How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #1
KING
When, spite of cormorant devouring time,
Th' endeavor of this present breath may buy
That honor which shall bate his scythe's keen edge
And make us heirs of all eternity. (1.1.4-7)
The King's main motivation for this three-year-fast-and-study plan seems to be immortal fame, not knowledge.
Quote #2
KING
The
time when? About the sixth hour, when beasts most
graze, birds best peck, and men sit down to that
nourishment which is called supper. (1.1.238-241)
This part of Armado's letter underscores the play's motif that there are appropriate times for all actions.
Quote #3
ARMADO
Why 'tough signior'? Why 'tough signior'?
BOY
Why 'tender juvenal'? Why 'tender juvenal'?
ARMADO
I spoke it 'tender juvenal' as a congruent
epitheton appertaining to thy young days, which
we may nominate 'tender.'
BOY
And I 'tough signior' as an appurtenant title to
your old time, which we may name 'tough.' (1.2.11-17)
A reliable source of humor in the play is Moth's condescension to his master.
Quote #4
BEROWNE
A woman, that is like a German clock,
Still a-repairing, ever out of frame,
And never going aright, being a watch,
But being watched that it may still go right. (3.1.200-203)
A German clock was complicated and required maintenance. By comparing Rosaline to a German clock, Berowne emphasizes that he still can't believe he's fallen in love.
Quote #5
KING
The extreme parts of time extremely forms
All causes to the purpose of his speed,
And often at his very loose decides
That which long process could not arbitrate. (5.2.815-818)
The King is talking about his quick decision to release Aquitaine to the Princess – but is also encouraging her to make a quick decision to love him.
Quote #6
PRINCESS
We have received your letters full of love;
Your favors, the ambassadors of love;
[...]
As bombast and as lining to the time. (5.2.852-853; 856)
The Princess cautiously protects her heart, saying the women just played along to kill time.
Quote #7
KING
Now, at the latest minute of the hour,
Grant us your loves.
PRINCESS
A time, methinks, too short
To make a world-without-end bargain in. (5.2.863-866)
Displaying that caution that will probably make her a good queen, the Princess asks the King not to rush things.
Quote #8
PRINCESS
...go with speed
To some forlorn and naked hermitage,
Remote from all the pleasures of the world.
There stay until the twelve celestial signs
Have brought about the annual reckoning. (5.2.871-875)
The Princess now forwards the argument proposed by Berowne in the very first scene – all things in good time. Time will prove the King's devotion.
Quote #9
BEROWNE
A twelvemonth? Well, befall what will befall,
I'll jest a twelvemonth in an hospital. (5.2.943-944)
Berowne makes this vow to Rosaline easily and quickly – such a contrast to the unwilling acquiescence in Act 1.
Quote #10
ARMADO
I will kiss thy royal finger, and take leave. I
am a votary; I have vowed to Jaquenetta to hold the
plow for her sweet love three year. (5.2.956-958)
Well, the lords got off easy compared to what they would have endured according to the King's original oath. Here we see that Armado's committed to three years, as opposed to just one. And he has to become a farmer. Both conditions are minor when compared to the original pact the men made.