Page:As You Like It (1919) Yale.djvu/87

As You Like It, IV. i

armed in his fortune and prevents the slander

of his wife.

Orl. Virtue is no horn-maker; and my Rosa-

lind is virtuous.

Ros. And I am your Rosalind?

Cel. It pleases him to call you so; but he

hath a Rosalind of a better leer than you.

Ros. Come, woo me, woo me; for now I am

in a holiday humour, and like enough to con-

sent. What would you say to me now, an I

were your very very Rosalind?

Orl. I would kiss before I spoke.

Ros. Nay, you were better speak first, and

when you were gravelled for lack of matter,

you might take occasion to kiss. Very good

orators, when they are out, they will spit; and

for lovers lacking—God warn us!—matter, the

cleanliest shift is to kiss.

Orl. How if the kiss be denied?

Ros. Then she puts you to entreaty, and there

begins new matter.

Orl. Who could be out, being before his be-

loved mistress?

Ros. Marry, that should you, if I were your

mistress; or I should think my honesty ranker

than my wit.

Orl. What, of my suit?

Ros. Not out of your apparel, and yet out of

your suit. Am not I your Rosalind?

Orl. I take some joy to say you are, because

I would be talking of her.

 63 prevents: anticipates

69 leer: complexion, countenance

76 gravelled: nonplused

78 out: i.e., out of material

79 God warn us: God keep us

80 cleanliest shift: cleverest device

87 ranker: more excessive 