that it drives all other thoughts out of her head. Love is a powerful force that sweeps away all lesser forces from its path.
The conversation between Rosalind and Celia is interrupted by the shepherd Corin, who has arrived bearing news about the unrequited lover Silvius (starting at line 41). Corin describes Phoebe, the shepherdess whom Silvis loves, as proud and disdainful. Phoebe continues to reject Silvius as her suitor. Corin invites the ladies to come and see “a pageant truly played between the complexion of true love and the red glow of scorn and proud disdain” (46-48). A pageant was a public entertainment usually involving elaborate costumes and songs and dance. In a sense, then, the entire play (As You Like It) is a grand pageant on the topic of true love.
To take her mind off of her present woes, Rosalind agrees to accompany Corin. She explains to Celia, “The sight of lovers feedeth those in love” (51). Seeing others in love will cheer and encourage Rosalind. Moreover, Rosalind will take a role in the pageant of Silvius and Phoebe. Since she cannot help herself and her feelings of being abandoned by Orlando, Rosalind will at least play a role in helping Silvius to achieve his own goal of winning Phoebe as his bride.