illustration of Count Bertram in profile

All's Well That Ends Well

by William Shakespeare

Start Free Trial

"Our Remedies Oft In Ourselves Do Lie, Which We Ascribe To Heaven"

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

Context: Bertram, young Count of Rousillon, departs from his home for service at the Court of France. Behind him remain his mother and her ward, the lovely and accomplished Helena, daughter of a physician. While living in the countess' home, Helena has fallen in love with Bertram but believes their difference in rank makes her love hopeless. Parolles, a servant and follower of Bertram, tells her, before he follows his master, to pray to Heaven and marry a good husband and use him well. But Helena is not planning to follow his advice.


HELENA
Our remedies oft in ourselves do lie,
Which we ascribe to heaven.
. . .
Impossible be strange attempts to those
That weigh their pains in sense, and do suppose
What hath been, cannot be.
. . .
But my intents are fixed, and will not leave me.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Previous

"Love All, Trust A Few"

Next

"Poor But Honest"