Page 790 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

HELENA

So is running away, when fear proposes the safety. But the composition that
your valour and fear makes in you is a virtue of a good wing, and I like the
[200] wear well.

PAROLLES
I am so full of businesses I cannot answer thee acutely. I will return perfect

courtier, in the which my instruction shall serve to naturalize thee, so thou
wilt be capable of a courtier’s counsel, and understand what [205] advice
shall thrust upon thee; else thou diest in thine unthankfulness, and thine
ignorance makes thee away. Farewell. When thou hast leisure, say thy

prayers; when thou hast none, remember thy friends. Get thee a good
husband, and use him as he uses thee. So, farewell. [210]
Exit.

HELENA
Our remedies oft in ourselves do lie,

Which we ascribe to heaven. The fated sky
Gives us free scope, only doth backward pull
Our slow designs when we ourselves are dull.
What power is it which mounts my love so high, [215]
That makes me see, and cannot feed mine eye?

The mightiest space in fortune nature brings
To join like likes, and kiss like native things.
Impossible be strange attempts to those

That weigh their pains in sense, and do suppose [220]
What hath been cannot be. Who ever strove
To show her merit that did miss her love?
The King’s disease − my project may deceive me,
But my intents are fixed, and will not leave me.

Exit.

Scene II IT

Flourish of cornets. Enter the King of France with letters, and divers

attendants.