Page 2377 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

DUMAINE He signs.
He signs.
My loving lord, Dumaine is mortified.
The grosser manner of these world’s delights
He throws upon the gross world’s baser slaves. [30]
To love, to wealth, to pomp, I pine and die,
With all these living in philosophy.

BEROWNE

I can but say their protestation over.
So much, dear liege, I have already sworn,
That is, to live and study here three years. [35]
But there are other strict observances:
As not to see a woman in that term -
Which I hope well is not enrollèd there;
And one day in a week to touch no food,
And but one meal on every day beside - [40]
The which I hope is not enrollèd there;
And then to sleep but three hours in the night,
And not be seen to wink of all the day,
When I was wont to think no harm all night,
And make a dark night too of half the day - [45]
Which I hope well is not enrollèd there.
O, these are barren tasks, too hard to keep,
Not to see ladies, study, fast, not sleep.

KING

Your oath is passed, to pass away from these.

BEROWNE

Let me say no, my liege, an if you please. [50]
I only swore to study with your grace,
And stay here in your court for three years’ space.

LONGAVILLE

You swore to that, Berowne, and to the rest.

BEROWNE