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Here's one of Shakespeare's most popular plays, in cartoon form,
acted out by dachshunds, which are the only creatures I can draw with any
facility.

Orlando, our young hero, complains to his servant Adam, then to his brother
Oliver, that Oliver is not doing right by him or his father's memory by denying
him an education. Oliver tells them both to get out of his sight.

Charles, the Duke's wrestler, comes to see Oliver. Charles is worried
because Orlando has entered the wrestling contest and he doesn't want to offend
Oliver by hurting his young brother.

Oliver sees Charles' concern as an excellent way to get rid of his
troublesome brother. He warns Charles to break Orlando's neck, because if
Charles humiliates Orlando in the ring, the young man will find some treacherous
way to get even.

In the Duke's court, Rosalind, the deposed Duke's daughter, and Celia, her
cousin and daughter of the usurping brother who is now in power, try to keep
their minds off the political situation by making comments about the nature of
Fortune.

They are diverted by Touchstone, one of Shakespeare's wise fools, and by
LeBeau who brings an account of the wrestling.

Orlando and Charles wrestle and Orlando wins. He is not rewarded as he had
hoped, for Duke Fredrick rejects him when he finds out that Orlando is the son
of a supporter of the old Duke. Rosalind is thrilled.

Orlando notices his fan and promptly falls in love with her.

Celia teases Rosalind for her sudden silence and guesses correctly what has
caused it — Rosalind is in love too.

Thoughts of love are interrupted by Duke Frederick, Celia's father. Jealous
that the people still love Rosalind and that love may eclipse their regard for
Celia, he banishes Rosalind.

Shocked, the girls consider what to do. Celia refuses to stay in court and
the girls concoct a plan: Rosalind will dress as a forester for protection,
Celia will dress as a shepherdess and both will find Duke Senior in the forest.

Meanwhile in the Forest of Arden, Duke Senior makes the best of his exile,
but in reality, the forest is a cold place.

Celia's absence is discovered, and so is Touchstone's. The courtiers, having
seen the "electricity" between Rosalind and Orlando, assume he has
gone with them as well.

Orlando is heading to Arden, but not to pursue Rosalind. Adam, the old
servant, warns him that Oliver, overcome with jealousy, has decided to murder
him.
Part The Second >>>> |