You have not given him his mother’s letter?
You have not given him his mother’s letter?
you 've not given him h's mother’s letter?
You have not given him his mother’s letter?
I have deliv’red it an hour since; there is something in’t that stings
his nature; for on the reading it, he chang’d almost into another man.
I have deliv’red it an hour since; there is something in’t that stings his nature; for on the reading it, he chang’d almost into another man.
i 've deliv’red it an hour since; there 's something in’t that stings h's nature; for on the reading it, he chang’d almost into another man.
I have deliv’red it an hour since; there is something in’t that...
He has much worthy blame laid upon him for shaking off so good a wife
and so sweet a lady.
He has much worthy blame laid upon him for shaking off so good a wife and so sweet a lady.
he has much worthy blame laid upon him for shaking off so good a wife and so sweet a lady.
He has much worthy blame laid upon him for shaking off so...
Especially he hath incurred the everlasting displeasure of the king,
who had even tun’d his bounty to sing happiness to him. I will tell you
a thing, but you shall let it dwell darkly with you.
Especially he has incurred the everlasting displeasure of the king, who had even tun’d his bounty to sing happiness to him. I will tell you a thing, but you shall let it dwell darkly with you.
especially he has incurred the everlasting displeasure of the king, who had even tun’d h's bounty to sing happiness to him. i will tell you a thing, but you shall let it dwell darkly with you.
Especially he has incurred the everlasting displeasure of the king, who had...
When you have spoken it, ’tis dead, and I am the grave of it.
When you have spoken it, ’is dead, and I am the grave of it.
when you 've spoken it, ’t's dead, and i am the grave of it.
When you have spoken it, ’is dead, and I am the grave...
He hath perverted a young gentlewoman here in Florence, of a most
chaste renown, and this night he fleshes his will in the spoil of her
honour; he hath given her his monumental ring, and thinks himself made
in the unchaste composition.
He has perverted a young gentlewoman here in Florence, of a most chaste renown, and this night he fleshes his will in the spoil of her honour; he has given her his monumental ring, and thinks himself made in the unchaste composition.
he has perverted a young gentlewoman here in florence, of a most chaste renown, and th's night he fleshes h's will in the spoil of her honour; he has given her h's monumental ring, and thinks himself made in the unchaste composition.
He has perverted a young gentlewoman here in Florence, of a most...
Now, God delay our rebellion! As we are ourselves, what things are we!
Now, God delay our rebellion! As we are ourselves, what things are we!
now, god delay our rebellion! as we 're ourselves, what things 're we!
Now, God delay our rebellion! As we are ourselves, what things are...
Merely our own traitors. And as in the common course of all treasons,
we still see them reveal themselves till they attain to their abhorr’d
ends; so he that in this action contrives against his own nobility, in
his proper stream, o’erflows himself.
Merely our own traitors. And as in the common course of all treasons, we still see them reveal themselves till they attain to their abhorr’d ends; so he that in this action contrives against his own nobility, in his proper stream, o’erflows himself.
merely our own traitors. and as in the common course of all treasons, we still see them reveal themselves till they attain to their abhorr’d ends; so he that in th's action contrives against h's own nobility, in h's proper stream, o’erflows himself.
Merely our own traitors. And as in the common course of all...
Is it not meant damnable in us to be trumpeters of our unlawful
intents? We shall not then have his company tonight?
Is it not meant damnable in us to be trumpeters of our unlawful intents? We shall not then have his company tonight?
's it not meant damnable in us to be trumpeters of our unlawful intents? we shall not then 've h's company tonight?
Is it not meant damnable in us to be trumpeters of our...
Not till after midnight; for he is dieted to his hour.
Not till after midnight; for he is dieted to his hour.
not till after midnight; for he 's dieted to h's hour.
Not till after midnight; for he is dieted to his hour.
That approaches apace. I would gladly have him see his company
anatomized, that he might take a measure of his own judgments, wherein
so curiously he had set this counterfeit.
That approaches apace. I would gladly have him see his company anatomized, that he might take a measure of his own judgments, wherein so curiously he had set this counterfeit.
that approaches apace. i would gladly 've him see h's company anatomized, that he might take a measure of h's own judgments, wherein so curiously he had set th's counterfeit.
That approaches apace. I would gladly have him see his company anatomized,...
We will not meddle with him till he come; for his presence must be the
whip of the other.
We will not meddle with him till he come; for his presence must be the whip of the other.
we will not meddle with him till he come; for h's presence must be the whip of the other.
We will not meddle with him till he come; for his presence...
In the meantime, what hear you of these wars?
In the meantime, what hear you of these wars?
in the meantime, what hear you of these wars?
In the meantime, what hear you of these wars?
I hear there is an overture of peace.
I hear there is an overture of peace.
i hear there 's an overture of peace.
I hear there is an overture of peace.
Nay, I assure you, a peace concluded.
no, I assure you, a peace concluded.
no, i assure you, a peace concluded.
no, I assure you, a peace concluded.
What will Count Rossillon do then? Will he travel higher, or return
again into France?
What will Count Rossillon do then? Will he travel higher, or return again into France?
what will count rossillon do then? will he travel higher, or return again into france?
What will Count Rossillon do then? Will he travel higher, or return...
I perceive by this demand, you are not altogether of his council.
I perceive by this demand, you are not altogether of his council.
i perceive by th's demand, you 're not altogether of h's council.
I perceive by this demand, you are not altogether of his council.
Let it be forbid, sir! So should I be a great deal of his act.
Let it be forbid, sir! So should I be a great deal of his act.
let it be forbid, sir! so should i be a great deal of h's act.
Let it be forbid, sir! So should I be a great deal...
Sir, his wife some two months since fled from his house. Her pretence
is a pilgrimage to Saint Jaques le Grand; which holy undertaking with
most austere sanctimony she accomplished; and there residing, the
tenderness of her nature became as a prey to her grief; in fine, made a
groan of her last breath, and now she sings in heaven.
Sir, his wife some two months since fled from his house. Her pretence is a pilgrimage to Saint Jaques le Grand; which holy undertaking with most austere sanctimony she accomplished; and there residing, the tenderness of her nature became as a prey to her grief; in fine, made a groan of her last breath, and now she sings in heaven.
sir, h's wife some two months since fled from h's house. her pretence 's a pilgrimage to saint jaques le grand; which holy undertaking with most austere sanctimony she accomplished; and there residing, the tenderness of her nature became as a prey to her grief; in fine, made a groan of her last breath, and now she sings in heaven.
Sir, his wife some two months since fled from his house. Her...
How is this justified?
How is this justified?
how 's th's justified?
How is this justified?
The stronger part of it by her own letters, which makes her story true,
even to the point of her death. Her death itself, which could not be
her office to say is come, was faithfully confirm’d by the rector of
the place.
The stronger part of it by her own letters, which makes her story true, even to the point of her death. Her death itself, which could not be her office to say is come, was faithfully confirm’d by the rector of the place.
the stronger part of it by her own letters, which makes her story true, even to the point of her death. her death itself, which could not be her office to say 's come, was faithfully confirm’d by the rector of the place.
The stronger part of it by her own letters, which makes her...
Hath the count all this intelligence?
has the count all this intelligence?
has the count all th's intelligence?
has the count all this intelligence?
Ay, and the particular confirmations, point from point, to the full
arming of the verity.
Ay, and the particular confirmations, point from point, to the full arming of the verity.
ay, and the particular confirmations, point from point, to the full arming of the verity.
Ay, and the particular confirmations, point from point, to the full arming...
I am heartily sorry that he’ll be glad of this.
I am heartily sorry that he’ll be glad of this.
i am heartily sorry that he’ll be glad of this.
I am heartily sorry that he’ll be glad of this.
How mightily sometimes we make us comforts of our losses!
How mightily sometimes we make us comforts of our losses!
how mightily sometimes we make us comforts of our losses!
How mightily sometimes we make us comforts of our losses!
And how mightily some other times we drown our gain in tears! The great
dignity that his valour hath here acquir’d for him shall at home be
encountered with a shame as ample.
And how mightily some other times we drown our gain in tears! The great dignity that his valour has here acquir’d for him shall at home be encountered with a shame as ample.
and how mightily some other times we drown our gain in tears! the great dignity that h's valour has here acquir’d for him shall at home be encountered with a shame as ample.
And how mightily some other times we drown our gain in tears!...
The conventional reading of the braggart soldier — from Plautus through Jonson to Shakespeare — is a character who is self-deceived: he genuinely believes he's brave. What makes Parolles different is that he isn't. His soliloquy in 4-1 showed us a man calculating how to maintain a fraud he knows is a fraud. And his closing speech here — 'Simply the thing I am / Shall make me live' — suggests that what the humiliation gave him wasn't self-knowledge (he already had that) but permission. Permission to stop pretending. The comedy machine that assembled this scene — fake language, fake generals, fake execution — produced something Shakespeare didn't always offer: a character who actually changes, who walks out different from how they walked in.
The web of our life is of a mingled yarn, good and ill together; our
virtues would be proud if our faults whipped them not; and our crimes
would despair if they were not cherish’d by our virtues.
The web of our life is of a mingled yarn, good and ill together; our virtues would be proud if our faults whipped them not; and our crimes would despair if they were not cherish’d by our virtues.
the web of our life 's of a mingled yarn, good and ill together; our virtues would be proud if our faults whipped them not; and our crimes would despair if they were not cherish’d by our virtues.
The web of our life is of a mingled yarn, good and...
He met the duke in the street, sir; of whom he hath taken a solemn
leave: his lordship will next morning for France. The duke hath offered
him letters of commendations to the king.
He met the duke in the street, sir; of whom he has taken a solemn leave: his lordship will next morning for France. The duke has offered him letters of commendations to the king.
he met the duke in the street, sir; of whom he has taken a solemn leave: h's lordship will next morning for france. the duke has offered him letters of commendations to the king.
He met the duke in the street, sir; of whom he has...
They shall be no more than needful there, if they were more than they
can commend.
They shall be no more than needful there, if they were more than they can commend.
they shall be no more than needful there, if they were more than they can commend.
They shall be no more than needful there, if they were more...
They cannot be too sweet for the king’s tartness. Here’s his lordship
now. How now, my lord, is’t not after midnight?
They cannot be too sweet for the king’s tartness. Here’s his lordship now. How now, my lord, is’t not after midnight?
they cannot be too sweet for the king’s tartness. here’s h's lordship now. how now, my lord, is’t not after midnight?
They cannot be too sweet for the king’s tartness. Here’s his lordship...
I have tonight despatch’d sixteen businesses, a month’s length apiece;
by an abstract of success: I have congied with the duke, done my adieu
with his nearest; buried a wife, mourn’d for her, writ to my lady
mother I am returning, entertained my convoy, and between these main
parcels of despatch effected many nicer needs: the last was the
greatest, but that I have not ended yet.
I have tonight despatch’d sixteen businesses, a month’s length apiece; by an abstract of success: I have congied with the duke, done my adieu with his nearest; buried a wife, mourn’d for her, writ to my lady mother I am returning, entertained my convoy, and between these main parcels of despatch effected many nicer needs: the last was the greatest, but that I have not ended yet.
i 've tonight despatch’d sixteen businesses, a month’s length apiece; by an abstract of success: i 've congied with the duke, done my adieu with h's nearest; buried a wife, mourn’d for her, writ to my lady mother i am returning, entertained my convoy, and between these main parcels of despatch effected many nicer needs: the last was the greatest, but that i 've not ended yet.
I have tonight despatch’d sixteen businesses, a month’s length apiece; by an...
If the business be of any difficulty and this morning your departure
hence, it requires haste of your lordship.
If the business be of any difficulty and this morning your departure hence, it requires haste of your lordship.
if the business be of any difficulty and th's morning your departure hence, it requires haste of your lordship.
If the business be of any difficulty and this morning your departure...
I mean the business is not ended, as fearing to hear of it hereafter.
But shall we have this dialogue between the Fool and the Soldier? Come,
bring forth this counterfeit module has deceiv’d me like a
double-meaning prophesier.
I mean the business is not ended, as fearing to hear of it hereafter. But shall we have this dialogue between the Fool and the Soldier? Come, bring forth this counterfeit module has deceiv’d me like a double-meaning prophesier.
i mean the business 's not ended, as fearing to hear of it hereafter. but shall we 've th's dialogue between the fool and the soldier? come, bring forth th's counterfeit module has deceiv’d me like a double-meaning prophesier.
I mean the business is not ended, as fearing to hear of...
Bring him forth.
Bring him forth.
bring him forth.
Bring him forth.
No matter; his heels have deserv’d it, in usurping his spurs so long.
How does he carry himself?
No matter; his heels have deserv’d it, in usurping his spurs so long. How does he carry himself?
no matter; h's heels 've deserv’d it, in usurping h's spurs so long. how does he carry himself?
No matter; his heels have deserv’d it, in usurping his spurs so...
I have told your lordship already; the stocks carry him. But to answer
you as you would be understood: he weeps like a wench that had shed her
milk; he hath confessed himself to Morgan, whom he supposes to be a
friar, from the time of his remembrance to this very instant disaster
of his setting i’ the stocks. And what think you he hath confessed?
I have told your lordship already; the stocks carry him. But to answer you as you would be understood: he weeps like a wench that had shed her milk; he has confessed himself to Morgan, whom he supposes to be a friar, from the time of his remembrance to this very instant disaster of his setting i’ the stocks. And what think you he has confessed?
i 've told your lordship already; the stocks carry him. but to answer you as you would be understood: he weeps like a wench that had shed her milk; he has confessed himself to morgan, whom he supposes to be a friar, from the time of h's remembrance to th's very instant disaster of h's setting i’ the stocks. and what think you he has confessed?
I have told your lordship already; the stocks carry him. But to...
Nothing of me, has he?
Nothing of me, has he?
nothing of me, has he?
Nothing of me, has he?
His confession is taken, and it shall be read to his face; if your
lordship be in’t, as I believe you are, you must have the patience to
hear it.
His confession is taken, and it shall be read to his face; if your lordship be in’t, as I believe you are, you must have the patience to hear it.
h's confession 's taken, and it shall be read to h's face; if your lordship be in’t, as i believe you are, you must 've the patience to hear it.
His confession is taken, and it shall be read to his face;...
A plague upon him! muffled! he can say nothing of me; hush, hush!
A plague upon him! muffled! he can say nothing of me; hush, hush!
a plague upon him! muffled! he can say nothing of me; hush, hush!
A plague upon him! muffled! he can say nothing of me; hush,...
Hoodman comes! _Portotartarossa._
Hoodman comes! _Portotartarossa._
hoodman comes! _portotartarossa._
Hoodman comes! _Portotartarossa._
He calls for the tortures. What will you say without ’em?
He calls for the tortures. What will you say without ’em?
he calls for the tortures. what will you say without ’em?
He calls for the tortures. What will you say without ’em?
I will confess what I know without constraint. If ye pinch me like a
pasty I can say no more.
I will confess what I know without constraint. If ye pinch me like a pasty I can say no more.
i will confess what i know without constraint. if ye pinch me like a pasty i can say no more.
I will confess what I know without constraint. If ye pinch me...
_Bosko chimurcho._
_Bosko chimurcho._
_bosko chimurcho._
_Bosko chimurcho._
_Boblibindo chicurmurco._
_Boblibindo chicurmurco._
_boblibindo chicurmurco._
_Boblibindo chicurmurco._
You are a merciful general. Our general bids you answer to what I shall
ask you out of a note.
You are a merciful general. Our general bids you answer to what I shall ask you out of a note.
you 're a merciful general. our general bids you answer to what i shall ask you out of a note.
You are a merciful general. Our general bids you answer to what...
And truly, as I hope to live.
And truly, as I hope to live.
and truly, as i hope to live.
And truly, as I hope to live.
‘First demand of him how many horse the duke is strong.’ What say you
to that?
‘First demand of him how many horse the duke is strong.’ What say you to that?
‘first demand of him how many horse the duke 's strong.’ what say you to that?
‘First demand of him how many horse the duke is strong.’ What...
Before Bertram enters and the Parolles farce begins, the Second Lord delivers a four-line observation that has been quoted for four hundred years: 'The web of our life is of a mingled yarn, good and ill together; our virtues would be proud if our faults whipped them not; and our crimes would despair if they were not cherished by our virtues.' It's a deeply Protestant-inflected moral vision — neither pure virtue nor pure vice, but entanglement. What makes it hit so hard here is that it applies perfectly to every character in the play. Helena's love is pure but her methods aren't. Bertram's valiance is real but his character isn't. Even the bed-trick, which achieves a good end through a questionable means, lives in the mingled yarn. Watch how the play keeps refusing to resolve this — the ending doesn't clean the threads, it just ties the knot.
Five or six thousand; but very weak and unserviceable: the troops are
all scattered, and the commanders very poor rogues, upon my reputation
and credit, and as I hope to live.
Five or six thousand; but very weak and unserviceable: the troops are all scattered, and the commanders very poor rogues, upon my reputation and credit, and as I hope to live.
five or six thousand; but very weak and unserviceable: the troops 're all scattered, and the commanders very poor rogues, upon my reputation and credit, and as i hope to live.
Five or six thousand; but very weak and unserviceable: the troops are...
Shall I set down your answer so?
Shall I set down your answer so?
shall i set down your answer so?
Shall I set down your answer so?
Do. I’ll take the sacrament on ’t, how and which way you will.
Do. I’ll take the sacrament on ’t, how and which way you will.
do. i’ll take the sacrament on ’t, how and which way you will.
Do. I’ll take the sacrament on ’t, how and which way you...
All’s one to him. What a past-saving slave is this!
All’s one to him. What a past-saving slave is this!
all’s one to him. what a past-saving slave 's this!
All’s one to him. What a past-saving slave is this!
You are deceived, my lord; this is Monsieur Parolles, the gallant
militarist (that was his own phrase), that had the whole theoric of war
in the knot of his scarf, and the practice in the chape of his dagger.
You are deceived, my lord; this is Monsieur Parolles, the gallant militarist (that was his own phrase), that had the whole theoric of war in the knot of his scarf, and the practice in the chape of his dagger.
you 're deceived, my lord; th's 's monsieur parolles, the gallant militarist (that was h's own phrase), that had the whole theoric of war in the knot of h's scarf, and the practice in the chape of h's dagger.
You are deceived, my lord; this is Monsieur Parolles, the gallant militarist...
I will never trust a man again for keeping his sword clean, nor believe
he can have everything in him by wearing his apparel neatly.
I will never trust a man again for keeping his sword clean, nor believe he can have everything in him by wearing his apparel neatly.
i will never trust a man again for keeping h's sword clean, nor believe he can 've everything in him by wearing h's apparel neatly.
I will never trust a man again for keeping his sword clean,...
Well, that’s set down.
Well, that’s set down.
well, that’s set down.
Well, that’s set down.
‘Five or six thousand horse’ I said—I will say true—or thereabouts, set
down,—for I’ll speak truth.
‘Five or six thousand horse’ I said—I will say true—or thereabouts, set down,—for I’ll speak truth.
‘five or six thousand horse’ i said—i will say true—or thereabouts, set down,—for i’ll speak truth.
‘Five or six thousand horse’ I said—I will say true—or thereabouts, set...
He’s very near the truth in this.
He’s very near the truth in this.
he’s very near the truth in this.
He’s very near the truth in this.
But I con him no thanks for’t in the nature he delivers it.
But I con him no thanks for’t in the nature he delivers it.
but i con him no thanks for’t in the nature he delivers it.
But I con him no thanks for’t in the nature he delivers...
Poor rogues, I pray you say.
Poor rogues, I pray you say.
poor rogues, i pray you say.
Poor rogues, I pray you say.
Well, that’s set down.
Well, that’s set down.
well, that’s set down.
Well, that’s set down.
I humbly thank you, sir; a truth’s a truth, the rogues are marvellous
poor.
I humbly thank you, sir; a truth’s a truth, the rogues are marvellous poor.
i humbly thank you, sir; a truth’s a truth, the rogues 're marvellous poor.
I humbly thank you, sir; a truth’s a truth, the rogues are...
‘Demand of him of what strength they are a-foot.’ What say you to that?
‘Demand of him of what strength they are a-foot.’ What say you to that?
‘demand of him of what strength they 're a-foot.’ what say you to that?
‘Demand of him of what strength they are a-foot.’ What say you...
By my troth, sir, if I were to live this present hour, I will tell
true. Let me see: Spurio, a hundred and fifty, Sebastian, so many;
Corambus, so many; Jaques, so many; Guiltian, Cosmo, Lodowick, and
Gratii, two hundred fifty each; mine own company, Chitopher, Vaumond,
Bentii, two hundred fifty each: so that the muster-file, rotten and
sound, upon my life, amounts not to fifteen thousand poll; half of the
which dare not shake the snow from off their cassocks lest they shake
themselves to pieces.
By my troth, sir, if I were to live this present hour, I will tell true. Let me see: Spurio, a hundred and fifty, Sebastian, so many; Corambus, so many; Jaques, so many; Guiltian, Cosmo, Lodowick, and Gratii, two hundred fifty each; mine own company, Chitopher, Vaumond, Bentii, two hundred fifty each: so that the muster-file, rotten and sound, upon my life, amounts not to fifteen thousand poll; half of the which dare not shake the snow from off their cassocks lest they shake themselves to pieces.
by my troth, sir, if i were to live th's present hour, i will tell true. let me see: spurio, a hundred and fifty, sebastian, so many; corambus, so many; jaques, so many; guiltian, cosmo, lodowick, and gratii, two hundred fifty each; mine own company, chitopher, vaumond, bentii, two hundred fifty each: so that the muster-file, rotten and sound, upon my life, amounts not to fifteen thousand poll; half of the which d're not shake the snow from off their cassocks lest they shake themselves to pieces.
By my troth, sir, if I were to live this present hour,...
What shall be done to him?
What shall be done to him?
what shall be done to him?
What shall be done to him?
Nothing, but let him have thanks. Demand of him my condition, and what
credit I have with the duke.
Nothing, but let him have thanks. Demand of him my condition, and what credit I have with the duke.
nothing, but let him 've thanks. demand of him my condition, and what credit i 've with the duke.
Nothing, but let him have thanks. Demand of him my condition, and...
Well, that’s set down. ‘You shall demand of him whether one Captain
Dumaine be i’ the camp, a Frenchman; what his reputation is with the
duke, what his valour, honesty and expertness in wars; or whether he
thinks it were not possible with well-weighing sums of gold to corrupt
him to a revolt.’ What say you to this? What do you know of it?
Well, that’s set down. ‘You shall demand of him whether one Captain Dumaine be i’ the camp, a Frenchman; what his reputation is with the duke, what his valour, honesty and expertness in wars; or whether he thinks it were not possible with well-weighing sums of gold to corrupt him to a revolt.’ What say you to this? What do you know of it?
well, that’s set down. ‘you shall demand of him whether one captain dumaine be i’ the camp, a frenchman; what h's reputation 's with the duke, what h's valour, honesty and expertness in wars; or whether he thinks it were not possible with well-weighing sums of gold to corrupt him to a revolt.’ what say you to this? what do you know of it?
Well, that’s set down. ‘You shall demand of him whether one Captain...
I beseech you, let me answer to the particular of the inter’gatories.
Demand them singly.
I beseech you, let me answer to the particular of the inter’gatories. Demand them singly.
i beseech you, let me answer to the particular of the inter’gatories. demand them singly.
I beseech you, let me answer to the particular of the inter’gatories....
Do you know this Captain Dumaine?
Do you know this Captain Dumaine?
do you know th's captain dumaine?
Do you know this Captain Dumaine?
I know him: he was a botcher’s ’prentice in Paris, from whence he was
whipped for getting the shrieve’s fool with child, a dumb innocent that
could not say him nay.
I know him: he was a botcher’s ’prentice in Paris, from whence he was whipped for getting the shrieve’s fool with child, a dumb innocent that could not say him no.
i know him: he was a botcher’s ’prentice in paris, from whence he was whipped for getting the shrieve’s fool with child, a dumb innocent that could not say him no.
I know him: he was a botcher’s ’prentice in Paris, from whence...
Nay, by your leave, hold your hands; though I know his brains are
forfeit to the next tile that falls.
no, by your leave, hold your hands; though I know his brains are forfeit to the next tile that falls.
no, by your leave, hold your hands; though i know h's brains 're forfeit to the next tile that falls.
no, by your leave, hold your hands; though I know his brains...
Well, is this captain in the Duke of Florence’s camp?
Well, is this captain in the Duke of Florence’s camp?
well, 's th's captain in the duke of florence’s camp?
Well, is this captain in the Duke of Florence’s camp?
Upon my knowledge, he is, and lousy.
Upon my knowledge, he is, and lousy.
upon my knowledge, he is, and lousy.
Upon my knowledge, he is, and lousy.
Nay, look not so upon me; we shall hear of your lordship anon.
no, look not so upon me; we shall hear of your lordship soon.
no, look not so upon me; we shall hear of your lordship soon.
no, look not so upon me; we shall hear of your lordship...
What is his reputation with the duke?
What is his reputation with the duke?
what 's h's reputation with the duke?
What is his reputation with the duke?
Bertram's 'abstract of success' — his account of the night's accomplishments — is one of the most quietly devastating moments in Shakespeare's comedies. He lists: farewell to the Duke, farewell to his household, 'buried a wife, mourned for her,' wrote to his mother, arranged travel, handled smaller tasks. Helena's death — the death of a woman who loved him enough to engineer a complex fraud to win him — appears between administrative items. He doesn't pause on it. He doesn't elaborate. He's already moving on. The play never gives us a scene of Bertram hearing about Helena and feeling anything, because that scene doesn't exist for him. This is the man Helena is fighting to win back. Whether the ending earns that goal is the question the play leaves unresolved.
The duke knows him for no other but a poor officer of mine, and writ to
me this other day to turn him out o’ the band. I think I have his
letter in my pocket.
The duke knows him for no other but a poor officer of mine, and writ to me this other day to turn him out o’ the band. I think I have his letter in my pocket.
the duke knows him for no other but a poor officer of mine, and writ to me th's other day to turn him out o’ the band. i think i 've h's letter in my pocket.
The duke knows him for no other but a poor officer of...
Marry, we’ll search.
Marry, we’ll search.
marry, we’ll search.
Marry, we’ll search.
In good sadness, I do not know; either it is there or it is upon a
file, with the duke’s other letters, in my tent.
In good sadness, I do not know; either it is there or it is upon a file, with the duke’s other letters, in my tent.
in good sadness, i do not know; either it 's there or it 's upon a file, with the duke’s other letters, in my tent.
In good sadness, I do not know; either it is there or...
Here ’tis; here’s a paper; shall I read it to you?
Here ’is; here’s a paper; shall I read it to you?
here ’is; here’s a paper; shall i read it to you?
Here ’is; here’s a paper; shall I read it to you?
I do not know if it be it or no.
I do not know if it be it or no.
i do not know if it be it or no.
I do not know if it be it or no.
Our interpreter does it well.
Our interpreter does it well.
our interpreter does it well.
Our interpreter does it well.
Excellently.
Excellently.
excellently.
Excellently.
That is not the duke’s letter, sir; that is an advertisement to a
proper maid in Florence, one Diana, to take heed of the allurement of
one Count Rossillon, a foolish idle boy, but for all that very ruttish.
I pray you, sir, put it up again.
That is not the duke’s letter, sir; that is an advertisement to a proper maid in Florence, one Diana, to take heed of the allurement of one Count Rossillon, a foolish idle boy, but for all that very ruttish. I pray you, sir, put it up again.
that 's not the duke’s letter, sir; that 's an advertisement to a proper maid in florence, one diana, to take heed of the allurement of one count rossillon, a foolish idle boy, but for all that very ruttish. i pray you, sir, put it up again.
That is not the duke’s letter, sir; that is an advertisement to...
Nay, I’ll read it first by your favour.
no, I’ll read it first by your favour.
no, i’ll read it first by your favour.
no, I’ll read it first by your favour.
My meaning in’t, I protest, was very honest in the behalf of the maid;
for I knew the young count to be a dangerous and lascivious boy, who is
a whale to virginity, and devours up all the fry it finds.
My meaning in’t, I protest, was very honest in the behalf of the maid; for I knew the young count to be a dangerous and lascivious boy, who is a whale to virginity, and devours up all the fry it finds.
my meaning in’t, i protest, was very honest in the behalf of the maid; for i knew the young count to be a dangerous and lascivious boy, who 's a whale to virginity, and devours up all the fry it finds.
My meaning in’t, I protest, was very honest in the behalf of...
Damnable both sides rogue!
Damnable both sides rogue!
damnable both sides rogue!
Damnable both sides rogue!
_When he swears oaths, bid him drop gold, and take it;
After he scores, he never pays the score.
Half won is match well made; match, and well make it;
He ne’er pays after-debts, take it before.
And say a soldier, ‘Dian,’ told thee this:
Men are to mell with, boys are not to kiss;
For count of this, the count’s a fool, I know it,
Who pays before, but not when he does owe it.
Thine, as he vow’d to thee in thine ear,_
_When he swears oaths, bid him drop gold, and take it; After he scores, he never pays the score. Half won is match well made; match, and well make it; He ne’er pays after-debts, take it before. And say a soldier, ‘Dian,’ told you this: Men are to mell with, boys are not to kiss; For count of this, the count’s a fool, I know it, Who pays before, but not when he does owe it. yours, as he vow’d to you in yours ear,_
_when he swears oaths, bid him drop gold, and take it; after he scores, he never pays the score. half won 's match well made; match, and well make it; he ne’er pays after-debts, take it before. and say a soldier, ‘dian,’ told you this: men 're to mell with, boys 're not to kiss; for count of this, the count’s a fool, i know it, who pays before, but not when he does owe it. yours, as he vow’d to you in yours ear,_
_When he swears oaths, bid him drop gold, and take it; After...
He shall be whipped through the army with this rhyme in’s forehead.
He shall be whipped through the army with this rhyme in’s forehead.
he shall be whipped through the army with th's rhyme in’s forehead.
He shall be whipped through the army with this rhyme in’s forehead.
This is your devoted friend, sir, the manifold linguist, and the
armipotent soldier.
This is your devoted friend, sir, the manifold linguist, and the armipotent soldier.
th's 's your devoted friend, sir, the manifold linguist, and the armipotent soldier.
This is your devoted friend, sir, the manifold linguist, and the armipotent...
I could endure anything before but a cat, and now he’s a cat to me.
I could endure anything before but a cat, and now he’s a cat to me.
i could endure anything before but a cat, and now he’s a cat to me.
I could endure anything before but a cat, and now he’s a...
I perceive, sir, by our general’s looks we shall be fain to hang you.
I perceive, sir, by our general’s looks we shall be fain to hang you.
i perceive, sir, by our general’s looks we shall be fain to hang you.
I perceive, sir, by our general’s looks we shall be fain to...
My life, sir, in any case. Not that I am afraid to die, but that, my
offences being many, I would repent out the remainder of nature. Let me
live, sir, in a dungeon, i’ the stocks, or anywhere, so I may live.
My life, sir, in any case. Not that I am afraid to die, but that, my offences being many, I would repent out the remainder of nature. Let me live, sir, in a dungeon, i’ the stocks, or anywhere, so I may live.
my life, sir, in any case. not that i am afraid to die, but that, my offences being many, i would repent out the remainder of nature. let me live, sir, in a dungeon, i’ the stocks, or anywhere, so i may live.
My life, sir, in any case. Not that I am afraid to...
We’ll see what may be done, so you confess freely. Therefore, once more
to this Captain Dumaine: you have answer’d to his reputation with the
duke, and to his valour. What is his honesty?
We’ll see what may be done, so you confess freely. Therefore, once more to this Captain Dumaine: you have answer’d to his reputation with the duke, and to his valour. What is his honesty?
we’ll see what may be done, so you confess freely. therefore, once more to th's captain dumaine: you 've answer’d to h's reputation with the duke, and to h's valour. what 's h's honesty?
We’ll see what may be done, so you confess freely. Therefore, once...
He will steal, sir, an egg out of a cloister: for rapes and ravishments
he parallels Nessus. He professes not keeping of oaths; in breaking
them he is stronger than Hercules. He will lie, sir, with such
volubility that you would think truth were a fool: drunkenness is his
best virtue, for he will be swine-drunk, and in his sleep he does
little harm, save to his bedclothes about him; but they know his
conditions and lay him in straw. I have but little more to say, sir, of
his honesty; he has everything that an honest man should not have; what
an honest man should have, he has nothing.
He will steal, sir, an egg out of a cloister: for rapes and ravishments he parallels Nessus. He professes not keeping of oaths; in breaking them he is stronger than Hercules. He will lie, sir, with such volubility that you would think truth were a fool: drunkenness is his best virtue, for he will be swine-drunk, and in his sleep he does little harm, save to his bedclothes about him; but they know his conditions and lay him in straw. I have but little more to say, sir, of his honesty; he has everything that an honest man should not have; what an honest man should have, he has nothing.
he will steal, sir, an egg out of a cloister: for rapes and ravishments he parallels nessus. he professes not keeping of oaths; in breaking them he 's stronger than hercules. he will lie, sir, with such volubility that you would think truth were a fool: drunkenness 's h's best virtue, for he will be swine-drunk, and in h's sleep he does little harm, save to h's bedclothes about him; but they know h's conditions and lay him in straw. i 've but little more to say, sir, of h's honesty; he has everything that an honest man should not have; what an honest man should have, he has nothing.
He will steal, sir, an egg out of a cloister: for rapes...
I begin to love him for this.
I begin to love him for this.
i begin to love him for this.
I begin to love him for this.
For this description of thine honesty? A pox upon him for me, he’s more
and more a cat.
For this description of yours honesty? A pox upon him for me, he’s more and more a cat.
for th's description of yours honesty? a pox upon him for me, he’s more and more a cat.
For this description of yours honesty? A pox upon him for me,...
What say you to his expertness in war?
What say you to his expertness in war?
what say you to h's expertness in war?
What say you to his expertness in war?
Faith, sir, has led the drum before the English tragedians,—to belie
him I will not,—and more of his soldiership I know not, except in that
country he had the honour to be the officer at a place there called
Mile-end, to instruct for the doubling of files. I would do the man
what honour I can, but of this I am not certain.
Faith, sir, has led the drum before the English tragedians,—to belie him I will not,—and more of his soldiership I know not, except in that country he had the honour to be the officer at a place there called Mile-end, to instruct for the doubling of files. I would do the man what honour I can, but of this I am not certain.
faith, sir, has led the drum before the english tragedians,—to belie him i will not,—and more of h's soldiership i know not, except in that country he had the honour to be the officer at a place there called mile-end, to instruct for the doubling of files. i would do the man what honour i can, but of th's i am not certain.
Faith, sir, has led the drum before the English tragedians,—to belie him...
He hath out-villain’d villainy so far that the rarity redeems him.
He has out-villain’d villainy so far that the rarity redeems him.
he has out-villain’d villainy so far that the rarity redeems him.
He has out-villain’d villainy so far that the rarity redeems him.
A pox on him! He’s a cat still.
A pox on him! He’s a cat still.
a pox on him! he’s a cat still.
A pox on him! He’s a cat still.
The interrogation scene is genuinely, fully funny — and part of what makes it funny is its cruelty. Parolles isn't just exposed; he's made to describe his closest associates in the most savage terms possible while the people being described stand listening. The First Lord can barely contain himself when Parolles calls him a Paris-whipped tailor's apprentice with a disabled conquest. The Second Lord asks himself 'Why does he ask him of me?' as his own portrait unfolds. Shakespeare understood that the funniest comedies involve genuine pain — not slapstick but exposure. What prevents the scene from curdling is Parolles' closing soliloquy, which transforms humiliation into something unexpectedly dignified. The cruelty was real; so is the wisdom that comes from surviving it.
His qualities being at this poor price, I need not to ask you if gold
will corrupt him to revolt.
His qualities being at this poor price, I need not to ask you if gold will corrupt him to revolt.
h's qualities being at th's poor price, i need not to ask you if gold will corrupt him to revolt.
His qualities being at this poor price, I need not to ask...
Sir, for a quart d’ecu he will sell the fee-simple of his salvation,
the inheritance of it, and cut the entail from all remainders, and a
perpetual succession for it perpetually.
Sir, for a quart d’ecu he will sell the fee-simple of his salvation, the inheritance of it, and cut the entail from all remainders, and a perpetual succession for it perpetually.
sir, for a quart d’ecu he will sell the fee-simple of h's salvation, the inheritance of it, and cut the entail from all remainders, and a perpetual succession for it perpetually.
Sir, for a quart d’ecu he will sell the fee-simple of his...
What’s his brother, the other Captain Dumaine?
What’s his brother, the other Captain Dumaine?
what’s h's brother, the other captain dumaine?
What’s his brother, the other Captain Dumaine?
Why does he ask him of me?
Why does he ask him of me?
why does he ask him of me?
Why does he ask him of me?
What’s he?
What’s he?
what’s he?
What’s he?
E’en a crow o’ the same nest; not altogether so great as the first in
goodness, but greater a great deal in evil. He excels his brother for a
coward, yet his brother is reputed one of the best that is. In a
retreat he outruns any lackey; marry, in coming on he has the cramp.
E’en a crow o’ the same nest; not altogether so great as the first in goodness, but greater a great deal in evil. He excels his brother for a coward, yet his brother is reputed one of the best that is. In a retreat he outruns any lackey; marry, in coming on he has the cramp.
e’en a crow o’ the same nest; not altogether so great as the first in goodness, but greater a great deal in evil. he excels h's brother for a coward, yet h's brother 's reputed one of the best that is. in a retreat he outruns any lackey; marry, in coming on he has the cramp.
E’en a crow o’ the same nest; not altogether so great as...
If your life be saved, will you undertake to betray the Florentine?
If your life be saved, will you undertake to betray the Florentine?
if your life be saved, will you undertake to betray the florentine?
If your life be saved, will you undertake to betray the Florentine?
Ay, and the captain of his horse, Count Rossillon.
Ay, and the captain of his horse, Count Rossillon.
ay, and the captain of h's horse, count rossillon.
Ay, and the captain of his horse, Count Rossillon.
I’ll whisper with the general, and know his pleasure.
I’ll whisper with the general, and know his pleasure.
i’ll whisper with the general, and know h's pleasure.
I’ll whisper with the general, and know his pleasure.
to deserve well, and to beguile the supposition of that lascivious
young boy the count, have I run into this danger: yet who would have
suspected an ambush where I was taken?
to deserve well, and to beguile the supposition of that lascivious young boy the count, have I run into this danger: yet who would have suspected an ambush where I was taken?
to deserve well, and to beguile the supposition of that lascivious young boy the count, 've i run into th's danger: yet who would 've suspected an ambush where i was taken?
to deserve well, and to beguile the supposition of that lascivious young...
There is no remedy, sir, but you must die. The general says you that
have so traitorously discovered the secrets of your army, and made such
pestiferous reports of men very nobly held, can serve the world for no
honest use; therefore you must die. Come, headsman, off with his head.
There is no remedy, sir, but you must die. The general says you that have so traitorously discovered the secrets of your army, and made such pestiferous reports of men very nobly held, can serve the world for no honest use; therefore you must die. Come, headsman, off with his head.
there 's no remedy, sir, but you must die. the general says you that 've so traitorously discovered the secrets of your army, and made such pestiferous reports of men very nobly held, can serve the world for no honest use; therefore you must die. come, headsman, off with h's head.
There is no remedy, sir, but you must die. The general says...
O Lord! sir, let me live, or let me see my death.
O Lord! sir, let me live, or let me see my death.
o lord! sir, let me live, or let me see my death.
O Lord! sir, let me live, or let me see my death.
That shall you, and take your leave of all your friends.
That shall you, and take your leave of all your friends.
that shall you, and take your leave of all your friends.
That shall you, and take your leave of all your friends.
Good morrow, noble captain.
Good morrow, noble captain.
good morrow, noble captain.
Good morrow, noble captain.
God bless you, Captain Parolles.
God bless you, Captain Parolles.
god bless you, captain parolles.
God bless you, Captain Parolles.
God save you, noble captain.
God save you, noble captain.
god save you, noble captain.
God save you, noble captain.
Captain, what greeting will you to my Lord Lafew? I am for France.
Captain, what greeting will you to my Lord Lafew? I am for France.
captain, what greeting will you to my lord lafew? i am for france.
Captain, what greeting will you to my Lord Lafew? I am for...
Good Captain, will you give me a copy of the sonnet you writ to Diana
in behalf of the Count Rossillon? And I were not a very coward I’d
compel it of you; but fare you well.
Good Captain, will you give me a copy of the sonnet you writ to Diana in behalf of the Count Rossillon? And I were not a very coward I’d compel it of you; but fare you well.
good captain, will you give me a copy of the sonnet you writ to diana in behalf of the count rossillon? and i were not a very coward i’d compel it of you; but f're you well.
Good Captain, will you give me a copy of the sonnet you...
You are undone, captain: all but your scarf; that has a knot on’t yet.
You are undone, captain: all but your scarf; that has a knot on’t yet.
you 're undone, captain: all but your scarf; that has a knot on’t yet.
You are undone, captain: all but your scarf; that has a knot...
Who cannot be crushed with a plot?
Who cannot be crushed with a plot?
who cannot be crushed with a plot?
Who cannot be crushed with a plot?
If you could find out a country where but women were that had received
so much shame, you might begin an impudent nation. Fare ye well, sir. I
am for France too; we shall speak of you there.
If you could find out a country where but women were that had received so much shame, you might begin an impudent nation. Fare ye well, sir. I am for France too; we shall speak of you there.
if you could find out a country where but women were that had received so much shame, you might begin an impudent nation. f're ye well, sir. i am for france too; we shall speak of you there.
If you could find out a country where but women were that...
Yet am I thankful. If my heart were great
’Twould burst at this. Captain I’ll be no more,
But I will eat, and drink, and sleep as soft
As captain shall. Simply the thing I am
Shall make me live. Who knows himself a braggart,
Let him fear this; for it will come to pass
That every braggart shall be found an ass.
Rust, sword; cool, blushes; and, Parolles live
Safest in shame; being fool’d, by foolery thrive.
There’s place and means for every man alive.
I’ll after them.
Yet am I thankful. If my heart were great ’Twould burst at this. Captain I’ll be no more, But I will eat, and drink, and sleep as soft As captain shall. Simply the thing I am Shall make me live. Who knows himself a braggart, Let him fear this; for it will come to pass That every braggart shall be found an ass. Rust, sword; cool, blushes; and, Parolles live Safest in shame; being fool’d, by foolery thrive. There’s place and means for every man alive. I’ll after them.
yet am i thankful. if my heart were great ’twould burst at this. captain i’ll be no more, but i will eat, and drink, and sleep as soft as captain shall. simply the thing i am shall make me live. who knows himself a braggart, let him fear this; for it will come to pass that every braggart shall be found an ass. rust, sword; cool, blushes; and, parolles live safest in shame; being fool’d, by foolery thrive. there’s place and means for every man alive. i’ll after them.
Yet am I thankful. If my heart were great ’Twould burst at...
The Reckoning
The great comic climax of the play arrives here, and it's funnier and darker than you expect. Parolles' confessions are hilarious — his portrait of the First Lord is magnificent slander — but the real payload is his soliloquy at the end, after everyone has left. Stripped of his audience, he invents a new philosophy on the spot: 'Simply the thing I am / Shall make me live.' A braggart soldier finds self-knowledge through humiliation and decides to live honestly. Meanwhile, Bertram has just cold-bloodedly itemized his night — 'buried a wife, mourned for her' in a list of admin — and received word of Helena's death without any visible grief. The comedy of Parolles throws the tragedy of Bertram into sharp relief.
If this happened today…
A startup's 'Chief Evangelist' — known for his tailored suits and keynote speeches about disruption — is captured in the parking garage by colleagues pretending to be rival consultants speaking utter corporate nonsense. Blindfolded. Within minutes he's dictating voice memos naming every team member's weaknesses, forwarding private Slack messages, and describing the CEO as 'a whale to market share who devours up all the runway it finds.' When they unmask him, his colleagues are standing there with coffee. He's silent for a moment. Then: 'Who cannot be crushed with a Zoom?' He gets in his car and drives to Lafew's house to ask for a job.