ACT FOURTH
Scene One
[The King of Navarre's Park]
Enter the Princess, a Forester, her Ladies, and her Lords.
Prin. Was that the king, that spurr'd his horse so hard
Against the steep uprising of the hill?
Boyet. I know not; but I think it was not he.
Prin. Whoe'er a' was, a' show'd a mounting mind. 4
Well, lords, to-day we shall have our dispatch;
On Saturday we will return to France.
Then, forester, my friend, where is the bush
That we must stand and play the murtherer in? 8
For. Hereby, upon the edge of yonder coppice;
A stand where you may make the fairest shoot.
Prin. I thank my beauty, I am fair that shoot,
And thereupon thou speak'st the fairest shoot. 12
For. Pardon me, madam, for I meant not so.
Prin. What, what? first praise me, and again say no?
O short-liv'd pride! Not fair? alack for woe!
For. Yes, madam, fair.
Prin. Nay, never paint me now: 16
Where fair is not, praise cannot mend the brow.
Here, good my glass.—[Gives money.] Take this for telling true:
Fair payment for foul words is more than due.
For. Nothing but fair is that which you inherit. 20
Prin. See, see! my beauty will be sav'd by merit.
9 coppice: thicket
10 stand: hunter's station
17 fair: beauty
18 my glass: mirror, i.e. the Forester
20 inherit: possess
21 merit: good deeds
