Rosalind then uses four animal metaphors to describe the wife’s unpleasant moods:
Jealous like a Barbary Cock-Pigeon
Noisy like a Parrot
Desirous of Novelty (Easily Bored or
Moody) like an Ape
Unsteady (unstable) like a Monkey
Rosalind adds that she will also suddenly cry for no reason (line 130). She will be like a statue of the goddess Diana placed in a fountain: the water will constantly be pouring off of her face. When she is not crying hysterically, then she will be laughing like a hyena, especially at times when her husband wants to sleep.
Orlando finds it difficult to believe that Rosalind could act in such a way because she is too wise to do so. However, the wiser a woman is, Rosalind argues, the more resourceful she is at finding ways to be contrary and emotional.
Rosalind goes on to argue that even when a woman is in the wrong – even when she is at fault for a problem that comes between her and her husband – she will find a way to accuse the husband and make it seem like his fault (lines 149-50).
Rosalind thus argues against love and marriage, but Orlando is not convinced. He still is madly in love with Rosalind. Rosalind’s accusations have not diminished his faith.
Orlando leaves Rosalind because he has an appointment to dine with Duke Senior, but he