# Scene II explained — All’s Well That Ends Well

> Chapter companion for All’s Well That Ends Well by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

The King of France discusses the ongoing war between Florence and Siena, noting that Florence will seek aid but he intends to deny it. He allows his gentlemen to fight on either side. Bertram arrives at court with Lafeu and Parolles. The King reflects on Bertram's father, praising his virtues and lamenting his own declining health. He asks about the physician who attended Bertram's father and expresses a wish to consult him if he were still alive.

## Themes in this chapter

### Honor and Reputation

The King praises Bertram's father for his honor, humility, and moral integrity, setting a standard for the younger generation.

### Youth vs. Wisdom

The King contrasts the wisdom and virtue of Bertram's father with the frivolity of contemporary youth, lamenting the loss of experienced leaders.

## Character check-ins

### King of France

The King discusses the Florentine war, denies aid to Florence, and reflects on his own failing health and the virtues of Bertram's father.

### Bertram

Bertram arrives at the King's court with Lafeu and Parolles, and is welcomed by the King who speaks fondly of Bertram's father.

### Lafeu

Lafeu enters with Bertram and Parolles, accompanying the young count to the King's court.

### Parolles

Parolles enters with Bertram and Lafeu, present at the King's court.

### First Lord Dumain

The First Lord confirms the report of the Florentine war and comments on the King's trust in the Austrian cousin's advice.

### Second Lord Dumain

The Second Lord remarks that the war serves as a nursery for gentlemen seeking action.

## Key lines

> The Florentines and Senoys are by the ears; Have fought with equal fortune and continue A braving war.

The Florentines and Sienese are at war, with neither side gaining an advantage, and they keep fighting fiercely.

_The King sets the scene of the ongoing conflict in Italy._

> Youth, thou bear'st thy father's face; Frank nature, rather curious than in haste, Hath well composed thee.

Young man, you look just like your father; nature has shaped you well, with care rather than haste.

_The King greets Bertram, noting his resemblance to his late father._

> I would I had that corporal soundness now, As when thy father and myself in friendship First tried our soldiership!

I wish I had the physical health I had when your father and I first fought together as soldiers.

_The King laments his old age and failing health, reminiscing about his youth._

> Let me not live, quoth he, After my flame lacks oil, to be the snuff Of younger spirits...

He said, 'Let me not live once my energy is spent, only to be a hindrance to the young.'

_The King recalls Bertram's father's wish to die before becoming a burden to the next generation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/all_s_well_that_ends_well_se/chapters/act-i-scene-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/all_s_well_that_ends_well_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/all_s_well_that_ends_well_se/chapters