Le Beau. Three proper young men, of excel-
lent growth and presence;—
Ros. With bills on their necks, 'Be it known
unto all men by these presents.' 133
Le Beau. The eldest of the three wrestled
with Charles, the duke's wrestler; which Charles
in a moment threw him and broke three of his
ribs, that there is little hope of life in him: so 137
he served the second, and so the third. Yonder
they lie; the poor old man, their father, making
such pitiful dole over them that all the beholders
take his part with weeping. 141
Ros. Alas!
Touch. But what is the sport, monsieur, that
the ladies have lost? 144
Le Beau. Why, this that I speak of.
Touch. Thus men may grow wiser every day:
it is the first time that ever I heard breaking of
ribs was sport for ladies. 148
Cel. Or I, I promise thee.
Ros. But is there any else longs to see this
broken music in his sides? is there yet another
dotes upon rib-breaking? Shall we see this
wrestling, cousin? 153
Le Beau. You must, if you stay here; for
here is the place appointed for the wrestling,
and they are ready to perform it. 156
Cel. Yonder, sure, they are coming: let us
now stay and see it.
Flourish. Enter Duke [Frederick], Lords, Orlando, Charles, and Attendants.
130 proper: good-looking
131 presence: demeanor, carriage
132 bills: labels
'Be . . . presents': a legal phrase; cf. n.
135 which: the which
137 that: so that
140 dole: grief, lamentation
150 any: anyone
151 broken music; cf. n.
