Act II, Scene 3

Summary

This scene, like the first one of the play, opens with Orlando in Oliver's orchard. Adam, the loyal servant, rushes towards him and begs his master to leave the house. He reports that Oliver is so full of jealousy that he wants to kill Orlando. Adam mourns that Orlando's virtues and graces, coupled with his victory at the wrestling match, have become his enemies, leading him to death.

Orlando is stunned at the news. He tells Adam that he has no place to go and no money to support himself since he refuses to beg or rob. Adam then spontaneously and generously offers Orlando the five hundred crowns he has saved from his salary. After handing over his life's savings that were to support him when he is too old to work, Adam volunteers to follow Orlando. He claims that he is still strong, even though he is old. Orlando is deeply moved by this generous gesture of Adam. Together the two of them leave the orchard; although they do not state that they are headed for the Forest of Arden, the audience assumes this is where they will go.

Notes

The scene brings out the evil and jealous intentions of Oliver and contrasts them to the goodness and virtue of Orlando and Adam. Although Adam is a lowly servant, he proves that he is much more noble than anyone in Frederick's court, including the duke. He is willing to give his life's savings to his master, while Oliver wants to kill Orlando out of sibling jealousy.

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