Andwiseineverythingbutlovingme。Why，thatisnogreatargumentofherfolly！ButherecomesBeatrice。Bythisday，sheisafairlady。Idospysomemarksofloveinher。”
Beatricenowapproachedhimandsaid，withherusualtartness，“AgainstmywillIamsenttobidyoucomeintodinner。”
Benedick，whoneverfelthimselfdisposedtospeaksopolitelytoherbefore，replied，“FairBeatrice，Ithankyouforyourpains。”
AndwhenBeatrice，aftertwoorthreemorerudespeeches，lefthim，Benedickthoughtheobservedaconcealedmeaningofkindnessundertheuncivilwordssheuttered，andhesaidaloud：“IfIdonottakepityonher，Iamavillain。IfIdonotloveher，IamaJew。Iwillgogetherpicture。”
Thegentlemanbeingthuscaughtinthenettheyhadspreadforhim，itwasnowHero”sturntoplayherpartwithBeatrice；andforthispurposeshesentforUrsulaandMargaret，twogentlewomenwhoattendeduponher，andshesaidtoMargaret：
“GoodMargaret，runtotheparlor；thereyouwillfindmycousinBeatricetalkingwiththeprinceandClaudio。WhisperinherearthatIandUrsulaarewalkingintheorchardandthatourdiscourseisallofher。Bidherstealintothatpleasantarbor，wherehoneysuckles，ripenedbythesun，likeungratefulminions，forbidthesuntoenter。”
ThisarborintowhichHerodesiredMargarettoenticeBeatricewastheverysamepleasantarborwhereBenedickhadsolatelybeenanattentivelistener。
“Iwillmakehercome，Iwarrant，presently，“saidMargaret。
Hero，thentakingUrsulawithherintotheorchard，saidtoher：
“Now，Ursula，whenBeatricecomes，wewillwalkupanddownthisalley，andourtalkmustbeonlyofBenedick，andwhenInamehim，letitbeyourparttopraisehimmorethanevermandidmerit。MytalktoyoumustbehowBenedickisinlovewithBeatrice。Nowbegin；forlookwhereBeatricelikealapwingrunsclosebytheground，tohearourconference。”
Theythenbegan，Herosaying”，asifinanswertosomethingwhichUrsulahadsaid：“No，truly，Ursula。Sheistoodisdainful；herspiritsareascoyaswildbirdsoftherock。”
“Butareyousure，“saidUrsula，“thatBenedicklovesBeatricesoentirely？“
Heroreplied，“SosaystheprinceandmylordClaudio，andtheyentreatedmetoacquaintherwithit；butIpersuadedthem，iftheylovedBenedick，nevertoletBeatriceknowofit。”
“Certainly，“repliedUrsula，“itwerenotgoodsheknewhislove，lestshemadesportofit。”
“Why，tosaytruth，“saidHero，neveryetsawaman，howwisesoever，ornoble，young，@orrarelyfeatured，butshewoulddispraisehim。”
“Sure@sure，suchcarpingisnotcommendable，“saidUrsula。
“No，“repliedHero，“butwhodaretellherso？IfIshouldspeak，shewouldmockmeintoair。”
“Oh，youwrongyourcousin！“saidUrsula。“ShecannotbesomuchwithouttruejudgmentastorefusesorareagentlemanasSignorBenedick。”
“Hehathanexcellentgoodname，“saidHero。“Indeed，heisthefirstmaninItaly，alwaysexceptingmydearClaudio。”
Andnow，Herogivingherattendantahintthatitwastimetochangethediscourse，Ursulasaid，“Andwhenareyoutobemarried，madam？“
HerothentoldherthatshewastobemarriedtoClaudiothenextday，anddesiredshewouldgoinwithherandlookatsomenewattire，asshewishedtoconsultwithheronwhatshewouldwearonthemorrow。
Beatrice，whohadbeenlisteningwithbreathlesseagernesstothisdialogue，whentheywentawayexclaimed：“Whatfireisinmineears？Canthisbetrue？Farewell，contemptandscorn，andmaidenpride，adieu！Benedick，loveon！Iwillrequiteyou，tamingmywildhearttoyourlovinghand。”
Itmusthavebeenapleasantsighttoseetheseoldenemiesconvertedintonewandlovingfriends，andtobeholdtheirfirstmeetingafterbeingcheatedintomutuallikingbythemerryartificeofthegood-humoredprince。ButasadreverseinthefortunesofHeromustnowbethoughtof。Themorrow，whichwastohavebeenherwedding-day，broughtsorrowontheheartofHeroandhergoodfather，Leonato。
Theprincehadahalf-brother，whocamefromthewarsalongwithhimtoMessina。Thisbrother(hisnamewasDonJohn)wasamelancholy，discontentedman，whosespiritsseemedtolaborinthecontrivingofvillainies。Hehatedtheprincehisbrother，andhehatedClaudiobecausehewastheprince”sfriend，anddeterminedtopreventClaudio”smarriagewithHero，onlyforthemaliciouspleasureofmakingClaudioandtheprinceunhappy，forheknewtheprincehadsethisheartuponthismarriagealmostasmuchasClaudiohimself；andtoeffectthiswickedpurposeheemployedoneBorachio，amanasbadashimself，whomheencouragedwiththeofferofagreatreward。ThisBorachiopaidhiscourttoMargaret，Hero”sattendant；andDonJohn，knowingthis，prevaileduponhimtomakeMargaretpromisetotalkwithhimfromherlady”schamberwindowthatnight，afterHerowasasleep，andalsotodressherselfinHero”sclothes，thebettertodeceiveClaudiointothebeliefthatitwasHero；forthatwastheendhemeanttocompassbythiswickedplot。
DonJohnthenwenttotheprinceandClaudioandtoldthemthatHerowasanimprudentlady，andthatshetalkedwithmenfromherchamberwindowatmidnight。Nowthiswastheeveningbeforethewedding，andheofferedtotakethemthatnightwheretheyshouldthemselveshearHerodiscoursingwithamanfromherwindow；andtheyconsentedtogoalongwithhim，andClaudiosaid：
“IfIseeanythingto-nightwhyIshouldnotmarryher，to-morrowinthecongregation，whereIintendedtowedher，therewillI
shameher。”
Theprincealsosaid，“AndasIassistedyoutoobtainher，I
willjoinwithyoutodisgraceher。”
WhenDonJohnbroughtthemnearHero”schamberthatnight，theysawBorachiostandingunderthewindow，andtheysawMargaretlookingoutofHero”swindowandheardhertalkingwithBorachio；
andMargaretbeingdressedinthesameclothestheyhadseenHerowear，theprinceandClaudiobelieveditwastheladyHeroherself。
NothingcouldequaltheangerofClaudiowhenhehadmade(asbethought)thisdiscovery。AllhislovefortheinnocentHerowasatonceconvertedintohatred，andheresolvedtoexposeherinthechurch，ashehadsaidhewould，thenextday；andtheprinceagreedtothis，thinkingnopunishmentcouldbetoosevereforthenaughtyladywhotalkedwithamanfromherwindowtheverynightbeforeshewasgoingtobemarriedtothenobleClaudio。
Thenextday，whentheywereallmettocelebratethemarriage，andClaudioandHerowerestandingbeforethepriest，andthepriest，orfriar，ashewascalled，wasproceedingtopronouncethemarriageceremony，Claudio，inthemostpassionatelanguage，proclaimedtheguiltoftheblamelessHero，who，amazedatthestrangewordsheuttered，said，meekly：
“Ismylordwell，thathedoesspeaksowide？“
Leonato，intheutmosthorror，saidtotheprince，“Mylord，whyspeaknotyou？“
“WhatshouldIspeak？“saidtheprince。“Istanddishonoredthathavegoneabouttolinkmydearfriendtoanunworthywoman。
Leonato，uponmyhonor，myself，mybrother，andthisgrievedClaudiodidseeandbearherlastnightatmidnighttalkwithamanatherchamberwindow。”
Benedick，inastonishmentatwhatheheard，said，“Thislooksnotlikeanuptial。”
“True，OGod！“repliedtheheart-struckHero；andthenthishaplessladysankdowninafaintingfit，toallappearancedead。
TheprinceandClaudioleftthechurchwithoutstayingtoseeifHerowouldrecover，oratallregardingthedistressintowhichtheyhadthrownLeonato。Sohard-heartedhadtheirangermadethem。
BenedickremainedandassistedBeatricetorecoverHerofromherswoon，saying，“Howdoesthelady？“
“Dead，Ithink，“repliedBeatrice，ingreatagony，forshelovedhercousin；and，knowinghervirtuousprinciples，shebelievednothingofwhatshehadheardspokenagainsther。
Notsothepooroldfather。Hebelievedthestoryofhischild”sshame，anditwaspiteoustohearhimlamentingoverher，asshelaylikeonedeadbeforehim，wishingshemightnevermoreopenhereyes。
Buttheancientfriarwasawisemanandfullofobservationonhumannature，andhehadattentivelymarkedthelady”scountenancewhensheheardherselfaccusedandnotedathousandblushingshamestostartintoherface，andthenhesawanangel-likewhitenessbearawaythoseblushes，andinhereyebesawafirethatdidbelietheerrorthattheprincedidspeakagainsthermaidentruth，andhesaidtothesorrowingfather：
“Callmeafool；trustnotmyreadingnormyobservation；trustnotmyage，myreverence，normycalling，ifthissweetladylienotguiltlesshereundersomebitingerror。”
WhenHerohadrecoveredfromtheswoonintowhichshehadfallen，thefriarsaidtoher，“Lady，whatmanisheyouareaccusedof？“
Heroreplied，“Theyknowthatdoaccuseme；Iknowofnone。”ThenturningtoLeonato，shesaid，“Omyfather，ifyoucanprovethatanymanhaseverconversedwithmeathoursunmeet，orthatI
yesternightchangedwordswithanycreature，refuseme，hateme，torturemetodeath。”
“Thereis，“saidthefriar，“somestrangemisunderstandingintheprinceandClaudio。”AndthenhecounseledLeonatothatheshouldreportthatHerowasdead；andhesaidthatthedeathlikeswooninwhichtheyhadleftHerowouldmakethiseasyofbelief；andhealsoadvisedhimthatheshouldputonmourning，anderectamonumentforher，anddoallritesthatappertaintoaburial。
“Whatshallbecomeofthis？“saidLeonato。“Whatwillthisdo？“
Thefriarreplied：“Thisreportofherdeathshallchangeslanderintopity；thatissomegood。Butthatisnotallthegood1hopefor。WhenClaudioshallhearshedieduponhearinghiswords，theideaofherlifeshallsweetlycreepintohisimagination。Thenshallhemourn，ifeverlovehadinterestinhisheart，andwishthatbehadnotsoaccusedher；yea，thoughhethoughthisaccusationtrue。”
Benedicknowsaid，“Leonato，letthefriaradviseyou；andthoughyouknowhowwellIlovetheprinceandClaudio，yetonmyhonorIwillnotrevealthissecrettothem。”
Leonato，thuspersuaded，yielded；andhesaid，sorrowfully，“Iamsogrievedthatthesmallesttwinemayleadme。”
ThekindfriarthenledLeonatoandHeroawaytocomfortandconsolethem，andBeatriceandBenedickremainedalone；andthiswasthemeetingfromwhichtheirfriends，whocontrivedthemerryplotagainstthem，expectedsomuchdiversion；thosefriendswhowerenowoverwhelmedwithafflictionandfromwhosemindsallthoughtsofmerrimentseemedforeverbanished。
Benedickwasthefirstwhospoke，andhesaid，“LadyBeatrice，haveyouweptallthiswhile？“
“Yea，andIwillweepawhilelonger，“saidBeatrice。
“Surely，“said。Benedick，“Idobelieveyourfaircousiniswronged。”
“Ah，“saidBeatrice，“howmuchmightthatmandeserveofmewhowouldrighther！“
Benedickthensaid：“Isthereanywaytoshowsuchfriendship？I
dolovenothingintheworldsowellasyou。Isnotthatstrange？“
“Itwereaspossible，“saidBeatrice，“formetosayIlovednothingintheworldsowellasyou；butbelievemenot，andyetIlienot。Iconfessnothing，norIdenynothing。Iamsorryformycousin。”
“Bymysword，“saidBenedick，“youloveme，andIprotestIloveyou。Come，bidmedoanythingforyou。”
“KillClaudio，“saidBeatrice。
“Ha！notfortheworld，“saidBenedick；forhelovedhisfriendClaudioandhebelievedhehadbeenimposedupon。
“IsnotClaudioavillainthathasslandered，scorned，anddishonoredmycousin？“saidBeatrice。“Oh，thatIwereaman！“
“Hearme，Beatrice！“saidBenedick。
ButBeatricewouldhearnothinginClaudio”sdefense，andshecontinuedtourgeonBenedicktorevengehercousin”swrongs；andshesaid：“Talkwithamanoutofthewindow？apropersaying！
SweetHero！sheiswronged；sheisslandered；sheisundone。Oh，thatIwereamanforClaudio”ssake！orthatIhadanyfriendwhowouldbeamanformysake！Butvalorismeltedintocourtesiesandcompliments。Icannotbeamanwithwishing，thereforeIwilldieawomanwithgrieving。”
“Tarry，goodBeatrice，“saidBenedick。“BythishandIloveyou。”
“Useitformylovesomeotherwaythanswearingbyit，“saidBeatrice。
“ThinkyouonyoursoulthatClaudiohaswrongedHero？“askedBenedick。
“Yea，“answeredBeatrice；CCassureasIhaveathoughtorasoul。”
“Enough，“saidBenedick。“Iamengaged；Iwillchallengehim。I
willkissyourhand，andsoleaveyou。BythishandClaudioshallrendermeadearaccount！Asyouhearfromme，sothinkofme。
Go，comfortyourcousin。”
WhileBeatricewasthuspowerfullypleadingwithBenedick，andworkinghisgallanttemper，bythespiritofherangrywords，toengageinthecauseofHeroandfightevenwithhisdearfriendClaudio，LeonatowaschallengingtheprinceandClaudiotoanswerwiththeirswordstheinjurytheyhaddonehischild，who，beaffirmed，haddiedforgrief。Buttheyrespectedhisageandhissorrow，andtheysaid：
“Nay，donotquarrelwithus，goodoldman。”
AndnowcameBenedick，andbealsochallengedClaudiotoanswerwithhisswordtheinjurybehaddonetoHero；andClaudioandtheprincesaidtoeachother：
“Beatricehassethimontodothis。”
Claudio，nevertheless，musthaveacceptedthischallengeofBenedickhadnotthejusticeofHeavenatthemomentbroughttopassabetterproofoftheinnocenceofHerothantheuncertainfortuneofaduel。
WhiletheprinceandClaudiowereyettalkingofthechallengeofBenedickamagistratebroughtBorachioasaprisonerbeforetheprince。BorachiohadbeenoverheardtalkingwithoneofhiscompanionsofthemischiefhehadbeenemployedbyDonJohntodo。
BorachiomadeafullconfessiontotheprinceinClaudio”sbearingthatitwasMargaretdressedinherlady”sclothesthathehadtalkedwithfromthewindow，whomtheyhadmistakenfortheladyHeroherself。andnodoubtcontinuedonthemindsofClaudioandtheprinceoftheinnocenceofHero。IfasuspicionhadremaineditmusthavebeenremovedbytheflightofDonJohn，who，findinghisvillainiesweredetected，fledfromMessinatoavoidthejustangerofhisbrother。
TheheartofClaudiowassorelygrievedwhenhefoundhebadfalselyaccusedHero，who，hethought，dieduponbearinghiscruelwords；andthememoryofhisbelovedHero”simagecameoverhimintheraresemblancethatheloveditfirst；andtheprince，askinghimifwhathehearddidnotrunlikeironthroughhissoul，heansweredthathefeltasifhehadtakenpoisonwhileBorachiowasspeaking。
AndtherepentantClaudioimploredforgivenessoftheoldmanLeonatofortheinjuryhehaddonehischild；andpromisedthat，whateverpenanceLeonatowouldlayuponhimforhisfaultinbelievingthefalseaccusationagainsthisbetrothedwife，forherdearsakehewouldendureit。
ThepenanceLeonatoenjoinedhimwastomarrythenextmorningacousinofHero”s，who，hesaid，wasnowhisheir，andinpersonverylikeHero。Claudio，regardingthesolemnpromisehemadetoLeonato，saidhewouldmarrythisunknownlady，eventhoughshewereanEthiop。Buthisheartwasverysorrowful，andhepassedthatnightintearsandinremorsefulgriefatthetombwhichLeonatohaderectedforHero。
WhenthemorningcametheprinceaccompaniedClaudiotothechurch，wherethegoodfriarandLeonatoandhisniecewerealreadyassembled，tocelebrateasecondnuptial；andLeonatopresentedtoClaudiohispromisedbride。Andsheworeamask，thatClaudiomightnotdiscoverherface。AndClaudiosaidtotheladyinthemask：
“Givemeyourhand，beforethisholyfriar。Iamyourhusband，ifyouwillmarryme。”
“AndwhenIlivedIwasyourotherwife，“saidthisunknownlady；and，takingoffhermask，sheprovedtobenoniece(aswaspretended)，butLeonato”sverydaughter，theladyHeroherself。
WemaybesurethatthisprovedamostagreeablesurprisetoClaudio，whothoughtherdead，sothatbecouldscarcelyforjoybelievehiseyes；andtheprince，whowasequallyamazedatwhathesaw，exclaimed：
“IsnotthisHero，Herothatwasdead？“”
Leonatoreplied，“Shedied，mylord，butwhileherslanderlived。”
Thefriarpromisedthemanexplanationofthisseemingmiracle，aftertheceremonywasended，andwasproceedingtomarrythemwhenhewasinterruptedbyBenedick，whodesiredtobemarriedatthesametimetoBeatrice。Beatricemakingsomedemurtothismatch，andBenedickchallengingherwithherloveforhim，whichhehadlearnedfromHero，apleasantexplanationtookplace；andtheyfoundtheyhadbothbeentrickedintoabeliefoflove，whichhadneverexisted，andhadbecomeloversintruthbythepowerofafalsejest。Buttheaffectionwhichamerryinventionhadcheatedthemintowasgrowntoopowerfultobeshakenbyaseriousexplanation；andsinceBenedickproposedtomarry，hewasresolvedtothinknothingtothepurposethattheworldcouldsayagainstit；andhemerrilykeptupthejestandsworetoBeatricethathetookherbutforpity，andbecauseheheardshewasdyingofloveforhim；andBeatriceprotestedthatsheyieldedbutupongreatpersuasion，andpartlytosavehislife，forsheheardhewasinaconsumption。Sothesetwomadwitswerereconciledandmadeamatchofit，afterClaudioandHeroweremarried；andtocompletethehistory，DonJohn，thecontriverofthevillainy，wastakeninhisflightandbroughtbacktoMessina；anda@@bravepunishmentitwastothisgloomy，discontentedmantoseethejoyandfeastingswhich，bythedisappointmentofhisplots，tookplaceinthepalaceinMessina。
ASYOULIKEIT
DuringthetimethatFrancewasdividedintoprovinces(ordukedoms，astheywerecalled)therereignedinoneoftheseprovincesausurperwhohaddeposedandbanishedhiselderbrother，thelawfulduke。
ThedukewhowasthusdrivenfromhisdominionsretiredwithafewfaithfulfollowerstotheforestofArden；andherethegooddukelivedwithhislovingfriends，whohadputthemselvesintoavoluntaryexileforhissake，whiletheirlandandrevenuesenrichedthefalseusurper；andcustomsoonmadethelifeofcarelesseasetheyledheremoresweettothemthanthepompanduneasysplendorofacourtier”slife。HeretheylivedliketheoldRobinHoodofEngland，andtothisforestmanynobleyouthsdailyresortedfromthecourt，anddidfleetthetimecarelessly，astheydidwholivedinthegoldenage。Inthesummertheylayalongunderthefineshadeofthelargeforesttrees，markingtheplayfulsportsofthewilddeer；andsofondweretheyofthesepoordappledfools，whoseemedtobethenativeinhabitantsoftheforest，thatitgrievedthemtobeforcedtokillthemtosupplythemselveswithvenisonfortheirfood。Whenthecoldwindsofwintermadethedukefeelthechangeofhisadversefortune，hewouldendureitpatiently，andsay：
“Thesechillingwindswhichblowuponmybodyaretruecounselors；theydonotflatter，butrepresenttrulytomemycondition；andthoughtheybitesharply，theirtoothisnothinglikesokeenasthatofunkindnessandingratitude。Ifindthathowsoevermenspeakagainstadversity，yetsomesweetusesaretobeextractedfromit；likethejewel，preciousformedicine，whichistakenfromtheheadofthevenomousanddespisedtoad。”
Inthismannerdidthepatientdukedrawausefulmoralfromeverythingthathesaw；andbythehelpofthismoralizingturn，inthatlifeofhis，remotefrompublichaunts，hecouldfindtonguesintrees，booksintherunningbrooks，sermonsinstones，andgoodineverything。
Thebanisheddukehadanonlydaughter，namedRosalind，whomtheusurper，DukeFrederick，whenhebanishedherfather，stillretainedinhiscourtasacompanionforhisowndaughter，Celia。
Astrictfriendshipsubsistedbetweentheseladies，whichthedisagreementbetweentheirfathersdidnotintheleastinterrupt，CeliastrivingbyeverykindnessinherpowertomakeamendstoRosalindfortheinjusticeofherownfatherindeposingthefatherofRosalind；andwheneverthethoughtsofherfather”sbanishment，andherowndependenceonthefalseusurper，madeRosalindmelancholy，Celia”swholecarewastocomfortandconsoleher。
Oneday，whenCeliawastalkinginherusualkindmannertoRosalind，saying，“Iprayyou，Rosalind，mysweetcousin，bemerry，“amessengerenteredfromtheduke，totellthemthatiftheywishedtoseeawrestling-match，whichwasjustgoingtobegin，theymustcomeinstantlytothecourtbeforethepalace；
andCelia，thinkingitwouldamuseRosalind，agreedtogoandseeit。
Inthosetimeswrestling，whichisonlypractisednowbycountryclowns，wasafavoritesporteveninthecourtsofprinces，andbeforefairladiesandprincesses。Tothiswrestling-match，therefore，CeliaandRosalindwent。Theyfoundthatitwaslikelytoproveaverytragicalsight；foralargeandpowerfulman，whohadbeenlongpractisedintheartofwrestlingandhadslainmanymenincontestsofthiskind，wasjustgoingtowrestlewithaveryyoungman，who，fromhisextremeyouthandinexperienceintheart，thebeholdersallthoughtwouldcertainlybekilled。
WhenthedukesawCeliaandRosalindhesaid：“Hownow，daughterandniece，areyoucrepthithertoseethewrestling？Youwilltakelittledelightinit，thereissuchoddsinthemen。Inpitytothisyoungman，Iwouldwishtopersuadehimfromwrestling。
Speaktohim，ladies，andseeifyoucanmovehim。”
Theladieswerewellpleasedtoperformthishumaneoffice，andfirstCeliaentreatedtheyoungstrangerthathewoulddesistfromtheattempt；andthenRosalindspokesokindlytohim，andwithsuchfeelingconsiderationforthedangerhewasabouttoundergo，that，insteadofbeingpersuadedbyhergentlewordstoforegohispurpose，allhisthoughtswerebenttodistinguishhimselfbyhiscourageinthislovelylady”seyes。HerefusedtherequestofCeliaandRosalindinsuchgracefulandmodestwordsthattheyfeltstillmoreconcernforhim；heconcludedhisrefusalwithsaying：
“Iamsorrytodenysuchfairandexcellentladiesanything。Butletyourfaireyesandgentlewishesgowithmetomytrial，whereinifIbeconqueredthereisoneshamedthatwasnevergracious；ifIamkilled，thereisonedeadthatiswillingtodie。Ishalldomyfriendsnowrong，forIhavenonetolamentme；theworldnoinjury，forinitIhavenothing；forIonlyfillupaplaceintheworldwhichmaybebettersuppliedwhenI
havemadeitempty。”
Andnowthewrestling-matchbegan。Celiawishedtheyoungstrangermightnotbehurt；butRosalindfeltmostforhim。Thefriendlessstatewhichhesaidhewasin，andthathewishedtodie，madeRosalindthinkthathewas，likeherself，unfortunate；
andshepitiedhimsomuch，andsodeepaninterestshetookinhisdangerwhilehewaswrestling，thatshemightalmostbesaidatthatmomenttohavefalleninlovewithhim。
Thekindnessshownthisunknownyouthbythesefairandnobleladiesgavehimcourageandstrength，sothatheperformedwonders；andintheendcompletelyconqueredhisantagonist，whowassomuchhurtthatforawhilehewasunabletospeakormove。
TheDukeFrederickwasmuchpleasedwiththecourageandskillshownbythisyoungstranger；anddesiredtoknowhisnameandparentage，meaningtotakehimunderhisprotection。
ThestrangersaidhisnamewasOrlando，andthathewastheyoungestsonofSirRowlanddeBoys。
SirRowlanddeBoys，thefatherofOrlando，hadbeendeadsomeyears；butwhenhewaslivinghehadbeenatruesubjectanddearfriendofthebanishedduke；therefore，whenFrederickheardOrlandowasthesonofhisbanishedbrother”sfriend，allhislikingforthisbraveyoungmanwaschangedintodispleasureandhelefttheplaceinveryillhumor。Hatingtobeartheverynameofanyofhisbrother”sfriends，andyetstilladmiringthevaloroftheyouth，hesaid，ashewentout，thathewishedOrlandohadbeenthesonofanyotherman。
Rosalindwasdelightedtohearthathernewfavoritewasthesonofherfather”soldfriend；andshesaidtoCelia，“MyfatherlovedSirRowlanddeBoys，andifIhadknownthisyoungmanwashissonIwouldhaveaddedtearstomyentreatiesbeforeheshouldhaveventured。”
Theladiesthenwentuptohimand，seeinghimabashedbythesuddendispleasureshownbytheduke，theyspokekindandencouragingwordstohim；andRosalind，whentheyweregoingaway，turnedbacktospeaksomemorecivilthingstothebraveyoungsonofherfather”soldfriend，andtakingachainfromoffherneck，shesaid：
“Gentleman，wearthisforme。Iamoutofsuitswithfortune，orIwouldgiveyouamorevaluablepresent。”
Whentheladieswerealone，Rosalind”stalkbeingstillofOrlando，Celiabegantoperceivehercousinhadfalleninlovewiththehandsomeyoungwrestler，andshesaidtoRosalind：
“Isitpossibleyoushouldfallinlovesosuddenly？“
Rosalindreplied，“Theduke，myfather，lovedhisfatherdearly。”
“But，“saidCelia，“doesitthereforefollowthatyoushouldlovehissondearly？。ForthenIoughttohatehim，formyfatherhatedhisfather；yetdonothateOrlando。”
Frederick，beingenragedatthesightofSirRowlanddeBoys”sson，whichremindedhimofthemanyfriendsthebanisheddukehadamongthenobility，andhavingbeenforsometimedispleasedwithhisniecebecausethepeoplepraisedherforhervirtuesandpitiedherforhergoodfather”ssake，hismalicesuddenlybrokeoutagainsther；andwhileCeliaandRosalindweretalkingofOrlando，FrederickenteredtheroomandwithlooksfullofangerorderedRosalindinstantlytoleavethepalaceandfollowherfatherintobanishment，tellingCelia，whoinvainpleadedforher，thathehadonlysufferedRosalindtostayuponheraccount。
“Ididnotthen，“saidCelia，“entreatyoutoletherstay，forI
wastooyoungatthattimetovalueher；butnowthatIknowherworth，andthatwesolonghaveslepttogether，roseatthesameinstant，learned，played，andeattogether，Icannotliveoutofhercompany。”
Frederickreplied：“Sheistoosubtleforyou；hersmoothness，herverysilence，andherpatiencespeaktothepeople，andtheypityher。Youareafooltopleadforher，foryouwillseemmorebrightandvirtuouswhensheisgone；thereforeopennotyourlipsinherfavor，forthedoomwhichIhavepasseduponherisirrevocable。”
WhenCeliafoundshecouldnotprevailuponherfathertoletRosalindremainwithher，shegenerouslyresolvedtoaccompanyher；and，leavingherfather”spalacethatnight，shewentalongwithherfriendtoseekRosalind”sfather，thebanishedduke，intheforestofArden。
BeforetheysetoutCeliaconsideredthatitwouldbeunsafefortwoyoungladiestotravelintherichclothestheythenwore；
shethereforeproposedthattheyshoulddisguisetheirrankbydressingthemselveslikecountrymaids。Rosalindsaiditwouldbeastillgreaterprotectionifoneofthemwastobedressedlikeaman。Andsoitwasquicklyagreedonbetweenthemthat，asRosalindwasthetallest，sheshouldwearthedressofayoungcountryman，andCeliashouldbehabitedlikeacountrylass，andthattheyshouldsaytheywerebrotherandsister；andRosalindsaidshewouldbecalledGanymede，andCeliachosethenameofAliena。
Inthisdisguise，andtakingtheirmoneyandjewelstodefraytheirexpenses，thesefairprincessessetoutontheirlongtravel；fortheforestofArdenwasalongwayoff，beyondtheboundariesoftheduke”sdominions。
TheladyRosalind(orGanymede，asshemustnowbecalled)withhermanlygarbseemedtohaveputonamanlycourage。ThefaithfulfriendshipCeliahadshowninaccompanyingRosalindsomanywearymilesmadethenewbrother，inrecompenseforthistruelove，exertacheerfulspirit，asifhewereindeedGanymede，therusticandstout-heartedbrotherofthegentlevillagemaiden，Aliena。
WhenatlasttheycametotheforestofArdentheynolongerfoundtheconvenientinnsandgoodaccommodationstheyhadmetwithontheroad，and，beinginwantoffoodandrest，Ganymede，whohadsomerrilycheeredhissisterwithpleasantspeechesandhappyremarksalltheway，nowownedtoAlienathathewassowearyhecouldfindinhishearttodisgracehisman”sapparelandcrylikeawoman；andAlienadeclaredshecouldgonofarther；andthenagainGanymedetriedtorecollectthatitwasaman”sdutytocomfortandconsoleawoman，astheweakervessel；
andtoseemcourageoustohisnewsister，hesaid：
“Come，haveagoodheart，mysisterAliena。Wearenowattheendofourtravel，intheforestofArden。”
Butfeignedmanlinessandforcedcouragewouldnolongersupportthem；for，thoughtheywereintheforestofArden，theyknewnotwheretofindtheduke。Andherethetravelofthesewearyladiesmighthavecometoasadconclusion，fortheymighthavelostthemselvesandperishedforwantoffood，but，providentially，astheyweresittingonthegrass，almostdyingwithfatigueandhopelessofanyrelief，acountrymanchancedtopassthatway，andGanymedeoncemoretriedtospeakwithamanlyboldness，saying：
“Shepherd，ifloveorgoldcaninthisdesertplaceprocureusentertainment，Iprayyoubringuswherewemayrestourselves；
forthisyoungmaid，mysister，ismuchfatiguedwithtraveling，andfaintsforwantoffood。”
Themanrepliedthathewasonlyaservanttoashepherd，andthathismaster”shousewasjustgoingtobesold，andthereforetheywouldfindbutpoorentertainment；butthatiftheywouldgowithhimtheyshouldbewelcometowhattherewas。Theyfollowedtheman，thenearprospectofreliefgivingthemfreshstrength，andboughtthehouseandsheepoftheshepherd，andtookthemanwhoconductedthemtotheshepherd”shousetowaitonthem；andbeingbythismeanssofortunatelyprovidedwithaneatcottage，andwellsuppliedwithprovisions，theyagreedtostayheretilltheycouldlearninwhatpartoftheforestthedukedwelt。
Whentheywererestedafterthefatigueoftheirjourney，theybegantoliketheirnewwayoflife，andalmostfanciedthemselvestheshepherdandshepherdesstheyfeignedtobe。YetsometimesGanymederememberedbehadoncebeenthesameLadyRosalindwhohadsodearlylovedthebraveOrlandobecausebewasthesonofoldSirRowland，herfather”sfriend；andthoughGanymedethoughtthatOrlandowasmanymilesdistant，evensomanywearymilesastheyhadtraveled，yetitsoonappearedthatOrlandowasalsointheforestofArden。Andinthismannerthisstrangeeventcametopass。
OrlandowastheyoungestsonofSirRowlanddeBoys，who，whenhedied，lefthim(Orlandobeingthenveryyoung)tothecareofhiseldestbrother，Oliver，chargingOliveronhisblessingtogivehisbrotheragoodeducationandprovideforhimasbecamethedignityoftheirancienthouse。Oliverprovedanunworthybrother，and，disregardingthecommandsofhisdyingfather，heneverputhisbrothertoschool，butkepthimathomeuntaughtandentirelyneglected。ButinhisnatureandinthenoblequalitiesofhismindOrlandosomuchresembledhisexcellentfatherthat，withoutanyadvantagesofeducation，heseemedlikeayouthwhohadbeenbredwiththeutmostcare；andOliversoenviedthefinepersonanddignifiedmannersofhisuntutoredbrotherthatatlasthewishedtodestroyhim，andtoeffectthisbesetonpeopletopersuadehimtowrestlewiththefamouswrestlerwho，ashasbeenbeforerelated，hadkilledsomanymen。
Nowitwasthiscruelbrother”sneglectofhimwhichmadeOrlandosayhewishedtodie，beingsofriendless。
When，contrarytothewickedhopeshehadformed，hisbrotherprovedvictorious，hisenvyandmaliceknewnobounds，andhesworehewouldburnthechamberwhereOrlandoslept。Hewasoverheardmakinghisvowbyonethathadbeenanoldandfaithfulservanttotheirfather，andthatlovedOrlandobecauseheresembledSirRowland。Thisoldmanwentouttomeethimwhenhereturnedfromtheduke”spalace，andwhenhesawOrlandotheperilhisdearyoungmasterwasinmadehimbreakoutintothesepassionateexclamations：
“Omygentlemaster，mysweetmaster！OyoumemoryofOldSirRowland！Whyareyouvirtuous？Whyareyougentle，strong，andvaliant？Andwhywouldyoubesofondtoovercomethefamouswrestler？Yourpraiseiscometooswiftlyhomebeforeyou。”
Orlando，wonderingwhatallthismeant，askedhimwhatwasthematter。Andthentheoldmantoldhimhowhiswickedbrother，envyingtheloveallpeopleborehim，andnowhearingthefamehehadgainedbyhisvictoryintheduke”spalace，intendedtodestroyhimbysettingfiretohischamberthatnight，andinconclusionadvisedhimtoescapethedangerhewasinbyinstantflight；andknowingOrlandohadnomoney，Adam(forthatwasthegoodoldman”sname)hadbroughtoutwithhimhisownlittlehoard，andhesaid：
“Ihavefivehundredcrowns，thethriftyhireIsavedunderyourfatherandlaidbytobeprovisionformewhenmyoldlimbsshouldbecomeunfitforservice。Takethat，andHethatdoththeravensfeedbecomforttomyage！Hereisthegold。AllthisI
givetoyou。Letmebeyourservant；thoughIlookoldIwilldotheserviceofayoungermaninallyourbusinessandnecessities。”
“Ogoodoldman！“saidOrlando，“howwellappearsinyoutheconstantserviceoftheoldworld！Youarenotforthefashionofthesetimes。Wewillgoalongtogether，andbeforeyouryouthfulwagesarespentIshalllightuponsomemeansforbothourmaintenance。”
Together，then，thisfaithfulservantandhislovedmastersetout；andOrlandoandAdamtraveledon，uncertainwhatcoursetopursue，tilltheycametotheforestofArden，andtheretheyfoundthemselvesinthesamedistressforwantoffoodthatGanymedeandAlienahadbeen。Theywanderedon，seekingsomehumanhabitation，tilltheywerealmostspentwithhungerandfatigue。
Adamatlastsaid：“Omydearmaster，Idieforwantoffood。I
cangonofarther！“Hethenlaidhimselfdown，thinkingtomakethatplacehisgrave，andbadehisdearmasterfarewell。
Orlando，seeinghiminthisweakstate，tookhisoldservantupinhisarmsandcarriedhimundertheshelterofsomepleasanttrees；andhesaidtohim：“Cheerly，oldAdam。Restyourwearylimbshereawhile，anddonottalkofdying！“
Orlandothensearchedabouttofindsomefood，andhehappenedtoarriveatthatpartoftheforestwherethedukewas；andheandhisfriendswerejustgoingtoeattheirdinner，thisroyaldukebeingseatedonthegrass，undernoothercanopythantheshadycovertofsomelargetrees。
Orlando，whomhungerhadmadedesperate，drewhissword，intendingtotaketheirmeatbyforce，andsaid：“Forbearandeatnomore。Imusthaveyourfood！“
Thedukeaskedhimifdistresshadmadehimsoboldorifhewerearudedespiserofgoodmanners。OnthisOrlandosaidhewasdyingwithhunger；andthentheduketoldhimhewaswelcometositdownandeatwiththem。Orlando，hearinghimspeaksogently，putuphisswordandblushedwithshameattherudemannerinwhichhehaddemandedtheirfood。
“Pardonme，Iprayyou，“saidhe。“Ithoughtthatallthingshadbeensavagehere，andthereforeIputonthecountenanceofsterncommand；butwhatevermenyouarethatinthisdesert，undertheshadeofmelancholyboughs，loseandneglectthecreepinghoursoftime，ifeveryouhavelookedonbetterdays，ifeveryouhavebeenwherebellshaveknolledtochurch，ifyouhaveeversatatanygoodman”sfeast，ifeverfromyoureyelidsyouhavewipedatearandknowwhatitistopityorbepitied，maygentlespeechesnowmoveyoutodomehumancourtesy！“
Thedukereplied：“Trueitisthatwearemen(asyousay)whohaveseenbetterdays，andthoughwehavenowourhabitationinthiswildforest，wehavelivedintownsandcitiesandhavewithholybellbeenknolledtochurch，havesatatgoodmen”sfeasts，andfromoureyeshavewipedthedropswhichsacredpityhasengendered；thereforesityoudownandtakeofourrefreshmentasmuchaswillministertoyourwants。”
“Thereisanoldpoorman，“answeredOrlando，“whohaslimpedaftermemanyawearystepinpurelove，oppressedatoncewithtwosadinfirmities，ageandhunger；tillhebesatisfiedImustnottouchabit。”
“Go，findhimoutandbringhimhither，“saidtheduke。“Wewillforbeartoeattillyoureturn。”
ThenOrlandowentlikeadoetofinditsfawnandgiveitfood；
andpresentlyreturned，bringingAdaminhisarms。
Andthedukesaid，“Setdownyourvenerableburthen；youarebothwelcome。”
Andtheyfedtheoldmanandcheeredhisheart，andherevivedandrecoveredhishealthandstrengthagain。
ThedukeinquiredwhoOrlandowas；andwhenhefoundthathewasthesonofhisoldfriend，SirRowlanddeBoys，betookhimunderhisprotection，andOrlandoandhisoldservantlivedwiththedukeintheforest。
OrlandoarrivedintheforestnotmanydaysafterGanymedeandAlienacamethereand(ashasbeenbeforerelated)boughttheshepherd”scottage。
GanymedeandAlienawerestrangelysurprisedtofindthenameofRosalindcarvedonthetrees，andlove-sonnetsfastenedtothem，alladdressedtoRosalind；andwhiletheywerewonderinghowthiscouldbetheymetOrlandoandtheyperceivedthechainwhichRosalindhadgivenhimabouthisneck。
OrlandolittlethoughtthatGanymedewasthefairPrincessRosalindwho，byhernoblecondescensionandfavor，hadsowonhisheartthathepassedhiswholetimeincarvinghernameuponthetreesandwritingsonnetsinpraiseofherbeauty；butbeingmuchpleasedwiththegracefulairofthisprettyshepherd-youth，heenteredintoconversationwithhim，andbethoughthesawalikenessinGanymedetohisbelovedRosalind，butthathehadnoneofthedignifieddeportmentofthatnoblelady；forGanymedeassumedtheforwardmannersoftenseeninyouthswhentheyarebetweenboysandmen，-andwithmucharchnessandhumortalkedtoOrlandoofacertainlover，“who，“saidshe，“hauntsourforest，andspoilsouryoungtreeswithcarvingRosalindupontheirbarks；andhehangsodesuponhawthorns，andelegiesonbrambles，allpraisingthissameRosalind。IfIcouldfindthislover，I
wouldgivehimsomegoodcounselthatwouldsooncurehimofhislove。”
Orlandoconfessedthathewasthefondloverofwhomhespoke，，andaskedGanymedetogivehimthegoodcounselhetalkedOf。TheremedyGanymedeproposed，andthecounselhegavehimwasthatOrlandoshouldcomeeverydaytothecottagewhereheandhissisterAlienadwelt。
“Andthen，“saidGanymede，“IwillfeignmyselftobeRosalind，andyoushallfeigntocourtmeinthesamemannerasyouwoulddoifIwasRosalind，andthenIwillimitatethefantasticwaysofwhimsicalladiestotheirlovers，tillImakeyouashamedofyourlove；andthisisthewayIproposetocureyou。”
Orlandohadnogreatfaithintheremedy，yetheagreedtocomeeverydaytoGanymede”scottageandfeignaplayfulcourtship；
andeverydayOrlandovisitedGanymedeandAliena，andOrlandocalledtheshepherdGanymedehisRosalind，andeverydaytalkedoverallthefinewordsandflatteringcomplimentswhichyoungmendelighttousewhentheycourttheirmistresses。Itdoesnotappear，however，thatGanymedemadeanyprogressincuringOrlandoofhisloveforRosalind。
ThoughOrlandothoughtallthiswasbutasportiveplay(notdreamingthatGanymedewashisveryRosalind)，yettheopportunityitgavehimofsayingallthefondthingshehadinhisheartpleasedhisfancyalmostaswellasitdidGanymede”s，whoenjoyedthesecretjestinknowingthesefinelove-speecheswerealladdressedtotherightperson。
Inthismannermanydayspassedpleasantlyonwiththeseyoungpeople；andthegood-naturedAliena，seeingitmadeGanymedehappy，lethimhavehisownwayandwasdivertedatthemock-courtship，anddidnotcaretoremindGanymedethattheLadyRosalindhadnotyetmadeherselfknowntothedukeherfather，whoseplaceofresortintheforesttheyhadlearnedfromOrlando。Ganymedemetthedukeoneday，andhadsometalkwithhim，andthedukeaskedofwhatparentagehecame。Ganymedeansweredthathecameofasgoodparentageashedid，whichmadethedukesmile，forhedidnotsuspecttheprettyshepherd-boycameofroyallineage。Thenseeingthedukelookwellandhappy，Ganymedewascontenttoputoffallfurtherexplanationforafewdayslonger。
Onemorning，asOrlandowasgoingtovisitGanymede，hesawamanlyingasleepontheground，andalargegreensnakehadtwisteditselfabouthisneck。Thesnake，seeingOrlandoapproach，glidedawayamongthebushes。Orlandowentnearer，andthenhediscoveredalionessliecrouching，withherheadontheground，withacatlikewatch，waitinguntilthesleepingmanawaked(foritissaidthatlionswillpreyonnothingthatisdeadorsleeping)。ItseemedasifOrlandowassentbyProvidencetofreethemanfromthedangerofthesnakeandlioness；butwhenOrlandolookedintheman”sfaceheperceivedthatthesleeperwhowasexposedtothisdoubleperilwashisownbrotherOliver，whohadsocruellyusedhimandhadthreatenedtodestroyhimbyfire，andhewasalmosttemptedtoleavehimapreytothehungrylioness；butbrotherlyaffectionandthegentlenessofhisnaturesoonovercamehisfirstangeragainsthisbrother；andhedrewhisswordandattackedthelionessandslewher，andthuspreservedhisbrother”slifebothfromthevenomoussnakeandfromthefuriouslioness；butbeforeOrlandocouldconquerthelionessshehadtornoneofhisarmswithhersharpclaws。
WhileOrlandowasengagedwiththelioness，Oliverawaked，and，perceivingthathisbrotherOrlando，whomhehadsocruellytreated，wassavinghimfromthefuryofawildbeastattheriskofhisownlife，shameandremorseatonceseizedhim，andherepentedofhisunworthyconductandbesoughtwithmanytearshisbrother”spardonfortheinjurieshehaddonehim。Orlandorejoicedtoseehimsopenitent，andreadilyforgavehim。TheyembracedeachotherandfromthathourOliverlovedOrlandowithatruebrotherlyaffection，thoughhehadcometotheforestbentonhisdestruction。
ThewoundinOrlando”sarmhavingbledverymuch，hefoundhimselftooweaktogotovisitGanymede，andthereforehedesiredhisbrothertogoandtellGanymede，“whom，“saidOrlando，“IinsportdocallmyRosalind，“theaccidentwhichhadbefallenhim。
ThitherthenOliverwent，andtoldtoGanymedeandAlienahowOrlandohadsavedhislife；andwhenhehadfinishedthestoryofOrlando”sbraveryandhisownprovidentialescapeheownedtothemthathewasOrlando”sbrotherwhohadsocruellyusedhim；
andthenbetoldthemoftheirreconciliation。
ThesinceresorrowthatOliverexpressedforhisoffensesmadesuchalivelyimpressiononthekindheartofAlienathatsheinstantlyfellinlovewithhim；andOliverobservinghowmuchshepitiedthedistresshetoldherhefeltforhisfault，heassuddenlyfellinlovewithher。ButwhilelovewasthusstealingintotheheartsofAlienaandOliver，hewasnolessbusywithGanymede，who，hearingofthedangerOrlandohadbeenin，andthathewaswoundedbythelioness，fainted；andwhenherecoveredhepretendedthathehadcounterfeitedtheswoonintheimaginarycharacterofRosalind，andGanymedesaidtoOliver：
“TellyourbrotherOrlandohowwellIcounterfeitedaswoon。”
ButOliversawbythepalenessofhiscomplexionthathedidreallyfaint，and，muchwonderingattheweaknessoftheyoungman，hesaid，“Well，ifyoudidcounterfeit，takeagoodheartandcounterfeittobeaman。”
“SoIdo，“repliedGanymede，truly，“butIshouldhavebeenawomanbyright。”
Olivermadethisvisitaverylongone，andwhenatlasthereturnedbacktohisbrotherhehadmuchnewstotellhim；for，besidestheaccountofGanymede”sfaintingatthehearingthatOrlandowaswounded，OlivertoldhimhowhehadfalleninlovewiththefairshepherdessAliena，andthatshehadlentafavorableeartohissuit，eveninthistheirfirstinterview；
andhetalkedtohisbrother，asofathingalmostsettled，thatheshouldmarryAliena，sayingthathesowelllovedherthathewouldlivehereasashepherdandsettlehisestateandhouseathomeuponOrlando。
“Youhavemyconsent，“saidOrlando。“Letyourweddingbeto-morrow，andIwillinvitethedukeandhisfriends。Goandpersuadeyourshepherdesstoagreetothis。Sheisnowalone，for，look，herecomesherbrother。”
OliverwenttoAliena，andGanymede，whomOrlandohadperceivedapproaching，cametoinquireafterthehealthofhiswoundedfriend。
WhenOrlandoandGanymedebegantotalkoverthesuddenlovewhichhadtakenplacebetweenOliverand。Aliena，Orlandosaidbehadadvisedhisbrothertopersuadehisfairshepherdesstobemarriedonthemorrow，andthenheaddedhowmuchhecouldwishtobemarriedonthesamedaytohisRosalind。
Ganymede，whowellapprovedofthisarrangement，saidthatifOrlandoreallylovedRosalindaswellasheprofessedtodo，heshouldhavehiswish；foronthemorrowhewouldengagetomakeRosalindappearinherownperson，andalsothatRosalindshouldbewillingtomarryOrlando。
Thisseeminglywonderfulevent，which，asGanymedewastheLadyRosalind，hecouldsoeasilyperform，bepretendedhewouldbringtopassbytheaidofmagic，whichhesaidhehadlearnedofanunclewhowasafamousmagician。
ThefondloverOrlando，halfbelievingandhalfdoubtingwhatheheard，askedGanymedeifhespokeinsobermeaning。
“BymylifeIdo，“saidGanymede。“Thereforeputonyourbestclothes，andbidthedukeandyourfriendstoyourwedding，forifyoudesiretobemarriedto-morrowtoRosalind，sheshallbehere。”
Thenextmorning，OliverhavingobtainedtheconsentofAliena，theycameintothepresenceoftheduke，andwiththemalsocameOrlando。
Theybeingallassembledtocelebratethisdoublemarriage，andasyetonlyoneofthebridesappearing，therewasmuchofwonderingandconjecture，buttheymostlythoughtthatGanymedewasmakingajestofOrlando。
Theduke，hearingthatitwashisowndaughterthatwastobebroughtinthisstrangeway，askedOrlandoifhebelievedtheshepherd-boycouldreallydowhathehadpromised；andwhileOrlandowasansweringthatheknewnotwhattothink，Ganymedeenteredandaskedtheduke，ifhebroughthisdaughter，whetherhewouldconsenttohermarriagewithOrlando。
“ThatIwould，“saidtheduke，“ifIhadkingdomstogivewithher。”
GanymedethensaidtoOrlando，“AndyousayyouwillmarryherifIbringherhere。”
“ThatIwould，“saidOrlando，“ifIwerekingofmanykingdoms。”
GanymedeandAlienathenwentouttogether，and，Ganymedethrowingoffhismaleattire，andbeingoncemoredressedinwoman”sapparel，quicklybecameRosalindwithoutthepowerofmagic；andAliena，changinghercountrygarbforherownrichclothes，waswithaslittletroubletransformedintotheladyCelia。
Whiletheyweregone，thedukesaidtoOrlandothathethoughttheshepherdGanymedeverylikehisdaughterRosalind；andOrlandosaidhealsohadobservedtheresemblance。
Theyhadnotimetowonderhowallthiswouldend，forRosalindandCelia，intheirownclothes，entered，and，nolongerpretendingthatitwasbythepowerofmagicthatshecamethere，Rosalindthrewherselfonherkneesbeforeherfatherandbeggedhisblessing。Itseemedsowonderfultoallpresentthatsheshouldsosuddenlyappear，thatitmightwellhavepassedformagic；butRosalindwouldnolongertriflewithherfather，andtoldhimthestoryofherbanishment，andofherdwellingintheforestasashepherd-boy，hercousinCeliapassingashersister。
Thedukeratifiedtheconsenthehadalreadygiventothemarriage；andOrlandoandRosalind，OliverandCelia，weremarriedatthesametime。Andthoughtheirweddingcouldnotbecelebratedinthiswildforestwithanyoftheparadeofsplendorusualonsuchoccasions，yetahappierwedding-daywasneverpassed。Andwhiletheywereeatingtheirvenisonunderthecoolshadeofthepleasanttrees，asifnothingshouldbewantingtocompletethefelicityofthisgooddukeandthetruelovers，anunexpectedmessengerarrivedtotellthedukethejoyfulnewsthathisdukedomwasrestoredtohim。
Theusurper，enragedattheflightofhisdaughterCelia，andhearingthateverydaymenofgreatworthresortedtotheforestofArdentojointhelawfuldukeinhisexile，muchenvyingthathisbrothershouldbesohighlyrespectedinhisadversity，puthimselfattheheadofalargeforceandadvancedtowardtheforest，intendingtoseizehisbrotherandputhimwithallhisfaithfulfollowerstothesword；butbyawonderfulinterpositionofProvidencethisbadbrotherwasconvertedfromhisevilintention，forjustasheenteredtheskirtsofthewildforesthewasmetbyanoldreligiousman，ahermit，withwhomhehadmuchtalkandwhointheendcompletelyturnedhisheartfromhiswickeddesign。Thenceforwardhebecameatruepenitent，andresolved，relinquishinghisunjustdominion，tospendtheremainderofhisdaysinareligioushouse。Thefirstactofhisnewlyconceivedpenitencewastosendamessengertohisbrother(ashasbeenrelated)tooffertorestoretohimhisdukedom，whichbehadusurpedsolong，andwithitthelandsandrevenuesofhisfriends，thefaithfulfollowersofhisadversity。
Thisjoyfulnews，asunexpectedasitwaswelcome，cameopportunelytoheightenthefestivityandrejoicingsattheweddingoftheprincesses。Celiacomplimentedhercousinonthisgood，fortunewhichhadhappenedtotheduke，Rosalind”sfather，andwishedherjoyverysincerely，thoughsheherselfwasnolongerheirtothedukedom，butbythisrestorationwhichherfatherhadmade，Rosalindwasnowtheheir，socompletelywastheloveofthesetwocousinsunmixedwithanythingofjealousyorofenvy。
Thedukehadnowanopportunityofrewardingthosetruefriendswhohadstayedwithhiminhisbanishment；andtheseworthyfollowers，thoughtheyhadpatientlysharedhisadversefortune，wereverywellpleasedtoreturninpeaceandprosperity，tothepalaceoftheirlawfulduke。
TWOGENTLEMENOFVERONA
TherelivedinthecityofVeronatwoyounggentlemen，whosenameswereValentineandProteus，betweenwhomafirmanduninterruptedfriendshiphadlongsubsisted。Theypursuedtheirstudiestogether，andtheirhoursofleisurewerealwayspassedineachother”scompany，exceptwhenProteusvisitedaladyhewasinlovewith。Andthesevisitstohismistress，，andthispassionofProteusforthefairJulia，weretheonlytopicsonwhichthesetwofriendsdisagreed；forValentine，notbeinghimselfalover，wassometimesalittlewearyofbearinghisfriendforevertalkingofhisJulia，andthenhewouldlaughatProteus，andinpleasanttermsridiculethepassionoflove，anddeclarethatnosuchidlefanciesshouldeverenterhishead，greatlypreferring(ashesaid)thefreeandhappylifeheledtotheanxioushopesandfearsoftheloverProteus。
OnemorningValentinecametoProteustotellhimthattheymustforatimebeseparated，forthathewasgoingtoMilan。Proteus，unwillingtopartwithhisfriend，usedmanyargumentstoprevailuponValentinenottoleavehim。ButValentinesaid：
“Ceasetopersuademe，mylovingProteus。Iwillnot，likeasluggard，wearoutmyyouthinidlenessathome。Home-keepingyouthshaveeverhomelywits。IfyouraffectionwerenotchainedtothesweetglancesofyourhonoredJulia，Iwouldentreatyoutoaccompanyme，toseethewondersoftheworldabroad；butsinceyouarealover，loveonstill，andmayyourlovebeprosperous！“
Theypartedwithmutualexpressionsofunalterablefriendship。
“SweetValentine，adieu！“saidProteus。“Thinkonmewhenyouseesomerareobjectworthyofnoticeinyourtravels，andwishmepartakerofyourhappiness。”
ValentinebeganhisjourneythatsamedaytowardMilan；andwhenhisfriendhadlefthim，ProteussatdowntowritealettertoJulia，whichhegavetohermaidLucettatodelivertohermistress。
JulialovedProteusaswellashedidher，butshewasaladyofanoblespirit，andshethoughtitdidnotbecomehermaidendignitytooeasilytobewon；thereforesheaffectedtobeinsensibleofhispassionandgavehimmuchuneasinessintheprosecutionofhissuit。
AndwhenLucetta，offeredthelettertoJuliashewouldnotreceiveit，andchidhermaidfortakinglettersfromProteus，andorderedhertoleavetheroom。Butshesomuchwishedtoseewhatwaswrittenintheletterthatshesooncalledinhermaidagain；andwhenLucettareturnedshesaid，“Whato”clockisit？“
Lucetta，whoknewhermistressmoredesiredtoseetheletterthantoknowthetimeofday，withoutansweringherquestionagainofferedtherejectedletter。Julia，angrythathermaidshouldthustakethelibertyofseemingtoknowwhatshereallywanted，toretheletterinpiecesandthrewitonthefloor，，orderinghermaidoncemoreoutoftheroom。AsLucettawasretiring，shestoppedtopickupthefragmentsofthetornletter；butJulia，whomeantnotsotopartwiththem，said，inpretendedanger，“Go，getyougone，andletthepaperslie；youwouldbefingeringthemtoangerme。”
Juliathenbegantopiecetogetheraswellasshecouldthetornfragments。Shefirstmadeoutthesewords，“Love-woundedProteus“；andlamentingovertheseandsuchlikelovingwords，whichshemadeoutthoughtheywerealltornasunder，or，shesaidWOUNDED(theexpression“Love-woundedProteus“givingherthatidea)，shetalkedtothesekindwords，tellingthemshewouldlodgetheminherbosomasinabed，tilltheirwoundswerehealed，andthatshewouldkisseachseveralpiecetomakeamends。
Inthismannershewentontalkingwithapretty，ladylikechildishness，till，findingherselfunabletomakeoutthewhole，andvexedatherowningratitudeindestroyingsuchsweetandlovingwords，asshecalledthem，shewroteamuchkinderlettertoProteusthanshehadeverdonebefore。
Proteuswasgreatlydelightedatreceivingthisfavorableanswertohisletter。Andwhilehewasreadingitheexclaimed，“Sweetlove！sweetlines！sweetlife！“
Inthemidstofhisraptureshewasinterruptedbyhisfather。
“Hownow？“saidtheoldgentleman。“Whatletterareyoureadingthere？“
“Mylord，“repliedProteus，“itisaletterfrommyfriendValentine，atMilan。”
“Lendmetheletter，“saidhisfather。“Letmeseewhatnews。”
“Thereisnonews，mylord，“saidProteus，greatlyalarmed，“butthathewriteshowwellbelovedheisoftheDukeofMilan，whodailygraceshimwithfavors，andhowhewishesmewithhim，thepartnerofhisfortune。”
“Andhowstandyouaffectedtohiswish？“askedthefather。
“Asonerelyingonyourlordship”swillandnotdependingonhisfriendlywish，“saidProteus。
NowithadhappenedthatProteus”sfatherhadjustbeentalkingwithafriendonthisverysubject。Hisfriendhadsaidhewonderedhislordshipsufferedhissontospendhisyouthathomewhilemostmenweresendingtheirsonstoseekprefermentabroad。
“Some，“saidhe，“tothewars，totrytheirfortunesthere，andsometodiscoverislandsfaraway，andsometostudyinforeignuniversities。AndthereishiscompanionValentine；heisgonetotheDukeofMilan”scourt。Yoursonisfitforanyofthesethings，anditwillbeagreatdisadvantagetohiminhisriperagenottohavetraveledinhisyouth。”
Proteus”sfatherthoughttheadviceofhisfriendwasverygood，anduponProteustellinghimthatValentine“wishedhimwithhim，thepartnerofhisfortune，“heatoncedeterminedtosendhissontoMilan；andwithoutgivingProteusanyreasonforthissuddenresolution，itbeingtheusualhabitofthispositiveoldgentlemantocommandhisson，notreasonwithhim，hesaid：
“MywillisthesameasValentine”swish。”Andseeinghissonlookastonished，headded：“Looknotamazed，thatIsosuddenlyresolveyoushallspendsometimeintheDukeofMilan”scourt；
forwhatIwillIwill，andthereisanend。Tomorrowbeinreadinesstogo。Makenoexcuses，forIamperemptory。”
Proteusknewitwasofnousetomakeobjectionstohisfather，whoneversufferedhimtodisputehiswill；andheblamedhimselffortellinghisfatheranuntruthaboutJulia”sletter，whichhadbroughtuponhimthesadnecessityofleavingher。
NowthatJuliafoundshewasgoingtoloseProteusforsolongatimeshenolongerpretendedindifference；andtheybadeeachotheramournfulfarewell，withmanyvowsofloveandconstancy。
ProteusandJuliaexchangedrings，whichtheybothpromisedtokeepforeverinremembranceofeachother；andthus，takingasorrowfulleave，ProteussetoutonhisjourneytoMilan，theabodeofhisfriendValentine。
Valentinewasinreality，whatProteushadfeignedtohisfather，inhighfavorwiththeDukeofMilan；andanothereventhadhappenedtohimofwhichProteusdidnotevendream，forValentinehadgivenupthefreedomofwhichheusedsomuchtoboast，andwasbecomeaspassionatealoverasProteus。
ShewhohadwroughtthiswondrouschangeinValentinewastheLadySilvia，daughteroftheDukeofMilan，andshealsolovedhim；buttheyconcealedtheirlovefromtheduke，because，althoughheshowedmuchkindnessforValentineandinvitedhimeverydaytohispalace，yethedesignedtomarryhisdaughtertoayoungcourtierwhosenamewasThurio。SilviadespisedthisThurio，forhehadnoneofthefinesenseandexcellentqualitiesofValentine。
Thesetworivals，ThurioandValentine，wereonedayonavisittoSilvia，andValentinewasentertainingSilviawithturningeverythingThuriosaidintoridicule，whenthedukehimselfenteredtheroomandtoldValentinethewelcomenewsofhisfriendProteus”sarrival。
Valentinesaid，“IfIhadwishedathing，itwouldhavebeentohaveseenhimhere！“AndthenhehighlypraisedProteustotheduke，saying，“Mylord，thoughIhavebeenatruantofmytime，yethathmyfriendmadeuseandfairadvantageofhisdays，andiscompleteinpersonandinmind，inallgoodgracetograceagentleman。”
“Welcomehim，then，accordingtohisworth，“saidtheduke。
“Silvia，Ispeaktoyou，andyou，SirThurio；forValentine，I
neednotbidhimdoso。”
TheywerehereinterruptedbytheentranceofProteus，andValentineintroducedhimtoSilvia，saying，“Sweetlady，entertainhimtobemyfellow-servanttoyourladyship。”
WhenValentineandProteushadendedtheirvisit，andwerealonetogether，Valentinesaid：
“Nowtellmehowalldoesfromwhenceyoucame？Howdoesyourlady，andhowthrivesyourlove？“
Proteusreplied：“Mytalesofloveusedtowearyyou。Iknowyoujoynotinalovediscourse。”
“Aye，Proteus，“returnedValentine，“butthatlifeisalterednow。Ihavedonepenanceforcondemninglove。Forinrevengeofmycontemptoflove，lovehaschasedsleepfrommyenthralledeyes。OgentleProteus，Loveisamightylord，andhathsohumbledmethatIconfessthereisnowoelikehiscorrectionnornosuchjoyonearthasinhisservice。Inowlikenodiscourseexceptitbeoflove。NowIcanbreakmyfast，dine，sup，andsleepupontheverynameoflove。”
Thisacknowledgmentofthechangewhichlovehadmadein，thedispositionofValentinewasagreattriumphtohisfriendProteus。But“friend“Proteusmustbecallednolonger，forthesameall-powerfuldeityLove，ofwhomtheywerespeaking(yea，evenwhiletheyweretalkingofthechangehehadmadeinValentine)，wasworkingintheheartofProteus；andhe，whohadtillthistimebeenapatternoftrueloveandperfectfriendship，wasnow，inoneshortinterviewwithSilvia，becomeafalsefriendandafaithlesslover；foratthefirstsightofSilviaallhisloveforJuliavanishedawaylikeadream，nordidhislongfriendshipforValentinedeterhimfromendeavoringtosupplanthiminheraffections；andalthough，asitwillalwaysbe，whenpeopleofdispositionsnaturallygoodbecomeunjust，bebadmanyscruplesbeforehedeterminedtoforsakeJuliaandbecometherivalofValentine，yetbeatlengthovercamehissenseofdutyandyieldedhimselfup，almostwithoutremorse，tohisnewunhappypassion。
Valentineimpartedtohiminconfidencethewholehistoryofhislove，andhowcarefullytheyhadconcealeditfromthedukeherfather，andtoldhimthat，despairingofeverbeingabletoobtainhisconsent，hehadprevaileduponSilviatoleaveherfather”spalacethatnightandgowithhimtoMantua；thenheshowedProteusaladderofropesbyhelpofwhichhemeanttoassistSilviatogetoutofoneofthewindowsofthepalaceafteritwasdark。
Uponhearingthisfaithfulrecitalofhisfriend”sdearestsecrets，itishardlypossibletobebelieved，butsoitwasthatProteusresolvedtogotothedukeanddisclosethewholetohim。
Thisfalsefriendbeganhistalewithmanyartfulspeechestotheduke，suchasthatbythelawsoffriendshipheoughttoconcealwhathewasgoingtoreveal，butthatthegraciousfavorthedukehadshownhim，andthedutyheowedhisgrace，urgedhimtotellthatwhichelsenoworldlygoodshoulddrawfromhim。HethentoldallhehadheardfromValentine，notomittingtheladderofropesandthemannerinwhichValentinemeanttoconcealthemunderalongcloak。
ThedukethoughtProteusquiteamiracleofintegrity，inthathepreferredtellinghisfriend”sintentionratherthanhewouldconcealanunjustaction；highlycommendedhim，andpromisedhimnottoletValentineknowfromwhomhehadlearnedthisintelligence，butbysomeartificetomakeValentinebetraythesecrethimself。ForthispurposethedukeawaitedthecomingofValentineintheevening，whomhesoonsawhurryingtowardthepalace，andheperceivedsomewhatwaswrappedwithinhiscloak，whichheconcludedwastheropeladder。
Theduke，uponthis，stoppedhim，saying，“Whitherawaysofast，Valentine？“
“Mayitpleaseyourgrace，“saidValentine，“thereisamessengerthatstaystobearmyletterstomyfriends，andIamgoingtodeliverthem。”
NowthisfalsehoodofValentine”shadnobettersuccessintheeventthantheuntruthProteustoldhisfather。
“Betheyofmuchimport？“saidtheduke。
“Nomore，mylord，“saidValentine，“thantotellmyfatherIamwellandhappyatyourgrace”scourt。”
“Naythen，“saidtheduke，“nomatter；staywithmeawhile。I
wishyourcounselaboutsomeaffairsthatconcernmenearly。”
HethentoldValentineanartfulstory，asapreludetodrawhissecretfromhim，sayingthatValentineknewhewishedtomatchhisdaughterwithThurio，butthatshewasstubbornanddisobedienttohiscommands。
“Neitherregarding，“saidhe，“thatsheismychildnorfearingmeasifIwereherfather。AndImaysaytotheethisprideofhershasdrawnmylovefromher。Ihadthoughtmyageshouldhavebeencherishedbyherchildlikeduty。Inowamresolvedtotakeawife，andturnherouttowhosoeverwilltakeherin。Letherbeautybeherweddingdower，formeandmypossessionssheesteemsnot。”
Valentine，wonderingwhereallthiswouldend，madeanswer，“Andwhatwouldyourgracehavemetodoinallthis？“
“Why，“saidtheduke，“theladyIwouldwishtomarryisniceandcoyanddoesnotmuchesteemmyagedeloquence。Besides，thefashionofcourtshipismuchchangedsinceIwasyoung。NowI
wouldwillinglyhaveyoutobemytutortoinstructmehowIamtowoo。”
Valentinegavehimageneralideaofthemodesofcourtshipthenpractisedbyyoungmenwhentheywishedtowinafairlady”slove，suchaspresents，frequentvisits，andthelike。
Thedukerepliedtothisthattheladydidrefuseapresentwhichhesenther，andthatshewassostrictlykeptbyherfatherthatnomanmighthaveaccesstoherbyday。
“Why，then，“saidValentine，“youmustvisitherbynight。”
“Butatnight，“saidtheartfulduke，whowasnowcomingtothedriftofhisdiscourse，“herdoorsarefastlocked。”
Valentinethenunfortunatelyproposedthatthedukeshouldgetintothelady”schamberatnightbymeansofaladderofropes，，sayinghewouldprocurehimonefittingforthatpurpose；andinconclusionadvisedhimtoconcealthisladderofropesundersuchacloakasthatwhichhenowwore。
“Lendmeyourcloak，“saidtheduke，whohadfeignedthislongstoryonpurposetohaveapretensetogetoffthecloak；souponsayingthesewordshecaughtholdofValentine”scloakand，throwingitback，hediscoverednotonlytheladderofropesbutalsoaletterofSilvia”s，whichheinstantlyopenedandread；
andthislettercontainedafullaccountoftheirintendedelopement。Theduke，afterupbraidingValentineforhisingratitudeinthusreturningthefavorhehadshownhim，byendeavoringtostealawayhisdaughter，banishedhimfromthecourtandcityofMilanforever，andValentinewasforcedtodepartthatnightwithoutevenseeingSilvia。
WhileProteusatMilanwasthusinjuringValentine，JuliaatVeronawasregrettingtheabsenceofProteus；andherregardforhimatlastsofarovercamehersenseofproprietythatsheresolvedtoleaveVeronaandseekherloveratMilan；andtosecureherselffromdangerontheroadshedressedhermaidenLucettaandherselfinmen”sclothes，。andtheysetoutinthisdisguise，andarrivedatMilansoonafterValentinewasbanishedfromthat，citythroughthetreacheryofProteus。
JuliaenteredMilanaboutnoon，andshetookupherabodeataninn；and，herthoughtsbeingallonherdearProteus，sheenteredintoconversationwiththeinnkeeper——orhost，ashewascalled——thinkingbythatmeanstolearnsomenewsofProteus。
Thehostwasgreatlypleasedthatthishandsomeyounggentleman(ashetookhertobe)，whofromhisappearancebeconcludedwasofhighrank，spokesofamiliarlytohim，and，beingagood-naturedman，hewassorrytoseehimlooksomelancholy；andtoamusehisyoungguestheofferedtotakehimtohearsomefinemusic，withwhich，hesaid，agentlemanthateveningwasgoingtoserenadehismistress。
ThereasonJulialookedsoverymelancholywas，thatshedidnotwellknowwhatProteuswouldthinkoftheimprudentstepshehadtaken，forsheknewhehadlovedherforhernoblemaidenprideanddignityofcharacter，andshefearedsheshouldlowerherselfinhisesteem；andthisitwasthatmadeherwearasadandthoughtfulcountenance。
Shegladlyacceptedtheofferofthehosttogowithhimandhearthemusic；forshesecretlyhopedshemightmeetProteusbytheway。
Butwhenshecametothepalacewhitherthehostconductedaverydifferenteffectwasproducedtowhatthekindhostintended；forthere，toherheart”ssorrow，shebeheldherlover，theinconstantProteus，serenadingtheLadySilviawithmusic，andaddressingdiscourseofloveandadmirationtoher。AndJuliaoverheardSilviafromawindowtalkwithProteus，andreproachhimforforsakinghisowntruelady，andforhisingratitudehisfriendValentine；andthenSilvialeftthewindow，notchoosingtolistentohismusicandhisfinespeeches；forshewasafaithfulladytoherbanishedValentine，andabhorredtheungenerousconductofhisfalsefriend，Proteus。
ThoughJuliawasindespairatwhatshehadjustwitnessed，yetdidshestilllovethetruantProteus；andhearingthathehadlatelypartedwithaservant，shecontrived，withtheassistanceofherhost，thefriendlyinnkeeper，tohireherselftoProteusasapage；andProteusknewnotshewasJulia，andhesentherwithlettersandpresentstoherrival，Silvia，andheevensentbyhertheveryringshegavehimasapartinggiftatVerona。
WhenshewenttothatladywiththeringshewasmostgladtofindthatSilviautterlyrejectedthesuitofProteus；andJulia——orthepageSebastian，asshewascalled，enteredintoconversationwithSilviaaboutProteus”sfirstlove，theforsakenLadyJulia。Sheputtingin(asonemaysay)agoodwordforherself，saidsheknewJulia；aswellshemight，beingherselftheJuliaofwhomshespoke；tellinghowfondlyJulialovedhermaster，Proteus，andhowhisunkindneglectwouldgrieveher。Andthenshewithaprettyequivocationwenton：“Juliaisaboutmyheight，andofmycomplexion，thecolorofhereyesandhairthesameasmine。”AndindeedJulialookedamostbeautifulyouthinherboy”sattire。
Silviawasmovedtopitythislovelyladywhowassosadlyforsakenbythemansheloved；andwhenJuliaofferedtheringwhichProteushadsent，refusedit，saying：
“Themoreshameforhimthathesendsmethatring。Iwillnottakeit，forIhaveoftenheardhimsayhisJuliagaveittohim。
Ilovethee，gentleyouth，forpityingher，poorlady！Hereisapurse；IgiveityouforJulia”ssake。”
Thesecomfortablewordscomingfromherkindrival”stonguecheeredthedroopingheartofthedisguisedlady。
ButtoreturntothebanishedValentine，whoscarceknewwhichwaytobendhiscourse，beingunwillingtoreturnhometohisfatheradisgracedandbanishedman。Ashewaswanderingoveralonelyforest，notfardistantfromMilan，wherehehadlefthisheart”sdeartreasure，theLadySilvia，hewassetuponbyrobbers，whodemandedhismoney。
Valentinetoldthemthathewasamancrossedbyadversity，thatbewasgoingintobanishment，andthathehadnomoney，theclotheshehadonbeingallhisriches。
Therobbers，hearingthathewasadistressedman，andbeingstruckwithhisnobleairandmanlybehavior，toldhimifhewouldlivewiththemandbetheirchief，orcaptain，theywouldputthemselvesunderhiscommand；butthatifherefusedtoaccepttheiroffertheywouldkillhim。
Valentine，whocaredlittlewhatbecameofhimself，saidhewouldconsenttolivewiththemandbetheircaptain，providedtheydidnooutrageonwomenorpoorpassengers。
ThusthenobleValentinebecame，likeRobinHood，ofwhomwereadinballads，acaptainofrobbersandoutlawedbanditti；andinthissituationhewasfoundbySilvia，andinthismanneritcametopass。
Silvia，toavoidamarriagewithThurio，whomherfatherinsisteduponhernolongerrefusing，cameatlasttotheresolutionoffollowingValentinetoMantua，atwhichplaceshehadheardherloverhadtakenrefuge；butinthisaccountshewasmisinformed，forhestilllivedintheforestamongtherobbers，hearingthenameoftheircaptain，buttakingnopartintheirdepredations，andusingtheauthoritywhichtheyhadimposeduponhiminnootherwaythantocompelthemtoshowcompassiontothetravelerstheyrobbed。
Silviacontrivedtoeffectherescapefromherfather”spalaceincompanywithaworthyoldgentlemanwhosenamewasEglamour，whomshetookalongwithherforprotectionontheroad。ShehadtopassthroughtheforestwhereValentineandthebandittidwelt；
andoneoftheserobbersseizedonSilvia，andwouldalsohavetakenEglamour，butheescaped。
TherobberwhohadtakenSilvia，seeingtheterrorshewasin，badehernotbealarmed，forthathewasonlygoingtocarryhertoacavewherehiscaptainlived，andthatsheneednotbeafraid，fortheircaptainhadanhonorablemindandalwaysshowedhumanitytowomen。Silviafoundlittlecomfortinhearingshewasgoingtobecarriedasaprisonerbeforethecaptainofalawlessbanditti。
“OValentine，“shecried，“thisIendureforthee！“
ButastherobberwasconveyinghertothecaveofhiscaptainhewasstoppedbyProteus，who，stillattendedbyJuliainthedisguiseofapage，havingheardoftheflightofSilvia，hadtracedherstepstothisforest。Proteusnowrescuedherfromthehandstherobber；butscarcehadshetimetothankhimfortheservicehehaddoneherbeforebebegantodistressherafreshwithhislovesuit；andwhilehewasrudelypressinghertoconsenttomarryhim，andhispage(theforlornJulia)wasstandingbesidehimingreatanxietyofmind，fearinglestthegreatservicewhichProteushadjustdonetoSilviashouldwinhertoshowhimsomefavor，theywereallstrangelysurprisedwiththesuddenappearanceofValentine，who，havingheardhisrobbershadtakenaladyprisoner，cametoconsoleandrelieveher。
ProteuswascourtingSilvia，andhewassomuchashamedofbeingcaughtbyhisfriendthathewasallatonceseizedwithpenitenceandremorse；andheexpressedsuchalivelysorrowfortheinjurieshehaddonetoValentinethatValentine，whosenaturewasnobleandgenerous，eventoaromanticdegree，notonlyforgaveandrestoredhimtohisformerplaceinhisfriendship，butinasuddenflightofheroismhesaid：
“Ifreelydoforgiveyou；andalltheinterestIhaveinSilviaI
giveituptoyou。”
Julia，whowasstandingbesidehermasterasapage，hearingthisstrangeoffer，andfearingProteuswouldnotbeablewiththisnew-foundvirtuetorefuseSilvia，fainted；andtheywereallemployedinrecoveringher，elsewouldSilviahavebeenoffendedatbeingthusmadeovertoProteus，thoughshecouldscarcelythinkthatValentinewouldlongpersevereinthisoverstrainedandtoogenerousactoffriendship。WhenJuliarecoveredfromthefaintingfit，shesaid：
“Ihadforgot，mymasterorderedmetodeliverthisringtoSilvia。”
Proteus，lookinguponthering，sawthatitwastheonehegavetoJuliainreturnforthatwhichhereceivedfromherandwhichhehadsentbythesupposedpagetoSilvia。
“Howisthis？“saidhe。“ThisisJulia”sring。Howcameyoubyit，boy？“
Juliaanswered，“Juliaherselfdidgiveitme，andJuliaherselfhathbroughtithither。”
Proteus，nowlookingearnestlyuponher，plainlyperceivedthatthepageSebastianwasnootherthantheLadyJuliaherself；andtheproofshehadgivenofherconstancyandtruelovesowroughtinhimthathisloveforherreturnedintohisheart，andhetookagainhisowndearladyandjoyfullyresignedallpretensionstotheLadySilviatoValentine，whohadsowelldeservedher。
ProteusandValentinewereexpressingtheirhappinessintheirreconciliation，andintheloveoftheirfaithfulladies，whentheyweresurprisedwiththesightoftheDukeofMilanandThurio，whocamethereinpursuitofSilvia。
Thuriofirstapproached，andattemptedtoseizeSilvia，saying，“Silviaismine。”
UponthisValentinesaidtohiminaveryspiritedmanner：
“Thurio，keepback。IfonceagainyousaythatSilviaisyours，youshallembraceyourdeath。Hereshestands，takebutpossessionofherwithatouch！Idareyoubuttobreatheuponmylove。”
Hearingthisthreat，Thurio，whowasagreatcoward，drewback，andsaidhecarednotforherandthatnonebutafoolwouldfightforagirlwholovedhimnot。
Theduke，whowasaverybravemanhimself，saidnow，ingreatanger，“Themorebaseanddegenerateinyoutotakesuchmeansforherasyouhavedoneandleaveheronsuchslightconditions。”
ThenturningtoValentinehesaid：“Idoapplaudyourspirit，Valentine，andthinkyouworthyofanempress”slove。YoushallhaveSilvia，foryouhavewelldeservedher。”
Valentinethenwithgreathumilitykissedtheduke”shandandacceptedthenoblepresentwhichhehadmadehimofhisdaughterwithbecomingthankfulness，takingoccasionofthisjoyfulminutetoentreatthegood-humoredduketopardonthethieveswithwhomhehadassociatedintheforest，assuringhimthatwhenreformedandrestoredtosocietytherewouldbefoundamongthemmanygood，andfitforgreatemployment；forthemostofthemhadbeenbanished，likeValentine，forstateoffenses，ratherthanforanyblackcrimestheyhadbeenguiltyof。Tothisthe”readydukeconsented。AndnownothingremainedbutthatProteus，thefalsefriend，wasordained，bywayofpenanceforhislove-promptedfaults，tobepresentattherecitalofthewholestoryofhislovesandfalsehoodsbeforetheduke。Andtheshameoftherecitaltohisawakenedconsciencewasjudgedsufficientpunishment；whichbeingdone，thelovers，allfour，returnedbacktoMilan，andtheirnuptialsweresolemnizedinthepresenceoftheduke，withhightriumphsandfeasting。
MERCHANTOFVENICE
Shylock，theJew，livedatVenice。HewasausurerwhohadamassedanimmensefortunebylendingmoneyatgreatinteresttoChristianmerchants。Shylock，beingahard-heartedman，exactedthepaymentofthemoneyhelentwithsuchseveritythathewasmuchdislikedbyallgoodmen，andparticularlybyAntonio，ayoungmerchantofVenice；andShylockasmuchhatedAntonio，becauseheusedtolendmoneytopeopleindistress，andwouldnevertakeanyinterestforthemoneyhelent；thereforetherewasgreatenmitybetweenthiscovetousJewandthegenerousmerchantAntonio。WheneverAntoniometShylockontheRialto，(orExchange)heusedtoreproachhimwithhisusuriesandharddealings，whichtheJewwouldbearwithseemingpatience，whilehesecretlymeditatedrevenge。
