How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line). Line numbers correspond to The Norton Shakespeare, second edition, published in 2008.
Quote #7
TOUCHSTONE
Ay, now am I in Arden; the more fool I.
When I was at home I was in a better place, but
travelers must be content. (2.4.15-18)
Hmm. Looks like Touchstone has already decided the court is superior to the countryside.
Quote #8
SONG
[All together here]
Who doth ambition shun,
And loves to live i' th' sun,
Seeking the food he eats,
And pleas'd with what he gets,
Come hither, come hither, come hither.
Here shall he see
No enemy
But winter and rough weather. (2.5.36-43)
The Lords who have left the court are singing here and they cast the forest as the opposite of the court. The court is characterized as a cutthroat place, full of ambitious people who are never satisfied and must watch their backs for enemies. In contrast, the forest is a place where people can live in the sunshine, have no enemies other than foul weather, and find true contentment.
Quote #9
JAQUES
I'll give you a verse to this note that I made
yesterday in despite of my invention.
AMIENS
And I'll sing it.
JAQUES
Thus it goes:
If it do come to pass
That any man turn ass,
Leaving his wealth and ease
A stubborn will to please,
Ducdame, ducdame, ducdame;
Here shall he see
Gross fools as he,
An if he will come to me. (2.5.44-55)
Jaques points out the failings of the pastoral ideal. Still, he notes that anyone who came to seek this ideal in the forest would find him there, too.