Act III, Scene 4

Summary

This scene opens with Rosalind and Celia in the forest. Rosalind is highly disappointed and angry that Orlando has not kept his appointment with her for his "love cure." Celia teases her by making uncomplimentary comments about Orlando; she says his hair is probably "browner than Judas." When Rosalind wonders why he has not turned up after promising to come, Celia says, "There is no truth in him." Then becoming serious, Celia tells Rosalind that Orlando has probably been helping Duke Senior.

Rosalind tells how she has seen her father, the duke, but he failed to recognize her in disguise. When he asked about her parentage, she replied that her parentage was as good as his, causing the duke to laugh. Rosalind then says she would prefer to talk of Orlando, not of her father.

Corin enters and invites Celia and Rosalind to watch the scene between the love-sick Silvius and the disdainful Phebe. Rosalind readily agrees to go with Corin for "the sight of lovers feedeth those in love." She also decides to "prove a busy actor in their play."

Notes

This scene presents another side of Rosalind not seen before. When Orlando fails to come for his first love cure, the impatient Rosalind becomes irritated and angry. It is obvious she had been looking forward to his visit. Celia tries to calm her down by teasing her about Orlando, saying he is untruthful, much like a Judas. Her light-hearted humor lightens the entire mood of the scene. Then on a serious note, she reminds her friend that Orlando has been helping Duke Senior, Rosalind's father. Rosalind does not seem to care; she asks Celia, "Why talk we of fathers, when there is such a man as Orlando?"

Rosalind's attention is diverted by the arrival of Corin, who asks the two ladies to come and watch the love-sick scene between the eager Silvius and the disdainful Phebe. Rosalind is eager to watch any two lovers, hoping it will nourish her own love for Orlando. What she does not know is that the relationship between Silvius and Phebe is not at all romantic or emotional.

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