As You Like It in modern English, scene by scene

About this translation

Every scene of As You Like It is set out twice: William Shakespeare’s words on one side, and on the other a plain modern English rendering of the same lines, in the same order. It is a way to read the original, not a replacement for it — the rendering says what the text says, and the text is the thing you quote.

Line numbers count the verse lines of each scene in the public-domain Project Gutenberg edition these pages are set from, so they may not match the numbering in a printed edition.

1. Act 1, Scene 1 — An Orchard near Oliver’s houseAs I remember, Adam, it was like this: he left me by his will only a measly thousand…
2. Act 1, Scene 2 — A Lawn before the Duke’s PalacePlease, Rosalind, my sweet cousin, be cheerful.
3. Act 1, Scene 3 — A Room in the PalaceCome on, cousin, come on, Rosalind! Cupid have mercy! Not a word?

1. Act 2, Scene 1 — The Forest of ArdenNow, my companions and brothers in exile, hasn't long habit made this life sweeter than a…
2. Act 2, Scene 2 — A Room in the PalaceCan it really be that nobody saw them? It's impossible! Some villains at my court agreed…
3. Act 2, Scene 3 — Before Oliver’s HouseWho's there?
4. Act 2, Scene 4 — The Forest of ArdenO Jupiter, how tired out I feel!
5. Act 2, Scene 5 — Another part of the ForestUnder the forest tree, whoever likes to lie beside me and tune his cheerful singing to…
6. Act 2, Scene 6 — Another part of the ForestDear master, I can't go any further. Oh, I'm dying for lack of food! Here I lie down and…
7. Act 2, Scene 7 — Another part of the ForestI think he must have been turned into an animal, because nowhere can I find him in the…

1. Act 3, Scene 1 — A Room in the PalaceYou haven't seen him since? Sir, sir, that can't be true. If I weren't mostly made of…
2. Act 3, Scene 2 — The Forest of ArdenHang there, my poem, as proof of my love. And you, three-times-crowned queen of the…
3. Act 3, Scene 3 — Another part of the ForestHurry up, good Audrey. I'll go and collect your goats, Audrey. And so, Audrey? Am I your…
4. Act 3, Scene 4 — Another part of the Forest. Before a CottageDon't say anything to me, I'm going to cry.
5. Act 3, Scene 5 — Another part of the ForestSweet Phoebe, do not scorn me, do not, Phoebe. Say that you do not love me, but do not…

1. Act 4, Scene 1 — The Forest of ArdenPlease, handsome young man, let me get to know you better.
2. Act 4, Scene 2 — Another part of the ForestWhich one of you killed the deer?
3. Act 4, Scene 3 — Another part of the ForestWhat do you say now? Isn't it past two o'clock? And there's plenty of Orlando here, isn't…

1. Act 5, Scene 1 — The Forest of ArdenWe'll find a time, Audrey; be patient, kind Audrey.
2. Act 5, Scene 2 — Another part of the ForestIs it possible that on such short acquaintance you should like her? That merely by seeing…
3. Act 5, Scene 3 — Another part of the ForestTomorrow is the happy day, Audrey. Tomorrow we'll be married.
4. Act 5, Scene 4 — Another part of the ForestDo you believe, Orlando, that the boy can do everything he has promised?
5. Epilogue — EpilogueIt isn't the custom to see the lady deliver the epilogue, but it's no more improper than…