Page 2652 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

DEMET RIUS

Tempt not too much the hatred of my spirit;
For I am sick when I do look on thee.

HELENA

And I am sick when I look not on you.

DEMET RIUS

You do impeach your modesty too much
To leave the city and commit yourself [215]
Into the hands of one that loves you not,
To trust the opportunity of night
And the ill counsel of a desert place
With the rich worth of your virginity.

HELENA

Your virtue is my privilege: for that [220]
It is not night when I do see your face,
Therefore I think I am not in the night;
Nor doth this wood lack worlds of company,
For you, in my respect, are all the world;
Then how can it be said I am alone, [225]
When all the world is here to look on me?

DEMET RIUS

I’ll run from thee and hide me in the brakes,
And leave thee to the mercy of wild beasts.

HELENA

The wildest hath not such a heart as you.
Run when you will; the story shall be chang’d; [230]
Apollo flies, and Daphne holds the chase;
The dove pursues the griffin, the mild hind
Makes speed to catch the tiger - bootless speed,
When cowardice pursues and valour flies!

DEMET RIUS

I will not stay thy questions; let me go, [235]
Or if thou follow me, do not believe
But I shall do thee mischief in the wood.