Page 850 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

DIANA

They say the French Count has done most honourable service.

WIDOW
It is reported that he has taken their greatest [5] commander, and that with
his own hand he slew the Duke’s brother.
Tucket.

We have lost our labour; they are gone a contrary way. Hark! You may know
by their trumpets.

MARIANA
Come, let’s return again and suffice ourselves [10] with the report of it. Well,
Diana, take heed of this French Earl. The honour of a maid is her name, and
no legacy is so rich as honesty.

WIDOW

I have told my neighbour how you have been solicited by a gentleman his
companion. [15]

MARIANA
I know that knave, hang him! one Parolles; a filthy officer he is in those
suggestions for the young Earl. Beware of them, Diana: their promises,

enticements, oaths, tokens, and all these engines of lust, are not the things
they go under. Many a maid hath been [20] seduced by them, and the misery
is, example, that so terrible shows in the wrack of maidenhood, cannot for all
that dissuade succession, but that they are limed with the twigs that
threatens them. I hope I need not to advise you further; but I hope your own

grace will keep you [25] where you are, though there were no further danger
known but the modesty which is so lost.

DIANA
You shall not need to fear me.

Enter Helena.

WIDOW
I hope so. Look, here comes a pilgrim. I know she will lie at my house; thither

they send one another. [30] I’ll question her. God save you, pilgrim! Whither