Page:Stories from Old English Poetry-1899.djvu/243

 Rh resolve, and did not overcome it, the two girls made their plot, which was a clever one, and prompted by Rosalind’s wit. They resolved that Celia should dress as a shepherdess,one who was not poor in lands or flocks,and because the name had reference to her state, she should be called Aliena; while Rosalind, who was more than common tall, and had, when her spirits were not crushed by sadness, a saucy air and ready tongue, should be her brother Ganymede, dressed in a boy’s guise. They arranged to carry away all the gold they could secrete, and all their jewels. Then taking with them, half for protection and half for company, the court jester, Touchstone, they set out at night, very privately, on their journey to the forest of Arden.

They were not long in reaching the edge of the forest; and buying a cottage there, together with some land and flocks of sheep, they lived as brother and sister to all who knew them. They dared not yet disclose themselves to the Duke, fearing lest their disguise might become known to others, and they resolved to wait for a favorable time to make themselves known to him. But often in the forest aisles Rosalind got a glimpse of her noble father, and, seeing him, longed to throw herself into his arms, or at his feet, to crave his blessing.