The Complete Works of William Shakespeare In Plain and Simple English (Translated) (347 page)

be married when they were children: his Highness

has promised me that he will arrange it, and there's no better way

to remove the displeasure he feels with your son.

What does your ladyship think of the idea?

COUNTESS

With very much content, my lord; and I wish it

happily effected.

I'm very happy about that, my lord; and I hope

it will be done.

LAFEU

His highness comes post from Marseilles, of as able

body as when he numbered thirty: he will be here

to-morrow, or I am deceived by him that in such

intelligence hath seldom failed.

His Highness is coming by stages from Marseilles, as healthy

as when he was thirty years old: he will be here

tomorrow, unless I have been misinformed by

a very reliable source.

COUNTESS

It rejoices me, that I hope I shall see him ere I

die. I have letters that my son will be here

to-night: I shall beseech your lordship to remain

with me till they meet together.

I'm happy that I will have a chance to see him

before I die. I have had letters saying that my son will be here

tonight: I beg your lordship to stay with me

until they meet.

LAFEU

Madam, I was thinking with what manners I might

safely be admitted.

Madam, I was wondering how I could politely

ask if I could stay.

COUNTESS

You need but plead your honourable privilege.

All you need to do is mention the privilege of your rank.

LAFEU

Lady, of that I have made a bold charter; but I

thank my God it holds yet.

Lady, I've done that often enough; and I must

thank God it has never let me down yet.

Re-enter Clown

Clown

O madam, yonder's my lord your son with a patch of

velvet on's face: whether there be a scar under't

or no, the velvet knows; but 'tis a goodly patch of

velvet: his left cheek is a cheek of two pile and a

half, but his right cheek is worn bare.

Oh Madam, out there is my lord, your son, with a patch

of velvet on his face: whether or not there is a scar

underneath it, only the velvet knows; but it is a good piece

of velvet: his left cheek has a good thick beard on it,

but his right cheek is bare.

LAFEU

A scar nobly got, or a noble scar, is a good livery

of honour; so belike is that.

A scar nobly got, or a noble scar, is a badge

of honour; I expect this is.

Clown

But it is your carbonadoed face.

But it is a boiled face.

LAFEU

Let us go see your son, I pray you: I long to talk

with the young noble soldier.

Please, let us go and see your son: I'm longing to talk

with the young noble soldier.

Clown

Faith there's a dozen of 'em, with delicate fine

hats and most courteous feathers, which bow the head

and nod at every man.

Exeunt

Well there's a dozen of them, with delicate fine

hats and lovely feathers, which bounce

and nod at everyone.

Enter HELENA, Widow, and DIANA, with two Attendants

HELENA

But this exceeding posting day and night

Must wear your spirits low; we cannot help it:

But since you have made the days and nights as one,

To wear your gentle limbs in my affairs,

Be bold you do so grow in my requital

As nothing can unroot you. In happy time;

Enter a Gentleman

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

If he would spend his power. God save you, sir.

But all this travel, day and night

must be wearing you out; it can't be helped:

but since you have given up day and night

To exhaust yourself on my behalf

be assured that you are so deserving

of my reward that nothing will stop me repaying you.

In good time–

This man can help me influence his Majesty,

if he is willing to. God save you sir.

Gentleman

And you.

And you.

HELENA

Sir, I have seen you in the court of France.

Sir, I have seen you at the French court.

Gentleman

I have been sometimes there.

I have sometimes been there.

HELENA

I do presume, sir, that you are not fallen

From the report that goes upon your goodness;

And therefore, goaded with most sharp occasions,

Which lay nice manners by, I put you to

The use of your own virtues, for the which

I shall continue thankful.

I assume, sir, that you are still just as good

as reports say you are;

and so, spurred on by very pressing need,

which means I can't stand on ceremony, I ask you

to use your virtues in my service, for which

I will always be grateful.

Gentleman

What's your will?

What is it you want?

HELENA

That it will please you

To give this poor petition to the king,

And aid me with that store of power you have

To come into his presence.

That you will agree

to give this poor petition to the King,

and help me with the influence you have

to get an audience with him.

Gentleman

The king's not here.

The King's not here.

HELENA

Not here, sir!

Not here, sir!

Gentleman

Not, indeed:

He hence removed last night and with more haste

Than is his use.

Indeed he is not:

he left here last night, more quickly

than he usually does.

Widow

Lord, how we lose our pains!

Lord, all our efforts are for nothing!

HELENA

All's well that ends well yet,

Though time seem so adverse and means unfit.

I do beseech you, whither is he gone?

All's well that ends well, remember,

even though time and circumstances seem against us.

May I ask you, where has he gone?

Gentleman

Marry, as I take it, to Rousillon;

Whither I am going.

Why, as far as I know, to Rousillon:

which is where I'm going.

HELENA

I do beseech you, sir,

Since you are like to see the king before me,

Commend the paper to his gracious hand,

Which I presume shall render you no blame

But rather make you thank your pains for it.

I will come after you with what good speed

Our means will make us means.

I beg you, sir,

since you are likely to see the King before me,

put this petition in his gracious hand,

which I don't think will get you into any trouble,

in fact you will be glad you took the trouble.

I will come after you as fast

as our resources permit.

Gentleman

This I'll do for you.

I'll do this for you.

HELENA

And you shall find yourself to be well thank'd,

Whate'er falls more. We must to horse again.

Go, go, provide.

Exeunt

And you will be much thanked for it,

whatever happens. We must start travelling again.

Go, go, help us.

Enter Clown, and PAROLLES, following

PAROLLES

Good Monsieur Lavache, give my Lord Lafeu this

letter: I have ere now, sir, been better known to

you, when I have held familiarity with fresher

clothes; but I am now, sir, muddied in fortune's

mood, and smell somewhat strong of her strong

displeasure.

 Good Monsieur Lavache, give my Lord Lafeu this

letter: in the past you have known me

when I had cleaner clothes on; but I'm now

rather trampled in the mud by Fortune