How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #1
BEROWNE, reads
Item, That no woman shall come within
a mile of my court. Hath this been proclaimed?
LONGAVILLE
Four days ago.
BEROWNE
Let's see the penalty. [Reads] On pain of
losing her tongue. (1.1.123-127)
Longaville came up with this harsh punishment for women– probably thinking, out of sight, out of mind.
Quote #2
KING
It was proclaimed a year's imprisonment to be
taken with a wench.
COSTARD
I was taken with none, sir. I was taken with a
damsel.
KING
Well, it was proclaimed 'damsel.'
COSTARD
This was no damsel neither, sir. She was a
virgin.
KING
It is so varied too, for it was proclaimed
'virgin.'
COSTARD
If it were, I deny her virginity. I was taken
with a maid.
KING
This 'maid' not serve your turn, sir.
COSTARD
This maid will serve my turn, sir. (1.1.287-299)
Costard thinks if he can name the right kind of lady, he might just be able to get out of his punishment. And then finishes off his argument with sexual innuendo.