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The bells rang out in the Forest of Arden yesterday, as four couples tied the knot - all thanks to the quick wits of youngster Rosalind.
The daughter of the old Duke, recently deposed by his brother Frederick, Rosalind had fled to the Forest with her cousin Celia, after her uncle banished her from court.
Accompanied by faithful jester Touchstone, the two of them disguised themselves and set off. Rosalind tugged on the trousers as young lad Ganymede, while Celia became shepherdess Aliena.
Also hiding out in Arden was Orlando, a young man who'd caught Rosalind's fancy, and who fancied her back!
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If thou remember'st not the slightest folly
That ever love did make thee run into,
Thou hast not loved.
Silvius advises Rosalind (above) Act 2, Sc 4
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He'd made a break for it after learning that his spiteful brother Oliver had tried to have him done for. Rosalind took full advantage of her disguise to tease him, meeting with him everyday.
Meanwhile, local shepherdess Phoebe had fallen hard for Ganymede, to the dismay of lovestruck lad Silvius. Love was even in the air for Touchstone, who picked up sweet-natured Audrey.
Aliena wasn't left out - when Oliver returned, sorry for his treatment of Orlando, the two fell in love, and agreed to marry the next day. With a few cunning promises, Rosalind made sure everyone would get what they wanted at the ceremony too.
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  Rosalind
Loyal, sparky and intelligent, Rosalind stayed with her friend Celia even when it was risky. She fell hard for Orlando, but was smart enough to test his love before committing. |
 Celia
So devoted a friend is Celia that she runs away from her own father's court to stay with Rosalind. But that doesn't mean she's above teasing her - wittily - when she falls in love.
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 Orlando
Generous, brave and noble, Orlando is also a bit of a poet, leaving love-songs to Rosalind all around the Forest. Willing to risk his life to help others, he's a fine lad. |
 Touchstone
Court jester Touchstone was an old servant and friend of Celia's. He wasn't happy to be dragged out to the woods, and always had a cynical quip ready.
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Before the wedding began, she switched back into her more ladylike togs and revealed her true identity. Orlando was overjoyed, and lucky Silvius took his chance to grab Phoebe on the rebound.
As the ceremony, the final cherry on the cake arrived with the news that Duke Frederick had given back the Dukedom to his brother and become a religious hermit.
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Now the happy couples, and Rosalind's dad, could return home.
All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts
Jacques, Act 2, Sc 7
The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool. Touchstone Act 5, Sc 1
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