most wholesome cure of your healthful air; and, as I am a gentleman, I betook myself to walk. The time when? About the sixth hour, when beasts mostly graze, birds peck best, and men sit down to that nourishment which is called supper. So much for the time when. Now for the ground which? Which, I mean, I walked upon. It is called your park. Then for the place, where? Where, I mean, I encountered that obscene and most preposterous event that draws from my snow-white pen the ebony-coloured ink which you here behold. But to the place where? It stands north-northeast and by east from the west corner of your curiously-knotted garden. There I saw that low-spirited country man, that base trifle of your mirth—_

Original Text

COSTARD. Me? KING. [_Reads_.] _That unlettered small-knowing soul—_ COSTARD. Me? KING. [_Reads_.] _That shallow vassal—_

Modern English

COSTARD. Me? KING. [_Reads_.] _That ignorant, small-knowing soul—_ COSTARD. Me? KING. [_Reads_.] _That shallow servant—_

Original Text

COSTARD. Still me? KING. [_Reads_.] _Which, as I remember, hight Costard—_ COSTARD. O me! KING. [_Reads_.] _Sorted and consorted, contrary to thy established proclaimed edict and continent canon, which with, O, with—but with this I passion to say wherewith—_

Modern English

COSTARD. Still me? KING. [_Reads_.] _Who, as I recall, is named Costard—_ COSTARD. Oh, me! KING. [_Reads_.] _Sorted and consorting, contrary to your established and proclaimed edict and law of restraint, with — oh, with — I shudder to say with whom—_

Original Text

COSTARD. With a wench. KING. [_Reads_.] _With a child of our grandmother Eve, a female; or, for thy more sweet understanding, a woman. Him, I, as my ever-esteemed duty pricks me on, have sent to thee, to receive the meed of punishment, by thy sweet Grace’s officer, Antony Dull, a man of good repute, carriage, bearing, and estimation._

Modern English

COSTARD. With a wench. KING. [_Reads_.] _With a child of our grandmother Eve — a female; or, for your sweeter understanding, a woman. I have, as my ever-esteemed duty prompts me, sent him to you to receive the reward of punishment, by your sweet Grace's officer, Antony Dull, a man of good repute, character, bearing, and standing._

Original Text

DULL. Me, an’t shall please you; I am Antony Dull. KING. [_Reads_.] _For Jaquenetta, so is the weaker vessel called which I apprehended with the aforesaid swain, I keep her as a vessel of thy law’s fury, and shall, at the least of thy sweet notice, bring her to trial. Thine, in all compliments of devoted and heartburning heat of duty, Don Adriano de Armado._

Modern English

DULL. That would be me, if it please you. I am Antony Dull. KING. [_Reads_.] _As for Jaquenetta — for that is what the weaker vessel is called, whom I apprehended along with the aforementioned country man — I am holding her as a vessel of your law's wrath, and shall, at the slightest signal from your sweet self, bring her to trial. Yours, in all the compliments of devoted and burning duty, Don Adriano de Armado._

Original Text

BEROWNE. This is not so well as I looked for, but the best that ever I heard. KING. Ay, the best for the worst. But, sirrah, what say you to this? COSTARD. Sir, I confess the wench. KING. Did you hear the proclamation?

Modern English

BEROWNE. This isn't quite what I was hoping for, but it's the best I've ever heard. KING. Yes, the best of the worst. Now, fellow, what do you say to this? COSTARD. Sir, I confess to the wench. KING. Did you hear the proclamation?

Original Text

COSTARD. I do confess much of the hearing it, but little of the marking of it. KING. It was proclaimed a year’s imprisonment to be taken with a wench. COSTARD. I was taken with none, sir. I was taken with a damsel. KING. Well, it was proclaimed “damsel”.

Modern English

COSTARD. I confess to a lot of the hearing of it, but very little of the noticing. KING. It was proclaimed that anyone caught with a wench would be imprisoned for a year. COSTARD. I wasn't caught with a wench, sir. I was caught with a damsel. KING. Well, "damsel" was also covered.

Original Text

COSTARD. This was no damsel neither, sir; she was a virgin. KING. It is so varied too, for it was proclaimed “virgin”. COSTARD. If it were, I deny her virginity. I was taken with a maid. KING. This maid will not serve your turn, sir.

Modern English

COSTARD. Then she was no damsel either, sir; she was a virgin. KING. That word too, for "virgin" was also proclaimed. COSTARD. If she was, I deny her virginity. I was caught with a maid. KING. "Maid" won't help your case, sir.

Original Text

COSTARD. This maid will serve my turn, sir. KING. Sir, I will pronounce your sentence: you shall fast a week with bran and water. COSTARD. I had rather pray a month with mutton and porridge. KING. And Don Armado shall be your keeper. My Lord Berowne, see him delivered o’er; And go we, lords, to put in practice that Which each to other hath so strongly sworn. [_Exeunt King, Longaville and Dumaine._]

Modern English

COSTARD. This maid will help my case quite well, sir. KING. Sir, I will pronounce your sentence. You will fast for a week on bran and water. COSTARD. I'd rather pray for a month with mutton and porridge. KING. And Don Armado will be your jailer. My Lord Berowne, see him handed over. And let's go, lords, to put into practice What each of us has so firmly sworn. [_The King, Longaville, and Dumaine exit._]

Original Text

BEROWNE. I’ll lay my head to any good man’s hat These oaths and laws will prove an idle scorn. Sirrah, come on. COSTARD. I suffer for the truth, sir; for true it is I was taken with Jaquenetta, and Jaquenetta is a true girl. And therefore welcome the sour cup of prosperity! Affliction may one day smile again, and till then, sit thee down, sorrow. [_Exeunt._]

Modern English

BEROWNE. I'll bet my head against any decent man's hat These oaths and laws will turn out to be a joke. Fellow, come on. COSTARD. I suffer for the truth, sir; for it is true I was caught with Jaquenetta, and Jaquenetta is a true girl. So welcome the sour cup of prosperity! Affliction may smile again one day, and till then, sit down, sorrow. [_They exit._]

Love's Labour's Lost

Act 1, Scene 1

Act 1, Scene 1