Page 2380 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1
P. 2380
BEROWNE
Well, say I am! Why should proud summer boast
Before the birds have any cause to sing?
Why should I joy in an abortive birth?
At Christmas I no more desire a rose [105]
Than wish a snow in May’s new-fangled shows,
But like of each thing that in season grows.
So you, to study now it is too late,
Climb o’er the house to unlock the little gate.
KING
Well, sit you out. Go home, Berowne. Adieu! [110]
BEROWNE
No, my good lord, I have sworn to stay with you.
And though I have for barbarism spoke more
Than for that angel knowledge you can say,
Yet, confident, I’ll keep what I have sworn,
And bide the penance of each three years’ day. [115]
Give me the paper, let me read the same,
And to the strictest decrees I’ll write my name.
KING
How well this yielding rescues thee from shame.
BEROWNE
(reading) Item: that no woman shall come within a mile of my court -
hath this been proclaimed? [120]
LONGAVILLE
Four days ago.
BEROWNE
Let’s see the penalty - on pain of losing her tongue. Who devised this
penalty?
LONGAVILLE
Marry, that did I.
BEROWNE
