“The w
eb of our life is of a mingled yarn, good and ill go together: our virtues would be proud, if our
faults whipped them not, and our crimes would despair, if they were not cherished by our virtues” (AWEW.3.3)
Tip for use. Add a philosophical explanation to the alternation of pleasant and unpleasant events in life.
In the play. Two French Lords comment on the virtues and faults of Bertram, the French count who has deserted his wife. The mingled yarn here referred to is the valor Bertram has displayed in battle at Florence (the good) and the shame he has incurred by his behavior towards Helen (the ill) – behavior that has cost him the (alleged) death of his wife and the displeasure of the King.