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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