Act V, Scene 1

Marseilles. A street.

[Enter HELENA, Widow, and DIANA, with two] [p]Attendants]

• Helena. But this exceeding posting day and night
  Must wear your spirits low; we cannot help it:
  But since you have made the days and nights as one,
  To wear your gentle limbs in my affairs,
  Be bold you do so grow in my requital 2570
  As nothing can unroot you. In happy time;
  [Enter a Gentleman]
  This man may help me to his majesty's ear,
  If he would spend his power. God save you, sir.

• Gentleman. And you. 2575

• Helena. Sir, I have seen you in the court of France.

• Gentleman. I have been sometimes there.

• Helena. I do presume, sir, that you are not fallen
  From the report that goes upon your goodness;
  An therefore, goaded with most sharp occasions, 2580
  Which lay nice manners by, I put you to
  The use of your own virtues, for the which
  I shall continue thankful.

• Gentleman. What's your will?

• Helena. That it will please you 2585
  To give this poor petition to the king,
  And aid me with that store of power you have
  To come into his presence.

• Gentleman. The king's not here.

• Helena. Not here, sir! 2590

• Gentleman. Not, indeed:
  He hence removed last night and with more haste
  Than is his use.

• Widow. Lord, how we lose our pains!

• Helena. ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL yet, 2595
  Though time seem so adverse and means unfit.
  I do beseech you, whither is he gone?

• Gentleman. Marry, as I take it, to Rousillon;
  Whither I am going.

• Helena. I do beseech you, sir, 2600
  Since you are like to see the king before me,
  Commend the paper to his gracious hand,
  Which I presume shall render you no blame
  But rather make you thank your pains for it.
  I will come after you with what good speed 2605
  Our means will make us means.

• Gentleman. This I'll do for you.

• Helena. And you shall find yourself to be well thank'd,
  Whate'er falls more. We must to horse again.
  Go, go, provide. 2610

[Exeunt]