Page 853 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3
P. 853
Is a reservèd honesty, and that
I have not heard examined.
DIANA
Alas, poor lady!
’Tis a hard bondage to become the wife
Of a detesting lord.
WIDOW
I warrant, good creature, wheresoe’er she is, [65]
Her heart weighs sadly. This young maid might do her
A shrewd turn if she pleased.
HELENA
How do you mean?
Maybe the amorous Count solicits her
In the unlawful purpose?
WIDOW
He does indeed,
And brokes with all that can in such a suit [70]
Corrupt the tender honour of a maid;
But she is armed for him and keeps her guard
In honestest defence.
Drum and colours. Enter Bertram, Parolles, and the whole army.
MARIANA
The gods forbid else!
WIDOW
So, now they come.
That is Antonio, the Duke’s eldest son; [75]
That Escalus.
HELENA
Which is the Frenchman?
