Shakespeare and the Art of Verbal Seduction

OF VERBAL

m

Ut lips do what hands do!

4*

ItH

Are you meditating on virginity?

[Your] face [ i s ] the book of praises, where is read nothing but curious pleasure.

M y ears have yet not drunk a hundred words Of thy tongue's uttering, yet I know the sound.

y O YOU LONG TO BE SEDUCTIVE? Have a desire to be seduced? Then "let lips do what hands do" and put into practice the most enticing baubles of seduction ever written. Shakespeare and the Art of Verbal Seduction contains the Bards best seducing lines to cajole, charm, and even proposition the object of your desire. Shakespeare is the master of persuasion. He induces the hardest of hearts to give up mind, body, and soul with a brilliant flash of words. Here they're collected for you, his little miracles of language, arranged in ten strategies for every stage of a love affair, Irom first encounter to the full throes of passion. Never again let your desire flounder in bad come-ons. Learn the art of seduction from the greatest seducer of all time, and get what you want. Cour design h\ Maggie Hinders Co\ cr illustration by Miguel CutilLis

HL'MOR

ISBN

D-un-acnL7-i

SHAKESPEARE AND THE j \ x t OF VERBAL

S

eduction

SHAKESPEARE AND THE j \ ï t OF VERBAL

S

eduction WAYNE F. HILL CYNTHIA J. ÔTTCHEN

T H R E E N E V

Y O R K

R I V E R S

P R E S S

Copyright © 2003 by Wayne F. Hill and Cynthia J. Ôttchen All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Published by Three Rivers Press, New York, New York. Member of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc. www.randomhouse.com THREE RIVERS PRESS and the Tugboat design are registered trademarks of Random House, Inc. Printed in the United States of America Design by Maggie Hinders Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616. Shakespeare and the art of verbal seduction / [compiled by] Wayne F. Hill and Cynthia J. Ottchen.—1st ed. 1. Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616—Quotations. maxims, etc.

I. Hill, Wayne F.

II. Ôttchen, Cynthia J.

P R 2 7 7 1 .H55

2002026799

ISBN 0-609-80967-9 9

8

First Edition

III. Title. 2003

822.3*3—dc2i

10

2. Seduction—Quotations,

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

He, he, andyou, andyou, my liege, and I, Are pick-purses in love, and we deserve to die. LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST

Contents

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS How

viii

TO HANDLE THIS BOOK

Ice-hreaking Angling

1

27

Enticements and Inducements Self-Inflation

75

Ego-Stroking

93

Fast-talking

127

Goading and Prodding Propositioning

193

Whining and Wheedling Heart-throhhing

153

273

233

59

ix

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

MANY PEOPLE helped make this book possible. For making it happen, we would like to thank Lauren Shakely at Random House and Jonathan Lloyd and Tara Wynne at Curtis Brown. And thanks to Random House's Lance Troxel for his sure but light touch. Thank you, Miguel Cutillas, for designing the cover illustration. Thanks also to Anne Berkeley, Andre Mangeot, and Andrea Porter for bemused assistance in sorting extracts. Thank you, Emily Dening, for preparing the manuscripts. Finally we thank all the readers and abusers of Shakespeare's Insults, Educating Your Wit, who wrote and insisted on an encore. We just happened to have a little something for your twisted imaginations. Write to us about this.

How

E

rVERYBODY

TO HANDLE THIS BOOK

WANTS TO BE SEDUCED. And at the

same time, everyone's trying to do it. Seduction is a universal dream that hardly anyone makes an intimate reality. Where is

the deft touch, that perfect word people long for? Seduction is the most played—and worst played—game in human history. So few people win that the laurels languish. Winners have to be wonderful with words. The person you desire will be ready for you if you say what they're ready to hear—what they're deep down dying to be told. The bad lines and the groans are a crying shame. For everyone's mu' tual pleasure, and a global increase in satisfaction, we bring in Shakespeare, the greatest player of all time. He enters as never before, revealing in bare, exciting variety how he makes his language come together. We are directors, and this is a play. Together we'll make his voice yours.

We have already collected his insults, pure dramatic conflict distilled into stunning little economies of words. Now we gather up the language of forging connections and bringing people together. And again he creates whole worlds in brief verbal twists. What we're after is how the master uses language. Not to explain it, but to show it. If he knows the human heart so well, what does he do to join two people, to arrive at a yes? We want those little energetics of language. We choose to lift them out of context. It doesn't matter now who said what to whom. It's Shakespeare's gift with words we want unwrapped. We leave it to you to supply the people to say them and play them on, yourself being one. The lines between these covers weren't all created for helping people into love, but all these persuasive sentences might work for love. The myriad shapes of this seductive language serve the mercurial needs of a love affair. We've let them find their way into ten chapters, from first encounter through all the barriers to passion and finishing with lines that render boredom most unlikely. Wliat could be more useful? Who could be more helpful? Our chapter introductions are more like intermission entertainments than sober commentaries. Appropriate to seduction, we're playing, not saying. Most of the time the extracts come straight from the page. But to make lines useful for direct address, we say things like "[I'll] out-tongue [your] complaints," rather than the congested correctness of "My services which I have done the signiory,/ Shall out-tongue his complaints." When we've tweaked, we make it obvious with ellipses . . . and [square brackets]. We make sure subject and verb still agree. When it's

I

SHAKESPEARE AND THE ART OF VERBAL SEDUCTION

essential, we clear away just enough clinging bits of context so, instead of quoting scraps of other Shakespearean characters, you and he and we make a character out of you. Go on. Slip into the pages; form the sounds in your mouth; play upon the words. Get the feel for rhythm and tone. Watch the language transform before your eyes from words into images, ideas, and emotions. A sexy new sensibility will energize your entrances and exits. You may develop style. You might even succeed at seduction. You'll certainly re-create yourself as a more interesting character. Arouse interest in yourself. Imply wider riches. No need to quote slavishly verbatim: Shakespeare calls for drama, not automata. Get ready to expend new reserves of verbal energy and get somewhere with the creature you desire.

How to Handle This Book

SHAKESPEARE AND THE <7Vrt OF VERBAL

S

eduction

Ice-breaking

J L — V E R Y O N E IS A S T R A N G E R , i n c l u d i n g you, and Shake­ r

speare does s o m e t h i n g a b o u t it. H e creates perfect o p e n e r s . W h e n complicated people b u m p i n t o each o t h e r , it's t h e delicate d r a m a of t h e first i m p r e s s i o n . It's p u r e comedy, if n o t p u r e tragedy, fantasy, or history. W h i c h is w h y it's p u r e felicity for Shakespeare to appear s u d d e n l y o n t h e scene t o s o r t t h i n g s out. Chief a m o n g t h e playwrights h e m a k e s himself invisible b y letting every s o r t of h u m a n character s h i n e t h r o u g h h i m . H e is sheer camouflage. U s e his lines as s h e e r bricolage. O p e n t h e s e pages, and do it yourself. W h e n t h e r e was t e n s i o n in t h e p l a y h o u s e , Shakespeare got people's attention. " O for a m u s e of fire," h e said, and i n t o t h e play everybody w e n t . G o a n d do likewise. M e l t y o u r audience of one. B u t a s s u m i n g y o u can't c o m e u p w i t h t h e perfect w o r d s at t h e perfect time, at least create t h e i m p r e s s i o n t h a t y o u can. Learn to play w i t h Shakespeare's wit and go for a h a p p y acci­ dent. T o d a y ' s awful lines are offal, b u t Shakespeare keeps c h a t - u p standards u p . T h e r e ' s n o p o i n t in r e i n v e n t i n g genius. H i s down-to-earth message: Please, be discriminating. Revel in h u ­ m a n s t r a n g e r h o o d w i t h o u t r u i n i n g t h e n e i g h b o r h o o d . Avoid the groans, say w h a t succeeds. U s e t h e s e certified good lines as needed, and w h e n t h e y r u n out, b o w out. Retire offstage. If y o u t h i n k y o u need m o r e , y o u h o n e s t l y n e e d to leave people alone.

ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL A r e y o u m e d i t a t i n g o n virginity?

1.1.108 N o w I see T h e m y s t ' r y of y o u r l o n e l i n e s s .

1.3.165-66 Fair maid, s e n d forth t h i n e eye.

2-3-52 [ Y o u ' r e ] a fair c r e a t u r e .

3.6.112 T h e y told m e that your name was Fontybell.

4.2.1

ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA C o m e , y o u ' l l p l a y w i t h m e , sir?

z.5.6 H o w n o w , friend Eros?

3.5.1 W h e r e hast t h o u been, m y heart?

1-^77

As You LIKE IT [ Y o u ] a r e fair w i t h [ y o u r ] f e e d i n g .

1.1.11-12.

2

I

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W h a t shall be o u r sport t h e n ?

1.2.29 H o w n o w W i t , whither w a n d e r you?

1.2.53-54 Your heart's desires be w i t h you!

1.2.187 O excellent y o u n g m a n !

1.2.201 G e n t l e m a n , w e a r t h i s for m e .

1.2.236 I n m y voice m o s t w e l c o m e s h a l l y o u b e .

2.4.85 If l a d i e s b e b u t y o u n g a n d fair, T h e y h a v e t h e gift t o k n o w it.

2-7-37~3

8

Sit y o u d o w n i n g e n t l e n e s s .

2.7.124 B e b l e s t for y o u r g o o d c o m f o r t .

2.7.135 W h e r e dwell y o u pretty y o u t h ?

3.2.32b A r e y o u n a t i v e of t h i s p l a c e ?

3-2-33

1

Y o u r a c c e n t is s o m e t h i n g f i n e r t h a n y o u c o u l d p u r c h a s e in so removed a dwelling. 2

3- -333-34

Ice-breaking

I

3

[ Y o u ] s e e m t o h a v e t h e q u o t i d i a n of l o v e u p o n [ y o u ] .

3.2.356 I profess curing [love m a d n e s s ] by counsel.

3-*-393 W e l l , t h e g o d s give u s j o y !

3-3-4

1

H i e s i g h t of l o v e r s f e e d e t h t h o s e i n l o v e .

3-4-53 W h y do you look o n me?

3.5.41 [ I k n o w y o u ] n o t v e r y w e l l , b u t I h a v e m e t [ y o u ] oft.

3.5.106 [You are] a pretty y o u t h — n o t very p r e t t y — But sure . . . proud, and yet [ y o u r ] pride becomes [you].

3.5.113-14 I p r i t h e e , p r e t t y y o u t h , let m e b e b e t t e r a c q u a i n t e d w i t h thee.

4.1.1-2 M y e r r a n d is t o y o u , fair y o u t h .

4.3.6 [You] play the swaggerer.

4.3.14 I should have been a w o m a n .

4-3-Ï75 I k n o w y o u are a g e n t l e m a n .

5-^.53

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L o o k u p o n [ m e ] , love [ m e ] . I w o r s h i p y o u .

5.2.81 L e t m e h a v e a u d i e n c e for a w o r d o r t w o .

5.4.150

CYMBELINE [ Y o u a r e ] t h e fairest t h a t I h a v e l o o k ' d u p o n .

2.4.32 Come, here's m y heart.

3-4-79 B y J u p i t e r , a n a n g e l ! o r , if n o t , A n earthly paragon! Behold divineness.

3.7.15-16 For beauty, [you m a k e ] b a r r e n the swell'd boast O f h i m that best could speak.

5.5.162-63 For feature, [ y o u ] lame T h e s h r i n e of V e n u s .

5.5.163-64 [ Y o u a r e ] a s h o p of all t h e q u a l i t i e s t h a t m a n L o v e s w o m a n for.

5.5.166-67 [You are] w o r t h y T o inlay heaven w i t h stars.

5-5-35^-53

IcC'hreak

HAMLET W h a t a r t t h o u t h a t u s u r p ' s t t h i s t i m e of n i g h t ?

1.1.49 A n d now, what's the n e w s with you?

1.2.42 O fear m e n o t .

1.3.51 T h o u com'st in such a questionable shape T h a t I will s p e a k t o t h e e .

1.4.43-44 Soft, m e t h i n k s I s c e n t t h e m o r n i n g air.

1.5.58 Hillo, h o , h o , boy. C o m e , bird, c o m e .

1.5.118 H a v e [ I ] g i v e n [ y o u ] a n y h a r d w o r d s of late?

2.1.107 Buzz, buzz.

2.2.389 C o m e , give u s a t a s t e of y o u r q u a l i t y . C o m e , a p a s s i o n a t e speech.

2.2.427-28 [ Y o u a r e ] t h ' e x p e c t a n c y a n d r o s e of t h e fair s t a t e . I

I

3- - 54 [ Y o u a r e ] t h e g l a s s of f a s h i o n a n d t h e m o u l d of f o r m .

3.1.155

SHAKESPEARE

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SEDUCTION

[ Y o u a r e ] t h ' o b s e r v e d of all o b s e r v e r s .

3.1.156 0

confound

the r e s t .

3.2.172 [ I w i l l ] call y o u [ m y ] m o u s e .

3.4.185 [ Y o u a r e ] l o v ' d of t h e d i s t r a c t e d m u l t i t u d e .

4-3-4 H o w d o y o u , p r e t t y lady?

4.5.41 0 r o s e of M a y ! I

4-5 57 1 have words to speak in thine

ear.

4.6.22 L o v e b e t w e e n [ u s ] like t h e p a l m m i g h t

flourish.

5.2.40 If [ y o u ] w e r e at l e i s u r e , I s h o u l d i m p a r t a t h i n g t o y o u .

5.2.90-91 M e t h i n k s it is v e r y s u l t r y a n d h o t for m y c o m p l e x i o n .

5.2.97-98 I pray you pass w i t h your best violence. I a m afeard y o u m a k e a w a n t o n of m e .

5.2.302-3

Ice-breaking

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7

LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST Did I n o t dance w i t h you in Brabant once?

2.1.113 V o u c h s a f e t o s h o w t h e s u n s h i n e of y o u r face, T h a t w e , l i k e s a v a g e s , m a y w o r s h i p it.

5.z.201-2 W h i t e - h a n d e d mistress, one sweet word with thee.

5.2.230 O n e w o r d in secret.

5.2.236 W i l l y o u vouchsafe with m e to change a word?

5.2.238 O n e w o r d in private w i t h y o u ere I die.

5.2.254

MEASURE FOR MEASURE I b e s e e c h y o u , . . . l o o k i n t h i s g e n t l e m a n ' s face.

2.1.145 L o o k u p o n [ m y ] h o n o u r ; ' t i s for a g o o d p u r p o s e . — D o t h y o u r h o n o u r m a r k [ m y ] face?

2.1.146-47 I'll b e s u p p o s e d u p o n a b o o k , [ y o u r ] face is t h e w o r s t thing about [you]. l : [

2 53-54 Y o u r b u m is t h e g r e a t e s t t h i n g a b o u t y o u .

2.1.214-15

8

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W h a t ' s y o u r suit?

2.2.28 Sound a thought upon your tongue.

2.2.141 T h e tempter, or the tempted, w h o sins most, ha?

2.2.164 H o w n o w fair m a i d ?

2.4.30 [Your] saucy sweetness . . . coins heaven's image.

2.4.45 [ Y o u ] find y o u r s e l f d e s i r ' d of s u c h a p e r s o n .

2.4.91 W h a t hoa! Peace here; grace and good c o m p a n y !

3-Ï-44 A word with you. A s m a n y as y o u p l e a s e .

3.1.50-51 N o w . . . what's the comfort?

Vouchsafe a word, y o u n g sister, b u t o n e word.

3.1.150-51 M i g h t you dispense w i t h y o u r leisure, I w o u l d by and b y have s o m e speech w i t h you. I

I

3- - 53-54 I a m s o o u t of love w i t h life.

3.1.170-71

Ice-breaking

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9

H o w doth m y dear morsel, thy mistress?

3.2.52 O f w h e n c e are you?

3.2.210 H e r e c o m e s a m a n of c o m f o r t .

4.1.8 Very well met, and well come.

4.1.26 M i l l i o n s of false e y e s A r e stuck u p o n thee.

4.1.60-61 Happily you something know.

4-2-93-94 O , 'tis a n accident t h a t h e a v e n provides.

4.3.76 G o o d m o r n i n g t o y o u , fair a n d g r a c i o u s [ w o m a n ] .

4.3.in D o y o u n o t s m i l e at t h i s ?

5.1.165 L e t ' s s e e t h y face.

5.1.204 O m o s t kind maid.

5.1.391 Joy to you.

5.1.523

10

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THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR P r e t t y virginity!

1.1.43 By m y t r o t h , y o u are very well m e t : b y y o u r leave, g o o d mistress. 1 1 1

- - 7^~75

H o w now, good woman, h o w dost thou?

1.4.129 Pretty weathercock?

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM H o w n o w , m y love? W h y is y o u r c h e e k s o p a l e ? H o w c h a n c e t h e r o s e s t h e r e d o fade s o fast?

1.1.128-29 A lover, or a t y r a n t ?

1.2.29 W h a t a n g e l w a k e s m e f r o m m y flowery b e d ?

3.1.124 A s l e e p , m y love? W h a t , dead, m y dove?

5.1.311-12

Ice-breaking

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1 1

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING I n m i n e eye, [ y o u ] are t h e s w e e t e s t lady t h a t ever I looked on. 1 1 1

- - 74~75

L a d y , will y o u w a l k a b o u t w i t h y o u r friend?

2.1.79 C o m e , b i d m e d o a n y t h i n g for t h e e .

4.1.287

OTHELLO H a i l t o t h e e , lady, a n d t h e g r a c e of h e a v e n , Before, b e h i n d thee, and o n every h a n d Enwheel thee round!

2.1.85-87 [ Y o u ' r e ] a m o s t e x q u i s i t e lady.

2.3.18 [You're] a m o s t fresh a n d delicate creature.

2.3.20 W h a t a n e y e [ y o u h a v e ] ! m e t h i n k s it s o u n d s a p a r l e y t o provocation.

2.3.21-22 [You are] indeed perfection.

2.3.25 A fine w o m a n , a fair w o m a n , a s w e e t w o m a n !

4.1.175-76

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[Your] body and beauty unprovide m y mind.

4.1.202-3 Pray, c h u c k , c o m e h i t h e r .

4.2.23 Let m e s e e y o u r e y e s .

4.2.25 [ Y o u a r e ] like o n e of h e a v e n .

4.2.37 T h o u y o u n g and rose-lipped chérubin.

4.2.64 [ T h o u ] a r e s o l o v e l y fair a n d s m e l l ' s t s o s w e e t T h a t t h e s e n s e a c h e s at t h e e .

4.2.68-69 O, these m e n , these men!

4-3-59 O balmy breath.

5.2.16 [You a r e ] t h e sweetest i n n o c e n t T h a t e'er d i d lift u p e y e .

5.2.197-98

PERICLES I life w o u l d w i s h , a n d t h a t I m i g h t W a s t e it for y o u like t a p e r - l i g h t . 1.Chorus. 1 5 - 1 6

Ice-break

[ Y o u a r e ] s o b u x o m , b l i t h e a n d full of face A s h e a v e n h a d l e n t [ y o u ] all h i s g r a c e . i.Chorus.23-24 [ Y o u r ] face [ i s ] t h e b o o k of p r a i s e s , w h e r e is r e a d N o t h i n g b u t curious pleasures.

1.1.16-17 [ M i n e ] eye p r e s u m e s to reach. I

I

- -33"34

I bequeath a happy peace to you.

1.1.51 H e r e pleasures court m i n e eyes.

1.2.7 T h o u h a s t m o v ' d [ m e ] ; w h a t seest t h o u in [ m y ] looks?

1.2.52 [ Y o u r ] face w a s t o m i n e e y e b e y o n d all w o n d e r .

1.2.75 Feast here awhile, U n t i l o u r stars that frown lend u s a smile.

1.4.107-8 [ Y o u ] s i t h e r e like B e a u t y ' s c h i l d , w h o m N a t u r e g a t F o r m e n t o s e e , a n d s e e i n g w o n d e r at.

2.2.6-7 Sure [you're] a gallant gentleman.

2.3.32 [ Y o u ' r e ] as a fair d a y i n s u m m e r , w o n d r o u s fair.

2.5.36

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L o o k h o w fresh s h e looks!

3.2.81 [Your] excellent complexion . . . did steal T h e e y e s of y o u n g a n d o l d .

4.1.40-41 W h y lament you pretty one?

4.2.64 I t h i n k that I shall have s o m e t h i n g to do w i t h you.

4.2.82-83 Pray you, come hither awhile.

4.2.114 You h a v e f o r t u n e s c o m i n g u p o n y o u .

4.2.114-15 C o m e , y o u n g o n e , I like t h e m a n n e r of y o u r g a r m e n t s well.

4.2.131-32 N o n e would look o n [any other], B u t c a s t t h e i r g a z e s o n [ y o u r ] face.

4-3-32-33 Y o u r e a r s u n t o y o u r e y e s I'll r e c o n c i l e .

4.4.22 H o w now, w h o l e s o m e iniquity.

4.6.23-24 H a v e y o u t h a t a m a n m a y d e a l w i t h a l , a n d defy t h e surgeon?

4.6.24-25

Ice'bresking

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15

[ Y o u ] s i n g like o n e i m m o r t a l , a n d [ y o u ] d a n c e A s goddess'like. 5. C h o r u s . 3-4 W h a t is [ m y ] will? T h a t [ y o u ] have [yours].

5.1.5-6 [ Y o u a r e ] all h a p p y as t h e fairest of all.

5.1.48 Prithee speak; F a l s e n e s s c a n n o t c o m e f r o m t h e e , for t h o u l o o k ' s t M o d e s t as J u s t i c e , a n d t h o u s e e m ' s t a p a l a c e F o r t h e c r o w n ' d T r u t h to dwell in.

5.1.119-22 T h o u l o o k ' s t like o n e I l o v ' d i n d e e d .

5.1.124-25 T h o u dost look Like Patience gazing o n kings' graves, a n d smiling E x t r e m i t y o u t of act.

5.1.137-39 A r e y o u flesh a n d b l o o d ? H a v e y o u a w o r k i n g p u l s e , a n d a r e n o fairy Motion? Well, speak on. W h e r e were you born?

5.1.152-54

ROMEO AND JULIET I p r a y c o m e a n d c r u s h a c u p of w i n e .

1.2.82

16

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O n e fairer t h a n m y love! T h e a l l - s e e i n g s u n N e ' e r s a w [ y o u r ] m a t c h s i n c e first t h e w o r l d b e g u n .

1.2.94-95 G o d be with [your] soul, [You're] a merry m a n .

1.3.39-40 T h o u w a s t t h e p r e t t i e s t b a b e t h a t e'er I [ s a w ] .

1.3.60 S u m m e r h a t h n o t s u c h a flower [ a s y o u ] .

Ï-377 [ Y o u ' r e ] a flower, i n faith a v e r y

flower.

1.3.78 [ I ] r e a d o ' e r t h e v o l u m e of [ y o u r ] face A n d find d e l i g h t w r i t t h e r e w i t h b e a u t y ' s p e n .

1.3.81-82 [ Y o u ] p r e c i o u s b o o k of l o v e , [ y o u ] u n b o u n d l o v e r , T o beautify [ y o u ] o n l y lacks a cover.

1.3.87-88 I'll l o o k t o l i k e , if l o o k i n g l i k i n g m o v e .

1.3.97 [ Y o u r ] b e a u t y [ i s ] t o o r i c h for u s e , for e a r t h t o o d e a r .

1.5.46 [You are] a s n o w y dove t r o o p i n g w i t h crows.

Ï-5-47 I a m too bold.

2.2.14

Ice-breaking

*7

W h a t m a n art t h o u t h a t t h u s bescreen'd in night So s t u m b l e s t o n m y counsel?

2.2.52-53 W h a t a m a n are you?

2.4.113 [I a m a m a n ] t h a t G o d h a t h made, himself to mar.

2.4.114-15 [I] k n o w not h o w to choose a man.

2.5.38-39 I'll w a r r a n t [ y o u ] as g e n t l e as a l a m b .

2.5.44 D i d e v e r d r a g o n k e e p s o fair a cave?

3-2-74 [ Y o u d w e l l ] i n m o r t a l p a r a d i s e of s u c h s w e e t flesh.

3.2.82 H e a v e n is h e r e w h e r e [ y o u ] live.

3-3-29-3° A r t t h o u a m a n ? T h y f o r m cries o u t t h o u art.

3.3.108 T h o u hast amaz'd me. II

3-3- 3 H e a v e n a n d e a r t h . . . d o m e e t i n t h e e at o n c e .

3.3.119-20 H o w is't, m y s o u l ? L e t ' s t a l k .

3-5-25

18

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[ Y o u a r e ] t h e s w e e t e s t f l o w e r of all t h e field.

4.5.29 [ Y o u a r e ] t h e d e a r e s t m o r s e l of t h e e a r t h .

5.3.46 [Your] beauty makes T h i s v a u l t a f e a s t i n g p r e s e n c e , full of l i g h t .

5.3.85-86

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW T h i n k y o u a little d i n c a n d a u n t m i n e e a r s ?

1.2.198 W h e r e d i d y o u s t u d y all t h i s g o o d l y s p e e c h ?

2.1.256 C o m e , w h e r e b e t h e s e g a l l a n t s ? W h o ' s at h o m e ?

3.2.84

THE TEMPEST W h a t cheer?

1.1.2 H e i g h , m y hearts! cheerly, cheerly, m y hearts!

1.1.5 Fine apparition! M y quaint [ n y m p h ] , H a r k i n t h i n e ear.

1.2.319-20

Ice-break

I have followed [ y o u r m u s i c ] , O r it h a t h d r a w n m e r a t h e r .

1.2.396-97 M y prime request, W h i c h I d o l a s t p r o n o u n c e , is, O y o u w o n d e r ! If y o u b e m a i d o r n o ?

1.2.428-31 [ T h i s place] w a s never grac'd before w i t h s u c h a paragon.

2.1.70-71 [ Y o u r ] w o r d is m o r e t h a n t h e m i r a c u l o u s h a r p .

2.1.83 [ Y o u a r e ] t h e r a r e s t t h a t e'er c a m e [ h e r e ] .

2.1.95 H a s t t h o u not dropp'd from heaven?

2.2.137 [ Y o u ] m a k e a w o n d e r of a p o o r d r u n k a r d !

2.2.165-66 Alas now, pray you, work not so hard.

3.1.15-16 P r a y , s e t it d o w n , a n d r e s t y o u .

3.1.17 I do beseech y o u — C h i e f l y t h a t I m i g h t s e t it i n m y p r a y e r s — W h a t is y o u r n a m e ?

3.1.34-36

20

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W h a t h a r m o n y is t h i s ?

3.3.18 N o w I will believe t h a t t h e r e a r e u n i c o r n s .

3-3-21-22 Sit, t h e n , a n d t a l k w i t h [ m e ] .

4.1.32 [I a m ] spell-stopped.

5.1.61 O, wonder! H o w m a n y goodly creatures are t h e r e here!

5.1.181-82 O brave n e w world, T h a t has such people i n ' t !

5.1.183-84 Please you, d r a w near.

5.1.317 Gcntk breath of yours my sails Must fill, or else my project fails, Which was to please. Epilogue. 1 1 - 1 3

TROILUS AND CRESSIDA D o y o u k n o w a m a n if y o u s e e h i m ?

1.2.64-65 W h a t s n e a k i n g fellow c o m e s y o n d e r ?

1.2.229

Ice'break

O admirable youth!

1.2.238 O admirable man!

1.2.241 W h a t t o o curious dreg espies m y sweet lady in the f o u n t a i n of o u r love?

3.2.64-65

TWELFTH NIGHT T h e r e is a fair b e h a v i o u r i n t h e e , C a p t a i n .

1.2.47 I a m s u r e c a r e ' s a n e n e m y t o life.

1.3.2-3 B l e s s y o u , fair s h r e w .

1.3.46 G o o d M i s t r e s s Accost, I desire better acquaintance.

1.3.51-52 Shall w e set a b o u t s o m e revels? I

I

-3- 33"34

A r e you a comedian?

1.5.183 W h a t is y o u r p a r e n t a g e ?

1.5.281 W h a t is y o u r n a m e ?

3.1.98

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I come to w h e t your gentle thoughts.

3.1.107 W h a t ' s t o do? S h a l l w e g o s e e t h e r e l i c s of t h i s t o w n ?

3.3.18-19 S w e e t Lady, h o , h o !

3-4-Ï7 Sad, lady? I c o u l d b e s a d .

3.4.19 G o d comfort thee! W h y dost t h o u smile so, a n d kiss t h y h a n d s o oft?

3-4-3^33 W h y , t h i s is v e r y m i d s u m m e r m a d n e s s .

3-4-55 T a l k e s t t h o u n o t h i n g b u t of ladies?

4.2.27

THE T W O GENTLEMEN OF VERONA All happiness bechance to thee.

1.1.61 I would I knew [your] mind.

1.2.33 Ay, m a d a m , y o u m a y say w h a t sights y o u see; I see t h i n g s t o o , a l t h o u g h y o u j u d g e I w i n k .

1.2.138-39

Ice-breaking

I

23

[ I a m ] s h e t h a t y o u g a z e o n s o , as s h e s i t s at s u p p e r .

2.1.42 [ Y o u a r e ] n o t s o fair . . . as w e l l - f a v o u r e d .

2.1.48 M a d a m and mistress, a thousand good-morrows.

2.1.91 O , ' g i v e - y e - g o o d - e v ' n ! H e r e ' s a m i l l i o n of m a n n e r s .

2.1.92-93 T h o u g h t h e c h a m e l e o n L o v e c a n feed o n t h e air, I a m o n e t h a t a m n o u r i s h e d b y m y v i c t u a l s ; a n d w o u l d fain have meat.

2.1.162-64 [ Y o u r ] w o r t h is w a r r a n t for [ y o u r ] w e l c o m e h i t h e r .

2.4.97 S w e e t lady, e n t e r t a i n [ m e ] .

2.4.99 [You have] a sweet m o u t h .

3.1.321 [You a r e ] a v i r t u o u s g e n t l e w o m a n , mild, a n d beautiful.

4.4.178 Black m e n are pearls in b e a u t e o u s ladies' eyes.

5.2.12 V o u c h s a f e m e for m y m e e d b u t o n e fair l o o k ; A smaller b o o n t h a n this I c a n n o t beg, A n d l e s s t h a n t h i s I a m s u r e y o u c a n n o t give.

54-23-25

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THE WINTER'S TALE Tongue-tied our queen? speak you.

1.2.27 M y prisoner? or m y guest?

1.2.54-55 W h a t ! hast smutch'd thy nose?

1.2.121 M i n e h o n e s t friend, W i l l y o u t a k e eggs for m o n e y ?

1.2.160-61 If y o u w o u l d s e e k u s , W e are y o u r s i ' t h g a r d e n : s h a l l ' s a t t e n d y o u t h e r e ?

1.2.177-78 H o w now, boy?

1.2.207 W h a t is t h i s ? s p o r t ?

2.1.58 F o l l o w m e girls.

44-3!4

Ice-break

Angling

s ^ • H A K E S P E A R E is n o t h i n g if n o t c h a r m i n g , while y o u u n ­ doubtedly lean slightly m o r e t o w a r d t h e n o t h i n g . B u t h o p e a b o u n d s . You can be as a m u s i n g as h e is. Exactly as a m u s i n g : cast his lines. Shakespeare k n o w s h o w to create c h a r m o u t of n o t h i n g b u t words. H e sinks good lines into plots, t h e r e b y allowing relation­ ships to grow. W e do it by taking t h e m o u t of plots and casting t h e m into a timeline of seduction. WTiy? So y o u can make time by playing w i t h his lines. Shakespeare always gives good line. / am angling now Though you perceive me not how I give line. H i s funny, interesting gobbets of c h a r m are t h e everyday way to get t h e h a n g of w h a t you can get away w i t h in y o u r se­ ductions. Find out w h o ' s receptive t o w h a t . H e r e are w o r d s peo­ ple will w a n t to nibble at, to steal love's sweet bait from fearful hooks. T h e angler w i t h t h e m o s t appealing bait eventually lands the fattest and m o s t appreciative fish. Let t h a t angler b e you. In all this babbling badinage y o u never k n o w w h a t l u r k s and darts below t h e surface. B u t w h a t lurks rises, w h a t rises strikes, w h a t strikes bites, and w h a t bites is caught. Keep cast­ ing into t h e riffle. W o r d s beyond m e r e prosaic reach will lure t h e m u p . T h e o n e you desire desires s h i m m e r and flash, w a n t s reasons to r e s p o n d . T h e one you w a n t w a n t s to feel singled out, to leap laughing, make a splash. So tickle, t e m p t , and tease t h e m into y o u r net. T a k e t h e time it takes t o reel in s o m e t h i n g real. Shakespeare's bits are t h e baits, t h e beautifully tied flies.

ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL N o w , fair o n e , d o e s y o u r b u s i n e s s f o l l o w u s ?

2.1.98

ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA A m I n o t a n i n c h of f o r t u n e b e t t e r t h a n s h e ?

1.2.60 If y o u w e r e b u t a n i n c h of f o r t u n e b e t t e r t h a n I, w h e r e w o u l d y o u c h o o s e it?

1.2.61-62 Give m e s o m e m u s i c — m u s i c , m o o d y food O f u s t h a t trade in love.

24.1-2 Y o u s h a l l h e a r f r o m m e still. T h e t i m e s h a l l n o t O u t g o m y thinking on you.

3.2.60-61 [You're] very knowing; I do perceiv't.

I have eyes u p o n [ y o u ] ; A n d [ y o u r ] affairs c o m e t o m e o n t h e w i n d .

3.6.63-64

As You LIKE IT F r o m h e n c e f o r t h I w i l l . . . devise s p o r t s . Let m e see, w h a t t h i n k y o u of falling i n love?

1.2.23-24 28

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Y o u n g g e n t l e m a n , y o u r s p i r i t s a r e t o o b o l d for y o u r years.

i.2.162-63 Y o u n g sir; y o u r r e p u t a t i o n s h a l l n o t . . . b e m i s p r i z e d .

1.2.169-70 I w o u l d I w e r e i n v i s i b l e , t o c a t c h t h e s t r o n g fellow b y t h e leg.

1.2.199-200 Fare t h e e well, t h o u art a gallant y o u t h .

1.2.218 T h y w o r d s are t o o p r e c i o u s t o be cast a w a y u p o n c u r s . T h r o w s o m e of t h e m at m e ; c o m e l a m e m e w i t h reasons.

1.3.4-6 L e t u s t a l k i n g o o d e a r n e s t . I s it p o s s i b l e , o n s u c h a s u d d e n , y o u s h o u l d fall i n t o s o s t r o n g a l i k i n g ?

1.3.24-25 T h i s shepherd's passion Is m u c h u p o n m y f a s h i o n .

2.4.57-58 Live a little, c o m f o r t a l i t t l e , c h e e r t h y s e l f a l i t t l e . i.6.5 W e l l said! T h o u l o o k s t c h e e r l y , a n d I'll b e w i t h t h e e quickly.

2.6.13-14 W h a t a life is t h i s , T h a t y o u r p o o r friends m u s t w o o y o u r c o m p a n y .

2.7.9-10

Angling

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29

Give m e y o u r h a n d A n d l e t m e all y o u r f o r t u n e s u n d e r s t a n d .

2.7.202-3 T h o u t h r i c e - c r o w n e d q u e e n of n i g h t , s u r v e y T h y h u n t r e s s ' n a m e , t h a t m y full life d o t h s w a y .

3.2.2-4 O o m i n o u s ! [ y o u ] c o m e t o kill m y h e a r t !

3.2.242 D o you not k n o w I am a woman? W h e n I think, I must speak.

3.2.245-46 [ Y o u a r e ] j u s t as h i g h as m y h e a r t .

3.2.264 Y o u a r e full of p r e t t y a n s w e r s .

3.2.265 You have a nimble wit.

3.2.271 T h e w o r s t fault y o u h a v e is t o b e i n l o v e .

3.2.277 [ B e i n g i n l o v e ] ' t i s a fault I w i l l n o t c h a n g e for y o u r b e s t virtue.

3.2.278 I'll t a r r y n o l o n g e r w i t h y o u . F a r e w e l l g o o d S i g n i o r L o v e .

3.2.286-87

SHAKESPEARE

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SEDUCTION

T h a n k G o d I am n o t a w o m a n , to be touched with so m a n y g i d d y offences as h e h a t h g e n e r a l l y t a x e d t h e i r w h o l e sex withal.

3-2-339-42 Fancy-monger.

3-2-354-55 H e t a u g h t m e h o w t o k n o w a m a n in love; i n w h i c h cage of r u s h e s I a m s u r e y o u a r e n o t p r i s o n e r .

3.2.359-61 Imagine m e [ y o u r ] love, [ y o u r ] m i s t r e s s ; a n d . . . every day w o o m e .

3.2.395-97 I will t a k e u p o n m e t o w a s h y o u r liver as c l e a n as a s o u n d sheep's heart, that there shall n o t be one spot of l o v e i n t .

3.2.410-12 I w o u l d n o t be cured [of love], y o u t h .

3-2-4Ï3 C o m e every day t o m y cote a n d w o o m e .

3.2.415 A n d b y t h e w a y , y o u s h a l l tell m e w h e r e i n t h e f o r e s t y o u live.

3.2.419 A m I t h e m a n yet?

3-3-2-3 D o t h m y simple feature c o n t e n t you?

3-3-3

Angling

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31

T h e f o r e h e a d of a m a r r i e d m a n is m o r e h o n o u r a b l e t h a n t h e b a r e b r o w of a b a c h e l o r .

3-3-53-55 [ Y o u ] a s k m e of w h a t p a r e n t a g e I [ a m ] : I [ t e l l y o u ] of as g o o d as [ y o u ] .

3-4-32-33 L a u g h a n d let m e go.

3-4-33-34 0 that's a brave m a n ! [You] write brave verses, speak brave words, swear brave oaths, and break t h e m b r a v e l y , q u i t e t r a v e r s e , a t h w a r t t h e h e a r t of [ y o u r ] lover. 6

3-4-3 -39 I'll p r o v e a b u s y a c t o r i n [ y o u r ] play.

3-4-55 M i n e eyes, W h i c h I h a v e d a r t e d at t h e e , h u r t t h e e n o t .

3-5-24-25 1 a m s u r e , t h e r e is n o force i n e y e s T h a t can do hurt.

3.5.26-27 Y o u i n s u l t , e x u l t a n d all at o n c e .

3.5.36 ' O d ' s m y little life, I t h i n k [ y o u ] m e a n to tangle m y eyes too!

3-5-43-44

32

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'Tis n o t y o u r i n k y b r o w s , y o u r black silk hair, Y o u r b u g l e e y e b a l l s , n o r y o u r c h e e k of c r e a m T h a t can e n t a m e m y spirits to y o u r worship.

3.5.46-48 Y o u are a t h o u s a n d t i m e s a p r o p e r e r m a n T h a n she a woman.

3.5.51-52 Sweet youth, I pray you chide a year together. I had rather hear you chide t h a n this m a n woo.

3.5.64-65 W h o e v e r l o v ' d t h a t l o v ' d n o t at first s i g h t ?

3.5.82 [You're] b u t a peevish b o y — y e t [ y o u ] talk w e l l — B u t w h a t c a r e I for w o r d s ?

3.5.110-11 W o r d s do well W h e n he that speaks t h e m pleases those that hear.

3.5.111-12 T h e p o o r w o r l d is a l m o s t six t h o u s a n d y e a r s old, a n d i n all t h i s t i m e t h e r e w a s n o t a n y m a n d i e d i n h i s o w n p e r s o n . . . in a love-cause.

4.1.89-92 M e n have died from t i m e to t i m e a n d w o r m s have e a t e n t h e m , b u t n o t for l o v e .

4.1.101-3 A n eye m a y profit b y a t o n g u e .

4-3-83

Angling

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33

I s ' t p o s s i b l e , t h a t o n s o little a c q u a i n t a n c e y o u s h o u l d like [ m e ] ? T h a t b u t seeing, y o u s h o u l d love [ m e ] ? A n d loving woo? A n d wooing, [I] should grant?

5.2.1-4 W o u n d e d [ i s m y h e a r t ] . . . w i t h t h e e y e s of a lady.

5.2.24 I like [ y o u ] v e r y w e l l .

5-4-53 You a n d [ I ] are s u r e together, A s t h e w i n t e r t o foul w e a t h e r .

5.4.134-35

CYMBELINE I am bound to wonder.

17.81 [I w i s h I p o s s e s s e d ] this object, w h i c h T a k e s p r i s o n e r of t h e w i l d m o t i o n of m i n e e y e , F i r i n g it o n l y h e r e .

17.102-4 G o o d m o r r o w , fairest: . . . y o u r s w e e t h a n d .

2.3.85 Boy, T h o u hast look'd thyself into m y grace, A n d art m i n e o w n .

5-5-93-95 W a l k w i t h m e : s p e a k freely.

5.5.119

SHAKESPEARE

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SEDUCTION

HAMLET ' T i s b u t o u r fantasy, A n d will n o t let belief t a k e h o l d .

1.1.26-2,7 Is n o t t h i s s o m e t h i n g m o r e t h a n f a n t a s y ? I.I.57 Bend you to remain H e r e i n t h e c h e e r a n d c o m f o r t of [ m y ] e y e .

1.2.115-16 T h o u . . . s p i r i t of h e a l t h . . . B r i n g w i t h t h e e airs f r o m h e a v e n .

1.4.40-41 G o o n , I'll f o l l o w t h e e .

1.4.79 Adieu, adieu, adieu. R e m e m b e r m e .

1.5.91 [ Y o u ] very wild, Addicted so and so.

2.1.18-19 [ I ] fall t o s u c h p e r u s a l of [ t h y ] face A s [ I ] w o u l d d r a w it.

2.1.90-91 G o o d g e n t l e m a n , [all h a v e ] m u c h t a l k ' d of y o u .

2.2.19 M a d a m , I s w e a r I u s e n o a r t at all.

2.2.96

Angling

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35

G o o d m a d a m , s t a y a w h i l e , I will b e faithful. 2.2.II4 W h a t d o y o u t h i n k of m e ?

2.2.129 I h a d s e e n t h i s h o t love o n t h e w i n g — A s I p e r c e i v ' d it, I m u s t tell y o u .

2-2.132-33 W h a t would [you] do H a d [ y o u ] t h e m o t i v e a n d t h e c u e for p a s s i o n T h a t I have?

2.2.554-56 T h e devil h a t h p o w e r T ' a s s u m e a pleasing shape.

2.2.595-96 ' T i s n o w t h e v e r y w i t c h i n g t i m e of n i g h t .

3-2-379 T h o u t u r n ' s t m y eyes into m y very soul.

3.4.89 O n e w o r d m o r e , g o o d lady.

3.4.182 [I] hear T h e r e ' s tricks i'th' world.

4-5-4-5 Wliy, n o w you speak Like a g o o d child a n d a true gentleman.

4.5.147-48

36

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

Sweets to the sweet.

5.1.236 S p e a k feelingly.

5.2.109 T h i s p e a r l is t h i n e . Here's to thy health.

5.2.284-85 [I] carouse to thy fortune.

5.2.292

LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST I do betray myself w i t h blushing.

1.2.124 F a i r w e a t h e r after y o u !

1.2.135 Lady, I will c o m m e n d y o u t o m i n e o w n h e a r t .

1.2.179 S w e e t h e a l t h a n d fair d e s i r e s c o n s o r t y o u r g r a c e !

2.1.177 T h y o w n w i s h w i s h I t h e e in every place!

2.2.178 If y o u d e n y t o d a n c e , l e t ' s h o l d m o r e c h a t .

5.2.228

Angling

I

37

MEASURE FOR MEASURE In [your] youth T h e r e is a p r o n e a n d s p e e c h l e s s d i a l e c t S u c h as m o v e m e n .

i.2.172-74 I t is a m a n ' s v o i c e !

1.4.7 T h e j e w e l t h a t w e find, w e s t o o p a n d t a k e ' t , B e c a u s e w e s e e it.

2.1.24-25 I a m at w a r ' t w i x t w i l l a n d w i l l n o t .

2.2.32-33 [ Y o u ] speak, a n d 'tis s u c h s e n s e T h a t m y s e n s e b r e e d s w i t h it.

2.2.142-43 N o w y o u are c o m e , y o u will b e g o n e .

3.1.175 Y o u a r e p l e a s a n t , sir, a n d s p e a k a p a c e .

3.2.109 I c a n d o y o u little h a r m .

3.2.161 Bliss a n d g o o d n e s s o n you!

3.2.209 Leave [I y o u ] t o [ y o u r ] events, w i t h a prayer t h e y m a y prove prosperous.

3-2-231-33

38

I

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

Let m e excuse m e , a n d believe m e so.

4.1.12 M y m i r t h [ y o u ] m u c h displease, b u t please m y woe.

4.1.13 M y m o s t s t a y c a n b e b u t brief.

4.1.44-45 I pray you be acquainted w i t h [ m e ] ; [I] come to do you good.

4.1.51-52 W i l l ' t p l e a s e y o u w a l k aside?

4.1.59 I a m y o u r free d e p e n d e n t .

4.3.90 W h a t , are y o u married?

5.1.172 H o l d u p y o u r h a n d s , s a y n o t h i n g : I'll s p e a k all.

5.1.436 T h e y s a y t h e b e s t m e n a r e m o u l d e d o u t of f a u l t s , A n d , for t h e m o s t , b e c o m e m u c h m o r e t h e b e t t e r F o r b e i n g a little b a d .

51437-39

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR W o u l d I w e r e y o u n g for y o u r s a k e !

1.1.238

A

nglin

[ Y o u t w o ] s h a l l b e m y E a s t a n d W e s t I n d i e s , a n d I will trade to [ y o u ] both.

1.3.67-68 [ I ] s p e a k b u t for [ m y ] f r i e n d .

1.4.109 O , y o u are a

flattering

boy: n o w I see you'll be a courtier.

3.Z.7-8 Have I caught thee, m y heavenly jewel?

3-3-38 T h o u wouldst m a k e an absolute courtier.

3-3-55-56 T h e f i r m f i x t u r e of t h y f o o t w o u l d give a n e x c e l l e n t m o t i o n t o t h y gait i n a s e m i - c i r c l e d f a r t h i n g a l e .

3.3.56-58 O d ' s heartlings, that's a pretty jest indeed!

3.4.56-57

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM W e [women].should be woo'd, and were not made to woo.

2.1.242 W h e r e is m y love?

5.1.252 O d a i n t y duck! O dear!

5.1.270

40

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING W e l l , I w o u l d y o u d i d like m e .

2.1.92 I k n o w y o u b y t h e w a g g l i n g of y o u r h e a d .

2.1.105 W i l l y o u n o t tell m e w h o t o l d y o u s o ? . . . N o r w i l l y o u tell m e w h o y o u are?

2.1.115,117 F o r w h i c h of m y b a d p a r t s d i d s t t h o u first fall i n l o v e with me?

5.2.56-57 B u t for w h i c h of m y g o o d p a r t s d i d y o u first suffer l o v e for m e ?

5.2.60-61 T h o u a n d I are t o o wise t o w o o peaceably.

5.2.67

OTHELLO I n f o l l o w i n g [ y o u ] I f o l l o w b u t myself.

1.1.57 I m u s t s h o w o u t a flag a n d s i g n of l o v e .

1.1.153 [Are] there not charms B y w h i c h t h e p r o p e r t y of y o u t h a n d m a i d h o o d M a y be abused? Have you n o t read . . . Of some such thing?

1.1.169-72

Angling

I

41

I t h i n k this tale w o u l d w i n m y d a u g h t e r t o o .

1.3.172 T o m y unfolding l e n d y o u r p r o s p e r o u s ear A n d l e t m e find a c h a r t e r i n y o u r voice T'assist m y simpleness.

1.3.245-46 W h a t sayst t h o u , noble heart?

1.3.303 [You are a ] great captain's captain.

2.1.74 W h a t w o u l d s t t h o u w r i t e of m e , if t h o u s h o u l d s t praise me?

2.1.117 I a m n o t merry, b u t I do beguile T h e thing I am by seeming otherwise. C o m e , h o w wouldst t h o u praise me?

2.1.122-24 [You c a n ] think, a n d ne'er disclose [ y o u r ] m i n d , See s u i t o r s f o l l o w i n g , a n d n o t l o o k b e h i n d .

2.1.156-57 I t gives m e w o n d e r g r e a t as m y c o n t e n t T o see y o u h e r e before m e .

2.1.181-82 C o m e h i t h e r : if t h o u b e ' s t v a l i a n t — a s , t h e y say, b a s e m e n b e i n g in love have t h e n a nobility in their n a t u r e s , m o r e t h a n is n a t i v e t o t h e m .

2.1.212-15

4*

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

L o o k if m y g e n t l e love b e n o t r a i s e d u p !

2.3.246 I t h i n k y o u t h i n k I love y o u .

2.3.306 [ Y o u ' r e ] f r a m e d as fruitful A s t h e free e l e m e n t s . 6

2-3-33 -37 A n u n a u t h o r i z e d kiss!

4.1.2 A l a s , p o o r r o g u e , I t h i n k i'faith [ y o u ] love m e .

4.1.112 I m a y c h a n c e t o s e e y o u , for I w o u l d v e r y fain s p e a k w i t h you.

4.1.163-64 W h y , n o w I see there's mettle in thee, and even from this instant do build o n thee a better opinion t h a n ever b e f o r e .

4.2.206-8 So s w e e t w a s n e ' e r s o fatal.

5.2.20

PERICLES W i t h [you I've] liking took. 1.Chorus. 2 5 F a i r glass of l i g h t , I l o v ' d y o u , a n d c o u l d still.

1.1.77

Angling

I

43

It [ i s ] certain y o u w e r e n o t so bad.

1.1.126 I d o n o t d o u b t t h y faith.

1.2.in N o w , b y t h e gods, [ y o u ] could n o t please m e better

2.3.72 C o m e , sir, h e r e ' s a l a d y t h a t w a n t s b r e a t h i n g t o o ; A n d I have heard, you . . . A r e excellent in m a k i n g ladies trip, A n d t h a t t h e i r m e a s u r e s a r e as e x c e l l e n t .

2.3.100-103 T h e n y o u love u s , w e y o u , a n d we'll clasp h a n d s .

24.57 I am beholding to you For y o u r sweet m u s i c this last night.

2.5.25-26 C o m e , o t h e r s o r t s offend as w e l l as w e .

4.2.34 I was mortally b r o u g h t forth, and a m N o o t h e r t h a n I appear.

5.1.104-5 [You are] a n o t h e r J u n o ; W h o s t a r v e s t h e e a r s s h e feeds, a n d m a k e s t h e m h u n g r y T h e m o r e s h e gives t h e m s p e e c h .

5.1.111-12 H o w achiev'd y o u these e n d o w m e n t s w h i c h You m a k e m o r e rich t o owe?

5.1.116-17

44

I

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

If I s h o u l d tell m y h i s t o r y , ' t w o u l d s e e m Like lies, d i s d a i n ' d i n t h e r e p o r t i n g .

5.1.118-19 I will believe t h e e , A n d make m y senses credit t h y relation T o points that seem impossible.

5.1.122-24 Tell t h y story; If t h i n e c o n s i d e r ' d p r o v e t h e t h o u s a n d t h p a r t O f m y e n d u r a n c e , t h o u art a m a n , a n d I H a v e suffer'd like a girl.

5-i-i34-37 [You a r e ] t h e rarest d r e a m t h a t e'er dulled sleep D i d m o c k s a d fools w i t h a l .

5.1.161-62

ROMEO AND JULIET W h a t sadness lengthens [your] hours?

1.1.161 G o o d h e a r t , at w h a t [ d o y o u w e e p ] ?

1.1.182 N o w m y lord, w h a t say y o u to m y suit?

1.2.6 W o o [ m e ] gentle . . . get [ m y ] heart.

1.2.16 You have d a n c i n g s h o e s w i t h n i m b l e soles.

1.3.14-15

Angl

Y o u a r e l o o k e d for a n d called for, a s k e d for a n d s o u g h t for.

1.5.12-13 A h m y m i s t r e s s e s , w h i c h of y o u all W i l l n o w deny to dance?

1.5.18-19 I t s e e m s [ y o u ] d o t h h a n g u p o n t h e c h e e k of n i g h t A s a r i c h j e w e l i n a n E t h i o p ' s ear.

1.5.44-45 D i d m y h e a r t l o v e till n o w ? F o r s w e a r it, s i g h t . F o r I n e ' e r s a w t r u e b e a u t y till t h i s n i g h t .

1.5.51-52 C o m e h i t h e r , c o v e r ' d w i t h a n a n t i c face.

1.5.55 [ I a m ] b e w i t c h e d b y t h e c h a r m of l o o k s . 2.Prologue. 6 [ I ' l l ] s t e a l l o v e ' s s w e e t b a i t f r o m fearful h o o k s . 2.Prologue. 8 C a n I g o f o r w a r d w h e n m y h e a r t is h e r e ?

2.1.1 [ Y o u r ] e y e d i s c o u r s e s , I will a n s w e r it.

2.2.13 O speak again b r i g h t angel.

2.2.26 T h o u a r t thyself.

2.2.39

46

I

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

I k n o w n o t h o w t o tell t h e e w h o I a m .

2.2.54 M y ears have yet n o t d r u n k a h u n d r e d w o r d s Of thy tongue's uttering, yet I k n o w the sound.

2.2.58-59 H o w c a m ' s t t h o u h i t h e r , tell m e , a n d w h e r e f o r e ?

2.2.62 T h o u k n o w ' s t t h e m a s k of n i g h t is o n m y face, Else w o u l d a m a i d e n b l u s h b e p a i n t m y c h e e k For that which t h o u hast heard m e speak tonight. F a i n w o u l d I d w e l l o n f o r m ; fain, fain d e n y W h a t I h a v e s p o k e . B u t farewell, c o m p l i m e n t .

2.2.85-89 Sweet, good night, T h i s b u d of l o v e , b y s u m m e r ' s r i p e n i n g b r e a t h , M a y prove a b e a u t e o u s flower w h e n n e x t w e m e e t .

2.2.120-22 Good night, good night. A s sweet repose and rest C o m e t o t h y h e a r t as t h a t w i t h i n m y b r e a s t .

2.2.123-24 T h r e e words . . . and good night indeed.

2.2.142 A thousand times good night.

2.2.154 I s h a l l forget [ w h y I d i d call t h e e ] , t o h a v e t h e e still s t a n d there, R e m e m b e r i n g h o w I love t h y c o m p a n y .

2.2.172-73

Angling

I

47

[In y o u r presence I ' m ] forgetting any other h o m e but this.

2.2.175 G o o d n i g h t , g o o d n i g h t . P a r t i n g is s u c h s w e e t s o r r o w T h a t I s h a l l s a y g o o d n i g h t till it b e m o r r o w .

2.2.184-85 Sleep dwell u p o n t h i n e eyes, peace in t h y breast. W o u l d I were sleep a n d peace so sweet to rest.

2.2.186-87 V i r t u e itself t u r n s vice b e i n g m i s a p p l i e d , A n d vice s o m e t i m e ' s b y a c t i o n dignified.

2.3.17-18 W h a t early t o n g u e so sweet saluteth me?

2.3.28 0 [ y o u a r e ] t h e c o u r a g e o u s c a p t a i n of c o m p l i m e n t s .

2.4.19-20 1 desire s o m e confidence w i t h you.

2.4.126 O so light a foot W i l l n e ' e r w e a r o u t t h e e v e r l a s t i n g flint.

2.6.16-17 T h y b e a u t y h a t h m a d e m e effeminate.

3.1.116 A p a c k of b l e s s i n g s l i g h t u p o n t h y b a c k ; H a p p i n e s s c o u r t s t h e e i n h e r b e s t array.

3.3.140-41

48

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

I have an interest in your hearts' proceeding.

3.1-19° I h a v e m o r e c a r e t o s t a y t h a n will t o g o .

3-5-23 O t h i n k ' s t t h o u w e s h a l l e v e r m e e t again?

3-5-51 O , [ y o u ' r e ] a lovely g e n t l e m a n .

3-5-2i8 T h y face is m i n e .

4-!-35 H o w now, m y headstrong: where have you been gadding?

4.2.16 [ I a m ] a friend, a n d o n e t h a t k n o w s y o u w e l l .

5-3-!23

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Is it p o s s i b l e T h a t l o v e s h o u l d of a s u d d e n t a k e s u c h h o l d ?

1.1.146-47 I love [ y o u ] t e n t i m e s m o r e t h a n e'er I did. O, h o w I long to have s o m e chat w i t h [ y o u ] .

2.1.161-62 Entreat m e h o w you can.

3.2.201

Angling

I

49

THE TEMPEST W o u l d I m i g h t b u t ever see [ t h i s ] m a n !

i.2.168-69 T h e r e ' s n o t h i n g ill c a n d w e l l i n s u c h a t e m p l e : If t h e ill s p i r i t h a v e s o fair a h o u s e , G o o d t h i n g s will s t r i v e t o d w e l l w i t h ' t .

1.2.460-62 T h e air b r e a t h e s u p o n u s h e r e m o s t s w e e t l y .

2.1.45 H e r e c o m e s a spirit.

2.2.15 N o r have I seen M o r e t h a t I m a y call m e n t h a n y o u , g o o d friend.

3.1.50-51 T h o u m a k ' s t m e m e r r y ; I a m full of p l e a s u r e : Let u s be j o c u n d .

3.2.114-15 D o y o u love m e , master? n o ?

4.1.48 L e t m e live h e r e ever.

4.1.122 I t h a n k t h e e for t h a t j e s t .

4.1.241 Thou S h a l t h a v e t h e air at f r e e d o m ; for a little Follow, a n d d o m e service.

4.1.264-66

5°

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

Whether thou b e s t . . . S o m e e n c h a n t e d trifle t o a b u s e m e , . . . I not know: thy pulse B e a t s , as of flesh a n d b l o o d .

5.1.111-14 H o w b e a u t e o u s m a n k i n d is!

5.1.183 M y tricksy spirit!

5.1.226 I long T o h e a r t h e s t o r y of y o u r life, w h i c h m u s t T a k e t h e ear strangely.

5.1.311-13 L e t m e not.

. . dwell

In this bare island by your

spell;

But release me from my

band

With

hands.

help of your good

Epilogue. 5-10

TROILUS AND CRESSIDA If [ y o u ] b e fair, ' t i s t h e b e t t e r for [ y o u ] ; a n d [ y o u ] b e not, [ y o u ] have the m e n d s in [ y o u r ] o w n h a n d s .

1.1.67-68 [ T h i s ] is t o o flaming a p r a i s e for a g o o d c o m p l e x i o n .

1.2.105-6 [You're] a merry Greek indeed.

1.2.110

Angling

I

51

H o w [ y o u ] look, and h o w [ y o u ] go!

1.2.237 Y o u a r e s u c h a w o m a n , a m a n k n o w s n o t at w h a t w a r d y o u lie.

1.2.263-64 Yet h o l d I off. W o m e n a r e a n g e l s , w o o i n g : T h i n g s w o n a r e d o n e ; j o y ' s s o u l lies i n t h e d o i n g .

1.2.291-92 She belov'd k n o w s n a u g h t that k n o w s n o t this: M e n p r i z e t h e t h i n g u n g a i n ' d m o r e t h a n it is.

1.2.293-94 She w a s never yet t h a t ever k n e w L o v e g o t s o s w e e t as w h e n d e s i r e d i d s u e .

1.2.295-96 You speak Like o n e b e s o t t e d o n y o u r sweet delights.

2.2.143-44 Y o u a r e full of fair w o r d s .

3.1.46 [ Y o u ] d o s o b l u s h , a n d f e t c h [ y o u r ] w i n d s o s h o r t , as if [ y o u ] w e r e frayed w i t h a s p i r i t !

3.2.29-31 T h e y s a y all l o v e r s s w e a r m o r e p e r f o r m a n c e t h a n t h e y a r e a b l e , a n d y e t r e s e r v e a n ability t h a t t h e y n e v e r p e r f o r m : v o w i n g m o r e t h a n t h e p e r f e c t i o n of t e n a n d d i s c h a r g i n g l e s s t h a n t h e t e n t h p a r of o n e .

3.2.83-87

52

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

W h e r e is m y w i t ? I k n o w n o t w h a t I s p e a k .

3.2.149 D e a r , t r o u b l e n o t yourself; t h e m o r n is c o l d .

4.2.1 Y o u s m i l e a n d m o c k m e , as if I m e a n t n a u g h t i l y .

4.2.38 Lady, give m e y o u r h a n d , a n d , as w e w a l k , T o o u r o w n selves b e n d w e o u r needful talk. I

6

4-4- 3 ~37

TWELFTH NIGHT W i t , a n d ' t b e t h y will, p u t m e i n t o g o o d f o o l i n g !

1.5.30 H e r e c o m e s the t r o u t that m u s t be caught w i t h tickling.

2.5.21-22 Love k n o w s I love; But who? Lips, do n o t m o v e , N o man must know.

2.5.98-101 I w a r r a n t t h o u a r t a m e r r y fellow, a n d c a r ' s t for n o t h i n g .

3.1.26-27 W h y t h e n m e t h i n k s 'tis t i m e t o smile again. O world, h o w apt t h e p o o r are to be p r o u d ! If o n e s h o u l d b e a p r e y , h o w m u c h t h e b e t t e r T o fall b e f o r e t h e l i o n t h a n t h e wolf!

3.1.128-31

Angling

I

53

B e n o t afraid, g o o d y o u t h , I will n o t h a v e y o u , A n d y e t w h e n w i t a n d y o u t h is c o m e t o h a r v e s t , Y o u r wife is l i k e t o r e a p a p r o p e r m a n . I

I

3- - 33~35 I p r i t h e e tell m e w h a t t h o u t h i n k ' s t of m e .

3.1.140 A s s u r e t h y s e l f t h e r e is n o l o v e - b r o k e r i n t h e w o r l d c a n m o r e prevail in m a n ' s c o m m e n d a t i o n w i t h w o m a n t h a n r e p o r t of v a l o u r .

3-2-35-37 Lead m e on.

3.4.381 Give m e t h y h a n d .

5.1.270

THE T W O GENTLEMEN OF VERONA W e r e ' t n o t affection c h a i n s t h y t e n d e r d a y s T o t h e s w e e t g l a n c e s of t h y h o n o u r ' d l o v e , I rather would entreat thy company T o s e e t h e w o n d e r s of t h e w o r l d a b r o a d .

1.1.3-6 W i s h m e partaker in thy happiness, W h e n t h o u dost meet good hap.

1.1.14-15 [ P r a y for m e ] o n s o m e s h a l l o w s t o r y of d e e p l o v e .

1.1.21

54

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T h a t ' s a d e e p s t o r y of a d e e p e r l o v e , For [I a m ] m o r e t h a n over s h o e s in love.

1.1.23-24 Let m e h e a r from t h e e b y letters.

1.1.57 W o u l d s t t h o u t h e n c o u n s e l m e t o fall i n love?

1.2.2 Maids, in modesty, say 'no' to t h a t W h i c h t h e y w o u l d have t h e profferer c o n s t r u e 'ay'.

1.2.55-56 S o m e love of y o u r s h a t h w r i t t o y o u i n r h y m e .

1.2.79 I s h u n t h e fire, for fear of b u r n i n g .

1.3.78 G i v e it m e , i t ' s m i n e . Sweet o r n a m e n t , t h a t decks a t h i n g divine!

2.1.4-5 W h y , h o w k n o w y o u t h a t I a m i n love?

2.1.16 [ Y o u k n o w y o u a r e i n l o v e ] b y t h e s e s p e c i a l m a r k s : first y o u h a v e l e a r n e d . . . t o w r e a t h e y o u r a r m s like a m a l c o n t e n t ; t o relish a love-song, like a r o b i n r e d b r e a s t ; t o w a l k a l o n e , like o n e t h a t h a d t h e p e s t i l e n c e ; t o s i g h , like a s c h o o l b o y t h a t h a d l o s t h i s ABC;

t o w e e p , like a y o u n g w e n c h t h a t h a d b u r i e d

h e r g r a n d a m ; t o fast, like o n e t h a t t a k e s d i e t ; t o w a t c h , like o n e t h a t fears r o b b i n g ; t o s p e a k p u l i n g , like a b e g g a r at H a l l o w m a s .

2.1.17-25

Angling

I

55

W h y , lady, L o v e h a t h t w e n t y p a i r of e y e s .

2.4.71-72 M y t a l e s of l o v e w e r e w o n t t o w e a r y y o u : I k n o w you j o y n o t in a love-discourse.

2.4.121-22 L o v e , l e n d m e w i n g s t o m a k e m y p u r p o s e swift A s t h o u h a s t l e n t m e w i t t o p l o t t h i s drift.

2.6.42-43 A w o m a n sometimes scorns what best contents her.

S c o r n at first m a k e s after-love t h e m o r e .

3.1.96-97 W h y , t h i s it is t o b e a p e e v i s h girl, T h a t flies h e r f o r t u n e w h e n it f o l l o w s h e r .

5.2.48-49

THE WINTER'S TALE W e t w o will walk.

1.2.172 I a m angling now, T h o u g h y o u p e r c e i v e m e n o t h o w I give l i n e .

1.2.180-81 C o m e , q u e n c h your blushes, and present yourself T h a t w h i c h y o u are.

4.4.67-68 Your praises are t o o large.

4.4.147

56

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I'll b l u s h y o u t h a n k s .

4.4.585 W h e n s h e h a s o b t a i n d y o u r eye, W i l l have your t o n g u e too.

5.1.105-6

Angling

I

57

Enticements and Inducements

^^^IVING

G I F T S is n o t really giving. It's s e d u c t i o n . It's

extra incentive. It's t e m p t a t i o n laced w i t h expectation, creating obligation and hopefully leading to reciprocation. N o p r e s e n t is ever free of strings, and Shakespeare k n e w it. Promises, enticements, oaths, tokens, and all these engines of lust. . . many a maid hath heen seduced by them. Yet m a n y e n t i c e m e n t s aren't enticing e n o u g h . C o m m o n w i s d o m says t h e best offer w i n s t h e prize. B u t w h e n competition is keen, it's t h e way y o u offer—not t h e best offer— t h a t makes you u n c o m m o n . M a k e yourself exceptional w i t h Shakespeare's sensational expressions. If you're rich, say you'll set t h a t certain s o m e o n e in a s h o w e r of gold a n d hail pearls u p o n t h e m . If you're not: say y o u ' d love t o fleet t h e time t o ­ gether carelessly as t h e y did in t h e golden world. A n y t h i n g y o u offer will glitter and glister w h e n you w r a p it in Shakespeare. Real giving is from t h e heart and m i n d , a n d t h e stuff of t h e m i n d is language. Shakespeare m a k e s it s h i m m e r , s o m a k e h i s way w i t h w o r d s y o u r s . T h e following pages offer m o r e t o c o m e . It's t h e p o w e r of promise t h a t m a t t e r s . In fact, s t o p w i t h t h e p r o m i s e s . Save yourself t h e gifts. Shakespeare's p h r a s e s are so rich t h a t a n y t h i n g you give j u s t pales in comparison. T h e paper is w o r t h m o r e t h a n t h e p r e s e n t . D o n ' t disappoint t h e o n e w h o delights you. P r o m i s e fairies t o attend and fetch jewels from t h e deep. O r c o u c h y o u r souls o n flowers and make t h e g h o s t s gaze. Be g e n e r o u s w i t h w o r d s . W h a t o t h e r gift could possibly compare t o t h e imagination of a first-rate genius?

ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA T h e r e ' s n o t a m i n u t e of o u r lives s h o u l d s t r e t c h W i t h o u t some pleasure now. W h a t sport tonight?

1.1.47-48 M i n e , a n d m o s t of o u r f o r t u n e s t o n i g h t , s h a l l b e d r u n k to bed.

1.2.47-48 Let witchcraft j o i n w i t h beauty, lust w i t h both; T i e u p t h e l i b e r t i n e i n a field of f e a s t s ; Keep his brain fuming.

2.1.22-24 Here M y bluest veins to kiss, a h a n d that kings H a v e lipped, and trembled, a kissing.

2.5.30 I'll s e t t h e e i n a s h o w e r of g o l d a n d h a i l Rich pearls u p o n thee.

2.5.45-46 [I] partly beg T o b e d e s i r e d t o give. It m u c h w o u l d p l e a s e [ m e ] T h a t of [ m y ] f o r t u n e s y o u s h o u l d m a k e a staff T o lean upon.

3.13.70-73 W h e r e s o u l s do c o u c h o n flowers we'll h a n d in h a n d A n d w i t h o u r sprightly p o r t m a k e t h e g h o s t s gaze.

4.14.52-53

60

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As You LIKE IT [ L e t u s ] fleet t h e t i m e c a r e l e s s l y as t h e y d i d i n t h e g o l d e n world.

1.1.118-19 W h e n I b r e a k t h a t o a t h , let m e t u r n m o n s t e r .

1.2.20-21 [ I ] w i s h , for [ y o u r ] s a k e m o r e t h a n for m i n e o w n , M y f o r t u n e s w e r e m o r e able t o relieve [ y o u ] .

2-474-75 C o m e , w o o m e , w o o m e ; for n o w I a m i n a h o l i d a y h u m o u r a n d like e n o u g h t o c o n s e n t .

4.1.65-66 C o m e , n o w I will b e y o u r [ l o v e r ] i n a m o r e c o m i n g - o n d i s p o s i t i o n ; a n d a s k m e w h a t y o u w i l l , I w i l l g r a n t it.

4.1.106-8 [I'll h a v e y o u t o w i f e ] as fast as s h e c a n m a r r y u s .

4.1.127 Believe . . . if y o u p l e a s e , t h a t I c a n d o s t r a n g e t h i n g s .

5.2.58-60 If y o u will b e m a r r i e d t o m o r r o w , y o u s h a l l .

5-2-72-73

CYMBELINE I dedicate myself to y o u r sweet pleasure.

1.7.136

Enticements

and

Inducements

61

I a m a d v i s e d t o give [ y o u ] m u s i c a m o r n i n g s , t h e y s a y it will p e n e t r a t e .

2.3.11-12

HAMLET If t h e r e b e a n y g o o d t h i n g t o b e d o n e T h a t m a y t o t h e e d o ease a n d grace to m e , Speak to me.

[ I a m ] c o l l e a g u e d w i t h t h i s d r e a m of [ y o u r ] a d v a n t a g e .

1.2.21 W h a t wouldst t h o u beg, T h a t s h a l l n o t b e m y offer, n o t t h y a s k i n g ?

1.2.45-46 W h a t wouldst t h o u have.

1.2.50 Let ply music.

2.1.72 Your visitation shall receive s u c h t h a n k s A s fits a k i n g ' s r e m e m b r a n c e .

2.2.25-26 G o t o y o u r r e s t , at n i g h t w e ' l l feast t o g e t h e r .

2.2.84 A n d for m y m e a n s , I'll h u s b a n d t h e m s o w e l l , T h e y s h a l l g o far w i t h l i t t l e .

4.5.138-39

62

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Repair thou to me with as much speed as thou wouldest

fly

death.

4.6.21-22 Y o u m u s t p u t m e i n y o u r h e a r t for f r i e n d .

4.7.2

LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST I will tell t h e e w o n d e r s .

1.2.130 W e n u m b e r n o t h i n g t h a t w e s p e n d for y o u : O u r d u t y is s o r i c h , s o i n f i n i t e , T h a t w e m a y d o it still w i t h o u t a c c o u n t .

5.2.198-200 Mistress, look on me, B e h o l d t h e w i n d o w of m y h e a r t , m i n e e y e , W h a t h u m b l e suit attends t h y answer there; I m p o s e s o m e s e r v i c e o n m e for t h y l o v e .

5.2.829-32

MEASURE FOR MEASURE A l w a y s o b e d i e n t t o y o u r G r a c e ' s will, I come to k n o w your pleasure.

1.1.25-26 I'll b r i b e y o u . . . w i t h s u c h gifts t h a t h e a v e n s h a l l s h a r e with you.

2.2.146-48 I h a v e p r o v i d e d for y o u ; s t a y a w h i l e .

2.3.17 Enticements

and

Inducements

I am come to k n o w your pleasure.

M-3

1

T h o u a f e v e r o u s life s h o u l d s t e n t e r t a i n .

3.1.74 I h a v e s p i r i t t o d o a n y t h i n g t h a t a p p e a r s n o t foul i n t h e t r u t h of m y s p i r i t .

3.1.Z05-6 W h a t p l e a s u r e [are y o u ] given to?

3.2.228 M a y b e I w i l l call u p o n y o u a n o n for s o m e a d v a n t a g e t o yourself.

4.1.22-24 Take . . . this your companion by the hand, W h o h a t h a s t o r y r e a d y for y o u r e a r .

4.1.55-56 [ I ] desire [ y o u ] T o try [ y o u r ] gracious fortune with [ m e ] .

5.1.78-79 A l l m y life t o c o m e I'll l e n d y o u all m y life t o d o y o u s e r v i c e .

5.1.429-30 I have a m o t i o n m u c h imports your good; W h e r e t o if y o u ' l l a w i l l i n g e a r i n c l i n e , W h a t ' s m i n e is y o u r s , a n d w h a t is y o u r s is m i n e .

5.1.532-34

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR I t w e r e a g o o t m o t i o n if w e leave o u r p r i b b l e s a n d prabbles, and desire a marriage.

1.1.51-52 [ I ] s h a l l tell y o u a n o t h e r t a l e , if m a t t e r s g r o w t o y o u r likings.

1.1.70-71 W e have appointed to dine . . . and I w o u l d n o t break w i t h [ y o u ] for m o r e m o n e y t h a n I'll s p e a k of.

3.2.49-51

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM [I h a v e ] given [ y o u ] r h y m e s , A n d i n t e r c h a n g e love-tokens with [you]: [I h a v e ] b y m o o n l i g h t at [ y o u r ] w i n d o w s u n g W i t h f a i n i n g voice v e r s e s of f e i g n i n g l o v e , A n d s t o l ' n t h e i m p r e s s i o n of [ y o u r ] f a n t a s y W i t h b r a c e l e t s of [ m y ] h a i r , r i n g s , g a u d s , c o n c e i t s , K n a c k s , rifles, n o s e g a y s , s w e e t m e a t s ( m e s s e n g e r s Of strong prevailment in u n h a r d e n ' d youth):

1.1.28-35 R u n t h r o u g h fire I will for t h y s w e e t s a k e !

2.2.102 I'll give t h e e fairies t o a t t e n d o n t h e e ; A n d t h e y shall fetch thee j e w e l s from t h e deep, A n d sing, while t h o u o n pressed flowers dost sleep.

3.1.150-52

Enticements

and

Inducements

N o w t h o u a n d I are n e w in amity, A n d will t o - m o r r o w m i d n i g h t , s o l e m n l y , Dance in D u k e T h e s e u s ' house triumphantly.

4.1.86-88 W e w i l l , fair q u e e n , u p t o t h e m o u n t a i n ' s t o p , A n d m a r k the musical confusion O f h o u n d s and echo in conjunction.

4.1.108-10 C o m e n o w ; w h a t m a s q u e s , w h a t dances shall w e have!

W h a t revels are i n h a n d ?

5.1.36 W h a t m a s q u e , w h a t music? H o w shall we beguile T h e l a z y t i m e , if n o t w i t h s o m e d e l i g h t ?

5.1.40-41

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING [ I w i l l w r i t e y o u ] a s o n n e t i n p r a i s e of [ y o u r ] b e a u t y i n so h i g h a style . . . t h a t n o m a n living shall c o m e over it, for i n m o s t c o m e l y t r u t h t h o u d e s e r v e s t it.

5-2-4-8

OTHELLO I will a r o u n d u n v a r n i s h e d tale deliver O f m y w h o l e c o u r s e of l o v e , w h a t d r u g s , w h a t c h a r m s , WTiat conjuration and w h a t mighty magic. I

66

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-3-9 "93

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SEDUCTION

O u r loves a n d comforts s h o u l d increase E v e n as o u r d a y s d o g r o w .

2.1.192-93 H o n e y , y o u shall be well desired.

2.1.203 [I h a v e ] devoted a n d given u p [ m y ] s e l f t o t h e c o n t e m p l a t i o n , m a r k a n d d e n o t e m e n t of [ y o u r ] p a r t s and graces.

2.3.311-13 I will b e s t o w y o u w h e r e y o u s h a l l h a v e t i m e T o s p e a k y o u r b o s o m freely.

3.1.56-57 I [ a m ] n o t h i n g , b u t to please [ y o u r ] fantasy.

3-3-3°3 D o n o t y o u c h i d e , I h a v e a t h i n g for y o u .

3-3-3°5 If y o u ' l l c o m e t o s u p p e r t o n i g h t , y o u m a y ; if y o u w i l l n o t , c o m e w h e n y o u a r e n e x t p r e p a r e d for.

4.1.157-58 W h a t is y o u r p l e a s u r e ?

4.2.24 Come, stand not amazed . . . but go along with me.

4.2.240-41

Enticements

and Inducements

I

67

PERICLES [I'll] sing a s o n g t h a t old was s u n g . . . T o glad y o u r ear, a n d please y o u r eyes. i. C h o r u s , i-4 D a y s e r v e s n o t l i g h t m o r e faithful t h a n I'll b e .

1.2.110 W e r e m y fortunes equal to m y desires, I could wish to make one [with you].

2.1.110-11 P r e p a r e for m i r t h . 2

-37

C o m e , q u e e n o' t h ' feast!

2.3.17 [ I h a v e ] b e n t all offices t o h o n o u r [ y o u ] .

2.5.48 M y r e c o m p e n s e is t h a n k s , t h a t ' s all; Yet m y g o o d w i l l is g r e a t , t h o u g h t h e gift s m a l l .

3.4.16-17 D o not consume your blood with sorrowing: H a v e y o u a n u r s e of m e !

4.1.23-24 I n s t r u c t [ m e ] w h a t [I h a v e ] to do, that [I] m a y n o t be raw in [ m y ] entertainment.

4.2.50-52 H e t h a t will give m o s t s h a l l h a v e [ m e ] first.

4.2.55-56

68

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You s h a l l live i n p l e a s u r e .

4.2.72

ROMEO AND JULIET H o w stands your dispositions to be married?

1.3.65 So s h a l l y o u s h a r e all t h a t [ I ] d o p o s s e s s , By having [ m e ] , m a k i n g yourself n o less.

1.3.93-94 A l l m y f o r t u n e s a t t h y f o o t I'll lay, A n d follow t h e e . . . t h r o u g h o u t t h e w o r l d .

2.2.147-48 O for a f a l c o n e r ' s voice T o lure this tassel-gentle b a c k again.

2.2.158-59 [ I ] toil i n y o u r delight.

2.5.76 [I] shall happily m a k e t h e e . . . a joyful bride.

[I'll give y o u ] w h a t b e c o m e d l o v e I m i g h t , N o t s t e p p i n g o ' e r t h e b o u n d s of m o d e s t y .

4.2.26-27

Enticements

and Inducements

I

69

THE TEMPEST T h i s music crept by m e u p o n the waters, A l l a y i n g b o t h t h e i r fury a n d m y p a s s i o n W i t h i t s s w e e t air.

1.2.394-96 If a v i r g i n , A n d y o u r affection n o t g o n e f o r t h , I'll m a k e y o u T h e Q u e e n of N a p l e s .

1.2.450-52 T h o u s h a l t b e as free as m o u n t a i n w i n d s .

1.2.501-2 B e s e e c h y o u , sir, b e m e r r y . Z.I.I

[ I ] will b e c o m e t h y bed, I w a r r a n t , A n d bring thee forth brave brood.

3.2.102-3 T h y t h o u g h t s I cleave t o . W h a t ' s t h y p l e a s u r e ?

4.1.164

TWELFTH NIGHT If m u s i c b e t h e f o o d of l o v e , p l a y o n , G i v e m e e x c e s s of it, t h a t , s u r f e i t i n g , T h e appetite m a y sicken, a n d s o die.

1.1.1-3 O , [ m u s i c ] c a m e o ' e r m y e a r like t h e s w e e t s o u n d T h a t b r e a t h e s u p o n a b a n k of v i o l e t s , Stealing and giving odour.

1.1.5-7

I

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

So full of s h a p e s is fancy, T h a t it a l o n e is h i g h f a n t a s t i c a l .

1.1.14-15 A w a y b e f o r e m e t o s w e e t b e d s of

flowers!

L o v e - t h o u g h t s lie r i c h w h e n c a n o p i e d w i t h b o w e r s .

1.1.40-41 W h a t I a m , a n d w h a t I w o u l d , a r e as s e c r e t as m a i d e n h e a d : t o y o u r ears, divinity; t o a n y o t h e r ' s , profanation.

1.5.218-20 H e r e , w e a r t h i s j e w e l for m e , ' t i s m y p i c t u r e : R e f u s e it n o t , it h a t h n o t o n g u e t o v e x y o u : A n d I beseech y o u c o m e again to-morrow.

3.4.210-12 If thou entertainst

my love, let it appear in thy smiling,

smiles become thee well. Therefore in my presence smile, dear my sweet, I

thy

still

prithee.

THE T W O GENTLEMEN OF VERONA H e r e is m y h a n d , for m y t r u e c o n s t a n c y .

2.2.8 A t h o u s a n d o a t h s , a n o c e a n of [ m y ] t e a r s , A n d i n s t a n c e s of i n f i n i t e of l o v e , Warrant [you] welcome.

2.7.69-71

Enticements

and

Inducements

7i

[ I ' l l ] w i n [ y o u ] w i t h gifts, if [ y o u ] r e s p e c t n o t w o r d s : D u m b jewels often in their silent kind, M o r e than quick words, do move a woman's mind.

3.1.89-91 U p o n t h e a l t a r of [ y o u r ] b e a u t y [ I ] sacrifice [ m y ] t e a r s , [ m y ] s i g h s , [ m y ] h e a r t .

3-2-72-73 [ I ] w r i t e till [ m y ] i n k b e d r y ; a n d w i t h [ m y ] t e a r s M o i s t it a g a i n ; a n d f r a m e s o m e f e e l i n g l i n e T h a t m a y discover s u c h integrity.

3.Z.74-76 M a d a m , t h i s s e r v i c e I h a v e d o n e for y o u ( T h o u g h you respect n o t aught your servant doth) T o h a z a r d life, a n d r e s c u e y o u f r o m h i m T h a t w o u l d have forc'd y o u r h o n o u r a n d y o u r love.

5.4.19-22 W h a t d a n g e r o u s a c t i o n , s t o o d it n e x t t o d e a t h , W o u l d I n o t u n d e r g o , for o n e c a l m l o o k ?

5.4.41-42

THE WINTER'S TALE This entertainment M a y a free face p u t o n , d e r i v e a l i b e r t y F r o m h e a r t i n e s s , f r o m b o u n t y , fertile b o s o m , A n d well b e c o m e t h e agent: 't may, I grant:

1.2.111-14 [I a m ] m o s t goddess-like p r a n k ' d u p .

4.4.10

72

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Apprehend N o t h i n g b u t jollity.

4.4.24-25 See, y o u r g u e s t s a p p r o a c h : A d d r e s s yourself to entertain t h e m sprightly, A n d let's be red w i t h m i r t h .

4.4.52-54 M y fair'st f r i e n d , I w o u l d I h a d s o m e flowers o' t h ' s p r i n g , t h a t m i g h t B e c o m e y o u r t i m e of day.

4.4.112-14 Come! come buy! come buy! B u y , l a d s , o r else y o u r l a s s e s cry.

4.4.230-31 I know [ Y o u ] p r i z e n o t s u c h trifles as t h e s e a r e : T h e gifts [ y o u ] l o o k f r o m m e a r e p a c k ' d a n d l o c k ' d U p in m y heart, w h i c h I have given already, B u t n o t deliver'd.

44-3 5 7 -

Enticements

and

6 1

Inducements

73

Self-Inflation

p J _

EOPLE

HAVE

A

W E A K N E S S

for p o w e r . A n d y o u can

acquire an aura of p o w e r t h e way lots of Shakespeare's figures do: by being big. Shakespeare k n o w s t h a t a p e r s o n h a s t o be e n o r m o u s t o impress a n y o n e in this j a d e d world. O t h e l l o is h u g e in D e s d e m o n a ' s m a i d e n m i n d from stories of sieges and treasure. P e t r u c h i o wears chaos like an oversized overcoat. Falstaff is a great distended bladder of bravismo. J u s t as Shakespeare's language enlarges t h e m , it can p u m p y o u u p in the eyes of t h e o n e you desire. You, t o o , can balloon w i t h vital­ ity. H i s w o r d s make y o u bigger t h a n y o u are. D o n ' t t h i n k this is dishonesty. Everywhere in t h e animal world you see this magic at w o r k in t h e m a t i n g display. Little creatures puff u p into big o n e s . It's n a t u r a l P R . T h i n k peacocks and puffer fish. J u s t follow y o u r i n s t i n c t s , inflatable species t h a t you are. T h a t swollen head, even fatter t h a n usual, can be hugely attractive as l o n g as it's stuffed w i t h Shakespeare. H u m a n beings have t o c o m p e n s a t e for b e i n g furless a n d featherless. Be t r u e t o y o u r biology. G e t y o u r q u a r r y t o believe passionately t h a t y o u r passions are m a d e of n o t h i n g b u t t h e finest part of t r u e love. I n v e n t o r y y o u r h o n o r a b l e p a r t s for t h e m . Advertise w h a t a p r e t t y piece of flesh y o u are. If y o u lack real stature, imply potential. If you have n o t h i n g at all, y o u still have w o r d s and t h e b r e a t h to b r e a t h e t h e m . Inhale deeply a n d expand y o u r prospects. Imagination is t h e h u m a n version of colorful tail feathers. Display t h e verbiage w i t h t h e plumage. Shake y o u r Shakespeare.

finest

ALL'S W E L L THAT ENDS WELL [ H e r e ] shall [ y o u ] have a t h o u s a n d loves, A m o t h e r , a n d a m i s t r e s s , a n d a friend, A phoenix, captain, and an enemy, A guide, a goddess, and a sovereign, A counsellor, a traitress, a n d a dear.

1.1.162-66 M y friends w e r e p o o r , b u t h o n e s t ; so's m y love.

1.3.190 T h i s youthful parcel O f n o b l e b a c h e l o r s s t a n d at m y b e s t o w i n g .

2-3-52-53 I am a simple maid, and therein wealthiest T h a t I protest I simply am a maid.

2.3.66-67 A n d m y i n t e g r i t y n e ' e r k n e w t h e crafts T h a t you do charge m e n with.

4-2-33-34

ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA [ M y ] p a s s i o n s a r e m a d e of n o t h i n g b u t t h e finest p a r t of p u r e love.

1.2.153-54 T h o u g h age f r o m folly c o u l d n o t give m e f r e e d o m , It d o e s from c h i l d i s h n e s s .

1.3.58-59

76

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T h e w o r l d a n d m y g r e a t office w i l l s o m e t i m e s Divide m e from y o u r b o s o m .

2.3.1-2 T h o u g h grey D o something mingle with [ m y ] younger b r o w n , yet have [I] A brain that nourishes [ m y ] nerves and can G e t g o a l for g o a l of y o u t h .

4.8.19-22

As You LIKE IT T h o u g h I l o o k old, yet I a m s t r o n g a n d lusty.

2.3.47 M y age is as a l u s t y w i n t e r .

2.3.52 I'll d o t h e s e r v i c e of a y o u n g e r m a n I n all y o u r b u s i n e s s a n d n e c e s s i t i e s .

^•3-53-55 I will f o l l o w t h e e t o t h e l a s t g a s p w i t h t r u t h a n d l o y a l t y .

2.3.69-70 I m u s t c o m f o r t t h e w e a k e r v e s s e l , as d o u b l e t a n d h o s e o u g h t t o s h o w itself c o u r a g e o u s t o p e t t i c o a t ; t h e r e f o r e courage.

2.4.4-7 'Tis n o t [ m y ] glass b u t y o u t h a t flatters [ m e ] , A n d o u t of y o u [ I ] s e e [ m y ] s e l f m o r e p r o p e r T h a n a n y of [ m y ] l i n e a m e n t s c a n s h o w [ m e ] .

3-5-54~5

6

Self-Inflation

I

77

M i s t r e s s , k n o w yourself. D o w n o n y o u r k n e e s A n d t h a n k h e a v e n , f a s t i n g , for a g o o d m a n ' s l o v e .

3-5-57-58 I h a v e n e i t h e r t h e s c h o l a r ' s m e l a n c h o l y , w h i c h is e m u l a t i o n ; n o r t h e m u s i c i a n ' s , w h i c h is f a n t a s t i c a l ; n o r t h e c o u r t i e r ' s , w h i c h is p r o u d ; n o r t h e s o l d i e r ' s , w h i c h is a m b i t i o u s ; n o r t h e l a w y e r ' s , w h i c h is p o l i t i c ; n o r t h e l a d y ' s , w h i c h is n i c e ; n o r t h e l o v e r ' s , w h i c h is all t h e s e ; b u t it is a m e l a n c h o l y of m i n e o w n , c o m p o u n d e d of m a n y s i m p l e s , e x t r a c t e d f r o m m a n y o b j e c t s , a n d i n d e e d t h e s u n d r y c o n t e m p l a t i o n of m y travels.

4.1.10-18 I will b e m o r e j e a l o u s of t h e e t h a n a B a r b a r y c o c k - p i g e o n over his h e n , m o r e c l a m o r o u s t h a n a parrot against rain, m o r e new-fangled t h a n an ape, m o r e giddy in m y desires t h a n a monkey.

4.1.141-45 [If] t h o u didst k n o w h o w m a n y f a t h o m deep I a m in love!

4.1.195-96 [ T h e d e p t h of m y l o v e ] c a n n o t b e s o u n d e d .

4.1.197 I h a v e t r o d a m e a s u r e , I h a v e f l a t t e r e d a lady, I h a v e b e e n politic w i t h m y friend, s m o o t h w i t h m i n e enemy, I have u n d o n e t h r e e tailors, I have h a d four quarrels, a n d like t o h a v e f o u g h t o n e .

5.4.44-47 I a m n o t f u r n i s h e d like a b e g g a r , t h e r e f o r e t o b e g will n o t b e c o m e m e . M y w a y is t o c o n j u r e y o u .

5.4.206-8 78

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CYMBELINE I will r e m a i n t h e l o y a l ' s t h u s b a n d t h a t e ' e r d i d p l i g h t troth.

1.2.26-27 B r e a t h e [ m y ] faults s o q u a i n t l y T h a t t h e y m a y s e e m t h e t a i n t s of l i b e r t y , T h e flash a n d o u t b r e a k of a fiery m i n d , A savageness in unreclaimed blood.

HAMLET [ I a m ] a m a n faithful a n d h o n o u r a b l e .

2.2.130 [ I ] s e n d s o m e p r e c i o u s i n s t a n c e of [ m y ] s e l f After t h e t h i n g [ I ] love.

4.5.162-63 E a t a c r o c o d i l e ? I'll d o ' t .

5.1.271-72 [ I a m ] a n a b s o l u t e g e n t l e m a n , full of m o s t e x c e l l e n t differences, of v e r y soft s o c i e t y a n d g r e a t s h o w i n g .

5.2.107-8 [ I a m ] t h e c a r d o r c a l e n d a r of g e n t r y ; for y o u s h a l l find i n [ m e ] t h e c o n t i n e n t of w h a t p a r t a g e n t l e m a n w o u l d see.

5.2.109-11 I a m satisfied i n n a t u r e .

5.2.240

Self-Inflation

I

79

LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST [I] have measur'd m a n y miles T o tread a m e a s u r e w i t h [ y o u ] o n this grass.

5.2.184-85

MEASURE FOR MEASURE I love t h e people B u t d o n o t like t o stage m e t o t h e i r eyes.

1.1.67-68 [ M y ] purpose [is] M o r e grave a n d w r i n k l e d t h a n t h e aims a n d e n d s Of burning youth.

1.3.4-6 A s t h o s e t h a t feed g r o w full, as b l o s s o m i n g t i m e T h a t from t h e s e e d n e s s t h e b a r e fallow b r i n g s T o t e e m i n g foison, even so [ m y ] p l e n t e o u s w o m b E x p r e s s e d * [ y o u r ] full t i l t h a n d h u s b a n d r y .

1.4.41-44 I think and pray T o several subjects: H e a v e n h a t h m y e m p t y words, W h i l s t m y invention, hearing not m y tongue, Anchors on [you].

2.4.1-4 I have n o superfluous leisure; m y stay m u s t be stolen out o f o t h e r affairs: b u t I w i l l a t t e n d y o u a w h i l e .

3.1.156-58 F a s t e n y o u r ear o n m y advisings, t o t h e love I have in doing good.

3.1.196-97 80

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THE

ART

OF

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SEDUCTION

[I h a v e ] s o m e feeling of t h e s p o r t ; [ I k n o w ] t h e s e r v i c e ; and that instructfs] [ m e ] to mercy.

3.2.115-17 M a r k w h a t I say, w h i c h y o u s h a l l f i n d B y e v e r y s y l l a b l e a faithful verity.

4.3.125-26 You s h a l l s e e h o w I'll h a n d l e [ y o u ] .

5.1.270-71 Y o u m a y m a r v e l w h y I o b s c u r ' d myself.

5.1.388 THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR [ I ] have b r o w n hair, a n d s p e a k small like a w o m a n .

1.1.44-45 S e t t i n g t h e a t t r a c t i o n of m y g o o d p a r t s a s i d e , I h a v e n o other charms.

2.2.100-1 A y , b e - g a r , a n d d e m a i d is love-a m e .

3.2.58 [ I ] c a p e r , [ I ] d a n c e , [ I h a v e ] e y e s of y o u t h ; [ I ] w r i t e verses, [I] speak holiday, [ I ] smell A p r i l a n d May.

3.2.60-62

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM I a m . . . as w e l l d e r i v ' d as h e , A s w e l l p o s s e s s ' d ; m y l o v e is m o r e t h a n h i s ;

Self-Inflation

I

81

M y f o r t u n e s e v e r y w a y as fairly r a n k ' d , If n o t w i t h v a n t a g e , as [ h i s ] .

1.1.99-102 I a m t h a t m e r r y w a n d e r e r of t h e n i g h t .

2.1.43 A n d t h e n e n d life w h e n I e n d l o y a l t y !

2.2.62 I a m a s p i r i t of n o c o m m o n r a t e ; T h e s u m m e r still d o t h t e n d u p o n m y s t a t e ; A n d I d o love t h e e : therefore go w i t h m e .

3.1.147-49

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING B u t it is c e r t a i n I a m l o v e d o f all l a d i e s , o n l y y o u excepted.

1.1.114-15

OTHELLO B y t h e f a i t h of m a n I k n o w m y p r i c e , I a m w o r t h n o worse.

1.1.9-10 In simple and pure soul I come to you.

1.1.106 D o n o t believe T h a t f r o m t h e s e n s e of all civility I t h u s w o u l d p l a y a n d trifle w i t h [ y o u ] .

1.1.130

82

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[I a m ] a m a i d e n never bold, O f s p i r i t s o still a n d q u i e t t h a t [ m y ] m o t i o n B l u s h e d at [ m y ] s e l f . 1

i-95~97

Q u e s t i o n m e t h e s t o r y of m y life F r o m year to y e a r — t h e battles, sieges, fortunes T h a t I have passed. I [ w i l l ] it t h r o u g h , e v e n f r o m m y b o y i s h d a y s T o t h v e r y m o m e n t t h a t [ y o u b i d ] m e tell it.

[I'll s p e a k ] of m o s t d i s a s t r o u s c h a n c e s , O f m o v i n g a c c i d e n t s b y flood a n d field, O f h a i r - b r e a d t h scapes i'th' i m m i n e n t deadly b r e a c h , O f b e i n g t a k e n b y t h e i n s o l e n t foe A n d s o l d t o s l a v e r y ; of m y r e d e m p t i o n t h e n c e A n d portance in m y travailous history; W h e r e i n of a n t r e s v a s t a n d d e s e r t s idle, R o u g h quarries, r o c k s a n d hills w h o s e h e a d s t o u c h heaven [Give m e ] m y hint to speak.

Ï-3-Ï39-43 U p o n [your] hint I spake: [ Y o u ] l o v e d m e for t h e d a n g e r s I h a d p a s s e d A n d I loved [ y o u ] t h a t [ y o u ] did pity t h e m . T h i s is t h e o n l y w i t c h c r a f t I h a v e u s e d .

1.3.167-70 L e t it n o t gall y o u r p a t i e n c e . . . T h a t I e x t e n d m y m a n n e r s ; 'tis m y b r e e d i n g T h a t gives m e t h i s b o l d s h o w of c o u r t e s y .

2.1.97-99

Self-Inflation

I

83

[ I a m ] s o free, s o k i n d , s o a p t , s o b l e s t a d i s p o s i t i o n t h a t [ I ] h o l d it a vice i n [ m y ] g o o d n e s s n o t t o d o m o r e t h a n [I a m ] r e q u e s t e d . ^ • ^ - ^

I t w e r e n o t for y o u r q u i e t n o r y o u r g o o d N o r for m y m a n h o o d , h o n e s t y a n d w i s d o m T o let y o u k n o w m y t h o u g h t s . I

3-3 55-57 [You] h a d eyes a n d chose m e .

3.3.192 Y o u m a y i n d e e d s a y [ m y h a n d is g o o d ] , F o r ' t w a s t h a t h a n d t h a t gave a w a y m y h e a r t .

3.4.44-45

PERICLES [ I ' m ] s o g r e a t c a n m a k e [ m y ] w i l l [ m y ] act.

1.2.19 H e l o v e s y o u w e l l t h a t h o l d s h i s life of y o u .

2.2.22 M y a c t i o n s a r e as n o b l e as m y t h o u g h t s .

2.5. 58 O , y o u h a v e h e a r d s o m e t h i n g of m y p o w e r , a n d s o s t a n d a l o o f for m o r e s e r i o u s w o o i n g .

4.6.85-87 I protest to thee, pretty one, m y authority shall. . . look friendly u p o n t h e e .

4.6.87-89

SHAKESPEARE

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THE

A R T

OF

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SEDUCTION

[ G a z e o n m e ] . Is't n o t a goodly presence?

5.1.65 I am a maid, . . . t h a t ne'er before invited eyes, B u t h a v e b e e n g a z ' d o n like a c o m e t .

5.1.84-86

ROMEO AND JULIET ' T i s k n o w n I a m a p r e t t y p i e c e of

flesh.

1.1.28 I'll g o a l o n g , [ n e w l o v e ] t o b e s h o w n , B u t t o rejoice i n s p l e n d o u r of m i n e o w n .

1.2.102-3 N a y I do bear a brain.

1.3.29 I have seen the day T h a t I h a v e w o r n a v i s o r a n d c o u l d tell A w h i s p e r i n g t a l e i n a fair l a d y ' s ear, S u c h as w o u l d p l e a s e .

1.5.21-24 I conjure thee b y [ m y ] bright eyes, B y [ m y ] h i g h f o r e h e a d a n d [ m y ] s c a r l e t lip, B y [ m y ] fine foot, s t r a i g h t leg, a n d q u i v e r i n g t h i g h , A n d t h e d e m e s n e s t h a t t h e r e a d j a c e n t lie, T h a t in t h y likeness t h o u appear to [ m e ] .

2.1.17-21

Self-Infhti

W i t h love's light w i n g s did I o'er p e r c h t h e s e walls, F o r s t o n y limits c a n n o t h o l d love o u t , A n d w h a t love c a n do, t h a t dares love a t t e m p t .

2.2.66-68 I a m t h e v e r y p i n k of c o u r t e s y .

2.4.59 I s a w n o m a n u s e y o u at h i s p l e a s u r e ; if I h a d , m y w e a p o n should quickly have been out.

[ I a m ] a g e n t l e m a n of n o b l e p a r e n t a g e , O f fair d e m e s n e s , y o u t h f u l a n d n o b l y l i g n ' d .

3.5.179-80 [ I a m ] s t u f f d as t h e y say, w i t h h o n o u r a b l e p a r t s .

3.5.181 [ I a m ] p r o p o r t i o n ' d as o n e ' s t h o u g h t w o u l d w i s h a m a n .

3.5.182 A n eagle, m a d a m , H a t h n o t s o g r e e n , s o q u i c k , s o fair a n eye A s [I h a v e ] .

3.5.219-21

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW T h o u m u s t be married to n o m a n b u t m e . For I am he am b o r n to tame you, Kate, A n d bring you from a wild Kate to a Kate C o n f o r m a b l e as o t h e r h o u s e h o l d K a t e s .

2.1.268-71

86

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I tell y o u ' t i s i n c r e d i b l e t o b e l i e v e H o w m u c h [ w o m e n ] love m e .

2.1.299-300 I read that I profess, T h e A r t to Love.

4.2.8 THE TEMPEST M y zenith doth depend upon A m o s t auspicious star, w h o s e influence If n o w I c o u r t n o t , b u t o m i t , m y f o r t u n e s W i l l e v e r after d r o o p .

1.2.181-84 I flam'd a m a z e m e n t .

1.2.198 M y spirits are n i m b l e .

2.1.197 L o o k h o w well m y g a r m e n t s sit u p o n m e .

2.1.267 M y sweet mistress W e e p s w h e n she sees m e work, and says, s u c h baseness H a d n e v e r like e x e c u t o r .

3.1.11-13 I had rather crack m y sinews, break m y back, T h a n you should such dishonour undergo, W h i l e I sit l a z y by.

3.1.26-28

Self-Inflation

I

87

As I hope F o r q u i e t d a y s , fair i s s u e a n d l o n g life, W i t h s u c h l o v e as ' t i s n o w , t h e m u r k i e s t d e n , T h e m o s t o p p o r t u n e place, t h e strong'st suggestion O u r w o r s e r genius can, shall never melt M i n e h o n o u r into lust.

4.1.23-28

TROILUS AND CRESSIDA H a v e y o u a n y eyes? D o y o u k n o w w h a t a m a n is? Is n o t birth, beauty, good shape, discourse, m a n h o o d , l e a r n i n g , g e n t l e n e s s , v i r t u e , y o u t h , liverality a n d s u c h like, t h e s p i c e a n d s a l t t h a t s e a s o n a m a n ?

1.2.256-60 [ I ] v o w t o w e e p s e a s , live i n fire, e a t r o c k s , t a m e t i g e r s ; t h i n k i n g it h a r d e r for [ m y ] m i s t r e s s t o devise i m p o s i t i o n e n o u g h t h a n for [ m e ] t o u n d e r g o a n y difficulty i m p o s e d .

3-2-75-79 T h o u g h [ I ] be l o n g ere [ I ] be w o o e d , [I a m ] c o n s t a n t being won.

3.2.109-10 I a m as t r u e as t r u t h ' s s i m p l i c i t y , A n d s i m p l e r t h a n t h e i n f a n c y of t r u t h .

3.2.167-68

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TWELFTH NIGHT I can sing, A n d s p e a k t o [ y o u ] i n m a n y s o r t s of m u s i c .

1.2.57-58 [ I ] p l a y o' t h ' v i o l - d e - g a m b o y s , a n d s p e a k t h r e e o r f o u r l a n g u a g e s w o r d for w o r d w i t h o u t b o o k , a n d h a t h all t h e g o o d gifts of n a t u r e .

1.3.25-28 L o o k y o u , sir, s u c h a o n e I w a s t h i s p r e s e n t . I s ' t n o t w e l l done?

O sir, I will n o t b e s o h a r d - h e a r t e d : I w i l l give o u t d i v e r s s c h e d u l e s of m y b e a u t y . I s h a l l b e i n v e n t o r i e d , a n d e v e r y p a r t i c l e a n d u t e n s i l l a b e l l e d t o m y will. A s , i t e m , t w o lips i n d i f f e r e n t r e d ; i t e m , t w o g r e y e y e s , w i t h lids t o t h e m ; i t e m , o n e n e c k , o n e c h i n , a n d s o forth. W e r e y o u s e n t h i t h e r to praise me?

Ï-5-247-53 C o m e h i t h e r , b o y . If e v e r t h o u s h a l t l o v e , I n t h e s w e e t p a n g s of it r e m e m b e r m e : F o r s u c h as I a m , all t r u e l o v e r s a r e , U n s t a i d a n d s k i t t i s h i n all m o t i o n s e l s e , Save i n t h e c o n s t a n t i m a g e of t h e c r e a t u r e T h a t is b e l o v ' d . H o w d o s t t h o u like t h i s t u n e ?

2.4.15-20 A l a s , [ w o m e n ' s ] l o v e m a y b e call'd a p p e t i t e , N o m o t i o n of t h e liver, b u t t h e p a l a t e , T h a t suffers s u r f e i t , c l o y m e n t , a n d r e v o l t ; B u t m i n e is all as h u n g r y as t h e s e a , A n d c a n d i g e s t as m u c h . M a k e n o c o m p a r e

Self'Inflation

B e t w e e n t h a t love a w o m a n c a n bear m e A n d that I owe [a w o m a n ] .

24.98-104

THE T W O GENTLEMEN OF VERONA O flatter m e ; for l o v e d e l i g h t s i n p r a i s e s .

2.4.143 H a v e I n o t r e a s o n to prefer m i n e o w n ?

2.4.151 If y o u k n e w [ m y ] p u r e h e a r t ' s t r u t h , You w o u l d quickly l e a r n t o k n o w [ m e ] b y [ m y ] voice.

4.2.85-86 Fear not: [I] bear an h o n o u r a b l e mind, A n d will n o t u s e a w o m a n l a w l e s s l y .

5.3.12-13

THE WINTER'S TALE O u r praises are o u r wages.

1.2.94 [ I ' l l ] w e a r y o u like [ a ] m e d a l , h a n g i n g A b o u t [ m y ] neck.

1.2.307-8 I'll give n o b l e m i s h t o [ y o u r ] h o n o u r , n o n e .

1.2.341 T h e gods themselves, H u m b l i n g t h e i r deities t o love, have t a k e n T h e s h a p e s of b e a s t s u p o n t h e m : J u p i t e r

90

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Became a bull, and bellow'd; the green N e p t u n e A r a m , a n d bleated; a n d t h e fire-rob'd god, Golden Apollo, a poor h u m b l e swain, A s I seem now.

4.4.25-31 M y desires R u n n o t before m i n e h o n o u r , n o r m y lusts B u r n h o t t e r t h a n m y faith.

44-33-35 [ I h a v e ] t h e p r e t t i e s t l o v e - s o n g s for m a i d s , s o w i t h o u t b a w d r y ( w h i c h is s t r a n g e ) ; w i t h s u c h d e l i c a t e b u r d e n s of d i l d o e s a n d f a d i n g s , j u m p h e r a n d t h u m p her; and w h e r e s o m e s t r e t c h - m o u t h e d rascal would, as it w e r e , m e a n m i s c h i e f a n d b r e a k a f o u l g a p i n t o the matter, he makes the maid to answer ' W h o o p , do me no harm, good man.'

4.4.194-201

Sclf'Inflation

I

91

Ego-Stroking

Y - L O U

CAN

INFLATE

YOURSELF

only so m u c h in front of

s o m e o n e before you need to p u m p t h e m u p , t o o . T h e i r o p i n i o n of self m u s t be big e n o u g h for t h e m t o t h i n k t h e y ' r e big e n o u g h for you. It's t h e bliss of size gazing into t h e eyes of size, a lovers' m o o n in t h e flesh, t h e soft glow of their fullness reflecting love­ liness o n you. Shakespeare k n e w well h o w flattery lubricates t h e h u m a n condition. It makes the world as we k n o w it move easily w i t h t h e world as it actually is. Shakespeare's plays are filled w i t h charac­ ters getting their psyches oiled. Cleopatra semi-deifies A n t o n y , calling h i m the demi-Atlas of this earth. A brace of wives admires t h e greatness of Falstaff, to lead h i m w h e r e t h e y merrily will. Olivia fawns over Viola, oblivious to t h e obvious. W h e n t h e twin b r o t h e r suddenly s h o w s u p , even futile flattery works! T h e stroking of y o u r quarry's ego is potentially explosive, unleashing pent-up passion for self. T h e pages that follow are flashpaper. T h e risk of b u r n t fingers is w o r t h it. If people aren't praised, confidence in t h e h u m a n race collapses, taking d o w n m u c h t h a t is admirable. People w a n t it, people n e e d it, so do it. Far from being selfish, y o u r devotion to s e d u c t i o n m a k e s t h e world m o r e h u m a n . T h i s t r u t h is so disgusting it's wonderful: You participate in t r u e reality only by indulging in flattery. Shakespeare k n o w s t h e n o s e and h o w t o lead s o m e b o d y b y it. H e k n o w s h o w to sniff o u t y o u r desired's sadly neglected qualities. A t t h e first whiff of w h a t ' s p r o b a b l y never b e e n com­ plimented, make y o u r move. T r y saying s o m e t h i n g as small as " H o w prettily you w a s h . " B u t beware: if y o u inflate s o m e o n e , you might believe y o u r o w n w o r d s and seduce yourself.

ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL You w e r e b o r n u n d e r a charitable star.

1.1.186 Frank nature, rather curious t h a n in haste, H a t h well c o m p o s ' d thee.

1.2.20-21 T h u s , Indian-like, Religious in m i n e error, I adore T h e s u n that looks u p o n his worshipper B u t k n o w s of h i m n o m o r e .

1.3.199-202 N o w b y m y faith a n d h o n o u r , If s e r i o u s l y I m a y c o n v e y m y t h o u g h t s In this m y light deliverance, I have spoke W i t h o n e t h a t in h e r sex, h e r years, profession, W i s d o m and constancy, h a t h amaz'd m e more T h e n I dare blame m y weakness.

2.1.79-84 T h y life is d e a r , for all t h a t life c a n r a t e W o r t h n a m e of life i n t h e e h a t h e s t i m a t e : Youth, beauty, wisdom, courage—all T h a t h a p p i n e s s a n d p r i m e c a n h a p p y call.

2.1.178-81 [ T h i s i s ] a s h o w i n g of a h e a v e n l y effect i n a n e a r t h l y actor.

2.3.23 H o n o u r , s i r . . . flames i n y o u r fair e y e s .

2.3.80-81

94

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[ Y o u ] are y o u n g , w i s e , fair; In these to nature [you're] immediate heir, A n d these breed honour. I

I

2-3- 3 ~33 Titled goddess; A n d w o r t h it, w i t h a d d i t i o n !

4-2-2-3 [ Y o u r ] b e a u t y did a s t o n i s h t h e s u r v e y O f richest eyes.

5.3.16-17 [ Y o u r ] w o r d s all e a r s t o o k c a p t i v e .

5-3-!7

ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA Fie, w r a n g l i n g q u e e n , W h o m everything b e c o m e s — t o chide, to laugh, T o w e e p ; w h o s e e v e r y p a s s i o n fully s t r i v e s T o m a k e itself, i n t h e e , fair a n d a d m i r e d !

1.1.49-52 Y o u s h a l l b e y e t far fairer t h a n y o u a r e . I.2.IÏ W e c a n n o t call [ y o u r ] w i n d s a n d w a t e r s s i g h s a n d t e a r s ; t h e y are greater s t o r m s a n d t e m p e s t s t h a n a l m a n a c s can report.

1.2.154-56 [If I h a d n e v e r s e e n y o u , I ] h a d t h e n left u n s e e n a w o n d e r f u l p i e c e of w o r k , w h i c h n o t t o h a v e b e e n b l e s t withal w o u l d have discredited [ m y ] travel.

1.2.160-62 Ego-Stroking

I

95

[ Y o u ] d e m i - A t l a s of t h i s e a r t h , t h e a r m A n d b u r g o n e t of m e n !

1.5.24-25 [Your] beauty claims N o w o r s e a h u s b a n d t h a n t h e b e s t of m e n .

2.2.135-36 [Your] virtue and . . . general graces speak T h a t w h i c h n o n e else c a n u t t e r .

2.2.137-38 [ Y o u ' r e ] m o s t t r i u m p h a n t lady, if r e p o r t b e square to [you].

2.2.194-95 T h e air . . . for v a c a n c y , H a d gone to gaze o n [ y o u ] A n d m a d e a gap in n a t u r e .

2.2.226-28 A g e c a n n o t w i t h e r [ y o u ] , n o r c u s t o m stale [ y o u r ] infinite variety.

2.2. 245-46 O t h e r w o m e n cloy T h e a p p e t i t e s t h e y feed, b u t [ y o u ] m a k e h u n g r y W h e r e m o s t [ y o u ] satisfy.

2.2.246-48 [You] S h o u l d h a v e a n a r m y for a n u s h e r , a n d T h e n e i g h s of h o r s e t o tell of h e r a p p r o a c h L o n g ere [ y o u ] did appear. T h e trees b y th' w a y S h o u l d h a v e b o r n e m e n , a n d expectation fainted, L o n g i n g for w h a t it h a d n o t . N a y , t h e d u s t

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S h o u l d h a v e a s c e n d e d t o t h e r o o f of h e a v e n , Raised by your populous troops.

3.6.45-51 [You] wear the rose Of youth upon [you].

3.13.20 O infinite v i r t u e ! C o m ' s t t h o u s m i l i n g f r o m T h e world's great snare uncaught?

4.8.17-18 [ Y o u r ] legs b e s t r i d t h e o c e a n ; [ y o u r ] r e a r e d a r m C r e s t e d t h e world; [ y o u r ] voice w a s p r o p e r t i e d A s all t h e t u n e d s p h e r e s , a n d t h a t t o f r i e n d s ; But w h e n [ y o u ] m e a n t to quail and shake the orb, [ Y o u w e r e ] as r a t t l i n g t h u n d e r .

5.2.81-85 For [your] bounty, T h e r e w a s n o w i n t e r i n ' t ; a n a u t u m n it w a s T h a t grew the m o r e by reaping.

5.2.85-87

As You LIKE IT R e p o r t s p e a k s g o l d e n l y of [ y o u r ] profit.

1.1.5-6 T h e y s a y m a n y y o u n g g e n t l e m e n flock t o [ y o u ] e v e r y day.

1.1.116-17

Ego-Stroking

I

97

Yet [ y o u ' r e ] g e n t l e , n e v e r s c h o o l e d a n d y e t l e a r n e d , full of n o b l e d e v i c e , of all s o r t s e n c h a n t i n g l y b e l o v e d . . . s o m u c h i n t h e h e a r t of t h e w o r l d .

1.1.164-67 T h o u s p e a k ' s t w i s e r t h a n t h o u a r t w a r e of.

2.4.54 O wonderful, wonderful! A n d m o s t wonderful w o n d e r f u l ! A n d y e t a g a i n w o n d e r f u l ! A n d after t h a t o u t of all w h o o p i n g .

3.2.188-90 [You a r e ] t r u e i n love.

3.4.24 T h e best thing in [ y o u ] Is [ y o u r ] c o m p l e x i o n ; a n d faster t h a n [ y o u r ] t o n g u e D i d m a k e offence, [ y o u r ] e y e d i d h e a l it u p .

3.5.115-17 T h e r e w a s a p r e t t y r e d n e s s i n [ y o u r ] lip, A little r i p e r a n d m o r e l u s t y r e d T h a n that mix'd in [ y o u r ] cheek; 'twas j u s t the difference Betwixt the constant red and mingled damask.

3.5.120-23 T h e r e be s o m e w o m e n . . . had they mark'd [you] I n p a r c e l s as I did, w o u l d h a v e g o n e n e a r T o fall i n l o v e w i t h [ y o u ] .

3.5.124-26 [You] have a pretty wit.

5.1.28

98

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I do remember in [you] S o m e lively t o u c h e s .

5.4.26-27

CYMBELINE I do not think So fair a n o u t w a r d , a n d s u c h stuff w i t h i n Endows a man, but [you].

1.1.22-23 [You are] A m a n worth any woman: overbuys m e A l m o s t t h e s u m [ y o u ] pay.

1.2.76-78 [ Y o u a r e ] t h e gift of t h e g o d s .

1.5.82 A l l of [ y o u ] t h a t is o u t of d o o r m o s t r i c h ! If [ y o u ] b e f u r n i s h ' d w i t h a m i n d s o r a r e , [You are] alone t h ' A r a b i a n bird.

1.7.15-17 [ Y o u a r e ] o n e of t h e n o b l e s t n o t e .

1.7.22 H e a v e n ' s b o u n t y . . . i n y o u [ i s ] b e y o n d all t a l e n t s .

1.7.78-80 A lady So fair, a n d f a s t e n ' d t o a n e m p e r y W o u l d make the great'st king double.

1.7.119-21

EgO'Stroki

[ Y o u a r e ] t h e b e s t f e a t h e r of o u r w i n g .

1.7.186 'Tis [your] breathing that Perfumes the chamber thus.

2.2.18-19 A h , but some natural notes about [your] body Above ten thousand meaner moveables W o u l d testify, t ' e n r i c h m i n e i n v e n t o r y .

2.2.28-30 W i t h e v e r y t h i n g t h a t p r e t t y is, m y l a d y s w e e t arise: A r i s e , arise!

2.3.24-25 [ Y o u ] d i d it w i t h A p u d e n c y so rosy, t h e sweet view on't M i g h t well have w a r m ' d old Saturn.

2.4.162-64 O noble stain! O w o r t h i n e s s of n a t u r e ! b r e e d of g r e a t n e s s !

4.2.24-25 T h i s youth, howe'er distress'd, appears he h a t h had good ancestors.

4.2.47-48 H o w angel-like [ y o u ] sing!

4.2.48

HAMLET To the celestial and my souls idol, the most beautified

[you].

2.2.109-10

100

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I h a v e a n eye of y o u . If y o u l o v e m e , h o l d n o t off.

2.2.290-91 W h a t a p i e c e of w o r k [ a r e y o u ] , h o w n o b l e i n r e a s o n , h o w infinite in faculties, in f o r m a n d m o v i n g h o w express a n d a d m i r a b l e , i n a c t i o n h o w like a n angel, i n a p p r e h e n s i o n h o w l i k e a g o d : t h e b e a u t y of t h e w o r l d , t h e p a r a g o n of a n i m a l s .

2-2.303-7 Y o u r l a d y s h i p is n e a r e r t o h e a v e n t h a n w h e n I s a w y o u last.

2.2.421-22 Y o u r voice [ i s ] like a p i e c e of u n c u r r e n t g o l d .

2.2.423-24 [ Y o u ] p l e a s e n o t t h e m i l l i o n , [ y o u ' r e ] caviare t o t h e general.

2-2.432-33 [ Y o u a r e ] as w h o l e s o m e as s w e e t .

2.2.440-41 [ Y o u a r e ] b y v e r y m u c h m o r e h a n d s o m e t h a n fine.

2.2.441 'Fore God, m y lord, well spoken, w i t h good accent a n d good discretion.

2.2.462-63 O, what a noble mind.

3.1.152 B l e s t are t h o s e w h o s e b l o o d a n d j u d g e m e n t a r e s o commeddled.

3.2.68-69

EgO'Stroking

I 101

Give m e that m a n T h a t is n o t p a s s i o n ' s slave, a n d I will w e a r h i m I n m y h e a r t ' s c o r e , ay, i n m y h e a r t of h e a r t , A s I do thee.

3.2.71-74 A s y o u s a i d — a n d w i s e l y w a s it s a i d .

3-3-3° W h a t a grace [is] seated o n [ y o u r ] brow, H y p e r i o n ' s c u r l s , t h e f r o n t of J o v e himself, A n eye like M a r s t o t h r e a t e n a n d c o m m a n d , A s t a t i o n like t h e h e r a l d M e r c u r y N e w - l i g h t e d o n a h e a v e n - k i s s i n g hill, A combination and a form indeed W l i e r e every g o d [ d o t h ] s e e m t o set h i s seal T o give t h e w o r l d a s s u r a n c e of a m a n .

3.4.55-62 [ Y o u r ] w o r t h , if p r a i s e s m a y g o b a c k a g a i n , S t o o d c h a l l e n g e r o n m o u n t of all t h e age For [ y o u r ] perfections.

4.7.27-29 Y o u h a v e b e e n t a l k ' d of s i n c e y o u r t r a v e l m u c h . . . for a q u a l i t y W h e r e i n they say you shine.

4.7.70-72 I k n o w [ y o u ] well. [You are] t h e b r o o c h indeed A n d g e m of all t h e n a t i o n . 2

4-7-9 ~93 [ Y o u a r e ] a f e l l o w of i n f i n i t e j e s t , of m o s t e x c e l l e n t fancy.

5.1.178-79

102

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W h a t a k i n g is t h i s !

5.2.62. I n t h e v e r i t y of e x t o l m e n t , I t a k e [ y o u ] t o b e a s o u l of great article.

5.2.115-16 Y o u r skill s h a l l like a s t a r i ' t h ' d a r k e s t n i g h t S t i c k fiery off i n d e e d .

5.2.253-54

LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST Lord, h o w wise y o u are!

1.2.129 N o t h i n g b u t fair is t h a t w h i c h y o u i n h e r i t .

4.1.20 B y h e a v e n , t h a t t h o u a r t fair, is m o s t infallible; t r u e , t h a t t h o u a r t b e a u t e o u s ; t r u t h itself, t h a t t h o u a r t lovely. M o r e fairer t h a n fair, b e a u t i f u l t h a n b e a u t e o u s , t r u e r t h a n t r u t h itself, h a v e c o m m i s e r a t i o n o n t h y h e r o i c a l vassal!

4.1.61-65 B y h e a v e n t h e w o n d e r i n a m o r t a l e y e ! . . . as u p r i g h t as t h e c e d a r . . . as fair as day.

4.3.82,86,87 All hail, t h e r i c h e s t b e a u t i e s o n t h e earth!

5.2.158

Ego-Stroking

I 103

MEASURE FOR MEASURE H e a v e n d o t h w i t h [ y o u ] as w e w i t h t o r c h e s d o , N o t l i g h t t h e m for t h e m s e l v e s .

[ Y o u ] will play w i t h r e a s o n a n d discourse, A n d well [ y

o u

]

c

a

n

persuade.

i.2.175-76 I h o l d y o u as a t h i n g e n s k i e d a n d s a i n t e d .

1.4.34 B y y o u r r e n o u n c e m e n t , [I h o l d y o u ] a n i m m o r t a l spirit, A n d t o be talk'd w i t h in sincerity, A s with a saint.

M-35-37 Y o u h a v e t h e g r a c e b y y o u r fair p r a y e r T o soften [ m e ] .

1.4.69-70 I would to heaven I had your potency.

2.2.66 [ Y o u ] play s u c h fantastic tricks before h i g h h e a v e n A s m a k e s t h e angels weep.

2.2.122-23 T h o u ' r t i' t h ' r i g h t , girl; m o r e o ' t h a t .

2.2.130 [You] put mettle in restrained means.

2.4.48

SHAKESPEARE

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W i t h a n o u t s t r e t c h e d t h r o a t I'll tell t h e w o r l d a l o u d W h a t m a n t h o u art.

2.4.152-53 Yet h a t h [ y o u ] i n [ y o u ] a m i n d of h o n o u r .

2.4.178 [ Y o u ] a r e as all c o m f o r t s a r e : m o s t g o o d , m o s t g o o d indeed.

3-^55 T h e h a n d t h a t h a t h m a d e y o u fair h a t h m a d e y o u g o o d .

3.1.179-80 G r a c e , b e i n g t h e s o u l of y o u r c o m p l e x i o n , s h a l l k e e p t h e b o d y of it e v e r fair.

3.1.182-83 [ Y o u ] d r a w w i t h idle s p i d e r s ' s t r i n g s Most ponderous and substantial things!

3.2.268-69 [ Y o u r ] advice h a t h o f t e n s t i l l ' d m y b r a w l i n g d i s c o n t e n t .

4.1.8-9 I d o c o n s t a n t l y believe y o u .

4.1.21 T h e r e is w r i t t e n i n y o u r b r o w , . . . h o n e s t y a n d c o n s t a n c y ; if I r e a d it n o t t r u l y , m y a n c i e n t skill beguiles m e .

4.2.152-54 O m y dear lord, I crave n o o t h e r , n o r n o b e t t e r m a n .

5.1.423-24

Ego-Stroking

I

105

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR I k n o w [ t h i s ] y o u n g g e n t l e w o m a n ; [ y o u ] h a v e g o o d gifts.

1.1.56 [ Y o u a r e ] a r e g i o n i n G u i a n a , all g o l d a n d b o u n t y .

1.3.64-65 S u r e l y , I t h i n k y o u h a v e c h a r m s , la; y e s , i n t r u t h .

2.2.98-99 L e t t h e c o u r t of F r a n c e s h o w m e s u c h a n o t h e r [ l i k e you].

3-348 I see h o w t h i n e eye w o u l d e m u l a t e t h e d i a m o n d .

3.3.48-49 T h o u h a s t t h e r i g h t a r c h e d b e a u t y of t h e b r o w t h a t b e c o m e s t h e s h i p - t i r e , t h e t i r e - v a l i a n t , o r a n y t i r e of Venetian admittance.

3-349-52 W h a t m a d e m e love thee? Let t h a t p e r s u a d e t h e e there's s o m e t h i n g extraordinary in thee.

3.3.62-63 A l b e i t I will c o n f e s s t h y f a t h e r ' s w e a l t h W a s t h e first m o t i v e t h a t I w o o ' d t h e e . . . Yet, w o o i n g t h e e , I f o u n d t h e e of m o r e v a l u e T h a n s t a m p s in gold or s u m s in sealed bags; A n d ' t i s t h e v e r y r i c h e s of t h y s e l f T h a t n o w I a m at.

3.4.13-18

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A kind heart [you] hath: a w o m a n would r u n through fire a n d w a t e r for s u c h a k i n d h e a r t .

3.4.99-100 I like [ y o u r ] m o n e y w e l l .

3-5-53 ' T i s o n e of t h e b e s t d i s c r e t i o n s of a ' o m a n as e v e r I d i d look upon.

4.4.1-2

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM T h e w i l d e s t h a t h n o t s u c h a h e a r t as y o u .

2.1.229 H a p p y is [ m y l a d y ] , w h e r e s o e ' e r s h e lies, For she h a t h blessed a n d attractive eyes.

2.2.89-90 H o w came [ y o u r ] eyes so bright?

2.2.91 I p r a y t h e e , gentle m o r t a l , s i n g again: M i n e e a r is m u c h e n a m o u r ' d of t h y n o t e ; So is m i n e eye e n t h r a l l e d t o t h y s h a p e ; A n d t h y fair v i r t u e ' s f o r c e p e r f o r c e d o t h m o v e m e O n t h e first v i e w t o say, t o s w e a r , I l o v e t h e e .

3.1.132-36 T h o u a r t as w i s e as t h o u a r t b e a u t i f u l .

3.1.142 [ Y o u a r e ] t h e o b j e c t a n d t h e p l e a s u r e of m i n e e y e .

4.1.169

Ego-Stroking

[ Y o u a r e ] t h e fairest d a m e T h a t liv'd, t h a t l o v ' d , t h a t lik'd, t h a t l o o k ' d w i t h c h e e r .

5.1.282-83 Thy sweet

eyes.

These lily lips, This cherry Theseyellow

nose, cowslip

cheeks

5.1.316-19

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING C o m e , come, do you think I do not k n o w you by your e x c e l l e n t w i t ? C a n v i r t u e h i d e itself?

2.1.111-112

OTHELLO A n o t h e r of [ y o u r ] f a t h o m [ t h e r e i s ] n o n e .

1.1.150 [You're] a proper man.

Ï-3-39

1

[You] p a r a g o n description a n d wild fame; [ Y o u ] e x c e l t h e q u i r k s of b l a z o n i n g p e n s A n d i n t h ' e s s e n t i a l v e s t u r e of c r e a t i o n D o tire [ t h e C r e a t o r ] .

2.1.62-65 T e m p e s t s themselves, high seas, and howling winds, T h e guttered rocks and congregated sands, . . . A s h a v i n g s e n s e of b e a u t y , d o o m i t T h e i r m o r t a l n a t u r e s , l e t t i n g [ y o u ] g o safely by.

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[ Y o u a r e ] e v e r fair a n d n e v e r p r o u d , [ Y o u h a v e ] t o n g u e at will, a n d y e t [ a r e ] n e v e r l o u d .

2.1.148-49 V e r y good, well kissed, a n d excellent c o u r t e s y : 'tis so indeed!

2.1.174-75 O m y fair w a r r i o r !

2.1.180 [ Y o u a r e ] full of m o s t b l e s t c o n d i t i o n .

2.1.247-48 O , t h e w o r l d h a t h n o t a s w e e t e r c r e a t u r e : [ y o u ] m i g h t lie by an e m p e r o r ' s side a n d c o m m a n d h i m tasks.

4.1.180-82 O , [ y o u ] will s i n g t h e s a v a g e n e s s o u t of a b e a r ! of s o h i g h and plenteous wit and invention!

4.1.185-87 [ Y o u r s k i n i s ] s m o o t h as m o n u m e n t a l a l a b a s t e r .

5.2.5 T h o u [ a r t t h e ] c u n n i n g ' s t p a t t e r n of e x c e l l i n g n a t u r e .

5.2.11 [ Y o u a r e ] g r e a t of h e a r t .

5-2-359

Ego-Stroking

PERICLES N a t u r e t h i s d o w r y gave: t o glad [ y o u r ] p r e s e n c e , T h e s e n a t e - h o u s e of p l a n e t s all d i d sit T o knit in [ y o u ] their best perfections. I.I.IO-I2

[ Y o u ] c o m e a p p a r e l l ' d like t h e s p r i n g , Graces [your] subjects, and [your] thoughts the king O f e v e r y v i r t u e [ w h i c h ] gives r e n o w n t o m e n !

I.I.13-15 Heaven, that I had t h y head!

1.1.110 Sit d o w n ; t h o u a r t n o f l a t t e r e r ; I thank thee fort

1.2.60-61 T h y w i s d o m m a k e s a prince t h y servant, W h a t w o u l d ' s t t h o u have m e do?

1.2.64-65 I [ s e e k ] t h e p u r c h a s e of a g l o r i o u s b e a u t y , F r o m w h e n c e an issue I might propagate.

1.2.72-73 T o m e [ y o u ] s e e m like d i a m o n d t o g l a s s .

2.3.36 I do P r o t e s t m y e a r s w e r e n e v e r b e t t e r fed W i t h s u c h delightful pleasing h a r m o n y .

2.5.26-28 [You have] gain'd O f e d u c a t i o n all t h e g r a c e ,

no

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W h i c h m a k e s [ y o u ] b o t h t h e heart a n d place O f general wonder. 4.Chorus. 8-11 [ Y o u r ] f i n g e r s a r e l o n g , s m a l l , w h i t e as m i l k .

4.Chorus.22 W h e n to th'lute [you sang, y o u ] made t h e night-bird mute.

4.Chorus.25-26 O u t of t h y l o n g - e x p e r i e n c ' d t i m e Give m e s o m e p r e s e n t c o u n s e l .

4.1.60-61 [You are] a goodly creature.

4.1.9 Y o u are w e l l f a v o u r ' d , a n d y o u r l o o k s f o r s h o w You have a gentle heart.

4.1.85-86 [ Y o u h a v e ] a g o o d face, s p e a k w e l l , a n d h a v e e x c e l l e n t good clothes.

4.2.44-45 Come, the gods have done their part in you.

4.2.66 W h e n n a t u r e fram'd this piece, s h e m e a n t t h e e a g o o d turn.

4.2.137-38 W h a t a paragon [you are].

4.2.138

EgO'Scroking

I

in

You m a k e t h e j u d g e m e n t good T h a t t h o u g h t y o u w o r t h y of it.

4.6.92-93 H a d I brought hither a corrupted mind, T h y s p e e c h h a d a l t e r ' d it.

4.6.103-4 T h o u a r t a p i e c e of v i r t u e .

4.6.in [ Y o u ] , . . . with [your] sweet h a r m o n y A n d o t h e r c h o s e n attractions, w o u l d allure, A n d m a k e a batt'ry t h r o u g h [ m y ] deafen'd p o r t s , W h i c h n o w are m i d w a y s t o p p ' d .

5.1.44-47 F a i r o n e , [ y o u a r e ] all g o o d n e s s t h a t c o n s i s t s i n b e a u t y .

5.1.70 [You are] wand'like straight.

5.1.109 [You a r e ] silver-voic'd.

5.1.110 [ Y o u r ] eyes [ a r e ] jewel-like a n d cas'd . . . richly.

5.1.110-11 I'll h e a r y o u m o r e , t o t h ' b o t t o m of y o u r s t o r y , A n d never interrupt you.

5.1.164-65 I will believe y o u b y t h e syllable.

5.1.167

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[ T h o u art] m o s t wise in general.

5.1.182 T h o u h a s t b e e n godlike perfect.

5.1.206 T h e g o d s c a n h a v e n o m o r t a l officer M o r e like a g o d t h a n y o u .

5.3.62-63

ROMEO AND JULIET S h e ' s fair I l o v e .

1.1.204 I n s t r o n g p r o o f of c h a s t i t y [ y o u a r e ] w e l l a r m ' d F r o m l o v e ' s w e a k c h i l d i s h b o w [ y o u ] live u n c h a r m ' d .

1.1.208-9 [ Y o u a r e ] t h e h o p e f u l l a d y of m y e a r t h .

1.2.15 [You are] a virtuous and welLgovern'd y o u t h .

1.5.66 You are a s a u c y boy.

1.5.82 [ Y o u ' r e ] a g o o d lady, a n d a w i s e a n d v i r t u o u s [ o n e ] .

1.5.113 Retain that dear perfection, w h i c h [you o w n ] W i t h o u t [ a ] title.

2.2.46-47

Ego-Stroking

I 1 1 3

[ Y o u r ] face b e b e t t e r t h a n a n y m a n ' s , y e t [ y o u r ] l e g e x c e l s all m e n ' s , a n d for a h a n d a n d a foot a n d a b o d y , t h o u g h t h e y be n o t t o be talked o n , yet t h e y are past compare.

2.5.40-43 [ Y o u a r e ] t h e f l o w e r of c o u r t e s y .

2.5.43 [Imagination] m o r e rich in matter t h a n in words B r a g s of [ y o u r ] s u b s t a n c e , n o t of o r n a m e n t .

2.6.30-31 Every tongue that speaks But [your] n a m e speaks heavenly eloquence. 2

3-2-3 -33 U p o n [ y o u r ] b r o w s h a m e is a s h a m ' d t o sit, F o r 'tis a t h r o n e w h e r e h o n o u r m a y be c r o w n ' d S o l e m o n a r c h of t h e u n i v e r s a l e a r t h .

3.2.92-94 O l o r d , I c o u l d h a v e s t a y ' d h e r e all t h e n i g h t T o h e a r g o o d c o u n s e l . O , w h a t l e a r n i n g is. I

3-3- 58-59

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW In [ y o u r ] silence do I see M a i d ' s mild behaviour and sobriety.

1.1.70-71 I s a w s w e e t b e a u t y i n [ y o u r ] face.

1.1.167

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I s a w [ y o u r ] coral lips t o m o v e , A n d w i t h [ y o u r ] b r e a t h [ y o u ] d i d p e r f u m e t h e air. S a c r e d a n d s w e e t w a s all I s a w i n [ y o u ] .

1.1.174-76 I am a gentleman . . . T h a t h e a r i n g of [ y o u r ] b e a u t y a n d [ y o u r ] w i t , [ Y o u r ] affability a n d b a s h f u l m o d e s t y , [Your] w o n d r o u s qualities and mild behaviour, A m bold to s h o w myself a forward guest W i t h i n y o u r h o u s e , t o m a k e m i n e eye t h e w i t n e s s O f t h a t r e p o r t w h i c h I s o oft h a v e h e a r d .

2.1.47-53 [ Y o u ] s i n g as s w e e t l y as a n i g h t i n g a l e .

2.1.171 I'll c o m m e n d [ y o u r ] v o l u b i l i t y , A n d say [ y o u ] u t t e r e t h piercing eloquence.

2.1.175-76 Hearing t h y mildness prais'd in every t o w n , T h y v i r t u e s s p o k e of, a n d t h y b e a u t y s o u n d e d , Yet n o t s o d e e p l y as t o t h e e b e l o n g s , M y s e l f a m m o v ' d t o w o o t h e e for m y wife.

2.1.191-94 I find y o u p a s s i n g g e n t l e . ' T w a s t o l d m e y o u w e r e r o u g h , a n d coy, a n d s u l l e n , A n d n o w I find r e p o r t a v e r y liar; For t h o u art pleasant, g a m e s o m e , p a s s i n g c o u r t e o u s , B u t s l o w i n s p e e c h , y e t s w e e t as s p r i n g - t i m e f l o w e r s . T h o u canst n o t frown, t h o u canst n o t look askance, N o r b i t e t h e lip, as a n g r y w e n c h e s will, N o r h a s t t h o u p l e a s u r e t o cross in talk. But thou with mildness entertain'st thy wooers,

EgO'Stroking

"5

W i t h g e n t l e c o n f e r e n c e , soft a n d affable. W h y does t h e w o r l d r e p o r t t h a t [ t h o u ] d o t h limp? O s l a n d e r o u s w o r l d ! [ T h o u ] like t h e h a z e l - t w i g [ A r t ] s t r a i g h t a n d s l e n d e r , a n d as b r o w n i n h u e A s hazel-nuts and sweeter than the kernels. O , let m e see t h e e walk. T h o u dost n o t halt.

2.1.236-50 F o r [ y o u ' r e ] n o t f r o w a r d , b u t m o d e s t as t h e d o v e . [ Y o u ] a r e n o t h o t , b u t t e m p e r a t e as t h e m o r n . F o r patience [ y o u ] will prove a s e c o n d Grissel, A n d R o m a n L u c r è c e for [ y o u r ] c h a s t i t y .

2.1.285-89

THE TEMPEST I h a v e g r e a t c o m f o r t f r o m t h i s fellow.

1.1.28 ( T h i s ] t o u c h ' d t h e v e r y v i r t u e of c o m p a s s i o n i n t h e e .

1.2.26-27 [ Y o u a r e ] a p i e c e of v i r t u e .

1.2.56 Y o u r t a l e , sir, w o u l d c u r e d e a f n e s s .

1.2.106 I m i g h t call h i m A t h i n g d i v i n e ; for n o t h i n g n a t u r a l I ever s a w so n o b l e .

1.2.420-22 M o s t s u r e t h e g o d d e s s o n w h o m t h e s e airs a t t e n d !

1.2.424-25

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This Is t h e t h i r d m a n t h a t e'er I s a w ; t h e first T h a t e'er I s i g h ' d for.

1.2.447-49 W h a t i m p o s s i b l e m a t t e r will [ y o u ] m a k e e a s y n e x t ?

2.1.85 You are [ a g e n t l e m a n ] of b r a v e m e t t l e .

2.1.175 [ I ' l l ] follow t h e e , t h o u w o n d r o u s m a n .

2.2.163-64 T h e mistress w h i c h I serve q u i c k e n s w h a t ' s dead, A n d makes m y labours pleasures.

3.1.6-7 O , s h e is T e n times m o r e gentle t h a n her father's crabbed, A n d h e ' s c o m p o s ' d of h a r s h n e s s . 1

l- -7~9 Precious creature.

3.1.25 I n d e e d t h e t o p of a d m i r a t i o n ! w o r t h W h a t ' s dearest to the world! I

8

3- -3 "39 Full m a n y a lady I have ey'd w i t h best regard, and m a n y a time T h ' h a r m o n y of t h e i r t o n g u e s h a t h i n t o b o n d a g e B r o u g h t m y t o o d i l i g e n t ear: for s e v e r a l v i r t u e s H a v e I lik'd s e v e r a l w o m e n ; n e v e r a n y W i t h s o full s o u l , b u t s o m e defect i n h e r Did quarrel w i t h t h e noblest grace she ow'd,

Ego-Strokin

A n d p u t it t o t h e foil: b u t y o u , O y o u , So perfect a n d so peerless, are created O f every creature's best.

3.1.39-48 [ Y o u ] o u t s t r i p all p r a i s e , A n d m a k e it h a l t b e h i n d [ y o u ] .

4.1.10-11

TROILUS AND CRESSIDA [ Y o u ] l o o k e d y e s t e r n i g h t fairer t h a n e v e r I s a w [ y o u ] look, or a n y w o m a n else.

1.1.32-33 [ Y o u ] w o u l d b e as fair o' F r i d a y as H e l e n is o n S u n d a y .

1.1.76-77 [ Y o u r ] b e d is I n d i a ; t h e r e [ y o u ] lie, a p e a r l .

1.1.100 I think [your] smiling becomes [you] better than any m a n i n all P h r y g i a .

1.2.124-25 O , [ y o u ] smile valiantly.

1.2.126 [ Y o u ] h a v e a s h r e w d w i t , I c a n tell y o u , a n d [ y o u ' r e ] a m a n good enough.

1.2.192-93 L o o k h o w [ y o u ] l o o k , t h e r e ' s a c o u n t e n a n c e : is't n o t a brave man?

1.2.203-4

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[ Y o u a r e ] t h e m o r t a l V e n u s , t h e h e a r t - b l o o d of b e a u t y , l o v e ' s visible s o u l . I

I -

3- -3 3

2

[ Y o u a r e ] full of h a r m o n y .

3-Ï-52 B y m y t r o t h , s w e e t l o r d , t h o u h a s t a fine f o r e h e a d .

3.1.102-3 O t h a t I t h o u g h t it c o u l d b e i n a w o m a n — A s , if it c a n , I will p r e s u m e i n y o u — T o feed for aye h e r l a m p a n d f l a m e s of l o v e ; T o keep her constancy in plight and youth, Outliving beauty's outward, with a mind T h a t d o t h r e n e w swifter t h a n b l o o d decays!

3.2.156-61 [ Y o u are l i k e ] t h e G r e c i a n y o u t h s . . . full of q u a l i t y , T h e i r l o v i n g w e l l c o m p o s ' d , w i t h gift of n a t u r e

flowing,

A n d swelling o'er w i t h arts a n d exercise.

4.4.74-76 [ Y o u a r e ] a w o m a n of q u i c k s e n s e .

4-5-54

TWELFTH NIGHT O , w h e n m i n e e y e s d i d s e e [ y o u ] first, M e t h o u g h t [ y o u ] p u r g ' d t h e air of p e s t i l e n c e ; T h a t instant was I turn'd into a hart, A n d m y d e s i r e s , like fell a n d c r u e l h o u n d s , E'er since p u r s u e m e .

1.1.19-23

Ego-Stroking

I 1 1 9

I will b e l i e v e t h o u h a s t a m i n d t h a t s u i t s W i t h t h i s t h y fair a n d o u t w a r d c h a r a c t e r .

1.2.50-51 I'll d r i n k t o [ y o u ] as l o n g as t h e r e is a p a s s a g e i n m y throat.

1.3.38-39 M o s t radiant, exquisite, and u n m a t c h a b l e beauty!

1.5.171-72 'Tis beauty truly blent, whose red and white N a t u r e ' s o w n s w e e t a n d c u n n i n g h a n d laid o n .

1.5.242-43 I suppose [you] virtuous, k n o w [you] noble, O f g r e a t e s t a t e , of f r e s h a n d s t a i n l e s s y o u t h ; I n v o i c e s w e l l d i v u l g ' d , free, l e a r n ' d , a n d v a l i a n t , A n d i n d i m e n s i o n , a n d t h e s h a p e of n a t u r e A gracious person.

1.5.262-66 T h y t o n g u e , t h y face, t h y l i m b s , a c t i o n s , a n d s p i r i t D o give t h e e five-fold b l a z o n .

1.5.296-97 M e t h i n k s I feel t h i s y o u t h ' s p e r f e c t i o n s W i t h an invisible a n d subtle stealth T o c r e e p i n at m i n e e y e s .

1.5.300-2 I d o I k n o w n o t w h a t , a n d fear t o find M i n e e y e t o o g r e a t a f l a t t e r e r for m y m i n d . Fate, s h o w t h y force; ourselves w e d o n o t owe. W h a t is d e c r e e d , m u s t b e : a n d b e t h i s s o .

1ZO

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[ Y o u b e a r ] a m i n d t h a t e n v y c o u l d n o t b u t call fair.

2.1.28-29 Before m e , [ y o u ' r e ] a g o o d w e n c h .

2.3.178 M y love, m o r e n o b l e t h a n t h e world, P r i z e s n o t q u a n t i t y of d i r t y l a n d s ; T h e parts that fortune h a t h bestow'd u p o n [you], . . . I h o l d as g i d d i l y as f o r t u n e : B u t 'tis t h a t m i r a c l e a n d q u e e n of g e m s T h a t n a t u r e p r a n k s [ y o u ] in, attracts m y soul.

2.4.81-87

THE T W O GENTLEMEN OF VERONA O f m a n y good, I t h i n k [ y o u ] best.

1.2.21 [ Y o u r ] b e a u t y is e x q u i s i t e , b u t [ y o u r ] f a v o u r i n f i n i t e .

2.1.52-53 I h a v e l o v e d [ y o u ] e v e r s i n c e I s a w [ y o u ] , a n d still I s e e [ y o u ] beautiful.

2.1.63-64 O excellent m o t i o n ! O exceeding puppet!

2.1.89 A fine volley of w o r d s , [ g e n t l e m a n ] , a n d q u i c k l y s h o t off.

2.4.30 [ Y o u ] m a d e u s e a n d fair a d v a n t a g e of [ y o u r ] d a y s : [ Y o u r ] y e a r s b u t y o u n g , b u t [ y o u r ] e x p e r i e n c e old; [Your] head unmellow'd, b u t [ y o u r ] j u d g m e n t ripe; A n d i n a w o r d (for far b e h i n d [ y o u r ] w o r t h

Ego-Stroking

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C o r n e s all t h e p r a i s e s t h a t I n o w b e s t o w ) [You are] complete in feature and in mind, W i t h all g o o d g r a c e t o g r a c e a g e n t l e m a n .

2.4.63-69 [ Y o u a r e ] w o r t h y for a n e m p r e s s ' l o v e A s meet to be an emperor's counsellor.

2.4.71-72 [You are] n o t a heavenly s a i n t . . . b u t . . . an earthly paragon.

2.4.140-41 If n o t d i v i n e , Y e t . . . be a principality, S o v e r e i g n t o all t h e c r e a t u r e s o n t h e e a r t h .

2.4.146-48 A l l I c a n is n o t h i n g T o [you] whose worth makes other worthies nothing: [ y o u ] alone.

2.4.160-62 'Tis b u t [ y o u r ] picture I have yet beheld, A n d t h a t h a t h dazzled m y r e a s o n ' s light; B u t w h e n I look o n [ y o u r ] perfections, T h e r e is n o r e a s o n b u t I s h a l l b e b l i n d .

2.4.205-8 B a s e m e n . . . u s e [ o a t h s ] t o s o b a s e effect; B u t t r u e r stars did g o v e r n [ y o u r ] birth, [ Y o u r ] w o r d s are b o n d s , [ y o u r ] o a t h s are oracles, [ Y o u r ] love s i n c e r e , [ y o u r ] t h o u g h t s i m m a c u l a t e , [Your] tears p u r e messengers sent from [ y o u r ] heart, [ Y o u r ] h e a r t as far f r o m f r a u d as h e a v e n f r o m e a r t h .

2-773-7

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[ Y o u a r e ] t o o fair, t o o t r u e , t o o h o l y , T o b e c o r r u p t e d w i t h m y w o r t h l e s s gifts.

4.2.5-6 T h o u art a g e n t l e m a n ( T h i n k n o t I flatter, for I s w e a r I d o n o t ) Valiant, wise, remorseful, well accomplish'd.

4.3.11-13 I do applaud thy spirit. . . A n d t h i n k t h e e w o r t h y of a n e m p r e s s ' l o v e .

5.4.138-39

THE WINTER'S TALE L e t w h a t is d e a r i n Sicily b e c h e a p . N e x t t o thyself.

1.2.175-76 T h o u g h I am not bookish, yet I can read waiting' g e n t l e w o m a n in the scape.

3-3-72-73 [ T h e r e w a s ] n e v e r . . . a p i e c e of b e a u t y r a r e r .

4.4.32 T h i s is t h e p r e t t i e s t l o w - b o r n l a s s t h a t e v e r Ran on the green-sward. I

6

4-4- 5 -57 N o t h i n g [you] do or seem B u t s m a c k s of s o m e t h i n g g r e a t e r t h a n [ y o u r ] s e l f , T o o n o b l e for t h i s p l a c e . 1

4-4- 57-59

Ego-Strok

[ Y o u a r e ] t h e q u e e n of c u r d s a n d c r e a m .

44.161 [ Y o u ] d a n c e featly.

4.4.178 H o w prettily the y o u n g swain seems to wash T h e h a n d w a s fair b e f o r e !

4.4.367-68 I cannot speak So well, n o t h i n g so well; n o , n o r m e a n better: B y t h p a t t e r n of m i n e o w n t h o u g h t s I c u t o u t T h e p u r i t y of [ y o u r s ] .

4.4.381-84 [ Y o u a r e ] t h e s w e e t ' s t c o m p a n i o n t h a t e'er m a n B r e d h i s h o p e s o u t of.

4.4.11-12 If, o n e b y o n e , I w e d d e d all t h e w o r l d , O r f r o m t h e all t h a t a r e t o o k s o m e t h i n g g o o d , T o m a k e a perfect w o m a n , [ y o u ] W o u l d be unparallel'd.

5.1.13-16 [ Y o u a r e ] t h e fairest I h a v e y e t b e h e l d .

5.1.87 [ Y o u a r e ] t h e m o s t p e e r l e s s p i e c e of e a r t h , I t h i n k , T h a t e'er t h e s u n s h o n e b r i g h t o n .

5.1.94-95 [You have] n o t been, N o r was n o t to be equall'd.

5.1.100-1

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T h i s is a c r e a t u r e , W o u l d she begin a sect, m i g h t q u e n c h t h e zeal O f all p r o f e s s o r s e l s e ; m a k e p r o s e l y t e s O f w h o s h e b u t b i d follow.

5.1.106-9 W o m e n will l o v e [ y o u ] , t h a t [ y o u a r e ] a w o m a n More worth than any man; men, that [you are] T h e r a r e s t of all w o m e n .

5.1.110-12 O royal piece! T h e r e ' s magic in t h y majesty. 8

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REDUCTIONS OFTEN MEET OBSTRUCTIONS.

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speare s u r m o u n t s t h e m , s u r r o u n d s t h e m , subverts t h e m in all sorts of ways, b u t o n e surefire t e c h n i q u e is s h e e r exhilaration by acceleration. Get ahead of t h e game. F l u m m o x y o u r q u a r r y w i t h confusion and stay way ahead. T o u c h s t o n e baffles A u d r y i n t o bed. She barely k n o w s w h a t ' s happening. Rosaline h a s big, s t r o n g O r l a n d o obeying orders and m a k i n g n o excuses in t h e w o o d s . H o w does s h e do it? She t h r o w s h i m off balance w i t h p u r e bravado, and keeps h i m off balance till she has h e r way. She even m a k e s h i m s h o w u p o n time t o receive his t r e a t m e n t . Fast-talking overwhelms w i t h glib, plausible n o n s e n s e . Sometimes it's false, b u t of course w e r e c o m m e n d a flurry of t r u t h . T h e language skims t h e surface, m a k e s r a s h a s s u m p ­ tions, p r e s u m e s to k n o w w h a t ' s best for s o m e o n e else. T h e logic leaps from n o n - a r g u m e n t to n o n - a r g u m e n t . It leaves r o o m for hearing w h a t isn't quite said, w i t h o u t leaving time for re­ flection. It's slippery, it's slimy, it's seductive. ( T h a t slip past you? T h a t ' s fast-talking.) A t its loveliest, fast-talking is a sparkling cascade of wit as you slyly reveal w h a t you really desire. You take t h e initiative in a passionate cause, a preemptive refusal of any refusal. It's exciting, exhilarating, exhausting. T h e ride m a k e s y o u m o r e beautiful t h a n ever, even if you were passable to begin w i t h . Your quarry is reduced to helplessness, and t h e y t h i n k t h e y ' r e delighted to be. T h e s e pages lay o u t Shakespearean a n s w e r s that t h r o w questioners into d o u b t and p u t q u e s t i o n s to r o u t .

ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL T h e r e ' s little c a n b e s a i d i n ' t ; ' t i s a g a i n s t t h e r u l e of n a t u r e . T o s p e a k o n t h e p a r t of v i r g i n i t y is t o a c c u s e y o u r m o t h e r s , w h i c h is m o s t infallible d i s o b e d i e n c e . H e t h a t h a n g s h i m s e l f is a v i r g i n ; v i r g i n i t y m u r t h e r s itself, a n d s h o u l d b e b u r i e d i n h i g h w a y s o u t of all s a n c t i f i e d l i m i t , as a d e s p e r a t e o f f e n d r e s s a g a i n s t nature. I.I.133-39 B e s i d e s , v i r g i n i t y is p e e v i s h , p r o u d , idle, m a d e of self-love w h i c h is t h e m o s t i n h i b i t e d s i n i n t h e c a n o n . K e e p it n o t ; y o u c a n n o t c h o o s e b u t lose by't. O u t with't! W i t h i n t h e y e a r it w i l l m a k e itself t w o , w h i c h is a g o o d l y i n c r e a s e , a n d t h e p r i n c i p a l itself n o t m u c h t h e worse. A w a y with't!

1.1.141-46 C o m e , c o m e , disclose T h e s t a t e of y o u r affection, for y o u r p a s s i o n s H a v e t o t h e full a p p e a c h ' d .

1.3.185 If t h o u p r o c e e d A s h i g h as w o r d , m y d e e d s h a l l m a t c h t h y d e e d .

2.1.208-9 W i l l y o u r a n s w e r s e r v e fit t o all q u e s t i o n s ?

2.2.19 I t m u s t b e a n a n s w e r of m o s t m o n s t r o u s s i z e t h a t m u s t fit all d e m a n d s .

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Ifl should swear by Jove's great attributes I l o v ' d y o u dearly, w o u l d y o u b e l i e v e m y o a t h s W h e n I d i d love y o u ill?

4.2.25-27

As You LIKE IT Hereafter, in a better world t h a n this, I s h a l l d e s i r e m o r e love a n d k n o w l e d g e of y o u .

1.2.274-75 I n t h y y o u t h t h o u w a s t as t r u e a l o v e r A s ever sigh'd u p o n a m i d n i g h t pillow.

2.4.23-24 If t h y l o v e w e r e e v e r like t o m i n e , A s s u r e I t h i n k did n e v e r m a n love so, H o w m a n y actions m o s t ridiculous H a s t t h o u b e e n d r a w n t o b y t h y fantasy?

2.4.25-28 W e t h a t are t r u e l o v e r s r u n i n t o s t r a n g e c a p e r s ; b u t as all is m o r t a l i n n a t u r e , s o is all n a t u r e i n l o v e m o r t a l i n folly.

2.4.51-53 T h a t t h e y call c o m p l i m e n t is like t h ' e n c o u n t e r of t w o dog-apes.

2.5.23-24 W h e n a m a n t h a n k s m e heartily, m e t h i n k s I have given h i m a p e n n y and he renders m e the beggarly t h a n k s .

2.5.24-26

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It is as e a s y t o c o u n t a t o m i e s as t o r e s o l v e t h e p r o p o s i t i o n s of a l o v e r .

3.2.228-29 [If t h e r e ' s n o c l o c k i n t h i s f o r e s t ] t h e n t h e r e is n o t r u e l o v e r i n t h e f o r e s t , else s i g h i n g e v e r y m i n u t e a n d g r o a n i n g e v e r y h o u r w o u l d d e t e c t t h e l a z y foot of T i m e , as w e l l as a c l o c k .

3.2.297-99 H e r t h a t y o u l o v e [ i s a p t e r ] t o b e l i e v e it, t h a n t o c o n f e s s s h e d o e s . T h a t is o n e of t h e p o i n t s i n t h e w h i c h w o m e n still give t h e lie t o t h e i r c o n s c i e n c e s .

3.2.377-81 T h e r e a s o n w h y [ t h o s e m a d w i t h love] are n o t so p u n i s h e d a n d c u r e d is t h a t t h e l u n a c y is s o o r d i n a r y t h a t t h e w h i p p e r s are i n love t o o .

3.2.390-93 I [set m y s u i t o r ] every day to w o o me. A t w h i c h time w o u l d I, b e i n g b u t a m o o n i s h y o u t h , g r i e v e , b e effeminate, c h a n g e a b l e , l o n g i n g a n d liking, p r o u d , f a n t a s t i c a l , a p i s h , s h a l l o w , i n c o n s t a n t , full of t e a r s , full of s m i l e s , for e v e r y p a s s i o n s o m e t h i n g a n d for n o p a s s i o n t r u l y a n y t h i n g , as b o y s a n d w o m e n a r e for t h e m o s t p a r t c a t t l e of t h i s c o l o u r ; w o u l d n o w like him, n o w loathe him; then entertain him, then f o r s w e a r h i m ; n o w w e e p for h i m , t h e n s p i t at h i m ; t h a t I d r a v e m y s u i t o r f r o m h i s m a d h u m o u r of l o v e t o a l i v i n g h u m o u r of m a d n e s s , w h i c h w a s , t o f o r s w e a r t h e full s t r e a m of t h e w o r l d a n d t o live i n a n o o k merely monastic. A n d thus I cured him.

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T h e t r u e s t p o e t r y is t h e m o s t f e i g n i n g , a n d l o v e r s a r e given to poetry.

3.3.16-17 H o n e s t y c o u p l e d t o b e a u t y is t o h a v e h o n e y a s a u c e t o sugar.

3.3.26-27 P r a i s e d b e t h e g o d s for t h y f o u l n e s s ; s l u t t i s h n e s s m a y c o m e h e r e a f t e r . B u t b e it as it m a y b e , I will m a r r y thee.

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I w e r e b e t t e r t o b e m a r r i e d of [ t h i s p r i e s t ] t h a n a n o t h e r , for h e is n o t like t o m a r r y m e w e l l ; a n d n o t b e i n g w e l l m a r r i e d , it will b e a g o o d e x c u s e for m e h e r e a f t e r t o leave m y wife.

3.3.81-85 N o w c o u n t e r f e i t t o s w o o n : w h y n o w fall d o w n , O r if t h o u c a n s t n o t , O for s h a m e , for s h a m e , Lie n o t , t o s a y m i n e e y e s a r e m u r d e r e r s .

3.5.17-19 T h i n k n o t I l o v e [ y o u ] , t h o u g h I a s k for [ y o u ] .

3.5.109 [ Y o u a r e ] n o t v e r y tall, y e t for [ y o u r ] y e a r s [ y o u ' r e ] tall. [ Y o u r ] leg is b u t s o s o ; a n d y e t ' t i s w e l l .

3.5.118-19 F o r m y p a r t I love [ y o u ] n o t , n o r h a t e [ y o u ] n o t .

3.5.126-27 A n d yet I have m o r e cause t o h a t e [ y o u ] t h a n t o love [ y o u ] .

3.5.128

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Y o u w e r e b e t t e r s p e a k first, a n d w h e n y o u w e r e g r a v e l l e d for l a c k of m a t t e r , y o u m i g h t t a k e o c c a s i o n t o k i s s .

4.1.70-72 For lovers l a c k i n g — G o d w a r r ' n t u s ! — m a t t e r , t h e c l e a n l i e s t shift is t o k i s s . H o w if t h e k i s s b e d e n i e d ? T h e n [ y o u ] p u t [ m e ] to entreaty, and there begins n e w matter. I

4- 73-77 M a k e t h e d o o r s u p o n a w o m a n ' s w i t , a n d it will o u t at t h e c a s e m e n t ; s h u t t h a t , a n d ' t w i l l o u t at t h e k e y h o l e ; s t o p t h a t , ' t w i l l fly w i t h t h e s m o k e o u t at t h e chimney.

4.1.153-56 M y affection h a t h a n u n k n o w n b o t t o m like t h e B a y of P o r t u g a l . A s fast as [ I ] p o u r affection i n , it r u n s o u t .

4.1.197-200 T h a t s a m e w i c k e d b a s t a r d of V e n u s , t h a t w a s b e g o t of t h o u g h t , c o n c e i v e d of s p l e e n a n d b o r n of m a d n e s s , t h a t b l i n d rascally b o y t h a t a b u s e s everyone's eyes b e c a u s e h i s o w n a r e o u t , l e t h i m b e j u d g e of h o w d e e p I a m in love.

4.1.201-5 ' T w a s I. B u t ' t i s n o t 1.1 d o n o t s h a m e T o tell y o u w h a t I w a s , s i n c e m y c o n v e r s i o n So sweetly tastes, b e i n g t h e t h i n g I am.

4-3-!35-37 Give m e y o u r h a n d . . . T h e n l e a r n t h i s of m e . T o h a v e is t o h a v e .

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I a m . . . h e sir t h a t m u s t m a r r y t h i s w o m a n . T h e r e f o r e y o u c l o w n , a b a n d o n — w h i c h is i n t h e v u l g a r l e a v e — t h e s o c i e t y — w h i c h i n t h e b o o r i s h is c o m p a n y — o f t h i s f e m a l e — w h i c h i n t h e c o m m o n is w o m a n . W h i c h t o g e t h e r is, a b a n d o n t h e s o c i e t y of t h i s female, or c l o w n t h o u perishest; or t o t h y b e t t e r u n d e r s t a n d i n g , d i e s t ; o r , t o w i t , I kill t h e e , m a k e t h e e away, t r a n s l a t e t h y life i n t o d e a t h , t h y l i b e r t y i n t o b o n d a g e . I will d e a l i n p o i s o n w i t h t h e e , o r i n b a s t i n a d o , or in steel. I will b a n d y w i t h t h e e in f a c t i o n ; I will o ' e r - r u n t h e e w i t h p o l i c y ; I will kill t h e e a h u n d r e d a n d fifty w a y s . T h e r e f o r e t r e m b l e a n d depart.

5.1.43-56 W h i l e s a wedlock h y m n we sing, [ W e ' l l ] feed [ o u r s e l v e s ] w i t h q u e s t i o n i n g , T h a t reason wonder may diminish H o w t h u s w e m e t , a n d t h e s e t h i n g s finish.

5.4.136-39

CYMBELINE [I w i s h ] I held this h a n d , w h o s e t o u c h ( W h o s e e v e r y t o u c h ) w o u l d f o r c e t h e feeler's s o u l T o t h ' o a t h of loyalty.

1.6.100-102 I know not why I love t h i s y o u t h , a n d I h a v e h e a r d y o u say, Love's reason's w i t h o u t reason.

4.2.20-22

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HAMLET Y o u c a n n o t s p e a k of r e a s o n t o [ m e ] A n d lose y o u r voice.

1.2.44-45 [ I w o u l d n o t ] b e t e e m t h e w i n d s of h e a v e n V i s i t [ y o u r ] face t o o r o u g h l y .

1.2.141-42 If [ y o u ] s a y [ y o u ] l o v e [ m e ] , I t fits [ m y ] w i s d o m s o far t o b e l i e v e it as [ y o u ] i n [ y o u r ] p a r t i c u l a r act a n d p l a c e M a y give [ y o u r ] s a y i n g d e e d .

1.3.24-27 [ D o n ' t ] k e e p y o u i n t h e r e a r of y o u r affection O u t of t h e s h o t a n d d a n g e r of d e s i r e . I

-3-34"35

I n t h e m o r n a n d l i q u i d d e w of y o u t h C o n t a g i o u s b l a s t m e n t s are m o s t i m m i n e n t .

1.3.41-42 Y o u d o n o t u n d e r s t a n d y o u r s e l f s o clearly.

1.3.96 I do not k n o w . . . what I should think.

1.3-104 N a t u r e c a n n o t choose his origin.

1.4.26 [You] wax desperate with imagination.

1.4.87

!34

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

If t h o u h a s t n a t u r e i n t h e e , b e a r it n o t .

i.5.81 It is c o m m o n for t h e y o u n g e r s o r t T o lack discretion.

2.1.116-17 T h e r e is n o t h i n g e i t h e r g o o d o r b a d b u t t h i n k i n g m a k e s it s o .

2.2.249-50 [ I ] love [ t h e e ] p a s s i n g w e l l .

2.2.404 U s e [ m e ] after y o u r o w n h o n o u r a n d d i g n i t y : t h e l e s s [ I ] d e s e r v e , t h e m o r e m e r i t is i n y o u r b o u n t y .

2.2.525-27 W h a t should a m a n do b u t be merry?

3.2.123-24 [You wilï\

seem harsh awhile,

hut in the end accept

[my]

love.

3.2.133 'Tis a question Whether

Stage D i r e c t i o n

left us yet to prove,

love lead fortune

or else fortune

love.

3.2.197-98 Our thoughts

are ours, their ends none of our

own.

3.2.208 Lay n o t t h a t n a t t e r i n g u n c t i o n to y o u r soul. I

34- 47

Fast-talking

O h e a v e n s , is't possible a y o u n g m a i d ' s w i t s S h o u l d b e as m o r t a l as a n o l d m a n ' s life?

4.5.159-60 C u s t o m h a t h m a d e . . . [ y o u ] a p r o p e r t y of e a s i n e s s .

5.1.67 [ M y ] d e f i n e m e n t suffers n o p e r d i t i o n i n y o u , t h o u g h I k n o w t o divide [ m e ] inventorially w o u l d d o z y t h ' a r i t h m e t i c of m e m o r y .

5.2.112-14 [ Y o u r ] i n t r u s i o n [ i s ] of s u c h d e a r t h a n d r a r e n e s s as, t o m a k e t r u e d i c t i o n of [ y o u ] .

5.2.117-18

LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST I will h e r e u p o n c o n f e s s I a m i n love; a n d as it is b a s e for a s o l d i e r t o l o v e , s o a m I i n love w i t h a b a s e w e n c h .

1.2.53-54 If d r a w i n g m y s w o r d a g a i n s t t h e h u m o u r of affection w o u l d d e l i v e r m e f r o m t h e r e p r o b a t e t h o u g h t of it, I would take Desire prisoner, and r a n s o m h i m to any F r e n c h c o u r t i e r for a n e w - d e v i s e d c o u r t e s y .

1.2.55-59 S h a l l I c o m m a n d t h y love? I m a y . S h a l l I e n f o r c e t h y love? I c o u l d . S h a l l I e n t r e a t t h y love? I will.

4.1.80-82 But that you take w h a t doth to you belong, I t w e r e a fault t o s n a t c h w o r d s f r o m m y t o n g u e .

5.2.381-82

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

O u r love b e i n g y o u r s , t h e e r r o r t h a t l o v e m a k e s Is l i k e w i s e y o u r s .

5.2.763-64

MEASURE FOR MEASURE Believe n o t t h a t t h e d r i b b l i n g d a r t of l o v e C a n pierce a complete b o s o m .

1.3.2-3 S o m e rise b y s i n , a n d s o m e b y v i r t u e fall.

2.1.38 Go to your bosom, K n o c k t h e r e , a n d a s k y o u r h e a r t w h a t it d o t h k n o w .

2.2.137-38 C a n it b e T h a t modesty may more betray our sense T h a n woman's lightness?

2.2.168-70 W o m e n ? — H e l p , heaven! M e n their creation m a r I n p r o f i t i n g b y t h e m . N a y , call u s t e n t i m e s frail; F o r w e a r e soft as o u r c o m p l e x i o n s a r e , A n d c r e d u l o u s t o false p r i n t s .

2.4.126-29 Be t h a t y o u are, T h a t is, a w o m a n ; if y o u b e m o r e , y o u ' r e n o n e .

2.4.133-34 [I h a v e f a l l e n ] b y p r o m p t u r e of t h e b l o o d .

2.4.177

Fast'talkin

T h i n k y o u I can a r e s o l u t i o n fetch From

flowery

tenderness?

3.i.81-82 T h e a s s a u l t t h a t [ I h a v e ] m a d e t o y o u . . . frailty h a t h e x a m p l e s for [ m y ] falling.

3.1.183-85 Love talks w i t h better knowledge, and knowledge w i t h dearer love.

3.2.146-47 C o m e , sir, I k n o w w h a t I k n o w .

3.2.148 T h e r e is s o g r e a t a fever o n g o o d n e s s t h a t t h e d i s s o l u t i o n of it m u s t c u r e it.

3.2.216-17 C r a f t a g a i n s t vice I m u s t apply.

3.2.270 M u s i c oft h a t h s u c h a c h a r m T o make bad good, and good provoke to harm.

4.1.14-15 P u t n o t yourself into a m a z e m e n t h o w these things s h o u l d b e ; all difficulties a r e b u t e a s y w h e n t h e y are known.

4.2.203-5 It is t e n t i m e s t r u e , for t r u t h is t r u t h T o t h ' e n d of r e c k ' n i n g .

5.1.48-49

138

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

[ Y o u r ] act d i d n o t o ' e r t a k e [ y o u r ] b a d i n t e n t , A n d m u s t b e b u r i e d b u t as a n i n t e n t T h a t p e r i s h ' d b y t h e way.

5.1.449-51

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR I beseech you be ruled by y o u r welLwillers.

1.1.63-64 I will m a r r y [ y o u ] u p o n a n y r e a s o n a b l e d e m a n d s .

1.1.206-7 A s k m e n o r e a s o n w h y I love y o u .

2.1.4 T h o u g h L o v e u s e R e a s o n for h i s p r e c i s i a n , h e a d m i t s h i m n o t for h i s c o u n s e l l o r .

2.1.4-6 You a r e n o t y o u n g , n o m o r e a m I; g o t o , t h e n , t h e r e ' s sympathy.

2.1.6-7 You are m e r r y , s o a m I; h a , h a , t h e n , t h e r e ' s m o r e sympathy.

2.1.7-8 Y o u love s a c k , a n d s o d o I; w o u l d y o u d e s i r e b e t t e r sympathy?

2.1.8-9 [ I h a v e ] n o t o n l y b o u g h t m a n y p r e s e n t s t o give [ y o u ] b u t have given largely t o m a n y t o k n o w w h a t [ y o u ] would have given.

2.2.192-94

Fast-talking

H e a v e n k n o w s h o w I love you, a n d y o u shall o n e day find it.

3-374-75 [ I l o v e y o u ] as w e l l as I l o v e a n y w o m a n i n Gloucestershire.

3-4-43-44 I see y o u are o b s e q u i o u s in y o u r love, a n d I profess requital to a hair's breadth, n o t only . . . in the simple office of l o v e , b u t i n all t h e a c c o u t r e m e n t , c o m p l e m e n t , a n d c e r e m o n y of it.

4.2.2-5

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM A y m e ! F o r a u g h t t h a t I could ever read, C o u l d ever h e a r b y take or history, H i e c o u r s e of t r u e l o v e n e v e r d i d r u n s m o o t h .

1.1.132-34 T h i n g s b a s e a n d vile, h o l d i n g n o q u a n t i t y , Love can t r a n s p o s e to form a n d dignity: Love l o o k s n o t w i t h t h e eyes, b u t w^th t h e m i n d , A n d t h e r e f o r e is w i n g ' d C u p i d p a i n t e d b l i n d ; N o r h a t h L o v e ' s m i n d of a n y j u d g e m e n t t a s t e : W i n g s , a n d n o e y e s , figure u n h e e d y h a s t e . A n d t h e r e f o r e is L o v e s a i d t o b e a c h i l d , B e c a u s e i n c h o i c e h e is s o oft b e g u i l ' d A s waggish boys, in game, themselves forswear, So t h e b o y L o v e is p e r j u r ' d e v e r y w h e r e .

1.1.232-41

140

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

If t h e n t r u e l o v e r s h a v e b e e n e v e r c r o s s ' d , It s t a n d s as a n e d i c t i n d e s t i n y .

1.1.150-51 If t h o u l o v ' s t m e t h e n , Steal f o r t h t h y f a t h e r ' s h o u s e t o m o r r o w n i g h t ; A n d in the wood, a league w i t h o u t the t o w n . . . T h e r e will I s t a y for t h e e .

1.1.163-68 W h o will n o t c h a n g e a r a v e n for a d o v e ? T h e will of m a n is b y h i s r e a s o n s w a y ' d , A n d r e a s o n says y o u are t h e w o r t h i e r maid.

2.2.113-15 W h a t t h o u seest w h e n t h o u dost wake, D o it for t h y t r u e l o v e t a k e ; L o v e a n d l a n g u i s h for h i s s a k e .

3.2.26-28 W h y should you think that I should w o o in scorn? Scorn and derision never come in tears. L o o k w h e n I vow, I w e e p ; a n d v o w s s o b o r n , I n t h e i r n a t i v i t y all t r u t h a p p e a r s .

3.2.122-25 H o w can these things in m e seem scorn to you, B e a r i n g t h e b a d g e of f a i t h t o p r o v e t h e m t r u e ?

3.2.126-27 L o o k w h e r e t h y love c o m e s ; y o n d e r is t h y d e a r .

3.2.176 I have had a m o s t rare vision. I have h a d a dream, past t h e w i t of m a n t o s a y w h a t d r e a m it w a s .

4.1.203-5

Fast-talking

I 141

T h e e y e of m a n h a t h n o t h e a r d , t h e e a r of m a n h a t h n o t s e e n , m a n ' s h a n d is n o t a b l e t o t a s t e , h i s t o n g u e t o conceive, n o r his heart to report, w h a t m y dream was.

4.i.209-12 Lovers and m a d m e n have s u c h seething brains, S u c h s h a p i n g fantasies, t h a t a p p r e h e n d M o r e t h a n cool r e a s o n ever c o m p r e h e n d s .

5.1.4-6 T r u s t me, sweet.

5.1.99

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING H e t h a t h a t h a b e a r d is m o r e t h a n a y o u t h , a n d h e t h a t h a t h n o b e a r d is l e s s t h a n a m a n ; a n d h e t h a t is m o r e t h a n a y o u t h is n o t for m e ; a n d h e t h a t is l e s s t h a n a m a n I a m n o t for h i m .

2-1.32-35 W o u l d it n o t g r i e v e a w o m a n t o b e o v e r m a s t e r e d w i t h a p i e c e of v a l i a n t d u s t , t o m a k e a n a c c o u n t of h e r life t o a c l o d of w a y w a r d m a r l ?

2.1.56-58 I t w e r e as p o s s i b l e for m e t o s a y I l o v e d n o t h i n g s o w e l l as y o u , b u t b e l i e v e m e n o t ; a n d y e t I lie n o t ; I c o n f e s s nothing, nor I deny nothing.

4.1.268-71

OTHELLO [I'll] out-tongue [ y o u r ] complaints.

1.2.19 142

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

If [ y o u h a v e ] a f r i e n d t h a t l o v e s [ m e ] , [ Y o u ] s h o u l d t e a c h h i m h o w t o tell [ y o u r ] s t o r y A n d that would woo [ m e ] .

1.3.165-67 Confess t h a t [ y o u w e r e ] half t h e wooer.

1.3.174 B u t w o r d s are w o r d s .

1.3.219 W h a t s h o u l d I d o ? I c o n f e s s it is m y s h a m e t o b e s o f o n d , b u t it is n o t i n m y v i r t u e t o a m e n d it.

1.3.318-19 [ W e a r e ] as p r i m e as g o a t s , as h o t as m o n k e y s , A s salt as w o l v e s i n p r i d e , a n d fools as g r o s s A s ignorance made drunk.

3.3.406-8 Let u s be wary, let u s hide o u r loves.

3-34^ T h e r e ' s m i l l i o n s n o w alive T h a t n i g h t l y lie i n t h o s e u n p r o p e r b e d s W h i c h they dare swear peculiar.

4.1.67-69 I g r a n t i n d e e d [ t h a t ] y o u r s u s p i c i o n is n o t w i t h o u t w i t and judgement.

4.2.212-13 [ M y s i n s ] are loves I b e a r t o y o u .

5.2.40 [I a m ] o n e t h a t l o v e d n o t wisely, b u t t o o w e l l .

5.2.342

Fast-talking

PERICLES W h o m a k e s t h e fairest s h o w m e a n s m o s t d e c e i t .

14.75 [You] get A l l p r a i s e s , w h i c h a r e p a i d as d e b t s , A n d n o t as g i v e n . 4. C h o r u s . 3 3-3 5 L e t n o t . . . flaming l o v e t h y b o s o m E n s l a v e t o o nicely.

4.1.4-6 C o m e y o u ' r e a y o u n g foolish sapling, and m u s t be b o w ' d as I w o u l d h a v e y o u .

4.2.83-85 [ Y o u r m o d e s t y ] dignifies t h e r e n o w n of a b a w d n o l e s s t h a n it gives a g o o d r e p o r t t o a n u m b e r t o b e c h a s t e .

4.6.37-38 [ A r e y o u ] n o t a fair c r e a t u r e ? F a i t h , [ y o u ] w o u l d s e r v e after a l o n g v o y a g e at sea.

4.6.41-42 T r u t h can never be confirm'd enough, T h o u g h d o u b t s did ever sleep.

5.1.201-2

ROMEO AND JULIET I h a v e l o s t myself, I a m n o t h e r e . T h i s is n o t [ m e ] , h e ' s s o m e o t h e r w h e r e .

1.1.195-96

144

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

O t e a c h m e h o w I s h o u l d forget t o t h i n k .

1.1.224 Let t w o m o r e s u m m e r s w i t h e r in their pride Ere [ y o u ] m a y t h i n k [ m e ] ripe to be a bride.

1.2.10-11 [ T o m a r r y y o u ] is a n h o n o u r t h a t I d r e a m n o t of.

1.3.66 Is love a t e n d e r t h i n g ? It is t o o r o u g h , T o o r u d e , t o o b o i s t e r o u s , a n d it p r i c k s like t h o r n .

1.4.25-26 D r e a m e r s o f t e n lie.

1.4.51 [You w e r e ] t o o early s e e n u n k n o w n , a n d k n o w n t o o late.

1.5.138 C r y b u t 'Ay me!' P r o n o u n c e b u t 'love' a n d 'dove', S p e a k t o m y g o s s i p V e n u s o n e fair w o r d .

2.1.10-11 W h y , is n o t t h i s b e t t e r n o w t h a n g r o a n i n g for love? N o w art t h o u s o c i a b l e .

2.4.88-89 N o w a r t t h o u w h a t t h o u art, b y a r t as w e l l as b y n a t u r e .

2.4.90-91 A lover m a y bestride t h e g o s s a m e r T h a t idles i n t h e w a n t o n s u m m e r air A n d y e t n o t fall; s o l i g h t is v a n i t y .

2.6.18-20

Fast-talking

I

145

H a v e d o n e : s o m e grief s h o w s m u c h of l o v e , B u t m u c h of grief s h o w s still s o m e w a n t of w i t .

3-572-73

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Fair Leda's d a u g h t e r h a d a t h o u s a n d wooers, T h e n w e l l o n e m o r e m a y fair B i a n c a h a v e .

1.2.242-43 Hic ibat, as I t o l d y o u b e f o r e — S i m o i s , I a m L u c e n t i o — hie est, s o n u n t o V i n c e n t i o of P i s a — S i g c i a

tdlus,

d i s g u i s e d t h u s t o g e t y o u r l o v e — H i e steterat, a n d t h a t L u c e n t i o t h a t c o m e s a w o o i n g — P r i a m i , is m y m a n T r a n i o — r c g i a , b e a r i n g m y p o r t — e c l s a senis, t h a t w e m i g h t beguile t h e old p a n t a l o o n . I

I

3- -3 ~36 N o w l e t m e s e e if I c a n c o n s t r u e it: Hie ibat Simois,

I

k n o w y o u n o t — h i e est Sigeia tellus, I t r u s t y o u n o t — Hie steterat Priami,

take heed he hear us not—regia,

p r e s u m e n o t — e e l s a senis, d e s p a i r n o t .

3.1.40-43

THE TEMPEST I will b e c o r r e s p o n d e n t t o c o m m a n d , A n d do m y spriting gently.

1.2.297-98 W h a t is't? a s p i r i t ? L o r d , h o w it l o o k s a b o u t ! B e l i e v e m e , . . . It carries a brave form. B u t 'tis a spirit.

1.2.412-14

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

O, that you bore T h e m i n d that I do! w h a t a sleep were this For your advancement! D o you understand me?

2.i.261-63 H u s h , a n d b e m u t e , o r else o u r s p e l l is m a r r ' d .

4.1.126-27

TROILUS AND CRESSIDA T h i s is t h e m o n s t r o s i t y i n l o v e , l a d y : t h a t t h e will is infinite, a n d t h e e x e c u t i o n c o n f i n e d : t h a t t h e d e s i r e is b o u n d l e s s , a n d t h e a c t a slave t o l i m i t .

3.2.79-82 You are wise, O r else y o u l o v e n o t ; for t o b e w i s e a n d l o v e Exceeds m a n ' s might: that dwells w i t h gods above.

3.2.154-55 I d o n o t call y o u r f a i t h i n q u e s t i o n So m a i n l y as m y m e r i t : I c a n n o t s i n g , N o r h e e l t h e h i g h lavolt, n o r s w e e t e n t a l k , N o r p l a y at s u b t l e g a m e s — f a i r v i r t u e s all, T o w h i c h t h e G r e c i a n s are m o s t p r o m p t a n d p r e g n a n t ; B u t I c a n tell t h a t i n e a c h g r a c e of t h e s e T h e r e l u r k s a still a n d d u m b - d i s c o u r s i v e devil T h a t tempts m o s t cunningly. But be not tempted.

4.4.83-90 O b e a u t y , w h e r e is t h y faith?

5.2.67

Fast-talking

I

147

T h e r e is a c r e d e n c e i n m y h e a r t , A n espérance so obstinately strong, t h a t d o t h i n v e r t t h a t t e s t of e y e s a n d e a r s , A s if t h o s e o r g a n s h a d d e c e p t i o u s f u n c t i o n s , Created only to calumniate.

5.2.119-23

TWELFTH NIGHT W h a t else m a y h a p , t o t i m e I will c o m m i t ; O n l y shape t h o u t h y silence to m y wit.

1.2.60-61 Y o u m u s t c o n f i n e y o u r s e l f w i t h i n t h e m o d e s t l i m i t s of order.

1.3.8-9 Y o u d o u s u r p y o u r s e l f : for w h a t is y o u r s t o b e s t o w is n o t yours to reserve.

1.5.188-90 O , s u c h love Could be b u t recompens'd, t h o u g h you were crown'd T h e n o n p a r e i l of b e a u t y !

1.5.256-58 T h a t ' s a degree to love.

3.1.125 I w o u l d y o u w e r e as I w o u l d h a v e y o u b e .

3.1.144 Yet c o m e a g a i n : for t h o u p e r h a p s m a y s t m o v e T h a t h e a r t w h i c h n o w a b h o r s , t o like h i s l o v e .

3.1.165-66

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

THE T W O GENTLEMEN OF VERONA S i n c e t h o u l o v ' s t , l o v e still, a n d t h r i v e t h e r e i n , E v e n as I w o u l d , w h e n I t o l o v e b e g i n .

1.1.9-10 If [ l o v e i s ] h a p l y w o n , p e r h a p s a h a p l e s s g a i n ; If l o s t , w h y t h e n a g r i e v o u s l a b o u r w o n .

I have n o other b u t a w o m a n ' s reason: I think [you] so, because I t h i n k [ y o u ] so.

1.2.23-24 T o p l e a d for love d e s e r v e s m o r e fee t h a n h a t e .

1.2.48 Y o u are m e t a m o r p h o s e d w i t h a m i s t r e s s , t h a t w h e n I look on you, I can hardly t h i n k you m y master.

2.1.29-31 T h e s e follies [ o f b e i n g i n l o v e ] a r e w i t h i n y o u , a n d s h i n e t h r o u g h y o u like t h e w a t e r i n a n u r i n a l .

2.1.37-38 I n c o n c l u s i o n , I s t a n d affected t o [ y o u ] .

2.1.80 If it p l e a s e y o u , s o ; if n o t , w h y , s o .

2.1.124 [You] sue to [ m e ] ; and [I h a v e ] t a u g h t [ m y ] suitor, [You] being [ m y ] pupil, to become [ m y ] tutor.

2.1.130-31

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149

W h a t , gone without a word? A y , s o t r u e l o v e s h o u l d d o : it c a n n o t s p e a k , F o r t r u t h h a t h b e t t e r d e e d s t h a n w o r d s t o g r a c e it.

2.2.16-18 [I] b o r r o w [ m y ] wit from your ladyship's looks, and spend w h a t [I] b o r r o w kindly in your company.

2.4.35-36 T o die is t o b e b a n i s h ' d f r o m myself, A n d [ y o u a r e ] myself: b a n i s h e d f r o m [ y o u ] Is self f r o m self. A d e a d l y b a n i s h m e n t .

3.1.171-73 H e lives n o t n o w t h a t k n o w s m e t o b e i n l o v e , y e t I a m i n l o v e , b u t a t e a m of h o r s e s h a l l n o t p l u c k t h a t f r o m m e ; n o r w h o 'tis I love; a n d yet 'tis a w o m a n ; b u t w h a t w o m a n I will n o t tell myself.

3.1.263-67 [ Y o u h a v e ] m o r e q u a l i t i e s t h a n a w a t e r - s p a n i e l , w h i c h is m u c h in a bare Christian.

3.1.269-71 [You have] m a n y nameless virtues.

3.1.311 T h i s discipline s h o w s t h o u h a s t b e e n in love.

3.2.86

THE WINTER'S TALE [You're] apparent to m y heart.

1.2.177

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I think you have A s little skill t o fear as I h a v e p u r p o s e To put you t o ' t . I

I

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w,

N YOUR QUARRY s e e m s

to lose interest, d o n ' t

despair. You're lucky. You've got s o m e t h i n g t o do. G e t a grip o n

w h a t you k n o w t h e y w a n t , t o u c h t h e m w i t h their o w n disin­ terest and veer t h e m a r o u n d . If t h e o n e you w a n t is u n c e r t a i n about you, try s e e m i n g u n c e r t a i n a b o u t t h e m . Sensing a n e w challenge, they j u s t m i g h t p e r k u p . In Shakespeare's h a n d s s u c h situations became a w h o l e theatrical career. A n d as y o u dabble in t h e h u m a n drama, y o u too can benefit from skepticism in t h e p e r s o n you're seducing. It's your motivation. W i t h o u t it there's n o challenge, n o edge, n o achievement at t h e e n d — n o excuse for failure. So if there's n o play, look for s o m e o n e else to play w i t h . W h e n e n c o u n t e r i n g d o u b t , y o u have to encourage y o u r hesitating victim along. Excitement is w h a t ' s needed, and prod­ ding is a form of stimulation. W i n d t h e m u p . G e t t h e m going. H e r e are lines t h a t tease, m o c k , even insult. M a k e t h e o n e y o u w a n t w a n t to make t h i n g s better w i t h you. " W e are wise girls," says the princess, "to m o c k o u r lovers s o . " Serenity is overrated. It's an opiate t h a t ' s always fatal t o love. N o n e of Shakespeare's big couples are calm. Passion is a long way from peace, yet cloying tranquility is w h e r e love t e n d s to gravitate. T h e seducer h a s a j o b to do before b o r e d o m de­ scends, before anyone gets set in their ways. F r o m t h e start you have to get a rise. So s h a k e t h i n g s u p . Teasing s h o w s interest. T o r m e n t is a form of affection. T h e r e ' s s o m e t h i n g sexy in s o m e o n e w i t h T r o u b l e as a middle n a m e .

ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL Unfold to us s o m e warlike resistance.

1.1.114-15 Tell m e t h y r e a s o n w h y t h o u wilt marry.

1.2.25 M o r e should I question thee, and more I must, T h o u g h m o r e to k n o w could n o t be more to trust. Z.1.Z04-5 I t h i n k , sir, y o u c a n e a t n o n e of t h i s h o m e l y m e a t .

2.2.44 D o y o u c r y ' O L o r d , sir!' at y o u r w h i p p i n g , a n d ' s p a r e n o t m e ' ? I n d e e d y o u r ' O L o r d , sir!' is v e r y s e q u e n t t o y o u r w h i p p i n g ; y o u w o u l d a n s w e r very well to a w h i p p i n g , if y o u w e r e b u t b o u n d t o ' t .

2.2.48-51 I play the noble housewife with the time, T o e n t e r t a i n it s o m e r r i l y w i t h a fool.

2.2.54-55 I'll like a m a i d t h e b e t t e r w h i l s t I h a v e a t o o t h i n m y head.

2.3.41-42 You do m e m o s t insupportable vexation.

2.3.227 [ Y o u r ] p r o m i s e s , e n t i c e m e n t s , o a t h s , t o k e n s , a n d all t h e s e e n g i n e s of l u s t , are n o t t h e t h i n g s [ y o u ] g o under; m a n y a maid h a t h been seduced by them; and t h e m i s e r y is, e x a m p l e , t h a t s o t e r r i b l e s h o w s i n t h e w r a c k of m a i d e n h o o d , c a n n o t for all t h a t d i s s u a d e

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succession, b u t t h a t [ y o u ] are limed w i t h t h e twigs that threaten [you].

3.5.18-24 T h i s is t h e first t r u t h t h a t e ' e r t h i n e o w n t o n g u e w a s g u i l t y of.

Fair soul, I n y o u r fine f r a m e h a t h l o v e n o q u a l i t y ?

4.2.3-4 B e n o t s o h o l y - c r u e l ; l o v e is h o l y .

4.2.32 Give m e t h a t ring.

4.2.39 I d o p r e s u m e , sir, t h a t y o u a r e n o t fall'n F r o m the report that goes u p o n your goodness, A n d therefore, goaded w i t h m o s t sharp occasions W h i c h lay n i c e m a n n e r s by, I p u t y o u t o T h e u s e of y o u r o w n v i r t u e s , for t h e w h i c h I shall c o n t i n u e thankful.

5.2.12-17 W h y d o y o u l o o k s o s t r a n g e u p o n y o u r wife? L6

5- 3 - 7

ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA If it b e love i n d e e d , tell m e h o w m u c h .

1.1.14 T h e r e ' s beggary in t h e love t h a t c a n be r e c k o n e d .

1.1.15

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I'll s e t a b o u r n h o w far t o b e b e l o v e d .

1.1.16 N o w , for t h e l o v e of L o v e a n d h e r soft h o u r s , Let's n o t confound the time w i t h conference harsh.

1.1.45-46 [You are] c u n n i n g past m a n ' s thought.

1.2.152 W o u l d I had never seen [you]!

1.2.159 O h , never was there queen So mightily betrayed!

1.3.25-26 W h y should I think you can be mine and t r u e — T h o u g h y o u in swearing shake t h e t h r o n e d gods?

1.3.28-29 Y o u r h o n o u r calls y o u h e n c e ; T h e r e f o r e b e d e a f t o m y u n p i t i f i e d folly, A n d all t h e g o d s g o w i t h y o u !

1.3.99-101 I take n o pleasure In aught an eunuch has.

1.5.10-11 W h e n g o o d will is s h o w e d , t h o u g h t c o m e t o o s h o r t , T h e actor m a y plead pardon.

2.5.8-9 I will b e t r a y T a w n y - f i n n e d fishes. M y b e n d e d h o o k shall pierce T h e i r s l i m y j a w s , a n d as I d r a w t h e m u p ,

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I'll t h i n k t h e m e v e r y o n e [ a n o t h e r y o u ] , A n d say 'Ah, ha! You're caught!'

2.5.11-15 T o try t h y e l o q u e n c e n o w 'tis t i m e .

3.12.26 A w o m a n is a d i s h for t h e g o d s if t h e devil d r e s s h e r n o t .

5.2.273

As You LIKE IT You are t o o y o u n g i n t h i s . I.I.54

I will n o t p e t g o of y o u ] till I p l e a s e : y o u s h a l l h e a r m e .

1.1.66 I s e e t h o u l o v ' s t m e n o t w i t h t h e full w e i g h t t h a t I l o v e thee.

1.2.7-8 A l a s , [ y o u a r e ] t o o y o u n g . Yet [ y o u ] l o o k s u c c e s s f u l l y .

1.2.143 I beseech you, punish m e n o t with your hard thoughts.

W h e r e is t h i s y o u n g g a l l a n t t h a t is s o d e s i r o u s t o lie with his m o t h e r earth?

1.2.188-89 [ Y o u ] lack t h e n t h e love W h i c h teacheth thee that thou and I am one. Shall w e b e s u n d e r ' d ? S h a l l w e p a r t , s w e e t girl?

1.3.92-94

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T h a t is t h e w a y t o m a k e [ m e ] s c o r n y o u still.

2.4.19 0 t h o u didst t h e n never love s o heartily. If t h o u r e m e m b e r ' s t n o t t h e s l i g h t e s t folly T h a t ever love did m a k e t h e e r u n i n t o .

2.4.30-32 T h o u hast n o t loved . . . if t h o u h a s t n o t b r o k e f r o m c o m p a n y A b r u p t l y as m y p a s s i o n n o w m a k e s m e .

2.4.36-38 1 do n o t desire y o u t o please m e , I do desire you to sing.

2.5.15-16 [ I w o u l d ] p u t a m a n i n [ m y ] belly. [ A r e y o u ] of G o d ' s m a k i n g ? W h a t m a n n e r of m a n ? Is [ y o u r ] h e a d w o r t h a hat? O r [ y o u r ] chin w o r t h a beard?

3.2.201-3 [ T h e m a r k s of a l o v e r a r e ] a l e a n c h e e k , w h i c h y o u h a v e n o t ; a blue eye a n d s u n k e n , w h i c h you have not; an u n q u e s t i o n a b l e spirit, w h i c h y o u have n o t ; a beard neglected, w h i c h y o u have n o t . . . T h e n your hose should be un-gartered, your bonnet unbanded, your sleeve u n - b u t t o n e d , y o u r s h o e u n t i e d , a n d e v e r y t h i n g a b o u t y o u d e m o n s t r a t i n g a careless desolation. B u t y o u are n o s u c h m a n : y o u are r a t h e r point-device in y o u r a c c o u t r e m e n t s , as l o v i n g y o u r s e l f t h a n s e e m i n g t h e l o v e r of a n y o t h e r .

3.2.363-74 L o v e is m e r e l y a m a d n e s s , a n d I tell y o u , d e s e r v e s as w e l l a d a r k h o u s e a n d a w h i p as m a d m e n d o .

3.2.388-89

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W h a t t h e y d o s w e a r i n p o e t r y m a y b e s a i d as l o v e r s t h e y d o feign.

3.3.17-18 [ Y o u r ] v e r y h a i r is of t h e d i s s e m b l i n g c o l o u r .

3.4.6 [ Y o u r ] kisses are J u d a s ' s o w n children.

3.4.7-8 [ Y o u r ] k i s s i n g is as full of s a n c t i t y as t h e t o u c h of h o l y bread.

3-4-Ï2-I3 [ I h a v e ] b o u g h t a p a i r of c a s t l i p s of D i a n a . A n u n of w i n t e r ' s s i s t e r h o o d kisses n o t m o r e religiously, t h e v e r y ice of c h a s t i t y is i n t h e m .

3.4.14-16 I think [you are] n o t a pick-purse n o r a horse-stealer, b u t for [ y o u r ] v e r i t y of l o v e , I d o t h i n k [ y o u ] as c o n c a v e as a c o v e r e d g o b l e t o r a w o r n v e a t e n n u t .

3.4.21-23 T h e o a t h of a l o v e r is n o s t r o n g e r t h a n t h e w o r d of a t a p s t e r . T h e y a r e b o t h t h e c o n f i r m e r of false reckonings.

3.4.27-29 T h o u t e l l ' s t m e t h e r e is m u r d e r i n m i n e eye: 'Tis pretty, sure, and very probable, T h a t e y e s , t h a t a r e t h e frail'st a n d s o f t e s t t h i n g s , . . . S h o u l d b e call'd t y r a n t s , b u t c h e r s , m u r d e r e r s .

3.5.10-14

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N o w I d o f r o w n o n t h e e w i t h all m y h e a r t , A n d if m i n e e y e s c a n w o u n d , n o w let t h e m kill t h e e .

3.5.15-16 T h o u g h you have n o b e a u t y — A s b y m y faith I see n o m o r e i n y o u T h a n w i t h o u t candle m a y go dark to b e d — M u s t y o u b e therefore p r o u d a n d pitiless?

3-5-37-4° N o f a i t h p r o u d m i s t r e s s , h o p e n o t after it.

3-5-45 You foolish [ c r e a t u r e ] , w h e r e f o r e d o y o u follow [ m e ] Like foggy S o u t h puffing w i t h w i n d a n d rain?

3.5.49-50 I m u s t tell y o u f r i e n d l y i n y o u r ear, Sell w h e n y o u c a n , y o u a r e n o t for all m a r k e t s .

3.5.59-60 I p r a y y o u d o n o t fall i n l o v e w i t h m e , F o r I a m falser t h a n v o w s m a d e i n w i n e . Besides, I like y o u n o t .

3-5-72-74 O m i t t a n c e is n o q u i t t a n c e . I'll w r i t e t o [ y o u ] a v e r y t a u n t i n g l e t t e r .

3-5-!33-34 I will b e b i t t e r w i t h [ y o u ] a n d p a s s i n g s h o r t .

3.5.138 W h e r e h a v e y o u b e e n all t h i s w h i l e ? Y o u a lover! A n d y o u serve m e s u c h a n o t h e r trick, never c o m e in m y sight more.

4-Ï-37-39

160

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B r e a k a n h o u r ' s p r o m i s e i n love! H e t h a t will divide a m i n u t e i n t o a t h o u s a n d p a r t s , a n d b r e a k b u t a p a r t of t h e t h o u s a n d p a r t of a m i n u t e i n t h e affairs of l o v e , it m a y b e s a i d of h i m t h a t C u p i d h a t h c l a p p e d h i m o' t h ' s h o u l d e r , b u t I'll w a r r a n t h i m h e a r t - w h o l e .

4.1.42-47 [ I f ] y o u b e s o t a r d y , c o m e n o m o r e i n m y s i g h t . I h a d as lief b e w o o e d of a s n a i l .

4.1.49-50 W h o could be o u t [of t h i n g s to s a y ] being before his beloved mistress? M a r r y t h a t s h o u l d y o u , if I w e r e y o u r m i s t r e s s .

4.1.76-79 N o w tell m e h o w l o n g y o u w o u l d h a v e [ m e ] , after y o u have possessed [me]?

4.1.135-36 M e n are A p r i l w h e n t h e y w o o , D e c e m b e r w h e n t h e y wed.

4.1.139-40 M a i d s are M a y w h e n t h e y are m a i d s , b u t t h e s k y c h a n g e s w h e n t h e y are wives.

4.1.140-41 I will w e e p for n o t h i n g , like D i a n a i n t h e f o u n t a i n , a n d I will d o t h a t w h e n y o u a r e d i s p o s e d t o b e m e r r y . I will l a u g h like a h y e n , a n d t h a t w h e n t h o u a r t i n c l i n e d t o sleep.

4.1.145-48 B y all o a t h s t h a t a r e n o t d a n g e r o u s , if y o u b r e a k o n e j o t of y o u r p r o m i s e , o r c o m e o n e m i n u t e b e h i n d y o u r h o u r , I will t h i n k y o u t h e m o s t p a t h e t i c a l b r e a k -

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p r o m i s e , a n d t h e m o s t h o l l o w lover, a n d t h e m o s t u n w o r t h y of h e r y o u call [ b e l o v e d ] , t h a t m a y b e c h o s e n o u t of t h e g r o s s b a n d of t h e u n f a i t h f u l .

4.1.179-85 Beware m y censure and keep your promise.

4.1.185-86 W e m u s t have y o u r doublet a n d h o s e plucked over y o u r head, and s h o w the world what the bird h a t h done to her o w n nest.

4.1.192-94 [ Y o u r ] l o v e is n o t t h e h a r e t h a t I d o h u n t ; W h y write [you] so to me?

4.3.18-19 C o m e , c o m e y o u a r e a fool, A n d t u r n ' d i n t o t h e e x t r e m i t y of l o v e .

4.3.22-23 W e l l , g o y o u r w a y t o h e r , for I s e e l o v e h a t h m a d e t h e e a tame snake.

4.3.69-70 T h e r e is t o o g r e a t t e s t i m o n y i n y o u r c o m p l e x i o n t h a t it w a s a p a s s i o n of e a r n e s t .

4.3.169-71 Take a good heart, and counterfeit to be a m a n .

4-3-!73-74 Y o u d o l o v e [ m e ] s o n e a r t h e h e a r t as y o u r g e s t u r e c r i e s it o u t .

5.2.62-65

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If s i g h t a n d s h a p e b e t r u e , W h y t h e n m y love adieu.

5.4.119-20 I will n o t e a t m y w o r d ; n o w t h o u a r t m i n e , T h y faith m y f a n c y t o t h e e d o t h c o m b i n e .

5.4.148-49

CYMBELINE For m y sake wear this, It is a m a n a c l e of l o v e , I'll p l a c e it U p o n t h i s fairest p r i s o n e r .

1.2.52-54 [ I ] e x c e e d i n g o o d n e s s t h e h u g e n e s s of y o u r u n w o r t h y thinking.

1.5.141-42 H e a v e n s k n o w s o m e m e n are m u c h t o b l a m e . 1

-776-77

I p r a y y o u , sir, Deliver w i t h m o r e o p e n n e s s y o u r answers To my demands.

1.7.87-89 [ T h o u ] solicits h e r e a lady t h a t disdains T h e e , a n d t h e devil a l i k e . I

I

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8

I a m m u c h s o r r y , sir, You p u t m e to forget a lady's m a n n e r s , B y b e i n g s o v e r b a l : a n d l e a r n n o w , for all,

Goading

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T h a t I, w h i c h k n o w m y h e a r t , d o h e r e p r o n o u n c e , B y t h ' v e r y t r u t h of it, I c a r e n o t for y o u .

2.3.103-7 T h a t w e t w o a r e a s u n d e r ; let t h a t g r i e v e [ y o u ] ; S o m e griefs a r e m e d ' c i n a b l e , t h a t is o n e of t h e m , F o r it d o t h p h y s i c l o v e .

3-2-32-34 [Your] love-suit h a t h b e e n to m e A s fearful as a s i e g e .

3.4.135-36

HAMLET H o w is it t h a t t h e c l o u d s still h a n g o n y o u ?

1.2.66 [ Y o u r r e f u s a l i s ] a fault t o h e a v e n , . . . a fault t o n a t u r e , T o reason most absurd.

1.2.101-3 T h e s e blazes, . . . Giving m o r e light t h a n heat, extinct in b o t h E v e n i n t h e i r p r o m i s e as it is a - m a k i n g , [ I ] m u s t n o t t a k e for fire.

1.3.117-20 F r o m this time B e s o m e t h i n g s c a n t e r of [ m y ] m a i d e n p r e s e n c e .

1.3.120-22

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[ Y o u r v o w s a r e ] m e r e i m p l o r a t o r s of u n h o l y s u i t s , B r e a t h i n g like s a n c t i f i e d a n d p i o u s b a w d s T h e better to beguile.

1.3.129-31 [ D o n o t ] so slander any m o m e n t leisure A s t o give w o r d s o r t a l k w i t h [ m e ] .

H o l d off y o u r h a n d .

1.4.80 0 w i c k e d w i t , a n d gifts t h a t h a v e t h e p o w e r So t o s e d u c e !

Ï-5-44-45 A n d s o w i t h o u t m o r e c i r c u m s t a n c e at all 1 h o l d it fit t h a t w e s h a k e h a n d s a n d p a r t , Y o u as y o u r b u s i n e s s a n d d e s i r e s h a l l p o i n t y o u — For every m a n h a t h b u s i n e s s a n d desire, S u c h as it i s — a n d for m y o w n p o o r p a r t , I will g o p r a y .

I-5-I33-3

8

Still y o u r fingers o n y o u r l i p s .

1.5.195 Put on [me] W h a t forgeries y o u p l e a s e — m a r r y , n o n e s o r a n k As may dishonour [ m e ] — . . . B u t . . . s u c h w a n t o n , wild, a n d u s u a l slips A s are c o m p a n i o n s n o t e d a n d m o s t k n o w n T o y o u t h a n d liberty.

2.1.19-24

Goading

and

Proddii

[ I ] close w i t h y o u in this c o n s e q u e n c e .

2.1.46 You have me, have you not?

2.1.68 I [ d o ] repel [ y

o u r

] letters and deny

[Your] access to m e .

2.1.109-10 I f e a r ' d [ y o u ] d i d b u t trifle A n d m e a n t to wrack [ m e ] . But beshrew m y jealousy!

2.1.112-13 M a n delights n o t m e — n o r w o m a n neither, t h o u g h by your smiling you seem to say so.

2.2.309-10 T h e p o w e r of b e a u t y w i l l s o o n e r t r a n s f o r m h o n e s t y f r o m w h a t it is t o a b a w d t h a n t h e force of h o n e s t y c a n translate beauty into his likeness.

3.1.111-14 I h o p e y o u r v i r t u e s will b r i n g [ m e ] t o [ m y ] w o n t e d w a y again.

3.1.40-41 W e d o s u g a r o ' e r t h e devil h i m s e l f .

3.1.47-48 T a k e t h e s e a g a i n ; for t o t h e n o b l e m i n d R i c h gifts w a x p o o r w h e n g i v e r s p r o v e u n k i n d .

3.1.100-101 If t h o u w i l t n e e d s m a r r y , m a r r y a fool; for w i s e m e n k n o w w e l l e n o u g h w h a t m o n s t e r s y o u m a k e of t h e m .

3.1.139-41

166

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

You jig a n d a m b l e , a n d y o u lisp, y o u n i c k n a m e G o d ' s creatures, and make your w a n t o n n e s s your ignorance.

3.1.146-48 I n t h e v e r y t o r r e n t , t e m p e s t a n d , . . . w h i r l w i n d of y o u r passion, you m u s t acquire and beget a temperance t h a t m a y give it s m o o t h n e s s .

3.2.5-8 I e a t t h e air, p r o m i s e - c r a m m e d .

3.2.93-94 You are n a u g h t , y o u a r e n a u g h t .

3.2.143 I

distrustyou.

3.2.160 / do hclicvcyou

think what

now you

speak.

3.2.181 T h e lady d o t h protest t o o m u c h , m e t h i n k s .

3.2.225 I could i n t e r p r e t b e t w e e n y o u a n d y o u r love.

3.2.241 C a l l m e w h a t i n s t r u m e n t y o u will, t h o u g h y o u fret m e , you c a n n o t play u p o n m e .

3.2.361-63 H e a r t w i t h s t r i n g s of s t e e l , B e soft as s i n e w s of t h e n e w - b o r n b a b e !

3.3.70-71

Goading

and

Prodding

T h i s bodiless creation ecstasy Is v e r y c u n n i n g i n .

3.4.140-41 E i t h e r [ l o d g e ] t h e devil o r t h r o w h i m o u t W i t h w o n d r o u s potency.

3.4.171-72 I m u s t be cruel only to be kind.

3.4.180 T h e r e ' s matter in these sighs, these profound heaves, Y o u m u s t t r a n s l a t e . ' T i s fit w e u n d e r s t a n d t h e m .

4.1.1-2 I'll n o t b e j u g g l e d w i t h .

4.5.130 A r e y o u l i k e t h e p a i n t i n g of a s o r r o w , A face w i t h o u t a h e a r t ?

4.7.107-8 I h a v e a s p e e c h o' fire t h a t fain w o u l d b l a z e B u t t h a t t h i s folly d o u t s it.

4.7.188-89 W h e r e be y o u r gibes now, y o u r gambols, your songs, y o u r f l a s h e s of m e r r i m e n t , t h a t w e r e w o n t t o s e t t h e table o n a roar?

5.1.183-85 [I] shall drink to [ y o u r ] better breath.

5.2.268

168

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST I t h i n k s c o r n to sigh: m e t h i n k s I s h o u l d o u t s w e a r Cupid.

2.1.59-60 Y o u r w i t ' s t o o h o t , it s p e e d s t o o fast, ' t w i l l t i r e .

2.1.119 A r e y o u n o t t h e chief w o m a n ? y o u are t h e t h i c k e s t h e r e .

4.1.51-52 Look h o w you b u t t yourself in these sharp mocks.

5.2.251 Farewell, m a d w e n c h : y o u have a simple wit.

5.2.264 T w e n t y adieus, m y frozen [ M u s c o v i t e ] .

5.2.265 [ I s t h i s ] t h e b r e e d of w i t s s o w o n d e r ' d at?

5.2.266 N o r G o d , n o r I, d e l i g h t s i n p e r j u r ' d m e n .

5-2-34

6

MEASURE FOR MEASURE T h o u a r t a l w a y s f i g u r i n g d i s e a s e s i n m e ; b u t t h o u a r t full of e r r o r ; I a m s o u n d .

1.2.48-49 O n e word, g o o d friend . . . , a w o r d w i t h you. A h u n d r e d — i f they'll do you any good. Is l e c h e r y s o l o o k ' d after?

1.2.131-33

Goading

and Prodding

I

169

T h y h e a d s t a n d s so tickle o n t h y s h o u l d e r s , t h a t a m i l k m a i d , if s h e b e i n l o v e , m a y s i g h it off

i.2.161-63 O fie, fie, fie! W h a t dost t h o u , o r w h a t art t h o u ?

2-2.172-73 T h a t you might k n o w [ m y pleasure] would m u c h better please m e , T h a n to d e m a n d w h a t 'tis.

2-4-32-33 But hear me; Y o u r s e n s e p u r s u e s n o t m i n e : e i t h e r y o u are i g n o r a n t , O r s e e m s o , crafty; a n d t h a t ' s n o t g o o d .

2-4-73-75 If y o u b e [ a w o m a n ] — a s y o u a r e w e l l e x p r e s s ' d B y all e x t e r n a l w a r r a n t s — s h o w it n o w .

2.4.135-36 I k n o w y o u r virtue h a t h a licence i n ' t . . . T o pluck on others.

2.4.144-46 [ Y o u r v i r t u e ] s e e m s a l i t t l e f o u l e r t h a n it is.

2.4.145 T h o u are n o t certain; F o r t h y c o m p l e x i o n s h i f t s t o s t r a n g e effects After the m o o n .

3-!-23-25 O h e a v e n s , w h a t stuff is h e r e !

3.2.5

170

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

I will p r a y . . . t o i n c r e a s e y o u r b o n d a g e .

3.2.71-72 Let m e desire y o u to m a k e y o u r answer.

3.2.151-52 T h a t fellow is a fellow of m u c h l i c e n s e .

3.2.198 O, what may m a n within h i m hide, T h o u g h angel o n t h e o u t w a r d side!

3.2.264-65 D o you persuade yourself that I respect you?

4.1.53 C o m e sir, leave m e y o u r s n a t c h e s , a n d yield m e a d i r e c t answer.

4.2.5-6 Oftener ask forgiveness.

4.2.49 Y o u are t o d o m e b o t h a p r e s e n t a n d a d a n g e r o u s courtesy.

4.2.160-61 N o w is y o u r t i m e : s p e a k l o u d , a n d k n e e l .

5.1.19-20 I h o p e y o u will n o t m o c k m e w i t h a h u s b a n d .

5.1.415

Goading

and Prodding

I

171

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR W h a t , h a v e I s c a p e d l o v e - l e t t e r s i n t h e h o l i d a y - t i m e of m y b e a u t y , a n d a m I n o w a s u b j e c t for t h e m ? L e t m e see.

2.1.1-3 H o w shall I be revenged o n [you]? I think the best way w e r e t o e n t e r t a i n [ y o u ] w i t h h o p e till t h e w i c k e d fire of l u s t h a v e m e l t e d [ y o u ] i n [ y o u r ] o w n g r e a s e .

2.1.63-65 [ Y o u ] w o o b o t h h i g h a n d low, b o t h rich a n d p o o r , B o t h y o u n g a n d old, o n e w i t h a n o t h e r , [ Y o u ] love t h e gallimaufry.

2.1.110-12 A m a n m a y be too confident.

2.1.178 I y o u r l a d y ? A l a s , I s h o u l d b e a pitiful lady.

3.3.46-47 Heaven make you better than your thoughts! I

3-3- 9° O , w h a t a w o r l d of vile ill-favour'd faults L o o k s h a n d s o m e in t h e e h u n d r e d p o u n d s a year!

34-32-33 Fate ordains [ y o u ] should be a cuckold.

3.5.95-96 I'll p r o v i d e y o u a c h a i n , a n d I'll d o w h a t I c a n t o g e t y o u a p a i r of h o r n s .

5.1.5-6

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

B e t t e r a little c h i d i n g t h a n a g r e a t d e a l of h e a r t b r e a k .

5.3.9-10 Against such lewdsters and their lechery T h o s e that betray t h e m do n o treachery.

5.3.21-22 L e t t h e r e c o m e a t e m p e s t of p r o v o c a t i o n , I w i l l s h e l t e r me here.

5.5.20-22

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM W h a t , [are y o u ] jealous? . . . I have forsworn [ y o u r ] bed and company.

2.1.61-62 T h e s e a r e t h e f o r g e r i e s of j e a l o u s y .

2.1.81 I love t h e e n o t , t h e r e f o r e p u r s u e m e n o t .

2.1.it D o I e n t i c e y o u ? D o I s p e a k y o u fair? O r rather do I n o t in plainest t r u t h Tell y o u I do n o t , n o r I c a n n o t love you?

2.1.199-201 B u t fare y o u w e l l ; p e r f o r c e I m u s t c o n f e s s I t h o u g h t y o u l o r d of m o r e t r u e g e n t l e n e s s .

2.2.130-31 O t h a t a lady, of o n e m a n r e f u s ' d , S h o u l d of a n o t h e r t h e r e f o r e b e a b u s ' d !

2.2.132-33

Goading

and

Prodding

T h o u driv'st m e past the b o u n d s O f maiden's patience.

3. 2. 65-66 You do advance y o u r c u n n i n g m o r e and m o r e W h e n t r u t h kills t r u t h , O d e v i l i s h - h o l y fray!

3.2.128 If y o u w e r e m e n , as m e n y o u a r e i n s h o w , You w o u l d n o t use a gentle lady so.

3.2.151-52 T h e lunatic, t h e lover, a n d t h e p o e t A r e of i m a g i n a t i o n all c o m p a c t : O n e s e e s m o r e devils t h a n v a s t h e l l c a n h o l d .

5.1.7-9 I k i s s t h e w a l l ' s h o l e , n o t y o u r lips at all.

5.1.199

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING I w o n d e r t h a t y o u will still b e t a l k i n g . . . n o b o d y m a r k s you.

1.1.107-8 W h a t , m y d e a r L a d y D i s d a i n ! A r e y o u y e t living?

1.1.109 I h a d r a t h e r h e a r m y d o g b a r k at a c r o w t h a n a m a n swear h e loves m e .

1.1.120-22 Y o u a l w a y s e n d w i t h a j a d e ' s t r i c k , I k n o w y o u of old.

1.1.133-34

*74

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

OTHELLO Be j u d g e yourself W h e t h e r I i n a n y j u s t t e r m a m affined T o love [ y o u ] .

1.1.37-39 Have y o u lost y o u r wits?

1.1.92 I have charged thee n o t to h a u n t about m y doors.

1.1.95 In h o n e s t plainness t h o u hast heard m e say [ I a m ] n o t for t h e e .

1.1.96-97 O , [ y o u ] deceive Past thought!

1.1.163-64 T o m o u r n a m i s c h i e f t h a t is p a s t a n d g o n e Is t h e n e x t w a y t o d r a w n e w m i s c h i e f o n .

1.3.205-6 [ H o w do I k n o w b u t you are] n o farther conscionable t h a n i n p u t t i n g o n t h e m e r e f o r m of civil a n d h u m a n e s e e m i n g , for t h e b e t t e r c o m p a s s i o n i n g of [ y o u r ] s a l t a n d m o s t h i d d e n l o o s e affection?

2.1.236-39 [ Y o u a r e ] h a n d s o m e , y o u n g , a n d [ h a s t ] all t h o s e r e q u i s i t e s . . . t h a t folly a n d g r e e n m i n d s l o o k after.

2.1.243-45 C o m e , y o u are t o o severe a moraler.

2.3.294

Goading

and

Prodding

I h o p e y o u w i l l c o n s i d e r w h a t is s p o k e C o m e s from m y love. B u t I do see you're moved.

3.3.220-21 N a k e d in b e d , . . . and not m e a n harm? It is h y p o c r i s y a g a i n s t t h e devil!

4.1.5-6 [ Y o u a r e ] p e r s u a d e d I will m a r r y [ y o u ] , o u t of [ y o u r ] o w n l o v e a n d flattery, n o t o u t of m y p r o m i s e .

4.1.128-30 'Tis s u c h a n o t h e r fitchew; marry, a perfumed one. W h a t d o y o u m e a n b y t h i s h a u n t i n g of m e ?

4.1.145-46 [Is] this the nature W h o m passion could n o t shake?

4.1.265-66 D o s t t h o u in conscience think . . . T h a t there be w o m e n do abuse their husbands In s u c h gross kind?

4.3.60-62 S p e a k of m e as I a m .

5.2.340

PERICLES ' T i s t i m e t o fear w h e n t y r a n t s s e e m t o k i s s .

1.2.79 T h e c a t , w i t h e y n e of b u r n i n g coal, N o w c o u c h e s 'fore t h e m o u s e ' s h o l e .

3.1.5-6

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

[ T h o u ] d o s t w i t h t h i n e a n g e l ' s face, Seize w i t h t h i n e e a g l e ' s t a l o n s .

4.3.47-48 N o visor does b e c o m e black villainy So w e l l as soft a n d t e n d e r flattery.

4.4.44-45

ROMEO AND JULIET You m e n , y o u beasts! I . I . O I

H e r e ' s m u c h to do w i t h hate, b u t m o r e w i t h love.

1.1.173 Y o u b u r d e n l o v e [ w i t h ] t o o g r e a t o p p r e s s i o n for a t e n d e r thing.

P r i c k love for p r i c k i n g a n d y o u b e a t l o v e d o w n .

1.4.28 In delay w e w a s t e o u r lights in vain.

1.4.44-45 S h o w a fair p r e s e n c e a n d p u t off t h e s e f r o w n s , A n i l L b e s e e m i n g s e m b l a n c e for a feast.

!-5-72-73 You k i s s b y t h ' b o o k .

1.5.109 Be b u t s w o r n m y love A n d I'll n o l o n g e r b e a C a p u l e t .

2.2.35-36

Goading

and Prodding

I

177

T h e r e lies m o r e peril i n t h i n e eye T h a n twenty . . . swords. Look t h o u but sweet A n d I a m proof against their enmity.

2.2.71-73 D o s t t h o u love m e ? I k n o w t h o u wilt say 'Ay', A n d I will take t h y w o r d .

2.2.90-91 If t h o u s w e a r ' s t [ t h o u l o v e m e ] , T h o u m a y s t p r o v e false. A t l o v e r s ' p e r j u r i e s , T h e y say, J o v e l a u g h s .

2.2.91-93 O swear not by the moon, th'inconstant moon, T h a t m o n t h l y c h a n g e s in h e r circled o r b , Lest t h a t t h y love prove likewise variable.

2.2.109-11 W h a t a c h a n g e is h e r e ! Is [ s h e ] , t h a t t h o u d i d s t l o v e s o d e a r , So s o o n forsaken?

2.3.61-63 Y o u n g m e n ' s l o v e t h e n lies N o t truly in their h e a r t s b u t in their eyes.

2.3.63-64 H o w m u c h salt w a t e r t h r o w n away in w a s t e T o s e a s o n l o v e , t h a t of it d o t h n o t t a s t e .

2.3.67-68 O , [I] k n o w well T h y love [ d o t h ] r e a d b y r o t e t h a t [ c a n ] n o t spell.

2.3.83-84

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

Corne y o u n g waverer, corne, go w i t h m e .

2.3.85 T h e s e violent delights have violent ends A n d i n t h e i r t r i u m p h d i e , like fire a n d p o w d e r , W h i c h as t h e y k i s s c o n s u m e .

2.6.9-11 Lovers can see t o d o t h e i r a m o r o u s rites B y t h e i r o w n b e a u t i e s ; o r if love b e b l i n d , It b e s t a g r e e s w i t h n i g h t .

3.2.8-10 0 serpent heart, hid with a

flowering

face. 3-2-73

B e a u t i f u l t y r a n t , fiend a n g e l i c a l , DoveTeather'd raven, wolvish-ravening lamb!

3.2.75-76 T h o u c a n s t n o t s p e a k of t h a t t h o u d o s t n o t feel. 6

3-3- 4 T h e s e t i m e s of w o e afford n o t i m e s t o w o o .

3.4.8 N o m a n like [ y o u ] d o t h g r i e v e m y h e a r t .

3-5-83 1 will n o t m a r r y y e t . A n d w h e n I d o , I s w e a r It s h a l l b e [ s o m e o n e ] w h o m y o u k n o w I h a t e , Rather than [you].

3.5.121-23 Romeo's a dishclout [compared to m e ] .

3.5.219

Goading

and

Proddi,

D o n o t d e n y . . . t h a t y o u love m e .

4.1.24 O , bid m e leap, r a t h e r t h a n m a r r y [ s o m e o n e else]. I

4- -77 S h e ' s n o t w e l l m a r r i e d t h a t lives m a r r i e d y o u n g .

4-5-77 M y h e a r t itself p l a y s ' M y h e a r t is full'.

4.5.104-5

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW [ Y o u ' r e ] t o o r o u g h for m e .

1.1.55 F r o m all s u c h devils, g o o d L o r d d e l i v e r u s !

1.1.66 T h a t w e n c h is s t a r k m a d o r w o n d e r f u l f o r w a r d .

1.1.69 I a m as p e r e m p t o r y as [ y o u a r e ] p r o u d - m i n d e d ; A n d w h e r e t w o r a g i n g fires m e e t t o g e t h e r , T h e y d o c o n s u m e t h e t h i n g t h a t feeds t h e i r fury. T h o u g h little fire g r o w s g r e a t w i t h little w i n d , Yet e x t r e m e g u e s t s will b l o w o u t fire a n d all. So I t o [ y o u ] , a n d s o [ y o u ] y i e l d t o m e , F o r I a m r o u g h a n d w o o n o t like a b a b e .

2.1.131-37 You m u s t n o t look so sour.

2.1.226

180

I

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

N o w , for m y life, t h e k n a v e d o t h c o u r t m y l o v e .

3-M7 I n t i m e I m a y believe, y e t I m i s t r u s t .

3-M9 R e s c u e t h y m i s t r e s s if t h o u b e a m a n .

3-2-235 M a y y o u p r o v e , sir, m a s t e r of y o u r a r t .

4-2-9 Kindness in w o m e n , n o t their beauteous looks, Shall w i n m y l o v e .

4.2.41-42

THE TEMPEST Let m e r e m e m b e r t h e e w h a t t h o u h a s t p r o m i s ' d , W h i c h is n o t y e t p e r f o r m ' d m e .

1.2.243-44 [ W e ] are b o t h i n e i t h e r ' s p o w ' r s : b u t t h i s swift b u s i n e s s I m u s t u n e a s y m a k e , less t o o light w i n n i n g M a k e t h e prize light.

!-2-453-55 If t h o u d o s t b r e a k [ m y ] v i r g i n - k n o t b e f o r e All sanctimonious ceremonies m a y W i t h full a n d h o l y r i t e b e m i n i s t e r ' d , N o s w e e t a s p e r s i o n s h a l l t h e h e a v e n s l e t fall T o make this contract grow.

4.1.15-19 Look t h o u be true.

4.1.51

Goading

and Prodding

I 181

Be m o r e abstemious, O r else, g o o d n i g h t y o u r vow! I

4- -53-54 I d o forgive t h e e , u n n a t u r a l t h o u g h t h o u a r t .

5.1.78-79 S w e e t l o r d , y o u p l a y m e false.

5.1.172 N o , m y d e a r e s t love, I w o u l d n o t [ p l a y y o u f a l s e ] for t h e w o r l d .

5.1.172-73 I'll b e w i s e h e r e a f t e r , A n d s e e k for g r a c e . W h a t a t h r i c e - d o u b l e a s s W a s I, t o t a k e t h i s d r u n k a r d for a g o d , A n d w o r s h i p t h i s d u l l fool!

5.1.294-97 B e free, a n d fare t h o u well!

5.1.317

TROILUS AND CRESSIDA T h o u g h m y h e a r t ' s c o n t e n t firm love d o t h bear, N o t h i n g of t h a t s h a l l f r o m m i n e e y e s a p p e a r .

1.2.299-300 T o m a k e a s w e e t l a d y s a d is a s o u r offence.

3.1.71 I s t h i s t h e g e n e r a t i o n of love? H o t b l o o d , h o t t h o u g h t s , a n d h o t d e e d s ? W h y , t h e y a r e v i p e r s . Is l o v e a g e n e r a t i o n of v i p e r s ?

3.1.127-29

182

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

Y o u h a v e b e r e f t m e of all w o r d s , lady.

3-2-54 W o r d s p a y n o d e b t s , give [ m e ] d e e d s .

3-2-55 T h e y t h a t h a v e t h e voice of l i o n s a n d t h e a c t of h a r e s , a r e they not monsters?

3.2.87-88 P e r c h a n c e , m y l o r d , I s h o w m o r e craft t h a n l o v e .

3-2-151 O h e a v e n s , y o u love m e n o t !

4.4.81 [ I a m ] as far h i g h - s o a r i n g o ' e r t h y p r a i s e s A s t h o u u n w o r t h y t o be call'd [ m y ] servant.

4.4.122-23 T h e k i s s y o u t a k e is b e t t e r t h a n y o u give: Therefore, n o kiss. 8

4-5-3 -39 S w e e t h o n e y G r e e k , t e m p t m e n o m o r e t o folly.

5.2.18 G o o d n i g h t ; I'll b e y o u r fool n o m o r e .

5.2.32 F a r e w e l l ! O n e eye y e t l o o k s o n t h e e , B u t w i t h m y h e a r t t h e o t h e r eye d o t h s e e . A h , p o o r o u r sex! t h i s fault i n u s I find: T h e e r r o r of o u r e y e d i r e c t s o u r m i n d .

5.2.106-9

Goading

and

Prodding

O , c o n t a i n yourself: Your passion draws ears hither.

5.2.179-80

TWELFTH NIGHT H o w w i l l [ I ] l o v e , w h e n t h e r i c h g o l d e n shaft H a t h k i l l ' d t h e flock of all affections else T h a t live i n [ m e ] .

1.1.30-37 W h a t g r e a t o n e s d o , t h e l e s s w i t h p r a t t l e of.

1.2.33 [You're] a great quarreller; and b u t that [ y o u ] h a t h the gift of a c o w a r d t o allay t h e g u s t [ y o u ] h a t h i n quarrelling, 'tis t h o u g h t a m o n g t h e p r u d e n t [ y o u ] w o u l d q u i c k l y h a v e t h e gift of a g r a v e . I

-3-3°"33

A n d you part so, mistress, I would I might never draw s w o r d a g a i n . F a i r lady, d o y o u t h i n k y o u h a v e fools i n hand?

1.3.62-64 M a n y a good hanging prevents a bad marriage.

1.5.19 E x c e l l e n t l y d o n e , if G o d d i d it all.

1.5.239 I see y o u w h a t y o u are, y o u are t o o p r o u d : B u t if y o u w e r e t h e devil, y o u a r e fair.

1-5-254-55

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

H o w do [ y o u ] love me?

1.5.258 I c a n n o t love [ y o u ] : [You] m i g h t have t o o k [ y o u r ] a n s w e r l o n g ago.

1.5.266-67 N o t t o o fast: soft! soft!

1.5.297 G o shake your ears.

2.3.124 M a r r y sir, s o m e t i m e s [ y o u ] a r e a k i n d of P u r i t a n .

2.3.140 T h e r e is n o w o m a n ' s s i d e s C a n b i d e t h e b e a t i n g of s o s t r o n g a p a s s i o n A s l o v e d o t h give m y h e a r t ; n o w o m a n ' s h e a r t So big, t o h o l d s o m u c h : [ t h e y ] l a c k r e t e n t i o n .

2.4.94-97 M y love c a n give n o p l a c e , b i d e n o delay.

2.4.125 H e r e c o m e s t h e little villain. H o w n o w , m y m e t a l of India?

2.5.13-14 C o n t e m p l a t i o n m a k e s a r a r e t u r k e y - c o c k of [ y o u ] : h o w [you] jet u n d e r [ y o u r ] advanced plumes!

2.5.30-32 W i l t t h o u s e t t h y foot o' m y n e c k ?

2.5.188

Goading

and

Prodding

N o w J o v e , i n h i s n e x t c o m m o d i t y of h a i r , s e n d t h e e a beard!

3.1.45-46 M o s t e x c e l l e n t a c c o m p l i s h e d lady, t h e h e a v e n s r a i n odours o n you!

3.1.86-87 [ I ' l l ] force t h a t o n y o u i n a s h a m e f u l c u n n i n g W h i c h y o u k n e w n o n e of y o u r s .

3.1.118-19 O w h a t a d e a l of s c o r n l o o k s b e a u t i f u l I n t h e c o n t e m p t a n d a n g e r of [ y o u r ] lip! A m u r d ' r o u s g u i l t s h o w s n o t itself m o r e s o o n T h a n l o v e t h a t w o u l d s e e m h i d . L o v e ' s n i g h t is n o o n .

3.1.147-50 [ I ] did s h o w favour t o t h e y o u t h in y o u r sight only to exasperate you, to awake y o u r d o r m o u s e valour, to p u t fire i n y o u r h e a r t , a n d b r i m s t o n e i n y o u r liver.

3.Z.14-19 D r a w , a n d as t h o u d r a w ' s t , s w e a r h o r r i b l e : for it c o m e s t o p a s s oft, t h a t a t e r r i b l e o a t h , w i t h a s w a g g e r i n g a c c e n t s h a r p l y t w a n g e d off, gives m a n h o o d m o r e a p p r o b a t i o n t h a n e v e r p r o o f itself w o u l d h a v e e a r n e d him.

3.4.179-83 I h a v e s a i d t o o m u c h u n t o a h e a r t of s t o n e , A n d laid m i n e h o n o u r t o o u n c h a r y o u t : T h e r e ' s s o m e t h i n g i n m e t h a t r e p r o v e s m y fault: B u t s u c h a h e a d s t r o n g p o t e n t fault it is, T h a t it b u t m o c k s r e p r o o f .

3.4.205-7

186

I

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

Well, come again to-morrow. Fare thee well; A fiend like thee might bear m y soul to hell.

3.4.218-19 I hate ingratitude more in a m a n T h a n lying, vainness, babbling drunkenness, O r any taint of vice whose strong corruption Inhabits our frail blood.

3.4.363-66 But O h o w vile an idol proves this god!

34-374 Madam, you have done m e wrong, Notorious wrong.

5.1.327-28

THE T W O GENTLEMEN OF VERONA It boots thee n o t . . . To be in love; where scorn is b o u g h t with groans; Coy looks, with heart-sore sighs; one fading m o m e n t ' s mirth, W i t h twenty watchful, weary, tedious nights.

1.1.29-31 [Love is] but a folly b o u g h t with wit, O r else a wit by folly vanquished. i

i

- -34~35

Love is your master, for h e masters you; A n d he that is so yoked by a fool Methinks should n o t be chronicled for wise.

1.1.39-41

Goading

and

Prodding

A s in the sweetest b u d T h e eating canker dwells, so eating Love Inhabits in the finest wits of all.

1.1.42-44 W h e r e f o r e waste I time to counsel thee T h a t art a votary to fond desire?

1.1.51-52 [Your] little speaking shows [ y o u r ] love but small.

1.2.29 Dare you p r e s u m e to h a r b o u r w a n t o n lines? T o whisper, and conspire against m y youth?

1.2.42-43 Fie, fie; h o w wayward is this foolish love, T h a t (like a testy babe) will scratch the nurse, A n d presently all h u m b l e d kiss the rod!

1.2.57-59 [You] make it strange, but [ y o u ] would be best pleas'd T o be so anger'd with another letter.

1.2.103-4 O, h o w this spring of love resembleth T h e uncertain glory of an April day, W h i c h n o w shows all the beauty of the sun, A n d by and by a cloud takes all away.

1.3.84-87 N o t an eye that sees you b u t is a physician to comment on your malady [of being in love].

2.1.39-40

188

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

Love is blind. O that you had mine eyes, or your o w n eyes had the lights they were w o n t to have.

2.1.67-68 Now, n o discourse, except it be of love.

2.4.135 I will forget that [you are y e t ] alive, Rememb'ring that my love to [ y o u ] is dead.

2.6.27-28 I do not seek to quench your love's h o t fire, But qualify the fire's extreme rage, Lest it should b u r n above the b o u n d s of reason.

2.7.21-23 T h e more t h o u damm'st [love] u p , the more it b u r n s : T h e current that with gentle m u r m u r glides, T h o u know'st, being stopp'd impatiently doth rage; But w h e n his fair course is n o t hindered, H e makes sweet music with th'enamell'd stones, Giving a gentle kiss to every sedge He overtaketh in his pilgrimage. A n d so by m a n y winding n o o k s he strays W i t h willing sport to the wild ocean.

2.7.24-32 T h a t m a n that h a t h a tongue, I say is n o man, If with his tongue he cannot win a woman.

3.1.104-5 'Pox of your love-letters!

3.1.370-71

Goading

and

Prodding

T h i n k ' s t t h o u I am so shallow, so conceitless, T o be seduced by t h y flattery, T h a t hast deceived so m a n y with t h y vows?

4.2.93-95 You dote o n h e r that cares n o t for your love.

4.4.82 Love will n o t be spurr'd to w h a t it loathes.

5.2.7 Be gone, solicit m e n o more.

5.4.40 If t h e gentle spirit of moving words Can n o way change you to a milder form, I'll woo you like a soldier, at arm's end, A n d love you 'gainst t h e nature of love: force ye.

5-4-55-58 O heaven, were m a n But constant, he were perfect. T h a t one error Fills h i m with faults; makes h i m r u n t h r o u g h all th' sins.

5.4.109-11

THE WINTER'S TALE [You] shall n o t stay, [I'll] thwack [ y o u ] hence with distaffs.

1.2.36-37 You p u t m e off with limber vows.

1.2.47

190

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

W i l l you go yet? Force me to keep you as a prisoner, N o t like a guest?

i.2.51-53 O, that is entertainment M y bosom likes not, n o r m y brows.

1.2.118-19 Go, play, boy, play.

1.2.187 Let's have that, good sir. Come on, sit down, come on, and do your best T o fright me with your sprites: you're powerful at it.

2.1.26-28 N o t so hot, good sir.

2-3-32 Sir: m y gracious lord, To chide at your extremes, it n o t becomes me.

4.4.5-6 Your eye h a t h too m u c h y o u t h i n ' t .

5.1.224

Goading

and Prodding

I 191

Propositioning

s REX

IS A L W A Y SN I THE W N IGS

in Shakespea

then again there's all that foreplay and fiddling about in front of the gods and everyone. Come to think of it, every other word has a double meaning. Shakespeare's curtains are always going up on sex. Drift off to sleep in any performance and wake with a start: they'll be talking sex or something that sounds a lot like it. Shake­ speare is laced with innuendo. Or unlaced. Here's excuse to be risqué. If he can come across all firm and earthy, so can you. If he can suggest entanglements in cultivated tones, you can, too. Everyone wants to feel desirable, including the one you de­ sire. Do them the grace of satisfaction. The response you want already exists in them, just waiting for opportunity. Their eager­ ness and yours need only meet. Invite them to their own party. People often flop at propositioning because they've never learned not to be blatant. They get no response because no one likes to be thought of as cheap. W h a t are needed are reasons to yield, or at least good excuses. WTiat unleashes true passion is rationalization. Something in the ear, just a fragment of thought, a little lagniappe in the line of language. There may be no reality beyond the moment, but at least care enough to cre­ ate illusions. Shakespeare's arousing phrases are exactly what you need when you get to the major point of seduction. In fact, Shakespeare gets right to the point, wishing happiness to the sheets, fragrances to heaven. Pleasure's art is at your fingertip as you peruse these prurient lines. Strip away neglect, slip off the constraints of shyness. Finally find a good use for literature.

ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL It is n o t politic in the c o m m o n w e a l t h of nature to preserve virginity.

1.1.125-26 Loss of virginity is rational increase, and there was never virgin got till virginity was first lost.

1.1.126-27 Virginity breeds mites, m u c h like a cheese; consumes itself to the very paring, and so dies with feeding his o w n stomach.

1.1.139-41 [Virginity is] a commodity will lose the gloss with lying; the longer kept, the less worth. Off with't while 'tis vendible; answer the time of request.

1.1.149-51 Tis pity . . . T h a t wishing well had n o t a body in't W h i c h might be felt.

1.1.175-78 M y poor body, madam, requires it; I am driven on by the flesh, and he m u s t needs go that the devil drives.

1.3.26-28 I have been, madam, a wicked creature, as you and all flesh and blood are, and indeed I do marry that I may repeat. I

-3-33"35

You have restrain'd yourself within the list of too cold an adieu.

2.1.50-51

194

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

How, Dian, from t h y altar do I fly, A n d to imperial Love, that god most high D o m y sighs stream. 2-3-74-7

6

Be not afraid that I your h a n d should take; I'll never do you wrong, for your own sake. Blessing u p o n your vows, and in your bed Find fairer fortune if you ever wed!

2.3.89-92 If the quick fire of y o u t h light n o t your mind You are n o maiden but a m o n u m e n t .

4.2.5-6 W h e n you are dead you should be such a one A s you are now; for you are cold and stern, A n d n o w you should be as your m o t h e r was W h e n your sweet self was got.

4.2.7-10 Stand n o more off, But give thyself u n t o m y sick desires, W h o t h e n recovers.

4.2.34-36 I like [ y o u ] A n d [I'll] board [ y o u ] i' th' w a n t o n way of youth.

5.3.209-10

ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA Come, m y queen! Last night you did desire it.

1.1.55-56

Propositioning

You t h i n k n o n e b u t your sheets are privy to your wishes.

1.2.43-44 I can do n o t h i n g But w h a t indeed is h o n e s t to be done. Yet have I fierce affections, and t h i n k W h a t Venus did with M a r s .

1.5.16-19 Give m e a kiss. Even this repays me.

3.11.70-71 Come, Let's have one other gaudy night.

3.13.187-8 C o m e on, m y queen, T h e r e ' s sap in't yet!

3.13.196-97 Spend that kiss W h i c h is m y heaven to have.

5.2.301-2

As You LIKE IT U n l e s s you teach m e to forget, . . . you m u s t not learn m e h o w to r e m e m b e r any extraordinary pleasure.

1.2.3-6 C o m e , come, wrestle with t h y affections.

1.3.20 Go with me to [ m y place], and I'll s h o w it you.

3.2.418

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

0 corne, let us remove.

34-52 Take [ m e ] to thee.

3.5.64 1 would kiss before I spoke.

4.1.69 W i l l you persever to enjoy [me]?

5.2.4 C o n s e n t . . . that we may enjoy each other.

5.2.9 You have my consent. Let [ t h e ] wedding be tomorrow.

5.2.13-14 [ W e ] have made a pair of stairs to marriage, which [ w e ] will climb incontinent, or else be incontinent before marriage.

5.2.36-38 I do desire it with all m y heart; and I hope it is n o dishonest desire, to desire to be a w o m a n of the world.

5-3-3-5 [I would have y o u ] should I die the h o u r after.

5.4.12 I desire you [ a n d ] I press in here . . . amongst the rest of the country copulatives, to swear and forswear, according as marriage binds and blood breaks.

54-54-57

Propositioning

I

197

W e will begin these rites, A s we do trust they'll end, in true delights.

5.4.196-97

CYMBELINE [I w i s h ] I had this cheek T o bathe m y lips upon.

1.7.99-100 Let m e m y service tender o n your lips.

1.7.140 H o w bravely t h o u becom'st t h y bed! fresh lily!

2.2.15 T h a t I might touch! But kiss, one kiss.

2.2.16-17 If [ I ] can penetrate [ y o u ] with [ m y ] fingering, so: we'll try with tongue too.

2.3.13-14 I'll make a j o u r n e y twice as far, t'enjoy A second night of such sweet shortness which W a s mine in Britain. 2-443-45 [Your] pretty action did outsell [ y o u r ] gift, A n d yet enrich'd it too.

2.4.102-3 U n d e r [ y o u r ] breast ( W o r t h y [ y o u r ] pressing) lies a mole, right proud Of that m o s t delicate lodging. By m y life,

I

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

[If] I kiss'd it, [would] give me present h u n g e r T o feed again, t h o u g h full.

2.4.134-38 H o w hard it is to hide the sparks of N a t u r e !

3-379

HAMLET Like a puff d and reckless libertine [yourself] the primrose path of dalliance treads.

1.3.49-50 W h e n the blood b u r n s , h o w prodigal the soul Lends the tongue vows.

1.3.116-17 In [ m e ] . . . [desire] too m u c h o'er leavens T h e form of plausive m a n n e r s .

1.4.23-30 Lewdness courts [ m e ] in a shape of heaven.

Ï-5-54 Lust, though to a radiant angel link'd, W i l l sate itself in a celestial bed.

1.5.55-56 Swift as quicksilver [I will] course t h r o u g h T h e natural gates and alleys of [ y o u r ] body.

1.5.66-67 [I a m ] open to incontinency.

2.1.30

Propositioning

I

199

[Take m e ] by the wrist and hold me hard.

2.1.87 I m u c h did long to see you, T h e need I have to use you did provoke [ M y ] hasty sending.

2.2.1-4 Being of so y o u n g days . . . D r a w [ m e ] o n to pleasures.

2.2.11-15 Heavens make [ m y ] presence and our practices Pleasant [to y o u ] .

2.2.38-39 [Your] impotence was falsely borne in hand.

2.2.66-67 [/ long to be inyourj

excellent white

hosom.

2.2.112 [I could] live about [ y o u r ] waist, or in the middle of [ y o u r ] favours.

2.2.232-33 T h e r e is a kind of confession in your looks, which your modesties have n o t craft e n o u g h to colour.

2.2.279-80 T h e lover shall n o t sigh gratis.

2.2.320-21 W e ' l l e'en to't like French falconers, fly at anything we see.

2.2.425-26

200

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

[Let's] run barefoot up and

down.

2.2.501 Drive [ m y ] purpose into these delights.

3.1.27 W o u l d s t t h o u be a breeder of sinners?

3.1.121-22 [I] suck'd t h e honey of [ y o u r ] music vows.

3.1.158 Be n o t too tame.

3.2.16 Lady, shall I lie in your lap?

3.2.110-11 T h a t ' s a fair t h o u g h t to lie between maids' legs.

3.2.117 [Let's] make passionate

action.

3.2.133 Stage Direction Love our hearts and Hymen Unite commutual

. . . our hands

in most sacred

hands.

3-2-154-55 You are keen, m y lord, you are keen.

3-2-243 It would cost you a groaning to take off m y edge.

3.2.244 To flaming y o u t h let virtue be as wax A n d melt in h e r o w n fire.

3.4.84-85

Propositioning

I 201

Proclaim n o s h a m e W h e n the compulsive ardour gives the charge.

3.4.85-86 [Let u s ] live In the r a n k sweat of an enseamed bed, . . . honeying and making love.

3.4.91-93 M y pulse as yours d o t h temperately keep time, A n d makes as healthful music.

3.4.142-43 Let [ m e ] t e m p t you again to bed.

3.4.184 [I w o u l d ] pinch w a n t o n o n your cheek. l8

3-4 5 [You r o u s e ] excitements of m y reason and m y blood.

4.4.58 O u r indiscretion sometime serves us well.

C o m e , and take this h a n d from me.

5.2.221 LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST Price you yourselves: w h a t buys your company?

5.2.224

202

I

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

MEASURE FOR MEASURE Let us withdraw together, A n d we may s o o n our satisfaction have.

1.1.81-82 U p o n a true contract I got possession of [ y o u r ] bed.

Quite athwart goes all decorum.

1.3.30-31 Feel the w a n t o n stings and motions of the sense.

1.4.58-59 I shall follow [ y o u ] as the flesh and fortune shall better determine.

2.1.250-51 Kneel down before [ m e ] , h a n g u p o n [ m y ] gown; You are too cold.

2.2.44-45 Ay, touch [ m e ] : there's the vein.

2.2.70 I am that way going to temptation.

2.2.159 Dost t h o u desire [ m e ] foully for those things T h a t make [ m e ] good?

2.2.174-75 M o s t dangerous Is that temptation that d o t h goad us on To sin in loving virtue.

2.2.181-83

Propositioning

203

In m y heart the strong and swelling evil O f m y conception [lusts for y o u ] .

2.4.6-7 I desire access to you.

2.4.18 'Tis [forbidden] in heaven, b u t not in earth.

2.4.50 Give u p your body to . . . sweet uncleanness.

2.4.54 I had rather give m y body t h a n m y soul.

2.4.56 Might there n o t be a charity in sin?

2.4.63 I'll take it as a peril to m y soul; It is n o sin at all, b u t charity.

2.4.65-66 You m u s t lay d o w n the treasures of your body.

2.4.96 [ C o m e t o ] a bed T h a t longing have been sick for.

2.4.102-3 [ T h i s is m o r e ] a m e r r i m e n t t h a n a vice.

2.4.116 From this testimony of your own sex . . . let me be bold.

2.4.130-32

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

I have n o tongue b u t one; gentle m y lord.

2.4.138 Give me love.

2.4.143 I have begun, A n d n o w I give m y sensual race the rein.

2.4.158-59 Fit thy consent to m y sharp appetite.

2.4.160 Lay by all nicety and prolixious blushes T h a t banish what they sue for.

2.4.161-62 Yield up thy body to m y will.

2.4.163 H o o k b o t h right and w r o n g to th'appetite, To follow as it draws!

2.4.175-76 [I could] bark your h o n o u r from that t r u n k you bear, A n d leave you naked.

3.1.71-72 Dost t h o u t h i n k . . . If I would yield [ y o u ] m y virginity T h o u mightst be freed?

3.1.96-98 T h i s night's the time T h a t I should do w h a t I abhor to name.

3.1.100-1

Proposition

ing

205

Sure, it is n o sin; O r of t h e deadly seven it is the least.

3.1.109-10 [I'll give y o u ] sensible w a r m m o t i o n . . . and [ a ] delighted spirit.

3.1.119-20 Let m e live. W h a t sin you do to save [ m y ] life, N a t u r e dispenses with the deed so far T h a t it becomes a virtue.

3.1.132-35 If for this night [ I ] entreat you to [ m y ] bed, give [ m e ] promise of satisfaction.

3.1.263-64 Fie, sirrah, a bawd, a wicked bawd.

3.2.18 [I a m ] ever your fresh w h o r e . 3-2-57 A little m o r e lenity to lechery would do n o h a r m in [you].

3.2.94-95 [ C o m e with m e ] this downright way of creation.

3.2.101 For t h e rebellion of a codpiece!

3.2.110-11 [I'd like t o ] fill a bottle with a tun-dish.

3.2.166

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

Good m y lord, be good to me.

3.2.185 It is not m y consent, b u t m y entreaty too.

4.1.67-68 T h e best and wholesom'st spirits of the night Envelop you!

4.2.71-72 If bawdy talk offend you, we'll have very little of it. I

I

4-3- 75~ 7

6

[I offer t h e ] gift of m y chaste body T o [ y o u r ] concupiscible intemperate lust.

5.1.100-101 I will go darkly to work with [ y o u ] .

5.1.277 T h a t ' s the way; for w o m e n are light at midnight.

5.1.278

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR I spy entertainment in [ y o u ] : [ y o u ] discourse, [ y o u ] carve, [ y o u ] give the leer of invitation; I can construe the action of [ y o u r ] familiar style.

1.3.41-43 Even n o w [ y o u ] gave me good eyes too, examined m y parts with most judicious oeillades: sometimes the beam of [ y o u r ] view gilded m y foot, sometimes m y portly belly.

1.3.55-58

Propositioning

O , [ y o u ] did so course o'er m y exteriors with such a greedy intention that the appetite of [ y o u r ] eye did seem to scorch me u p like a burning-glass!

i.3.61-63 [I'll] lead [ y o u ] o n with a fine-baited delay till [ y o u ] have pawned [ y o u r ] horses.

2.1.92-93 I pray . . . come a little nearer this ways.

2.2.45-46 I'll make m o r e of thy old body t h a n I have done . . . G o o d body, I t h a n k thee. Let t h e m say 'tis grossly done; so it be fairly done, n o matter.

2.2.133-38 [You] give m e the potions and the motions.

3.1.94-95 If [ I ] take [ y o u ] , let [ m e ] take [ y o u ] simply.

3.2.69-70 I love thee; help me away. Let me creep in here. I

3-3- 3° W h a t would you with me?

3-4-59 [ M y ] h u s b a n d goes this m o r n i n g a-birding; [ I ] desire you once m o r e to come to [ m e ] , between eight and nine.

3.5.40-42 [Let u s ] embrace, kiss, protest, and, as it were, speak the prologue of our comedy.

3.5.67-68

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

Corne up into m y chamber.

4.5.122 Heaven prosper our sport!

5.2.12 Now, the hot-blooded gods assist me!

5.5.2 Remember, Jove, t h o u wast a bull for thy Europa.

5-5-3 O powerful love, that in some respects makes a beast a man; in some other, a m a n a beast.

5.5.4-6 W h e n gods have hot backs, what shall poor m e n do?

5.5.11-12 Send me a cool rut-time, Jove.

5.5.13-14 Raise u p the organs of [ y o u r ] fantasy.

5.5.52

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM I will aggravate m y voice so, that I will roar you as gently as any sucking dove; I will roar you and 'twere any nightingale.

1.2.76-78 I might see young Cupid's fiery shaft Q u e n c h ' d in the chaste beams of the watery m o o n .

2.1.161-62

Propositioning

T h e m o o n , m e t h i n k s , looks with a watery eye, A n d w h e n she weeps, weeps every little flower, Lamenting some enforced chastity. Tie u p m y love's tongue, bring h i m silently.

3.1.191-94 Sleep t h o u , and I will wind thee in m y arms.

4.1.39 C o m e m y queen, take h a n d s with me, A n d rock the g r o u n d w h e r e o n these sleepers be.

4.1.84-85 O kiss me t h r o u g h the hole of this vile wall.

5.1.198

OTHELLO [Let us m a k e ] the beast with two backs.

1.1.115 You have been hotly called for.

1.2.44 T h e s e arms of mine . . . have used their dearest action.

1.3.84-86 I do confess the vices of m y blood.

1.3.125 C o m e . . . I have b u t an h o u r Of love, of worldly matter and direction T o spend with thee. W e m u s t obey the time.

1.3.299-301

210

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

O u r bodies are gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners.

1.3.321-22 [Let u s ] cool our raging m o t i o n s , our carnal stings, our unbitted lusts.

If t h o u canst cuckold him, t h o u dost thyself a pleasure, me a sport.

1.3.369-70 Make love's quick pants in [ m y ] arms.

2.1.80 You rise to play, and go to bed to work.

2.1.115 [May kisses] the greatest discords be T h a t o'er our hearts shall make.

2.1.196-97 Lay thy finger t h u s , and let t h y soul be instructed.

2.1.219 [Your] eye m u s t be fed, and w h a t delight shall [ y o u ] have!

2.1.223-24 [ M y courtesy is] an index and obscure prologue to the history of lust and foul t h o u g h t s .

2.1.255-56 [ W e m e e t ] so near with [ o u r ] lips that [ o u r ] breaths embrace together. . . . W h e n these mutualities so

Propositioning

I

211

marshal the way, hard at h a n d comes the master and main exercise, th'incorporate conclusion.

2.1.257-61 Have a shorter j o u r n e y to your desires.

2.1.275-76 C o m e m y dear love, T h e purchase made, the fruits are to ensue: T h a t profit's yet to come 'tween me and you.

2.3.7-10 [I have] n o t yet made w a n t o n the night with [you], and [you are] sport for Jove.

2.3.16-17 I'll warrant [you are] full of game.

2.3.19 Well: happiness to [ o u r ] sheets!

2.3.26 Pleasure and action make the h o u r s seem short. 2-3-374 [I w a n t t o ] taste [ y o u r ] sweet body.

3-3-349 I see, sir, you are eaten u p with passion.

3-3-394 You would be satisfied?

3-3-39

212

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

6

SEDUCTION

W r i n g m y hand, Cry ' O sweet creature!' and t h e n kiss m e hard A s if [ y o u ] plucked u p kisses by the roots.

3-3-423-25 Lay [ t h y ] leg o'er m y thigh, A n d sigh, and kiss, and t h e n cry 'Cursed fate'!

3.3.426-27 All m y fond love t h u s do I blow to heaven.

3-3-44

8

Give me your hand. T h i s h a n d is moist, m y lady . . . T h i s argues fruitfulness and liberal heart: Hot, hot, and moist.

3.4.36-39 [You are] amiable and subdue [ m e ] Entirely to [ y o u r ] love.

3.4.61-62 T h i t h e r comes the bauble. I I

4 34 Fall me t h u s about m y neck! I I

4 35 H a n g and loll and weep u p o n me, so shake and pull me!

4.1.138-39 [I'll] pluck [ y o u ] to m y chamber.

4.1.140-41 I kiss the i n s t r u m e n t of [ y o u r ] pleasures.

4.1.218

Propositioning

I

213

Lay o n m y bed m y wedding sheets.

4.2.107 You shall be satisfied.

4.2.2.46 Kill m e tomorrow, let me live tonight!

5-2.79

PERICLES T h e beauty of this sinful dame Made m a n y princes thither frame, T o seek her as a bed-fellow, In marriage-pleasures play-fellow. 1. Chorus. 31-34 [You come i n ] clothed like a bridge, For the embracements even of Jove himself.

1.1.7-8 [Your] golden fruit [is] dangerous to be touch'd.

1.1.29 [ I ' m m a d e ] advent'rous by desire.

1.1.36 You are a fair viol, and your sense the strings, W h o , finger'd to make m a n his lawful music, W o u l d draw heaven d o w n and all the gods to hearken.

1.1.82-84 Let n o n e disturb us. I.Z.I

214

I

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

Pleasure's art can j o y m y spirits.

1.2.10 T h a t were to blow at fire in hope to q u e n c h it.

1.4.4 W h y sir, say if you [make love to m e ] , w h o takes offence A t that would make me glad?

2.5.70-71 Nay, come, your hands and lips m u s t seal it too.

2.5.84 It pleaseth me so well, that I will see you wed; A n d then, with what haste you can, get you to bed.

2.5.91-92 Come, give me your flowers.

4.1.26 Let's have fresh [ w e n c h e s ] , what'er we pay for t h e m .

4.2.10-11 Performance shall follow.

4.2.59 You are light into m y h a n d s , where you are like to live.

4.2.68 If it please the gods to defend you by men, t h e n m e n m u s t comfort you, m e n m u s t feed you, m e n stir you up.

4.2.87-88 T h e s e blushes of [ y o u r s ] m u s t be quench'd with some present practice.

4.2.122-24

Propositioning

I

215

Giving out [ y o u r ] beauty stirs u p the lewdly inclin'd.

4.2.141-42 [ W i l l y o u ] do the deeds of darkness?

4.6.28 Pray you, w i t h o u t any m o r e virginal fencing, will you use [ m e ] kindly? [ I ] will line your apron with gold.

4.6.56-58 N o w , pretty one, h o w long have you been at this trade?

4.6.65-66 C o m e , bring m e to some private place; come come.

4.6.89-90 W i l l you n o t go the way of women-kind?

4.6.149-50 O , come hither.

5.1.194 I am wild in m y beholding. O heavens bless m y girl.

5.1.221-22 O n the touching of [ y o u r ] lips I may melt.

5-342-43 O come, be buried . . . within these arms.

5-343-44

216

I

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

ROMEO AND JULIET Draw thy tool.

1.1.30 M y naked weapon is out.

1.1.32 T h e n [have y o u ] sworn that [ y o u ] will still live chaste? [If so, you] in that sparing make huge waste.

1.1.215-16 Beauty starv'd with [ y o u r ] severity Cuts beauty off from all posterity.

1.1.217-18 Such comfort as do lusty y o u n g m e n feel W h e n well-apparell'd April o n the heel Of limping winter treads, even s u c h delight A m o n g fresh female buds shall you this night Inherit at m y house.

1.2.26-30 Go, girl, seek happy nights to happy days.

1.3.105 If love be rough with you, be r o u g h with love.

1.4.27 Let wantons light of heart Tickle the senseless rushes with their heels.

1.4.35-36 O n , lusty gentlemen.

1.4.113

Propositioning

I

217

Q u e n c h the fire, the r o o m is grown too hot.

1.5.28 T h i s unlook'd-for sport comes well.

1.5.29 T o u c h i n g [ y o u r s ] , [I'll] make blessed m y rude hand.

1.5.50 G o o d pilgrim, you do w r o n g your h a n d too m u c h , W h i c h m a n n e r l y devotion shows in this; For saints have h a n d s that pilgrims' h a n d s do touch, A n d palm to palm is holy palmers' kiss.

1.5.96-99 Let lips do w h a t h a n d s do.

1.5.102 Move not, while m y prayer's effect I take. T h u s from m y lips, by thine, m y sin is purg'd.

1.5.105-6 Sin from m y lips? O trespass sweetly urg'd. Give m e m y sin again.

1.5.108-9 Blind is his love, and best befits the dark.

2.1.32 If love be blind, love cannot hit the mark.

2.1.33 Pardon me, A n d n o t impute this yielding to light love W h i c h the dark night h a t h so discovered.

2.2.104-6

218

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

0 wilt t h o u leave me so unsatisfied?

2.2.125 1 should kill thee with m u c h cherishing.

2.2.183 For this drivelling love is like a great natural that r u n s lolling up and d o w n to hide his bauble in a hole.

2.4.91-93 T h e bawdy h a n d of the dial is n o w u p o n the prick of noon.

2.4.111-12 Had [you] affections and w a r m youthful blood [You] would be as swift in m o t i o n as a ball.

2.5.12-13 O God's lady dear, Are you so hot?

2.5.62-63 N o w comes the w a n t o n blood up in your cheeks. They'll be in scarlet straight.

2.5.71-72 [ M y ] love M u s t climb a bird's nest s o o n w h e n it is dark. 2-574-75 So smile the heavens u p o n this holy act T h a t after-hours with sorrow chide us not.

2.6.1-2

Propositioning

I

219

Corne, corne with m e and we will make short work, For . . . you shall n o t stay alone.

2.6.35-36 M e n ' s eyes were made to look, and let t h e m gaze.

3-Ï-53 Spread t h y close curtain, love-performing night, T h a t [ m y lover m a y ] Leap to these arms untalk'd-of and unseen.

3-2-5-7 [Let u s ] t h i n k true love acted [is only] simple modesty.

3.2.16 Give me m y [lover].

3.2.20-21 O , I have b o u g h t the m a n s i o n of a love But n o t possess'd it.

3.2.26-27 T h o u g h I am sold, [I a m ] n o t yet enjoy'd.

3.2.27-28 [I desire t o ] seize O n the white wonder of [ y o u r ] dear h a n d A n d steal immortal blessing from [ y o u r ] lips.

3-3-35-37 [Your lips] even in pure and vestal modesty Still blush, as thinking their o w n kisses sin.

3-3-3*-39 Rouse thee, m a n . T h y [lover] is alive. I

3-3- 34

220

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

O h o w m y heart abhors To hear [ y o u ] nam'd, and cannot come to [ y o u ] To wreak . . . love . . . U p o n [ y o u r ] body.

3.5.99-102 Mistress minion you, T h a n k m e n o thankings n o r p r o u d me n o p r o u d s , But fettle your fine j o i n t s .

3.5.151-53 Sleep for a week; for the next n i g h t . . . you shall rest b u t little!

4-5-5-7 I dreamt [ y o u ] came . . . A n d breath'd such life w i t h kisses in m y lips T h a t I reviv'd and was an emperor.

5.1.6-9 I will lie with thee tonight.

5-Ï-34 T e m p t not a desperate m a n .

5-3-59 I will kiss t h y lips.

5.3.164 T h y lips are warm! l6

5-3- 7

Propositioning

I

221

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW M a d a m , u n d r e s s you and come n o w to bed. Induction. 2.118 C o m e , m a d a m wife, sit by m y side A n d let the world slip, we shall ne'er be younger. Induction. 2.141 -42 I will board [ y o u ] t h o u g h [ y o u ] chide as loud A s t h u n d e r w h e n the clouds in a u t u m n crack.

1.2.94-95 N o w , by the world, it is a lusty wench.

2.1.160 C o m e , sit o n me.

2.1.198 W o m e n are made to bear, and so are you.

2.1.200 Did ever D i a n so become a grove A s Kate this c h a m b e r with her princely gait? O be t h o u Dian, and let her be Kate, A n d t h e n let Kate be chaste and Dian sportful.

2.1.252-55 C o m e . . . we'll to bed.

5.2.185

zzz

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

THE TEMPEST Lend thy hand, and pluck m y magic garment from me.

1.2.23-24 Lie there m y A r t .

1.2.24 I come to answer t h y best pleasure.

1.2.189-90 Go make thyself a n y m p h o' th' sea.

1.2.301 I prithee now, lead the way, w i t h o u t any more talking.

2.2.173-74 [ I ] dare not offer W h a t I desire to give; and m u c h less take W h a t I shall die to want. 1

I- -77-79 H y m e n ' s lamps shall light you.

4.1.23 D o n o t give dalliance T o o m u c h the rein: the strongest oaths are straw To t h fire in' th' blood.

4.1.51-53 Cold nymphs

[wear]

chaste

crowns.

4.1.66 [Come] contract

of true love to celebrate.

4.1.84

Propositioning

Man's

hot minion

is return d

again.

4.1.98 Where

the hee sucks,

there suck

I.

5.1.88 For m o r e assurance that a living Prince D o e s n o w speak to thee, I embrace t h y body.

5.1.108-9

TROILUS AND CRESSIDA [You are] stubborn-chaste against all suit.

1.1.97 I would m y heart were in [ y o u r ] body.

1.2.78-79 You have t h e honey.

2.2.145 W h a t says m y sweet queen, m y very very sweet queen?

3.1.78-79 [ I ] eat n o t h i n g b u t doves, love, and that breeds h o t blood, and h o t blood begets h o t t h o u g h t s , and hot t h o u g h t s beget h o t deeds, and h o t deeds is love.

3.1.123-26 Honey-sweet queen!

3.1.137 Give m e swift transportance to those fields W h e r e I may wallow in the lily beds.

3.2.10-11

224

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

I am giddy: expectation whirls me r o u n d . Th'imaginary relish is so sweet T h a t it enchants m y sense: what will it be W h e n that the wat'ry palate tastes indeed Love's thrice-repured nectar.

3.2.16-20 I fear me . . . some j o y too fine . . . For the capacity of m y ruder powers.

3.2.20-23 Such a passion d o t h embrace m y bosom.

3.2.34 I do beseech you pardon me: 'Twas not m y purpose t h u s to beg a kiss. I am asham'd. O heavens, w h a t have I done?

3-2-135-37 I will show you a chamber with bed, which bed, because it shall not speak of your pretty encounters, press it to death!

3.2.206-8 I prithee now, to bed.

4.2.7 Night h a t h been too brief.

4.2.11 W o u l d [ y o u ] n o t — a h , naughty m a n — l e t it sleep?

4-2-32-33 W e two, that with so m a n y t h o u s a n d sighs Did buy each other, m u s t poorly sell ourselves W i t h the rude brevity and discharge of one.

4.4.38-40

Propositioning

T h e lustre in your eye, heaven in your cheek, Pleads your fair usage.

4.4.116-17 I'll have m y kiss . . . Lady, by your leave.

4-5-35 In kissing, do you render or receive?

4.5.36 M a y I, sweet lady, beg a kiss of you?

4-5-47 For V e n u s ' sake, give m e a kiss.

4.5.49 Fie, fie u p o n [ y o u ] ! T h e r e ' s language in [ y o u r ] eye, [ y o u r ] cheek, [ y o u r ]

HPNay, [ y o u r ] foot speaks; [ y o u r ] w a n t o n spirits look out A t every j o i n t and motive of [ y o u r ] b o d y

4-5-54-57 O , these encounterers, so glib of tongue, T h a t give accosting welcome ere it comes, A n d wide unclasp the tables of their t h o u g h t s T o every ticklish reader: set t h e m down For sluttish spoils of opportunity A n d daughters of the game.

4.5.58-63 I'll take that winter from your lips, fair lady.

4.5.124 [ I ] will sing any m a n at first sight.

5.2.9

226

I

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

A n y m a n may sing [ m e ] , if he can take [ m y ] clef: [ I ' m ] noted.

5.2.10-11

TWELFTH NIGHT Now, sir, t h o u g h t is free. I pray you bring your h a n d to th' buttery bar and let it drink.

1.3.68-69 It is legs and thighs. Let m e see thee caper. Ha, higher!

1.3.138-39 You do usurp yourself: for w h a t is yours to bestow is n o t yours to reserve.

1.5.188-90 Lady, you are the cruell'st she alive If you will lead these graces to the grave A n d leave the world n o copy.

1.5.244-46 T h e y that dally nicely with words may quickly make t h e m wanton.

3.1.14-15 M y matter h a t h n o voice, lady, b u t to your o w n m o s t pregnant and vouchsafed ear.

3.1.90-91 Give me your h a n d sir.

3.1.96 W i l t t h o u go to bed?

34-3°

Proposition

in g

T o bed? Ay, sweetheart, and I'll come to thee.

3-4-3

1

W i l l you deny m e now? Is't possible that m y deserts to you C a n lack persuasion? D o n o t tempt m y misery, Lest that it make m e so u n s o u n d a m a n A s to upbraid you with those kindnesses T h a t I have done for you.

3.4.356-61

THE T W O GENTLEMEN OF VERONA T h e y do n o t love that do n o t s h o w their love.

1.2.31 M y b o s o m , as a bed, Shall lodge thee till t h y w o u n d be thoroughly heal'd.

1.2.115-16 I search it w i t h a sovereign kiss.

1.2.117 Seal t h e bargain w i t h a holy kiss.

2.2.7 U p o n a homely object, Love can wink.

2.4.93 N o w can I break m y fast, dine, sup, and sleep U p o n the very naked n a m e of Love.

2.4.136-37

228

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

W h e n it stands well with him, it stands well w i t h her.

2.5.20-21 [You've] become a notable lover. 2-5-37 [You've] become a h o t lover. 2-5-43 Didst t h o u b u t k n o w t h e inly t o u c h of love, T h o u wouldst as soon go kindle fire with s n o w A s seek to quench the fire of love with words.

2.7.18-20 I'll be as patient as a gentle stream, A n d make a pastime of each weary step, Till the last step have b r o u g h t m e to m y love, A n d there I'll rest, as after m u c h turmoil A blessed soul doth in Elysium. 2-7-34~3

8

T h o u shalt be worshipp'd, kiss'd, lov'd, and ador'd.

4.4.197

THE WINTER'S TALE W e will give you sleepy drinks, that your senses (unintelligent of our insufficience) may, t h o u g h they cannot praise us, as little accuse us.

1.1.13-16 T h e r e rooted betwixt [ u s ] t h e n such an affection which cannot choose b u t b r a n c h now.

1.1.23-24

Propositioning

I

229

You may ride's W i t h one soft kiss a t h o u s a n d furlongs ere W i t h s p u r we heat an acre.

1.2.94-96 H o w now, you w a n t o n calf! A r t t h o u m y calf?

1.2.126-27 Is whispering nothing? Is leaning cheek to cheek? is meeting noses? Kissing with inside lip? stopping the career O f laughter with a sigh? . . . . . . horsing foot on foot? Skulking in corners? wishing clocks more swift? H o u r s , minutes? n o o n , midnight? and all eyes Blind . . . b u t [ o u r s ] ; [ o u r s ] only.

1.2.284-91 You'll kiss m e hard, and speak to me as if I were a baby still.

2.1.5-6 You'd w a n t o n with us, If we would have you.

2.1.18-19 She was a w o m a n , and was t u r n e d into a cold fish for she would n o t exchange flesh with one that loved her.

4.4.280-82 I might have look'd u p o n m y queen's full eyes, Have taken treasure from her lips, and left t h e m M o r e rich for w h a t they yielded.

230

I

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

Let n o m a n m o c k me, For I will kiss [ y o u ] .

5.3.79-80 O, [you're] warm! If this be magic, let it be an art Lawful as eating.

5.3.109-n

Propositioning

Whining and Wheedling

IF Y O U RC H A R M

gets you only so far, you may need some­

thing even more underhanded to break down your quarry's tren­ chant resistance to your seduction. Try guilt. Shakespeare borrowed this powerful instrument for tough cases. Where'd he get it? From the weak. He transformed and twisted it into his own words, and it came out as whining and wheedling. Shakespeare wielded the power of well-placed and well-timed emotional pressure. Learn from the master of manipulation. Far too many people have a deep compulsion to be nice. Or rather to be seen as nice. They cry out for provocation. Guilt is the answer. Give your desired a chance to show off their wonderfulness by being wonderful to you. Provide nice boys and good girls with the affirmation they crave. They love to atone. Whining is high-pitched complaining; wheedling is flattery leveraged with expectation. This is sophisticated strategy that works only if your feelings are the feelings your quarry cares about. You can whine and wheedle with abandon, but only after that person has a strong attachment to you. Once you've hooked them, wear them down. But which tactic do you use? Either, neither, both? Your whining tells someone they're bad—so they'll do all they can to be good again. Call your love a hard-hearted adamant. Or an uncivil lady. Wlieedling tells them how vital to your existence they are—so they'll do all they can to live up to your dreams. "There's no one living but you. Show pity or I die!"

ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL M y imagination Carries n o favour in't b u t [ y o u r s ] .

1.1.80-81 T h e r e is n o living, n o n e , If [ y o u ] be away

1.1.82-83 I k n o w I love in vain, strive against hope; Yet in this captious and inteemable sieve I still p o u r in the waters of m y love A n d lack n o t to lose still.

1.3.196-99 0 then, give pity T o h e r w h o s e state is s u c h that cannot choose But lend and give where she is sure to lose.

1.3.208-10 [ O pity h e r ] T h a t seeks n o t to find that her search implies, But riddle-like lives sweetly where she dies!

1.3.211-12 T h y will by m y performance shall be serv'd.

2.1.201 Sir, I am a poor friend of yours that loves you.

2.2.42 1 dare n o t say I take you, b u t I give M e and m y service, ever whilst I live, Into your guiding power.

2.3.102-4

234

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

Sir, I can n o t h i n g say But that I am your m o s t obedient s e r v a n t . . . A n d ever shall W i t h true observance seek to eke out that wherein toward m e m y homely stars have fail'd To equal m y great fortune. 2-575 W h a t angel shall Bless this u n w o r t h y husband?

3.4.25-26 I love thee By love's o w n sweet constraint, and will for ever D o thee all rights of service.

4.2.15-17 Say t h o u art mine, and ever M y love as it begins shall so persever.

4.2.36-37 Here, take m y ring; M y house, mine h o n o u r , yea, m y life be thine, A n d I'll be bid by thee.

4.2.51-53 [Your] dear perfection hearts that scorn'd to serve H u m b l y call'd mistress.

5.3.18-19 [You] knew [ y o u r ] distance and did angle for me, Madding my eagerness with [ y o u r ] restraint, A s all impediments in fancy's course A r e motives of m o r e fancy; and in fine [Your] inf'nite cunning with [ y o u r ] m o d e r n grace Sub du'd me to [ y o u r ] rate.

5.3.211-16 Whining

and

Whee

ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA W h a t should I do, I do not?

1.3.9 T h e s t r o n g necessity of time c o m m a n d s O u r services awhile, b u t m y full heart Remains in use with you. I

-3-43"45

M a y I never, T o this good purpose that so fairly shows, D r e a m of impediment!

2.2.152-54 T h o u knewst too well M y heart was to t h y rudder tied by th' strings A n d t h o u shouldst t o w me after.

3.11.56-58 O ' e r m y spirit T h y full supremacy t h o u knewst, and that T h y beck might from the bidding of the gods Command me.

3.11.58-61 You did k n o w H o w m u c h you were m y conqueror, and that M y sword, made weak by m y affection, would O b e y it o n all cause.

3.11.65-68 [I d o ] confess t h y greatness, Submits [ m e ] to t h y might.

3.12.16-17

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

I kiss [ y o u r ] conqu'ring hand.

3-13-79 W h a t e ' e r becomes of me, T h i s is a soldier's kiss. Rebukable A n d worthy shameful check it were, to stand O n more mechanic compliment.

4.5.29-32 O t h o u day o'th' world, Chain mine armed neck! Leap t h o u , attire and all, T h r o u g h proof of harness to m y heart, and there Ride on the pants triumphing!

4.8.13-16 I come, m y queen.

4.14.51 Shall I abide In this dull world, which in t h y absence is N o better t h a n a sty?

4.15.62-64 M y master and m y lord!

5.2.189

As You LIKE IT Can I not say, 'I t h a n k you'? M y better parts A r e all t h r o w n down, and that which here stands u p Is but a quintain, a mere lifeless block.

1.2.239-41 W h a t passion hangs these weights u p o n m y tongue?

1.2.247

Whining

and

Wheedling

I r e m e m b e r the kissing of [ y o u r ] batler, and the cow's dugs that [ y o u r ] pretty chopt h a n d s had milked; and I r e m e m b e r the wooing of a peascod instead of [ y o u ] , from w h o m I took two cods, and giving [ y o u ] t h e m again, said with weeping tears, ' W e a r these for m y sake'.

2.4.45-51 W h a t ' e r you are . . . If ever from your eyelids wip'd a tear, A n d k n o w w h a t 'tis to pity and be pitied, Let gentleness m y strong enforcement be; In the w h i c h hope, I blush, and hide m y sword.

2.7.109-19 [I play] the lover, Sighing like a furnace, with a woeful ballad Made to his mistress' eyebrow.

2.7.147-48 H a n g there m y verse, in witness of m y love.

3.2.1 O [ m y beloved], these trees shall be my books, A n d in their barks m y t h o u g h t s I'll character, T h a t every eye which in this forest looks, Shall see t h y virtue witness'd everywhere.

3.2.5-8 R u n , r u n . . . carve o n every tree T h e fair, the chaste, and unexpressive she.

3.2.9-10 Fair youth, I would I could make thee believe I love.

3.2.375-76

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

I am that he, that unfortunate he [ t h a t hangs verses o n the trees].

3.2.382-85 Neither r h y m e n o r reason can express h o w m u c h [I am in love].

3.2.387 You have heard [ m e ] swear downright [I am in love].

3.4.26 D o not scorn me. . . . Say that you love me not, b u t say not so In bitterness. 3-5-1-3 If ever, as that ever may be near, You meet in some fresh cheek the power of fancy, T h e n shall you k n o w the w o u n d s invisible T h a t love's keen arrows make.

3.5.28-31 [I've] fallen in love with your foulness.

3-5-66 [I'll] fall in love with [ y o u r ] anger.

3.5.67 If you do sorrow at m y grief in love, By giving love, your sorrow and my grief W e r e b o t h extermined.

3.5.87-89 Loose n o w and t h e n A scatter'd smile, and that I'll live upon.

3-5-io3-4

Whining

and

Wheedling

I take s o m e j o y to say you are, [the one I love].

4.1.85 I protest [ y o u r ] frown might kill me.

4.1.105 W i t h p u r e love and troubled brain, [have I] . . . gone forth to sleep.

4-3-3-5 [You] say I am n o t fair, that I lack m a n n e r s . [You] call m e proud, and that [ y o u ] could n o t love me, W e r e m a n as rare as phoenix. I

I

4-3- 5~ 7 // the scorn of your bright eyne Have power to raise such love in mine, Alack, in me, what strange effect Would they work in mild aspect?

4-3-50-53 Faithful offer take Of me and all that I can make, Or else...

my love deny,

And then I'll study how to die.

4.3.60-65 O , h o w bitter a t h i n g it is to look into happiness t h r o u g h a n o t h e r m a n ' s eyes!

5.2.42-44 I shall t o m o r r o w be at t h e height of heart-heaviness, by h o w m u c h I shall t h i n k [ a n o t h e r ] happy in having w h a t he wishes for.

5.2.44-47

240

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

[To love] is to be all made of sighs and tears, A n d so am I for [ y o u ] .

5.2.83-84 [To love] is to be all made of faith and service, A n d so am I for [ y o u ] .

5.2.88-89 [To love] is to be all made of fantasy, All made of passion and all made of wishes, All adoration, duty and observance, All humbleness, all patience and impatience, All purity, all trial, all observance; A n d so am I for [ y o u ] .

5.2.93-98 W h y blame you me to love you?

5.2.101-2 A poor virgin sir, [I a m ] an ill-favoured t h i n g sir, b u t [I am t h i n e ] own.

5-4-58

CYMBELINE I profess myself [ y o u r ] adorer, n o t [ y o u r ] friend.

1.5.65-66 M o s t miserable Is the desire that's glorious.

1.6.6-7 Even the very middle of m y heart Is warm'd by [ y o u ] .

1.7.27-28

Whining

and

Wheedling

I

2,41

0 dearest soul: your cause d o t h strike m y heart W i t h pity that d o t h make m e sick!

1.7.118-19 1 have assail'd [ y o u ] with musics, b u t [ y o u ] vouchsafe n o notice.

2.3.38-39 Still I swear I love you.

2.3.89 W h a t is it to be false? T o lie in watch there [in b e d ] and to t h i n k o n [you]? T o weep 'twixt clock and clock?

3.4.41-43 W h a t is it to be false? . . . If sleep charge N a t u r e , T o break it with a fearful dream of [ y o u ] , A n d [ I ] cry myself awake?

3.4.41-45 Look, I draw the sword myself, take it, and hit T h e innocent m a n s i o n of m y love, m y heart: Fear not, 'tis empty of all things, but grief: [ T h o u art] n o t there, w h o was indeed T h e riches of it. 6

3-4- 7"73 N o w I t h i n k o n thee, M y h u n g e r ' s gone; b u t even before, I was A t point to sink, for food.

3.6.15-17

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

I am sick still, heart-sick. 4-2-37

Well, or ill, I am b o u n d to you.

4.2.45-46 Mine eyes W e r e not in fault, for [you were] beautiful: Mine ears that heard [ y o u r ] flattery, n o r m y heart T h a t t h o u g h t [ y o u ] like [ y o u ] seeming.

5.5.62-65 T h e boy disdains me, H e leaves me, scorns me: briefly die their joys T h a t place t h e m on the t r u t h of girls and boys.

5.5.105-7

HAMLET Perhaps [ y o u ] love [ m e ] now, A n d n o w n o soil nor cautel d o t h besmirch T h e virtue of [ y o u r ] will; b u t [ I ] m u s t fear.

1.3.14-16 I have not art to reckon my

groans.

2.2.119-20 [I bear] the pangs of dispriz'd love.

3.1.72 T h e origin and c o m m e n c e m e n t of [ m y ] grief Sprung from neglected love.

3.1.179-80 Now

what my love is, proof hath made y ou

know.

3.2.164

Whining

and

Wheedling

I

243

As my love is sizd,

my fear is so.

3.2.165 M y lord, you once did love me.

3.2.326 Save me and hover o'er me with your wings.

3.4.104 T h o u hast cleft m y heart in twain.

3.4.158 [You] beat [ m y ] heart.

4-5-5 W h a t is the reason you use me thus? I lov'd you ever.

5.1.284-85 T h o u would'st n o t t h i n k h o w ill all's here about m y heart; b u t it is n o matter.

5.2.208-9 If your m i n d dislike anything, obey it. I will forestall.

5.2.213 Let m y disclaiming from a purpos'd evil Free me so far in your most generous t h o u g h t s .

5.2.237-38 If t h o u didst ever hold me in t h y heart, A b s e n t thee from felicity for awhile, A n d in this h a r s h world draw t h y breath in pain T o tell m y story.

5-2-35!-54

244

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST Expecting thy reply, I profane m y lips on t h y foot, m y eyes on t h y picture, and m y heart on t h y every part.

4.1.84-86 Rebuke me not for that w h i c h you provoke.

5-2-347 O! I am yours, and all that I possess.

5-2-383 Here stand I, lady; dart t h y skill at me; Bruise me with scorn, confound m e with a flout; T h r u s t thy sharp wit quite t h r o u g h t h y ignorance; Cut me to pieces with t h y keen conceit.

5.2.396-99 Soft! let us see: W r i t e 'Lord have mercy o n u s ' on those three; T h e y are infected, in their hearts it lies; T h e y have the plague, and caught it of your eyes.

5.2.418-21 I do adore t h y sweet grace's slipper.

5.2.659 A n d what to me, m y love? and what to me?

5.2.809

MEASURE FOR MEASURE You do blaspheme the good, in mocking me.

1.4.38

Whining

and

Wheedling

I am a woeful suitor to your h o n o u r ; Please b u t your h o n o u r hear me.

2.2.27-28 O , t h i n k o n that, A n d mercy t h e n will breathe within your lips, Like m a n n e w made.

2-2.77-79 A t w h a t h o u r t o m o r r o w shall I attend your lordship?

2.2.160-61 W h e n I t h i n k of [ y o u ] m y gravity, W h e r e i n — l e t n o m a n hear m e — I take pride, Could I with boot change for an idle plume WTiich the air beats for vain.

2.4.9-12 O heavens, W h y does m y blood t h u s m u s t e r to m y heart, Making b o t h it unable for itself A n d dispossessing all m y other parts O f necessary fitness?

2.4.19-23 [ I ] crowd to [ y o u r ] presence, where [ m y ] u n t a u g h t love M u s t needs appear offence.

2.4.28-29 0 p a r d o n m e m y lord; it oft falls out T o have w h a t we would have, we speak n o t what we mean.

2.4.117-18 1 s o m e t h i n g do excuse the thing I hate For his advantage that I dearly love.

2.4.119-20 SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

[You] cleave a heart in twain.

3.1.62 W h y give you me this shame?

3.1.80 Marble to [ m y ] tears, [you're] washed with t h e m , b u t relent not.

3.1.229-30 [I have] yet in [ m e ] the continuance of [ m y ] first affection.

3.1.239-40 [Your] unjust u n k i n d n e s s , that in all reason should have quenched [ m y ] love, hath, like an impediment in the current, made it more violent and unruly.

3.1.240-43 I have laboured for [ y o u ] to the extremest shore of m y modesty.

3.2.244-46 Shame to h i m whose cruel striking Kills for faults of his o w n liking!

3.2.260-61 Take, 0 take those lips away that so sweetly were forsworn, And those eyes, the break of day lights that do mislead the morn: But my kisses bring again, bring again; Seals of love, but seaVd in vain, seaVd in vain.

4.1.1-6

Whining

and

Wheedling

I am always b o u n d to you.

4.1.25 But that [ y o u r ] tender shame W i l l n o t proclaim against [ y o u r ] maiden loss, H o w might [ y o u ] tongue me!

4.4.21-23 H e a r me! O hear me, hear!

5.1.34 T h i s is that face . . . W h i c h once t h o u swor'st was w o r t h the looking on: T h i s is the h a n d which, with a vow'd contract, W a s fast belock'd in thine: this is the body T h a t . . . did supply thee at t h y garden-house.

5.1.206-12 I am sorry one so learned and so wise A s you . . . have [always] appear'd, Should slip so grossly, b o t h in the heart of blood A n d lack of temper'd j u d g m e n t afterward.

5.1.468-71

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR I shall never laugh b u t in [ t h i s ] maid's company!

1.4.146 I will n o t say pity m e — ' t i s n o t a soldier-like p h r a s e — b u t I say, love me.

2.1.11-13 I have long loved [ y o u ] and . . . followed [ y o u ] with a doting observance; engrossed opportunities to meet

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

[you]; fee'd every slight occasion that could b u t niggardly give me sight of [ y o u ] .

2.2.188-92 [My love is] like a fair h o u s e built o n another m a n ' s ground, so that I have lost m y edifice by mistaking the place where I erected it.

2.2.209-11 N o w shall I sin in m y wish: I would thy h u s b a n d were dead; I'll speak it before the best lord: I would make thee m y lady.

3-3-43-45 I pray you pardon me; pray heartily pardon me.

3.3.210-11 [I'll] make you amends, I warrant you.

3-5-43

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM [You] linger m y desires, Like to a step-dame or a dowager Long withering out a y o u n g man's revenue.

1.1.4-6 [I a m ] a lover, that kills himself most gallant for love.

1.2.20 You draw me, you hard-hearted a d a m a n t — But yet you draw n o t iron, for m y heart Is true as steel. Leave you your power to draw, A n d I shall have n o power to follow you.

2.1.195-98

Whining

and

Wheedling

I am your spaniel;. . . T h e m o r e you beat me, I will fawn o n you. U s e me b u t as your spaniel, s p u r n me, strike me, Neglect me, lose me; only give me leave, U n w o r t h y as I am, to follow you.

2.1.203-7 W h a t worser place can I beg in your l o v e — A n d yet a place of high respect with m e — T h a n to be used as you use your dog?

2.1.208-10 W h e r e f o r e was I to this keen mockery born? W h e n at your h a n d s did I deserve this scorn?

2.2.122-23 G o o d troth, you do me wrong, good sooth, you do, In s u c h disdainful m a n n e r me to woo.

2.2.128-29 W l i a t , out of hearing? Gone? N o sound, n o word? Alack, where are you? Speak, and if you hear; Speak, of all loves! I swoon almost with fear.

2.2.151-53 O w h y rebuke you h i m that loves you so? Lay breath so bitter on your bitter foe.

3.243-44 So should the m u r d e r ' d look, and so should I, Pierc'd t h r o u g h the heart with your stern cruelty; Yet you, the murderer, look as bright, as clear, A s yonder Venus in her glimmering sphere.

3.2.58-61

250

I

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

AU fancy-sick [I a m ] , and pale of cheer W i t h sighs of love, that costs the fresh blood dear.

3.2.96-97 W h y are you grown so rude? W h a t change is this, Sweet love?

3.2.262-63 I am as fair n o w as I was erewhile. Since night you lov'd me; yet since night you left m e .

3.2.274-75 W h a t , wilt t h o u hear some music, m y sweet love?

4.1.27 Say, sweet love, what t h o u desir'st to eat?

4.1.30 O h o w I love thee! H o w I dote o n thee!

4.1.44

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING I do love n o t h i n g in the world so well as y o u — i s n o t that strange?

4.1.266-67 By my sword . . . t h o u lovest m e . . . I will swear by it that you love me, and I will make h i m eat it that says I love not you.

4.1.273, 275-76 I love you with so m u c h of m y heart that n o n e is left to protest.

4.1.285-86

Whining

and

Wheedling

I

251

'Suffer love'—a good epithet! I do suffer love indeed, for I love thee against m y will.

5.2.62-63 I will live in t h y heart, die in thy lap, and be buried in thy eyes; and moreover, I will go with thee to thy uncle's.

5.2.94-96

OTHELLO I will wear m y heart u p o n m y sleeve.

1.1.63 [I a m ] in chains of magic . . . bound.

1.2.65 T h o u hast practised o n [ m e ] with foul charms, A b u s e d [ m y ] delicate y o u t h with drugs or minerals T h a t weakens motion.

M y heart's subdued Even to the very quality of [ y o u ] .

1.3.251-52 It is a silliness to live w h e n to live is t o r m e n t ; and t h e n have we a prescription to die, w h e n death is our physician.

1.3.309-n O m y sweet, I prattle out of fashion, and I dote In mine o w n comforts [from seeing y o u ] .

2.1.204-6

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

Love h a t h turned [ m e ] almost the w r o n g side out.

2.3.49 [ M y ] soul is so enfettered to [ y o u r ] love "That [you] may make, u n m a k e , do what [ y o u ] list, Even as [ y o u r ] appetite shall play the god With [me]. 2-3-34°-43 Perdition catch m y soul But I do love thee! and w h e n I love thee n o t Chaos is come again.

3.3.90-92 I humbly do beseech you of your pardon For too m u c h loving you.

3.3.215-16 I do beseech you T h a t by your virtuous m e a n s I may again Exist, and be a m e m b e r of [ y o u r ] love W h o m I, with all the office of m y heart Entirely h o n o u r .

3.4.111-15 [I am] a creature that dotes o n [ y o u ] .

4.1.96-97 I never knew a w o m a n love m a n so.

4.1.in [You] h a u n t me in every place.

4.1.132-33 I would do m u c h T ' a t o n e [ u s ] , for the love I bear [you].

4.1.231-32

Whining

and

Wheedli*

I will n o t stay to offend you.

4.1.246 [In y o u ] I have garnered u p m y heart.

4.2.58 Either I m u s t live [in y o u ] or bear n o life.

4.2.59 [You are] the fountain from the which m y current r u n s O r else dries u p .

4.2.60-61 Alas, w h a t ignorant sin have I committed?

4.2.71 If e'er m y will did trespass 'gainst [ y o u r ] love Either in discourse of t h o u g h t or actual deed, O r that mine eyes, mine ears or any sense Delighted t h e m in any other form, O r that I do n o t yet, and ever did, A n d ever w i l l — t h o u g h [ y o u ] do shake me off T o beggarly divorcement—love [ y o u ] dearly, Comfort forswear me!

4.2.154-61 U n k i n d n e s s may do m u c h , A n d [ y o u r ] u n k i n d n e s s may defeat m y life But never taint m y love.

4.2.161-63 M y love d o t h so approve [ y o u ] T h a t even [ y o u r ] s t u b b o r n n e s s , [ y o u r ] cheeks, [your] frowns . . . have grace and favour.

4.3.17-19

254

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

PERICLES You gods, that made m e m a n , and sway in love, T h a t have inflam'd desire in m y breast T o taste the fruit of y o n celestial tree O r die in the adventure, be m y helps, A s I am s o n and servant t o your will, To compass such a boundless happiness! 1.1.20-25 [I am a] martyr slain in Cupid's wars. 1.1.39 [I bequeath] m y unspotted fire of love to you. 1.1.54 M y heart can lend n o succour to m y head. 1.ib.171 [You] make . . . m y body pine and soul to languish. Ï-2-33 Pardon me, or strike me, if you please; I cannot be m u c h lower t h a n m y knees. 1.2.47-48 I never did [ y o u ] h u r t in all m y life. I never spake bad word, n o r did ill t u r n T o any living creature; believe m e la, I never kill'd a mouse, n o r h u r t a fly. 1

4- 74-77 I have cried [ y o u ] almost to t h e n u m b e r of [ y o u r ] hairs; I have drawn [ y o u r ] picture with m y voice. 4.2.91-92

Whining

and Wheedling

I 255

[I] speak, . . . [as o n e ] that, may be, h a t h endur'd a grief Might equal yours, if b o t h were justly weigh'd.

5.1.86-8

ROMEO AND JULIET M a n y a m o r n i n g [have I] there been seen, W i t h tears augmenting the fresh morning's dew, A d d i n g to clouds more clouds with [ m y ] deep sighs.

1.1.129-31 N o t having that which, having, makes [ h o u r s ] short [Is being] out of [ y o u r ] favour where I am in love.

1.1.162-65 Alas that love so gentle in his view Should be so t y r a n n o u s and r o u g h in proof.

1.1.166-67 [I w e e p ] at t h y good heart's oppression.

1.1.182 Soft, I will go along; A n d if you leave me so, you do me wrong.

1.1.193-94 [You are] too fair, too wise, wisely too fair, T o merit bliss by making me despair.

1.1.219-20 [You have] forsworn to love, and in that vow D o I live dead, that live to tell it now.

1.1.221-22

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

I am too sore enpierced with [ C u p i d ' s ] shaft To soar with his light feathers.

1.4.19-20 [I a m ] so b o u n d I cannot b o u n d a pitch above dull woe. U n d e r love's heavy b u r d e n do I sink.

1.4.20-22 T h e game was ne'er so fair and I am done.

1.4.39 Romeo! H u m o u r s ! M a d m a n ! Passion! Lover! Appear t h o u in the likeness of a sigh, Speak b u t one rhyme and I am satisfied.

2.1.7-9 Call me but love, and I'll be n e w baptis'd.

2.2.50 If t h o u dost love, p r o n o u n c e it faithfully. Or, if t h o u think'st I am too quickly won, I'll frown and be perverse and say thee nay, So t h o u wilt woo; but else, n o t for the world.

2.2.94-97 In t r u t h . . . I am too fond, A n d therefore t h o u mayst t h i n k m y haviour light, But trust me gentleman, I'll prove more true T h a n those that have m o r e c u n n i n g to be strange.

2.2.98-101 I should have been more strange, I m u s t confess, But that t h o u overheard'st, ere I was ware, My true-love passion.

2.2.102-4

Whining

and

Wheedling

257

Swear by t h y gracious self, W h i c h is the god of m y idolatry, A n d I'll believe thee.

2.2.113-15 [ G r a n t ] th'exchange of t h y love's faithful vow for mine.

2.2.127 I gave thee [ m y love's faithful vow] before t h o u did'st request it, A n d yet I would it were to give again . . . But to be frank and give it thee again.

2.2.128-31 I wish b u t for the thing I have.

2.2.132 If that t h y bent of love be honourable, T h y purpose marriage, send m e word t o m o r r o w . . . W h e r e and w h a t time t h o u wilt perform the rite.

2.2.143-46 If t h o u meanest n o t well I do beseech thee . . . T o cease t h y strife and leave me to m y grief.

2.2.150-52 I would I were t h y bird.

2.2.182 Plainly k n o w m y heart's dear love is set O n [you]. 2-3-53-54 T h o u chid'st me oft. . . For doting, n o t for loving.

2.3.77-78

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

[You] pale, hard-hearted w e n c h t h a t . . . t o r m e n t s [ m e ] so that [ I ] will sure r u n mad. 2-4-4-5 [I a m ] already dead, stabbed with a white wench's black eye, r u n t h r o u g h the ear with a love song, the very pin of [ m y ] heart cleft with the blind bow-boy's buttshaft.

2.4.13-16 My wit faints.

2.4.69 Afore God I am so vexed that every part about m e quivers.

2.4.158-59 Let me tell ye, if ye should lead [ m e ] in a fool's paradise . . . it were a very gross kind of behaviour.

2.4.162-64 [I a m ] young, and therefore, if you should deal double with [ m e ] , truly it were an ill thing . . . and very weak dealing.

2.4.165-67 [I] love thee better t h a n t h o u canst devise Till t h o u shalt k n o w the reason of m y love.

3.1.68-69 O, what a beast was I to chide at [ y o u ] . 3-2-95 A h , poor my lord, what tongue shall s m o o t h t h y name W h e n I thy three-hours wife have mangled it?

3.2.98-99

Whining

and

Wheedling

I

259

T h o u cut'st m y head off with a golden axe A n d smilest u p o n the stroke that m u r d e r s me.

3-3-22-23 A r t t h o u gone so? Love, lord, ay husband, friend, I m u s t hear from thee every day in the hour, For in a m i n u t e there are m a n y days. O , by this c o u n t I shall be m u c h in years Ere I again behold [ y o u ] .

3-5-43-47 Farewell. I will omit n o opportunity T h a t may convey m y greetings, love, to thee.

3.5.48-50 Alack, alack, that heaven should practise stratagems U p o n so soft a subject as myself.

3.5.209-10 If I [confess I love y o u ] it will be of more price Being spoke behind your back t h a n to your face.

4.1.27-28 Love give m e strength.

4.1.125 By heaven I love thee better t h a n myself.

5.3.64

260

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW I burn, I pine, I perish, If I achieve not this y o u n g modest girl.

1.1.155-56 Let me be a slave, t'achieve that maid W h o s e sudden sight h a t h thrall'd m y w o u n d e d eye.

1.1.219-20 O, put me in t h y books.

2.1.222 I am one that loves [ y o u ] m o r e T h a n words can witness or your t h o u g h t s can guess.

2.1.328-29 Show pity or I die.

3.1.76

THE TEMPEST I have done n o t h i n g b u t in care of thee, Of thee, m y dear one.

1.2.16-17 I prithee, Remember I have done thee w o r t h y service; Told thee n o lies, made n o mistakings, serv'd W i t h o u t grudge or grumblings.

1.2.246-49 M y affections Are t h e n most h u m b l e ; I have n o ambition To see a goodlier man.

1.2.484-86 Whining

and

Wheedling

Might I b u t t h r o u g h m y prison once a day Behold [ y o u ] : all corners else o' th' earth Let liberty make use of; space enough Have I in s u c h a prison.

1.2.493-96 I will kiss t h y foot: I prithee, be m y god.

2.2.149 H e a r m y soul speak: T h e very instant that I saw you, did M y heart fly to your service; there resides, T o make m e slave to it.

3.1.63-66 D o you love me?

3.1.67 I am a fool to weep at w h a t I am glad of.

3-Ï-73-74 [I w e e p ] at mine u n w o r t h i n e s s .

3.1.79 H e n c e , bashful cunning! A n d p r o m p t m e plain and holy innocence! I am your wife if you will marry me; If not, I'll die your maid: to be your fellow You may deny me; b u t I'll be your servant, W h e t h e r you will or n o .

3.1.81-86 [Be] m y mistress, dearest; A n d I t h u s h u m b l e ever.

3.1.86-87

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

[I'll be t h y h u s b a n d ] with a heart as willing A s bondage e'er of freeedom: here's m y hand.

3.1.88-89 [Here's m y h a n d ] , with m y heart i n ' t .

3.1.90 If you n o w beheld [ m e ] , your affections W o u l d become tender.

5.1.18-19 Now my charms arc all o'er thrown, And what strength I have's mine own, Which is most faint.

Epilogue. 1 - 3

TROILUS AND CRESSIDA I am weaker t h a n a woman's tear, Tamer t h a n sleep, fonder t h a n ignorance, Less valiant t h a n the virgin in the night, A n d skilless as unpractis'd infancy.

1.1.9-12 M y heart, A s wedged with a sigh, would rive in twain.

Lest [any other people] should perceive me, I have, as w h e n the s u n d o t h light a storm, Buried this sigh in wrinkle of a smile; But sorrow that is couch'd in seeming gladness Is like that m i r t h fate t u r n s to sudden sadness.

1.1.3 6-40

Whining

and

Wheedling

I

263

W h e n I do tell thee there m y hopes lie drown'd, Reply n o t in h o w m a n y fathoms deep T h e y lie indrench'd.

1.1.49-51 I tell thee I am mad In [ y o u r ] love: t h o u answer'st, '[I] am fair'; P o u r ' s t in the open ulcer of m y heart [Your] eyes, [ y o u r ] hair, [ y o u r ] cheek, [ y o u r ] gait, [ y o u r ] voice. 1.1.51-54

But saying t h u s , instead of oil and balm, T h o u lay'st in every gash that love h a t h given me T h e knife that made it.

1.1.61-63 T h e r e is n o lady of m o r e softer bowels, M o r e spongy to suck in the sense of fear, M o r e ready to cry out ' W h o k n o w s w h a t follows?'

z.2.11-13 I stalk about [ y o u r ] door Like a strange soul u p o n the Stygian banks Staying for waftage. 3.Z.7-9 Boldness comes to m e now, and brings me heart: . . . I have lov'd you night and day For m a n y weary m o n t h s . 3.2.11Z-14

H a r d to seem won; b u t I was won, m y lord, W i t h t h e first glance that ever—Pardon me: If I confess m u c h you will play the tyrant. I love you now, b u t till n o w n o t so m u c h But I might master it. In faith I l i e —

I

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

M y thoughts were like unbridled children, g r o w n T o o headstrong for their mother.

3.2.116-22 T h o u g h I lov'd you well, I woo'd you not.

3.2.125 Sweet, bid m e hold m y tongue, For in this rapture I shall surely speak T h e thing I shall repent.

3.2.128-30 Your silence, Cunning in dumbness, from m y weakness draws My very soul of counsel. Stop m y m o u t h .

3.2.130-32 Never did young m a n fancy W i t h so eternal and so fix'd a soul.

5.2.164-65

TWELFTH NIGHT [I will] Make me a willow cabin at your gate, A n d call u p o n m y soul within the house; W r i t e loyal cantons of contemned love, A n d sing t h e m loud even in the dead of night; Halloo your name to the reverberate hills, A n d make the babbling gossip of the air Cry out [your n a m e ] . O , you should n o t rest Between the elements of air and earth, But you should pity me.

1.5.272-79

Whining

and

Wheedling

I

265

If you will n o t m u r d e r m e for m y love, let me be your servant. 2-1-34-35

Jove I t h a n k thee, I will smile, I will do every thing that you t h o u wilt have me.

2.5.178-79 Shall I play m y freedom at try-trip, and become thy bond-slave?

2.5.190-91 M y duty, madam, and m o s t h u m b l e service.

3.1.97 ' T w a s never m e r r y world Since lowly feigning was call'd compliment.

3.1.100-101 Your servant's servant is your servant, madam.

3.1.104 Give m e leave, beseech you.

3.1.113 I did send, After t h e last e n c h a n t m e n t you did here, A ring in chase of you. So did I abuse Myself, m y servant, and, I fear me, you.

3.1.113-16 U n d e r your hard construction m u s t I sit.

3.1.117

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

W h a t might you think? Have you not set mine h o n o u r at the stake, A n d baited it with all t h u n m u z z l e d t h o u g h t s T h a t tyrannous heart can think?

3.1.119-22 T o one of your receiving Enough is shown; a cypress, n o t a bosom, Hides m y heart: so, let me hear you speak.

3.1.122-24 [Your] c o m m a n d s shall be executed.

3.4.27 Plight me the full assurance of your faith, T h a t m y most jealous and too doubtful soul May live at peace.

4.3.26-28 You uncivil lady, To whose ingrate and unauspicious altars My soul the faithfull'st off'rings h a t h breath'd out T h a t e'er devotion t e n d e r ' d — W h a t shall I do?

5.1.110-13

THE T W O GENTLEMEN OF VERONA O n a love-book pray for m y success.

1.1.19 [I a m ] over boots in love.

1.1.25 I leave myself, m y friends, and all, for love.

1.1.65

Whining

and

Wheedlin

T h o u hast metamorphos'd me; Made me neglect m y studies, lose m y time, W a r with good counsel, set the world at nought; Made wit with m u s i n g weak, heart sick with thought.

1.1.66-69 0 hateful hands, to tear such loving words; Injurious wasps, to feed on such sweet honey, A n d kill the bees that yield it, with your stings!

1.2.106—8 W h e n that h o u r o'erslips me in the day W h e r e i n I sigh n o t . . . for t h y sake, T h e next ensuing h o u r some foul mischance T o r m e n t me for m y love's forgetfulness.

2.2.9-12 1 have done penance for contemning Love, W h o s e high imperious t h o u g h t s have punish'd me W i t h bitter fasts, with penitential groans, W i t h nightly tears, and daily heart-sore sighs.

2.4.124-27 For in revenge of m y contempt of Love, Love h a t h chas'd sleep from m y enthralled eyes, A n d made t h e m watchers of mine o w n heart's sorrow.

2.4.128-30 Love's a mighty lord, A n d h a t h so h u m b l e d me, as I confess T h e r e is n o woe to his correction, N o r to his service, n o s u c h j o y o n earth.

2.4.131-34

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

[I a m ] dignified with this high h o n o u r , To bear my lady's train, lest the base earth Should from her vesture chance to steal a kiss, A n d of so great a favour growing proud, Disdain to root the summer-swelling flower, A n d make rough winter everlastingly.

M-I53-5

8

I love this lady too-too m u c h .

2.4.201 H o w shall I dote on [ y o u ] with more advice, T h a t t h u s without advice begin to love [you]?

2.4.202-4 Love bade me swear, and Love bids me forswear.

2.6.6 A true-devoted pilgrim is n o t weary To measure kingdoms with his feeble steps, M u c h less shall she that h a t h Love's wings to fly, A n d w h e n the flight is made to one so dear, Of such divine perfection as [ y o u ] .

O, know'st t h o u n o t [ y o u r ] looks are m y soul's food? Pity the dearth that I have pined in, By longing for that food so long a time.

27.15-17 (For long agone I have forgot to court, Besides the fashion of the time is chang'd) H o w and which way may I bestow myself To be regarded in [ y o u r ] sun-bright eye?

3.1.87-88

Whining

and

Wheedling

N o t w i t h s t a n d i n g all [ y o u r ] sudden quips, T h e least whereof would quell a lover's hope, Yes, spaniel-like, the m o r e [ y o u ] s p u r n m y love, T h e m o r e it grows, and fawneth o n [ y o u ] still.

4.2.12-15 [ I ] loved [ y o u ] out of all nick.

4-2-72-73 [ I ] dream o n [ y o u ] that has forgot [ m y ] love.

4.4.81 Alas, h o w love can trifle with itself!

4.4.181 O t h o u that dost inhabit m y breast, Leave n o t the m a n s i o n so long tenantless, Lest growing ruinous, the building fall, A n d leave n o m e m o r y of what it was. Repair me, with t h y presence: . . . T h o u gentle n y m p h , cherish t h y forlorn swain.

5.4.7-11 O 'tis the curse in love, and still approv'd, W h e n w o m e n cannot love where they're belov'd.

5.4.43-44

THE WINTER'S TALE T h e r e is n o tongue that moves, n o n e , n o n e i' th' world, So s o o n as yours, could win me.

1.2.20-21

270

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

I am yours forever. i .2.105 I cannot be Mine own, n o r anything to any, if I be not thine. 4.4.43-45

Whining

and

Whee

Heart-throbbing

JL

LOR D I LOVE POETRY

is the pure stuff of popular Shake­

speare. People can't help falling for it and can't get enough. His love poems simply work. Even on you. Take advantage of the truth that everyone is basically tuned in to rhythm and rhyme. It's embedded in the brain from the heartbeat and breathing. Poetry is the official language of the human body. People perk up when what sounds like poetry pops up in ordinary conversation. Shakespeare makes his poetry fit the moment. Kings get lots of noble poetry—to keep their subjects in thrall to divine pleasure. Peasants get prose. Bad poetry mocks the pretentious, like the young King of Navarre reeling off pompous drivel. And Romeo! How can you tell he's got the wrong girl at the begin­ ning of the play? Terrible poetry, which suddenly changes when he runs into Juliet. Not to mention Orlando abusing the trees with greeting-card verses to Ros. Still, it's poetry. And for better or worse, Orlando and Rosalind end up married. Poetry takes the long way around to get someplace very near—just like seduction. Indeed, the two are nearly the same thing. Poetry makes you notice things. It can make somebody notice you. Get ready. This chapter gives you the ultimate heart-blinding lines. Here's persuasion-by-the-page. Allure-between-covers. Goldentonguing and sweet-talking. Some of it's as fine as anything ever spoken. Some is a joke. But all of it has seduction written all over it.

ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL W h a t power is it which m o u n t s m y love so high, T h a t makes me see, and cannot feed mine eye?

1.1.216-17 I grow to you, and our parting is a tortur'd body.

2.1.36 A heaven o n earth I have w o n by wooing thee.

4.2.66

ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA Eternity was in our lips and eyes, Bliss in our brows' bent; n o n e our parts so poor But was a race of heaven. T h e y are so still.

1.3.36-38 I here i m p o r t u n e death awhile until Of m a n y t h o u s a n d kisses the poor last I lay u p o n t h y lips.

4.15.20-22

As You LIKE IT T h e t r u t h of t h y love to me [is] so righteously tempered as mine is to thee.

1.2.12-13 Let your fair eyes and gentle wishes go with me.

1.2.174-75 W e still [will sleep] together, Rise at an instant, learn, play, eat together,

274

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

A n d whereso'er we go, like J u n o ' s swans, Still we go coupled and inseparable.

1.3.69-73 From the east to western

Inde,

No jewel is like Rosalind.

3.Z.86-87 Her worth being mounted on the wind, Through all the world hears Rosalind.

3.2.88-89 All the pictures fairest

lind

Are but black to Rosalind.

3.2.90-91 let no face be kept in mind But the fair of Rosalind.

3.2.92-93 If hart do lack a hind, Let him seek out

Rosalind.

3.2.99-100 If the cat will after kind, So be sure will

Rosalind.

3.2.101-2 Winter'dgarments

must he lind,

So must slender Rosalind.

3.2.103-4 They that reap must sheaf and bind, Then to cart with

Rosalind.

3.2.105-6

Heart-thro

Sweetest nut hath sourest rind, Such a nut is Rosalind.

3.2.107-8 He that sweetest rose will find Must find love's prick, and Rosalind.

3.2.109-110 Nature presently

distill'd

Helen's cheek, hut not her heart, Cleopatra's Atalanta's

majesty,

better part,

Sad tucretia's

modesty.

Thus Rosalind of many parts By heavenly synod was devis'd, Of many faces, eyes, and hearts, To have the touches dearest priz'd. Heaven would that she these gifts should have, And I to live and die her slave.

3.2.141-51 So holy and so perfect is m y love, A n d I in s u c h a poverty of grace, T h a t I shall t h i n k it a m o s t plenteous crop T o glean t h e b r o k e n ears after t h e m a n T h a t t h e m a i n harvest reaps.

3.5.99-103 [ W e ] are in t h e very w r a t h of love, and [ w e ] will together. Clubs c a n n o t part [ u s ] .

5.2.39-40 It was a lover and his lass, With a hey and a ho and a hey nonino, That o'er the green corn-field did pass, In spring-time the only pretty

I

SHAKESPEARE

ring-time,

AND THE A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

When birds do sing, hey ding a ding, ding, Sweet lovers love the spring. Between the acres of the rye, With a hey and a ho and a hey nonino, These pretty country-folks would lie, In spring-time, the only pretty

ring-time,

When birds do sing, hey ding a ding, ding, Sweet lovers love the spring. This carol they began that hour, With a hey and a ho and a hey nonino, How that a life was but a flower, In spring-time, the only pretty

ring-time,

When birds do sing, hey ding a ding, ding, Sweet lovers love the spring. And therefore take the present time, With a bey and a ho and a hey nonino, For love is crowned with the prime, In spring-time, the only pretty

ring-time,

When birds do sing, hey ding a ding, ding, Sweet lovers love the spring.

5-3-!3-37 [I would have y o u , ] were I of all k i n g d o m s king.

5.4.10 [I would have y o u , ] t h o u g h to have [ y o u ] and death were b o t h one thing.

5.4.17 You and [ I ] n o cross shall part.

5.4.130

Heart-throbbing

I 277

You and [ I ] are heart in heart.

5.4.131 Wedding

is great Juno's

crown,

0 blessed bond of board of bed. 'Tis Hymen peoples every town; High wedlock then be honoured.

5.4.140-43

CYMBELINE I shall here abide . . . comforted . . . that there is this jewel in the world that I may see again.

1.2.20-23 W r i t e m y queen, A n d with mine eyes I'll drink the words you send, T h o u g h ink be made of gall.

1.2.30-32 T h e flame o' th' taper Bows toward [ y o u ] , and would under-peep [your] lids, T o see th' enclosed lights, n o w canopied U n d e r these windows, white and azure lae'd W i t h blue of heaven's o w n tinct.

2.2.19-23 O n [ y o u r ] left breast A mole cinque-spotted: like the crimson drops I' th' b o t t o m of a cowslip.

2-2-37-39 O, learn'd indeed were that astronomer T h a t knew the stars as I [ y o u r ] characters; H e ' d lay the future open.

3.2.27-29 I

SHAKESPEARE

AND

THE

A R T

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

Let what is here contain d relish of love.

3.2.30 W i n g ' d with fervour of [ m y ] love, [I've] flown To [you].

3.5.62-63 Flow, flow, You heavenly blessings, on [ m y love]!

3.5.161-62 I love thee: I have spoke it.

4.2.16 N o b l y [ I ] yoke A smiling with a sigh; as if the sigh W a s that it was, for not being such a smile.

4.2.51-53 O sweetest, fairest lily.

4.2.201

HAMLET T h e head is not more native to the heart, T h e hand more instrumental to the m o u t h , T h a n [I shall be to y o u ] .

1.2.47-49 [Your] gentle and unforc'd accord . . . Sits smiling to my heart.

1.2.123-24 [You are] as w a t c h m a n to m y heart.

1.3.46

Heart-throbb

T h i s is the very ecstasy of love, W h o s e violent property fordoes itself A n d leads the will to desperate undertakings A s oft as any passion u n d e r heaven T h a t does afflict our natures.

2.1.102-6 Doubt thou the stars are fire, Doubt that the sun doth move, Doubt truth to be a liar, But never doubt I love.

2.2.115-ic I love thee best, 0 most best, believe it.

2.2.120-21 [I c a n n o t ] give m y heart a winking m u t e and d u m b , O r look u p o n this love with idle sight.

2.2.137-38 Your good beauties [are] the happy cause O f [ m y ] wildness.

3.1.39-40 [You gave m e gifts] and with t h e m words of so sweet breath compos'd A s made the things more rich.

3.1.98-99 Since m y dear soul was mistress of her choice, A n d could of m e n distinguish her election, Sh'ath seal'd thee for herself.

3.2.63-65 Many journeys may the sun and moon Make us again count o'er ere love be done.

3.2.156-57

280

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Where love is great, the littlest doubts are fear; Where little fears grow great, great love grows there.

3. z . 166-67 Never come mischance between us twain. 3.Z.ZZ3

Tomorrow is Saint Valentines

day,

All in the morning hetime, And I a maid atyour To beyour

window,

Valentine.

4.5.48-51 N a t u r e is fine in love.

4.5.161 [You are] so conjunctive to m y life and soul T h a t , as the star moves not b u t in his sphere, I could not but by [ y o u ] .

4.7.14-16 I do receive your offer'd love like love A n d will n o t w r o n g it. 5.Z.Z47-48

Good night, sweet prince, A n d flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. 5.Z.364-65

LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST I love thee. 1.Z.13Z

If love make me forsworn, h o w shall I swear to love? A h ! never faith could hold, if not to beauty vow'd;

Heart-throbbing

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T h o u g h to myself forsworn, to thee I'll faithful prove: T h o s e thoughts to me were oaks, to thee like osiers bow'd. Study his bias leaves and make his book thine eyes, W h e r e all those pleasures live that art would comprehend. If knowledge be the mark, to k n o w thee shall suffice; W e l l learned is that tongue that well can thee commend; All ignorant that soul that sees thee without wonder; W h i c h is to me some praise that I thy parts admire. T h y eye Jove's lightning bears, thy voice his dreadful thunder, W h i c h , not to anger bent, is music and sweet fire. Celestial as t h o u art, O! pardon love this wrong, T h a t sings heaven's praise with such an earthly tongue.

4.2.101-14 So sweet a kiss the golden s u n gives not T o those fresh m o r n i n g drops u p o n the rose, A s t h y eye-beams w h e n their fresh rays have smote T h e night of dew that o n m y cheeks down flows: N o r shines the silver m o o n one half so bright T h r o u g h the transparent b o s o m of the deep, A s d o t h t h y face t h r o u g h tears of mine give light T h o u shin'st in every tear that I do weep: N o drop b u t as a coach d o t h carry thee; So ridest t h o u t r i u m p h i n g in m y woe. D o but behold the tears that swell in me, A n d they t h y glory t h r o u g h m y grief will show: But do n o t love thyself; t h e n t h o u will keep M y tears for glasses, and still make me weep. O queen of queens! h o w far dost t h o u excel, N o t h o u g h t can think, n o r tongue of mortal tell.

4.3.24-39 Did n o t the heavenly rhetoric of thine eye, 'Gainst w h o m the world cannot hold argument, Persuade m y heart to this false perjury?

282

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Vows for thee broke deserve n o t p u n i s h m e n t . A woman I forswore; b u t I will prove, T h o u being a goddess, I forswore n o t thee: M y vow was earthly, t h o u a heavenly love; T h y grace being gain'd cures all disgrace in me. Vows are but breath, and breath a vapour is: T h e n thou, fair sun, which on m y earth dost shine, Exhal'st this vapour-vow; in thee it is: If broken then, it is n o fault of mine: If by me broke, what fool is n o t so wise To lose an oath to win a paradise?

4-3-57-7° O n a day, alack the day! Love, whose m o n t h is ever May, Spied a blossom passing fair Playing in the w a n t o n air: T h r o u g h the velvet leaves the wind, All unseen can passage find; T h a t the lover, sick to death, W i s h ' d himself the heaven's breath. Air, q u o t h he, t h y cheeks may blow; Air, would I might t r i u m p h so! But alack! m y h a n d is sworn Ne'er to pluck thee from t h y t h o r n : Vow, alack! for y o u t h u n m e e t , Youth so apt to pluck a sweet. D o not call it sin in me, T h a t I am forsworn for thee; T h o u for w h o m Jove would swear J u n o b u t an Ethiop were; A n d deny himself for Jove, T u r n i n g mortal for love.

4.3.98-117

Heart-throbbi.

Henceforth m y wooing m i n d shall be express'd In russet yeas and h o n e s t kersey noes: A n d , to begin: W e n c h , — s o God help me, law!— M y love to thee is sound, sans crack or flaw.

5.2.412-15 For your fair sake have [ I ] neglected time, Play'd foul play with [ m y ] oaths. Your beauty . . . H a t h m u c h deform'd [ m e ] , fashioning [ m y ] h u m o u r s Even to the opposed end of [ m y ] intents. 5-2.747-5° N o w , at the latest m i n u t e of the hour, G r a n t [ m e ] your love.

5.2.779-80 If this, or m o r e t h a n this, I would deny, T o flatter u p these powers of mine with rest, T h e s u d d e n h a n d of death close u p mine eye!

5.2.805-7

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR Sir, the maid loves you, and all shall be well.

1.4.115 Let it suffice thee . . . — a t the least, if the love of soldier can suffice—that I love thee.

2.1.9-11 Clap o n m o r e sails, pursue; u p with [ o u r ] fights; Give fire; [ y o u ] are m y prize, or ocean whelm [ u s ] all!

2.2.131-32

SHAKESPEARE

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VERBAL

SEDUCTION

I have pursued [you] as love h a t h pursued m e ; w h i c h have been on the wing of all occasions.

2.2.194-96 [You] dwell so securely o n the excellency of [ y o u r ] h o n o u r that the folly of m y soul dares n o t present itself; too bright to be looked against.

2.2.233-36 Come, I cannot cog and say t h o u art this and that, like a many of these lisping h a w t h o r n - b u d s that come like women in men's apparel, and smell like Bucklersbury in simple time; I cannot; b u t I love thee, n o n e b u t thee; and t h o u deserv'st it.

3.3.63-68 For that I love [ y o u ] In such a righteous fashion as I do, Perforce, against all checks, rebukes and m a n n e r s , I must advance the colours of m y love, A n d n o t retire. Let me have your good will.

3.4.76-80

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM I swear to thee by Cupid's strongest bow, By his best arrow with the golden head, By the simplicity of Venus' doves, By that which knitteth souls and prospers loves, A n d by that fire which b u r n ' d the Carthage queen W h e n the false Trojan u n d e r sail was seen; By all the vows that ever m e n have broke (In n u m b e r more t h a n ever w o m e n spoke),

Heart-throbbing

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285

In that same place t h o u hast appointed me, T o m o r r o w truly will I meet with thee.

1.1.169-78 Your virtue is m y privilege: for that It is n o t night w h e n I do see your face, Therefore I t h i n k I am n o t in the night; N o r d o t h this wood lack worlds of company, For you, in m y respect, are all the world; T h e n h o w can it be said I am alone, W h e n all the world is here to look on me?

2.1.220-26 I'll follow thee, and make a heaven of hell.

2.1.243 I m e a n that m y heart u n t o yours is knit, So that b u t one heart we can make of it.

2.2.46-47 T h y love ne'er alter till t h y sweet life end!

2.2.60 T r a n s p a r e n t [ o n e ] ! N a t u r e shows art, T h a t t h r o u g h t h y b o s o m makes me see m y heart.

2.2.103-4 Reason becomes the marshal to m y will, A n d leads m e to your eyes, where I o'erlook Love's stories, written in love's richest book.

2.2.119-21 W h e n [ m y ] love [ I ] d o t h espy, Let her shine as gloriously A s the V e n u s of the sky.

3.2.105-7

286

SHAKESPEARE

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0 let m e kiss T h i s princess of pure white, this seal of bliss!

3.2.143-44 1 love thee, by m y life I do; I swear by that which I will lose for thee To prove h i m false that says I love thee not.

Come sit thee down u p o n this flowery bed, W h i l e I t h y amiable cheeks do coy, A n d stick musk-roses in t h y sleep s m o o t h head, A n d kiss thy fair large ears, m y gentle joy.

4.1.1-4 Like a sickness did I loathe this food: But as in health, come to m y natural taste, N o w I do wish it, love it, long for it, A n d will for evermore be true to it.

4.1.172-75 I have found [ y o u ] like a jewel, Mine own, and n o t m i n e own.

4.1.190-91 It seems to m e T h a t yet we sleep, we dream.

4.1.191-93 Love, therefore, and tongue-tied simplicity In least speak most, to my capacity.

5.1.104-5 M y love t h o u art, my love I think!

5.1.192

Heart-thro,

T h i n k w h a t t h o u wilt, I am t h y lover's grace.

5.1.193

MEASURE FOR MEASURE W h a t do I love [ y o u ] T h a t I desire to hear [ y o u ] speak again? A n d feast u p o n [ y o u r ] eyes? W h a t is't I dream on?

2.2.177-79 [You surpass] heaven in m y m o u t h .

2.4.4 Plainly conceive, I love you.

2.4.140 I k n o w [ y o u ] and I love [ y o u ] .

3.2.145 A s there comes light from heaven, and words from breath, A s there is sense in t r u t h , and t r u t h in virtue I am affianc'd this man's wife, as strongly A s words could make u p vows.

5.1.224-27 For your lovely sake Give me your h a n d and say you will be mine.

5.1.489-90

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING T h a t I love [ y o u ] , I feel. T h a t [ y o u ] are worthy, I know.

1.1.211-12 288

SHAKESPEARE

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THE

ART

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VERBAL

SEDUCTION

OTHELLO I, observing, Took once a pliant h o u r and found good means To draw from [ y o u ] a prayer of earnest heart.

1.3.151-53 I saw [your] visage in [ y o u r ] mind, A n d to [ y o u r ] h o n o u r s and [ y o u r ] valiant parts Did I m y soul and fortunes consecrate. I

-3-253-55

If it were n o w to die 'Twere n o w to be m o s t happy, for I fear M y soul h a t h her content so absolute T h a t not another comfort like [seeing you n o w ] Succeeds in u n k n o w n fate.

2.1.187-91 I cannot speak enough of this content, It stops me here, it is too m u c h of joy.

2.1.194-95 W h e n [ y o u ] speak is it not an alarum to love?

2.3.24 T h i s crack of [ o u r ] love shall grow stronger t h a n it was before.

2.3.319-20

PERICLES W i t h a soul Embolden'd with the glory of [ y o u r ] praise, [I] think death n o hazard in this enterprise.

1.1.3-5 Heart-throbbing

[Your] face, like heaven, enticeth [ m e ] to view [Your] countless glory.

1.1.31-32 [ W i t h you I] feed on sweetest flowers.

H o p e , succeeding from so fair a tree A s you fair self, doth t u n e us.

1.1.115 T h e passions of the mind, T h a t have their first conception by mis-dread, Have after-nourishment and life by care.

1.2.12-14 J o y and all comfort in your sacred breast!

1.2.35 Lux tua vita mihi. [ T h y light is life to m e . ]

2.2.21 Behold, [ y o u r ] eyelids, cases to those Heavenly jewels . . . Begin to part their fringes of bright gold. T h e diamonds of a m o s t praised water D o t h appear to make the world twice rich.

3.2.100-104 Strike me, . . . Give me a gash, put me to present pain, Lest this great sea of joys rushing u p o n me O ' e r bear the shores of m y mortality, A n d d r o w n me with their sweetness.

5.1.190-94

SHAKESPEARE

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A R T

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VERBAL

SEDUCTION

ROMEO AND JULIET O brawling love, O loving hate, O anything of n o t h i n g first create! O heavy lightness, serious vanity, Misshapen chaos of well-seeming forms! Feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health, Still-waking sleep that is n o t what it is! T h i s love feel I, that feel n o love in this.

1.1.174-80 Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs; Being purg'd, a fire sparkling in lovers' eyes; Being vex'd, a sea nourished with lovers' tears; W h a t is it else? A madness m o s t discreet, A choking gall, and a preserving sweet.

1.1.188-92 [You] will not stay the siege of loving terms N o r bide th'encounter of assailing eyes N o r ope [your] lap to saint-seducing gold; O [you are] rich in beauty, only poor T h a t w h e n [ y o u ] die, with beauty dies [ y o u r ] store.

1.1.210-14 [You] earth-treading star that make dark heaven light.

1.2.25 'Tis m u c h pride For fair without the fair within to hide. T h a t book in many's eyes doth share the glory T h a t in gold clasps locks in the golden story.

1.3.89-92 You are a lover, borrow Cupid's wings A n d soar with t h e m above a c o m m o n b o u n d .

1.4.17-18 Heart-throbbing

I

291

[You] gallop night by night T h r o u g h lovers' brains, and t h e n they dream of love.

i.4.70-71 If I profane w i t h m y unworthiest h a n d T h i s holy shrine, the gentle sin is this: M y lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand T o s m o o t h that r o u g h t o u c h with a tender kiss.

1.5.92-95 [You are] m y only love sprung from m y only hate.

1.5.137 Passion lends [ u s ] power, time means, to meet, T e m p e r i n g extremities with extreme sweet.

2 .Prologue .13-14 But soft, w h a t light t h r o u g h yonder window breaks? It is the east and Juliet is the sun!

2.2.2-3 Arise fair s u n and kill the envious m o o n W h o is already sick and pale with grief T h a t t h o u her maid art far more fair t h a n she.

2.2.4-6 'Tis n o t to me [ y o u ] speak, T w o of the fairest stars in all the heaven, Having some business, do entreat [ y o u r ] eyes T o twinkle in their spheres till they return.

2.2.14-17 W h a t if [ y o u r ] eyes were there, [those stars] in [your] head? T h e brightness of [ y o u r ] cheek would shame those stars A s daylight d o t h a lamp. [Your] eyes in heaven

SHAKESPEARE

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VERBAL

SEDUCTION

W o u l d t h r o u g h the airy region stream so bright T h a t birds would sing and t h i n k it were n o t night.

2.2.18-22 See h o w [ y o u ] lean [ y o u r ] cheek u p o n [ y o u r ] hand. O that I were a glove u p o n that hand, T h a t I might t o u c h that cheek.

2.2.23-26 For t h o u art A s glorious to this night, being o'er m y head, A s is a winged messenger of heaven U n t o the white-upturned wondering eyes Of mortals that fall back to gaze on h i m W h e n he bestrides the lazy-puffing clouds A n d sails u p o n the b o s o m of the air.

2.2.26-32 0 Romeo, R o m e o , wherefore art t h o u Romeo?

2-2.33 Doff thy name, A n d for thy name, which is n o part of thee, Take all myself.

2.2.47-49 1 have night's cloak to hide me from their eyes, A n d but t h o u love me, let t h e m find m e here. M y life were better ended by their hate T h a n death prorogued, wanting of t h y love.

2.2.75-78 By whose direction [did I find thee]? By love, that first did p r o m p t me to enquire. H e lent me counsel, and I lent h i m eyes.

2.2.79-81

Heart-throbbing

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293

I am n o pilot, yet were t h o u as far A s that vast shore wash'd with the farthest sea, I should adventure for s u c h merchandise.

2.2.82-84 M y b o u n t y is as boundless as the sea, M y love as deep: the more I give to thee T h e m o r e I have, for b o t h are infinite.

2-2.133-35 0 blessed, blessed night. I am afeard, Being in night, all this is b u t a dream, T o o flattering sweet to be substantial.

22.139-41 1 [ w o u l d ] tear the cave where Echo lies A n d make her airy tongue more hoarse t h a n mine W i t h repetition of [ y o u r ] name.

2.2.161-63 [ W h e n you speak] it is m y soul that calls u p o n m y name.

2.2.164 H o w silver-sweet s o u n d lovers' tongues by night, Like softest music to attending ears.

2.2.165-66 'Tis almost m o r n i n g , I would have thee gone, A n d yet n o farther t h a n a w a n t o n ' s bird, T h a t lets it h o p a little from his h a n d Like a poor prisoner in his twisted gyves, A n d w i t h a silken thread plucks it back again, So loving-jealous of his liberty.

2.2.176-81

SHAKESPEARE

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Love's heralds should be t h o u g h t s W h i c h ten times faster glides t h a n the sun's beams Driving back shadows over lowering hills.

2.5.4-6 Come what sorrow can, It cannot countervail the exchange of j o y T h a t one short m i n u t e gives me in [ y o u r ] sight.

2.6.3-5 [Let] love-devouring death do what he dare: It is e n o u g h I may b u t call [ y o u ] mine.

2.6.7-8 T h e sweetest h o n e y Is loathsome in his own deliciousness, A n d in the taste confounds the appetite. Therefore love moderately; long love d o t h so.

2.6.11-14 If the measure of t h y j o y Be heap'd like mine, and that t h y skill be m o r e T o blazon it, t h e n sweeten with t h y breath T h i s neighbour air, and let rich music's tongue Unfold the imagin'd happiness that b o t h Receive in either by this dear encounter.

2.6.24-29 Come night, come [ m y love], come t h o u day in night, For t h o u wilt lie u p o n the wings of night W h i t e r t h a n new s n o w u p o n a raven's back.

3.2.17-19 W h e n [ y o u ] shall die [May the night] take [you] and cut [you] out in little stars, A n d [ y o u ] will make the face of heaven so fine

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"That all the world will be in love with night, A n d pay n o worship to the garish sun.

3.2.21-25 M y bosom's lord sits lightly in his t h r o n e A n d all this day an unaccustom'd spirit Lifts me above the g r o u n d with cheerful t h o u g h t s . 5-1-3-5 Sweet flower, w i t h flowers t h y bridal bed I strew.

5.3.11

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW [You] look as clear A s m o r n i n g roses newly wash'd with dew.

2.1.172-73 Sweet dear, prove mistress of m y heart.

4.2.10 Love w r o u g h t these miracles.

5.1.113

THE TEMPEST T h e s e sweet t h o u g h t s do even refresh m y labours.

3.1.14 N o b l e mistress; 'tis fresh m o r n i n g with me W h e n you are by at night.

3-!-33-34

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SEDUCTION

By m y modesty, T h e jewel in m y dower, I would n o t wish A n y companion in t h e world b u t you.

3-!-53-55 O heaven, O earth, bear witness to this sound, A n d crown w h a t I profess with kind event, If I speak true! if hollowly invert W h a t best is boded m e to mischief! I, Beyond all limit of what else i' th' world, D o love, prize, h o n o u r you.

3.1.68-73 Fair encounter Of two most rare affections! Heavens rain grace O n that which breeds between [ u s ] !

3.1.74-76 [Take m e ] as m y gift, and thine o w n acquisition W o r t h i l y purchas'd.

4.1.13-14 [I love y o u ] dearly, m y delicate.

4.1.49 Honour, riches,

marriage-blessing,

Long continuance, and increasing, Hourly joys be still upon you!

4.1.106-8 Come temperate nymphs, and help to celebrate A contract of true love; be not too late. I I

4 32-33

Heart-throbbing

I 297

TROILUS AND CRESSIDA Fair t h o u g h t s be your fair pillow.

3.1.44-45 Let t h y song be love: this love will u n d o us all.

3.1.105 Ay, good now, love, love, n o t h i n g b u t love.

3.1.108 So dying love lives still.

3.1.119 [I a m ] in love, i'faith, to the very tip of the nose.

3.1.122 Sweet, above t h o u g h t I love thee.

3.1.155 M y heart beats thicker t h a n a feverous pulse, A n d all m y powers do their bestowing lose, Like vassalage at unawares encountering T h e eye of majesty. 3-2-35"3

8

But that the busy day, W a k ' d by t h e lark, h a t h rous'd the ribald crows, A n d dreaming night will hide our joys n o longer, I would n o t from thee.

4.2.8-11 I love thee in so strain'd a purity T h a t t h e blest gods, as angry with m y fancy, M o r e bright in zeal t h a n the devotion which Cold lips blow to their deities, take thee from me.

4.4.23-26

SHAKESPEARE

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VERBAL

SEDUCTION

Injurious Time n o w with a robber's haste Crams his rich thiev'ry up, he knows not how; A s many farewells as be stars in heaven, W i t h distinct breath and consign'd kisses to t h e m , He fumbles up into a loose adieu, and scants us with a single famish'd kiss Distasted with the salt of broken tears.

4.4.41-47 Hear me, my love: be t h o u b u t true of heart.

44-57 She was belov'd, she lov'd; she is, and doth; But still sweet love is food for fortune's tooth.

4.5.291-92

TWELFTH NIGHT O spirit of love, h o w quick and fresh art thou!

1.1.9 [I love y o u ] W i t h adorations, fertile tears, W i t h groans that t h u n d e r love, with sighs of fire.

1.5.260 But come what may, I do adore thee so, T h a t danger shall seem sport, and I will go.

2.1.46-47 0 mistress mine, where areyou

roaming?

0 stay and hear,your true loves coming, That can sing both high and low. Trip no further, pretty sweeting:

Heart-throbbing

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299

]ourncys end in lovers meeting, Every wise mans son doth

know.

2.3.40-45 What

is love? Tis not hereafter,

Present mirth hath present What's

laughter:

to come is still unsure.

In delay there lies no plenty, Then come kiss me, sweet and

twenty:

Youth's a stuff will not endure. 8

2-3-4 -53 If it be t h u s to dream, still let me sleep!

4.1.11 N o w heaven walks o n earth.

5.1.95 A n d all those sayings will I over-swear, A n d all those swearings keep as true in soul A s d o t h that orbed continent the fire T h a t severs day from night.

5.1.267-70 W h e n that is k n o w n , and golden time convents, A solemn combination shall be made Of our dear souls.

5.1.381-83

THE T W O GENTLEMEN OF VERONA Sweet love, sweet lines, sweet life! H e r e is [ y o u r ] hand, the agent of [ y o u r ] heart; H e r e is [ y o u r ] oath for love, [ y o u r ] h o n o u r ' s pawn. 1

SHAKESPEARE

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-3-45-47

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

Alas, this parting strikes poor lovers d u m b .

2.2.20 [You are] m i n e own, A n d I as rich in having such a jewel A s t w e n t y seas, if all their sand were pearl, T h e water nectar, and the rocks pure gold.

2.4.164-67 O sweet-suggesting Love, if t h o u hast sinn'd, Teach me (thy tempted subject) to excuse it.

2.6.7-8 Love, lend me wings to make m y purpose swift A s thou hast lent me wit to plot this drift.

2.6.42-43 W h a t light is light, if [ y o u ] be n o t seen?

3.1.174 W h a t j o y is joy, if [ y o u ] be not by? Unless it be to t h i n k that [you are] by A n d feed u p o n the shadow of perfection. 1^75-77 Except I be [beside y o u ] in the night, T h e r e is n o music in the nightingale. U n l e s s I look [ u p o n y o u ] in the day, T h e r e is n o day for me to look u p o n . [You are] m y essence, and I leave to be, If I be not by [your] fair influence Foster'd, illumin'd, cherishd, kept alive.

3.1.178-84 Who is Sylvia? What is she That all our swains commend her? Holy, fair, and wise is she,

Heart-thro

The heaven such grace did lend her, That she might admired he. Is she kind as she is fair? For beauty lives with

kindness.

Love doth to her eyes repair, To help him of his blindness; And, being help'd, inhabits there. Then to Sylvia let us sing, That Sylvia is excelling; She excels each mortal thing Upon the dull earth

dwelling.

To her let us garlands

bring.

4.2.38-52

THE WINTER'S TALE [ W e ] have seemed to be together, t h o u g h absent; shook hands, as over a vast; and embraced, as it were, from the ends of opposed winds. T h e heavens continue [ o u r ] loves!

1.1.29-32 W e [shall b e ] as twinn'd lambs t h a t . . . frisk 1 th' sun, A n d bleat the one at th'other.

1.2.67-68 T h e y say we are A l m o s t as like as eggs.

1.2.129-30 [You're] all m y exercise, m y mirth, m y matter: N o w m y s w o r n friend, and t h e n mine enemy; M y parasite, m y soldier, statesman, all.

I

SHAKESPEARE

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THE

ART

OF

VERBAL

SEDUCTION

[You] make a July's day short as December; A n d with [ y o u r ] varying childness cure in m e T h o u g h t s that would thick m y blood.

i.2.166-71 I love you better . . . not for because Your brows are blacker; yet black brows, they say, Become some w o m e n best, so that there be n o t Too m u c h hair there, but in a semicircle, O r a half-moon, made with a pen.

2.1.6-11 I'll be thine, m y fair.

4.4.42 Lift up your countenance, as it were the day Of celebration of that nuptial which W e two have sworn shall come.

4.4.49-51 W h a t you do Still betters what is done. W h e n you speak, sweet, I'd have you do it ever: w h e n you sing, I'd have you buy and sell so, so give alms, Pray so, and, for the ord'ring your affairs, T o sing t h e m too: w h e n you do dance, I wish you A wave o' th' sea, that you might ever do N o t h i n g but that, move still, still so, A n d o w n n o other function. Each your doing, So singular in each particular, Crowns what you are doing, in the present deeds, T h a t all your acts are queens.

4.4.135-46 W e r e I crown'd the most imperial m o n a r c h Thereof most worthy, were I the fairest y o u t h

Heart-throbb

T h a t ever made eye swerve, had force and knowledge M o r e t h a n was ever man's, I would n o t prize t h e m W i t h o u t [ y o u r ] love; for [ y o u ] , employ t h e m all; C o m m e n d t h e m and c o n d e m n t h e m to [ y o u r ] service, O r to their o w n perdition.

44-373-79 N o t for Bohemia, n o r the p o m p that may Be thereat glean'd: for all the s u n sees, or T h e close earth w o m b s , or the profound seas hides In u n k n o w n fathoms, will I break m y oath T o [ y o u ] m y fair belov'd.

4.4.489-93 Dear, look u p : T h o u g h Fortune, visible an enemy, Should chase us . . . power n o j o t H a t h she to change o u r loves.

5.1.215-17

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SEDUCTION

A B O U T THE A U T H O R S

Wayne F. Hill and Cynthia J. Ôttchen are Americans living in England. While studying at Cambridge University, they came out of a performance of Twelfth Night laughing and trading in­ sults they'd heard in the play. They found more ammunition in the text, then read another play, found more and more breath­ taking invective, and at the end of the complete works were staring (still laughing) at almost 1 0 , 0 0 0 insults. They pub­ lished about half of them, making Shakespeare's genius streetquotable as never before. W i t h only word-of-mouth publicity, the rush of sales was so great that the London Times called it "a publishing miracle." Besieged by fans begging for more—"now please give us the other side of the coin"—Hill and Ôttchen have turned their cocked eye to the language of seduction. Still amused, with over 1 2 0 , 0 0 0 suddenly more-literate readers be­ hind them laughing too, they decided to launch Shakespeare and the Art of Verbal Seduction upon an unsuspecting world. W h a t this will stimulate, they have no idea, and for it assume no responsibility.

A l s o b y W a y n e F. Hill and C y n t h i a J. Ô t t c h e n :

SHAKESPEARE'S INSULTS 8 8

°'5i7' 539'5 $ 1 2 . 0 0 paperback (Canada: $ 1 8 . 0 0 )

[You] w h o r e s o n beetle-headed, flap-ear'd knave!

I h a d r a t h e r be married to a death's head w i t h a b o n e in his m o u t h .

You crusty b o t c h of n a t u r e .

C o n t a i n i n g 4,197 of t h e m o s t h u m o r o u s , s n o b b i s h , and snide one-liners from t h e bard himself, this t h o r o u g h compilation is certain t o elevate t h e speaker above s u c h c o m m o n p l a c e retorts as "I k n o w you are, b u t w h a t am I?"

Available from T h r e e Rivers Press wherever books are sold.

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