All's Well That Ends Well · Act 5, Scene 1

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Enter HELENA, Widow, and DIANA, with two Attendants
Enter HELENA, Widow, and DIANA, with two Attendants
Helena

But this exceeding posting day and night Must wear your spirits low; we cannot help it: But since you have made the days and nights as one, To wear your gentle limbs in my affairs, Be bold you do so grow in my requital As nothing can unroot you. In happy time;

Helena

But this constant travel day and night Will drain your energy; we can’t avoid it: But since you’ve made days and nights the same, To help with my affairs, keep going, And grow so strong in my gratitude That nothing can shake you. In good time;

Enter a Gentleman
Enter a Gentleman
Helena

This man may help me to his majesty’s ear, If he would spend his power. God save you, sir.

Helena

This man may help me reach the king, If he’s willing to use his influence. God bless you, sir.

Gentleman

And you.

Gentleman

And you.

Helena

Sir, I have seen you in the court of France.

Helena

Sir, I’ve seen you at the French court.

Gentleman

I have been sometimes there.

Gentleman

I’ve been there sometimes.

Helena

I do presume, sir, that you are not fallen From the report that goes upon your goodness; An therefore, goaded with most sharp occasions, Which lay nice manners by, I put you to The use of your own virtues, for the which I shall continue thankful.

Helena

I assume, sir, that you haven’t lost The good reputation you have; and so, Driven by strong reasons, I ask you, To use your own virtues, for which I’ll always be grateful.

Gentleman

What’s your will?

Gentleman

What do you want?

Helena

That it will please you To give this poor petition to the king, And aid me with that store of power you have To come into his presence.

Helena

I would like you To deliver this humble request to the king, And help me with your influence To get into his presence.

Gentleman

The king’s not here.

Gentleman

The king’s not here.

Helena

Not here, sir!

Helena

Not here, sir?

Gentleman

Not, indeed: He hence removed last night and with more haste Than is his use.

Gentleman

No, really: He left last night, and faster Than usual.

Widow

Lord, how we lose our pains!

Widow

Oh, how we waste our efforts!

Helena

ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL yet, Though time seem so adverse and means unfit. I do beseech you, whither is he gone?

Helena

ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL yet, Even though time seems against us and our resources are not enough. I beg you, where has he gone?

Gentleman

Marry, as I take it, to Rousillon; Whither I am going.

Gentleman

Well, as I understand it, to Rousillon; Where I’m headed too.

Helena

I do beseech you, sir, Since you are like to see the king before me, Commend the paper to his gracious hand, Which I presume shall render you no blame But rather make you thank your pains for it. I will come after you with what good speed Our means will make us means.

Helena

I beg you, sir, Since you’re likely to see the king before I do, Please give this letter to his kind hand, Which I believe won’t cause you any trouble, But will make you feel your effort was worth it. I will follow you as quickly as I can, With whatever speed we can manage.

Gentleman

This I’ll do for you.

Gentleman

I’ll do that for you.

Helena

And you shall find yourself to be well thank’d, Whate’er falls more. We must to horse again. Go, go, provide.

Helena

And you’ll find yourself well thanked, Whatever else happens. We must get back on horseback. Go, get ready.

Exuent
Exuent

End of Act 5, Scene 1

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