academe

Let fame , that all hunt after in their lives ,
Live registered upon our brazen tombs ,
And then grace us in the disgrace of death ,
When , spite of cormorant devouring time ,
Th’ endeavor of this present breath may buy
That honor which shall bate his scythe’s keen edge
And make us heirs of all eternity .
Therefore , brave conquerors , for so you are
That war against your own affections
And the huge army of the world’s desires ,
Our late edict shall strongly stand in force .
Navarre shall be the wonder of the world ;
Our court shall be a little academe ,
Still and contemplative in living art .
You three , Berowne , Dumaine , and Longaville ,
Have sworn for three years’ term to live with me ,
My fellow scholars , and to keep those statutes
That are recorded in this schedule here .

Your oaths are passed , and now subscribe your
names ,
That his own hand may strike his honor down
That violates the smallest branch herein .
If you are armed to do as sworn to do ,
Subscribe to your deep oaths , and keep it too .