THE EIGHTH INNER SCENE
A place of dappled shine and shadow in the forest. No boughs or trees are visible, but only a luminous glade of color, where falling sunlight filters a swaying glow and gloom from high, wind-stirred branches above. On the edges of the scene, the semi-obscurity half conceals forms of the forest company [Jacques, the Duke, etc.] who, seated about their noon-time meal, sing their chorus:
THE CHORUS Who doth ambition shun And loves to live i’ the sun, Seeking the food he eats And pleased with what he gets, Come hither, come hither, come hither: Here shall he see No enemy But winter and rough weather.
[Enter Orlando, with his sword drawn.]
ORLANDO [Fiercely.] Forbear, and eat no more!
JACQUES Why, I have eat none yet.
ORLANDO Nor shalt not, till necessity be served.
THE DUKE What would you have? Your gentleness shall force More than your force move us to gentleness.
ORLANDO I almost die for food; and let me have it.
THE DUKE Sit down and feed, and welcome to our table.