Act 4, Scene 1 Summary

Ganymede meets Jaques in the forest and berates him for his depressed attitude. Jaques explains that it results from years of travel. Rosalind tells him she prefers a pleasant, but unintelligent man to one who is smart, but depressing. Jaques walks away.

Orlando shows up late for his lesson with Ganymede. Rosalind at first ignores him and then expresses anger at his lateness. She tells him a man in love would never be late. He apologizes and begs forgiveness, but she compares his love to a snail. The snail has to carry his home on his back and has an excuse for lateness.

The lesson begins and Ganymede asks how Orlando would pursue Rosalind. Orlando replies that he would start with a kiss. Rosalind suggests he start with conversation and move on to a kiss later. Orlando tells Ganymede he would...