The Complete Works of William Shakespeare

Chapter 50

SCENE VI. The forestEnter ORLANDO and ADAM

ADAM. Dear master, I can go no further. O, I die for food! Here lie

I down, and measure out my grave. Farewell, kind master.

ORLANDO. Why, how now, Adam! No greater heart in thee? Live a

little; comfort a little; cheer thyself a little. If this uncouth

forest yield anything savage, I will either be food for it or

bring it for food to thee. Thy conceit is nearer death than thy

powers. For my sake be comfortable; hold death awhile at the

arm's end. I will here be with the presently; and if I bring thee

not something to eat, I will give thee leave to die; but if thou

diest before I come, thou art a mocker of my labour. Well said!

thou look'st cheerly; and I'll be with thee quickly. Yet thou

liest in the bleak air. Come, I will bear thee to some shelter;

and thou shalt not die for lack of a dinner, if there live

anything in this desert. Cheerly, good Adam! Exeunt