Act 5 - Scene 1

Marseilles. A street.

Enter HELENA, Widow, and DIANA, with two Attendants

HELENA

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

Enter a Gentleman

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

Gentleman

And you.

HELENA

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

Gentleman

I have been sometimes there.

HELENA

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

Gentleman

What's your will?

HELENA

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

Gentleman

The king's not here.

HELENA

Not here, sir!

Gentleman

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

Widow

Lord, how we lose our pains!