Mojo, The Bard, & Me

 

Today’s Totally Random Lines

 

Navarre had notice of your fair approach;

And he and his competitors in oath

Were all addrest to meet you, gentle lady,

Before I came. Marry thus much I have learnt,-

He rather means to lodge you in the field,

Like one that comes here to besiege his court,

Than seek a dispensation for his oath,

To let you enter his unpeopled house.

Here comes Navarre.

 

Boyet

Love’s Labour’s Lost   Act II, Scene i, Line 88

 

Long story short: Boyet is the attendant of the princess, and she has come to visit Navarre (Navarre is the name of the person and the place: his name is Ferdinand, the king of Navarre, but he's referred to simply as Navarre). Anyway, Navarre has made an oath to spend the next three years studying with his buddies and eschewing all female company. The princess knows this but has nonetheless sent Boyet to ask Navarre to receive her. Today’s Lines are what Boyet is now reporting to the princess.

So, if you read Today's Lines you will see that, based on what Boyet has to say above, Navarre was aware that the princess was coming and is willing to receive her, but he’s not going to let the princess into his castle. She and her ladies will have to stay in tents in the fields outside it.

And that’s the long story short. 

So, what did we get out of that? Anything? Where’s the genius of Shakespeare this morning? Anyone?

Honestly, Mr. Blagys, I think you might have your expectations a little high. Just like the princess who was expecting to be welcomed into the castle. You should be more like me. Lookee here: I was expecting nothing and then I got this treat from Mrs. B. Now I'm just as happy as can be. It's all about expectations, Mr. B. You should know that. 

Isn't that the same treat you had yesterday, Mojo?

No, and that's the thing! I wasn't expecting another one today, and yet...

See, expectations! It's all about expectations. And there, sir, is the genius of Shakespeare.   You're welcome, Mr. B.