misfortunes, and wanton desires wrapt within the laborinth of these
calamities. Are not the heavens doomers of men's deedes? And holdes not
God a ballance in his fist, to reward with favour and revenge with
justice? Oh, Saladyne, the faults of thy youth, as they were fond, so
were they foule; and not onely discovering little nourture, but
blemishing the excellence of nature."

A more natural and attractive passage is the discussion between
Rosalynde and Alinda,[65] regarding their escape from court.

Rosalynde began to comfort her, and after shee had wept a fewe kind
teares in the bosome of her Alinda, she gave her heartie thankes,
and then they sat them downe to consult how they should travel.
Alinda grieved at nothing but they might have no man in their
company; saying it would be their greatest prejudice in that two
women went wandering without either guide or attendant. "Tush
(quoth Rosalynde), art thou a woman and hast not a sodeine shift to
prevent a misfortune? I, thou seest, am of a tall stature, and
would very wel become the person and apparel of a Page: thou shalt
bee my mistresse, and I wil play the man so properly, that (trust
me) in what company so ever I come I will not be discovered: I wil
buy me a suite, and have my Rapier very handsomely at my side, and
if any knave offer wrong, your Page wil shew him the poynt of his
weapon."

Shakespeare has followed this scene very closely in "As You Like It."

_Ros._ Alas, what danger will it be to us,
Maids as we are, to travel forth so far!
Beauty provoketh thieves sooner than gold.