many a fair year, though Hero had turned nun, if it had not been for a hot midsummer night; for, good youth, he went but forth to wash him in the Hellespont, and being taken with the cramp was drowned; and the foolish coroners of that age found it was Hero of Sestos.' But these are all lies: men have died from time to time, and worms have eaten them, but not for love. а Orl. I would not have my right Rosalind of this mind, for, I protest, her frown might kill me. Ros. By this hand, it will not kill a fly. But come, now I will be your Rosalind in a more coming-on disposition, and ask me what you will, will grant it. Orl. Then love me, Rosalind. Orl. And wilt thou have me? Ros. Why then, can one desire too much of a good thing? Come, sister, you shall be the Give me priest and marry us. your hand, Orlando. What do you say, sister? Orl. Pray thee, marry us. Cel. I cannot say the words. Ros. You must begin, Will you, Orlando,' Cel. Go to. Will you, Orlando, have to wife this Rosalind ? Orl. I will. Ros. Ay, but when? Orl. Why now; as fast as she can marry us. Ros. Then you must say, I take thee, Rosalind, for wife.' 8 Orl. I take thee, Rosalind, for wife. Ros. I might ask you for your commission; but I do take thee, Orlando, for my husband: there's a girl goes before the priest; and certainly a woman's thought runs before her actions. Orl. So do all thoughts; they are winged. Ros. Now tell me how long you would have her after you have possessed her. Orl. For ever and a day. Ros. Say a day,' without the 'ever.' No, no, Orlando; men are April when they woo, December when they wed: maids are May when they are maids, but the sky changes when they are wives. I will be more jealous of thee than a Barbary cock-pigeon over his hen; more clamorous than a parrot against rain; more new-fangled than an ape; more giddy in my desires than a monkey: I will weep for nothing, like Diana in the fountain, and I will do that when you are disposed to be merry; I will laugh like a hyen, and that when thou art inclined to sleep. |