illustration of Count Bertram in profile

All's Well That Ends Well

by William Shakespeare

Start Free Trial

"A Young Man Married Is A Man That's Marred"

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

Context: Bertram, the young Count of Rousillon, goes off to serve his ailing king, leaving behind his mother and Helena, daughter of a famous physician. Secretly in love with Bertram, Helena travels to the court, where she cures the king and asks as her fee one of the young lords of the court for a husband. When she chooses Bertram, he complains that her low rank can only defile his noble blood. Ordered by the king to marry Helena, the proud young man consents, but later tells his servant that he will send his new wife home and will "never bed her," but will instead be off to the war.


BERTRAM
Go with me to my chamber, and advise me.
I'll send her straight away. To-morrow
I'll to the wars, she to her single sorrow.
PAROLLES
Why these balls bound, there's noise in it. 'Tis hard.
A young man married is a man that's marred.
Therefore away, and leave her bravely; go.
The King has done you wrong; but hush, 'tis so.

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

"A Bright Particular Star"

Next

"Love All, Trust A Few"