Rosalind’s Monologue: Act 3, Scene 5 As You Like It

"And why, I pray you?"

Synopsis

In this scene from As You Like It, Rosalind (disguised as Ganymede) confronts the disdainful shepherdess, Phoebe, who cruelly rejects Silvius’s devoted love. Rosalind chastises Phoebe for her arrogance and unkindness, asserting that she is neither beautiful nor superior enough to justify her behaviour. Her speech is a mix of sharp wit, moral advice, and genuine frustration, culminating in her urging Phoebe to accept Silvius’s love.

What’s Just Happened Before This Moment That’s Relevant to the Scene?

Silvius, hopelessly in love with Phoebe, pleads for her affection despite her contemptuous rejection. Phoebe mocks Silvius’s declarations of love, taunting him for his devotion. Rosalind, witnessing this, steps in to admonish Phoebe for her pride and pitilessness, highlighting the shepherdess’s undeserved vanity and Silvius’s superior worthiness as a partner.

Original Text

And why, I pray you?
Who might be your mother,
That you insult, exult, and all at once,
Over the wretched? What though you have no beauty,--
As, by my faith, I see no more in you
Than without candle may go dark to bed--
Must you be therefore proud and pitiless?
Why, what means this? Why do you look on me?
I see no more in you than in the ordinary
Of nature's sale-work. 'Od's my little life,
I think she means to tangle my eyes too!
No, faith, proud mistress, hope not after it:
'Tis not your inky brows, your black silk hair,
Your bugle eyeballs, nor your cheek of cream,
That can entame my spirits to your worship.
You foolish shepherd, wherefore do you follow her,
Like foggy south puffing with wind and rain?
You are a thousand times a properer man
Than she a woman: 'tis such fools as you
That makes the world full of ill-favour'd children:
'Tis not her glass, but you, that flatters her;
And out of you she sees herself more proper
Than any of her lineaments can show her.
But, mistress, know yourself: down on your knees,
And thank heaven, fasting, for a good man's love:
For I must tell you friendly in your ear,
Sell when you can: you are not for all markets:
Cry the man mercy; love him; take his offer:
Foul is most foul, being foul to be a scoffer.
So take her to thee, shepherd: fare you well.

Translation of Text into Contemporary Language

*"And why, may I ask, are you acting this way? Who do you think you are to insult and gloat over someone less fortunate? You’re not even beautiful—in fact, you’re so plain that I wouldn’t notice you in the dark—so why act so proud and heartless? What is this nonsense? Why are you staring at me? I see nothing special about you; you’re as ordinary as any other of nature’s creations. Honestly, I think you’re trying to charm me too! No chance, arrogant lady; neither your dark eyebrows, silky hair, shiny eyes, nor pale skin can make me admire you.

And you, foolish shepherd, why do you follow her so obsessively, like a stormy south wind blowing with tears and sighs? You’re a far better man than she is a woman. It’s fools like you who flatter women like her, making them think they’re more attractive than they are. It’s not her mirror, but your devotion, that deceives her.

But you, proud lady, know your place. Get on your knees and thank heaven for the love of a good man. I’ll tell you honestly: take what you can get because you’re not going to have many other options. Apologise to him, love him, and accept his offer. Being scornful when you’re already unattractive just makes you worse. So, Silvius, take her if you must. Farewell."*

Meaning of Difficult or Unusual Words

• Insult, exult: Mock and rejoice at another’s misfortune.

• Nature's sale-work: A common or ordinary product of nature.

• ’Od's my little life: An exclamation, similar to “Oh my God!”

• Entame: Ensnare or captivate.

• Properer: More fitting or suitable.

• Ill-favour’d: Ugly or unattractive.

• Glass: A mirror.

• Sell when you can: Accept love while it’s available, as opportunities won’t last forever.

• Foul: Ugly or unpleasant.

Breakdown of Text into ‘New Thought’ Paragraphs

1. And why, I pray you?
   Who might be your mother,
   That you insult, exult, and all at once,
   Over the wretched?

   • Rosalind begins by questioning Phoebe’s arrogance and sense of superiority.

2. What though you have no beauty,--
   As, by my faith, I see no more in you
   Than without candle may go dark to bed--
   Must you be therefore proud and pitiless?

   • She directly criticises Phoebe’s vanity, asserting her lack of exceptional beauty.

3. Why, what means this? Why do you look on me?
   I see no more in you than in the ordinary
   Of nature's sale-work.

   • Rosalind dismisses Phoebe’s gaze, implying she is as unremarkable as anyone else.

4. 'Od's my little life,
   I think she means to tangle my eyes too!

   • She mockingly pretends to believe Phoebe is trying to seduce her as well.

5. No, faith, proud mistress, hope not after it:
   'Tis not your inky brows, your black silk hair,
   Your bugle eyeballs, nor your cheek of cream,
   That can entame my spirits to your worship.

   • Rosalind rejects any idea that Phoebe’s appearance could enchant her.

6. You foolish shepherd, wherefore do you follow her,
   Like foggy south puffing with wind and rain?
   You are a thousand times a properer man
   Than she a woman: 'tis such fools as you
   That makes the world full of ill-favour'd children:

   • Turning to Silvius, she chastises him for his misplaced devotion, calling him better than Phoebe.

7. 'Tis not her glass, but you, that flatters her;
   And out of you she sees herself more proper
   Than any of her lineaments can show her.

   • Rosalind critiques how Silvius’s adoration distorts Phoebe’s self-perception.

8. But, mistress, know yourself: down on your knees,
   And thank heaven, fasting, for a good man's love:

   • She advises Phoebe to recognise her fortune and be grateful for Silvius.

9. Cry the man mercy; love him; take his offer:
   Foul is most foul, being foul to be a scoffer.
   So take her to thee, shepherd: fare you well.

   • She concludes with sharp advice for both, urging Phoebe to accept Silvius’s love.

Conclusion

Rosalind’s monologue is a witty and scathing critique of vanity and unrequited love. It showcases her intellect, sharp humour, and ability to deliver harsh truths with eloquence.

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