The Two Noble Kinsmen

1612–1613

William Shakespeare

This is the Bookwise complete ebook of The Two Noble Kinsmen by William Shakespeare, available to read online as an alternative to epub, mobi, kindle, pdf or text only versions. For information about the status of this work, see Copyright Notice.

Copyright Notice

Bookwise exists to encourage reading—by making reading online an accessible, distraction-free and beautiful experience. Some of the books you’ll find here are classic texts which are considered to be held in the Public Domain, their copyright having expired. Copyright law is complex and varies from country to country, and the application of country-specific laws to a global Internet website is especially complex. Our intention is to provide access to great books without breaking any laws. To that end, here is a guide to the copyright status of this book.

Title: The Two Noble Kinsmen (published 1613)
Author: William Shakespeare (died 1616)

From this we can conclude:

The work was published at least 95 years ago.
There was no living author for this work at least 70 years ago.

On this basis, the work is believed to be out of copyright and held in the Public Domain in the following countries:

U.S.A. - Canada - Australia - New Zealand - United Kingdom - France - Germany - Spain - India - Hong Kong - Singapore - and many others

This information should be considered as a guide, not an authoritative statement of law. It is your responsibility to check whether you should not access this work in your location.

This edition is published by dotBook Ltd, and elements of this publication may still be copyright and should not be copied or reproduced without permission.

For further information, please see our Terms & Conditions.

Summary

Two close friends, Palamon and Arcite, are divided by their love of the same woman: Duke Theseus' sister-in-law Emelia. They are eventually forced to compete publicly for her hand, but once the bout is over, the victor dies tragically and the other marries their love.

Source: Wikipedia

Dramatis Personæ

Prologue

Arcite

Palamon

the two noble kinsmen, cousins, nephews of Creon, King of Thebes

Theseus, Duke of Athens

Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons, later Duchess of Athens

Emilia, her sister

Pirithous, friend to Theseus

Three Queens, widows of the kings killed in laying siege to Thebes

The Jailer of Theseus’s prison

The Jailer’s Daughter

The Jailer’s Brother

The Wooer of the Jailer’s daughter

Two Friends of the Jailer

A Doctor

Artesius, an Athenian soldier

Valerius, a Theban

Woman, attending on Emilia

An Athenian Gentleman

Six Knights, three accompanying Arcite, three Palamon

Six Countrymen, one dressed as a Bavian or baboon

A Schoolmaster

Nell, a countrywoman

A Taborer

A singing Boy, a Herald, Messengers, a Servant

Epilogue

Hymen (god of weddings), lords, soldiers, four countrywomen (Fritz, Maudlin, Luce, and Barbary), nymphs, attendants, maids, executioner, guard

Flourish. Enter Prologue.

PROLOGUE
line 0001New plays and maidenheads are near akin:
line 0002Much followed both, for both much money giv’n,
line 0003If they stand sound and well. And a good play,
line 0004Whose modest scenes blush on his marriage day
5line 0005And shake to lose his honor, is like her
line 0006That after holy tie and first night’s stir
line 0007Yet still is modesty, and still retains
line 0008More of the maid, to sight, than husband’s pains.
line 0009We pray our play may be so, for I am sure
10line 0010It has a noble breeder and a pure,
line 0011A learnèd, and a poet never went
line 0012More famous yet ’twixt Po and silver Trent.
line 0013Chaucer, of all admired, the story gives;
line 0014There, constant to eternity, it lives.
15line 0015If we let fall the nobleness of this,
line 0016And the first sound this child hear be a hiss,
line 0017How will it shake the bones of that good man
line 0018And make him cry from underground “O, fan
line 0019From me the witless chaff of such a writer
20line 0020That blasts my bays and my famed works makes
line 0021lighter
line 0022Than Robin Hood!” This is the fear we bring;
line 0023For, to say truth, it were an endless thing
line 0024And too ambitious, to aspire to him,
25line 0025Weak as we are, and, almost breathless, swim
line 0026In this deep water. Do but you hold out
line 0027Your helping hands, and we shall tack about
line 0028And something do to save us. You shall hear
line 0029Scenes, though below his art, may yet appear
30line 0030Worth two hours’ travel. To his bones sweet sleep;
Page 7 - The Two Noble Kinsmen - PROLOGUE line 0031Content to you. If this play do not keep
line 0032A little dull time from us, we perceive
line 0033Our losses fall so thick we must needs leave.

Flourish. He exits.

ACT 1

Scene 1

Music. Enter Hymen with a torch burning, a Boy in a white robe before, singing and strewing flowers. After Hymen, a Nymph encompassed in her tresses, bearing a wheaten garland; then Theseus between two other Nymphs with wheaten chaplets on their heads. Then Hippolyta, the bride, led by Pirithous, and another holding a garland over her head, her tresses likewise hanging. After her, Emilia, holding up her train. Then Artesius and Attendants.

The Song, sung by the Boy.

line 0034Roses, their sharp spines being gone,
line 0035Not royal in their smells alone,
line 0036But in their hue;
line 0037Maiden pinks, of odor faint,
5line 0038Daisies smell-less, yet most quaint,
line 0039And sweet thyme true;
line 0040Primrose, firstborn child of Ver,
line 0041Merry springtime’s harbinger,
line 0042With her bells dim;
10line 0043Oxlips in their cradles growing,
line 0044Marigolds on deathbeds blowing,
line 0045Lark’s-heels trim;
line 0046All dear Nature’s children sweet
line 0047Lie ’fore bride and bridegroom’s feet,

Strew flowers.

Act 1 Scene 1 - Pg 13 15line 0048Blessing their sense.
line 0049Not an angel of the air,
line 0050Bird melodious or bird fair,
line 0051Is absent hence.
line 0052The crow, the sland’rous cuckoo, nor
20line 0053The boding raven, nor chough hoar,
line 0054Nor chatt’ring pie,
line 0055May on our bridehouse perch or sing,
line 0056Or with them any discord bring,
line 0057But from it fly.

Enter three Queens in black, with veils stained, with imperial crowns. The first Queen falls down at the foot of Theseus; the second falls down at the foot of Hippolyta; the third before Emilia.

FIRST QUEENto Theseus
25line 0058For pity’s sake and true gentility’s,
line 0059Hear and respect me.
line 0060SECOND QUEENto Hippolyta For your mother’s sake,
line 0061And as you wish your womb may thrive with fair
line 0062ones,
30line 0063Hear and respect me.
THIRD QUEENto Emilia
line 0064Now for the love of him whom Jove hath marked
line 0065The honor of your bed, and for the sake
line 0066Of clear virginity, be advocate
line 0067For us and our distresses. This good deed
35line 0068Shall raze you out o’ th’ book of trespasses
line 0069All you are set down there.
THESEUSto First Queen
line 0070Sad lady, rise.
line 0071HIPPOLYTAto Second Queen Stand up.
line 0072EMILIAto Third Queen No knees to me.
40line 0073What woman I may stead that is distressed
line 0074Does bind me to her.
Act 1 Scene 1 - Pg 15 THESEUSto First Queen
line 0075What’s your request? Deliver you for all.
FIRST QUEEN
line 0076We are three queens whose sovereigns fell before
line 0077The wrath of cruel Creon; who endured
45line 0078The beaks of ravens, talons of the kites,
line 0079And pecks of crows in the foul fields of Thebes.
line 0080He will not suffer us to burn their bones,
line 0081To urn their ashes, nor to take th’ offense
line 0082Of mortal loathsomeness from the blest eye
50line 0083Of holy Phoebus, but infects the winds
line 0084With stench of our slain lords. O, pity, duke!
line 0085Thou purger of the Earth, draw thy feared sword
line 0086That does good turns to th’ world; give us the bones
line 0087Of our dead kings, that we may chapel them;
55line 0088And of thy boundless goodness take some note
line 0089That for our crownèd heads we have no roof
line 0090Save this, which is the lion’s and the bear’s,
line 0091And vault to everything.
line 0092THESEUSPray you, kneel not.
60line 0093I was transported with your speech and suffered
line 0094Your knees to wrong themselves. I have heard the
line 0095fortunes
line 0096Of your dead lords, which gives me such lamenting
line 0097As wakes my vengeance and revenge for ’em.
65line 0098King Capaneus was your lord. The day
line 0099That he should marry you, at such a season
line 0100As now it is with me, I met your groom
line 0101By Mars’s altar. You were that time fair—
line 0102Not Juno’s mantle fairer than your tresses,
70line 0103Nor in more bounty spread her. Your wheaten
line 0104wreath
line 0105Was then nor threshed nor blasted. Fortune at you
line 0106Dimpled her cheek with smiles. Hercules, our
line 0107kinsman,
75line 0108Then weaker than your eyes, laid by his club;
Act 1 Scene 1 - Pg 17 line 0109He tumbled down upon his Nemean hide
line 0110And swore his sinews thawed. O grief and time,
line 0111Fearful consumers, you will all devour!
line 0112FIRST QUEENO, I hope some god,
80line 0113Some god hath put his mercy in your manhood,
line 0114Whereto he’ll infuse power, and press you forth
line 0115Our undertaker.
line 0116THESEUSO, no knees, none, widow!
line 0117Unto the helmeted Bellona use them
85line 0118And pray for me, your soldier.The First Queen rises.
line 0119Troubled I am.Turns away.
line 0120SECOND QUEENHonored Hippolyta,
line 0121Most dreaded Amazonian, that hast slain
line 0122The scythe-tusked boar; that with thy arm, as strong
90line 0123As it is white, wast near to make the male
line 0124To thy sex captive, but that this thy lord,
line 0125Born to uphold creation in that honor
line 0126First nature styled it in, shrunk thee into
line 0127The bound thou wast o’erflowing, at once subduing
95line 0128Thy force and thy affection; soldieress
line 0129That equally canst poise sternness with pity,
line 0130Whom now I know hast much more power on him
line 0131Than ever he had on thee, who ow’st his strength
line 0132And his love too, who is a servant for
100line 0133The tenor of thy speech, dear glass of ladies,
line 0134Bid him that we, whom flaming war doth scorch,
line 0135Under the shadow of his sword may cool us;
line 0136Require him he advance it o’er our heads;
line 0137Speak ’t in a woman’s key, like such a woman
105line 0138As any of us three; weep ere you fail.
line 0139Lend us a knee;
line 0140But touch the ground for us no longer time
line 0141Than a dove’s motion when the head’s plucked off.
line 0142Tell him if he i’ th’ blood-sized field lay swoll’n,
110line 0143Showing the sun his teeth, grinning at the moon,
line 0144What you would do.
Act 1 Scene 1 - Pg 19 line 0145HIPPOLYTAPoor lady, say no more.
line 0146I had as lief trace this good action with you
line 0147As that whereto I am going, and never yet
115line 0148Went I so willing way. My lord is taken
line 0149Heart-deep with your distress; let him consider.
line 0150I’ll speak anon.Second Queen rises.
line 0151THIRD QUEENO, my petition was
line 0152Set down in ice, which by hot grief uncandied
120line 0153Melts into drops; so sorrow, wanting form,
line 0154Is pressed with deeper matter.
line 0155EMILIAPray stand up.
line 0156Your grief is written in your cheek.
line 0157THIRD QUEENO, woe!
125line 0158You cannot read it there.She rises.
line 0159There through my tears,
line 0160Like wrinkled pebbles in a glassy stream,
line 0161You may behold ’em. Lady, lady, alack!
line 0162He that will all the treasure know o’ th’ Earth
130line 0163Must know the center too; he that will fish
line 0164For my least minnow, let him lead his line
line 0165To catch one at my heart. O, pardon me!
line 0166Extremity, that sharpens sundry wits,
line 0167Makes me a fool.
135line 0168EMILIAPray you say nothing, pray you.
line 0169Who cannot feel nor see the rain, being in ’t,
line 0170Knows neither wet nor dry. If that you were
line 0171The groundpiece of some painter, I would buy you
line 0172T’ instruct me ’gainst a capital grief—indeed,
140line 0173Such heart-pierced demonstration. But, alas,
line 0174Being a natural sister of our sex,
line 0175Your sorrow beats so ardently upon me
line 0176That it shall make a counter-reflect ’gainst
line 0177My brother’s heart and warm it to some pity,
145line 0178Though it were made of stone. Pray have good
line 0179comfort.
Act 1 Scene 1 - Pg 21 THESEUScoming forward
line 0180Forward to th’ temple. Leave not out a jot
line 0181O’ th’ sacred ceremony.
line 0182FIRST QUEENO, this celebration
150line 0183Will longer last and be more costly than
line 0184Your suppliants’ war. Remember that your fame
line 0185Knolls in the ear o’ th’ world; what you do quickly
line 0186Is not done rashly; your first thought is more
line 0187Than others’ labored meditance, your premeditating
155line 0188More than their actions. But, O Jove, your actions,
line 0189Soon as they move, as ospreys do the fish,
line 0190Subdue before they touch. Think, dear duke, think
line 0191What beds our slain kings have!
line 0192SECOND QUEENWhat griefs our beds,
160line 0193That our dear lords have none!
line 0194THIRD QUEENNone fit for th’ dead.
line 0195Those that with cords, knives, drams, precipitance,
line 0196Weary of this world’s light, have to themselves
line 0197Been death’s most horrid agents, human grace
165line 0198Affords them dust and shadow.
line 0199FIRST QUEENBut our lords
line 0200Lie blist’ring ’fore the visitating sun,
line 0201And were good kings when living.
THESEUS
line 0202It is true, and I will give you comfort
170line 0203To give your dead lords graves;
line 0204The which to do must make some work with Creon.
FIRST QUEEN
line 0205And that work presents itself to th’ doing.
line 0206Now ’twill take form; the heats are gone tomorrow.
line 0207Then, bootless toil must recompense itself
175line 0208With its own sweat. Now he’s secure,
line 0209Not dreams we stand before your puissance,
line 0210Rinsing our holy begging in our eyes
line 0211To make petition clear.
Act 1 Scene 1 - Pg 23 line 0212SECOND QUEENNow you may take him,
180line 0213Drunk with his victory.
line 0214THIRD QUEENAnd his army full
line 0215Of bread and sloth.
line 0216THESEUSArtesius, that best knowest
line 0217How to draw out, fit to this enterprise,
185line 0218The prim’st for this proceeding, and the number
line 0219To carry such a business: forth and levy
line 0220Our worthiest instruments, whilst we dispatch
line 0221This grand act of our life, this daring deed
line 0222Of fate in wedlock.
FIRST QUEENto Second and Third Queens
190line 0223Dowagers, take hands.
line 0224Let us be widows to our woes. Delay
line 0225Commends us to a famishing hope.
line 0226ALL THE QUEENSFarewell.
SECOND QUEEN
line 0227We come unseasonably; but when could grief
195line 0228Cull forth, as unpanged judgment can, fitt’st time
line 0229For best solicitation?
line 0230THESEUSWhy, good ladies,
line 0231This is a service whereto I am going
line 0232Greater than any was; it more imports me
200line 0233Than all the actions that I have foregone,
line 0234Or futurely can cope.
line 0235FIRST QUEENThe more proclaiming
line 0236Our suit shall be neglected when her arms,
line 0237Able to lock Jove from a synod, shall
205line 0238By warranting moonlight corselet thee. O, when
line 0239Her twinning cherries shall their sweetness fall
line 0240Upon thy tasteful lips, what wilt thou think
line 0241Of rotten kings or blubbered queens? What care
line 0242For what thou feel’st not, what thou feel’st being
210line 0243able
line 0244To make Mars spurn his drum? O, if thou couch
line 0245But one night with her, every hour in ’t will
Act 1 Scene 1 - Pg 25 line 0246Take hostage of thee for a hundred, and
line 0247Thou shalt remember nothing more than what
215line 0248That banquet bids thee to.
line 0249HIPPOLYTAto Theseus Though much unlike
line 0250You should be so transported, as much sorry
line 0251I should be such a suitor, yet I think
line 0252Did I not, by th’ abstaining of my joy—
220line 0253Which breeds a deeper longing—cure their surfeit
line 0254That craves a present med’cine, I should pluck
line 0255All ladies’ scandal on me.She kneels.
line 0256Therefore, sir,
line 0257As I shall here make trial of my prayers,
225line 0258Either presuming them to have some force,
line 0259Or sentencing for aye their vigor dumb,
line 0260Prorogue this business we are going about, and
line 0261hang
line 0262Your shield afore your heart—about that neck
230line 0263Which is my fee, and which I freely lend
line 0264To do these poor queens service.
line 0265ALL QUEENSto Emilia O, help now!
line 0266Our cause cries for your knee.
line 0267EMILIAto Theseus, kneeling If you grant not
235line 0268My sister her petition in that force,
line 0269With that celerity and nature which
line 0270She makes it in, from henceforth I’ll not dare
line 0271To ask you anything, nor be so hardy
line 0272Ever to take a husband.
240line 0273THESEUSPray stand up.

Hippolyta and Emilia rise.

line 0274I am entreating of myself to do
line 0275That which you kneel to have me.—Pirithous,
line 0276Lead on the bride; get you and pray the gods
line 0277For success and return; omit not anything
245line 0278In the pretended celebration.—Queens,
line 0279Follow your soldier. To Artesius. As before, hence
line 0280you,
Act 1 Scene 1 - Pg 27 line 0281And at the banks of Aulis meet us with
line 0282The forces you can raise, where we shall find
250line 0283The moiety of a number for a business
line 0284More bigger looked.Artesius exits.
line 0285To Hippolyta. Since that our theme is haste,
line 0286I stamp this kiss upon thy currant lip;
line 0287Sweet, keep it as my token.—Set you forward,
255line 0288For I will see you gone.

The wedding procession begins to exit towards the temple.

line 0289Farewell, my beauteous sister.—Pirithous,
line 0290Keep the feast full; bate not an hour on ’t.
line 0291PIRITHOUSSir,
line 0292I’ll follow you at heels. The feast’s solemnity
260line 0293Shall want till your return.
line 0294THESEUSCousin, I charge you,
line 0295Budge not from Athens. We shall be returning
line 0296Ere you can end this feast, of which I pray you
line 0297Make no abatement.—Once more, farewell all.

All but Theseus and the Queens exit.

FIRST QUEEN
265line 0298Thus dost thou still make good the tongue o’ th’
line 0299world.
SECOND QUEEN
line 0300And earn’st a deity equal with Mars.
line 0301THIRD QUEENIf not above him, for
line 0302Thou, being but mortal, makest affections bend
270line 0303To godlike honors; they themselves, some say,
line 0304Groan under such a mast’ry.
line 0305THESEUSAs we are men,
line 0306Thus should we do; being sensually subdued,
line 0307We lose our human title. Good cheer, ladies.
275line 0308Now turn we towards your comforts.

Flourish. They exit.

Act 1 Scene 2 - Pg 29

Scene 2

Enter Palamon and Arcite.

ARCITE
line 0309Dear Palamon, dearer in love than blood
line 0310And our prime cousin, yet unhardened in
line 0311The crimes of nature, let us leave the city
line 0312Thebes, and the temptings in ’t, before we further
5line 0313Sully our gloss of youth,
line 0314And here to keep in abstinence we shame
line 0315As in incontinence; for not to swim
line 0316I’ th’ aid o’ th’ current were almost to sink,
line 0317At least to frustrate striving; and to follow
10line 0318The common stream, ’twould bring us to an eddy
line 0319Where we should turn or drown; if labor through,
line 0320Our gain but life and weakness.
line 0321PALAMONYour advice
line 0322Is cried up with example. What strange ruins,
15line 0323Since first we went to school, may we perceive
line 0324Walking in Thebes! Scars and bare weeds
line 0325The gain o’ th’ martialist, who did propound
line 0326To his bold ends honor and golden ingots,
line 0327Which though he won, he had not, and now flirted
20line 0328By peace for whom he fought. Who then shall offer
line 0329To Mars’s so-scorned altar? I do bleed
line 0330When such I meet, and wish great Juno would
line 0331Resume her ancient fit of jealousy
line 0332To get the soldier work, that peace might purge
25line 0333For her repletion, and retain anew
line 0334Her charitable heart, now hard and harsher
line 0335Than strife or war could be.
line 0336ARCITEAre you not out?
line 0337Meet you no ruin but the soldier in
30line 0338The cranks and turns of Thebes? You did begin
line 0339As if you met decays of many kinds.
Act 1 Scene 2 - Pg 31 line 0340Perceive you none that do arouse your pity
line 0341But th’ unconsidered soldier?
line 0342PALAMONYes, I pity
35line 0343Decays where’er I find them, but such most
line 0344That, sweating in an honorable toil,
line 0345Are paid with ice to cool ’em.
line 0346ARCITE’Tis not this
line 0347I did begin to speak of. This is virtue
40line 0348Of no respect in Thebes. I spake of Thebes—
line 0349How dangerous, if we will keep our honors,
line 0350It is for our residing, where every evil
line 0351Hath a good color; where every seeming good’s
line 0352A certain evil; where not to be e’en jump
45line 0353As they are here were to be strangers, and,
line 0354Such things to be, mere monsters.
line 0355PALAMON’Tis in our power—
line 0356Unless we fear that apes can tutor ’s—to
line 0357Be masters of our manners. What need I
50line 0358Affect another’s gait, which is not catching
line 0359Where there is faith? Or to be fond upon
line 0360Another’s way of speech, when by mine own
line 0361I may be reasonably conceived—saved too,
line 0362Speaking it truly? Why am I bound
55line 0363By any generous bond to follow him
line 0364Follows his tailor, haply so long until
line 0365The followed make pursuit? Or let me know
line 0366Why mine own barber is unblessed, with him
line 0367My poor chin too, for ’tis not scissored just
60line 0368To such a favorite’s glass? What canon is there
line 0369That does command my rapier from my hip
line 0370To dangle ’t in my hand, or to go tiptoe
line 0371Before the street be foul? Either I am
line 0372The forehorse in the team, or I am none
65line 0373That draw i’ th’ sequent trace. These poor slight
line 0374sores
Act 1 Scene 2 - Pg 33 line 0375Need not a plantain. That which rips my bosom
line 0376Almost to th’ heart’s—
line 0377ARCITEOur Uncle Creon.
70line 0378PALAMONHe.
line 0379A most unbounded tyrant, whose successes
line 0380Makes heaven unfeared and villainy assured
line 0381Beyond its power there’s nothing; almost puts
line 0382Faith in a fever, and deifies alone
75line 0383Voluble chance; who only attributes
line 0384The faculties of other instruments
line 0385To his own nerves and act; commands men service,
line 0386And what they win in ’t, boot and glory; one
line 0387That fears not to do harm; good, dares not. Let
80line 0388The blood of mine that’s sib to him be sucked
line 0389From me with leeches; let them break and fall
line 0390Off me with that corruption.
line 0391ARCITEClear-spirited cousin,
line 0392Let’s leave his court, that we may nothing share
85line 0393Of his loud infamy; for our milk
line 0394Will relish of the pasture, and we must
line 0395Be vile or disobedient, not his kinsmen
line 0396In blood unless in quality.
line 0397PALAMONNothing truer.
90line 0398I think the echoes of his shames have deafed
line 0399The ears of heav’nly justice. Widows’ cries
line 0400Descend again into their throats and have not
line 0401Due audience of the gods.

Enter Valerius.

line 0402Valerius.
VALERIUS
95line 0403The King calls for you; yet be leaden-footed
line 0404Till his great rage be off him. Phoebus, when
line 0405He broke his whipstock and exclaimed against
line 0406The horses of the sun, but whispered to
line 0407The loudness of his fury.
Act 1 Scene 2 - Pg 35 100line 0408PALAMONSmall winds shake him.
line 0409But what’s the matter?
VALERIUS
line 0410Theseus, who where he threats appalls, hath sent
line 0411Deadly defiance to him and pronounces
line 0412Ruin to Thebes, who is at hand to seal
105line 0413The promise of his wrath.
line 0414ARCITELet him approach.
line 0415But that we fear the gods in him, he brings not
line 0416A jot of terror to us. Yet what man
line 0417Thirds his own worth—the case is each of ours—
110line 0418When that his action’s dregged with mind assured
line 0419’Tis bad he goes about?
line 0420PALAMONLeave that unreasoned.
line 0421Our services stand now for Thebes, not Creon.
line 0422Yet to be neutral to him were dishonor,
115line 0423Rebellious to oppose. Therefore we must
line 0424With him stand to the mercy of our fate,
line 0425Who hath bounded our last minute.
line 0426ARCITESo we must.
line 0427To Valerius. Is ’t said this war’s afoot? Or, it shall
120line 0428be,
line 0429On fail of some condition?
line 0430VALERIUS’Tis in motion;
line 0431The intelligence of state came in the instant
line 0432With the defier.
125line 0433PALAMONLet’s to the King, who, were he
line 0434A quarter carrier of that honor which
line 0435His enemy come in, the blood we venture
line 0436Should be as for our health, which were not spent,
line 0437Rather laid out for purchase. But alas,
130line 0438Our hands advanced before our hearts, what will
line 0439The fall o’ th’ stroke do damage?
line 0440ARCITELet th’ event,
line 0441That never-erring arbitrator, tell us
Act 1 Scene 3 - Pg 37 line 0442When we know all ourselves, and let us follow
135line 0443The becking of our chance.

They exit.

Scene 3

Enter Pirithous, Hippolyta, Emilia.

PIRITHOUS
line 0444No further.
line 0445HIPPOLYTASir, farewell. Repeat my wishes
line 0446To our great lord, of whose success I dare not
line 0447Make any timorous question; yet I wish him
5line 0448Excess and overflow of power, an ’t might be,
line 0449To dure ill-dealing fortune. Speed to him.
line 0450Store never hurts good governors.
line 0451PIRITHOUSThough I know
line 0452His ocean needs not my poor drops, yet they
10line 0453Must yield their tribute there.—My precious maid,
line 0454Those best affections that the heavens infuse
line 0455In their best-tempered pieces keep enthroned
line 0456In your dear heart!
line 0457EMILIAThanks, sir. Remember me
15line 0458To our all-royal brother, for whose speed
line 0459The great Bellona I’ll solicit; and
line 0460Since in our terrene state petitions are not
line 0461Without gifts understood, I’ll offer to her
line 0462What I shall be advised she likes. Our hearts
20line 0463Are in his army, in his tent.
line 0464HIPPOLYTAIn ’s bosom.
line 0465We have been soldiers, and we cannot weep
line 0466When our friends don their helms or put to sea,
line 0467Or tell of babes broached on the lance, or women
25line 0468That have sod their infants in—and after ate them—
line 0469The brine they wept at killing ’em. Then if
Act 1 Scene 3 - Pg 39 line 0470You stay to see of us such spinsters, we
line 0471Should hold you here forever.
line 0472PIRITHOUSPeace be to you
30line 0473As I pursue this war, which shall be then
line 0474Beyond further requiring.Pirithous exits.
line 0475EMILIAHow his longing
line 0476Follows his friend! Since his depart, his sports,
line 0477Though craving seriousness and skill, passed slightly
35line 0478His careless execution, where nor gain
line 0479Made him regard, or loss consider, but
line 0480Playing one business in his hand, another
line 0481Directing in his head, his mind nurse equal
line 0482To these so diff’ring twins. Have you observed him
40line 0483Since our great lord departed?
line 0484HIPPOLYTAWith much labor,
line 0485And I did love him for ’t. They two have cabined
line 0486In many as dangerous as poor a corner,
line 0487Peril and want contending; they have skiffed
45line 0488Torrents whose roaring tyranny and power
line 0489I’ th’ least of these was dreadful, and they have
line 0490Fought out together where Death’s self was lodged.
line 0491Yet fate hath brought them off. Their knot of love,
line 0492Tied, weaved, entangled, with so true, so long,
50line 0493And with a finger of so deep a cunning,
line 0494May be outworn, never undone. I think
line 0495Theseus cannot be umpire to himself,
line 0496Cleaving his conscience into twain and doing
line 0497Each side like justice, which he loves best.
55line 0498EMILIADoubtless
line 0499There is a best, and reason has no manners
line 0500To say it is not you. I was acquainted
line 0501Once with a time when I enjoyed a playfellow;
line 0502You were at wars when she the grave enriched,
60line 0503Who made too proud the bed; took leave o’ th’ moon,
line 0504Which then looked pale at parting, when our count
line 0505Was each eleven.
Act 1 Scene 3 - Pg 41 line 0506HIPPOLYTA’Twas Flavina.
line 0507EMILIAYes.
65line 0508You talk of Pirithous’ and Theseus’ love.
line 0509Theirs has more ground, is more maturely seasoned,
line 0510More buckled with strong judgment, and their needs
line 0511The one of th’ other may be said to water
line 0512Their intertangled roots of love. But I,
70line 0513And she I sigh and spoke of, were things innocent,
line 0514Loved for we did, and like the elements
line 0515That know not what nor why, yet do effect
line 0516Rare issues by their operance, our souls
line 0517Did so to one another. What she liked
75line 0518Was then of me approved, what not, condemned,
line 0519No more arraignment. The flower that I would pluck
line 0520And put between my breasts—O, then but beginning
line 0521To swell about the blossom—she would long
line 0522Till she had such another, and commit it
80line 0523To the like innocent cradle, where, Phoenix-like,
line 0524They died in perfume. On my head no toy
line 0525But was her pattern; her affections—pretty,
line 0526Though haply hers careless were—I followed
line 0527For my most serious decking. Had mine ear
85line 0528Stol’n some new air, or at adventure hummed one
line 0529From musical coinage, why, it was a note
line 0530Whereon her spirits would sojourn—rather, dwell
line 0531on—
line 0532And sing it in her slumbers. This rehearsal—
90line 0533Which fury-innocent wots well comes in
line 0534Like old importment’s bastard—has this end,
line 0535That the true love ’tween maid and maid may be
line 0536More than in sex individual.
line 0537HIPPOLYTAYou’re out of breath,
95line 0538And this high-speeded pace is but to say
line 0539That you shall never—like the maid Flavina—
line 0540Love any that’s called man.
line 0541EMILIAI am sure I shall not.
Act 1 Scene 4 - Pg 43 line 0542HIPPOLYTANow, alack, weak sister,
100line 0543I must no more believe thee in this point—
line 0544Though in ’t I know thou dost believe thyself—
line 0545Than I will trust a sickly appetite,
line 0546That loathes even as it longs. But sure, my sister,
line 0547If I were ripe for your persuasion, you
105line 0548Have said enough to shake me from the arm
line 0549Of the all-noble Theseus, for whose fortunes
line 0550I will now in and kneel, with great assurance
line 0551That we, more than his Pirithous, possess
line 0552The high throne in his heart.
110line 0553EMILIAI am not
line 0554Against your faith, yet I continue mine.

They exit.

Scene 4

Cornets. A battle struck within; then a retreat.

Flourish. Then enter, through one door, Theseus, victor, accompanied by Lords and Soldiers. Entering through another door, the three Queens meet him, and fall on their faces before him.

FIRST QUEEN
line 0555To thee no star be dark!
line 0556SECOND QUEENBoth heaven and Earth
line 0557Friend thee forever.
line 0558THIRD QUEENAll the good that may
5line 0559Be wished upon thy head, I cry “Amen” to ’t!
THESEUS
line 0560Th’ impartial gods, who from the mounted heavens
line 0561View us their mortal herd, behold who err
line 0562And, in their time, chastise. Go and find out
line 0563The bones of your dead lords and honor them
10line 0564With treble ceremony; rather than a gap
line 0565Should be in their dear rites, we would supply ’t;
Act 1 Scene 4 - Pg 45 line 0566But those we will depute which shall invest
line 0567You in your dignities and even each thing
line 0568Our haste does leave imperfect. So, adieu,
15line 0569And heaven’s good eyes look on you.Queens exit.

Enter a Herald and Soldiers bearing Palamon and Arcite on biers.

line 0570What are those?
HERALD
line 0571Men of great quality, as may be judged
line 0572By their appointment. Some of Thebes have told ’s
line 0573They are sisters’ children, nephews to the King.
THESEUS
20line 0574By th’ helm of Mars, I saw them in the war,
line 0575Like to a pair of lions, smeared with prey,
line 0576Make lanes in troops aghast. I fixed my note
line 0577Constantly on them, for they were a mark
line 0578Worth a god’s view. What prisoner was ’t that told me
25line 0579When I enquired their names?
line 0580HERALDWi’ leave, they’re called
line 0581Arcite and Palamon.
line 0582THESEUS’Tis right; those, those.
line 0583They are not dead?
HERALD
30line 0584Nor in a state of life. Had they been taken
line 0585When their last hurts were given, ’twas possible
line 0586They might have been recovered. Yet they breathe
line 0587And have the name of men.
line 0588THESEUSThen like men use ’em.
35line 0589The very lees of such, millions of rates,
line 0590Exceed the wine of others. All our surgeons
line 0591Convent in their behoof; our richest balms,
line 0592Rather than niggard, waste. Their lives concern us
line 0593Much more than Thebes is worth. Rather than have
40line 0594’em
Act 1 Scene 5 - Pg 47 line 0595Freed of this plight, and in their morning state,
line 0596Sound and at liberty, I would ’em dead.
line 0597But forty-thousandfold we had rather have ’em
line 0598Prisoners to us than Death. Bear ’em speedily
45line 0599From our kind air, to them unkind, and minister
line 0600What man to man may do—for our sake, more,
line 0601Since I have known frights, fury, friends’ behests,
line 0602Love’s provocations, zeal, a mistress’ task,
line 0603Desire of liberty, a fever, madness,
50line 0604Hath set a mark which nature could not reach to
line 0605Without some imposition, sickness in will
line 0606O’er-wrestling strength in reason. For our love
line 0607And great Apollo’s mercy, all our best
line 0608Their best skill tender.—Lead into the city,
55line 0609Where, having bound things scattered, we will post
line 0610To Athens ’fore our army.

Flourish. They exit.

Scene 5

Music. Enter the Queens with the hearses of their knights, in a funeral solemnity, &c.

The dirge.

line 0611Urns and odors bring away;
line 0612Vapors, sighs, darken the day;
line 0613Our dole more deadly looks than dying;
line 0614Balms and gums and heavy cheers,
5line 0615Sacred vials filled with tears,
line 0616And clamors through the wild air flying.
line 0617Come, all sad and solemn shows
line 0618That are quick-eyed Pleasure’s foes;
line 0619We convent naught else but woes.
10line 0620We convent naught else but woes.
Act 1 Scene 5 - Pg 49 THIRD QUEENto Second Queen
line 0621This funeral path brings to your household’s grave.
line 0622Joy seize on you again; peace sleep with him.
SECOND QUEENto First Queen
line 0623And this to yours.
line 0624FIRST QUEENto Third Queen Yours this way. Heavens
15line 0625lend
line 0626A thousand differing ways to one sure end.
THIRD QUEEN
line 0627This world’s a city full of straying streets,
line 0628And death’s the market-place where each one meets.

They exit severally.

ACT 2

Scene 1

Enter Jailer and Wooer.

line 0629JAILERI may depart with little while I live; something I
line 0630may cast to you, not much. Alas, the prison I keep,
line 0631though it be for great ones, yet they seldom come;
line 0632before one salmon you shall take a number of minnows.
5line 0633I am given out to be better lined than it can
line 0634appear to me report is a true speaker. I would I
line 0635were really that I am delivered to be. Marry, what
line 0636I have, be it what it will, I will assure upon my
line 0637daughter at the day of my death.
10line 0638WOOERSir, I demand no more than your own offer,
line 0639and I will estate your daughter in what I have
line 0640promised.
line 0641JAILERWell, we will talk more of this when the solemnity
line 0642is past. But have you a full promise of her?
15line 0643When that shall be seen, I tender my consent.

Enter the Jailer’s Daughter, carrying rushes.

line 0644WOOERI have sir. Here she comes.
line 0645JAILERto Daughter Your friend and I have chanced
line 0646to name you here, upon the old business. But no
line 0647more of that now; so soon as the court hurry is
20line 0648over, we will have an end of it. I’ th’ meantime,
Act 2 Scene 1 - Pg 55 line 0649look tenderly to the two prisoners. I can tell you
line 0650they are princes.
line 0651DAUGHTERThese strewings are for their chamber. ’Tis
line 0652pity they are in prison, and ’twere pity they should
25line 0653be out. I do think they have patience to make any
line 0654adversity ashamed. The prison itself is proud of
line 0655’em, and they have all the world in their chamber.
line 0656JAILERThey are famed to be a pair of absolute men.
line 0657DAUGHTERBy my troth, I think fame but stammers
30line 0658’em. They stand a grise above the reach of report.
line 0659JAILERI heard them reported in the battle to be the
line 0660only doers.
line 0661DAUGHTERNay, most likely, for they are noble suff’rers.
line 0662I marvel how they would have looked had they
35line 0663been victors, that with such a constant nobility enforce
line 0664a freedom out of bondage, making misery
line 0665their mirth and affliction a toy to jest at.
line 0666JAILERDo they so?
line 0667DAUGHTERIt seems to me they have no more sense
40line 0668of their captivity than I of ruling Athens. They eat
line 0669well, look merrily, discourse of many things, but
line 0670nothing of their own restraint and disasters. Yet
line 0671sometimes a divided sigh, martyred as ’twere i’ th’
line 0672deliverance, will break from one of them—when
45line 0673the other presently gives it so sweet a rebuke that
line 0674I could wish myself a sigh to be so chid, or at least
line 0675a sigher to be comforted.
line 0676WOOERI never saw ’em.
line 0677JAILERThe Duke himself came privately in the night,
50line 0678and so did they.

Enter Palamon and Arcite, in shackles, above.

line 0679What the reason of it is, I know not. Look, yonder
line 0680they are; that’s Arcite looks out.
line 0681DAUGHTERNo, sir, no, that’s Palamon. Arcite is the
Act 2 Scene 2 - Pg 57 line 0682lower of the twain; you may perceive a part of
55line 0683him.
line 0684JAILERGo to, leave your pointing; they would not
line 0685make us their object. Out of their sight.
line 0686DAUGHTERIt is a holiday to look on them. Lord, the
line 0687diff’rence of men!

Jailer, Daughter, and Wooer exit.

Scene 2

Palamon and Arcite remain, above.

PALAMON
line 0688How do you, noble cousin?
line 0689ARCITEHow do you, sir?
PALAMON
line 0690Why, strong enough to laugh at misery
line 0691And bear the chance of war; yet we are prisoners
5line 0692I fear forever, cousin.
line 0693ARCITEI believe it,
line 0694And to that destiny have patiently
line 0695Laid up my hour to come.
line 0696PALAMONO, cousin Arcite,
10line 0697Where is Thebes now? Where is our noble country?
line 0698Where are our friends and kindreds? Never more
line 0699Must we behold those comforts, never see
line 0700The hardy youths strive for the games of honor,
line 0701Hung with the painted favors of their ladies,
15line 0702Like tall ships under sail; then start amongst ’em
line 0703And as an east wind leave ’em all behind us,
line 0704Like lazy clouds, whilst Palamon and Arcite,
line 0705Even in the wagging of a wanton leg,
line 0706Outstripped the people’s praises, won the garlands
20line 0707Ere they have time to wish ’em ours. O, never
line 0708Shall we two exercise, like twins of honor,
line 0709Our arms again, and feel our fiery horses
Act 2 Scene 2 - Pg 59 line 0710Like proud seas under us. Our good swords now—
line 0711Better the red-eyed god of war ne’er wore—
25line 0712Ravished our sides, like age must run to rust
line 0713And deck the temples of those gods that hate us;
line 0714These hands shall never draw ’em out like lightning
line 0715To blast whole armies more.
line 0716ARCITENo, Palamon,
30line 0717Those hopes are prisoners with us. Here we are
line 0718And here the graces of our youths must wither
line 0719Like a too-timely spring. Here age must find us
line 0720And—which is heaviest, Palamon—unmarried.
line 0721The sweet embraces of a loving wife,
35line 0722Loaden with kisses, armed with thousand Cupids,
line 0723Shall never clasp our necks; no issue know us—
line 0724No figures of ourselves shall we e’er see,
line 0725To glad our age, and like young eagles teach ’em
line 0726Boldly to gaze against bright arms and say
40line 0727“Remember what your fathers were, and conquer!”
line 0728The fair-eyed maids shall weep our banishments
line 0729And in their songs curse ever-blinded Fortune
line 0730Till she for shame see what a wrong she has done
line 0731To youth and nature. This is all our world.
45line 0732We shall know nothing here but one another,
line 0733Hear nothing but the clock that tells our woes.
line 0734The vine shall grow, but we shall never see it;
line 0735Summer shall come, and with her all delights,
line 0736But dead-cold winter must inhabit here still.
PALAMON
50line 0737’Tis too true, Arcite. To our Theban hounds
line 0738That shook the agèd forest with their echoes
line 0739No more now must we halloo; no more shake
line 0740Our pointed javelins whilst the angry swine
line 0741Flies like a Parthian quiver from our rages,
55line 0742Struck with our well-steeled darts. All valiant uses,
line 0743The food and nourishment of noble minds,
line 0744In us two here shall perish; we shall die,
Act 2 Scene 2 - Pg 61 line 0745Which is the curse of honor, lastly,
line 0746Children of grief and ignorance.
60line 0747ARCITEYet, cousin,
line 0748Even from the bottom of these miseries,
line 0749From all that fortune can inflict upon us,
line 0750I see two comforts rising, two mere blessings,
line 0751If the gods please: to hold here a brave patience,
65line 0752And the enjoying of our griefs together.
line 0753Whilst Palamon is with me, let me perish
line 0754If I think this our prison!
line 0755PALAMONCertainly
line 0756’Tis a main goodness, cousin, that our fortunes
70line 0757Were twined together. ’Tis most true, two souls
line 0758Put in two noble bodies, let ’em suffer
line 0759The gall of hazard, so they grow together,
line 0760Will never sink; they must not, say they could.
line 0761A willing man dies sleeping and all’s done.
ARCITE
75line 0762Shall we make worthy uses of this place
line 0763That all men hate so much?
line 0764PALAMONHow, gentle cousin?
ARCITE
line 0765Let’s think this prison holy sanctuary
line 0766To keep us from corruption of worse men.
80line 0767We are young and yet desire the ways of honor
line 0768That liberty and common conversation,
line 0769The poison of pure spirits, might like women
line 0770Woo us to wander from. What worthy blessing
line 0771Can be but our imaginations
85line 0772May make it ours? And here being thus together,
line 0773We are an endless mine to one another;
line 0774We are one another’s wife, ever begetting
line 0775New births of love; we are father, friends,
line 0776acquaintance;
90line 0777We are, in one another, families;
line 0778I am your heir, and you are mine. This place
Act 2 Scene 2 - Pg 63 line 0779Is our inheritance; no hard oppressor
line 0780Dare take this from us; here with a little patience
line 0781We shall live long and loving. No surfeits seek us;
95line 0782The hand of war hurts none here, nor the seas
line 0783Swallow their youth. Were we at liberty,
line 0784A wife might part us lawfully, or business;
line 0785Quarrels consume us; envy of ill men
line 0786Crave our acquaintance. I might sicken, cousin,
100line 0787Where you should never know it, and so perish
line 0788Without your noble hand to close mine eyes,
line 0789Or prayers to the gods. A thousand chances,
line 0790Were we from hence, would sever us.
line 0791PALAMONYou have made
105line 0792me—
line 0793I thank you, cousin Arcite—almost wanton
line 0794With my captivity. What a misery
line 0795It is to live abroad and everywhere!
line 0796’Tis like a beast, methinks. I find the court here,
110line 0797I am sure, a more content; and all those pleasures
line 0798That woo the wills of men to vanity
line 0799I see through now, and am sufficient
line 0800To tell the world ’tis but a gaudy shadow
line 0801That old Time as he passes by takes with him.
115line 0802What had we been, old in the court of Creon,
line 0803Where sin is justice, lust and ignorance
line 0804The virtues of the great ones? Cousin Arcite,
line 0805Had not the loving gods found this place for us,
line 0806We had died as they do, ill old men, unwept,
120line 0807And had their epitaphs, the people’s curses.
line 0808Shall I say more?
line 0809ARCITEI would hear you still.
line 0810PALAMONYou shall.
line 0811Is there record of any two that loved
125line 0812Better than we do, Arcite?
line 0813ARCITESure there cannot.
Act 2 Scene 2 - Pg 65 PALAMON
line 0814I do not think it possible our friendship
line 0815Should ever leave us.
line 0816ARCITETill our deaths it cannot.

Enter Emilia and her Woman, below.

130line 0817And after death our spirits shall be led
line 0818To those that love eternally.Palamon catches sight of Emilia.
line 0819Speak on, sir.
EMILIAto her Woman
line 0820This garden has a world of pleasures in ’t.
line 0821What flower is this?
135line 0822WOMAN’Tis called narcissus, madam.
EMILIA
line 0823That was a fair boy certain, but a fool
line 0824To love himself. Were there not maids enough?
ARCITEto Palamon, who is stunned by the sight of Emilia
line 0825Pray, forward.
line 0826PALAMONYes.
140line 0827EMILIAto Woman Or were they all hard-hearted?
WOMAN
line 0828They could not be to one so fair.
line 0829EMILIAThou wouldst not.
WOMAN
line 0830I think I should not, madam.
line 0831EMILIAThat’s a good wench.
145line 0832But take heed to your kindness, though.
line 0833WOMANWhy,
line 0834madam?
EMILIA
line 0835Men are mad things.
line 0836ARCITEto Palamon Will you go forward,
150line 0837cousin?
EMILIAto Woman
line 0838Canst not thou work such flowers in silk, wench?
line 0839WOMANYes.
Act 2 Scene 2 - Pg 67 EMILIA
line 0840I’ll have a gown full of ’em, and of these.
line 0841This is pretty color. Will ’t not do
155line 0842Rarely upon a skirt, wench?
line 0843WOMANDainty, madam.
ARCITEto Palamon
line 0844Cousin, cousin! How do you, sir? Why, Palamon!
PALAMON
line 0845Never till now I was in prison, Arcite.
ARCITE
line 0846Why, what’s the matter, man?
160line 0847PALAMONBehold, and wonder!
line 0848By heaven, she is a goddess.
line 0849ARCITEseeing Emilia Ha!
line 0850PALAMONDo reverence.
line 0851She is a goddess, Arcite.
165line 0852EMILIAto Woman Of all flowers
line 0853Methinks a rose is best.
line 0854WOMANWhy, gentle madam?
EMILIA
line 0855It is the very emblem of a maid.
line 0856For when the west wind courts her gently,
170line 0857How modestly she blows and paints the sun
line 0858With her chaste blushes! When the north comes
line 0859near her,
line 0860Rude and impatient, then, like chastity,
line 0861She locks her beauties in her bud again,
175line 0862And leaves him to base briers.
line 0863WOMANYet, good madam,
line 0864Sometimes her modesty will blow so far
line 0865She falls for ’t. A maid,
line 0866If she have any honor, would be loath
180line 0867To take example by her.
line 0868EMILIAThou art wanton!
ARCITEto Palamon
line 0869She is wondrous fair.
Act 2 Scene 2 - Pg 69 line 0870PALAMONShe is all the beauty extant.
EMILIAto Woman
line 0871The sun grows high. Let’s walk in. Keep these
185line 0872flowers.
line 0873We’ll see how near art can come near their colors.
line 0874I am wondrous merry-hearted. I could laugh now.
WOMAN
line 0875I could lie down, I am sure.
line 0876EMILIAAnd take one with you?
WOMAN
190line 0877That’s as we bargain, madam.
line 0878EMILIAWell, agree then.

Emilia and Woman exit.

PALAMON
line 0879What think you of this beauty?
line 0880ARCITE’Tis a rare one.
PALAMON
line 0881Is ’t but a rare one?
195line 0882ARCITEYes, a matchless beauty.
PALAMON
line 0883Might not a man well lose himself and love her?
ARCITE
line 0884I cannot tell what you have done; I have,
line 0885Beshrew mine eyes for ’t! Now I feel my shackles.
PALAMON
line 0886You love her, then?
200line 0887ARCITEWho would not?
line 0888PALAMONAnd desire her?
ARCITE
line 0889Before my liberty.
line 0890PALAMONI saw her first.
ARCITE
line 0891That’s nothing.
205line 0892PALAMONBut it shall be.
line 0893ARCITEI saw her, too.
line 0894PALAMONYes, but you must not love her.
Act 2 Scene 2 - Pg 71 ARCITE
line 0895I will not, as you do, to worship her
line 0896As she is heavenly and a blessèd goddess.
210line 0897I love her as a woman, to enjoy her.
line 0898So both may love.
line 0899PALAMONYou shall not love at all.
line 0900ARCITENot love at all! Who shall deny me?
PALAMON
line 0901I, that first saw her; I that took possession
215line 0902First with mine eye of all those beauties
line 0903In her revealed to mankind. If thou lov’st her,
line 0904Or entertain’st a hope to blast my wishes,
line 0905Thou art a traitor, Arcite, and a fellow
line 0906False as thy title to her. Friendship, blood,
220line 0907And all the ties between us I disclaim
line 0908If thou once think upon her.
line 0909ARCITEYes, I love her,
line 0910And, if the lives of all my name lay on it,
line 0911I must do so. I love her with my soul.
225line 0912If that will lose you, farewell, Palamon.
line 0913I say again, I love, and in loving her maintain
line 0914I am as worthy and as free a lover
line 0915And have as just a title to her beauty
line 0916As any Palamon or any living
230line 0917That is a man’s son.
line 0918PALAMONHave I called thee friend?
ARCITE
line 0919Yes, and have found me so. Why are you moved
line 0920thus?
line 0921Let me deal coldly with you: am not I
235line 0922Part of your blood, part of your soul? You have
line 0923told me
line 0924That I was Palamon and you were Arcite.
PALAMON
line 0925Yes.
Act 2 Scene 2 - Pg 73 line 0926ARCITEAm not I liable to those affections,
240line 0927Those joys, griefs, angers, fears, my friend shall
line 0928suffer?
PALAMON
line 0929You may be.
line 0930ARCITEWhy then would you deal so cunningly,
line 0931So strangely, so unlike a noble kinsman,
245line 0932To love alone? Speak truly, do you think me
line 0933Unworthy of her sight?
line 0934PALAMONNo, but unjust
line 0935If thou pursue that sight.
line 0936ARCITEBecause another
250line 0937First sees the enemy, shall I stand still
line 0938And let mine honor down, and never charge?
PALAMON
line 0939Yes, if he be but one.
line 0940ARCITEBut say that one
line 0941Had rather combat me?
255line 0942PALAMONLet that one say so,
line 0943And use thy freedom. Else, if thou pursuest her,
line 0944Be as that cursèd man that hates his country,
line 0945A branded villain.
line 0946ARCITEYou are mad.
260line 0947PALAMONI must be.
line 0948Till thou art worthy, Arcite, it concerns me.
line 0949And in this madness if I hazard thee
line 0950And take thy life, I deal but truly.
line 0951ARCITEFie, sir!
265line 0952You play the child extremely. I will love her;
line 0953I must, I ought to do so, and I dare,
line 0954And all this justly.
line 0955PALAMONO, that now, that now,
line 0956Thy false self and thy friend had but this fortune
270line 0957To be one hour at liberty, and grasp
line 0958Our good swords in our hands, I would quickly
line 0959teach thee
Act 2 Scene 2 - Pg 75 line 0960What ’twere to filch affection from another.
line 0961Thou art baser in it than a cutpurse.
275line 0962Put but thy head out of this window more
line 0963And, as I have a soul, I’ll nail thy life to ’t.
ARCITE
line 0964Thou dar’st not, fool; thou canst not; thou art feeble.
line 0965Put my head out? I’ll throw my body out
line 0966And leap the garden when I see her next,
280line 0967And pitch between her arms to anger thee.

Enter Jailer, above.

PALAMON
line 0968No more; the keeper’s coming. I shall live
line 0969To knock thy brains out with my shackles.
line 0970ARCITEDo!
JAILER
line 0971By your leave, gentlemen.
285line 0972PALAMONNow, honest keeper?
JAILER
line 0973Lord Arcite, you must presently to th’ Duke;
line 0974The cause I know not yet.
line 0975ARCITEI am ready, keeper.
JAILER
line 0976Prince Palamon, I must awhile bereave you
290line 0977Of your fair cousin’s company.

Arcite and Jailer exit.

line 0978PALAMONAnd me too,
line 0979Even when you please, of life.—Why is he sent for?
line 0980It may be he shall marry her; he’s goodly,
line 0981And like enough the Duke hath taken notice
295line 0982Both of his blood and body. But his falsehood!
line 0983Why should a friend be treacherous? If that
line 0984Get him a wife so noble and so fair,
line 0985Let honest men ne’er love again. Once more
line 0986I would but see this fair one. Blessèd garden
Act 2 Scene 2 - Pg 77 300line 0987And fruit and flowers more blessèd that still
line 0988blossom
line 0989As her bright eyes shine on you, would I were,
line 0990For all the fortune of my life hereafter,
line 0991Yon little tree, yon blooming apricock!
305line 0992How I would spread and fling my wanton arms
line 0993In at her window; I would bring her fruit
line 0994Fit for the gods to feed on; youth and pleasure
line 0995Still as she tasted should be doubled on her;
line 0996And, if she be not heavenly, I would make her
310line 0997So near the gods in nature, they should fear her.

Enter Jailer, above.

line 0998And then I am sure she would love me.—How now,
line 0999keeper,
line 1000Where’s Arcite?
line 1001JAILERBanished. Prince Pirithous
315line 1002Obtained his liberty, but never more
line 1003Upon his oath and life must he set foot
line 1004Upon this kingdom.
line 1005PALAMONHe’s a blessèd man.
line 1006He shall see Thebes again, and call to arms
320line 1007The bold young men that, when he bids ’em charge,
line 1008Fall on like fire. Arcite shall have a fortune,
line 1009If he dare make himself a worthy lover,
line 1010Yet in the field to strike a battle for her,
line 1011And, if he lose her then, he’s a cold coward.
325line 1012How bravely may he bear himself to win her
line 1013If he be noble Arcite—thousand ways!
line 1014Were I at liberty, I would do things
line 1015Of such a virtuous greatness that this lady,
line 1016This blushing virgin, should take manhood to her
330line 1017And seek to ravish me.
line 1018JAILERMy lord, for you
line 1019I have this charge to—
line 1020PALAMONTo discharge my life?
Act 2 Scene 2 - Pg 79 JAILER
line 1021No, but from this place to remove your Lordship;
335line 1022The windows are too open.
line 1023PALAMONDevils take ’em
line 1024That are so envious to me! Prithee, kill me.
JAILER
line 1025And hang for ’t afterward!
line 1026PALAMONBy this good light,
340line 1027Had I a sword I would kill thee.
line 1028JAILERWhy, my lord?
PALAMON
line 1029Thou bringst such pelting, scurvy news continually,
line 1030Thou art not worthy life. I will not go.
JAILER
line 1031Indeed you must, my lord.
345line 1032PALAMONMay I see the garden?
JAILER
line 1033No.
line 1034PALAMONThen I am resolved, I will not go.
JAILER
line 1035I must constrain you then; and, for you are
line 1036dangerous,
350line 1037I’ll clap more irons on you.
line 1038PALAMONDo, good keeper.
line 1039I’ll shake ’em so, you shall not sleep;
line 1040I’ll make you a new morris. Must I go?
JAILER
line 1041There is no remedy.
355line 1042PALAMONFarewell, kind window.
line 1043May rude wind never hurt thee. O, my lady,
line 1044If ever thou hast felt what sorrow was,
line 1045Dream how I suffer.—Come; now bury me.

Palamon and Jailer exit.

Act 2 Scene 3 - Pg 81

Scene 3

Enter Arcite.

ARCITE
line 1046Banished the kingdom? ’Tis a benefit,
line 1047A mercy I must thank ’em for; but banished
line 1048The free enjoying of that face I die for,
line 1049O, ’twas a studied punishment, a death
5line 1050Beyond imagination—such a vengeance
line 1051That, were I old and wicked, all my sins
line 1052Could never pluck upon me. Palamon,
line 1053Thou hast the start now; thou shalt stay and see
line 1054Her bright eyes break each morning ’gainst thy
10line 1055window
line 1056And let in life into thee; thou shalt feed
line 1057Upon the sweetness of a noble beauty
line 1058That nature ne’er exceeded nor ne’er shall.
line 1059Good gods, what happiness has Palamon!
15line 1060Twenty to one he’ll come to speak to her,
line 1061And if she be as gentle as she’s fair,
line 1062I know she’s his. He has a tongue will tame
line 1063Tempests and make the wild rocks wanton.
line 1064Come what can come,
20line 1065The worst is death. I will not leave the kingdom.
line 1066I know mine own is but a heap of ruins,
line 1067And no redress there. If I go, he has her.
line 1068I am resolved another shape shall make me
line 1069Or end my fortunes. Either way I am happy.
25line 1070I’ll see her and be near her, or no more.

Enter four Country people, and one with a garland before them.

Arcite steps aside.

line 1071FIRST COUNTRYMANMy masters, I’ll be there, that’s
line 1072certain.
line 1073SECOND COUNTRYMANAnd I’ll be there.
Act 2 Scene 3 - Pg 83 line 1074THIRD COUNTRYMANAnd I.
30line 1075FOURTH COUNTRYMANWhy, then, have with you, boys.
line 1076’Tis but a chiding. Let the plough play today; I’ll
line 1077tickle ’t out of the jades’ tails tomorrow.
line 1078FIRST COUNTRYMANI am sure to have my wife as jealous
line 1079as a turkey, but that’s all one. I’ll go through;
35line 1080let her mumble.
line 1081SECOND COUNTRYMANClap her aboard tomorrow night
line 1082and stow her, and all’s made up again.
line 1083THIRD COUNTRYMANAy, do but put a fescue in her fist
line 1084and you shall see her take a new lesson out and be
40line 1085a good wench. Do we all hold against the Maying?
line 1086FOURTH COUNTRYMANHold? What should ail us?
line 1087THIRD COUNTRYMANArcas will be there.
line 1088SECOND COUNTRYMANAnd Sennois and Rycas; and
line 1089three better lads ne’er danced under green tree.
45line 1090And you know what wenches, ha! But will the
line 1091dainty domine, the Schoolmaster, keep touch, do
line 1092you think? For he does all, you know.
line 1093THIRD COUNTRYMANHe’ll eat a hornbook ere he fail.
line 1094Go to, the matter’s too far driven between him and
50line 1095the tanner’s daughter to let slip now; and she must
line 1096see the Duke, and she must dance too.
line 1097FOURTH COUNTRYMANShall we be lusty?
line 1098SECOND COUNTRYMANAll the boys in Athens blow wind
line 1099i’ th’ breech on ’s. And here I’ll be and there I’ll be,
55line 1100for our town, and here again, and there again. Ha,
line 1101boys, hey for the weavers!
line 1102FIRST COUNTRYMANThis must be done i’ th’ woods.
line 1103FOURTH COUNTRYMANO pardon me.
line 1104SECOND COUNTRYMANBy any means; our thing of learning
60line 1105says so—where he himself will edify the Duke
line 1106most parlously in our behalfs. He’s excellent i’ th’
line 1107woods; bring him to th’ plains, his learning makes
line 1108no cry.
Act 2 Scene 3 - Pg 85 line 1109THIRD COUNTRYMANWe’ll see the sports, then every
65line 1110man to ’s tackle. And, sweet companions, let’s rehearse,
line 1111by any means, before the ladies see us, and
line 1112do sweetly, and God knows what may come on ’t.
line 1113FOURTH COUNTRYMANContent. The sports once ended,
line 1114we’ll perform. Away, boys, and hold.

Arcite comes forward.

70line 1115ARCITEBy your leaves, honest friends: pray you,
line 1116whither go you?
line 1117FOURTH COUNTRYMANWhither?
line 1118Why, what a question’s that?
line 1119ARCITEYes, ’tis a question
75line 1120To me that know not.
line 1121THIRD COUNTRYMANTo the games, my friend.
SECOND COUNTRYMAN
line 1122Where were you bred, you know it not?
line 1123ARCITENot far, sir.
line 1124Are there such games today?
80line 1125FIRST COUNTRYMANYes, marry, are there,
line 1126And such as you never saw. The Duke himself
line 1127Will be in person there.
line 1128ARCITEWhat pastimes are they?
SECOND COUNTRYMAN
line 1129Wrestling and running.—’Tis a pretty fellow.
THIRD COUNTRYMAN
85line 1130Thou wilt not go along?
line 1131ARCITENot yet, sir.
line 1132FOURTH COUNTRYMANWell, sir,
line 1133Take your own time.—Come, boys.
line 1134FIRST COUNTRYMANaside to the others My mind misgives
90line 1135me. This fellow has a vengeance trick o’ th’
line 1136hip. Mark how his body’s made for ’t.
line 1137SECOND COUNTRYMANaside to the others I’ll be
line 1138hanged, though, if he dare venture. Hang him,
line 1139plum porridge! He wrestle? He roast eggs! Come,
95line 1140let’s be gone, lads.The four exit.
Act 2 Scene 4 - Pg 87 ARCITE
line 1141This is an offered opportunity
line 1142I durst not wish for. Well I could have wrestled—
line 1143The best men called it excellent—and run
line 1144Swifter than wind upon a field of corn,
100line 1145Curling the wealthy ears, never flew. I’ll venture,
line 1146And in some poor disguise be there. Who knows
line 1147Whether my brows may not be girt with garlands,
line 1148And happiness prefer me to a place
line 1149Where I may ever dwell in sight of her?

Arcite exits.

Scene 4

Enter Jailer’s Daughter, alone.

DAUGHTER
line 1150Why should I love this gentleman? ’Tis odds
line 1151He never will affect me. I am base,
line 1152My father the mean keeper of his prison,
line 1153And he a prince. To marry him is hopeless;
5line 1154To be his whore is witless. Out upon ’t!
line 1155What pushes are we wenches driven to
line 1156When fifteen once has found us! First, I saw him;
line 1157I, seeing, thought he was a goodly man;
line 1158He has as much to please a woman in him,
10line 1159If he please to bestow it so, as ever
line 1160These eyes yet looked on. Next, I pitied him,
line 1161And so would any young wench, o’ my conscience,
line 1162That ever dreamed, or vowed her maidenhead
line 1163To a young handsome man. Then I loved him,
15line 1164Extremely loved him, infinitely loved him!
line 1165And yet he had a cousin, fair as he too.
line 1166But in my heart was Palamon, and there,
line 1167Lord, what a coil he keeps! To hear him
line 1168Sing in an evening, what a heaven it is!
Act 2 Scene 5 - Pg 89 20line 1169And yet his songs are sad ones. Fairer spoken
line 1170Was never gentleman. When I come in
line 1171To bring him water in a morning, first
line 1172He bows his noble body, then salutes me thus:
line 1173“Fair, gentle maid, good morrow. May thy goodness
25line 1174Get thee a happy husband.” Once he kissed me;
line 1175I loved my lips the better ten days after.
line 1176Would he would do so ev’ry day! He grieves much—
line 1177And me as much to see his misery.
line 1178What should I do to make him know I love him?
30line 1179For I would fain enjoy him. Say I ventured
line 1180To set him free? What says the law then?
line 1181Thus much for law or kindred! I will do it,
line 1182And this night, or tomorrow, he shall love me.

She exits.

Scene 5

This short flourish of cornets and shouts within.

Enter Theseus, Hippolyta, Pirithous, Emilia, Arcite in disguise, with a garland, Attendants, and others.

THESEUSto Arcite
line 1183You have done worthily. I have not seen,
line 1184Since Hercules, a man of tougher sinews.
line 1185Whate’er you are, you run the best and wrestle
line 1186That these times can allow.
5line 1187ARCITEI am proud to please you.
THESEUS
line 1188What country bred you?
line 1189ARCITEThis; but far off, prince.
THESEUS
line 1190Are you a gentleman?
line 1191ARCITEMy father said so,
10line 1192And to those gentle uses gave me life.
Act 2 Scene 5 - Pg 91 THESEUS
line 1193Are you his heir?
line 1194ARCITEHis youngest, sir.
line 1195THESEUSYour father,
line 1196Sure, is a happy sire, then. What proves you?
ARCITE
15line 1197A little of all noble qualities.
line 1198I could have kept a hawk and well have hallowed
line 1199To a deep cry of dogs. I dare not praise
line 1200My feat in horsemanship, yet they that knew me
line 1201Would say it was my best piece. Last, and greatest,
20line 1202I would be thought a soldier.
line 1203THESEUSYou are perfect.
PIRITHOUS
line 1204Upon my soul, a proper man.
line 1205EMILIAHe is so.
PIRITHOUSto Hippolyta
line 1206How do you like him, lady?
25line 1207HIPPOLYTAI admire him.
line 1208I have not seen so young a man so noble,
line 1209If he say true, of his sort.
line 1210EMILIABelieve,
line 1211His mother was a wondrous handsome woman;
30line 1212His face, methinks, goes that way.
line 1213HIPPOLYTABut his body
line 1214And fiery mind illustrate a brave father.
PIRITHOUS
line 1215Mark how his virtue, like a hidden sun,
line 1216Breaks through his baser garments.
35line 1217HIPPOLYTAHe’s well got, sure.
THESEUSto Arcite
line 1218What made you seek this place, sir?
line 1219ARCITENoble Theseus,
line 1220To purchase name and do my ablest service
line 1221To such a well-found wonder as thy worth;
Act 2 Scene 5 - Pg 93 40line 1222For only in thy court, of all the world,
line 1223Dwells fair-eyed Honor.
line 1224PIRITHOUSAll his words are worthy.
THESEUS
line 1225Sir, we are much indebted to your travel,
line 1226Nor shall you lose your wish.—Pirithous,
45line 1227Dispose of this fair gentleman.
line 1228PIRITHOUSThanks, Theseus.—
line 1229Whate’er you are, you’re mine, and I shall give you
line 1230To a most noble service: to this lady,
line 1231This bright young virgin.

He brings Arcite to Emilia.

50line 1232Pray observe her goodness;
line 1233You have honored her fair birthday with your
line 1234virtues,
line 1235And, as your due, you’re hers. Kiss her fair hand, sir.
ARCITE
line 1236Sir, you’re a noble giver.—Dearest beauty,
55line 1237Thus let me seal my vowed faith.

He kisses her hand.

line 1238When your servant,
line 1239Your most unworthy creature, but offends you,
line 1240Command him die, he shall.
line 1241EMILIAThat were too cruel.
60line 1242If you deserve well, sir, I shall soon see ’t.
line 1243You’re mine, and somewhat better than your rank
line 1244I’ll use you.
PIRITHOUSto Arcite
line 1245I’ll see you furnished, and because you say
line 1246You are a horseman, I must needs entreat you
65line 1247This afternoon to ride—but ’tis a rough one.
ARCITE
line 1248I like him better, prince; I shall not then
line 1249Freeze in my saddle.
line 1250THESEUSto Hippolyta Sweet, you must be ready,—
line 1251And you, Emilia,—and you, friend,—and all,
Act 2 Scene 6 - Pg 95 70line 1252Tomorrow by the sun, to do observance
line 1253To flowery May in Dian’s wood.—Wait well, sir,
line 1254Upon your mistress.—Emily, I hope
line 1255He shall not go afoot.
line 1256EMILIAThat were a shame, sir,
75line 1257While I have horses.—Take your choice, and what
line 1258You want at any time, let me but know it.
line 1259If you serve faithfully, I dare assure you
line 1260You’ll find a loving mistress.
line 1261ARCITEIf I do not,
80line 1262Let me find that my father ever hated,
line 1263Disgrace and blows.
line 1264THESEUSGo lead the way; you have won it.
line 1265It shall be so; you shall receive all dues
line 1266Fit for the honor you have won. ’Twere wrong else.—
85line 1267Sister, beshrew my heart, you have a servant
line 1268That, if I were a woman, would be master;
line 1269But you are wise.
line 1270EMILIAI hope too wise for that, sir.

Flourish. They all exit.

Scene 6

Enter Jailer’s Daughter alone.

DAUGHTER
line 1271Let all the dukes and all the devils roar!
line 1272He is at liberty. I have ventured for him,
line 1273And out I have brought him; to a little wood
line 1274A mile hence I have sent him, where a cedar
5line 1275Higher than all the rest spreads like a plane
line 1276Fast by a brook, and there he shall keep close
line 1277Till I provide him files and food, for yet
line 1278His iron bracelets are not off. O Love,
line 1279What a stout-hearted child thou art! My father
10line 1280Durst better have endured cold iron than done it.
Act 2 Scene 6 - Pg 97 line 1281I love him beyond love and beyond reason
line 1282Or wit or safety. I have made him know it;
line 1283I care not, I am desperate. If the law
line 1284Find me and then condemn me for ’t, some wenches,
15line 1285Some honest-hearted maids, will sing my dirge
line 1286And tell to memory my death was noble,
line 1287Dying almost a martyr. That way he takes
line 1288I purpose is my way too. Sure he cannot
line 1289Be so unmanly as to leave me here.
20line 1290If he do, maids will not so easily
line 1291Trust men again. And yet he has not thanked me
line 1292For what I have done; no, not so much as kissed me,
line 1293And that, methinks, is not so well; nor scarcely
line 1294Could I persuade him to become a free man,
25line 1295He made such scruples of the wrong he did
line 1296To me and to my father. Yet I hope,
line 1297When he considers more, this love of mine
line 1298Will take more root within him. Let him do
line 1299What he will with me, so he use me kindly;
30line 1300For use me so he shall, or I’ll proclaim him,
line 1301And to his face, no man. I’ll presently
line 1302Provide him necessaries and pack my clothes up,
line 1303And where there is a path of ground I’ll venture,
line 1304So he be with me. By him like a shadow
35line 1305I’ll ever dwell. Within this hour the hubbub
line 1306Will be all o’er the prison. I am then
line 1307Kissing the man they look for. Farewell, father!
line 1308Get many more such prisoners and such daughters,
line 1309And shortly you may keep yourself. Now to him.

She exits.

ACT 3

Scene 1

Cornets in sundry places. Noise and hallowing as people a-Maying. Enter Arcite alone.

ARCITE
line 1310The Duke has lost Hippolyta; each took
line 1311A several laund. This is a solemn rite
line 1312They owe bloomed May, and the Athenians pay it
line 1313To th’ heart of ceremony. O Queen Emilia,
5line 1314Fresher than May, sweeter
line 1315Than her gold buttons on the boughs, or all
line 1316Th’ enameled knacks o’ th’ mead or garden—yea,
line 1317We challenge too the bank of any nymph
line 1318That makes the stream seem flowers; thou, O jewel
10line 1319O’ th’ wood, o’ th’ world, hast likewise blessed a pace
line 1320With thy sole presence. In thy rumination
line 1321That I, poor man, might eftsoons come between
line 1322And chop on some cold thought! Thrice blessèd
line 1323chance
15line 1324To drop on such a mistress, expectation
line 1325Most guiltless on ’t. Tell me, O Lady Fortune,
line 1326Next after Emily my sovereign, how far
line 1327I may be proud. She takes strong note of me,
line 1328Hath made me near her; and this beauteous morn,
20line 1329The prim’st of all the year, presents me with
line 1330A brace of horses; two such steeds might well
Act 3 Scene 1 - Pg 103 line 1331Be by a pair of kings backed, in a field
line 1332That their crowns’ titles tried. Alas, alas,
line 1333Poor cousin Palamon, poor prisoner, thou
25line 1334So little dream’st upon my fortune that
line 1335Thou think’st thyself the happier thing, to be
line 1336So near Emilia; me thou deem’st at Thebes,
line 1337And therein wretched, although free. But if
line 1338Thou knew’st my mistress breathed on me, and that
30line 1339I eared her language, lived in her eye—O coz,
line 1340What passion would enclose thee!

Enter Palamon as out of a bush, with his shackles; he bends his fist at Arcite.

line 1341PALAMONTraitor kinsman,
line 1342Thou shouldst perceive my passion if these signs
line 1343Of prisonment were off me, and this hand
35line 1344But owner of a sword. By all oaths in one,
line 1345I and the justice of my love would make thee
line 1346A confessed traitor, O thou most perfidious
line 1347That ever gently looked, the void’st of honor
line 1348That e’er bore gentle token, falsest cousin
40line 1349That ever blood made kin! Call’st thou her thine?
line 1350I’ll prove it in my shackles, with these hands,
line 1351Void of appointment, that thou liest, and art
line 1352A very thief in love, a chaffy lord,
line 1353Nor worth the name of villain. Had I a sword,
45line 1354And these house clogs away—
line 1355ARCITEDear cousin Palamon—
PALAMON
line 1356Cozener Arcite, give me language such
line 1357As thou hast showed me feat.
line 1358ARCITENot finding in
50line 1359The circuit of my breast any gross stuff
line 1360To form me like your blazon holds me to
line 1361This gentleness of answer: ’tis your passion
line 1362That thus mistakes, the which, to you being enemy,
Act 3 Scene 1 - Pg 105 line 1363Cannot to me be kind. Honor and honesty
55line 1364I cherish and depend on, howsoe’er
line 1365You skip them in me, and with them, fair coz,
line 1366I’ll maintain my proceedings. Pray be pleased
line 1367To show in generous terms your griefs, since that
line 1368Your question’s with your equal, who professes
60line 1369To clear his own way with the mind and sword
line 1370Of a true gentleman.
line 1371PALAMONThat thou durst, Arcite!
ARCITE
line 1372My coz, my coz, you have been well advertised
line 1373How much I dare; you’ve seen me use my sword
65line 1374Against th’ advice of fear. Sure, of another
line 1375You would not hear me doubted, but your silence
line 1376Should break out, though i’ th’ sanctuary.
line 1377PALAMONSir,
line 1378I have seen you move in such a place which well
70line 1379Might justify your manhood; you were called
line 1380A good knight and a bold. But the whole week’s not
line 1381fair
line 1382If any day it rain; their valiant temper
line 1383Men lose when they incline to treachery,
75line 1384And then they fight like compelled bears—would fly
line 1385Were they not tied.
line 1386ARCITEKinsman, you might as well
line 1387Speak this and act it in your glass as to
line 1388His ear which now disdains you.
80line 1389PALAMONCome up to me;
line 1390Quit me of these cold gyves, give me a sword
line 1391Though it be rusty, and the charity
line 1392Of one meal lend me. Come before me then,
line 1393A good sword in thy hand, and do but say
85line 1394That Emily is thine, I will forgive
line 1395The trespass thou hast done me—yea, my life,
line 1396If then thou carry ’t; and brave souls in shades
line 1397That have died manly, which will seek of me
Act 3 Scene 1 - Pg 107 line 1398Some news from Earth, they shall get none but this:
90line 1399That thou art brave and noble.
line 1400ARCITEBe content.
line 1401Again betake you to your hawthorn house.
line 1402With counsel of the night I will be here
line 1403With wholesome viands. These impediments
95line 1404Will I file off. You shall have garments and
line 1405Perfumes to kill the smell o’ th’ prison. After,
line 1406When you shall stretch yourself and say but “Arcite,
line 1407I am in plight,” there shall be at your choice
line 1408Both sword and armor.
100line 1409PALAMONO you heavens, dares any
line 1410So noble bear a guilty business? None
line 1411But only Arcite. Therefore none but Arcite
line 1412In this kind is so bold.
line 1413ARCITESweet Palamon.
PALAMON
105line 1414I do embrace you and your offer; for
line 1415Your offer do ’t I only. Sir, your person
line 1416Without hypocrisy I may not wish
line 1417More than my sword’s edge on ’t.

Wind horns off; sound cornets.

line 1418ARCITEYou hear the horns.
110line 1419Enter your muset, lest this match between ’s
line 1420Be crossed ere met. Give me your hand; farewell.
line 1421I’ll bring you every needful thing. I pray you,
line 1422Take comfort and be strong.
line 1423PALAMONPray hold your promise,
115line 1424And do the deed with a bent brow. Most certain
line 1425You love me not; be rough with me, and pour
line 1426This oil out of your language. By this air,
line 1427I could for each word give a cuff, my stomach
line 1428Not reconciled by reason.
120line 1429ARCITEPlainly spoken,
line 1430Yet pardon me hard language. When I spur
line 1431My horse, I chide him not; content and anger
Act 3 Scene 2 - Pg 109 line 1432In me have but one face.Wind horns.
line 1433Hark, sir, they call
125line 1434The scattered to the banquet; you must guess
line 1435I have an office there.
line 1436PALAMONSir, your attendance
line 1437Cannot please heaven, and I know your office
line 1438Unjustly is achieved.
130line 1439ARCITE’Tis a good title.
line 1440I am persuaded this question, sick between ’s,
line 1441By bleeding must be cured. I am a suitor
line 1442That to your sword you will bequeath this plea,
line 1443And talk of it no more.
135line 1444PALAMONBut this one word:
line 1445You are going now to gaze upon my mistress,
line 1446For note you, mine she is—
line 1447ARCITENay then,—
line 1448PALAMONNay, pray you,
140line 1449You talk of feeding me to breed me strength.
line 1450You are going now to look upon a sun
line 1451That strengthens what it looks on; there
line 1452You have a vantage o’er me, but enjoy ’t till
line 1453I may enforce my remedy. Farewell.

They exit.

Scene 2

Enter Jailer’s Daughter, alone.

DAUGHTER
line 1454He has mistook the brake I meant, is gone
line 1455After his fancy. ’Tis now well-nigh morning.
line 1456No matter; would it were perpetual night,
line 1457And darkness lord o’ th’ world. Hark, ’tis a wolf!
5line 1458In me hath grief slain fear, and but for one thing,
line 1459I care for nothing, and that’s Palamon.
line 1460I reck not if the wolves would jaw me, so
Act 3 Scene 2 - Pg 111 line 1461He had this file. What if I hallowed for him?
line 1462I cannot hallow. If I whooped, what then?
10line 1463If he not answered, I should call a wolf,
line 1464And do him but that service. I have heard
line 1465Strange howls this livelong night; why may ’t not be
line 1466They have made prey of him? He has no weapons;
line 1467He cannot run; the jingling of his gyves
15line 1468Might call fell things to listen, who have in them
line 1469A sense to know a man unarmed and can
line 1470Smell where resistance is. I’ll set it down
line 1471He’s torn to pieces; they howled many together,
line 1472And then they fed on him; so much for that.
20line 1473Be bold to ring the bell. How stand I then?
line 1474All’s chared when he is gone. No, no, I lie.
line 1475My father’s to be hanged for his escape;
line 1476Myself to beg, if I prized life so much
line 1477As to deny my act, but that I would not,
25line 1478Should I try death by dozens. I am moped;
line 1479Food took I none these two days;
line 1480Sipped some water. I have not closed mine eyes
line 1481Save when my lids scoured off their brine. Alas,
line 1482Dissolve, my life! Let not my sense unsettle,
30line 1483Lest I should drown, or stab, or hang myself.
line 1484O state of nature, fail together in me,
line 1485Since thy best props are warped! So, which way now?
line 1486The best way is the next way to a grave;
line 1487Each errant step beside is torment. Lo,
35line 1488The moon is down, the crickets chirp, the screech
line 1489owl
line 1490Calls in the dawn. All offices are done
line 1491Save what I fail in. But the point is this—
line 1492An end, and that is all.

She exits.

Act 3 Scene 3 - Pg 113

Scene 3

Enter Arcite with meat, wine, and files.

ARCITE
line 1493I should be near the place.—Ho! Cousin Palamon!
PALAMONwithin
line 1494Arcite?
line 1495ARCITEThe same. I have brought you food and files.
line 1496Come forth and fear not; here’s no Theseus.

Enter Palamon.

PALAMON
5line 1497Nor none so honest, Arcite.
line 1498ARCITEThat’s no matter.
line 1499We’ll argue that hereafter. Come, take courage;
line 1500You shall not die thus beastly. Here, sir, drink—
line 1501I know you are faint—then I’ll talk further with you.
PALAMON
10line 1502Arcite, thou mightst now poison me.
line 1503ARCITEI might;
line 1504But I must fear you first. Sit down and, good now,
line 1505No more of these vain parleys. Let us not,
line 1506Having our ancient reputation with us,
15line 1507Make talk for fools and cowards. To your health.

He drinks.

line 1508PALAMONDo!
ARCITE
line 1509Pray sit down, then, and let me entreat you,
line 1510By all the honesty and honor in you,
line 1511No mention of this woman; ’twill disturb us.
20line 1512We shall have time enough.
line 1513PALAMONWell, sir, I’ll pledge you.

He drinks.

Act 3 Scene 3 - Pg 115 ARCITE
line 1514Drink a good hearty draught; it breeds good blood,
line 1515man.
line 1516Do not you feel it thaw you?
25line 1517PALAMONStay, I’ll tell you
line 1518After a draught or two more.
line 1519ARCITESpare it not.
line 1520The Duke has more, coz. Eat now.
line 1521PALAMONYes.He eats.
30line 1522ARCITEI am glad
line 1523You have so good a stomach.
line 1524PALAMONI am gladder
line 1525I have so good meat to ’t.
line 1526ARCITEIs ’t not mad lodging
35line 1527Here in the wild woods, cousin?
line 1528PALAMONYes, for them
line 1529That have wild consciences.
line 1530ARCITEHow tastes your
line 1531victuals?
40line 1532Your hunger needs no sauce, I see.
line 1533PALAMONNot much.
line 1534But if it did, yours is too tart, sweet cousin.
line 1535What is this?
line 1536ARCITEVenison.
45line 1537PALAMON’Tis a lusty meat.
line 1538Give me more wine. Here, Arcite, to the wenches
line 1539We have known in our days!

He raises his cup in a toast.

line 1540The Lord Steward’s
line 1541daughter!
50line 1542Do you remember her?
line 1543ARCITEAfter you, coz.
PALAMON
line 1544She loved a black-haired man.
line 1545ARCITEShe did so; well, sir?
Act 3 Scene 3 - Pg 117 PALAMON
line 1546And I have heard some call him Arcite, and—
ARCITE
55line 1547Out with ’t, faith.
line 1548PALAMONShe met him in an arbor.
line 1549What did she there, coz? Play o’ th’ virginals?
ARCITE
line 1550Something she did, sir.
line 1551PALAMONMade her groan a month
60line 1552for ’t—
line 1553Or two, or three, or ten.
line 1554ARCITEThe Marshal’s sister
line 1555Had her share, too, as I remember, cousin,
line 1556Else there be tales abroad. You’ll pledge her?
65line 1557PALAMONYes.

He lifts his cup and then drinks.

ARCITE
line 1558A pretty brown wench ’tis. There was a time
line 1559When young men went a-hunting, and a wood,
line 1560And a broad beech—and thereby hangs a tale.
line 1561Heigh ho!
70line 1562PALAMONFor Emily, upon my life! Fool,
line 1563Away with this strained mirth. I say again
line 1564That sigh was breathed for Emily. Base cousin,
line 1565Dar’st thou break first?
line 1566ARCITEYou are wide.
75line 1567PALAMONBy heaven and
line 1568Earth,
line 1569There’s nothing in thee honest.
line 1570ARCITEThen I’ll leave you.
line 1571You are a beast now.
80line 1572PALAMONAs thou mak’st me, traitor.
ARCITE
line 1573There’s all things needful: files and shirts and
line 1574perfumes.
Act 3 Scene 4 - Pg 119 line 1575I’ll come again some two hours hence and bring
line 1576That that shall quiet all.
85line 1577PALAMONA sword and armor.
ARCITE
line 1578Fear me not. You are now too foul. Farewell.
line 1579Get off your trinkets; you shall want naught.
line 1580PALAMONSirrah—
ARCITE
line 1581I’ll hear no more.

He exits.

90line 1582PALAMONIf he keep touch, he dies for ’t.

He exits.

Scene 4

Enter Jailer’s Daughter.

DAUGHTER
line 1583I am very cold, and all the stars are out too,
line 1584The little stars and all, that look like aglets.
line 1585The sun has seen my folly.—Palamon!
line 1586Alas, no; he’s in heaven. Where am I now?
5line 1587Yonder’s the sea, and there’s a ship. How ’t tumbles!
line 1588And there’s a rock lies watching under water.
line 1589Now, now, it beats upon it; now, now, now,
line 1590There’s a leak sprung, a sound one! How they cry!
line 1591Open her before the wind; you’ll lose all else.
10line 1592Up with a course or two, and tack about, boys!
line 1593Good night, good night; you’re gone. I am very
line 1594hungry.
line 1595Would I could find a fine frog; he would tell me
line 1596News from all parts o’ th’ world; then would I make
15line 1597A carrack of a cockleshell, and sail
line 1598By east and northeast to the king of pygmies,
line 1599For he tells fortunes rarely. Now my father,
Act 3 Scene 5 - Pg 121 line 1600Twenty to one, is trussed up in a trice
line 1601Tomorrow morning. I’ll say never a word.
Sing.
20line 1602For I’ll cut my green coat a foot above my knee,
line 1603And I’ll clip my yellow locks an inch below mine
line 1604eye.
line 1605Hey nonny, nonny, nonny.
line 1606He’s buy me a white cut, forth for to ride,
25line 1607And I’ll go seek him through the world that is so
line 1608wide.
line 1609Hey nonny, nonny, nonny.
line 1610O, for a prick now, like a nightingale,
line 1611To put my breast against. I shall sleep like a top else.

She exits.

Scene 5

Enter a Schoolmaster and six Countrymen, one dressed as a Bavian.

line 1612SCHOOLMASTERFie, fie, what tediosity and disinsanity
line 1613is here among you! Have my rudiments been labored
line 1614so long with you, milked unto you, and, by a
line 1615figure, even the very plum broth and marrow of
5line 1616my understanding laid upon you, and do you still
line 1617cry “Where?” and “How?” and “Wherefore?” You
line 1618most coarse-frieze capacities, you jean judgments,
line 1619have I said “Thus let be” and “There let be”
line 1620and “Then let be” and no man understand me? Proh
10line 1621deum, medius fidius, you are all dunces! Forwhy,
line 1622here stand I; here the Duke comes; there are you,
line 1623close in the thicket; the Duke appears; I meet him
line 1624and unto him I utter learnèd things and many figures;
line 1625he hears, and nods, and hums, and then cries
15line 1626“Rare!” and I go forward. At length I fling my cap
line 1627up—mark there! Then do you as once did Meleager
Act 3 Scene 5 - Pg 123 line 1628and the boar—break comely out before him;
line 1629like true lovers, cast yourselves in a body decently,
line 1630and sweetly, by a figure, trace and turn, boys.
20line 1631FIRST COUNTRYMANAnd sweetly we will do it, Master
line 1632Gerald.
line 1633SECOND COUNTRYMANDraw up the company. Where’s
line 1634the taborer?
line 1635THIRD COUNTRYMANWhy, Timothy!

Enter the Taborer.

25line 1636TABORERHere, my mad boys. Have at you!
line 1637SCHOOLMASTERBut I say, where’s their women?

Enter five Wenches.

line 1638FOURTH COUNTRYMANHere’s Fritz and Maudlin.
line 1639SECOND COUNTRYMANAnd little Luce with the white
line 1640legs, and bouncing Barbary.
30line 1641FIRST COUNTRYMANAnd freckled Nell, that never failed
line 1642her master.
line 1643SCHOOLMASTERWhere be your ribbons, maids? Swim
line 1644with your bodies, and carry it sweetly and deliverly,
line 1645and now and then a favor and a frisk.
35line 1646NELLLet us alone, sir.
line 1647SCHOOLMASTERWhere’s the rest o’ th’ music?
line 1648THIRD COUNTRYMANDispersed, as you commanded.
line 1649SCHOOLMASTERCouple, then, and see what’s wanting.
line 1650Where’s the Bavian?—My friend, carry your tail
40line 1651without offense or scandal to the ladies; and be
line 1652sure you tumble with audacity and manhood, and
line 1653when you bark, do it with judgment.
line 1654BAVIANYes, sir.
line 1655SCHOOLMASTERQuo usque tandem? Here is a woman
45line 1656wanting.
line 1657FOURTH COUNTRYMANWe may go whistle; all the fat’s i’
line 1658th’ fire.
line 1659SCHOOLMASTERWe have, as learnèd authors utter,
Act 3 Scene 5 - Pg 125 line 1660washed a tile; we have been fatuus and labored
50line 1661vainly.
line 1662SECOND COUNTRYMANThis is that scornful piece, that
line 1663scurvy hilding that gave her promise faithfully she
line 1664would be here—Cicely, the sempster’s daughter.
line 1665The next gloves that I give her shall be dogskin;
55line 1666nay, an she fail me once—you can tell, Arcas, she
line 1667swore by wine and bread she would not break.
line 1668SCHOOLMASTERAn eel and woman, a learnèd poet
line 1669says, unless by th’ tail and with thy teeth thou hold,
line 1670will either fail. In manners, this was false
60line 1671position.
line 1672FIRST COUNTRYMANA fire ill take her! Does she flinch
line 1673now?
line 1674THIRD COUNTRYMANWhat shall we determine, sir?
line 1675SCHOOLMASTERNothing. Our business is become a
65line 1676nullity, yea, and a woeful and a piteous nullity.
line 1677FOURTH COUNTRYMANNow, when the credit of our town
line 1678lay on it, now to be frampold, now to piss o’ th’
line 1679nettle! Go thy ways; I’ll remember thee. I’ll fit
line 1680thee!

Enter Jailer’s Daughter.

DAUGHTERsings
70line 1681The George Alow came from the south,
line 1682From the coast of Barbary-a,
line 1683And there he met with brave gallants of war,
line 1684By one, by two, by three-a.
line 1685“Well hailed, well hailed, you jolly gallants,
75line 1686And whither now are you bound-a?
line 1687O, let me have your company
line 1688Till I come to the sound-a.”
line 1689There was three fools, fell out about an owlet—
line 1690Sings The one he said it was an owl,
80line 1691The other he said nay,
Act 3 Scene 5 - Pg 127 line 1692The third he said it was a hawk,
line 1693And her bells were cut away.
line 1694THIRD COUNTRYMANThere’s a dainty madwoman, master,
line 1695comes i’ th’ nick, as mad as a March hare. If we
85line 1696can get her dance, we are made again. I warrant
line 1697her, she’ll do the rarest gambols.
line 1698FIRST COUNTRYMANA madwoman? We are made, boys.
line 1699SCHOOLMASTERto Jailer’s Daughter And are you mad,
line 1700good woman?
90line 1701DAUGHTERI would be sorry else. Give me your hand.
line 1702SCHOOLMASTERWhy?
line 1703DAUGHTERI can tell your fortune. She looks at his hand.
line 1704You are a fool. Tell ten.—I have posed him.
line 1705Buzz!—Friend, you must eat no white bread; if
95line 1706you do, your teeth will bleed extremely. Shall we
line 1707dance, ho? I know you, you’re a tinker. Sirrah tinker,
line 1708stop no more holes but what you should.
line 1709SCHOOLMASTERDii boni! A tinker, damsel?
line 1710DAUGHTEROr a conjurer. Raise me a devil now, and let
100line 1711him play Chi passa o’ th’ bells and bones.
line 1712SCHOOLMASTERGo, take her, and fluently persuade her
line 1713to a peace. Et opus exegi, quod nec Iovis ira, nec
line 1714ignis. Strike up, and lead her in.
line 1715SECOND COUNTRYMANCome, lass, let’s trip it.
105line 1716DAUGHTERI’ll lead.
line 1717THIRD COUNTRYMANDo, do!
line 1718SCHOOLMASTERPersuasively, and cunningly.

Wind horns.

line 1719Away, boys! I hear the horns. Give me some
line 1720meditation, and mark your cue.

All but Schoolmaster exit.

110line 1721Pallas, inspire me!

Enter Theseus, Pirithous, Hippolyta, Emilia, and train.

line 1722THESEUSThis way the stag took.
line 1723SCHOOLMASTERStay, and edify!
Act 3 Scene 5 - Pg 129 line 1724THESEUSWhat have we here?
line 1725PIRITHOUSSome country sport, upon my life, sir.
115line 1726THESEUSto Schoolmaster Well, sir, go forward. We
line 1727will “edify.”Chairs and stools brought out.
line 1728Ladies, sit down. We’ll stay it.

Theseus, Hippolyta, and Emilia sit.

SCHOOLMASTER
line 1729Thou doughty duke, all hail!—All hail, sweet ladies!
line 1730THESEUSaside This is a cold beginning.
SCHOOLMASTER
120line 1731If you but favor, our country pastime made is.
line 1732We are a few of those collected here
line 1733That ruder tongues distinguish “villager.”
line 1734And to say verity, and not to fable,
line 1735We are a merry rout, or else a rabble,
125line 1736Or company, or by a figure, chorus,
line 1737That ’fore thy dignity will dance a morris.
line 1738And I that am the rectifier of all,
line 1739By title pedagogus, that let fall
line 1740The birch upon the breeches of the small ones,
130line 1741And humble with a ferula the tall ones,
line 1742Do here present this machine, or this frame.
line 1743And, dainty duke, whose doughty dismal fame
line 1744From Dis to Daedalus, from post to pillar,
line 1745Is blown abroad, help me, thy poor well-willer,
135line 1746And with thy twinkling eyes look right and straight
line 1747Upon this mighty “Morr,” of mickle weight—
line 1748“Is” now comes in, which being glued together
line 1749Makes “Morris,” and the cause that we came hither.
line 1750The body of our sport, of no small study,
140line 1751I first appear, though rude, and raw, and muddy,
line 1752To speak before thy noble grace this tenner,
line 1753At whose great feet I offer up my penner.
line 1754The next, the Lord of May and Lady bright,
line 1755The Chambermaid and Servingman by night
145line 1756That seek out silent hanging; then mine Host
Act 3 Scene 5 - Pg 131 line 1757And his fat Spouse, that welcomes to their cost
line 1758The gallèd traveler, and with a beck’ning
line 1759Informs the tapster to inflame the reck’ning;
line 1760Then the beest-eating Clown; and next the Fool,
150line 1761The Bavian with long tail and eke long tool,
line 1762Cum multis aliis that make a dance;
line 1763Say “ay,” and all shall presently advance.
THESEUS
line 1764Ay, ay, by any means, dear Domine.
line 1765PIRITHOUSProduce!
SCHOOLMASTER
155line 1766Intrate, filii. Come forth and foot it.

Music. Enter the Countrymen, Countrywomen, and Jailer’s Daughter; they perform a morris dance.

SCHOOLMASTER
line 1767Ladies, if we have been merry
line 1768And have pleased ye with a derry,
line 1769And a derry and a down,
line 1770Say the Schoolmaster’s no clown.—
160line 1771Duke, if we have pleased thee too
line 1772And have done as good boys should do,
line 1773Give us but a tree or twain
line 1774For a Maypole, and again,
line 1775Ere another year run out,
165line 1776We’ll make thee laugh, and all this rout.
THESEUS
line 1777Take twenty, Domine.—How does my sweetheart?
HIPPOLYTA
line 1778Never so pleased, sir.
line 1779EMILIA’Twas an excellent dance,
line 1780And, for a preface, I never heard a better.
THESEUS
170line 1781Schoolmaster, I thank you.—One see ’em all
line 1782rewarded.An Attendant gives money.
Act 3 Scene 6 - Pg 133 PIRITHOUS
line 1783And here’s something to paint your pole withal.

He gives money.

line 1784THESEUSNow to our sports again.
SCHOOLMASTER
line 1785May the stag thou hunt’st stand long,
175line 1786And thy dogs be swift and strong;
line 1787May they kill him without lets,
line 1788And the ladies eat his dowsets.

Wind horns within. Theseus, Hippolyta, Emilia, Pirithous, and Train exit.

line 1789Come, we are all made. Dii deaeque omnes,
line 1790You have danced rarely, wenches.

They exit.

Scene 6

Enter Palamon from the bush.

PALAMON
line 1791About this hour my cousin gave his faith
line 1792To visit me again, and with him bring
line 1793Two swords and two good armors. If he fail,
line 1794He’s neither man nor soldier. When he left me,
5line 1795I did not think a week could have restored
line 1796My lost strength to me, I was grown so low
line 1797And crestfall’n with my wants. I thank thee, Arcite,
line 1798Thou art yet a fair foe, and I feel myself,
line 1799With this refreshing, able once again
10line 1800To outdure danger. To delay it longer
line 1801Would make the world think, when it comes to
line 1802hearing,
line 1803That I lay fatting like a swine to fight
line 1804And not a soldier. Therefore, this blest morning
15line 1805Shall be the last; and that sword he refuses,
Act 3 Scene 6 - Pg 135 line 1806If it but hold, I kill him with. ’Tis justice.
line 1807So, love and fortune for me!

Enter Arcite with armors and swords.

line 1808O, good morrow.
ARCITE
line 1809Good morrow, noble kinsman.
20line 1810PALAMONI have put you
line 1811To too much pains, sir.
line 1812ARCITEThat too much, fair cousin,
line 1813Is but a debt to honor and my duty.
PALAMON
line 1814Would you were so in all, sir; I could wish you
25line 1815As kind a kinsman as you force me find
line 1816A beneficial foe, that my embraces
line 1817Might thank you, not my blows.
line 1818ARCITEI shall think either,
line 1819Well done, a noble recompense.
30line 1820PALAMONThen I shall quit you.
ARCITE
line 1821Defy me in these fair terms, and you show
line 1822More than a mistress to me. No more anger,
line 1823As you love anything that’s honorable!
line 1824We were not bred to talk, man; when we are armed
35line 1825And both upon our guards, then let our fury,
line 1826Like meeting of two tides, fly strongly from us,
line 1827And then to whom the birthright of this beauty
line 1828Truly pertains—without upbraidings, scorns,
line 1829Despisings of our persons, and such poutings,
40line 1830Fitter for girls and schoolboys—will be seen,
line 1831And quickly, yours or mine. Will ’t please you arm,
line 1832sir?
line 1833Or if you feel yourself not fitting yet
line 1834And furnished with your old strength, I’ll stay,
45line 1835cousin,
line 1836And ev’ry day discourse you into health,
Act 3 Scene 6 - Pg 137 line 1837As I am spared. Your person I am friends with,
line 1838And I could wish I had not said I loved her,
line 1839Though I had died. But loving such a lady,
50line 1840And justifying my love, I must not fly from ’t.
PALAMON
line 1841Arcite, thou art so brave an enemy
line 1842That no man but thy cousin’s fit to kill thee.
line 1843I am well and lusty. Choose your arms.
line 1844ARCITEChoose you, sir.
PALAMON
55line 1845Wilt thou exceed in all, or dost thou do it
line 1846To make me spare thee?
line 1847ARCITEIf you think so, cousin,
line 1848You are deceived, for as I am a soldier,
line 1849I will not spare you.
60line 1850PALAMONThat’s well said.
line 1851ARCITEYou’ll find it.
PALAMON
line 1852Then, as I am an honest man and love
line 1853With all the justice of affection,
line 1854I’ll pay thee soundly.He chooses armor.
65line 1855This I’ll take.
line 1856ARCITEtaking the other That’s mine, then.
line 1857I’ll arm you first.
line 1858PALAMONDo.Arcite begins arming him.
line 1859Pray thee tell me, cousin,
70line 1860Where got’st thou this good armor?
line 1861ARCITE’Tis the Duke’s,
line 1862And to say true, I stole it. Do I pinch you?
line 1863PALAMONNo.
ARCITE
line 1864Is ’t not too heavy?
75line 1865PALAMONI have worn a lighter,
line 1866But I shall make it serve.
line 1867ARCITEI’ll buckle ’t close.
Act 3 Scene 6 - Pg 139 PALAMON
line 1868By any means.
line 1869ARCITEYou care not for a grand guard?
PALAMON
80line 1870No, no, we’ll use no horses. I perceive
line 1871You would fain be at that fight.
line 1872ARCITEI am indifferent.
PALAMON
line 1873Faith, so am I. Good cousin, thrust the buckle
line 1874Through far enough.
85line 1875ARCITEI warrant you.
line 1876PALAMONMy casque now.
ARCITE
line 1877Will you fight bare-armed?
line 1878PALAMONWe shall be the nimbler.
ARCITE
line 1879But use your gauntlets though. Those are o’ th’ least.
90line 1880Prithee take mine, good cousin.
line 1881PALAMONThank you, Arcite.
line 1882How do I look? Am I fall’n much away?
ARCITE
line 1883Faith, very little; love has used you kindly.
PALAMON
line 1884I’ll warrant thee, I’ll strike home.
95line 1885ARCITEDo, and spare not.
line 1886I’ll give you cause, sweet cousin.
line 1887PALAMONNow to you, sir.

He begins to arm Arcite.

line 1888Methinks this armor’s very like that, Arcite,
line 1889Thou wor’st that day the three kings fell, but lighter.
ARCITE
100line 1890That was a very good one, and that day,
line 1891I well remember, you outdid me, cousin.
line 1892I never saw such valor. When you charged
line 1893Upon the left wing of the enemy,
Act 3 Scene 6 - Pg 141 line 1894I spurred hard to come up, and under me
105line 1895I had a right good horse.
line 1896PALAMONYou had, indeed;
line 1897A bright bay, I remember.
line 1898ARCITEYes, but all
line 1899Was vainly labored in me; you outwent me,
110line 1900Nor could my wishes reach you; yet a little
line 1901I did by imitation.
line 1902PALAMONMore by virtue;
line 1903You are modest, cousin.
line 1904ARCITEWhen I saw you charge first,
115line 1905Methought I heard a dreadful clap of thunder
line 1906Break from the troop.
line 1907PALAMONBut still before that flew
line 1908The lightning of your valor. Stay a little;
line 1909Is not this piece too strait?
120line 1910ARCITENo, no, ’tis well.
PALAMON
line 1911I would have nothing hurt thee but my sword.
line 1912A bruise would be dishonor.
line 1913ARCITENow I am perfect.
PALAMON
line 1914Stand off, then.
125line 1915ARCITETake my sword; I hold it better.
PALAMON
line 1916I thank you, no; keep it; your life lies on it.
line 1917Here’s one; if it but hold, I ask no more
line 1918For all my hopes. My cause and honor guard me!
ARCITE
line 1919And me my love!

They bow several ways, then advance and stand.

130line 1920Is there aught else to say?
PALAMON
line 1921This only, and no more: thou art mine aunt’s son.
line 1922And that blood we desire to shed is mutual—
line 1923In me thine, and in thee mine. My sword
Act 3 Scene 6 - Pg 143 line 1924Is in my hand, and if thou kill’st me,
135line 1925The gods and I forgive thee. If there be
line 1926A place prepared for those that sleep in honor,
line 1927I wish his weary soul that falls may win it.
line 1928Fight bravely, cousin. Give me thy noble hand.
ARCITEas they shake hands
line 1929Here, Palamon. This hand shall never more
140line 1930Come near thee with such friendship.
line 1931PALAMONI commend thee.
ARCITE
line 1932If I fall, curse me, and say I was a coward,
line 1933For none but such dare die in these just trials.
line 1934Once more farewell, my cousin.
145line 1935PALAMONFarewell, Arcite.

Fight.

Horns within. They stand.

ARCITE
line 1936Lo, cousin, lo, our folly has undone us!
line 1937PALAMONWhy?
ARCITE
line 1938This is the Duke, a-hunting, as I told you.
line 1939If we be found, we are wretched. O, retire,
150line 1940For honor’s sake, and safely, presently
line 1941Into your bush again. Sir, we shall find
line 1942Too many hours to die in. Gentle cousin,
line 1943If you be seen, you perish instantly
line 1944For breaking prison, and I, if you reveal me,
155line 1945For my contempt. Then all the world will scorn us,
line 1946And say we had a noble difference,
line 1947But base disposers of it.
line 1948PALAMONNo, no, cousin,
line 1949I will no more be hidden, nor put off
160line 1950This great adventure to a second trial.
line 1951I know your cunning, and I know your cause.
line 1952He that faints now, shame take him! Put thyself
line 1953Upon thy present guard—
Act 3 Scene 6 - Pg 145 line 1954ARCITEYou are not mad?
PALAMON
165line 1955Or I will make th’ advantage of this hour
line 1956Mine own, and what to come shall threaten me
line 1957I fear less than my fortune. Know, weak cousin,
line 1958I love Emilia, and in that I’ll bury
line 1959Thee and all crosses else.
170line 1960ARCITEThen come what can come,
line 1961Thou shalt know, Palamon, I dare as well
line 1962Die as discourse or sleep. Only this fears me:
line 1963The law will have the honor of our ends.
line 1964Have at thy life!
175line 1965PALAMONLook to thine own well, Arcite.

Fight again.

Horns. Enter Theseus, Hippolyta, Emilia, Pirithous and train.

THESEUS
line 1966What ignorant and mad malicious traitors
line 1967Are you, that ’gainst the tenor of my laws
line 1968Are making battle, thus like knights appointed,
line 1969Without my leave and officers of arms?
180line 1970By Castor, both shall die.
line 1971PALAMONHold thy word, Theseus.
line 1972We are certainly both traitors, both despisers
line 1973Of thee and of thy goodness. I am Palamon,
line 1974That cannot love thee, he that broke thy prison.
185line 1975Think well what that deserves. And this is Arcite.
line 1976A bolder traitor never trod thy ground,
line 1977A falser ne’er seemed friend. This is the man
line 1978Was begged and banished; this is he contemns thee
line 1979And what thou dar’st do; and in this disguise,
190line 1980Against thine own edict, follows thy sister,
line 1981That fortunate bright star, the fair Emilia,
line 1982Whose servant—if there be a right in seeing
line 1983And first bequeathing of the soul to—justly
Act 3 Scene 6 - Pg 147 line 1984I am; and, which is more, dares think her his.
195line 1985This treachery, like a most trusty lover,
line 1986I called him now to answer. If thou be’st
line 1987As thou art spoken, great and virtuous,
line 1988The true decider of all injuries,
line 1989Say “Fight again,” and thou shalt see me, Theseus,
200line 1990Do such a justice thou thyself wilt envy.
line 1991Then take my life; I’ll woo thee to ’t.
line 1992PIRITHOUSO heaven,
line 1993What more than man is this!
line 1994THESEUSI have sworn.
205line 1995ARCITEWe seek not
line 1996Thy breath of mercy, Theseus. ’Tis to me
line 1997A thing as soon to die as thee to say it,
line 1998And no more moved. Where this man calls me
line 1999traitor,
210line 2000Let me say thus much: if in love be treason,
line 2001In service of so excellent a beauty,
line 2002As I love most, and in that faith will perish,
line 2003As I have brought my life here to confirm it,
line 2004As I have served her truest, worthiest,
215line 2005As I dare kill this cousin that denies it,
line 2006So let me be most traitor, and you please me.
line 2007For scorning thy edict, duke, ask that lady
line 2008Why she is fair, and why her eyes command me
line 2009Stay here to love her; and if she say “traitor,”
220line 2010I am a villain fit to lie unburied.
PALAMON
line 2011Thou shalt have pity of us both, O Theseus,
line 2012If unto neither thou show mercy. Stop,
line 2013As thou art just, thy noble ear against us;
line 2014As thou art valiant, for thy cousin’s soul,
225line 2015Whose twelve strong labors crown his memory,
line 2016Let’s die together at one instant, duke;
line 2017Only a little let him fall before me,
line 2018That I may tell my soul he shall not have her.
Act 3 Scene 6 - Pg 149 THESEUS
line 2019I grant your wish, for to say true, your cousin
230line 2020Has ten times more offended, for I gave him
line 2021More mercy than you found, sir, your offenses
line 2022Being no more than his.—None here speak for ’em,
line 2023For ere the sun set both shall sleep forever.
HIPPOLYTA
line 2024Alas, the pity! Now or never, sister,
235line 2025Speak not to be denied. That face of yours
line 2026Will bear the curses else of after ages
line 2027For these lost cousins.
line 2028EMILIAIn my face, dear sister,
line 2029I find no anger to ’em, nor no ruin.
240line 2030The misadventure of their own eyes kill ’em.
line 2031Yet that I will be woman and have pity,
line 2032My knees shall grow to th’ ground but I’ll get mercy.

She kneels.

line 2033Help me, dear sister; in a deed so virtuous,
line 2034The powers of all women will be with us.

Hippolyta kneels.

245line 2035Most royal brother—
line 2036HIPPOLYTASir, by our tie of marriage—
EMILIA
line 2037By your own spotless honor—
line 2038HIPPOLYTABy that faith,
line 2039That fair hand, and that honest heart you gave me—
EMILIA
250line 2040By that you would have pity in another;
line 2041By your own virtues infinite—
line 2042HIPPOLYTABy valor;
line 2043By all the chaste nights I have ever pleased you—
THESEUS
line 2044These are strange conjurings.
255line 2045PIRITHOUSNay, then, I’ll in too.

He kneels.

Act 3 Scene 6 - Pg 151 line 2046By all our friendship, sir, by all our dangers;
line 2047By all you love most, wars and this sweet lady—
EMILIA
line 2048By that you would have trembled to deny
line 2049A blushing maid—
260line 2050HIPPOLYTABy your own eyes; by strength,
line 2051In which you swore I went beyond all women,
line 2052Almost all men, and yet I yielded, Theseus—
PIRITHOUS
line 2053To crown all this: by your most noble soul,
line 2054Which cannot want due mercy, I beg first—
HIPPOLYTA
265line 2055Next hear my prayers—
line 2056EMILIALast let me entreat, sir—
PIRITHOUS
line 2057For mercy.
line 2058HIPPOLYTAMercy.
line 2059EMILIAMercy on these princes.
THESEUS
270line 2060You make my faith reel. To Emilia. Say I felt
line 2061Compassion to ’em both, how would you place it?

They rise from their knees.

EMILIA
line 2062Upon their lives, but with their banishments.
THESEUS
line 2063You are a right woman, sister: you have pity,
line 2064But want the understanding where to use it.
275line 2065If you desire their lives, invent a way
line 2066Safer than banishment. Can these two live,
line 2067And have the agony of love about ’em,
line 2068And not kill one another? Every day
line 2069They’d fight about you, hourly bring your honor
280line 2070In public question with their swords. Be wise, then,
line 2071And here forget ’em; it concerns your credit
line 2072And my oath equally. I have said they die.
Act 3 Scene 6 - Pg 153 line 2073Better they fall by th’ law than one another.
line 2074Bow not my honor.
285line 2075EMILIAO, my noble brother,
line 2076That oath was rashly made, and in your anger;
line 2077Your reason will not hold it. If such vows
line 2078Stand for express will, all the world must perish.
line 2079Besides, I have another oath ’gainst yours,
290line 2080Of more authority, I am sure more love,
line 2081Not made in passion neither, but good heed.
THESEUS
line 2082What is it, sister?
line 2083PIRITHOUSUrge it home, brave lady.
EMILIA
line 2084That you would ne’er deny me anything
295line 2085Fit for my modest suit and your free granting.
line 2086I tie you to your word now; if you fail in ’t,
line 2087Think how you maim your honor—
line 2088For now I am set a-begging, sir, I am deaf
line 2089To all but your compassion—how their lives
300line 2090Might breed the ruin of my name. Opinion!
line 2091Shall anything that loves me perish for me?
line 2092That were a cruel wisdom. Do men prune
line 2093The straight young boughs that blush with thousand
line 2094blossoms
305line 2095Because they may be rotten? O, Duke Theseus,
line 2096The goodly mothers that have groaned for these,
line 2097And all the longing maids that ever loved,
line 2098If your vow stand, shall curse me and my beauty,
line 2099And in their funeral songs for these two cousins
310line 2100Despise my cruelty, and cry woe worth me,
line 2101Till I am nothing but the scorn of women.
line 2102For heaven’s sake, save their lives, and banish ’em.
THESEUS
line 2103On what conditions?
line 2104EMILIASwear ’em never more
315line 2105To make me their contention, or to know me,
Act 3 Scene 6 - Pg 155 line 2106To tread upon thy dukedom, and to be,
line 2107Wherever they shall travel, ever strangers
line 2108To one another.
line 2109PALAMONI’ll be cut a-pieces
320line 2110Before I take this oath! Forget I love her?
line 2111O, all you gods, despise me then! Thy banishment
line 2112I not mislike, so we may fairly carry
line 2113Our swords and cause along; else never trifle,
line 2114But take our lives, duke. I must love, and will,
325line 2115And for that love must and dare kill this cousin
line 2116On any piece the Earth has.
line 2117THESEUSWill you, Arcite,
line 2118Take these conditions?
line 2119PALAMONHe’s a villain, then.
330line 2120PIRITHOUSThese are men!
ARCITE
line 2121No, never, duke. ’Tis worse to me than begging
line 2122To take my life so basely; though I think
line 2123I never shall enjoy her, yet I’ll preserve
line 2124The honor of affection, and die for her,
335line 2125Make death a devil!
THESEUS
line 2126What may be done? For now I feel compassion.
PIRITHOUS
line 2127Let it not fall again, sir.
line 2128THESEUSSay, Emilia,
line 2129If one of them were dead, as one must, are you
340line 2130Content to take th’ other to your husband?
line 2131They cannot both enjoy you. They are princes
line 2132As goodly as your own eyes, and as noble
line 2133As ever fame yet spoke of. Look upon ’em,
line 2134And, if you can love, end this difference.
345line 2135I give consent.—Are you content too, princes?
BOTH
line 2136With all our souls.
line 2137THESEUSHe that she refuses
line 2138Must die then.
Act 3 Scene 6 - Pg 157 line 2139BOTHAny death thou canst invent, duke.
PALAMON
350line 2140If I fall from that mouth, I fall with favor,
line 2141And lovers yet unborn shall bless my ashes.
ARCITE
line 2142If she refuse me, yet my grave will wed me,
line 2143And soldiers sing my epitaph.
line 2144THESEUSto Emilia Make choice, then.
EMILIA
355line 2145I cannot, sir; they are both too excellent.
line 2146For me, a hair shall never fall of these men.
HIPPOLYTA
line 2147What will become of ’em?
line 2148THESEUSThus I ordain it—
line 2149And, by mine honor, once again, it stands,
360line 2150Or both shall die: you shall both to your country,
line 2151And each within this month, accompanied
line 2152With three fair knights, appear again in this place,
line 2153In which I’ll plant a pyramid; and whether,
line 2154Before us that are here, can force his cousin
365line 2155By fair and knightly strength to touch the pillar,
line 2156He shall enjoy her; the other lose his head,
line 2157And all his friends; nor shall he grudge to fall,
line 2158Nor think he dies with interest in this lady.
line 2159Will this content you?
370line 2160PALAMONYes.—Here, Cousin Arcite,
line 2161I am friends again till that hour.He offers his hand.
line 2162ARCITEI embrace you.

They shake hands.

THESEUS
line 2163Are you content, sister?
line 2164EMILIAYes, I must, sir,
375line 2165Else both miscarry.
THESEUSto Palamon and Arcite
line 2166Come, shake hands again, then,
Act 3 Scene 6 - Pg 159 line 2167And take heed, as you are gentlemen, this quarrel
line 2168Sleep till the hour prefixed, and hold your course.
PALAMON
line 2169We dare not fail thee, Theseus.

They shake hands again.

380line 2170THESEUSCome, I’ll give you
line 2171Now usage like to princes and to friends.
line 2172When you return, who wins I’ll settle here;
line 2173Who loses, yet I’ll weep upon his bier.

They exit.

ACT 4

Scene 1

Enter Jailer and his Friend.

JAILER
line 2174Heard you no more? Was nothing said of me
line 2175Concerning the escape of Palamon?
line 2176Good sir, remember!
line 2177FIRST FRIENDNothing that I heard,
5line 2178For I came home before the business
line 2179Was fully ended. Yet I might perceive,
line 2180Ere I departed, a great likelihood
line 2181Of both their pardons; for Hippolyta
line 2182And fair-eyed Emily, upon their knees,
10line 2183Begged with such handsome pity that the Duke,
line 2184Methought, stood staggering whether he should
line 2185follow
line 2186His rash oath or the sweet compassion
line 2187Of those two ladies. And, to second them,
15line 2188That truly noble prince, Pirithous—
line 2189Half his own heart—set in too, that I hope
line 2190All shall be well. Neither heard I one question
line 2191Of your name or his ’scape.
line 2192JAILERPray heaven it hold so.

Enter Second Friend.

Act 4 Scene 1 - Pg 165 SECOND FRIEND
20line 2193Be of good comfort, man; I bring you news,
line 2194Good news.
line 2195JAILERThey are welcome.
line 2196SECOND FRIENDPalamon has cleared
line 2197you
25line 2198And got your pardon, and discovered how
line 2199And by whose means he escaped, which was your
line 2200daughter’s,
line 2201Whose pardon is procured too; and the prisoner,
line 2202Not to be held ungrateful to her goodness,
30line 2203Has given a sum of money to her marriage—
line 2204A large one, I’ll assure you.
line 2205JAILERYou are a good man
line 2206And ever bring good news.
line 2207FIRST FRIENDHow was it ended?
SECOND FRIEND
35line 2208Why, as it should be: they that ne’er begged
line 2209But they prevailed had their suits fairly granted;
line 2210The prisoners have their lives.
line 2211FIRST FRIENDI knew ’twould be so.
SECOND FRIEND
line 2212But there be new conditions, which you’ll hear of
40line 2213At better time.
line 2214JAILERI hope they are good.
line 2215SECOND FRIENDThey are
line 2216honorable;
line 2217How good they’ll prove I know not.
45line 2218FIRST FRIEND’Twill be known.

Enter Wooer.

WOOER
line 2219Alas, sir, where’s your daughter?
line 2220JAILERWhy do you ask?
WOOER
line 2221O, sir, when did you see her?
Act 4 Scene 1 - Pg 167 line 2222SECOND FRIENDaside How he looks!
JAILER
50line 2223This morning.
line 2224WOOERWas she well? Was she in health?
line 2225Sir, when did she sleep?
line 2226FIRST FRIENDaside These are strange questions.
JAILER
line 2227I do not think she was very well—for now
55line 2228You make me mind her; but this very day
line 2229I asked her questions, and she answered me
line 2230So far from what she was, so childishly,
line 2231So sillily, as if she were a fool,
line 2232An innocent, and I was very angry.
60line 2233But what of her, sir?
line 2234WOOERNothing but my pity;
line 2235But you must know it, and as good by me
line 2236As by another that less loves her.
line 2237JAILERWell, sir?
WOOER
65line 2238No, sir, not well.
line 2239FIRST FRIENDNot right?
line 2240SECOND FRIENDNot well?
WOOER
line 2241’Tis too true; she is mad.
line 2242FIRST FRIENDIt cannot be.
WOOER
70line 2243Believe you’ll find it so.
line 2244JAILERI half suspected
line 2245What you told me. The gods comfort her!
line 2246Either this was her love to Palamon,
line 2247Or fear of my miscarrying on his ’scape,
75line 2248Or both.
line 2249WOOER’Tis likely.
line 2250JAILERBut why all this haste, sir?
WOOER
line 2251I’ll tell you quickly. As I late was angling
Act 4 Scene 1 - Pg 169 line 2252In the great lake that lies behind the palace,
80line 2253From the far shore—thick set with reeds and
line 2254sedges—
line 2255As patiently I was attending sport,
line 2256I heard a voice, a shrill one; and, attentive,
line 2257I gave my ear, when I might well perceive
85line 2258’Twas one that sung, and by the smallness of it
line 2259A boy or woman. I then left my angle
line 2260To his own skill, came near, but yet perceived not
line 2261Who made the sound, the rushes and the reeds
line 2262Had so encompassed it. I laid me down
90line 2263And listened to the words she sung, for then,
line 2264Through a small glade cut by the fishermen,
line 2265I saw it was your daughter.
line 2266JAILERPray go on, sir.
WOOER
line 2267She sung much, but no sense; only I heard her
95line 2268Repeat this often: “Palamon is gone,
line 2269Is gone to th’ wood to gather mulberries;
line 2270I’ll find him out tomorrow.”
line 2271FIRST FRIENDPretty soul!
WOOER
line 2272“His shackles will betray him; he’ll be taken,
100line 2273And what shall I do then? I’ll bring a bevy,
line 2274A hundred black-eyed maids that love as I do,
line 2275With chaplets on their heads of daffadillies,
line 2276With cherry lips and cheeks of damask roses,
line 2277And all we’ll dance an antic ’fore the Duke,
105line 2278And beg his pardon.” Then she talked of you, sir—
line 2279That you must lose your head tomorrow morning,
line 2280And she must gather flowers to bury you,
line 2281And see the house made handsome. Then she sung
line 2282Nothing but “Willow, willow, willow,” and between
110line 2283Ever was “Palamon, fair Palamon,”
line 2284And “Palamon was a tall young man.” The place
line 2285Was knee-deep where she sat; her careless tresses,
Act 4 Scene 1 - Pg 171 line 2286A wreath of bulrush rounded; about her stuck
line 2287Thousand freshwater flowers of several colors,
115line 2288That methought she appeared like the fair nymph
line 2289That feeds the lake with waters, or as Iris
line 2290Newly dropped down from heaven. Rings she made
line 2291Of rushes that grew by, and to ’em spoke
line 2292The prettiest posies: “Thus our true love’s tied,”
120line 2293“This you may lose, not me,” and many a one;
line 2294And then she wept, and sung again, and sighed,
line 2295And with the same breath smiled and kissed her
line 2296hand.
SECOND FRIEND
line 2297Alas, what pity it is!
125line 2298WOOERI made in to her.
line 2299She saw me, and straight sought the flood. I saved
line 2300her
line 2301And set her safe to land, when presently
line 2302She slipped away, and to the city made
130line 2303With such a cry and swiftness that, believe me,
line 2304She left me far behind her. Three or four
line 2305I saw from far off cross her—one of ’em
line 2306I knew to be your brother—where she stayed
line 2307And fell, scarce to be got away. I left them with her
135line 2308And hither came to tell you.

Enter Jailer’s Brother, Jailer’s Daughter, and others.

line 2309Here they are.
DAUGHTERsings
line 2310May you never more enjoy the light, etc.
line 2311Is not this a fine song?
line 2312BROTHERO, a very fine one.
140line 2313DAUGHTERI can sing twenty more.
line 2314BROTHERI think you can.
line 2315DAUGHTERYes, truly can I. I can sing “The Broom”
line 2316and “Bonny Robin.” Are not you a tailor?
line 2317BROTHERYes.
Act 4 Scene 1 - Pg 173 145line 2318DAUGHTERWhere’s my wedding gown?
line 2319BROTHERI’ll bring it tomorrow.
line 2320DAUGHTERDo, very rarely, I must be abroad else to
line 2321call the maids and pay the minstrels, for I must
line 2322lose my maidenhead by cocklight. ’Twill never
150line 2323thrive else.
line 2324Sings. O fair, O sweet, etc.
line 2325BROTHERto Jailer You must e’en take it patiently.
line 2326JAILER’Tis true.
line 2327DAUGHTERGood e’en, good men. Pray, did you ever
155line 2328hear of one young Palamon?
line 2329JAILERYes, wench, we know him.
line 2330DAUGHTERIs ’t not a fine young gentleman?
line 2331JAILER’Tis, love.
line 2332BROTHERaside to others By no mean cross her; she
160line 2333is then distempered far worse than now she
line 2334shows.
line 2335FIRST FRIENDto Daughter Yes, he’s a fine man.
line 2336DAUGHTERO , is he so? You have a sister.
line 2337FIRST FRIENDYes.
165line 2338DAUGHTERBut she shall never have him—tell her so—
line 2339for a trick that I know; you’d best look to her, for
line 2340if she see him once, she’s gone, she’s done and
line 2341undone in an hour. All the young maids of our
line 2342town are in love with him, but I laugh at ’em and
170line 2343let ’em all alone. Is ’t not a wise course?
line 2344FIRST FRIENDYes.
line 2345DAUGHTERThere is at least two hundred now with
line 2346child by him—there must be four; yet I keep close
line 2347for all this, close as a cockle; and all these must be
175line 2348boys—he has the trick on ’t—and at ten years old
line 2349they must be all gelt for musicians and sing the
line 2350wars of Theseus.
line 2351SECOND FRIENDThis is strange.
line 2352DAUGHTERAs ever you heard, but say nothing.
180line 2353FIRST FRIENDNo.
Act 4 Scene 1 - Pg 175 line 2354DAUGHTERThey come from all parts of the dukedom
line 2355to him; I’ll warrant you, he had not so few last
line 2356night as twenty to dispatch. He’ll tickle ’t up in two
line 2357hours, if his hand be in.
185line 2358JAILERaside She’s lost past all cure.
line 2359BROTHERHeaven forbid, man!
line 2360DAUGHTERto Jailer Come hither; you are a wise
line 2361man.
line 2362FIRST FRIENDaside Does she know him?
190line 2363SECOND FRIENDNo; would she did.
line 2364DAUGHTERYou are master of a ship?
line 2365JAILERYes.
line 2366DAUGHTERWhere’s your compass?
line 2367JAILERHere.
195line 2368DAUGHTERSet it to th’ north. And now direct your
line 2369course to th’ wood, where Palamon lies longing for
line 2370me. For the tackling, let me alone.—Come, weigh,
line 2371my hearts, cheerly.
line 2372ALLas if sailing a ship Owgh, owgh, owgh!—’Tis up!
200line 2373The wind’s fair!—Top the bowline!—Out with the
line 2374main sail! Where’s your whistle, master?
line 2375BROTHERLet’s get her in!
line 2376JAILERUp to the top, boy!
line 2377BROTHERWhere’s the pilot?
205line 2378FIRST FRIENDHere.
line 2379DAUGHTERWhat kenn’st thou?
line 2380SECOND FRIENDA fair wood.
line 2381DAUGHTERBear for it, master. Tack about!
Sings.
line 2382When Cynthia with her borrowed light, etc.

They exit.

Act 4 Scene 2 - Pg 177

Scene 2

Enter Emilia alone, with two pictures.

EMILIA
line 2383Yet I may bind those wounds up that must open
line 2384And bleed to death for my sake else. I’ll choose,
line 2385And end their strife. Two such young handsome men
line 2386Shall never fall for me; their weeping mothers,
5line 2387Following the dead cold ashes of their sons,
line 2388Shall never curse my cruelty.

Looks at one of the pictures.

line 2389Good heaven,
line 2390What a sweet face has Arcite! If wise Nature,
line 2391With all her best endowments, all those beauties
10line 2392She sows into the births of noble bodies,
line 2393Were here a mortal woman, and had in her
line 2394The coy denials of young maids, yet doubtless
line 2395She would run mad for this man. What an eye,
line 2396Of what a fiery sparkle and quick sweetness,
15line 2397Has this young prince! Here Love himself sits
line 2398smiling;
line 2399Just such another wanton Ganymede
line 2400Set Jove afire with, and enforced the god
line 2401Snatch up the goodly boy and set him by him,
20line 2402A shining constellation. What a brow,
line 2403Of what a spacious majesty, he carries,
line 2404Arched like the great-eyed Juno’s but far sweeter,
line 2405Smoother than Pelops’ shoulder! Fame and Honor,
line 2406Methinks, from hence as from a promontory
25line 2407Pointed in heaven, should clap their wings and sing
line 2408To all the under world the loves and fights
line 2409Of gods and such men near ’em.

Looks at the other picture.

line 2410Palamon
line 2411Is but his foil, to him a mere dull shadow;
30line 2412He’s swart and meager, of an eye as heavy
Act 4 Scene 2 - Pg 179 line 2413As if he had lost his mother; a still temper,
line 2414No stirring in him, no alacrity;
line 2415Of all this sprightly sharpness not a smile.
line 2416Yet these that we count errors may become him;
35line 2417Narcissus was a sad boy but a heavenly.
line 2418O, who can find the bent of woman’s fancy?
line 2419I am a fool; my reason is lost in me;
line 2420I have no choice, and I have lied so lewdly
line 2421That women ought to beat me. On my knees
40line 2422I ask thy pardon: Palamon, thou art alone
line 2423And only beautiful, and these the eyes,
line 2424These the bright lamps of beauty, that command
line 2425And threaten love, and what young maid dare cross
line 2426’em?
45line 2427What a bold gravity, and yet inviting,
line 2428Has this brown manly face! O Love, this only
line 2429From this hour is complexion. Lie there, Arcite.

She puts aside his picture.

line 2430Thou art a changeling to him, a mere gypsy,
line 2431And this the noble body. I am sotted,
50line 2432Utterly lost. My virgin’s faith has fled me.
line 2433For if my brother but even now had asked me
line 2434Whether I loved, I had run mad for Arcite.
line 2435Now, if my sister, more for Palamon.
line 2436Stand both together. Now, come ask me, brother.
55line 2437Alas, I know not! Ask me now, sweet sister.
line 2438I may go look! What a mere child is Fancy,
line 2439That, having two fair gauds of equal sweetness,
line 2440Cannot distinguish, but must cry for both.

Enter a Gentleman.

line 2441How now, sir?
60line 2442GENTLEMANFrom the noble duke, your brother,
line 2443Madam, I bring you news: the knights are come.
EMILIA
line 2444To end the quarrel?
Act 4 Scene 2 - Pg 181 line 2445GENTLEMANYes.
line 2446EMILIAWould I might end first!
65line 2447What sins have I committed, chaste Diana,
line 2448That my unspotted youth must now be soiled
line 2449With blood of princes, and my chastity
line 2450Be made the altar where the lives of lovers—
line 2451Two greater and two better never yet
70line 2452Made mothers joy—must be the sacrifice
line 2453To my unhappy beauty?

Enter Theseus, Hippolyta, Pirithous and Attendants.

line 2454THESEUSto Attendant Bring ’em in
line 2455Quickly, by any means; I long to see ’em.
line 2456To Emilia. Your two contending lovers are
75line 2457returned,
line 2458And with them their fair knights. Now, my fair
line 2459sister,
line 2460You must love one of them.
line 2461EMILIAI had rather both,
80line 2462So neither for my sake should fall untimely.
THESEUS
line 2463Who saw ’em?
line 2464PIRITHOUSI awhile.
line 2465GENTLEMANAnd I.

Enter a Messenger.

THESEUS
line 2466From whence come you, sir?
85line 2467MESSENGERFrom the knights.
line 2468THESEUSPray
line 2469speak,
line 2470You that have seen them, what they are.
line 2471MESSENGERI will, sir,
90line 2472And truly what I think. Six braver spirits
line 2473Than these they have brought, if we judge by the
line 2474outside,
Act 4 Scene 2 - Pg 183 line 2475I never saw nor read of. He that stands
line 2476In the first place with Arcite, by his seeming,
95line 2477Should be a stout man, by his face a prince—
line 2478His very looks so say him; his complexion
line 2479Nearer a brown than black—stern and yet noble—
line 2480Which shows him hardy, fearless, proud of dangers;
line 2481The circles of his eyes show fire within him,
100line 2482And as a heated lion, so he looks.
line 2483His hair hangs long behind him, black and shining
line 2484Like ravens’ wings; his shoulders broad and strong,
line 2485Armed long and round; and on his thigh a sword
line 2486Hung by a curious baldric, when he frowns
105line 2487To seal his will with. Better, o’ my conscience,
line 2488Was never soldier’s friend.
THESEUS
line 2489Thou hast well described him.
line 2490PIRITHOUSYet a great
line 2491deal short,
110line 2492Methinks, of him that’s first with Palamon.
THESEUS
line 2493Pray speak him, friend.
line 2494PIRITHOUSI guess he is a prince too,
line 2495And, if it may be, greater; for his show
line 2496Has all the ornament of honor in ’t:
115line 2497He’s somewhat bigger than the knight he spoke of,
line 2498But of a face far sweeter; his complexion
line 2499Is, as a ripe grape, ruddy. He has felt
line 2500Without doubt what he fights for, and so apter
line 2501To make this cause his own. In ’s face appears
120line 2502All the fair hopes of what he undertakes,
line 2503And when he’s angry, then a settled valor,
line 2504Not tainted with extremes, runs through his body
line 2505And guides his arm to brave things. Fear he cannot;
line 2506He shows no such soft temper. His head’s yellow,
125line 2507Hard-haired and curled, thick-twined like ivy tods,
line 2508Not to undo with thunder. In his face
line 2509The livery of the warlike maid appears,
Act 4 Scene 2 - Pg 185 line 2510Pure red and white, for yet no beard has blessed him.
line 2511And in his rolling eyes sits Victory,
130line 2512As if she ever meant to crown his valor.
line 2513His nose stands high, a character of honor;
line 2514His red lips, after fights, are fit for ladies.
EMILIA
line 2515Must these men die too?
line 2516PIRITHOUSWhen he speaks, his tongue
135line 2517Sounds like a trumpet. All his lineaments
line 2518Are as a man would wish ’em, strong and clean.
line 2519He wears a well-steeled axe, the staff of gold;
line 2520His age some five-and-twenty.
line 2521MESSENGERThere’s another—
140line 2522A little man, but of a tough soul, seeming
line 2523As great as any; fairer promises
line 2524In such a body yet I never looked on.
PIRITHOUS
line 2525O, he that’s freckle-faced?
line 2526MESSENGERThe same, my lord.
145line 2527Are they not sweet ones?
line 2528PIRITHOUSYes, they are well.
line 2529MESSENGERMethinks,
line 2530Being so few, and well disposed, they show
line 2531Great and fine art in nature. He’s white-haired—
150line 2532Not wanton white, but such a manly color
line 2533Next to an auburn; tough and nimble-set,
line 2534Which shows an active soul. His arms are brawny,
line 2535Lined with strong sinews—to the shoulder-piece
line 2536Gently they swell, like women new-conceived,
155line 2537Which speaks him prone to labor, never fainting
line 2538Under the weight of arms; stout-hearted still,
line 2539But when he stirs, a tiger. He’s grey-eyed,
line 2540Which yields compassion where he conquers; sharp
line 2541To spy advantages, and where he finds ’em,
160line 2542He’s swift to make ’em his. He does no wrongs,
Act 4 Scene 2 - Pg 187 line 2543Nor takes none. He’s round-faced, and when he
line 2544smiles
line 2545He shows a lover; when he frowns, a soldier.
line 2546About his head he wears the winner’s oak,
165line 2547And in it stuck the favor of his lady.
line 2548His age some six-and-thirty. In his hand
line 2549He bears a charging-staff embossed with silver.
THESEUS
line 2550Are they all thus?
line 2551PIRITHOUSThey are all the sons of honor.
THESEUS
170line 2552Now, as I have a soul, I long to see ’em.—
line 2553Lady, you shall see men fight now.
line 2554HIPPOLYTAI wish it,
line 2555But not the cause, my lord. They would show
line 2556Bravely about the titles of two kingdoms;
175line 2557’Tis pity love should be so tyrannous.—
line 2558O, my soft-hearted sister, what think you?
line 2559Weep not till they weep blood. Wench, it must be.
THESEUSto Emilia
line 2560You have steeled ’em with your beauty.
line 2561ToPirithous. Honored friend,
180line 2562To you I give the field; pray order it
line 2563Fitting the persons that must use it.
line 2564PIRITHOUSYes, sir.
THESEUS
line 2565Come, I’ll go visit ’em. I cannot stay—
line 2566Their fame has fired me so—till they appear.
185line 2567Good friend, be royal.
line 2568PIRITHOUSThere shall want no bravery.

All but Emilia exit.

EMILIA
line 2569Poor wench, go weep, for whosoever wins
line 2570Loses a noble cousin for thy sins.

She exits.

Act 4 Scene 3 - Pg 189

Scene 3

Enter Jailer, Wooer, Doctor.

line 2571DOCTORHer distraction is more at some time of the
line 2572moon than at other some, is it not?
line 2573JAILERShe is continually in a harmless distemper,
line 2574sleeps little, altogether without appetite, save often
5line 2575drinking, dreaming of another world, and a better;
line 2576and what broken piece of matter soe’er she’s about,
line 2577the name Palamon lards it, that she farces ev’ry
line 2578business withal, fits it to every question.

Enter Jailer’s Daughter.

line 2579Look where she comes; you shall perceive her
10line 2580behavior.They stand aside.
line 2581DAUGHTERI have forgot it quite. The burden on ’t was
line 2582“down-a down-a,” and penned by no worse man
line 2583than Geraldo, Emilia’s schoolmaster. He’s as fantastical,
line 2584too, as ever he may go upon ’s legs, for in
15line 2585the next world will Dido see Palamon, and then
line 2586will she be out of love with Aeneas.
line 2587DOCTORaside to Jailer and Wooer What stuff’s here?
line 2588Poor soul.
line 2589JAILERE’en thus all day long.
20line 2590DAUGHTERNow for this charm that I told you of, you
line 2591must bring a piece of silver on the tip of your
line 2592tongue, or no ferry; then if it be your chance to
line 2593come where the blessed spirits are, there’s a
line 2594sight now! We maids that have our livers perished,
25line 2595cracked to pieces with love, we shall come there,
line 2596and do nothing all day long but pick flowers with
line 2597Proserpine. Then will I make Palamon a nosegay;
line 2598then let him mark me then.
line 2599DOCTORHow prettily she’s amiss! Note her a little
30line 2600further.
line 2601DAUGHTERFaith, I’ll tell you, sometime we go to
Act 4 Scene 3 - Pg 191 line 2602barley-break, we of the blessed. Alas, ’tis a sore life
line 2603they have i’ th’ other place—such burning, frying,
line 2604boiling, hissing, howling, chatt’ring, cursing—O,
35line 2605they have shrewd measure, take heed! If one be
line 2606mad, or hang or drown themselves, thither they
line 2607go, Jupiter bless us, and there shall we be put in
line 2608a cauldron of lead and usurers’ grease, amongst a
line 2609whole million of cutpurses, and there boil like a
40line 2610gammon of bacon that will never be enough.
line 2611DOCTORHow her brains coins!
line 2612DAUGHTERLords and courtiers that have got maids
line 2613with child, they are in this place. They shall stand
line 2614in fire up to the navel and in ice up to th’ heart, and
45line 2615there th’ offending part burns and the deceiving
line 2616part freezes: in troth, a very grievous punishment,
line 2617as one would think, for such a trifle. Believe me,
line 2618one would marry a leprous witch to be rid on ’t, I’ll
line 2619assure you.
50line 2620DOCTORHow she continues this fancy! ’Tis not an engraffed
line 2621madness, but a most thick and profound
line 2622melancholy.
line 2623DAUGHTERTo hear there a proud lady and a proud city
line 2624wife howl together—I were a beast an I’d call it
55line 2625good sport. One cries “O this smoke!” th’ other,
line 2626“This fire!”; one cries, “O, that ever I did it behind
line 2627the arras!” and then howls; th’ other curses a suing
line 2628fellow and her garden house.
Sings.
line 2629I will be true, my stars, my fate, etc.

Daughter exits.

60line 2630JAILERWhat think you of her, sir?
line 2631DOCTORI think she has a perturbed mind, which I
line 2632cannot minister to.
line 2633JAILERAlas, what then?
line 2634DOCTORUnderstand you she ever affected any man
65line 2635ere she beheld Palamon?
Act 4 Scene 3 - Pg 193 line 2636JAILERI was once, sir, in great hope she had fixed her
line 2637liking on this gentleman, my friend.
line 2638WOOERI did think so, too, and would account I had a
line 2639great penn’orth on ’t to give half my state that both
70line 2640she and I, at this present, stood unfeignedly on the
line 2641same terms.
line 2642DOCTORThat intemp’rate surfeit of her eye hath distempered
line 2643the other senses. They may return and
line 2644settle again to execute their preordained faculties,
75line 2645but they are now in a most extravagant vagary.
line 2646This you must do: confine her to a place where
line 2647the light may rather seem to steal in than be
line 2648permitted.—Take upon you, young sir, her friend,
line 2649the name of Palamon; say you come to eat with
80line 2650her, and to commune of love. This will catch her
line 2651attention, for this her mind beats upon; other
line 2652objects that are inserted ’tween her mind and eye
line 2653become the pranks and friskins of her madness.
line 2654Sing to her such green songs of love as she says
85line 2655Palamon hath sung in prison. Come to her stuck
line 2656in as sweet flowers as the season is mistress of,
line 2657and thereto make an addition of some other compounded
line 2658odors which are grateful to the sense.
line 2659All this shall become Palamon, for Palamon can
90line 2660sing, and Palamon is sweet and ev’ry good thing.
line 2661Desire to eat with her, carve her, drink to her, and
line 2662still among intermingle your petition of grace and
line 2663acceptance into her favor. Learn what maids have
line 2664been her companions and playferes, and let them
95line 2665repair to her with Palamon in their mouths, and
line 2666appear with tokens, as if they suggested for him.—
line 2667It is a falsehood she is in, which is with falsehoods
line 2668to be combated. This may bring her to eat,
line 2669to sleep, and reduce what’s now out of square in
100line 2670her into their former law and regiment. I have seen
line 2671it approved, how many times I know not, but to
Act 4 Scene 3 - Pg 195 line 2672make the number more, I have great hope in this.
line 2673I will between the passages of this project come
line 2674in with my appliance. Let us put it in execution
105line 2675and hasten the success, which doubt not will bring
line 2676forth comfort.

They exit.

ACT 5

Scene 1

Flourish. Enter Theseus, Pirithous, Hippolyta, and Attendants. Three altars set up onstage.

THESEUS
line 2677Now let ’em enter and before the gods
line 2678Tender their holy prayers. Let the temples
line 2679Burn bright with sacred fires, and the altars
line 2680In hallowed clouds commend their swelling incense
5line 2681To those above us. Let no due be wanting.
line 2682They have a noble work in hand will honor
line 2683The very powers that love ’em.
line 2684PIRITHOUSSir, they enter.

Flourish of cornets. Enter Palamon and Arcite and their Knights.

THESEUS
line 2685You valiant and strong-hearted enemies,
10line 2686You royal german foes, that this day come
line 2687To blow that nearness out that flames between you,
line 2688Lay by your anger for an hour and, dove-like,
line 2689Before the holy altars of your helpers,
line 2690The all-feared gods, bow down your stubborn
15line 2691bodies.
line 2692Your ire is more than mortal; so your help be.
line 2693And as the gods regard you, fight with justice.
Act 5 Scene 1 - Pg 201 line 2694I’ll leave you to your prayers, and betwixt you
line 2695I part my wishes.
20line 2696PIRITHOUSHonor crown the worthiest!

Theseus and his train exit.

PALAMON
line 2697The glass is running now that cannot finish
line 2698Till one of us expire. Think you but thus,
line 2699That were there aught in me which strove to show
line 2700Mine enemy in this business, were ’t one eye
25line 2701Against another, arm oppressed by arm,
line 2702I would destroy th’ offender, coz—I would
line 2703Though parcel of myself. Then from this gather
line 2704How I should tender you.
line 2705ARCITEI am in labor
30line 2706To push your name, your ancient love, our kindred
line 2707Out of my memory, and i’ th’ selfsame place
line 2708To seat something I would confound. So hoist we
line 2709The sails that must these vessels port even where
line 2710The heavenly Limiter pleases.
35line 2711PALAMONYou speak well.
line 2712Before I turn, let me embrace thee, cousin.

They embrace.

line 2713This I shall never do again.
line 2714ARCITEOne farewell.
PALAMON
line 2715Why, let it be so. Farewell, coz.
40line 2716ARCITEFarewell, sir.

Palamon and his Knights exit.

line 2717Knights, kinsmen, lovers, yea, my sacrifices,
line 2718True worshippers of Mars, whose spirit in you
line 2719Expels the seeds of fear and th’ apprehension
line 2720Which still is father of it, go with me
45line 2721Before the god of our profession. There
line 2722Require of him the hearts of lions and
line 2723The breath of tigers, yea, the fierceness too,
line 2724Yea, the speed also—to go on, I mean;
Act 5 Scene 1 - Pg 203 line 2725Else wish we to be snails. You know my prize
50line 2726Must be dragged out of blood; force and great feat
line 2727Must put my garland on, where she sticks,
line 2728The queen of flowers. Our intercession, then,
line 2729Must be to him that makes the camp a cistern
line 2730Brimmed with the blood of men. Give me your aid,
55line 2731And bend your spirits towards him.

They go to Mars’s altar, fall on their faces before it, and then kneel.

line 2732Thou mighty one, that with thy power hast turned
line 2733Green Neptune into purple, whose approach
line 2734Comets prewarn, whose havoc in vast field
line 2735Unearthèd skulls proclaim, whose breath blows
60line 2736down
line 2737The teeming Ceres’ foison, who dost pluck
line 2738With hand armipotent from forth blue clouds
line 2739The masoned turrets, that both mak’st and break’st
line 2740The stony girths of cities; me thy pupil,
65line 2741Youngest follower of thy drum, instruct this day
line 2742With military skill, that to thy laud
line 2743I may advance my streamer, and by thee
line 2744Be styled the lord o’ th’ day. Give me, great Mars,
line 2745Some token of thy pleasure.

Here they fall on their faces as formerly, and there is heard clanging of armor, with a short thunder, as the burst of a battle, whereupon they all rise and bow to the altar.

70line 2746O, great corrector of enormous times,
line 2747Shaker of o’er-rank states, thou grand decider
line 2748Of dusty and old titles, that heal’st with blood
line 2749The Earth when it is sick, and cur’st the world
line 2750O’ th’ pleurisy of people, I do take
75line 2751Thy signs auspiciously, and in thy name
line 2752To my design march boldly.—Let us go.They exit.
Act 5 Scene 1 - Pg 205

Enter Palamon and his Knights, with the former observance.

PALAMON
line 2753Our stars must glister with new fire, or be
line 2754Today extinct. Our argument is love,
line 2755Which, if the goddess of it grant, she gives
80line 2756Victory too. Then blend your spirits with mine,
line 2757You whose free nobleness do make my cause
line 2758Your personal hazard. To the goddess Venus
line 2759Commend we our proceeding, and implore
line 2760Her power unto our party.

Here they go to Venus’s altar, fall on their faces before it, and then kneel.

85line 2761Hail, sovereign queen of secrets, who hast power
line 2762To call the fiercest tyrant from his rage
line 2763And weep unto a girl; that hast the might
line 2764Even with an eye-glance to choke Mars’s drum
line 2765And turn th’ alarm to whispers; that canst make
90line 2766A cripple flourish with his crutch, and cure him
line 2767Before Apollo; that mayst force the king
line 2768To be his subject’s vassal, and induce
line 2769Stale gravity to dance. The polled bachelor,
line 2770Whose youth, like wanton boys through bonfires,
95line 2771Have skipped thy flame, at seventy thou canst catch,
line 2772And make him, to the scorn of his hoarse throat,
line 2773Abuse young lays of love. What godlike power
line 2774Hast thou not power upon? To Phoebus thou
line 2775Add’st flames hotter than his; the heavenly fires
100line 2776Did scorch his mortal son, thine him. The huntress,
line 2777All moist and cold, some say, began to throw
line 2778Her bow away and sigh. Take to thy grace
line 2779Me, thy vowed soldier, who do bear thy yoke
line 2780As ’twere a wreath of roses, yet is heavier
105line 2781Than lead itself, stings more than nettles.
line 2782I have never been foul-mouthed against thy law,
Act 5 Scene 1 - Pg 207 line 2783Ne’er revealed secret, for I knew none—would not,
line 2784Had I kenned all that were. I never practiced
line 2785Upon man’s wife, nor would the libels read
110line 2786Of liberal wits. I never at great feasts
line 2787Sought to betray a beauty, but have blushed
line 2788At simp’ring sirs that did. I have been harsh
line 2789To large confessors, and have hotly asked them
line 2790If they had mothers—I had one, a woman,
115line 2791And women ’twere they wronged. I knew a man
line 2792Of eighty winters—this I told them—who
line 2793A lass of fourteen brided; ’twas thy power
line 2794To put life into dust. The agèd cramp
line 2795Had screwed his square foot round;
120line 2796The gout had knit his fingers into knots;
line 2797Torturing convulsions from his globy eyes
line 2798Had almost drawn their spheres, that what was life
line 2799In him seemed torture. This anatomy
line 2800Had by his young fair fere a boy, and I
125line 2801Believed it was his, for she swore it was,
line 2802And who would not believe her? Brief, I am
line 2803To those that prate and have done, no companion;
line 2804To those that boast and have not, a defier;
line 2805To those that would and cannot, a rejoicer.
130line 2806Yea, him I do not love that tells close offices
line 2807The foulest way, nor names concealments in
line 2808The boldest language. Such a one I am,
line 2809And vow that lover never yet made sigh
line 2810Truer than I. O, then, most soft sweet goddess,
135line 2811Give me the victory of this question, which
line 2812Is true love’s merit, and bless me with a sign
line 2813Of thy great pleasure.

Here music is heard; doves are seen to flutter. They fall again upon their faces, then on their knees.

line 2814O thou that from eleven to ninety reign’st
line 2815In mortal bosoms, whose chase is this world
Act 5 Scene 1 - Pg 209 140line 2816And we in herds thy game, I give thee thanks
line 2817For this fair token, which being laid unto
line 2818Mine innocent true heart, arms in assurance
line 2819My body to this business.—Let us rise
line 2820And bow before the goddess.They rise and bow.
145line 2821Time comes on.

They exit.

Still music of recorders. Enter Emilia in white, her hair about her shoulders, wearing a wheaten wreath; one in white holding up her train, her hair stuck with flowers; one before her carrying a silver hind, in which is conveyed incense and sweet odors, which being set upon the altar of Diana, her maids standing aloof, she sets fire to it. Then they curtsy and kneel.

EMILIA
line 2822O sacred, shadowy, cold, and constant queen,
line 2823Abandoner of revels, mute contemplative,
line 2824Sweet, solitary, white as chaste, and pure
line 2825As wind-fanned snow, who to thy female knights
150line 2826Allow’st no more blood than will make a blush,
line 2827Which is their order’s robe, I here, thy priest,
line 2828Am humbled ’fore thine altar. O, vouchsafe
line 2829With that thy rare green eye, which never yet
line 2830Beheld thing maculate, look on thy virgin,
155line 2831And, sacred silver mistress, lend thine ear—
line 2832Which ne’er heard scurrile term, into whose port
line 2833Ne’er entered wanton sound—to my petition,
line 2834Seasoned with holy fear. This is my last
line 2835Of vestal office. I am bride-habited
160line 2836But maiden-hearted. A husband I have ’pointed,
line 2837But do not know him. Out of two I should
line 2838Choose one, and pray for his success, but I
line 2839Am guiltless of election. Of mine eyes,
line 2840Were I to lose one—they are equal precious—
165line 2841I could doom neither; that which perished should
Act 5 Scene 2 - Pg 211 line 2842Go to ’t unsentenced. Therefore, most modest queen,
line 2843He of the two pretenders that best loves me
line 2844And has the truest title in ’t, let him
line 2845Take off my wheaten garland, or else grant
170line 2846The file and quality I hold I may
line 2847Continue in thy band.

Here the hind vanishes under the altar, and in the place ascends a rose tree, having one rose upon it.

line 2848See what our general of ebbs and flows
line 2849Out from the bowels of her holy altar
line 2850With sacred act advances: but one rose.
175line 2851If well inspired, this battle shall confound
line 2852Both these brave knights, and I, a virgin flower,
line 2853Must grow alone unplucked.

Here is heard a sudden twang of instruments, and the rose falls from the tree.

line 2854The flower is fall’n, the tree descends. O mistress,
line 2855Thou here dischargest me. I shall be gathered;
180line 2856I think so, but I know not thine own will.
line 2857Unclasp thy mystery!—I hope she’s pleased;
line 2858Her signs were gracious.

They curtsy and exit.

Scene 2

Enter Doctor, Jailer, and Wooer in the habit of Palamon.

DOCTOR
line 2859Has this advice I told you done any good upon her?
WOOER
line 2860O, very much. The maids that kept her company
line 2861Have half-persuaded her that I am Palamon;
line 2862Within this half-hour she came smiling to me,
Act 5 Scene 2 - Pg 213 5line 2863And asked me what I would eat, and when I would
line 2864kiss her.
line 2865I told her “Presently,” and kissed her twice.
DOCTOR
line 2866’Twas well done; twenty times had been far better,
line 2867For there the cure lies mainly.
10line 2868WOOERThen she told me
line 2869She would watch with me tonight, for well she knew
line 2870What hour my fit would take me.
line 2871DOCTORLet her do so,
line 2872And when your fit comes, fit her home,
15line 2873And presently.
line 2874WOOERShe would have me sing.
DOCTOR
line 2875You did so?
line 2876WOOERNo.
line 2877DOCTOR’Twas very ill done, then.
20line 2878You should observe her ev’ry way.
line 2879WOOERAlas,
line 2880I have no voice, sir, to confirm her that way.
DOCTOR
line 2881That’s all one, if you make a noise.
line 2882If she entreat again, do anything.
25line 2883Lie with her, if she ask you.
line 2884JAILERHo there, doctor!
DOCTOR
line 2885Yes, in the way of cure.
line 2886JAILERBut first, by your leave,
line 2887I’ th’ way of honesty.
30line 2888DOCTORThat’s but a niceness.
line 2889Ne’er cast your child away for honesty.
line 2890Cure her first this way; then if she will be honest,
line 2891She has the path before her.
JAILER
line 2892Thank you, doctor.
Act 5 Scene 2 - Pg 215 35line 2893DOCTORPray bring her in
line 2894And let’s see how she is.
line 2895JAILERI will, and tell her
line 2896Her Palamon stays for her. But, doctor,
line 2897Methinks you are i’ th’ wrong still.Jailer exits.
40line 2898DOCTORGo, go.
line 2899You fathers are fine fools. Her honesty?
line 2900And we should give her physic till we find that!
WOOER
line 2901Why, do you think she is not honest, sir?
DOCTOR
line 2902How old is she?
45line 2903WOOERShe’s eighteen.
line 2904DOCTORShe may be.
line 2905But that’s all one; ’tis nothing to our purpose.
line 2906Whate’er her father says, if you perceive
line 2907Her mood inclining that way that I spoke of,
50line 2908Videlicet, the way of flesh—you have me?
WOOER
line 2909Yes, very well, sir.
line 2910DOCTORPlease her appetite,
line 2911And do it home; it cures her, ipso facto,
line 2912The melancholy humor that infects her.
WOOER
55line 2913I am of your mind, doctor.
line 2914DOCTORYou’ll find it so.

Enter Jailer, Daughter, and Maid.

line 2915She comes; pray humor her.

Wooer and Doctor stand aside.

JAILERto Daughter
line 2916Come, your love Palamon stays for you, child,
line 2917And has done this long hour, to visit you.
DAUGHTER
60line 2918I thank him for his gentle patience.
Act 5 Scene 2 - Pg 217 line 2919He’s a kind gentleman, and I am much bound to
line 2920him.
line 2921Did you ne’er see the horse he gave me?
line 2922JAILERYes.
DAUGHTER
65line 2923How do you like him?
line 2924JAILERHe’s a very fair one.
DAUGHTER
line 2925You never saw him dance?
line 2926JAILERNo.
line 2927DAUGHTERI have, often.
70line 2928He dances very finely, very comely,
line 2929And for a jig, come cut and long tail to him,
line 2930He turns you like a top.
line 2931JAILERThat’s fine indeed.
DAUGHTER
line 2932He’ll dance the morris twenty mile an hour,
75line 2933And that will founder the best hobbyhorse,
line 2934If I have any skill, in all the parish,
line 2935And gallops to the tune of “Light o’ love.”
line 2936What think you of this horse?
line 2937JAILERHaving these virtues,
80line 2938I think he might be brought to play at tennis.
DAUGHTER
line 2939Alas, that’s nothing.
line 2940JAILERCan he write and read too?
DAUGHTER
line 2941A very fair hand, and casts himself th’ accounts
line 2942Of all his hay and provender. That hostler
85line 2943Must rise betime that cozens him. You know
line 2944The chestnut mare the Duke has?
line 2945JAILERVery well.
DAUGHTER
line 2946She is horribly in love with him, poor beast,
line 2947But he is like his master, coy and scornful.
Act 5 Scene 2 - Pg 219 JAILER
90line 2948What dowry has she?
line 2949DAUGHTERSome two hundred bottles,
line 2950And twenty strike of oats, but he’ll ne’er have her.
line 2951He lisps in ’s neighing able to entice
line 2952A miller’s mare. He’ll be the death of her.
95line 2953DOCTORaside What stuff she utters!

Wooer and Doctor come forward.

JAILER
line 2954Make curtsy; here your love comes.
line 2955WOOERPretty soul,
line 2956How do you?Daughter curtsies.
line 2957That’s a fine maid; there’s a curtsy!
DAUGHTER
100line 2958Yours to command i’ th’ way of honesty.—
line 2959How far is ’t now to th’ end o’ th’ world, my masters?
DOCTOR
line 2960Why, a day’s journey, wench.
line 2961DAUGHTERto Wooer Will you go with me?
WOOER
line 2962What shall we do there, wench?
105line 2963DAUGHTERWhy, play at
line 2964stool-ball.
line 2965What is there else to do?
line 2966WOOERI am content,
line 2967If we shall keep our wedding there.
110line 2968DAUGHTER’Tis true,
line 2969For there, I will assure you, we shall find
line 2970Some blind priest for the purpose, that will venture
line 2971To marry us; for here they are nice and foolish.
line 2972Besides, my father must be hanged tomorrow,
115line 2973And that would be a blot i’ th’ business.
line 2974Are not you Palamon?
line 2975WOOERDo not you know me?
Act 5 Scene 2 - Pg 221 DAUGHTER
line 2976Yes, but you care not for me; I have nothing
line 2977But this poor petticoat and two coarse smocks.
WOOER
120line 2978That’s all one; I will have you.
line 2979DAUGHTERWill you surely?
WOOERtaking her hand
line 2980Yes, by this fair hand, will I.
line 2981DAUGHTERWe’ll to bed then.
WOOER
line 2982E’en when you will.He kisses her.
125line 2983DAUGHTERwiping her face O , sir, you would fain
line 2984be nibbling.
WOOER
line 2985Why do you rub my kiss off?
line 2986DAUGHTER’Tis a sweet one,
line 2987And will perfume me finely against the wedding.
130line 2988Is not this your cousin Arcite?She indicates Doctor.
line 2989DOCTORYes, sweetheart,
line 2990And I am glad my cousin Palamon
line 2991Has made so fair a choice.
line 2992DAUGHTERDo you think he’ll have me?
DOCTOR
135line 2993Yes, without doubt.
line 2994DAUGHTERto Jailer Do you think so too?
line 2995JAILERYes.
DAUGHTER
line 2996We shall have many children. To Doctor. Lord,
line 2997how you’re grown!
140line 2998My Palamon, I hope, will grow too, finely,
line 2999Now he’s at liberty. Alas, poor chicken,
line 3000He was kept down with hard meat and ill lodging,
line 3001But I’ll kiss him up again.

Enter a Messenger.

Act 5 Scene 2 - Pg 223 MESSENGER
line 3002What do you here? You’ll lose the noblest sight
145line 3003That e’er was seen.
line 3004JAILERAre they i’ th’ field?
line 3005MESSENGERThey are.
line 3006You bear a charge there too.
line 3007JAILERI’ll away straight.—
150line 3008I must e’en leave you here.
line 3009DOCTORNay, we’ll go with you.
line 3010I will not lose the sight.
line 3011JAILERaside to Doctor How did you like her?
DOCTOR
line 3012I’ll warrant you, within these three or four days
155line 3013I’ll make her right again.Jailer and Messenger exit.
line 3014To Wooer. You must not from her,
line 3015But still preserve her in this way.
line 3016WOOERI will.
DOCTOR
line 3017Let’s get her in.
160line 3018WOOERCome, sweet, we’ll go to dinner
line 3019And then we’ll play at cards.
line 3020DAUGHTERAnd shall we kiss too?
WOOER
line 3021A hundred times.
line 3022DAUGHTERAnd twenty.
165line 3023WOOERAy, and twenty.
DAUGHTER
line 3024And then we’ll sleep together.
line 3025DOCTORto Wooer Take her offer.
WOOER
line 3026Yes, marry, will we.
line 3027DAUGHTERBut you shall not hurt me.
WOOER
170line 3028I will not, sweet.
line 3029DAUGHTERIf you do, love, I’ll cry.

They exit.

Act 5 Scene 3 - Pg 225

Scene 3

Flourish. Enter Theseus, Hippolyta, Emilia, Pirithous, and some Attendants.

EMILIA
line 3030I’ll no step further.
line 3031PIRITHOUSWill you lose this sight?
EMILIA
line 3032I had rather see a wren hawk at a fly
line 3033Than this decision; ev’ry blow that falls
5line 3034Threats a brave life; each stroke laments
line 3035The place whereon it falls, and sounds more like
line 3036A bell than blade. I will stay here.
line 3037It is enough my hearing shall be punished
line 3038With what shall happen, ’gainst the which there is
10line 3039No deafing but to hear; not taint mine eye
line 3040With dread sights it may shun.
line 3041PIRITHOUSto Theseus Sir, my good lord,
line 3042Your sister will no further.
line 3043THESEUSO, she must.
15line 3044She shall see deeds of honor in their kind,
line 3045Which sometime show well, penciled. Nature now
line 3046Shall make and act the story, the belief
line 3047Both sealed with eye and ear.—You must be present;
line 3048You are the victor’s meed, the price and garland
20line 3049To crown the question’s title.
line 3050EMILIAPardon me.
line 3051If I were there, I’d wink.
line 3052THESEUSYou must be there;
line 3053This trial is as ’twere i’ th’ night, and you
25line 3054The only star to shine.
line 3055EMILIAI am extinct;
line 3056There is but envy in that light which shows
line 3057The one the other. Darkness, which ever was
line 3058The dam of horror, who does stand accursed
30line 3059Of many mortal millions, may even now,
Act 5 Scene 3 - Pg 227 line 3060By casting her black mantle over both,
line 3061That neither could find other, get herself
line 3062Some part of a good name, and many a murder
line 3063Set off whereto she’s guilty.
35line 3064HIPPOLYTAYou must go.
EMILIA
line 3065In faith, I will not.
line 3066THESEUSWhy, the knights must kindle
line 3067Their valor at your eye. Know, of this war
line 3068You are the treasure, and must needs be by
40line 3069To give the service pay.
line 3070EMILIASir, pardon me.
line 3071The title of a kingdom may be tried
line 3072Out of itself.
line 3073THESEUSWell, well, then; at your pleasure.
45line 3074Those that remain with you could wish their office
line 3075To any of their enemies.
line 3076HIPPOLYTAFarewell, sister.
line 3077I am like to know your husband ’fore yourself
line 3078By some small start of time. He whom the gods
50line 3079Do of the two know best, I pray them he
line 3080Be made your lot.

Theseus, Hippolyta, Pirithous, and others, exit. Emilia remains, comparing again the pictures of Arcite and Palamon.

EMILIA
line 3081Arcite is gently visaged, yet his eye
line 3082Is like an engine bent, or a sharp weapon
line 3083In a soft sheath; mercy and manly courage
55line 3084Are bedfellows in his visage. Palamon
line 3085Has a most menacing aspect; his brow
line 3086Is graved, and seems to bury what it frowns on;
line 3087Yet sometimes ’tis not so, but alters to
line 3088The quality of his thoughts. Long time his eye
60line 3089Will dwell upon his object. Melancholy
line 3090Becomes him nobly; so does Arcite’s mirth;
Act 5 Scene 3 - Pg 229 line 3091But Palamon’s sadness is a kind of mirth,
line 3092So mingled, as if mirth did make him sad
line 3093And sadness merry. Those darker humors that
65line 3094Stick misbecomingly on others, on them
line 3095Live in fair dwelling.

Cornets. Trumpets sound as to a charge.

line 3096Hark how yon spurs to spirit do incite
line 3097The princes to their proof! Arcite may win me,
line 3098And yet may Palamon wound Arcite to
70line 3099The spoiling of his figure. O, what pity
line 3100Enough for such a chance? If I were by,
line 3101I might do hurt, for they would glance their eyes
line 3102Towards my seat, and in that motion might
line 3103Omit a ward or forfeit an offense
75line 3104Which craved that very time.

Cornets. A great cry and noise within crying “À Palamon!”

line 3105It is much better
line 3106I am not there. O, better never born
line 3107Than minister to such harm!

Enter Servant.

line 3108What is the chance?
80line 3109SERVANTThe cry’s “À Palamon.”
line 3110EMILIAThen he has won. ’Twas ever likely.
line 3111He looked all grace and success, and he is
line 3112Doubtless the prim’st of men. I prithee run
line 3113And tell me how it goes.

Shout and cornets, crying “À Palamon!”

85line 3114SERVANTStill “Palamon.”
EMILIA
line 3115Run and inquire.Servant exits.
line 3116Addressing Arcite’s picture. Poor servant, thou hast
line 3117lost.
line 3118Upon my right side still I wore thy picture,
90line 3119Palamon’s on the left—why so, I know not.
Act 5 Scene 3 - Pg 231 line 3120I had no end in ’t else; chance would have it so.
line 3121On the sinister side the heart lies; Palamon
line 3122Had the best-boding chance.

Another cry, and shout within, and cornets.

line 3123This burst of clamor
95line 3124Is sure th’ end o’ th’ combat.

Enter Servant.

SERVANT
line 3125They said that Palamon had Arcite’s body
line 3126Within an inch o’ th’ pyramid, that the cry
line 3127Was general “À Palamon.” But anon,
line 3128Th’ assistants made a brave redemption, and
100line 3129The two bold titlers at this instant are
line 3130Hand to hand at it.
line 3131EMILIAWere they metamorphosed
line 3132Both into one—O, why, there were no woman
line 3133Worth so composed a man! Their single share,
105line 3134Their nobleness peculiar to them, gives
line 3135The prejudice of disparity, value’s shortness,
line 3136To any lady breathing.

Cornets. Cry within, “Arcite, Arcite.”

line 3137More exulting?
line 3138“Palamon” still?
110line 3139SERVANTNay, now the sound is “Arcite.”
EMILIA
line 3140I prithee lay attention to the cry;
line 3141Set both thine ears to th’ business.

Cornets. A great shout, and cry “Arcite, victory!”

line 3142SERVANTThe cry is “Arcite”
line 3143And “Victory! Hark, Arcite, victory!”
115line 3144The combat’s consummation is proclaimed
line 3145By the wind instruments.
line 3146EMILIAHalf-sights saw
line 3147That Arcite was no babe. God’s lid, his richness
line 3148And costliness of spirit looked through him; it could
Act 5 Scene 3 - Pg 233 120line 3149No more be hid in him than fire in flax,
line 3150Than humble banks can go to law with waters
line 3151That drift-winds force to raging. I did think
line 3152Good Palamon would miscarry, yet I knew not
line 3153Why I did think so. Our reasons are not prophets
125line 3154When oft our fancies are. They are coming off.
line 3155Alas, poor Palamon!

Cornets. Enter Theseus, Hippolyta, Pirithous, Arcite as victor, and Attendants and others.

THESEUS
line 3156Lo, where our sister is in expectation,
line 3157Yet quaking and unsettled.—Fairest Emily,
line 3158The gods by their divine arbitrament
130line 3159Have given you this knight; he is a good one
line 3160As ever struck at head.—Give me your hands.
line 3161Receive you her, you him. Be plighted with
line 3162A love that grows as you decay.
line 3163ARCITEEmily,
135line 3164To buy you I have lost what’s dearest to me
line 3165Save what is bought, and yet I purchase cheaply,
line 3166As I do rate your value.
line 3167THESEUSO loved sister,
line 3168He speaks now of as brave a knight as e’er
140line 3169Did spur a noble steed. Surely the gods
line 3170Would have him die a bachelor, lest his race
line 3171Should show i’ th’ world too godlike. His behavior
line 3172So charmed me that methought Alcides was
line 3173To him a sow of lead. If I could praise
145line 3174Each part of him to th’ all I have spoke, your Arcite
line 3175Did not lose by ’t, for he that was thus good
line 3176Encountered yet his better. I have heard
line 3177Two emulous Philomels beat the ear o’ th’ night
line 3178With their contentious throats, now one the higher,
150line 3179Anon the other, then again the first,
line 3180And by-and-by out-breasted, that the sense
Act 5 Scene 4 - Pg 235 line 3181Could not be judge between ’em. So it fared
line 3182Good space between these kinsmen, till heavens did
line 3183Make hardly one the winner.—Wear the garland
155line 3184With joy that you have won.—For the subdued,
line 3185Give them our present justice, since I know
line 3186Their lives but pinch ’em. Let it here be done.
line 3187The scene’s not for our seeing. Go we hence
line 3188Right joyful, with some sorrow.—Arm your prize;
160line 3189I know you will not lose her.—Hippolyta,
line 3190I see one eye of yours conceives a tear,
line 3191The which it will deliver.
line 3192EMILIAIs this winning?
line 3193O all you heavenly powers, where is your mercy?
165line 3194But that your wills have said it must be so,
line 3195And charge me live to comfort this unfriended,
line 3196This miserable prince, that cuts away
line 3197A life more worthy from him than all women,
line 3198I should and would die too.
170line 3199HIPPOLYTAInfinite pity
line 3200That four such eyes should be so fixed on one
line 3201That two must needs be blind for ’t.
line 3202THESEUSSo it is.

Flourish. They exit.

Scene 4

Enter Guard with Palamon and his Knights, pinioned; Jailer, Executioner and Others, carrying a block and an ax.

PALAMON
line 3203There’s many a man alive that hath outlived
line 3204The love o’ th’ people; yea, i’ th’ selfsame state
line 3205Stands many a father with his child. Some comfort
line 3206We have by so considering. We expire,
5line 3207And not without men’s pity. To live still,
Act 5 Scene 4 - Pg 237 line 3208Have their good wishes; we prevent
line 3209The loathsome misery of age, beguile
line 3210The gout and rheum that in lag hours attend
line 3211For gray approachers; we come towards the gods
10line 3212Young and unwappered, not halting under crimes
line 3213Many and stale. That sure shall please the gods
line 3214Sooner than such, to give us nectar with ’em,
line 3215For we are more clear spirits. My dear kinsmen,
line 3216Whose lives for this poor comfort are laid down,
15line 3217You have sold ’em too too cheap.
line 3218FIRST KNIGHTWhat ending could be
line 3219Of more content? O’er us the victors have
line 3220Fortune, whose title is as momentary
line 3221As to us death is certain. A grain of honor
20line 3222They not o’er-weigh us.
line 3223SECOND KNIGHTLet us bid farewell;
line 3224And with our patience anger tott’ring Fortune,
line 3225Who at her certain’st reels.
line 3226THIRD KNIGHTCome, who begins?
PALAMON
25line 3227E’en he that led you to this banquet shall
line 3228Taste to you all. To Jailer. Ah ha, my friend, my
line 3229friend,
line 3230Your gentle daughter gave me freedom once;
line 3231You’ll see ’t done now forever. Pray, how does she?
30line 3232I heard she was not well; her kind of ill
line 3233Gave me some sorrow.
line 3234JAILERSir, she’s well restored,
line 3235And to be married shortly.
line 3236PALAMONBy my short life,
35line 3237I am most glad on ’t. ’Tis the latest thing
line 3238I shall be glad of; prithee, tell her so.
line 3239Commend me to her, and to piece her portion,
line 3240Tender her this.He gives his purse to Jailer.
line 3241FIRST KNIGHTNay, let’s be offerers all.
Act 5 Scene 4 - Pg 239 SECOND KNIGHT
40line 3242Is it a maid?
line 3243PALAMONVerily, I think so.
line 3244A right good creature, more to me deserving
line 3245Than I can quit or speak of.
line 3246ALL KNIGHTSCommend us to her.

They give their purses.

JAILER
45line 3247The gods requite you all and make her thankful!
PALAMON
line 3248Adieu, and let my life be now as short
line 3249As my leave-taking.Lays his head on the block.
line 3250FIRST KNIGHTLead, courageous cousin.
line 3251SECOND AND THIRD KNIGHTSWe’ll follow cheerfully.

A great noise within crying “Run!” “Save!” “Hold!” Enter in haste a Messenger.

MESSENGER
50line 3252Hold, hold! O, hold, hold, hold!

Enter Pirithous in haste.

PIRITHOUS
line 3253Hold, ho! It is a cursèd haste you made
line 3254If you have done so quickly!—Noble Palamon,
line 3255The gods will show their glory in a life
line 3256That thou art yet to lead.
55line 3257PALAMONCan that be,
line 3258When Venus, I have said, is false? How do things
line 3259fare?
PIRITHOUS
line 3260Arise, great sir, and give the tidings ear
line 3261That are most dearly sweet and bitter.
60line 3262PALAMONrising What
line 3263Hath waked us from our dream?
line 3264PIRITHOUSList then: your
line 3265cousin,
Act 5 Scene 4 - Pg 241 line 3266Mounted upon a steed that Emily
65line 3267Did first bestow on him—a black one, owing
line 3268Not a hair worth of white, which some will say
line 3269Weakens his price, and many will not buy
line 3270His goodness with this note, which superstition
line 3271Here finds allowance—on this horse is Arcite
70line 3272Trotting the stones of Athens—which the calkins
line 3273Did rather tell than trample, for the horse
line 3274Would make his length a mile, if ’t pleased his rider
line 3275To put pride in him. As he thus went counting
line 3276The flinty pavement, dancing, as ’twere, to th’ music
75line 3277His own hooves made—for, as they say, from iron
line 3278Came music’s origin—what envious flint,
line 3279Cold as old Saturn, and like him possessed
line 3280With fire malevolent, darted a spark,
line 3281Or what fierce sulphur else, to this end made,
80line 3282I comment not; the hot horse, hot as fire,
line 3283Took toy at this and fell to what disorder
line 3284His power could give his will; bounds, comes on end,
line 3285Forgets school-doing, being therein trained
line 3286And of kind manage. Pig-like he whines
85line 3287At the sharp rowel, which he frets at rather
line 3288Than any jot obeys; seeks all foul means
line 3289Of boist’rous and rough jadery to disseat
line 3290His lord that kept it bravely. When naught served,
line 3291When neither curb would crack, girth break, nor
90line 3292diff’ring plunges
line 3293Disroot his rider whence he grew, but that
line 3294He kept him ’tween his legs, on his hind hoofs
line 3295On end he stands
line 3296That Arcite’s legs, being higher than his head,
95line 3297Seemed with strange art to hang. His victor’s wreath
line 3298Even then fell off his head, and presently
line 3299Backward the jade comes o’er, and his full poise
line 3300Becomes the rider’s load. Yet is he living,
line 3301But such a vessel ’tis that floats but for
Act 5 Scene 4 - Pg 243 100line 3302The surge that next approaches. He much desires
line 3303To have some speech with you. Lo, he appears.

Enter Theseus, Hippolyta, Emilia, and Arcite carried in a chair.

PALAMON
line 3304O, miserable end of our alliance!
line 3305The gods are mighty, Arcite. If thy heart,
line 3306Thy worthy, manly heart, be yet unbroken,
105line 3307Give me thy last words. I am Palamon,
line 3308One that yet loves thee dying.
line 3309ARCITETake Emilia
line 3310And with her all the world’s joy. Reach thy hand;
line 3311Farewell. I have told my last hour. I was false,
110line 3312Yet never treacherous. Forgive me, cousin.
line 3313One kiss from fair Emilia.She kisses him.
line 3314’Tis done.
line 3315Take her. I die.He dies.
line 3316PALAMONThy brave soul seek Elysium!
EMILIA
115line 3317I’ll close thine eyes, prince. Blessed souls be with
line 3318thee!
line 3319Thou art a right good man, and while I live,
line 3320This day I give to tears.
line 3321PALAMONAnd I to honor.
THESEUS
120line 3322In this place first you fought; e’en very here
line 3323I sundered you. Acknowledge to the gods
line 3324Our thanks that you are living.
line 3325His part is played, and though it were too short,
line 3326He did it well. Your day is lengthened, and
125line 3327The blissful dew of heaven does arrouse you.
line 3328The powerful Venus well hath graced her altar,
line 3329And given you your love. Our master, Mars,
line 3330Hath vouched his oracle, and to Arcite gave
Act 5 Scene 4 - Pg 245 line 3331The grace of the contention. So the deities
130line 3332Have showed due justice.—Bear this hence.
line 3333PALAMONO cousin,
line 3334That we should things desire which do cost us
line 3335The loss of our desire, that naught could buy
line 3336Dear love but loss of dear love.

Arcite’s body is carried out.

135line 3337THESEUSNever Fortune
line 3338Did play a subtler game. The conquered triumphs;
line 3339The victor has the loss; yet in the passage
line 3340The gods have been most equal.—Palamon,
line 3341Your kinsman hath confessed the right o’ th’ lady
140line 3342Did lie in you, for you first saw her and
line 3343Even then proclaimed your fancy. He restored her
line 3344As your stol’n jewel and desired your spirit
line 3345To send him hence forgiven. The gods my justice
line 3346Take from my hand and they themselves become
145line 3347The executioners. Lead your lady off,
line 3348And call your lovers from the stage of death,
line 3349Whom I adopt my friends. A day or two
line 3350Let us look sadly, and give grace unto
line 3351The funeral of Arcite, in whose end
150line 3352The visages of bridegrooms we’ll put on
line 3353And smile with Palamon—for whom an hour,
line 3354But one hour since, I was as dearly sorry
line 3355As glad of Arcite, and am now as glad
line 3356As for him sorry. O you heavenly charmers,
155line 3357What things you make of us! For what we lack
line 3358We laugh, for what we have are sorry, still
line 3359Are children in some kind. Let us be thankful
line 3360For that which is, and with you leave dispute
line 3361That are above our question. Let’s go off
160line 3362And bear us like the time.

Flourish. They exit.

Page 247 - The Two Noble Kinsmen - EPILOGUE

EPILOGUE

Enter Epilogue.

EPILOGUE
line 3363I would now ask you how you like the play,
line 3364But, as it is with schoolboys, cannot say.
line 3365I am cruel fearful! Pray yet, stay a while,
line 3366And let me look upon you. No man smile?
5line 3367Then it goes hard, I see. He that has
line 3368Loved a young handsome wench, then, show his
line 3369face—
line 3370’Tis strange if none be here—and, if he will,
line 3371Against his conscience let him hiss and kill
10line 3372Our market. ’Tis in vain, I see, to stay you.
line 3373Have at the worst can come, then! Now what say
line 3374you?
line 3375And yet mistake me not: I am not bold.
line 3376We have no such cause. If the tale we have told—
15line 3377For ’tis no other—any way content you—
line 3378For to that honest purpose it was meant you—
line 3379We have our end; and you shall have ere long,
line 3380I dare say, many a better, to prolong
line 3381Your old loves to us. We, and all our might,
20line 3382Rest at your service. Gentlemen, good night.

Flourish. He exits.

Copyright Notice

Contents

Summary

Dramatis Personæ

Dramatis Personæ

ACT 1

Scene 1

Scene 2

Scene 3

Scene 4

Scene 5

ACT 2

Scene 1

Scene 2

Scene 3

Scene 4

Scene 5

Scene 6

ACT 3

Scene 1

Scene 2

Scene 3

Scene 4

Scene 5

Scene 6

ACT 4

Scene 1

Scene 2

Scene 3

ACT 5

Scene 1

Scene 2

Scene 3

Scene 4

EPILOGUE

Title

Notes & Highlights

Reading History

Settings

Typography

Colour scheme

Tap zones