The Joy of Disguise (As You Like It)

Themes: As You Like It, Classical, Comedy, Shakespeare
Length: 1 Minute
Gender: Female

[Rosalind, disguised as Ganymede, reflects on the challenges and affections that come with her disguise and the complicated feelings she has for Orlando. She speaks with a mix of humor and genuine emotion, her tone alternating between light-heartedness and introspection.]

O, how full of briers is this working-day world!
They are but burs, cousin, thrown upon thee in holiday foolery; if we walk not in the trodden paths our very petticoats will catch them. I could shake them off my coat: these burs are in my heart. Hem them away. I would try, if I could cry ‘hem’ and have him. Come, come, wrestle with thy affections. O, they take the part of a better wrestler than myself! O, a good wish upon you! You will try in time, in despite of a fall. But, turning these jests out of service, let us talk in good earnest: is it possible on such a sudden you should fall into so strong a liking with old Sir Rowland’s youngest son? The duke my father loved his father dearly.