Boyet

Definition and stakes

Charles David Stewart,  Some Textual Difficulties in Shakespeare (1914)

“ Now what sort of man is Boyet? He is the French nobleman who accompanied the Princess and her ladies to England. The conductor of such a party is, of course, your complete ladies' man; and as we see in this scene particularly, he has a nimble wit in their playful encounters with him.
It is into one of these wit encounters that the simple-minded swain, Costard, finds himself projected. It is a hunting scene consisting of the Princess and the ladies of her train. Excepting the huntsman who acts as their guide, the only representative of the stronger sex is Boyet.
”
Source: Wikisource

Portrait of William Shakespeare William Shakespeare,  Love's Labour's Lost

“ ROSALINE.
And yours from long living.
BEROWNE.
I cannot stay thanksgiving.
[He exits.]
Enter Dumaine.
DUMAINE.
Sir, I pray you, a word. What lady is that same?
BOYET.
The heir of Alençon, Katharine her name.
DUMAINE.
A gallant lady. Monsieur, fare you well.
[He exits.]
Enter Longaville.
LONGAVILLE.
I beseech you a word. What is she in the white?
BOYET.
A woman sometimes, an you saw her in the light.
LONGAVILLE.
Perchance light in the light. I desire her name.
BOYET.
She hath but one for herself; to desire that were a shame.
”
Source: Gutenberg

Portrait of William Shakespeare William Shakespeare,  Love's Labour's Lost

“ MARIA. Folly in fools bears not so strong a note
As fool'ry in the wise when wit doth dote,
Since all the power thereof it doth apply
To prove, by wit, worth in simplicity.
Enter BOYET
PRINCESS OF FRANCE. Here comes Boyet, and mirth is in his face.
BOYET. O, I am stabb'd with laughter! Where's her Grace?
PRINCESS OF FRANCE. Thy news, Boyet?
BOYET. Prepare, madam, prepare!
Arm, wenches, arm! Encounters mounted are
Against your peace. Love doth approach disguis'd,
Armed in arguments; you'll be surpris'd.
Muster your wits; stand in your own defence
”
Source: Gutenberg

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