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StandardEbooksCollections/william-shakespeare_john-fletcher/se-ebooks-william-shakespeare_john-fletcher-xhtml/william-shakespeare_john-fletcher_the-two-noble-kinsmen.xhtml

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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xmlns:epub="http://www.idpf.org/2007/ops" lang="en-GB" epub:prefix="z3998: http://www.daisy.org/z3998/2012/vocab/structure/, se: https://standardebooks.org/vocab/1.0" xml:lang="en-GB">
<head>
<title>The Two Noble Kinsmen</title>
<meta content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" name="viewport"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/william-shakespeare_john-fletcher/the-two-noble-kinsmen/text/single-page" />
<style><![CDATA[
@namespace epub "http://www.idpf.org/2007/ops";
/* core.css */
body{
font-variant-numeric: oldstyle-nums;
hyphens: auto;
text-wrap: pretty;
}
p{
margin: 0;
text-indent: 1em;
}
hr{
border: none;
border-top: 1px solid;
height: 0;
margin: 1.5em auto;
width: 25%;
}
q::before,
q::after{
content: "";
}
blockquote{
margin: 1em 2.5em;
}
h1,
h2,
h3,
h4,
h5,
h6,
hgroup{
break-after: avoid;
break-inside: avoid;
font-variant: small-caps;
hyphens: none;
margin: 3em 0;
text-align: center;
}
/* simulate h3 in an hgroup */
hgroup h2 + p{
font-size: 1.17em;
}
/* simulate h4 in an hgroup */
hgroup h2 + p + p,
hgroup h3 + p{
font-size: 1em;
}
/* simulate h5 in an hgroup */
hgroup h2 + p + p + p,
hgroup h3 + p + p,
hgroup h4 + p{
font-size: .83em;
}
/* simulate h6 in an hgroup */
hgroup h2 + p + p + p + p,
hgroup h3 + p + p + p,
hgroup h4 + p + p,
hgroup h5 + p{
font-size: .67em;
}
hgroup > *{
font-weight: normal;
margin: 0;
}
hgroup > *:first-child{
font-weight: bold;
}
hgroup > p{
text-indent: 0;
}
p.continued,
h2 + p,
h3 + p,
h4 + p,
h5 + p,
h6 + p,
header + p,
hr + p,
hgroup + p,
p:first-child{
hanging-punctuation: first last;
text-indent: 0;
}
cite{
font-style: normal;
}
abbr{
border: none;
white-space: nowrap;
}
blockquote cite{
display: block;
font-style: italic;
text-align: right;
}
blockquote cite i{
font-style: normal;
}
b,
strong{
font-variant: small-caps;
font-weight: normal;
}
i > i,
em > i,
i > em{
font-style: normal;
}
ol,
ul{
margin-bottom: 1em;
margin-top: 1em;
}
header{
break-after: avoid;
break-inside: avoid;
hyphens: none;
text-align: center;
}
header > * + p{
text-indent: 0;
}
article > header + *,
section > header + *{
margin-top: 3em;
}
a[epub|type~="noteref"]{
font-size: smaller;
font-style: normal !important;
vertical-align: super;
}
section[epub|type~="endnotes"] > ol > li{
margin: 1em 0;
}
/* Invert images in dark mode. RMSDK requires a target media as well as a state. */
@media all and (prefers-color-scheme: dark){
img[epub|type~="se:image.color-depth.black-on-transparent"]{
filter: invert(100%);
}
img[epub|type~="se:image.color-depth.black-on-transparent"][epub|type~="se:image.style.realistic"]{
background: currentColor;
filter: none;
}
}
/* se.css */
/* This may appear in the colophon */
abbr[epub|type~="se:era"]{
font-variant: all-small-caps;
}
section[epub|type~="titlepage"] h1,
section[epub|type~="titlepage"] p,
section[epub|type~="colophon"] h2,
section[epub|type~="imprint"] h2{
left: -999em;
position: absolute;
}
section[epub|type~="titlepage"] img{
display: block;
margin: 3em auto auto auto;
width: 100%;
}
section[epub|type~="colophon"],
section[epub|type~="imprint"]{
text-align: center;
}
section[epub|type~="colophon"] header,
section[epub|type~="imprint"] header{
line-height: 0;
margin-top: 3em;
}
img[epub|type~="z3998:publisher-logo"]{
max-width: 25%;
width: 220px;
}
section[epub|type~="colophon"] p,
section[epub|type~="imprint"] p{
margin: 1em auto 0 auto;
text-indent: 0;
}
section[epub|type~="imprint"] p{
font-size: smaller;
text-align: justify;
width: 75%;
}
section[epub|type~="colophon"] p + p::before{
border-top: 1px solid;
content: "";
display: block;
margin: auto auto 1em auto;
width: 25%;
}
section[epub|type~="colophon"] p:nth-last-child(2) time{
font-variant: small-caps;
}
section[epub|type~="colophon"] a{
font-variant: small-caps;
}
section[epub|type~="imprint"] a,
section[epub|type~="colophon"] a{
hyphens: none;
}
section[epub|type~="copyright-page"] p{
margin: 1em auto;
text-indent: 0;
}
section[epub|type~="copyright-page"] blockquote p{
font-style: italic;
text-align: initial;
text-indent: 0;
}
section[epub|type~="copyright-page"] blockquote p span{
display: block;
padding-left: 1em;
text-indent: -1em;
}
section[epub|type~="copyright-page"] blockquote br{
display: none;
}
/* local.css */
/* Dramatis personae */
[epub|type~="z3998:dramatis-personae"]{
text-align: center;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:dramatis-personae"] p{
text-indent: 0;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:dramatis-personae"] ul{
list-style: none;
margin: 0;
padding: 0;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:dramatis-personae"] ul li{
font-style: italic;
margin: 1em;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:dramatis-personae"] ul + p{
margin-top: 2em;
}
/* End dramatis personae */
/* Play */
[epub|type~="z3998:drama"] table{
border-collapse: collapse;
margin: 1em auto;
width: 100%;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:drama"] tr:first-child td{
padding-top: 0;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:drama"] tr:last-child td{
padding-bottom: 0;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:drama"] td{
padding: .5em;
vertical-align: top;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:drama"] td:last-child{
padding-right: 0;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:drama"] td:first-child{
padding-left: 0;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:drama"] td[epub|type~="z3998:persona"]{
hyphens: none;
text-align: right;
width: 20%;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:stage-direction"]{
font-style: italic;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:stage-direction"] [epub|type~="z3998:persona"],
i [epub|type~="z3998:persona"]{
font-style: normal;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:stage-direction"]::before{
content: "(";
font-style: normal;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:stage-direction"]::after{
content: ")";
font-style: normal;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:persona"]{
font-variant: all-small-caps;
}
section[epub|type~="z3998:scene"] > p{
margin: 1em auto;
width: 75%;
}
@media(max-width: 400px){
[epub|type~="z3998:drama"] td,
[epub|type~="z3998:drama"] td[epub|type~="z3998:persona"],
[epub|type~="z3998:drama"] td:last-child{
display: block;
padding: 0;
text-align: initial;
width: 100%;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:drama"] td[epub|type~="z3998:persona"]{
break-after: avoid;
margin-top: 1.5em;
}
/* `together` rows get a pseudo-stage-direction. */
[epub|type~="z3998:drama"] tr.together td[epub|type~="z3998:persona"]::after{
content: " (Together.)";
font-style: italic;
font-variant: normal;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:drama"] .together td:last-child{
border: none;
padding: 0;
}
/* Rows that are only stage direction get a top margin. */
[epub|type~="z3998:drama"] td:first-child:not([epub|type]) + td{
margin-top: 1.5em;
}
}
/* End play */
/* Dialog */
tr.together{
break-inside: avoid;
}
tr.together td{
padding: 0 .5em 0 0;
vertical-align: middle;
}
tr.together td + td{
border-left: 1px solid;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:drama"] .together td:last-child{
padding-left: .5em;
}
/* End dialog */
/* Song, verse */
td[epub|type~="z3998:song"] p,
div[epub|type~="z3998:song"]{
margin: 1em 2.5em;
text-align: initial;
text-indent: 0;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:verse"] p{
text-align: initial;
text-indent: 0;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:song"] p > span,
[epub|type~="z3998:verse"] p > span{
display: block;
padding-left: 1em;
text-indent: -1em;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:song"] p > span + br,
[epub|type~="z3998:verse"] p > span + br{
display: none;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:song"] p + p{
margin-top: 1em;
}
p span.i1{
padding-left: 2em;
text-indent: -1em;
}
p span.i2{
padding-left: 3em;
text-indent: -1em;
}
/* End song, verse */
/* web.css */
body{
display: flex;
flex-direction: column;
font-family: "Georgia", serif;
font-size: 18px;
margin: 0;
line-height: 1.5;
}
main{
flex-grow: 1;
margin: 5rem auto 3rem;
max-width: 55ch;
padding: 0 3rem;
width: calc(100% - 2 * 3rem); /* calc instead of box-sizing: border-box which would make max-width count padding */
}
body > header{
all: unset; /* Remove any properties set by selectors in the ebook itself */
background: #fff;
border-bottom: 1px solid #999;
box-shadow: 0 0 3px #ccc;
left: 0;
position: absolute;
right: 0;
top: 0;
z-index: 1000; /* Required so that SVGs don't scroll over the header */
}
body > header ul{
align-items: center;
display: flex;
list-style: none;
margin: 0;
padding: 1em;
gap: 1.5em;
}
body > header li:first-child{
margin-right: auto;
}
body > header li:first-child > a{
background: no-repeat center / 100% url("/images/logo-full.svg");
display: block;
font-size: 0;
height: 42px;
transition: transform 200ms ease;
width: 180px;
}
body > header li:first-child > a:hover{
transform: scale(1.025) rotate(1deg);
}
body > footer ul{
display: flex;
justify-content: space-between;
list-style: none;
margin: 0;
padding: 0.5em 1em;
}
body > footer li{
max-width: 40%;
}
body > main > section[epub|type~="titlepage"],
body > main > section[epub|type~="halftitlepage"]{
}
nav + section,
section + nav,
section + section,
section + article,
article + section,
article + article{
box-sizing: border-box;
margin-top: 12em !important;
padding: 0;
}
nav[epub|type~="toc"] ol{
list-style: none;
}
@media(max-width: 65ch){
main{
padding: 0 2rem;
width: calc(100% - 2 * 2rem);
}
section[epub|type~="imprint"] p{
width: 100%;
}
}
@media(max-width: 450px){
body > header > nav > ul{
flex-wrap: wrap;
}
body > header > nav > ul > li > a{
font-size: .8rem;
}
body > header li:first-child > a{
background: no-repeat center / 100% url("/images/logo-small.svg");
width: 31px;
height: 20px;
}
}
@media(prefers-color-scheme: dark){
body,
body > header{
background: #222222;
color: #ffffff;
}
/* These three link colors provide WCAG AAA compliance at 16px */
a:link{
color: #6bb9f0;
}
a:active{
color: #e6cc22;
}
a:visited{
color: #dda0dd;
}
body > header li:first-child > a,
img[epub|type~="se:image.color-depth.black-on-transparent"]{
filter: invert(1);
}
}
/* As of July 2022 Chrome on Android doesn't yet understand `or (pointer: none)`
and will just drop this entire query together if it's included. */
@media(pointer: coarse){
body > header{
position: fixed;
}
body > header li:first-child > a{
height: 21px;
width: 90px;
}
nav[epub|type~="toc"] ol li{
margin-bottom: 2em;
margin-top: 2em;
}
*:target{
scroll-margin-top: 4em;
}
}
@media((max-width: 450px) and (pointer: coarse)){
body > header li:first-child > a{
width: 31px;
height: 20px;
}
}
]]></style>
</head>
<body><main>
<section id="titlepage" epub:type="titlepage frontmatter">
<h1 epub:type="title">The Two Noble Kinsmen</h1>
<p>By <b epub:type="z3998:author z3998:personal-name">William Shakespeare</b> and <b epub:type="z3998:author z3998:personal-name">John Fletcher</b>.</p>
<img alt="" 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epub:type="se:image.color-depth.black-on-transparent"/>
</section>
<nav id="toc" epub:type="toc">
<h2 epub:type="title">Table of Contents</h2>
<ol>
<li>
<a href="#titlepage">Titlepage</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#imprint">Imprint</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#dramatis-personae">Dramatis Personae</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#halftitlepage">The Two Noble Kinsmen</a>
<ol>
<li>
<a href="#prologue">Prologue</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#act-1">Act <span epub:type="z3998:roman">I</span></a>
<ol>
<li>
<a href="#scene-1-1">Scene <span epub:type="z3998:roman">I</span></a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#scene-1-2">Scene <span epub:type="z3998:roman">II</span></a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#scene-1-3">Scene <span epub:type="z3998:roman">III</span></a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#scene-1-4">Scene <span epub:type="z3998:roman">IV</span></a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#scene-1-5">Scene <span epub:type="z3998:roman">V</span></a>
</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#act-2">Act <span epub:type="z3998:roman">II</span></a>
<ol>
<li>
<a href="#scene-2-1">Scene <span epub:type="z3998:roman">I</span></a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#scene-2-2">Scene <span epub:type="z3998:roman">II</span></a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#scene-2-3">Scene <span epub:type="z3998:roman">III</span></a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#scene-2-4">Scene <span epub:type="z3998:roman">IV</span></a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#scene-2-5">Scene <span epub:type="z3998:roman">V</span></a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#scene-2-6">Scene <span epub:type="z3998:roman">VI</span></a>
</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#act-3">Act <span epub:type="z3998:roman">III</span></a>
<ol>
<li>
<a href="#scene-3-1">Scene <span epub:type="z3998:roman">I</span></a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#scene-3-2">Scene <span epub:type="z3998:roman">II</span></a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#scene-3-3">Scene <span epub:type="z3998:roman">III</span></a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#scene-3-4">Scene <span epub:type="z3998:roman">IV</span></a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#scene-3-5">Scene <span epub:type="z3998:roman">V</span></a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#scene-3-6">Scene <span epub:type="z3998:roman">VI</span></a>
</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#act-4">Act <span epub:type="z3998:roman">IV</span></a>
<ol>
<li>
<a href="#scene-4-1">Scene <span epub:type="z3998:roman">I</span></a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#scene-4-2">Scene <span epub:type="z3998:roman">II</span></a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#scene-4-3">Scene <span epub:type="z3998:roman">III</span></a>
</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#act-5">Act <span epub:type="z3998:roman">V</span></a>
<ol>
<li>
<a href="#scene-5-1">Scene <span epub:type="z3998:roman">I</span></a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#scene-5-2">Scene <span epub:type="z3998:roman">II</span></a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#scene-5-3">Scene <span epub:type="z3998:roman">III</span></a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#scene-5-4">Scene <span epub:type="z3998:roman">IV</span></a>
</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#epilogue">Epilogue</a>
</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#colophon">Colophon</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#uncopyright">Uncopyright</a>
</li>
</ol>
</nav>
<section id="imprint" epub:type="imprint frontmatter">
<header>
<h2 epub:type="title">Imprint</h2>
<img alt="The Standard Ebooks logo." 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epub:type="z3998:publisher-logo se:image.color-depth.black-on-transparent"/>
</header>
<p>This ebook is the product of many hours of hard work by volunteers for <a href="https://standardebooks.org/">Standard Ebooks</a>, and builds on the hard work of other literature lovers made possible by the public domain.</p>
<p>This particular ebook is based on a transcription from <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1542">Project Gutenberg</a> and on digital scans from the <a href="https://archive.org/details/cu31924056255031">Internet Archive</a>.</p>
<p>The source text and artwork in this ebook are believed to be in the United States public domain; that is, they are believed to be free of copyright restrictions in the United States. They may still be copyrighted in other countries, so users located outside of the United States must check their local laws before using this ebook. The creators of, and contributors to, this ebook dedicate their contributions to the worldwide public domain via the terms in the <a href="https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/">CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication</a>. For full license information, see the <a href="uncopyright">Uncopyright</a> at the end of this ebook.</p>
<p>Standard Ebooks is a volunteer-driven project that produces ebook editions of public domain literature using modern typography, technology, and editorial standards, and distributes them free of cost. You can download this and other ebooks carefully produced for true book lovers at <a href="https://standardebooks.org/">standardebooks.org</a>.</p>
</section>
<section id="dramatis-personae" epub:type="z3998:dramatis-personae frontmatter z3998:fiction z3998:drama">
<h2 epub:type="title">Dramatis Personae</h2>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Theseus, Duke of Athens</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Pirithous, an Athenian general</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Artesius, an Athenian captain</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Palamon, nephew to Creon, King of Thebes</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Arcite, nephew to Creon, King of Thebes</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Valerius, a Thehan nobleman</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Six knights</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Herald</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Gaoler</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Wooer to the gaoler’s daughter</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Doctor</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Brother to the gaoler</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Friends to the gaoler</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Gentlemen</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Gerrold, a schoolmaster</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Hippolyta, an Amazon, bride to Theseus</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Emilia, her sister</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Three queens</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Gaoler’s daughter</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Waiting-women to Emilia</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Countrymen, messengers, a man personating Hymen, boy, executioner, guard, and attendants. Country wenches, and women personating nymphs</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Scene: Athens and the neighbourhood, except in part of the First Act, where it is Thebes and the neighbourhood.</p>
</section>
<section id="halftitlepage" epub:type="halftitlepage frontmatter">
<h2 epub:type="fulltitle">The Two Noble Kinsmen</h2>
</section>
<section id="prologue" epub:type="prologue z3998:scene bodymatter z3998:fiction z3998:drama">
<h2 epub:type="title">Prologue</h2>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Flourish.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>New plays and maidenheads are near akin;</span>
<br/>
<span>Much follow’d both, for both much money gi’en,</span>
<br/>
<span>If they stand sound and well: and a good play,</span>
<br/>
<span>Whose modest scenes blush on his marriage-day,</span>
<br/>
<span>And shake to lose his honour, is like her</span>
<br/>
<span>That after holy tie and first night’s stir,</span>
<br/>
<span>Yet still is modesty, and still retains</span>
<br/>
<span>More of the maid to sight than husband’s pains.</span>
<br/>
<span>We pray our play may be so; for I’m sure</span>
<br/>
<span>It has a noble breeder and a pure,</span>
<br/>
<span>A learned, and a poet never went</span>
<br/>
<span>More famous yet ’twixt Po and silver Trent:</span>
<br/>
<span>Chaucer, of all admir’d, the story gives;</span>
<br/>
<span>There constant to eternity it lives.</span>
<br/>
<span>If we let fall the nobleness of this,</span>
<br/>
<span>And the first sound this child hear be a hiss,</span>
<br/>
<span>How will it shake the bones of that good man,</span>
<br/>
<span>And make him cry from under ground, “O, fan</span>
<br/>
<span>From me the witless chaff of such a writer</span>
<br/>
<span>That blasts my bays, and my fam’d works makes lighter</span>
<br/>
<span>Than Robin Hood!” This is the fear we bring;</span>
<br/>
<span>For, to say truth, it were an endless thing,</span>
<br/>
<span>And too ambitious, to aspire to him,</span>
<br/>
<span>Weak as we are, and almost breathless swim</span>
<br/>
<span>In this deep water. Do but you hold out</span>
<br/>
<span>Your helping hands, and we shall tack about,</span>
<br/>
<span>And something do to save us: you shall hear</span>
<br/>
<span>Scenes, though below his art, may yet appear</span>
<br/>
<span>Worth two hours’ travel. To his bones sweet sleep!</span>
<br/>
<span>Content to you!⁠—If this play do not keep</span>
<br/>
<span>A little dull time from us, we perceive</span>
<br/>
<span>Our losses fall so thick, we must needs leave. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Flourish.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
<section id="act-1" epub:type="chapter bodymatter z3998:fiction z3998:drama">
<h2>
<span epub:type="label">Act</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">I</span>
</h2>
<section id="scene-1-1" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3>
<span epub:type="label">Scene</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">I</span>
</h3>
<p>Athens. Before a temple.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">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 <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</b>, between two other Nymphs with wheaten chaplets on their heads; then <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</b>, the bride, led by <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</b>, and another holding a garland over her head, her tresses likewise hanging; after her, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</b>, holding up her train; <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Artesius</b> and Attendants.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Song.</i>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Music.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td epub:type="z3998:song">
<p>
<span>Roses, their sharp spines being gone,</span>
<br/>
<span>Not royal in their smells alone,</span>
<br/>
<span class="i1">But in their hue.</span>
<br/>
<span>Maiden pinks, of odour faint,</span>
<br/>
<span>Daisies smell-less, yet most quaint,</span>
<br/>
<span class="i1">And sweet thyme true.</span>
</p>
<p>
<span>Primrose, first-born child of <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Ver</i>,</span>
<br/>
<span>Merry spring-time’s harbinger</span>
<br/>
<span class="i1">With her bells dim.</span>
<br/>
<span class="i1">Oxlips in their cradles growing,</span>
<br/>
<span>Marigolds on deathbeds blowing,</span>
<br/>
<span class="i1">Larks’-heels trim.</span>
</p>
<p>
<span>All dear Nature’s children sweet,</span>
<br/>
<span>Lie ’fore bride and bridegroom’s feet,</span>
<br/>
<span class="i1">Blessing their sense! <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Strewing flowers.</i></span>
<br/>
<span>Not an angel of the air,</span>
<br/>
<span>Bird melodious, or bird fair,</span>
<br/>
<span class="i1">Be absent hence!</span>
</p>
<p>
<span>The crow, the slanderous cuckoo, nor</span>
<br/>
<span>The boding raven, nor chough hoar</span>
<br/>
<span class="i1">Nor chatt’ring pie,</span>
<br/>
<span>May on our bride-house perch or sing,</span>
<br/>
<span>Or with them any discord bring,</span>
<br/>
<span class="i1">But from it fly!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter three <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Queens</b>, in black, with veils stained, and wearing imperial crowns. The <b epub:type="z3998:persona">First Queen</b> falls down at the foot of <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</b>; the <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Second</b> falls down at the foot of <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</b>; the <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Third</b> before <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Queen</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>For pity’s sake and true gentility’s,</span>
<br/>
<span>Hear, and respect me!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Queen</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>For your mother’s sake,</span>
<br/>
<span>And as you wish your womb may thrive with fair ones,</span>
<br/>
<span>Hear, and respect me!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Third Queen</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Now, for the love of him whom Jove hath mark’d</span>
<br/>
<span>The honour of your bed, and for the sake</span>
<br/>
<span>Of clear virginity, be advocate</span>
<br/>
<span>For us and our distresses! This good deed</span>
<br/>
<span>Shall raze you out o’ the book of trespasses</span>
<br/>
<span>All you are set down there.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td>Sad lady, rise.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</td>
<td>Stand up.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>No knees to me:</span>
<br/>
<span>What woman I may stead that is distress’d,</span>
<br/>
<span>Does bind me to her.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td>What’s your request? deliver you for all.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Queen</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>We are three queens, whose sovereigns fell before</span>
<br/>
<span>The wrath of cruel Creon; who endure</span>
<br/>
<span>The beaks of ravens, talons of the kites,</span>
<br/>
<span>And pecks of crows, in the foul fields of Thebes:</span>
<br/>
<span>He will not suffer us to burn their bones,</span>
<br/>
<span>To urn their ashes, nor to take th’ offence</span>
<br/>
<span>Of mortal loathsomeness from the blest eye</span>
<br/>
<span>Of holy Phoebus, but infects the winds</span>
<br/>
<span>With stench of our slain lords. O, pity, duke!</span>
<br/>
<span>Thou purger of the earth, draw thy fear’d sword</span>
<br/>
<span>That does good turns to the world; give us the bones</span>
<br/>
<span>Of our dead kings, that we may chapel them;</span>
<br/>
<span>And, of thy boundless goodness, take some note</span>
<br/>
<span>That for our crowned heads we have no roof</span>
<br/>
<span>Save this, which is the lion’s and the bear’s,</span>
<br/>
<span>And vault to everything!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Pray you, kneel not:</span>
<br/>
<span>I was transported with your speech, and suffer’d</span>
<br/>
<span>Your knees to wrong themselves. I’ve heard the fortunes</span>
<br/>
<span>Of your dead lords, which gives me such lamenting</span>
<br/>
<span>As wakes my vengeance and revenge for ’em.</span>
<br/>
<span>King Capaneus was your lord: the day</span>
<br/>
<span>That he should marry you, at such a season</span>
<br/>
<span>As now it is with me, I met your groom</span>
<br/>
<span>By Mars’s altar; you were that time fair,</span>
<br/>
<span>Not Juno’s mantle fairer than your tresses,</span>
<br/>
<span>Nor in more bounty spread her; your wheaten wreath</span>
<br/>
<span>Was then nor thrash’d nor blasted; Fortune at you</span>
<br/>
<span>Dimpled her cheek with smiles; Hercules our kinsman⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Then weaker than your eyes⁠—laid by his club;</span>
<br/>
<span>He tumbled down upon his Nemean hide,</span>
<br/>
<span>And swore his sinews thaw’d. O, grief and time,</span>
<br/>
<span>Fearful consumers, you will all devour!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Queen</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>O, I hope some god,</span>
<br/>
<span>Some god hath put his mercy in your manhood,</span>
<br/>
<span>Whereto he’ll infuse power, and press you forth</span>
<br/>
<span>Our undertaker!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>O, no knees, none, widow!</span>
<br/>
<span>Unto the helmeted Bellona use them,</span>
<br/>
<span>And pray for me, your soldier.⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Troubled I am. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Turns away.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Queen</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Honour’d Hippolyta,</span>
<br/>
<span>Most dreaded Amazonian, that hast slain</span>
<br/>
<span>The scythe-tusk’d boar; that, with thy arm as strong</span>
<br/>
<span>As it is white, wast near to make the male</span>
<br/>
<span>To thy sex captive, but that this thy lord⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Born to uphold creation in that honour</span>
<br/>
<span>First Nature styl’d it in⁠—shrunk thee into</span>
<br/>
<span>The bound thou wast o’erflowing, at once subduing</span>
<br/>
<span>Thy force and thy affection; soldieress,</span>
<br/>
<span>That equally canst poise sternness with pity;</span>
<br/>
<span>Who now, I know, hast much more power on him</span>
<br/>
<span>Than e’er he had on thee; who ow’st his strength</span>
<br/>
<span>And his love too, who is a servant for</span>
<br/>
<span>The tenor of thy speech; dear glass of ladies,</span>
<br/>
<span>Bid him that we, whom flaming War doth scorch,</span>
<br/>
<span>Under the shadow of his sword may cool us;</span>
<br/>
<span>Require him he advance it o’er our heads;</span>
<br/>
<span>Speak’t in a woman’s key, like such a woman</span>
<br/>
<span>As any of us three; weep ere you fail;</span>
<br/>
<span>Lend us a knee;</span>
<br/>
<span>But touch the ground for us no longer time</span>
<br/>
<span>Than a dove’s motion when the head’s pluck’d off;</span>
<br/>
<span>Tell him, if he i’ the blood-siz’d field lay swoln,</span>
<br/>
<span>Showing the sun his teeth, grinning at the moon,</span>
<br/>
<span>What you would do!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Poor lady, say no more:</span>
<br/>
<span>I had as lief trace this good action with you</span>
<br/>
<span>As that whereto I’m going, and nev’r yet</span>
<br/>
<span>Went I so willing, way. My lord is taken</span>
<br/>
<span>Heart-deep with your distress: let him consider;</span>
<br/>
<span>I’ll speak anon.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Third Queen</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">To <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</b>.</i> O, my petition was</span>
<br/>
<span>Set down in ice, which, by hot grief uncandied,</span>
<br/>
<span>Melts into drops; so sorrow, wanting form,</span>
<br/>
<span>Is press’d with deeper matter.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Pray, stand up:</span>
<br/>
<span>Your grief is written in your cheek.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Third Queen</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>O, woe!</span>
<br/>
<span>You cannot read it there; there through my tears,</span>
<br/>
<span>Like wrinkled pebbles in a glassy stream,</span>
<br/>
<span>You may behold ’em. Lady, lady, alack!</span>
<br/>
<span>He that will all the treasure know o’ th’ earth</span>
<br/>
<span>Must know the centre too; he that will fish</span>
<br/>
<span>For my least minnow, let him lead his line</span>
<br/>
<span>To catch one at my heart. O, pardon me!</span>
<br/>
<span>Extremity, that sharpens sundry wits,</span>
<br/>
<span>Makes me a fool.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Pray you, say nothing; pray you:</span>
<br/>
<span>Who cannot feel nor see the rain, being in’t,</span>
<br/>
<span>Knows neither wet nor dry. If that you were</span>
<br/>
<span>The ground-piece of some painter, I would buy you</span>
<br/>
<span>T’instruct me ’gainst a capital grief indeed;⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Such heart-pierc’d demonstration!⁠—but, alas,</span>
<br/>
<span>Being a natural sister of our sex,</span>
<br/>
<span>Your sorrow beats so ardently upon me,</span>
<br/>
<span>That it shall make a counter-reflect ’gainst</span>
<br/>
<span>My brother’s heart, and warm it to some pity,</span>
<br/>
<span>Though it were made of stone: pray have good comfort.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Forward to th’ temple! leave not out a jot</span>
<br/>
<span>O’ the sacred ceremony.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Queen</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>O, this celebration</span>
<br/>
<span>Will longer last, and be more costly, than</span>
<br/>
<span>Your suppliant’s war! Remember that your fame</span>
<br/>
<span>Knolls in th’ ear o’ the world: what you do quickly</span>
<br/>
<span>Is not done rashly; your first thought is more</span>
<br/>
<span>Than others’ labour’d meditance; your premeditating</span>
<br/>
<span>More than their actions; but⁠—O Jove!⁠—your actions,</span>
<br/>
<span>Soon as they move, as asprayes do the fish,</span>
<br/>
<span>Subdue before they touch: think, dear duke, think</span>
<br/>
<span>What beds our slain kings have!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Queen</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>What griefs our beds,</span>
<br/>
<span>That our dear lords have none!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Third Queen</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>None fit for the dead!</span>
<br/>
<span>Those that with cords, knives, drams, precipitance,</span>
<br/>
<span>Weary of this world’s light, have to themselves</span>
<br/>
<span>Been death’s most horrid agents, humane grace</span>
<br/>
<span>Affords them dust and shadow.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Queen</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>But our lords</span>
<br/>
<span>Lie blistering ’fore the visitating sun,</span>
<br/>
<span>And were good kings when living.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>It is true;</span>
<br/>
<span>And I will give you comfort,</span>
<br/>
<span>To give your dead lords graves: the which to do</span>
<br/>
<span>Must make some work with Creon.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Queen</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>And that work</span>
<br/>
<span>Presents itself to the doing:</span>
<br/>
<span>Now ’twill take form; the heats are gone to-morrow;</span>
<br/>
<span>Then bootless toil must recompense itself</span>
<br/>
<span>With its own sweat; now he is secure,</span>
<br/>
<span>Not dreams we stand before your puissance,</span>
<br/>
<span>Wrinching our holy begging in our eyes,</span>
<br/>
<span>To make petition clear.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Queen</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Now you may take him</span>
<br/>
<span>Drunk with his victory.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Third Queen</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>And his army full</span>
<br/>
<span>Of bread and sloth.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Artesius, that best know’st</span>
<br/>
<span>How to draw out fit to this enterprise</span>
<br/>
<span>The prim’st for this proceeding, and the number</span>
<br/>
<span>To carry such a business; forth and levy</span>
<br/>
<span>Our worthiest instruments; whilst we despatch</span>
<br/>
<span>This grand act of our life, this daring deed</span>
<br/>
<span>Of fate in wedlock.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Queen</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Dowagers, take hands;</span>
<br/>
<span>Let us be widows to our woes; delay</span>
<br/>
<span>Commends us to a famishing hope.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">All Queens</td>
<td>Farewell!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Queen</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>We come unseasonably; but when could grief</span>
<br/>
<span>Cull forth, as unpang’d judgment can, fitt’st time</span>
<br/>
<span>For best solicitation?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Why, good ladies,</span>
<br/>
<span>This is a service, whereto I am going,</span>
<br/>
<span>Greater than any war; it more imports me</span>
<br/>
<span>Than all the actions that I have foregone,</span>
<br/>
<span>Or futurely can cope.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Queen</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>The more proclaiming</span>
<br/>
<span>Our suit shall be neglected: when her arms,</span>
<br/>
<span>Able to lock Jove from a synod, shall</span>
<br/>
<span>By warranting moonlight corslet thee, O, when</span>
<br/>
<span>Her twinning cherries shall their sweetness fall</span>
<br/>
<span>Upon thy tasteful lips, what wilt thou think</span>
<br/>
<span>Of rotten kings or blubber’d queens? what care</span>
<br/>
<span>For what thou feel’st not, what thou feel’st being able</span>
<br/>
<span>To make Mars spurn his drum? O, if thou couch</span>
<br/>
<span>But one night with her, every hour in’t will</span>
<br/>
<span>Take hostage of thee for a hundred, and</span>
<br/>
<span>Thou shalt remember nothing more than what</span>
<br/>
<span>That banquet bids thee to!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Though much unlike <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">kneeling</i></span>
<br/>
<span>You should be so transported, as much sorry</span>
<br/>
<span>I should be such a suitor; yet I think,</span>
<br/>
<span>Did I not by th’ abstaining of my joy,</span>
<br/>
<span>Which breeds a deeper longing, cure their surfeit</span>
<br/>
<span>That craves a present medicine, I should pluck</span>
<br/>
<span>All ladies’ scandal on me: therefore, sir,</span>
<br/>
<span>As I shall here make trial of my prayers,</span>
<br/>
<span>Either presuming them to have some force,</span>
<br/>
<span>Or sentencing for aye their vigour dumb,</span>
<br/>
<span>Prorogue this business we are going about, and hang</span>
<br/>
<span>Your shield afore your heart, about that neck</span>
<br/>
<span>Which is my fee, and which I freely lend</span>
<br/>
<span>To do these poor queens service.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">All Queens</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">To <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</b>.</i> O, help now!</span>
<br/>
<span>Our cause cries for your knee.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>If you grant not <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">kneeling</i></span>
<br/>
<span>My sister her petition, in that force,</span>
<br/>
<span>With that celerity and nature, which</span>
<br/>
<span>She makes it in, from henceforth I’ll not dare</span>
<br/>
<span>To ask you anything, nor be so hardy</span>
<br/>
<span>Ever to take a husband.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Pray, stand up:</span>
<br/>
<span>I am entreating of myself to do</span>
<br/>
<span>That which you kneel to have me.⁠—Pirithous,</span>
<br/>
<span>Lead on the bride: get you and pray the gods</span>
<br/>
<span>For success and return; omit not anything</span>
<br/>
<span>In the pretended celebration.⁠—Queens,</span>
<br/>
<span>Follow your soldier.⁠—<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">To <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Artesius</b>.</i> As before, hence you,</span>
<br/>
<span>And at the banks of Aulis meet us with</span>
<br/>
<span>The forces you can raise, where we shall find</span>
<br/>
<span>The moiety of a number, for a business</span>
<br/>
<span>More bigger look’d.⁠—Since that our theme is haste,</span>
<br/>
<span>I stamp this kiss upon thy currant lip; <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Kisses <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</b>.</i></span>
<br/>
<span>Sweet, keep it as my token.⁠—Set you forward;</span>
<br/>
<span>For I will see you gone.⁠—<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Artesius</b>.</i></span>
<br/>
<span>Farewell, my beauteous sister.⁠—Pirithous,</span>
<br/>
<span>Keep the feast full; bate not an hour on’t.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Sir,</span>
<br/>
<span>I’ll follow you at heels: the feast’s solemnity</span>
<br/>
<span>Shall want till your return.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Cousin, I charge you</span>
<br/>
<span>Budge not from Athens; We shall be returning</span>
<br/>
<span>Ere you can end this feast, of which, I pray you,</span>
<br/>
<span>Make no abatement. Once more, farewell all.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Queen</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Thus dost thou still make good</span>
<br/>
<span>The tongue o’ the world.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Queen</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>And earn’st a deity</span>
<br/>
<span>Equal with Mars.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Third Queen</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>If not above him; for</span>
<br/>
<span>Thou, being but mortal, mak’st affections bend</span>
<br/>
<span>To godlike honours; they themselves, some say,</span>
<br/>
<span>Groan under such a mastery.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>As we are men,</span>
<br/>
<span>Thus should we do; being sensually subdu’d,</span>
<br/>
<span>We lose our humane title. Good cheer, ladies!</span>
<br/>
<span>Now turn we towards your comforts. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Flourish. Exeunt.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
<section id="scene-1-2" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3>
<span epub:type="label">Scene</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">II</span>
</h3>
<p>Thebes. The court of the palace.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</b>, and <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Dear Palamon, dearer in love than blood,</span>
<br/>
<span>And our prime cousin, yet unharden’d in</span>
<br/>
<span>The crimes of nature; let us leave the city</span>
<br/>
<span>Thebes, and the temptings in’t, before we further</span>
<br/>
<span>Sully our gloss of youth:</span>
<br/>
<span>And here to keep in abstinence we shame</span>
<br/>
<span>As in incontinence; for not to swim</span>
<br/>
<span>I’ th’ aide o’ the current, were almost to sink,</span>
<br/>
<span>At least to frustrate striving; and to follow</span>
<br/>
<span>The common stream, ’twould bring us to an eddy</span>
<br/>
<span>Where we should turn or drown; if labour through,</span>
<br/>
<span>Our gain but life and weakness.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Your advice</span>
<br/>
<span>Is cried up with example: what strange ruins,</span>
<br/>
<span>Since first we went to school, may we perceive</span>
<br/>
<span>Walking in Thebes! scars and bare weeds,</span>
<br/>
<span>The gain o’ the martialist, who did propound</span>
<br/>
<span>To his bold ends honour and golden ingots,</span>
<br/>
<span>Which, though he won, he had not; and now flurted</span>
<br/>
<span>By peace, for whom he fought! Who, then, shall offer</span>
<br/>
<span>To Mars’s so-scorn’d altar? I do bleed</span>
<br/>
<span>When such I meet, and wish great Juno would</span>
<br/>
<span>Resume her ancient fit of jealousy,</span>
<br/>
<span>To get the soldier work, that peace might purge</span>
<br/>
<span>For her repletion, and retain anew</span>
<br/>
<span>Her charitable heart, now hard, and harsher</span>
<br/>
<span>Than strife or war could be.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Are you not out?</span>
<br/>
<span>Meet you no ruin but the soldier in</span>
<br/>
<span>The cranks and turns of Thebes? You did begin</span>
<br/>
<span>As if you met decays of many kinds:</span>
<br/>
<span>Perceive you none that do arouse your pity,</span>
<br/>
<span>But the unconsider’d soldier?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Yes; I pity</span>
<br/>
<span>Decays where’er I find them; but such most</span>
<br/>
<span>That, sweating in an honourable toil,</span>
<br/>
<span>Are paid with ice to cool ’em.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>’Tis not this</span>
<br/>
<span>I did begin to speak of; this is virtue</span>
<br/>
<span>Of no respect in Thebes: I spake of Thebes,</span>
<br/>
<span>How dangerous, if we will keep our honours,</span>
<br/>
<span>It is for our residing; where every evil</span>
<br/>
<span>Hath a good colour; where every seeming good’s</span>
<br/>
<span>A certain evil; where not to be even jump</span>
<br/>
<span>As they are here, were to be strangers, and</span>
<br/>
<span>Such things to be, mere monsters.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>’Tis in our power⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Unless we fear that apes can tutor’s⁠—to</span>
<br/>
<span>Be masters of our manners: what need I</span>
<br/>
<span>Affect another’s gait, which is not catching</span>
<br/>
<span>Where there is faith? or to be fond upon</span>
<br/>
<span>Another’s way of speech, when by mine own</span>
<br/>
<span>I may be reasonably conceiv’d, sav’d too,</span>
<br/>
<span>Speaking it truly? why am I bound</span>
<br/>
<span>By any generous bond to follow him</span>
<br/>
<span>Follows his tailor, haply so long until</span>
<br/>
<span>The follow’d make pursuit? or let me know</span>
<br/>
<span>Why mine own barber is unblest, with him</span>
<br/>
<span>My poor chin too, for ’tis not scissar’d just</span>
<br/>
<span>To such a favourite’s glass? what canon is there</span>
<br/>
<span>That does command my rapier from my hip,</span>
<br/>
<span>To dangle ’t in my hand, or to go tip-toe</span>
<br/>
<span>Before the street be foul? Either I am</span>
<br/>
<span>The fore-horse in the team, or I am none</span>
<br/>
<span>That draw i’ the sequent trace. These poor slight sores</span>
<br/>
<span>Need not a plantain; that which rips my bosom,</span>
<br/>
<span>Almost to th’ heart, ’s⁠—</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>Our Uncle Creon.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>He,</span>
<br/>
<span>A most unbounded tyrant, whose successes</span>
<br/>
<span>Makes heaven unfear’d, and villainy assur’d</span>
<br/>
<span>Beyond its power there’s nothing; almost puts</span>
<br/>
<span>Faith in a fever, and deifies alone</span>
<br/>
<span>Voluble chance; who only attributes</span>
<br/>
<span>The faculties of other instruments</span>
<br/>
<span>To his own nerves and act; commands men service,</span>
<br/>
<span>And what they win in’t, boot and glory; one</span>
<br/>
<span>That fears not to do harm: good, dares not; let</span>
<br/>
<span>The blood of mine that’s sibbe to him be suck’d</span>
<br/>
<span>From me with leeches; let them break and fall</span>
<br/>
<span>Off me with that corruption!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Clear-spirited cousin,</span>
<br/>
<span>Let’s leave his court, that we may nothing share</span>
<br/>
<span>Of his loud infamy; for our milk</span>
<br/>
<span>Will relish of the pasture, and we must</span>
<br/>
<span>Be vile or disobedient; not his kinsmen</span>
<br/>
<span>In blood, unless in quality.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Nothing truer:</span>
<br/>
<span>I think the echoes of his shames have deaf’d</span>
<br/>
<span>The ears of heavenly justice: widdows’ cries</span>
<br/>
<span>Descend again into their throats, and have not</span>
<br/>
<span>Due audience of the gods.⁠—Valerius!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Valerius</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Valerius</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>The king calls for you; yet be leaden-footed,</span>
<br/>
<span>Till his great rage be off him: Phoebus when</span>
<br/>
<span>He broke his whipstock, and exclaim’d against</span>
<br/>
<span>The horses of the sun, but whisper’d, to</span>
<br/>
<span>The loudness of his fury.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Small winds shake him!</span>
<br/>
<span>But what’s the matter?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Valerius</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Theseus⁠—who where he threats appals⁠—hath sent</span>
<br/>
<span>Deadly defiance to him, and pronounces</span>
<br/>
<span>Ruin to Thebes; who is at hand to seal</span>
<br/>
<span>The promise of his wrath.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Let him approach:</span>
<br/>
<span>But that we fear the gods in him, he brings not</span>
<br/>
<span>A jot of terror to us: yet what man</span>
<br/>
<span>Thirds his own worth⁠—the case is each of ours⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>When that his action’s dregg’d with mind assur’d</span>
<br/>
<span>’Tis bad he goes about?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Leave that unreason’d;</span>
<br/>
<span>Our services stand now for Thebes, not Creon:</span>
<br/>
<span>Yet, to be neutral to him were dishonour,</span>
<br/>
<span>Rebellious to oppose; therefore we must</span>
<br/>
<span>With him stand to the mercy of our fate,</span>
<br/>
<span>Who hath bounded our last minute.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>So we must.⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Is’t said this war’s afoot? or it shall be,</span>
<br/>
<span>On fail of some condition?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Valerius</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>’Tis in motion;</span>
<br/>
<span>Th’ intelligence of state came in the instant</span>
<br/>
<span>With the defier.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Let’s to the king; who, were he</span>
<br/>
<span>A quarter carrier of that honour which</span>
<br/>
<span>His enemy come in, the blood we venture</span>
<br/>
<span>Should be as for our health; which were not spent,</span>
<br/>
<span>Rather laid out for purchase: but, alas!</span>
<br/>
<span>Our hands advanc’d before our hearts, what will</span>
<br/>
<span>The fall o’ the stroke do damage?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Let th’ event</span>
<br/>
<span>That never-erring arbitrator, tell us</span>
<br/>
<span>When we know all ourselves; and let us follow</span>
<br/>
<span>The becking of our chance. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exeunt.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
<section id="scene-1-3" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3>
<span epub:type="label">Scene</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">III</span>
</h3>
<p>Before the gates of Athens.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</b>, and <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td>No further!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Sir, farewell: repeat my wishes</span>
<br/>
<span>To our great lord, of whose success I dare not</span>
<br/>
<span>Make any timorous question; yet I wish him</span>
<br/>
<span>Excess and overflow of power, an’t might be,</span>
<br/>
<span>To dare ill-dealing fortune. Speed to him;</span>
<br/>
<span>Store never hurts good governors.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Though I know</span>
<br/>
<span>His ocean needs not my poor drops, yet they</span>
<br/>
<span>Must yield their tribute there. My precious maid,</span>
<br/>
<span>Those best affections that the heavens infuse</span>
<br/>
<span>In their best-temper’d pieces, keep enthron’d</span>
<br/>
<span>In your dear heart!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Thanks, sir. Remember me</span>
<br/>
<span>To our all-royal brother; for whose speed</span>
<br/>
<span>The great Bellona I’ll solicit; and</span>
<br/>
<span>Since, in our terrene state petitions are not</span>
<br/>
<span>Without gifts understood, I’ll offer to her</span>
<br/>
<span>What I shall be advis’d she likes. Our hearts</span>
<br/>
<span>Are in his army, in his tent.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>In’s bosom.</span>
<br/>
<span>We have been soldiers, and we cannot weep</span>
<br/>
<span>When our friends don their helms, or put to sea,</span>
<br/>
<span>Or tell of babes broach’d on the lance, or women</span>
<br/>
<span>That have sod their infants in⁠—and after eat them⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>The brine they wept at killing ’em: then, if</span>
<br/>
<span>You stay to see of us such spinsters, we</span>
<br/>
<span>Should hold you here for ever.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Peace be to you,</span>
<br/>
<span>As I pursue this war! which shall be then</span>
<br/>
<span>Beyond further requiring. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>How his longing</span>
<br/>
<span>Follows his friend! since his depart, his sports,</span>
<br/>
<span>Though craving seriousness and skill, pass’d slightly</span>
<br/>
<span>His careless execution, where nor gain</span>
<br/>
<span>Made him regard, or loss consider; but</span>
<br/>
<span>Playing one business in his hand, another</span>
<br/>
<span>Directing in his head, his mind nurse equal</span>
<br/>
<span>To these so differing twins. Have you observ’d him</span>
<br/>
<span>Since our great lord departed?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>With much labour;</span>
<br/>
<span>And I did love him for’t. They two have cabin’d</span>
<br/>
<span>In many as dangerous as poor a corner,</span>
<br/>
<span>Peril and want contending; they have skiff’d</span>
<br/>
<span>Torrents, whose roaring tyranny and power</span>
<br/>
<span>I’ the least of these was dreadful; and they have</span>
<br/>
<span>Fought out together, where death’s self was lodg’d;</span>
<br/>
<span>Yet fate hath brought them off. Their knot of love</span>
<br/>
<span>Tied, weav’d, entangled, with so true, so long,</span>
<br/>
<span>And with a finger of so deep a cunning,</span>
<br/>
<span>May be out-worn, never undone. I think</span>
<br/>
<span>Theseus cannot be umpire to himself,</span>
<br/>
<span>Cleaving his conscience into twain, and doing</span>
<br/>
<span>Each side like justice, which he loves best.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Doubtless</span>
<br/>
<span>There is a best, and reason has no manners</span>
<br/>
<span>To say it is not you. I was acquainted</span>
<br/>
<span>Once with a time, when I enjoy’d a play-fellow;</span>
<br/>
<span>You were at wars when she the grave enrich’d,</span>
<br/>
<span>Who made too proud the bed, took leave of the moon⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Which then look’d pale at parting⁠—when our count</span>
<br/>
<span>Was each eleven.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</td>
<td>’Twas Flavina.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Yes.</span>
<br/>
<span>You talk of Pirithous’ and Theseus’ love:</span>
<br/>
<span>Theirs has more ground, is more maturely season’d,</span>
<br/>
<span>More buckled with strong judgment, and their needs</span>
<br/>
<span>The one or th’ other may be said to water</span>
<br/>
<span>Their intertangled roots of love; but I,</span>
<br/>
<span>And she I sigh and spoke of, were things innocent,</span>
<br/>
<span>Lov’d for we did, and like the elements</span>
<br/>
<span>That know not what nor why, yet do effect</span>
<br/>
<span>Rare issues by their operance, our souls</span>
<br/>
<span>Did so to one another: what she lik’d</span>
<br/>
<span>Was then of me approv’d; what not, condemn’d,</span>
<br/>
<span>No more arraignment; the flower that I would pluck</span>
<br/>
<span>And put between my breasts, O⁠—then but beginning</span>
<br/>
<span>To swell about the blossom⁠—she would long</span>
<br/>
<span>Till she had such another, and commit it</span>
<br/>
<span>To the like innocent cradle, where, phoenix-like,</span>
<br/>
<span>They died in perfume; on my head no toy</span>
<br/>
<span>But was her pattern; her affections⁠—pretty,</span>
<br/>
<span>Though happily her careless wear⁠—I follow’d</span>
<br/>
<span>For my most serious decking; had mine ear</span>
<br/>
<span>Stol’n some new air, or at adventure humm’d one</span>
<br/>
<span>From musical coinage, why, it was a note</span>
<br/>
<span>Whereon her spirits would sojourn⁠—rather dwell on⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>And sing it in her slumbers: this rehearsal⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Which, every innocent wots well, comes in</span>
<br/>
<span>Like old importments bastard⁠—has this end,</span>
<br/>
<span>That the true love ’tween maid, and maid may be</span>
<br/>
<span>More than in sex dividual.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>You’re out of breath;</span>
<br/>
<span>And this high-speeded pace is but to say,</span>
<br/>
<span>That you shall never, like the maid Flavina,</span>
<br/>
<span>Love any that’s call’d man.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td>I’m sure I shall not.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Now, alack, weak sister,</span>
<br/>
<span>I must no more believe thee in this point⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Though in’t I know thou dost believe thyself⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Than I will trust a sickly appetite,</span>
<br/>
<span>That loathes even as it longs. But, sure, my sister,</span>
<br/>
<span>If I were ripe for your persuasion, you</span>
<br/>
<span>Have said enough to shake me from the arm</span>
<br/>
<span>Of the all-noble Theseus; for whose fortunes</span>
<br/>
<span>I will now in and kneel, with great assurance</span>
<br/>
<span>That we, more than his Pirithous, possess</span>
<br/>
<span>The high throne in his heart.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I am not</span>
<br/>
<span>Against your faith; yet I continue mine. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Cornets. Exeunt.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
<section id="scene-1-4" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3>
<span epub:type="label">Scene</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">IV</span>
</h3>
<p>A field before Thebes.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">A battle struck within; then a retreat; flourish. Then enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</b> (victor), <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Herald</b>, and Attendants. The three <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Queens</b> meet <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</b>, and fall on their faces before him.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Queen</td>
<td>To thee no star be dark!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Queen</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Both heaven and earth</span>
<br/>
<span>Friend thee for ever!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Third Queen</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>All the good that may</span>
<br/>
<span>Be wish’d upon thy head, I cry Amen to’t!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Th’ impartial gods, who from the mounted heavens</span>
<br/>
<span>View us their mortal herd, behold who err,</span>
<br/>
<span>And in their time chastise. Go, and find out</span>
<br/>
<span>The bones of your dead lords, and honour them</span>
<br/>
<span>With treble ceremony: rather than a gap</span>
<br/>
<span>Should be in their dear rites, we would supply’t.</span>
<br/>
<span>But those we will depute which shall invest</span>
<br/>
<span>You in your dignities, and even each thing</span>
<br/>
<span>Our haste does leave imperfect. So, adieu,</span>
<br/>
<span>And heaven’s good eyes look on you! <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exeunt <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Queens</b>.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</b> and <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</b> borne in on hearses.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>What are those?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Herald</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Men of great quality, as may be judg’d</span>
<br/>
<span>By their appointment; some of Thebes have told’s</span>
<br/>
<span>They’re sisters’ children, nephews to the king.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>By th’ helm of Mars, I saw them in the war⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Like to a pair of lions smear’d with prey⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Make lanes in troops aghast: I fix’d my note</span>
<br/>
<span>Constantly on them; for they were a mark</span>
<br/>
<span>Worth a god’s view. What was’t that prisoner told me</span>
<br/>
<span>When I enquir’d their names?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Herald</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>We ’lieve, they’re called</span>
<br/>
<span>Arcite and Palamon.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>’Tis right; those, those.</span>
<br/>
<span>They are not dead?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Herald</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Nor in a state of life: had they been taken</span>
<br/>
<span>When their last hurts were given, ’twas possible</span>
<br/>
<span>They might have been recover’d; yet they breathe,</span>
<br/>
<span>And have the name of men.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Then like men use ’em:</span>
<br/>
<span>The very lees of such, millions of rates</span>
<br/>
<span>Exceed the wine of others: all our surgeons</span>
<br/>
<span>Convent in their behoof; our richest balms,</span>
<br/>
<span>Rather than niggard, waste: their lives concern us</span>
<br/>
<span>Much more than Thebes is worth: rather than have ’em</span>
<br/>
<span>Freed of this plight, and in their morning state,</span>
<br/>
<span>Sound and at liberty, I would ’em dead;</span>
<br/>
<span>But, forty thousand fold, we had rather have ’em</span>
<br/>
<span>Prisoners to us than death. Bear ’em speedily</span>
<br/>
<span>From our kind air⁠—to them unkind⁠—and minister</span>
<br/>
<span>What man to man may do; for our sake, more:</span>
<br/>
<span>Since I have known frights, fury, friends’ behests,</span>
<br/>
<span>Love’s provocations, zeal, a mistress’ task,</span>
<br/>
<span>Desire of liberty, a fever, madness,</span>
<br/>
<span>Hath set a mark⁠—which nature could not reach to</span>
<br/>
<span>Without some imposition⁠—sickness in will,</span>
<br/>
<span>Or wrestling strength in reason. For our love,</span>
<br/>
<span>And great Apollo’s mercy, all our best</span>
<br/>
<span>Their best skill tender!⁠—Lead into the city;</span>
<br/>
<span>Where, having bound things scatter’d, we will post</span>
<br/>
<span>To Athens ’for our army. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Flourish. Exeunt; Attendants carrying <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</b> and <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</b>.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
<section id="scene-1-5" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3>
<span epub:type="label">Scene</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">V</span>
</h3>
<p>Another part of the same, more remote from Thebes.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter the <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Queens</b> with the hearses of their <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Knights</b>, in a funeral solemnity, <abbr class="eoc">etc.</abbr></i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Song.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td epub:type="z3998:song">
<p>
<span class="i2">Urns and odours bring away!</span>
<br/>
<span class="i2">Vapours, sighs, darken the day!</span>
</p>
<p>
<span>Our dole more deadly looks than dying;</span>
<br/>
<span class="i1">Balms, and gums, and heavy cheers,</span>
<br/>
<span class="i1">Sacred vials fill’d with tears,</span>
<br/>
<span>And clamours through the wild air flying!</span>
</p>
<p>
<span class="i1">Come, all sad and solemn shows,</span>
<br/>
<span class="i1">That are quick-ey’d pleasure’s foes!</span>
<br/>
<span class="i1">We convent naught else but woes:</span>
<br/>
<span class="i2">We convent, <abbr class="eoc">etc.</abbr></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Third Queen</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>This funeral path brings to your household’s grave:</span>
<br/>
<span>Joy seize on you again! Peace sleep with him!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Queen</td>
<td>And this to yours.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Queen</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Yours this way. Heavens lend</span>
<br/>
<span>A thousand differing ways to one sure end.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Third Queen</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>This world’s a city full of straying streets,</span>
<br/>
<span>And death’s the market-place, where each one meets. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exeunt severally.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
</section>
<section id="act-2" epub:type="chapter bodymatter z3998:fiction z3998:drama">
<h2>
<span epub:type="label">Act</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">II</span>
</h2>
<section id="scene-2-1" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3>
<span epub:type="label">Scene</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">I</span>
</h3>
<p>Athens. A garden, with a castle in the background.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</b> and <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>I may depart with little, while I live; something I may cast to you, not much. Alas! the prison I keep, though it be for great ones, yet they seldom come: before one salmon, you shall take a number of minnows. I am given out to be better lined than it can appear to me report is a true speaker: I would I were really that I am delivered to be. Marry, what I have⁠—be it what it will⁠—I will assure upon my daughter at the day of my death.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td>Sir, I demand no more than your own offer; and I will estate your daughter in what I have promised.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>Well, we will talk more of this when the solemnity is past. But have you a full promise of her? when that shall be seen, I tender my consent.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td>I have, sir. Here she comes.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler’s</b> <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>Your friend and I have chanced to name you here, upon the old business; but no more of that now: so soon as the court-hurry is over, we will have an end of it: i’ the meantime, look tenderly to the two prisoners; I can tell you they are princes.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>These strewings are for their chamber. ’Tis pity they are in prison, and ’twere pity they should be out. I do think they have patience to make any adversity ashamed: the prison itself is proud of ’em; and they have all the world in their chamber.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>They are famed to be a pair of absolute men.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>By my troth, I think fame but stammers ’em; they stand a greise above the reach of report.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>I heard them reported in the battle to be the only doers.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>Nay, most likely; for they are noble sufferers. I marvel how they would have looked, had they been victors, that with such a constant nobility enforce a freedom out of bondage, making misery their mirth, and affliction a toy to jest at.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>Do they so?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>It seems to me they have no more sense of their captivity than I of ruling Athens: they eat well, look merrily, discourse of many things, but nothing of their own restraint and disasters. Yet sometime a divided sigh, martyred as ’twere i’ the deliverance, will break from one of them; when the other presently gives it so sweet a rebuke, that I could wish myself a sigh to be so chid, or at least a sigher to be comforted.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td>I never saw ’em.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>The duke himself came privately in the night, and so did they: what the reason of it is, I know not.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</b> and <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</b>, above.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>Look, yonder they are! that’s Arcite looks out.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>No, sir, no; that’s Palamon: Arcite is the lower of the twain; you may perceive a part of him.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>Go to! leave your pointing: they would not make us their object: out of their sight!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>It is a holiday to look on them. Lord, the diffrence of men! <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exeunt.</i></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
<section id="scene-2-2" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3>
<span epub:type="label">Scene</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">II</span>
</h3>
<p>The same.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</b> and <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</b>, above.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>How do you, noble cousin?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>How do you, sir?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Why, strong enough to laugh at misery,</span>
<br/>
<span>And bear the chance of war yet. We are prisoners</span>
<br/>
<span>I fear for ever, cousin.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I believe it;</span>
<br/>
<span>And to that destiny have patiently</span>
<br/>
<span>Laid up my hour to come.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>O, cousin Arcite,</span>
<br/>
<span>Where is Thebes now? where is our noble country?</span>
<br/>
<span>Where are our friends and kindreds? Never more</span>
<br/>
<span>Must we behold those comforts; never see</span>
<br/>
<span>The hardy youths strive for the games of honour,</span>
<br/>
<span>Hung with the painted favours of their ladies,</span>
<br/>
<span>Like tall ships under sail; then start amongst ’em,</span>
<br/>
<span>And, as an east wind, leave ’em all behind us</span>
<br/>
<span>Like lazy clouds, whilst Palamon and Arcite,</span>
<br/>
<span>Even in the wagging of a wanton leg,</span>
<br/>
<span>Outstripp’d the people’s praises, won the garlands,</span>
<br/>
<span>Ere they have time to wish ’em ours. O, never</span>
<br/>
<span>Shall we two exercise, like twins of honour,</span>
<br/>
<span>Our arms again, and feel our fiery horses</span>
<br/>
<span>Like proud seas under us! Our good swords now⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Better the red-ey’d god of war ne’er wore⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Ravish’d our sides, like age, must run to rust,</span>
<br/>
<span>And deck the temples of those gods that hate us;</span>
<br/>
<span>These hands shall never draw ’em out like lightning,</span>
<br/>
<span>To blast whole armies, more!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>No, Palamon,</span>
<br/>
<span>Those hopes are prisoners with us: here we are,</span>
<br/>
<span>And here the graces of our youths must wither,</span>
<br/>
<span>Like a too-timely spring; here age must find us,</span>
<br/>
<span>And, which is heaviest, Palamon, unmarried;</span>
<br/>
<span>The sweet embraces of a loving wife,</span>
<br/>
<span>Loaden with kisses, arm’d with thousand Cupids,</span>
<br/>
<span>Shall never clasp our necks; no issue know us,</span>
<br/>
<span>No figures of ourselves shall we e’er see,</span>
<br/>
<span>To glad our age, and like young eagles teach ’em</span>
<br/>
<span>Boldly to gaze against bright arms, and say</span>
<br/>
<span>“Remember what your fathers were, and conquer!”</span>
<br/>
<span>The fair-ey’d maids shall weep our banishments,</span>
<br/>
<span>And in their songs curse ever-blinded Fortune,</span>
<br/>
<span>Till she for shame see what a wrong she has done</span>
<br/>
<span>To youth and nature: this is all our world;</span>
<br/>
<span>We shall know nothing here but one another;</span>
<br/>
<span>Hear nothing but the clock that tells our woes;</span>
<br/>
<span>The vine shall grow, but we shall never see it;</span>
<br/>
<span>Summer shall come, and with her all delights,</span>
<br/>
<span>But dead-cold winter must inhabit here still.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>’Tis too true, Arcite. To our Theban hounds,</span>
<br/>
<span>That shook the aged forest with their echoes,</span>
<br/>
<span>No more now must we holla; no more shake</span>
<br/>
<span>Our pointed javelins, whilst the angry swine</span>
<br/>
<span>Flies like a Parthian quiver from our rages,</span>
<br/>
<span>Struck with our well-steel’d darts: all valiant uses⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>The food and nourishment of noble minds⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>In us two here shall perish; we shall die⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Which is the curse of honour⁠—lastly,</span>
<br/>
<span>Children of grief and ignorance.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Yet, cousin,</span>
<br/>
<span>Even from the bottom of these miseries,</span>
<br/>
<span>From all that fortune can inflict upon us,</span>
<br/>
<span>I see two comforts rising, two mere blessings,</span>
<br/>
<span>If the gods please, to hold here a brave patience,</span>
<br/>
<span>And the enjoying of our griefs together.</span>
<br/>
<span>Whilst Palamon is with me, let me perish</span>
<br/>
<span>If I think this our prison!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Certainly</span>
<br/>
<span>’Tis a main goodness, cousin, that our fortunes</span>
<br/>
<span>Were twinn’d together: ’tis most true, two souls</span>
<br/>
<span>Put in two noble bodies, let ’em suffer</span>
<br/>
<span>The gall of hazard, so they grow together,</span>
<br/>
<span>Will never sink; they must not, say they could:</span>
<br/>
<span>A willing man dies sleeping, and all’s done.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Shall we make worthy uses of this place,</span>
<br/>
<span>That all men hate so much?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>How, gentle cousin?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Let’s think this prison holy sanctuary,</span>
<br/>
<span>To keep us from corruption of worse men:</span>
<br/>
<span>We’re young, and yet desire the ways of honour;</span>
<br/>
<span>That, liberty and common conversation,</span>
<br/>
<span>The poison of pure spirits, might, like women,</span>
<br/>
<span>Woo us to wander from. What worthy blessing</span>
<br/>
<span>Can be, but our imaginations</span>
<br/>
<span>May make it ours? and here being thus together,</span>
<br/>
<span>We are an endless mine to one another;</span>
<br/>
<span>We’re one another’s wife, ever begetting</span>
<br/>
<span>New births of love; we’re father, friends, acquaintance;</span>
<br/>
<span>We are, in one another, families;</span>
<br/>
<span>I am your heir, and you are mine; this place</span>
<br/>
<span>Is our inheritance; no hard oppressor</span>
<br/>
<span>Dare take this from us: here, with a little patience,</span>
<br/>
<span>We shall live long, and loving; no surfeits seek us;</span>
<br/>
<span>The hand of war hurts none here, nor the seas</span>
<br/>
<span>Swallow their youth. Were we at liberty,</span>
<br/>
<span>A wife might part us lawfully, or business;</span>
<br/>
<span>Quarrels consume us; envy of ill men</span>
<br/>
<span>Crave our acquaintance; I might sicken, cousin,</span>
<br/>
<span>Where you should never know it, and so perish</span>
<br/>
<span>Without your noble hand to close mine eyes,</span>
<br/>
<span>Or prayers to the gods: a thousand chaunces,</span>
<br/>
<span>Were we from hence, would sever us.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>You’ve made me⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>I thank you, cousin Arcite⁠—almost wanton</span>
<br/>
<span>With my captivity: what a misery</span>
<br/>
<span>It is to live abroad, and everywhere!</span>
<br/>
<span>’Tis like a beast, methinks: I find the court here,</span>
<br/>
<span>I’m sure, a more content; and all those pleasures</span>
<br/>
<span>That woo the wills of men to vanity</span>
<br/>
<span>I see through now; and am sufficient</span>
<br/>
<span>To tell the world ’tis but a gaudy shadow,</span>
<br/>
<span>That old Time, as he passes by, takes with him.</span>
<br/>
<span>What had we been, old in the court of Creon,</span>
<br/>
<span>Where sin is justice, lust and ignorance</span>
<br/>
<span>The virtues of the great ones? Cousin Arcite,</span>
<br/>
<span>Had not the loving gods found this place for us,</span>
<br/>
<span>We had died as they do, ill old men, unwept,</span>
<br/>
<span>And had their epitaphs, the people’s curses.</span>
<br/>
<span>Shall I say more?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>I’d hear you still.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Ye shall.</span>
<br/>
<span>Is there record of any two that lov’d</span>
<br/>
<span>Better than we do, Arcite?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>Sure, there cannot.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I do not think it possible our friendship</span>
<br/>
<span>Should ever leave us.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Till our deaths it cannot;</span>
<br/>
<span>And after death our spirits shall be led</span>
<br/>
<span>To those that love eternally. Speak on, sir.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</b> and her <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Woman</b> below.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>This garden has a world of pleasures in’t.</span>
<br/>
<span>What flower is this?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Woman</td>
<td>’Tis call’d Narcissus, madam.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>That was a fair boy certain, but a fool,</span>
<br/>
<span>To love himself: were there not maids enough?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>Pray, forward.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>Yes.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td>Or were they all hard-hearted?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Woman</td>
<td>They could not be to one so fair.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td>Thou wouldst not.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Woman</td>
<td>I think I should not, madam.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>That’s a good wench!</span>
<br/>
<span>But take heed to your kindness though!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Woman</td>
<td>Why, madam?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td>Men are mad things.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>Will ye go forward, cousin?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td>Canst not thou work such flowers in silk, wench?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Woman</td>
<td>Yes.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I’ll have a gown full of ’em; and of these;</span>
<br/>
<span>This is a pretty colour: will’t not do</span>
<br/>
<span>Rarely upon a skirt, wench?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Woman</td>
<td>Dainty, madam.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>Cousin, cousin! how do you, sir? why, Palamon?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>Never till now I was in prison, Arcite.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>Why, what’s the matter, man?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Behold, and wonder!</span>
<br/>
<span>By heaven, she is a goddess!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>Ha!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Do reverence;</span>
<br/>
<span>She is a goddess, Arcite!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Of all flowers,</span>
<br/>
<span>Methinks, a rose is best.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Woman</td>
<td>Why, gentle madam?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>It is the very emblem of a maid:</span>
<br/>
<span>For when the west wind courts her gently,</span>
<br/>
<span>How modestly she blows, and paints the sun</span>
<br/>
<span>With her chaste blushes! when the north comes near her,</span>
<br/>
<span>Rude and impatient, then, like chastity,</span>
<br/>
<span>She locks her beauties in her bud again,</span>
<br/>
<span>And leaves him to base briers.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Woman</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Yet, good madam,</span>
<br/>
<span>Sometimes her modesty will blow so far</span>
<br/>
<span>She falls for it: a maid,</span>
<br/>
<span>If she have any honour, would be loath</span>
<br/>
<span>To take example by her.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td>Thou art wanton.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>She’s wondrous fair!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>She’s all the beauty extant!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>The sun grows high; let’s walk in. Keep these flowers;</span>
<br/>
<span>We’ll see how near art can come near their colours,</span>
<br/>
<span>I’m wondrous merry-hearted; I could laugh now.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Woman</td>
<td>I could lie down, I’m sure.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td>And take one with you?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Woman</td>
<td>That’s as we bargain, madam.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td>Well, agree then. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exeunt <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</b> and <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Woman</b>.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>What think you of this beauty?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>’Tis a rare one.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>Is’t but a rare one?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>Yes, a matchless beauty.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>Might not a man well lose himself, and love her?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I cannot tell what you have done; I have,</span>
<br/>
<span>Beshrew mine eyes for’t! Now I feel my shackles.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>You love her, then?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>Who would not?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>And desire her?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>Before my liberty.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>I saw her first.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>That’s nothing.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>But it shall be.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>I saw her too.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>Yes; but you must not love her.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I will not, as you do, to worship her,</span>
<br/>
<span>As she is heavenly and a blessed goddess;</span>
<br/>
<span>I love her as a woman, to enjoy her:</span>
<br/>
<span>So both may love.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>You shall not love at all.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>Not love at all! who shall deny me?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I, that first saw her; I, that took possession</span>
<br/>
<span>First with mine eye of all those beauties in her</span>
<br/>
<span>Reveal’d to mankind. If thou lovest her,</span>
<br/>
<span>Or entertain’st a hope to blast my wishes,</span>
<br/>
<span>Thou art a traitor, Arcite, and a fellow</span>
<br/>
<span>False as thy title to her: friendship, blood,</span>
<br/>
<span>And all the ties between us, I disclaim,</span>
<br/>
<span>If thou once think upon her!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Yes, I love her;</span>
<br/>
<span>And if the lives of all my name lay on it,</span>
<br/>
<span>I must do so; I love her with my soul.</span>
<br/>
<span>If that will lose ye, farewell, Palamon!</span>
<br/>
<span>I say again, I love; and, in loving her, maintain</span>
<br/>
<span>I am as worthy and as free a lover,</span>
<br/>
<span>And have as just a title to her beauty,</span>
<br/>
<span>As any Palamon, or any living</span>
<br/>
<span>That is a man’s son.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>Have I call’d thee friend?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Yes, and have found me so. Why are you mov’d thus?</span>
<br/>
<span>Let me deal coldly with you: am not I</span>
<br/>
<span>Part of your blood, part of your soul? you’ve told me</span>
<br/>
<span>That I was Palamon, and you were Arcite.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>Yes.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Am not I liable to those affections,</span>
<br/>
<span>Those joys, griefs, angers, fears, my friend shall suffer?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>Ye may be.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Why, then, would you deal so cunningly,</span>
<br/>
<span>So strangely, so unlike a noble kinsman,</span>
<br/>
<span>To love alone? Speak truly; do you think me</span>
<br/>
<span>Unworthy of her sight?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>No; but unjust</span>
<br/>
<span>If thou pursue that sight.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Because another</span>
<br/>
<span>First sees the enemy, shall I stand still,</span>
<br/>
<span>And let mine honour down, and never charge?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>Yes, if he be but one.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>But say that one</span>
<br/>
<span>Had rather combat me?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Let that one say so,</span>
<br/>
<span>And use thy freedom: else, if thou pursu’st her,</span>
<br/>
<span>Be as that cursed man that hates his country,</span>
<br/>
<span>A branded villain.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>You are mad.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I must be,</span>
<br/>
<span>Till thou art worthy, Arcite; it concerns me;</span>
<br/>
<span>And, in this madness, if I hazard thee,</span>
<br/>
<span>And take thy life, I deal but truly.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Fie, sir!</span>
<br/>
<span>You play the child extremely: I will love her,</span>
<br/>
<span>I must, I ought to do so, and I dare;</span>
<br/>
<span>And all this justly.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>O, that now, that now</span>
<br/>
<span>Thy false self and thy friend had but this fortune,</span>
<br/>
<span>To be one hour at liberty, and grasp</span>
<br/>
<span>Our good swords in our hands! I’d quickly teach thee</span>
<br/>
<span>What ’twere to filch affection from another!</span>
<br/>
<span>Thou art baser in it than a cutpurse:</span>
<br/>
<span>Put but thy head out of this window more,</span>
<br/>
<span>And, as I have a soul, I’ll nail thy life to’t!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Thou dar’st not, fool; thou canst not; thou art feeble:</span>
<br/>
<span>Put my head out! I’ll throw my body out,</span>
<br/>
<span>And leap the garden, when I see her next,</span>
<br/>
<span>And pitch between her arms, to anger thee.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>No more! the keeper’s coming: I shall live</span>
<br/>
<span>To knock thy brains out with my shackles.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>Do!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>By your leave, gentlemen.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>Now, honest keeper?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Lord Arcite, you must presently to the duke:</span>
<br/>
<span>The cause I know not yet.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>I’m ready, keeper.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Prince Palamon, I must awhile bereave you</span>
<br/>
<span>Of your fair cousin’s company.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>And me too,</span>
<br/>
<span>Even when you please, of life. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exeunt <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</b> and <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</b>.</i> Why is he sent for?</span>
<br/>
<span>It may be, he shall marry her; he’s goodly,</span>
<br/>
<span>And like enough the duke hath taken notice</span>
<br/>
<span>Both of his blood and body. But his falsehood!</span>
<br/>
<span>Why should a friend be treacherous? if that</span>
<br/>
<span>Get him a wife so noble and so fair,</span>
<br/>
<span>Let honest men ne’er love again. Once more</span>
<br/>
<span>I would but see this fair one.⁠—Blessed garden,</span>
<br/>
<span>And fruit and flowers more blessed, that still blossom</span>
<br/>
<span>As her bright eyes shine on ye! Would I were,</span>
<br/>
<span>For all the fortune of my life hereafter,</span>
<br/>
<span>Yon little tree, yon blooming apricock!</span>
<br/>
<span>How I would spread, and fling my wanton arms</span>
<br/>
<span>In at her window! I would bring her fruit</span>
<br/>
<span>Fit for the gods to feed on; youth and pleasure,</span>
<br/>
<span>Still as she tasted, should be doubled on her;</span>
<br/>
<span>And if she be not heavenly, I would make her</span>
<br/>
<span>So near the gods in nature, they should fear her;</span>
<br/>
<span>And then I’m sure she would love me.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Reenter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>How now, keeper!</span>
<br/>
<span>Where’s Arcite?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Banish’d. Prince Pirithous</span>
<br/>
<span>Obtain’d his liberty; but never more,</span>
<br/>
<span>Upon his oath and life, must he set foot</span>
<br/>
<span>Upon this kingdom.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside.</i> He’s a blessed man!</span>
<br/>
<span>He shall see Thebes again, and call to arms</span>
<br/>
<span>The bold young men that, when he bids ’em charge,</span>
<br/>
<span>Fall on like fire: Arcite shall have a fortune,</span>
<br/>
<span>If he dare make himself a worthy lover,</span>
<br/>
<span>Yet in the field to strike a battle for her;</span>
<br/>
<span>And if he lose her then, he’s a cold coward:</span>
<br/>
<span>How bravely may he bear himself to win her,</span>
<br/>
<span>If he be noble Arcite, thousand ways!</span>
<br/>
<span>Were I at liberty, I would do things</span>
<br/>
<span>Of such a virtuous greatness, that this lady,</span>
<br/>
<span>This blushing virgin, should take manhood to her,</span>
<br/>
<span>And seek to ravish me.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>My lord, for you</span>
<br/>
<span>I have this charge too⁠—</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>To discharge my life?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>No; but from this place to remove your lordship:</span>
<br/>
<span>The windows are too open.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Devils take ’em</span>
<br/>
<span>That are so envious to me! Pr’ythee, kill me.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>And hang for’t afterward?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>By this good light,</span>
<br/>
<span>Had I a sword, I’d kill thee.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>Why, my lord?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Thou bring’st such pelting scurvy news continually,</span>
<br/>
<span>Thou art not worthy life. I will not go.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>Indeed, you must, my lord.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>May I see the garden?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>No.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>Then I’m resolved I will not go.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I must</span>
<br/>
<span>Constrain you, then; and, for you’re dangerous,</span>
<br/>
<span>I’ll clap more irons on you.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Do, good keeper:</span>
<br/>
<span>I’ll shake ’em so, ye shall not sleep;</span>
<br/>
<span>I’ll make ye a new morris. Must I go?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>There is no remedy.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside.</i> Farewell, kind window;</span>
<br/>
<span>May rude wind never hurt thee!⁠—O my lady,</span>
<br/>
<span>If ever thou hast felt what sorrow was,</span>
<br/>
<span>Dream how I suffer!⁠—Come, now bury me. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exeunt.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
<section id="scene-2-3" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3>
<span epub:type="label">Scene</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">III</span>
</h3>
<p>The country near Athens.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Banish’d the kingdom? ’tis a benefit,</span>
<br/>
<span>A mercy, I must thank ’em for; but banish’d</span>
<br/>
<span>The free enjoying of that face I die for,</span>
<br/>
<span>O, ’twas a studied punishment, a death</span>
<br/>
<span>Beyond imagination! such a vengeance,</span>
<br/>
<span>That, were I old and wicked, all my sins</span>
<br/>
<span>Could never pluck upon me. Palamon,</span>
<br/>
<span>Thou hast the start now; thou shalt stay, and see</span>
<br/>
<span>Her bright eyes break each morning ’gainst thy window,</span>
<br/>
<span>And let in life into thee; thou shalt feed</span>
<br/>
<span>Upon the sweetness of a noble beauty,</span>
<br/>
<span>That nature ne’er exceeded, nor ne’er shall⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Good gods, what happiness has Palamon!</span>
<br/>
<span>Twenty to one, he’ll come to speak to her;</span>
<br/>
<span>And, if she be as gentle as she’s fair,</span>
<br/>
<span>I know she’s his; he has a tongue will tame</span>
<br/>
<span>Tempests, and make the wild rocks wanton. Come what can come,</span>
<br/>
<span>The worst is death; I will not leave the kingdom:</span>
<br/>
<span>I know mine own is but a heap of ruins,</span>
<br/>
<span>And no redress there. If I go, he has her.</span>
<br/>
<span>I am resolv’d: another shape shall make me,</span>
<br/>
<span>Or end my fortunes; either way, I’m happy:</span>
<br/>
<span>I’ll see her, and be near her, or no more.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter four <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Country-people</b>, and one with a garland before them.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Countryman</td>
<td>My masters, I’ll be there, that’s certain.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Countryman</td>
<td>And I’ll be there.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Third Countryman</td>
<td>And I.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Fourth Countryman</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Why, then, have with ye, boys! ’tis but a chiding:</span>
<br/>
<span>Let the plough play to-day; I’ll tickle’t out</span>
<br/>
<span>Of the jades’ tails to-morrow.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Countryman</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I am sure</span>
<br/>
<span>To have my wife as jealous as a turkey:</span>
<br/>
<span>But that’s all one: I’ll go through, let her mumble.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Countryman</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Clap her aboard to-morrow night, and stoa her,</span>
<br/>
<span>And all’s made up again.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Third Countryman</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Ay, do but put</span>
<br/>
<span>A feskue in her fist, and you shall see her</span>
<br/>
<span>Take a new lesson out, and be a good wench.</span>
<br/>
<span>Do we all hold against the Maying?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Fourth Countryman</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Hold!</span>
<br/>
<span>What should ail us?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Third Countryman</td>
<td>Arcas will be there.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Countryman</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>And Sennois,</span>
<br/>
<span>And Rycas; and three better lads ne’er danc’d</span>
<br/>
<span>Under green tree; and ye know what wenches, ha!</span>
<br/>
<span>But will the dainty domine, the schoolmaster,</span>
<br/>
<span>Keep touch, do you think? for he does all, ye know.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Third Countryman</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>He’ll eat a hornbook, ere he fail: go to!</span>
<br/>
<span>The matter is too far driven between</span>
<br/>
<span>Him and the tanner’s daughter, to let slip now;</span>
<br/>
<span>And she must see the duke, and she must dance too.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Fourth Countryman</td>
<td>Shall we be lusty?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Countryman</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>All the boys in Athens</span>
<br/>
<span>Blow wind i’ the breech on us: and here I’ll be,</span>
<br/>
<span>And there I’ll be, for our town, and here again,</span>
<br/>
<span>And there again: ha, boys, heigh for the weavers!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Countryman</td>
<td>This must be done i’ the woods.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Fourth Countryman</td>
<td>O, pardon me!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Countryman</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>By any means; our thing of learning says so;</span>
<br/>
<span>Where he himself will edify the duke</span>
<br/>
<span>Most parlously in our behalfs: he’s excellent i’ the woods;</span>
<br/>
<span>Bring him to the plains, his learning makes no cry.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Third Countryman</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>We’ll see the sports; then every man to’s tackle!</span>
<br/>
<span>And, sweet companions, let’s rehearse by any means,</span>
<br/>
<span>Before the ladies see us, and do sweetly,</span>
<br/>
<span>And God knows what may come on’t.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Fourth Countryman</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Content: the sports</span>
<br/>
<span>Once ended, we’ll perform. Away, boys, and hold!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>By your leaves, honest friends; pray you, whither go you?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Fourth Countryman</td>
<td>Whither! why, what a question’s that!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Yes, ’tis a question</span>
<br/>
<span>To me that know not.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Third Countryman</td>
<td>To the games, my friend.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Countryman</td>
<td>Where were you bred, you know it not?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Not far, sir.</span>
<br/>
<span>Are there such games to-day?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Countryman</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Yes, marry, are there;</span>
<br/>
<span>And such as you never saw: the duke himself</span>
<br/>
<span>Will be in person there.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>What pastimes are they?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Countryman</td>
<td>Wrestling and running.⁠—’Tis a pretty fellow.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Third Countryman</td>
<td>Thou wilt not go along?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>Not yet, sir.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Fourth Countryman</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Well, sir,</span>
<br/>
<span>Take your own time.⁠—Come, boys.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Countryman</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>My mind misgives me</span>
<br/>
<span>This fellow has a vengeance trick o’ the hip;</span>
<br/>
<span>Mark how his body’s made for’t</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Countryman</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I’ll be hang’d though,</span>
<br/>
<span>If he dare venture; hang him, plum-porridge!</span>
<br/>
<span>He wrestle? he roast eggs! Come, let’s be gone, lads. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exeunt <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Countrymen</b>.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>This is an offer’d opportunity</span>
<br/>
<span>I durst not wish for. Well I could have wrestled,</span>
<br/>
<span>The best men call’d it excellent; and run</span>
<br/>
<span>Swifter than wind upon a field of corn,</span>
<br/>
<span>Curling the wealthy ears, nev’r flew. I’ll venture,</span>
<br/>
<span>And in some poor disguise be there: who knows</span>
<br/>
<span>Whether my brows may not be girt with garlands,</span>
<br/>
<span>And happiness prefer me to a place</span>
<br/>
<span>Where I may ever dwell in sight of her? <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
<section id="scene-2-4" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3>
<span epub:type="label">Scene</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">IV</span>
</h3>
<p>Athens. A room in the prison.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler’s</b> <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Why should I love this gentleman? ’tis odds</span>
<br/>
<span>He never will affect me: I am base,</span>
<br/>
<span>My father the mean keeper of his prison,</span>
<br/>
<span>And he a prince: to marry him is hopeless,</span>
<br/>
<span>To be his whore is witless. Out upon’t!</span>
<br/>
<span>What pushes are we wenches driven to,</span>
<br/>
<span>When fifteen once has found us! First, I saw him;</span>
<br/>
<span>I, seeing, thought he was a goodly man;</span>
<br/>
<span>He has as much to please a woman in him⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>If he please to bestow it so⁠—as ever</span>
<br/>
<span>These eyes yet look’d on: next I pitied him;</span>
<br/>
<span>And so would any young wench, o’ my conscience,</span>
<br/>
<span>That ever dream’d, or vow’d her maidenhead</span>
<br/>
<span>To a young handsome man: then I lov’d him,</span>
<br/>
<span>Extremely lov’d him, infinitely lov’d him;</span>
<br/>
<span>And yet he had a cousin, fair as he too;</span>
<br/>
<span>But in my heart was Palamon, and there,</span>
<br/>
<span>Lord, what a coil he keeps! To hear him</span>
<br/>
<span>Sing in an evening, what a heaven it is!</span>
<br/>
<span>And yet his songs are sad ones. Fairer spoken</span>
<br/>
<span>Was never gentleman: when I come in</span>
<br/>
<span>To bring him water in a morning, first</span>
<br/>
<span>He bows his noble body, then salutes me thus,</span>
<br/>
<span>“Fair, gentle maid, good morrow: may thy goodness</span>
<br/>
<span>Get thee a happy husband!” Once he kiss’d me;</span>
<br/>
<span>I lov’d my lips the better ten days after:</span>
<br/>
<span>Would he would do so every day! He grieves much,</span>
<br/>
<span>And me as much to see his misery:</span>
<br/>
<span>What should I do, to make him know I love him?</span>
<br/>
<span>For I would fain enjoy him say I ventur’d</span>
<br/>
<span>To set him free? what says the law, then? Thus much</span>
<br/>
<span>For law, or kindred! I will do it;</span>
<br/>
<span>And this night or to-morrow he shall love me. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
<section id="scene-2-5" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3>
<span epub:type="label">Scene</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">V</span>
</h3>
<p>An open place in Athens.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">A short flourish of cornets, and shouts within. Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</b>; <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</b>, as a <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Countryman</b>, wearing a garland; and <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Country-people</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>You have done worthily; I have not seen,</span>
<br/>
<span>Since Hercules, a man of tougher sinews:</span>
<br/>
<span>Whate’er you are, you run the best, and wrestle,</span>
<br/>
<span>That these times can allow.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>I’m proud to please you.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td>What country bred you?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>This; but far off, prince.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td>Are you a gentleman?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>My father said so;</span>
<br/>
<span>And to those gentle uses gave me life.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td>Are you his heir?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>His youngest, sir.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Your father,</span>
<br/>
<span>Sure, is a happy sire then. What proves you?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>A little of all noble qualities:</span>
<br/>
<span>I could have kept a hawk, and well have holla’d</span>
<br/>
<span>To a deep cry of dogs; I dare not praise</span>
<br/>
<span>My feat in horsemanship, yet they that knew me</span>
<br/>
<span>Would say it was my best piece; last and greatest,</span>
<br/>
<span>I would be thought a soldier.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td>You are perfect.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td>Upon my soul, a proper man!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td>He is so.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td>How do you like him, lady?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I admire him:</span>
<br/>
<span>I have not seen so young a man so noble⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>If he say true⁠—of his sort.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Believe,</span>
<br/>
<span>His mother was a wondrous handsome woman;</span>
<br/>
<span>His face methinks goes that way.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>But his body</span>
<br/>
<span>And fiery mind illustrate a brave father.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Mark how his virtue, like a hidden sun,</span>
<br/>
<span>Breaks through his baser garments!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</td>
<td>He’s well got, sure.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td>What made you seek this place, sir?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Noble Theseus,</span>
<br/>
<span>To purchase a name, and do my ablest service</span>
<br/>
<span>To such a well-found wonder as thy worth;</span>
<br/>
<span>For only in thy court, of all the world,</span>
<br/>
<span>Dwells fair-ey’d Honour.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td>All his words are worthy.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Sir, we are much indebted to your travel,</span>
<br/>
<span>Nor shall you lose your wish.⁠—Pirithous,</span>
<br/>
<span>Dispose of this fair gentleman.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Thanks, Theseus.⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Whate’re you are, you’re mine; and I shall give you</span>
<br/>
<span>To a most noble service⁠—to this lady,</span>
<br/>
<span>This bright young virgin: pray, observe her goodness:</span>
<br/>
<span>You’ve honour’d her fair birthday with your virtues,</span>
<br/>
<span>And, as your due, you’re hers; kiss her fair hand, sir.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Sir, you’re a noble giver.⁠—<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">To <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</b>.</i> Dearest beauty,</span>
<br/>
<span>Thus let me seal my vow’d faith. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Kisses her hand.</i> When your servant⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Your most unworthy creature⁠—but offends you,</span>
<br/>
<span>Command him die, he shall.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>That were too cruel.</span>
<br/>
<span>If you deserve well, sir, I shall soon see it:</span>
<br/>
<span>You’re mine; and somewhat better than your rank I’ll use you.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I’ll see you furnish’d: and because you say</span>
<br/>
<span>You are a horseman, I must needs entreat you</span>
<br/>
<span>This afternoon to ride; but ’tis a rough one.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I like him better, prince; I shall not, then,</span>
<br/>
<span>Freeze in my saddle.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Sweet, you must be ready⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>And you, Emilia⁠—and you, friend⁠—and all⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>To-morrow by the sun, to do observance</span>
<br/>
<span>To flowery May, in Dian’s wood.⁠—Wait well, sir,</span>
<br/>
<span>Upon your mistress.⁠—Emily, I hope</span>
<br/>
<span>He shall not go afoot.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>That were a shame, sir,</span>
<br/>
<span>While I have horses.⁠—Take your choice; and what</span>
<br/>
<span>You want at any time, let me but know it:</span>
<br/>
<span>If you serve faithfully, I dare assure you</span>
<br/>
<span>You’ll find a loving mistress.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>If I do not,</span>
<br/>
<span>Let me find that my father ever hated⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Disgrace and blows.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Go, lead the way; you’ve won it;</span>
<br/>
<span>It shall be so: you shall receive all dues</span>
<br/>
<span>Fit for the honour you have won; ’twere wrong else.⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Sister, beshrew my heart, you have a servant,</span>
<br/>
<span>That, if I were a woman, would be master:</span>
<br/>
<span>But you are wise.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td>I hope too wise for that, sir. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Flourish. Exeunt.</i></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
<section id="scene-2-6" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3>
<span epub:type="label">Scene</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">VI</span>
</h3>
<p>Athens. Before the prison.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler’s</b> <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Let all the dukes and all the devils roar,</span>
<br/>
<span>He is at liberty: I’ve ventur’d for him;</span>
<br/>
<span>And out I’ve brought him to a little wood</span>
<br/>
<span>A mile hence: I have sent him, where a cedar,</span>
<br/>
<span>Higher than all the rest, spreads like a plane,</span>
<br/>
<span>Fast by a brook; and there he shall keep close,</span>
<br/>
<span>Till I provide him files and food; for yet</span>
<br/>
<span>His iron bracelets are not off. O Love,</span>
<br/>
<span>What a stout-hearted child thou art! My father</span>
<br/>
<span>Durst better have endur’d cold iron than done it.</span>
<br/>
<span>I love him beyond love and beyond reason,</span>
<br/>
<span>Or wit, or safety; I have made him know it:</span>
<br/>
<span>I care not: I am desperate; if the law</span>
<br/>
<span>Find me, and then condemn me for’t, some wenches,</span>
<br/>
<span>Some honest-hearted maids, will sing my dirge,</span>
<br/>
<span>And tell to memory my death was noble,</span>
<br/>
<span>Dying almost a martyr. That way he takes,</span>
<br/>
<span>I purpose is my way too: sure he cannot</span>
<br/>
<span>Be so unmanly as to leave me here:</span>
<br/>
<span>If he do, maids will not so easily</span>
<br/>
<span>Trust men again: and yet he has not thank’d me</span>
<br/>
<span>For what I’ve done; no, not so much as kiss’d me;</span>
<br/>
<span>And that, methinks, is not so well; nor scarcely</span>
<br/>
<span>Could I persuade him to become a freeman,</span>
<br/>
<span>He made such scruples of the wrong he did</span>
<br/>
<span>To me and to my father. Yet, I hope,</span>
<br/>
<span>When he considers more, this love of mine</span>
<br/>
<span>Will take more root within him: let him do</span>
<br/>
<span>What he will with me, so he use me kindly;</span>
<br/>
<span>For use me so he shall, or I’ll proclaim him,</span>
<br/>
<span>And to his face, no man. I’ll presently</span>
<br/>
<span>Provide him necessaries, and pack my clothes up,</span>
<br/>
<span>And where there is a patch of ground I’ll venture,</span>
<br/>
<span>So he be with me: by him, like a shadow,</span>
<br/>
<span>I’ll ever dwell. Within this hour the whoobub</span>
<br/>
<span>Will be all o’er the prison: I am then</span>
<br/>
<span>Kissing the man they look for. Farewell, father!</span>
<br/>
<span>Get many more such prisoners and such daughters,</span>
<br/>
<span>And shortly you may keep yourself. Now to him! <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
</section>
<section id="act-3" epub:type="chapter bodymatter z3998:fiction z3998:drama">
<h2>
<span epub:type="label">Act</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">III</span>
</h2>
<section id="scene-3-1" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3>
<span epub:type="label">Scene</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">I</span>
</h3>
<p>A forest near Athens.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Cornets in sundry places; noises and hollaing as of people a-Maying. Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>The duke has lost Hippolyta; each took</span>
<br/>
<span>A several land. This is a solemn rite</span>
<br/>
<span>They owe bloom’d May, and the Athenians pay it</span>
<br/>
<span>To th’ heart of ceremony. O Queen Emilia,</span>
<br/>
<span>Fresher than May, sweeter</span>
<br/>
<span>Than her gold buttons on the boughs, or all</span>
<br/>
<span>Th’ enamell’d knacks o’ the mead or garden! yea,</span>
<br/>
<span>We challenge to the bank of any nymph,</span>
<br/>
<span>That makes the stream seem flowers; thou, O jewel</span>
<br/>
<span>O’ the wood, o’ the world, hast likewise bless’d a place</span>
<br/>
<span>With thy sole presence! In thy rumination</span>
<br/>
<span>That I, poor man, might eftsoons come between,</span>
<br/>
<span>And chop on some cold thought! thrice-blessed chance,</span>
<br/>
<span>To drop on such a mistress, expectation</span>
<br/>
<span>Most guiltless on’t. Tell me, O Lady Fortune⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Next after Emily my sovereign⁠—how far</span>
<br/>
<span>I may be proud? She takes strong note of me,</span>
<br/>
<span>Hath made me near her, and this beauteous morn,</span>
<br/>
<span>The prim’st of all the year, presents me with</span>
<br/>
<span>A brace of horses; two such steeds might well</span>
<br/>
<span>Be by a pair of kings back’d, in a field</span>
<br/>
<span>That their crowns’ titles tried. Alas, alas,</span>
<br/>
<span>Poor cousin Palamon, poor prisoner! thou</span>
<br/>
<span>So little dream’st upon my fortune, that</span>
<br/>
<span>Thou think’st thyself the happier thing, to be</span>
<br/>
<span>So near Emilia; me thou deem’st at Thebes,</span>
<br/>
<span>And therein wretched, although free: but if</span>
<br/>
<span>Thou knew’st my mistress breath’d on me, and that</span>
<br/>
<span>I ear’d her language, liv’d in her eye, O coz,</span>
<br/>
<span>What passion would enclose thee!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</b> out of a bush, with his shackles: he bends his fist at <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Traitor kinsman!</span>
<br/>
<span>Thou shouldst perceive my passion, if these signs</span>
<br/>
<span>Of prisonment were off me, and this hand</span>
<br/>
<span>But owner of a sword. By all oaths in one,</span>
<br/>
<span>I, and the justice of my love, would make thee</span>
<br/>
<span>A confess’d traitor! O thou most perfidious</span>
<br/>
<span>That ever gently look’d! the void’st of honour</span>
<br/>
<span>That e’er bore gentle token! falsest cousin</span>
<br/>
<span>That ever blood made kin! call’st thou her thine?</span>
<br/>
<span>I’ll prove it in my shackles, with these hands</span>
<br/>
<span>Void of appointment, that thou liest, and art</span>
<br/>
<span>A very thief in love, a chaffy lord,</span>
<br/>
<span>Nor worth the name of villain! Had I a sword,</span>
<br/>
<span>And these house-clogs away⁠—</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>Dear cousin Palamon⁠—</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Cozener Arcite, give me language such</span>
<br/>
<span>As thou hast show’d me feat!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Not finding in</span>
<br/>
<span>The circuit of my breast any gross stuff</span>
<br/>
<span>To form me like your blazon, holds me to</span>
<br/>
<span>This gentleness of answer: ’tis your passion</span>
<br/>
<span>That thus mistakes; the which, to you being enemy,</span>
<br/>
<span>Cannot to me be kind. Honour and honesty</span>
<br/>
<span>I cherish and depend on, howsoe’er</span>
<br/>
<span>You skip them in me; and with them, fair coz,</span>
<br/>
<span>I’ll maintain my proceedings. Pray, be pleas’d</span>
<br/>
<span>To show in generous terms your griefs, since that</span>
<br/>
<span>Your question’s with your equal, who professes</span>
<br/>
<span>To clear his own way with the mind and sword</span>
<br/>
<span>Of a true gentleman.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>That thou durst, Arcite!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>My coz, my coz, you have been well advertis’d</span>
<br/>
<span>How much I dare: you’ve seen me use my sword</span>
<br/>
<span>Against th’ advice of fear. Sure, of another</span>
<br/>
<span>You would not hear me doubted, but your silence</span>
<br/>
<span>Should break out, though i’ the sanctuary.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Sir,</span>
<br/>
<span>I’ve seen you move in such a place, which well</span>
<br/>
<span>Might justify your manhood; you were call’d</span>
<br/>
<span>A good knight and a bold: but the whole week’s not fair,</span>
<br/>
<span>If any day it rain. Their valiant temper</span>
<br/>
<span>Men lose when they incline to treachery;</span>
<br/>
<span>And then they fight like compell’d bears, would fly</span>
<br/>
<span>Were they not tied.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Kinsman, you might as well</span>
<br/>
<span>Speak this, and act it in your glass, as to</span>
<br/>
<span>His ear which now disdains you.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Come up to me:</span>
<br/>
<span>Quit me of these cold gyves, give me a sword,</span>
<br/>
<span>Though it be rusty, and the charity</span>
<br/>
<span>Of one meal lend me; come before me then,</span>
<br/>
<span>A good sword in thy hand, and do but say</span>
<br/>
<span>That Emily is thine, I will forgive</span>
<br/>
<span>The trespass thou hast done me, yea, my life,</span>
<br/>
<span>If then thou carry’t; and brave souls in shades,</span>
<br/>
<span>That have died manly, which will seek of me</span>
<br/>
<span>Some news from earth, they shall get none but this,</span>
<br/>
<span>That thou art brave and noble.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Be content,</span>
<br/>
<span>Again betake you to your hawthorn-house:</span>
<br/>
<span>With counsel of the night, I will be here</span>
<br/>
<span>With wholesome viands; these impediments</span>
<br/>
<span>Will I file off; you shall have garments, and</span>
<br/>
<span>Perfumes to kill the smell o’ the prison; after,</span>
<br/>
<span>When you shall stretch yourself, and say but, “Arcite,</span>
<br/>
<span>I am in plight,” there shall be at your choice</span>
<br/>
<span>Both sword and armour.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>O you heavens, dares any</span>
<br/>
<span>So noble bear a guilty business? none</span>
<br/>
<span>But only Arcite; therefore none but Arcite</span>
<br/>
<span>In this kind is so bold.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>Sweet Palamon⁠—</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I do embrace you and your offer: for</span>
<br/>
<span>Your offer do’t I only, sir; your person,</span>
<br/>
<span>Without hypocrisy, I may not wish</span>
<br/>
<span>More than my sword’s edge on’t. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Wind horns of cornets.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>You hear the horns:</span>
<br/>
<span>Enter your musite, lest this match between’s</span>
<br/>
<span>Be cross’d ere met. Give me your hand; farewell:</span>
<br/>
<span>I’ll bring you every needful thing: I pray you,</span>
<br/>
<span>Take comfort, and be strong.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Pray, hold your promise,</span>
<br/>
<span>And do the deed with a bent brow: most certain</span>
<br/>
<span>You love me not: be rough with me, and pour</span>
<br/>
<span>This oil out of your language. By this air,</span>
<br/>
<span>I could for each word give a cuff; my stomach</span>
<br/>
<span>Not reconcil’d by reason.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Plainly spoken!</span>
<br/>
<span>Yet pardon me hard language: when I spur</span>
<br/>
<span>My horse, I chide him not; content and anger</span>
<br/>
<span>In me have but one face. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Wind horns.</i> Hark, sir! they call</span>
<br/>
<span>The scatter’d to the banquet: you must guess</span>
<br/>
<span>I have an office there.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Sir, your attendance</span>
<br/>
<span>Cannot please heaven; and I know your office</span>
<br/>
<span>Unjustly is achiev’d.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I’ve a good title,</span>
<br/>
<span>I am persuaded: this question sick between’s,</span>
<br/>
<span>My bleeding must be cur’d. I am a suitor</span>
<br/>
<span>That to your sword you will bequeath this plea,</span>
<br/>
<span>And talk of it no more.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>But this one word:</span>
<br/>
<span>You’re going now to gaze upon my mistress;</span>
<br/>
<span>For note you, mine she is⁠—</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>Nay, then⁠—</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Nay, pray you⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>You talk of feeding me to breed me strength;</span>
<br/>
<span>You’re going now to look upon a sun</span>
<br/>
<span>That strengthens what it looks on; there you have</span>
<br/>
<span>A vantage o’er me: but enjoy it till</span>
<br/>
<span>I may enforce my remedy. Farewell. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exeunt severally.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
<section id="scene-3-2" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3>
<span epub:type="label">Scene</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">II</span>
</h3>
<p>Another part of the forest.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler’s</b> <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>He has mistook the brake I meant; is gone</span>
<br/>
<span>After his fancy. ’Tis now well-nigh morning;</span>
<br/>
<span>No matter: would it were perpetual night,</span>
<br/>
<span>And darkeness lord o’ the world!⁠—Hark! ’tis a wolf:</span>
<br/>
<span>In me hath grief slain fear, and, but for one thing,</span>
<br/>
<span>I care for nothing, and that’s Palamon:</span>
<br/>
<span>I reck not if the wolves would jaw me, so</span>
<br/>
<span>He had this file. What if I holla’d for him?</span>
<br/>
<span>I cannot holla: if I whooped, what then?</span>
<br/>
<span>If he not answer’d, I should call a wolf,</span>
<br/>
<span>And do him but that service. I have heard</span>
<br/>
<span>Strange howls this live-long night: why may’t not be</span>
<br/>
<span>They have made prey of him? he has no weapons;</span>
<br/>
<span>He cannot run; the jingling of his gyves</span>
<br/>
<span>Might call fell things to listen, who have in them</span>
<br/>
<span>A sense to know a man unarm’d, and can</span>
<br/>
<span>Smell where resistance is. I’ll set it down</span>
<br/>
<span>He’s torn to pieces; they howl’d many together,</span>
<br/>
<span>And then they fed on him: so much for that!</span>
<br/>
<span>Be bold to ring the bell; how stand I, then?</span>
<br/>
<span>All’s charr’d when he is gone. No, no, I lie;</span>
<br/>
<span>My father’s to be hang’d for his escape;</span>
<br/>
<span>Myself to beg, if I priz’d life so much</span>
<br/>
<span>As to deny my act; but that I would not,</span>
<br/>
<span>Should I try death by dozens.⁠—I am mop’d:</span>
<br/>
<span>Food took I none these two days⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Sipp’d some water; I’ve not clos’d mine eyes,</span>
<br/>
<span>Save when my lids scour’d off their brine. Alas,</span>
<br/>
<span>Dissolve my life! let not my sense unsettle,</span>
<br/>
<span>Lest I should drown, or stab, or hang myself!</span>
<br/>
<span>O state of nature, fail together in me,</span>
<br/>
<span>Since thy best props are warp’d!⁠—So, which way now?</span>
<br/>
<span>The best way is the next way to a grave:</span>
<br/>
<span>Each errant step beside is torment. Lo,</span>
<br/>
<span>The moon is down, the crickets chirp, the screeching owl</span>
<br/>
<span>Calls in the dawn! all offices are done,</span>
<br/>
<span>Save what I fail in: but the point is this,</span>
<br/>
<span>An end, and that is all. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
<section id="scene-3-3" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3>
<span epub:type="label">Scene</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">III</span>
</h3>
<p>The same part of the forest as in scene <span epub:type="z3998:roman">I</span>.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</b>, with meat, wine, files, <abbr class="eoc">etc.</abbr></i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>I should be near the place.⁠—Hoa, Cousin Palamon!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>Arcite?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>The same: I’ve brought you food and files.</span>
<br/>
<span>Come forth and fear not; here’s no Theseus.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>Nor none so honest, Arcite.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>That’s no matter:</span>
<br/>
<span>We’ll argue that hereafter. Come, take courage;</span>
<br/>
<span>You shall not die thus beastly: here, sir, drink;</span>
<br/>
<span>I know you’re faint; then I’ll talk further with you.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>Arcite, thou mightst now poison me.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I might;</span>
<br/>
<span>But I must fear you first. Sit down; and, good, now,</span>
<br/>
<span>No more of these vain parleys: let us not,</span>
<br/>
<span>Having our ancient reputation with us,</span>
<br/>
<span>Make talk for fools and cowards. To your health! <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Drinks.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>Do.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Pray, sit down, then; and let me entreat you,</span>
<br/>
<span>By all the honesty and honour in you,</span>
<br/>
<span>No mention of this woman! ’twill disturb us;</span>
<br/>
<span>We shall have time enough.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>Well, sir, I’ll pledge you. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Drinks.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Drink a good hearty draught; it breeds good blood, man.</span>
<br/>
<span>Do not you feel it thaw you?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Stay; I’ll tell you</span>
<br/>
<span>After a draught or two more.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Spare it not;</span>
<br/>
<span>The duke has more, coz. Eat now.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>Yes. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Eats.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I’m glad</span>
<br/>
<span>You have so good a stomach.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I am gladder</span>
<br/>
<span>I have so good meat to’t.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Is’t not mad lodging</span>
<br/>
<span>Here in the wild woods, cousin?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Yes, for them</span>
<br/>
<span>That have wild consciences.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>How tastes your victuals?</span>
<br/>
<span>Your hunger needs no sauce, I see.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Not much:</span>
<br/>
<span>But if it did, yours is too tart, sweet cousin.</span>
<br/>
<span>What is this?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>Venison.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>’Tis a lusty meat.</span>
<br/>
<span>Give me more wine: here, Arcite, to the wenches</span>
<br/>
<span>We’ve known in our days! The lord-steward’s daughter;</span>
<br/>
<span>Do you remember her?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>After you, coz.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>She lov’d a black-hair’d man.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>She did so: well, sir?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>And I have heard some call him Arcite; and⁠—</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>Out with it, faith!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>She met him in an arbour:</span>
<br/>
<span>What did she there, coz? play o’ the virginals?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>Something she did, sir.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Made her groan a month for’t;</span>
<br/>
<span>Or two, or three, or ten.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>The marshal’s sister</span>
<br/>
<span>Had her share too, as I remember, cousin,</span>
<br/>
<span>Else there be tales abroad: you’ll pledge her?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>Yes.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>A pretty brown wench ’tis: there was a time</span>
<br/>
<span>When young men went a-hunting, and a wood,</span>
<br/>
<span>And a broad beech; and thereby hangs a tale.⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Heigh-ho!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>For Emily, upon my life! Fool,</span>
<br/>
<span>Away with this strain’d mirth! I say again,</span>
<br/>
<span>That sigh was breath’d for Emily: base cousin,</span>
<br/>
<span>Dar’st thou break first?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>You’re wide.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>By heaven and earth,</span>
<br/>
<span>There’s nothing in thee honest.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Then I’ll leave you:</span>
<br/>
<span>You are a beast now.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>As thou mak’st me, traitor.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>There’s all things needful⁠—files, and shirts, and perfumes:</span>
<br/>
<span>I’ll come again some two hours hence, and bring</span>
<br/>
<span>That that shall quiet all.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>A sword and armour?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Fear me not. You are now too foul; farewell:</span>
<br/>
<span>Get off your trinkets; you shall want nought.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>Sirrah⁠—</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>I’ll hear no more. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>If he keep touch, he dies for’t. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit.</i></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
<section id="scene-3-4" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3>
<span epub:type="label">Scene</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">IV</span>
</h3>
<p>Another part of the forest.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler’s</b> <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I am very cold; and all the stars are out too,</span>
<br/>
<span>The little stars, and all that look like aglets:</span>
<br/>
<span>The sun has seen my folly. Palamon!</span>
<br/>
<span>Alas, no! he’s in heaven.⁠—Where am I now?⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Yonder’s the sea, and there’s a ship; how’t tumbles!</span>
<br/>
<span>And there’s a rock lies watching under water;</span>
<br/>
<span>Now, now, it beats upon it; now, now, now,</span>
<br/>
<span>There’s a leak sprung, a sound one; how they cry!</span>
<br/>
<span>Spoon her before the wind, you’ll lose all else;</span>
<br/>
<span>Up with a course or two, and tack about, boys:</span>
<br/>
<span>Good night, good night; ye’re gone.⁠—I’m very hungry:</span>
<br/>
<span>Would I could find a fine frog! he would tell me</span>
<br/>
<span>News from all parts o’ the world; then would I make</span>
<br/>
<span>A careck of a cockle-shell, and sail</span>
<br/>
<span>By east and north-east to the king of Pigmies,</span>
<br/>
<span>For he tells fortunes rarely. Now, my father,</span>
<br/>
<span>Twenty to one, is truss’d up in a trice</span>
<br/>
<span>To-morrow morning: I’ll say never a word. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Sings.</i></span>
</p>
<div epub:type="z3998:song">
<p>
<span>For I’ll cut my green coat a foot above my knee;</span>
<br/>
<span>And I’ll clip my yellow locks an inch below mine e’e:</span>
<br/>
<span class="i2">Hey, nonny, nonny, nonny.</span>
<br/>
<span>He s’ buy me a white cut, forth for to ride,</span>
<br/>
<span>And I’ll go seek him through the world that is so wide:</span>
<br/>
<span class="i2">Hey nonny, nonny, nonny.</span>
</p>
</div>
<p>
<span>O for a prick now, like a nightingale,</span>
<br/>
<span>To put my breast against! I shall sleep like a top else. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
<section id="scene-3-5" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3>
<span epub:type="label">Scene</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">V</span>
</h3>
<p>Another part of the forest.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Gerrold</b>, four <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Countrymen</b> as Morris-dancers, another as the <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Bavian</b>, five <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Wenches</b>, and a <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Taborer</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gerrold</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Fie, fie!</span>
<br/>
<span>What tediosity and disensanity</span>
<br/>
<span>Is here among ye! Have my rudiments</span>
<br/>
<span>Been labour’d so long with ye, milk’d unto ye,</span>
<br/>
<span>And, by a figure, even the very plum-broth</span>
<br/>
<span>And marrow of my understanding laid upon ye,</span>
<br/>
<span>And do you still cry “Where,” and “How,” and “Wherfore?”</span>
<br/>
<span>You most coarse freeze capacities, ye jane judgements,</span>
<br/>
<span>Have I said “Thus let be,” and “There let be,”</span>
<br/>
<span>And “Then let be,” and no man understand me?</span>
<br/>
<span><i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Proh Deum, medius fidius</i>, ye are all dunces!</span>
<br/>
<span>For why here stand I; here the duke comes; there are you,</span>
<br/>
<span>Close in the thicket; the duke appears; I meet him,</span>
<br/>
<span>And unto him I utter learned things</span>
<br/>
<span>And many figures; he hears, and nods, and hums,</span>
<br/>
<span>And then cries “Rare!” and I go forward; at length</span>
<br/>
<span>I fling my cap up; mark there! then do you,</span>
<br/>
<span>As once did Meleager and the boar,</span>
<br/>
<span>Break comely out before him, like true lovers</span>
<br/>
<span>Cast yourselves in a body decently,</span>
<br/>
<span>And sweetly, by a figure, trace and turn, boys.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Countryman</td>
<td>And sweetly we will do it, Master Gerrold.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Countryman</td>
<td>Draw up the company. Where’s the taborer?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Third Countryman</td>
<td>Why, Timothy!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Taborer</td>
<td>Here, my mad boys; have at ye!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gerrold</td>
<td>But I say where’s their women?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Fourth Countryman</td>
<td>Here’s Friz and Maudlin.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Countryman</td>
<td>And little Luce with the white legs, and bouncing Barbary.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Countryman</td>
<td>And freckled Nell, that never fail’d her master.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gerrold</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Where be your ribands, maids? swim with your bodies,</span>
<br/>
<span>And carry it sweetly and deliverly;</span>
<br/>
<span>And now and then a favour and a frisk.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Nell</td>
<td>Let us alone, sir.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gerrold</td>
<td>Where’s the rest o’ the music?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Third Countryman</td>
<td>Dispers’d as you commanded.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gerrold</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Couple, then,</span>
<br/>
<span>And see what’s wanting. Where’s the Bavian?</span>
<br/>
<span>My friend, carry your tail without offence</span>
<br/>
<span>Or scandal to the ladies; and be sure</span>
<br/>
<span>You tumble with audacity and manhood;</span>
<br/>
<span>And when you bark, do it with judgement.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Bavian</td>
<td>Yes, sir.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gerrold</td>
<td><i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Quo usque tandem?</i> here’s a woman wanting.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Fourth Countryman</td>
<td>We may go whistle; all the fat’s i’ the fire.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gerrold</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>We have,</span>
<br/>
<span>As learned authors utter, wash’d a tile;</span>
<br/>
<span>We have been <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">fatuus</i>, and labour’d vainly.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Countryman</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>This is that scornful piece, that scurvy hilding,</span>
<br/>
<span>That gave her promise faithfully she would</span>
<br/>
<span>Be here, Cicely the sempster’s daughter:</span>
<br/>
<span>The next gloves that I give her shall be dog-skin;</span>
<br/>
<span>Nay, an she fail me once⁠—You can tell, Arcas,</span>
<br/>
<span>She swore, by wine and bread, she would not break.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gerrold</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>An eel and woman,</span>
<br/>
<span>A learned poet says, unless by the tail</span>
<br/>
<span>And with thy teeth thou hold, will either fail.</span>
<br/>
<span>In manners this was false position.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Countryman</td>
<td>A fire ill take her! does she flinch now?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Third Countryman</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>What</span>
<br/>
<span>Shall we determine, sir?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gerrold</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Nothing;</span>
<br/>
<span>Our business is become a nullity,</span>
<br/>
<span>Yea, and a woful and a piteous nullity.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Fourth Countryman</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Now, when the credit of our town lay on it,</span>
<br/>
<span>Now to be frampal, now to piss o’ the nettle!</span>
<br/>
<span>Go thy ways; I’ll remember thee, I’ll fit thee!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler’s</b> <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</b>, and sings.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td epub:type="z3998:song">
<p>
<span>The George, holla! came from the south,</span>
<br/>
<span class="i1">From the coast of Barbary-a;</span>
<br/>
<span>And there he met with brave gallants of war,</span>
<br/>
<span class="i1">By one, by two, by three-a.</span>
</p>
<p>
<span>Well hail’d, well hail’d, you jolly gallants!</span>
<br/>
<span class="i1">And whither now are you bound-a?</span>
<br/>
<span>O, let me have your company</span>
<br/>
<span class="i1">Till I come to the Sound-a!</span>
</p>
<p>
<span>There was three fools fell out about an howlet:</span>
<br/>
<span class="i1">The one said it was an owl;</span>
<br/>
<span class="i1">The other he said nay;</span>
<br/>
<span>The third he said it was a hawk,</span>
<br/>
<span class="i1">And her bells were cut away.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Third Countryman</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>There’s a dainty mad woman, master,</span>
<br/>
<span>Come i’ the nick; as mad as a March hare:</span>
<br/>
<span>If we can get her dance, we’re made again;</span>
<br/>
<span>I warrant her she’ll do the rarest gambols.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Countryman</td>
<td>A mad woman! we are made, boys.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gerrold</td>
<td>And are you mad, good woman?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I’d be sorry else.</span>
<br/>
<span>Give me your hand.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gerrold</td>
<td>Why?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I can tell your fortune:</span>
<br/>
<span>You are a fool. Tell ten. I’ve pos’d him. Buzz!</span>
<br/>
<span>Friend, you must eat no white bread; if you do,</span>
<br/>
<span>Your teeth will bleed extremely. Shall we dance, ho?</span>
<br/>
<span>I know you; you’re a tinker; sirrah tinker,</span>
<br/>
<span>Stop no more holes but what you should.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gerrold</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>
<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Dii boni!</i>
</span>
<br/>
<span>A tinker, damsel!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Or a conjurer:</span>
<br/>
<span>Raise me a devil now, and let him play</span>
<br/>
<span><i lang="it" xml:lang="it">Qui passa</i> o’ the bells and bones.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gerrold</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Go, take her,</span>
<br/>
<span>And fluently persuade her to a peace;</span>
<br/>
<span>
<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Et opus exegi, quod nec Jovis ira, nec ignis⁠—</i>
</span>
<br/>
<span>Strike up, and lead her in.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Countryman</td>
<td>Come, lass, let’s trip it.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>I’ll lead.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Third Countryman</td>
<td>Do, do. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Horns winded within.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gerrold</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Persuasively and cunningly; away, boys!</span>
<br/>
<span>I hear the horns: give me some meditation,</span>
<br/>
<span>And mark your cue. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exeunt all except <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Gerrold</b>.</i> Pallas inspire me!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</b>, and Train.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td>This way the stag took.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gerrold</td>
<td>Stay and edify.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td>What have we here?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td>Some country sport, upon my life, sir.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Well, sir, go forward; we will edify.⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Ladies, sit down: we’ll stay it.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gerrold</td>
<td>Thou doughty duke, all hail! All hail, sweet ladies!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td>This is a cold beginning.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gerrold</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>If you but favour, our country pastime made is.</span>
<br/>
<span>We are a few of those collected here,</span>
<br/>
<span>That ruder tongues distinguish villager;</span>
<br/>
<span>And, to say verity and not to fable,</span>
<br/>
<span>We are a merry rout, or else a rable.</span>
<br/>
<span>Or company, or, by a figure, choris,</span>
<br/>
<span>That ’fore thy dignity will dance a morris.</span>
<br/>
<span>And I, that am the rectifier of all,</span>
<br/>
<span>By title <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">poedagogus</i>, that let fall</span>
<br/>
<span>The birch upon the breeches of the small ones,</span>
<br/>
<span>And humble with a ferula the tall ones,</span>
<br/>
<span>Do here present this machine, or this frame:</span>
<br/>
<span>And, dainty duke, whose doughty dismal fame</span>
<br/>
<span>From Dis to Daedalus, from post to pillar,</span>
<br/>
<span>Is blown abroad, help me, thy poor well-willer,</span>
<br/>
<span>And, with thy twinkling eyes, look right and straight</span>
<br/>
<span>Upon this mighty <em>morr</em>⁠—of mickle weight⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span><em>Is</em>⁠—now comes in, which being glu’d together</span>
<br/>
<span>Makes <em>morris</em>, and the cause that we came hether,</span>
<br/>
<span>The body of our sport, of no small study.</span>
<br/>
<span>I first appear, though rude and raw and muddy,</span>
<br/>
<span>To speak, before thy noble grace, this tenner;</span>
<br/>
<span>At whose great feet I offer up my penner:</span>
<br/>
<span>The next, the Lord of May and Lady bright,</span>
<br/>
<span>The Chambermaid and Servingman, by night</span>
<br/>
<span>That seek out silent hanging: then mine Host</span>
<br/>
<span>And his fat spouse, that welcomes to their cost</span>
<br/>
<span>The galled traveller, and with a beck’ning</span>
<br/>
<span>Informs the tapster to inflame the reck’ning:</span>
<br/>
<span>Then the beast-eating Clown, and next the Fool,</span>
<br/>
<span>The Bavian, with long tail and eke long tool;</span>
<br/>
<span><i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Cum multis aliis</i> that make a dance:</span>
<br/>
<span>Say “Ay,” and all shall presently advance.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td>Ay, ay, by any means, dear domine.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td>Produce.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gerrold</td>
<td><i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Intrate, filii</i>; come forth, and foot it.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Reenter the school, the <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Bavian</b>, five <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Wenches</b>, and the <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Taborer</b>, with the <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler’s</b> <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</b>, and others. They dance a morris.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Ladies, if we have been merry,</span>
<br/>
<span>And have pleas’d ye with a derry,</span>
<br/>
<span>And a derry, and a down,</span>
<br/>
<span>Say the schoolmaster’s no clown.</span>
<br/>
<span>Duke, if we have pleas’d thee too,</span>
<br/>
<span>And have done as good boys should do,</span>
<br/>
<span>Give us but a tree or twain</span>
<br/>
<span>For a Maypole, and again,</span>
<br/>
<span>Ere another year run out,</span>
<br/>
<span>We’ll make thee laugh, and all this rout.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td>Take twenty, domine.⁠—How does my sweetheart?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</td>
<td>Never so pleas’d, sir.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>’Twas an excellent dance; and for a preface,</span>
<br/>
<span>I never heard a better.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Schoolmaster, I thank you.⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>One see ’em all rewarded.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>And here’s something <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Gives money.</i></span>
<br/>
<span>To paint your pole withal.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td>Now to our sports again.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gerrold</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>May the stag thou hunt’st stand long,</span>
<br/>
<span>And thy dogs be swift and strong!</span>
<br/>
<span>May they kill him without lets,</span>
<br/>
<span>And the ladies eat his dowsets! <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exeunt <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</b>, and Train. Horns winded as they go out.</i></span>
<br/>
<span>Come, we’re all made. <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Dii Deoeque omnes!</i></span>
<br/>
<span>Ye have danc’d rarely, wenches. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exeunt.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
<section id="scene-3-6" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3>
<span epub:type="label">Scene</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">VI</span>
</h3>
<p>The same part of the forest as scene <span epub:type="z3998:roman">III</span>.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</b> from the bush.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>About this hour my cousin gave his faith</span>
<br/>
<span>To visit me again, and with him bring</span>
<br/>
<span>Two swords and two good armours: if he fail,</span>
<br/>
<span>He’s neither man nor soldier. When he left me,</span>
<br/>
<span>I did not think a week could have restor’d</span>
<br/>
<span>My lost strength to me, I was grown so low</span>
<br/>
<span>And crest-fall’n with my wants: I thank thee, Arcite,</span>
<br/>
<span>Thou’rt yet a fair foe; and I feel myself</span>
<br/>
<span>With this refreshing, able once again</span>
<br/>
<span>To outdure danger. To delay it longer</span>
<br/>
<span>Would make the world think, when it comes to hearing,</span>
<br/>
<span>That I lay fatting like a swine, to fight,</span>
<br/>
<span>And not a soldier: therefore, this blest morning</span>
<br/>
<span>Shall be the last; and that sword he refuses,</span>
<br/>
<span>If it but hold, I kill him with; ’tis justice:</span>
<br/>
<span>So, love and fortune for me!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</b>, with armours and swords.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>O, good morrow.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>Good morrow, noble kinsman.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I have put you</span>
<br/>
<span>To too much pains, sir.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>That too much, fair cousin,</span>
<br/>
<span>Is but a debt to honour and my duty.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Would you were so in all, sir! I could wish ye</span>
<br/>
<span>As kind a kinsman as you force me find</span>
<br/>
<span>A beneficial foe, that my embraces</span>
<br/>
<span>Might thank ye, not my blows.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I shall think either,</span>
<br/>
<span>Well done, a noble recompense.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>Then I shall quit you.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Defy me in these fair terms, and you show</span>
<br/>
<span>More than a mistress to me: no more anger,</span>
<br/>
<span>As you love anything that’s honourable:</span>
<br/>
<span>We were not bred to talk, man; when we’re arm’d,</span>
<br/>
<span>And both upon our guards, then let our fury,</span>
<br/>
<span>Like meeting of two tides, fly strongly from us;</span>
<br/>
<span>And then to whom the birthright of this beauty</span>
<br/>
<span>Truly pertains⁠—without upbraidings, scorns,</span>
<br/>
<span>Despisings of our persons, and such poutings,</span>
<br/>
<span>Fitter for girls and school-boys⁠—will be seen,</span>
<br/>
<span>And quickly, yours or mine. Will’t please you arm, sir?</span>
<br/>
<span>Or, if you feel yourself not fitting yet,</span>
<br/>
<span>And furnish’d with your old strength, I’ll stay, cousin,</span>
<br/>
<span>And every day discourse you into health,</span>
<br/>
<span>As I am spar’d: your person I am friends with;</span>
<br/>
<span>And I could wish I had not said I lov’d her,</span>
<br/>
<span>Though I had died; but, loving such a lady,</span>
<br/>
<span>And justifying my love, I must not fly from’t.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Arcite, thou art so brave an enemy,</span>
<br/>
<span>That no man but thy cousin’s fit to kill thee:</span>
<br/>
<span>I’m well and lusty; choose your arms.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>Choose you, sir.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Wilt thou exceed in all, or dost thou do it</span>
<br/>
<span>To make me spare thee?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>If you think so, cousin,</span>
<br/>
<span>You are deceiv’d; for, as I am a soldier,</span>
<br/>
<span>I will not spare you.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>That’s well said.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>You’ll find it.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Then, as I am an honest man, and love</span>
<br/>
<span>With all the justice of affection,</span>
<br/>
<span>I’ll pay thee soundly. This I’ll take.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>That’s mine, then.</span>
<br/>
<span>I’ll arm you first. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Proceeds to put on <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon’s</b> armour.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Do. Pray thee, tell me, cousin,</span>
<br/>
<span>Where gott’st thou this good armour?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>’Tis the duke’s;</span>
<br/>
<span>And, to say true, I stole’t. Do I pinch you?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>No.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>Is’t not too heavy?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I have worn a lighter;</span>
<br/>
<span>But I shall make it serve.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>I’ll buckle’t close.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>By any means.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>You care not for a grand-guard?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>No, no; we’ll use no horses: I perceive</span>
<br/>
<span>You’d fain be at that fight.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>I am indifferent.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Faith, so am I. Good cousin, thrust the buckle</span>
<br/>
<span>Through far enough.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>I warrant you.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>My casque now.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>Will you fight bare-arm’d?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>We shall be the nimbler.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>But use your gauntlets though: those are o’ the least;</span>
<br/>
<span>Pr’ythee, take mine, good cousin.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Thank you, Arcite.</span>
<br/>
<span>How do I look? am I fall’n much away?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>Faith, very little; love has us’d you kindly.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>I’ll warrant thee I’ll strike home.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Do, and spare not.</span>
<br/>
<span>I’ll give you cause, sweet cousin.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Now to you, sir.</span>
<br/>
<span>Methinks this armour’s very like that, Arcite,</span>
<br/>
<span>Thou wor’st that day the three kings fell, but lighter.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>That was a very good one; and that day,</span>
<br/>
<span>I well remember, you outdid me, cousin;</span>
<br/>
<span>I never saw such valour: when you charg’d</span>
<br/>
<span>Upon the left wing of the enemy,</span>
<br/>
<span>I spurr’d hard to come up, and under me</span>
<br/>
<span>I had a right good horse.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>You had indeed;</span>
<br/>
<span>A bright bay, I remember.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Yes. But all</span>
<br/>
<span>Was vainly labour’d in me; you outwent me,</span>
<br/>
<span>Nor could my wishes reach you: yet a little</span>
<br/>
<span>I did by imitation.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>More by virtue;</span>
<br/>
<span>You’re modest, cousin.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>When I saw you charge first,</span>
<br/>
<span>Methought I heard a dreadful clap of thunder</span>
<br/>
<span>Break from the troop.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>But still before that flew</span>
<br/>
<span>The lightning of your valour. Stay a little:</span>
<br/>
<span>Is not this piece too straight?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>No, no; ’tis well.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I would have nothing hurt thee but my sword;</span>
<br/>
<span>A bruise would be dishonour.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>Now I’m perfect.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>Stand off, then.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>Take my sword; I hold it better.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I thank ye. No, keep it; your life lies on it:</span>
<br/>
<span>Here’s one, if it but hold, I ask no more</span>
<br/>
<span>For all my hopes. My cause and honour guard me!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>And me my love! <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">They bow several ways; then advance, and stand.</i> Is there aught else to say?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>This only, and no more. Thou art mine aunt’s son,</span>
<br/>
<span>And that blood we desire to shed is mutual;</span>
<br/>
<span>In me thine, and in thee mine: my sword</span>
<br/>
<span>Is in my hand, and, if thou killest me,</span>
<br/>
<span>The gods and I forgive thee: if there be</span>
<br/>
<span>A place prepar’d for those that sleep in honour,</span>
<br/>
<span>I wish his weary soul that falls may win it.</span>
<br/>
<span>Fight bravely, cousin: give me thy noble hand.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Here, Palamon: this hand shall never more</span>
<br/>
<span>Come near thee with such friendship.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>I commend thee.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>If I fall, curse me, and say I was a coward;</span>
<br/>
<span>For none but such dare die in these just trials.</span>
<br/>
<span>Once more, farewell, my cousin.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>Farewell, Arcite. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">They fight. Horns winded within: they stand.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>Lo, cousin, lo! our folly has undone us.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>Why?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>This is the duke, a-hunting as I told you;</span>
<br/>
<span>If we be found, we’re wretched; O, retire,</span>
<br/>
<span>For honour’s sake and safety, presently</span>
<br/>
<span>Into your bush again, sir; we shall find</span>
<br/>
<span>Too many hours to die in. Gentle cousin,</span>
<br/>
<span>If you be seen, you perish instantly</span>
<br/>
<span>For breaking prison; and I, if you reveal me,</span>
<br/>
<span>For my contempt: then all the world will scorn us,</span>
<br/>
<span>And say we had a noble difference,</span>
<br/>
<span>But base disposers of it.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>No, no, cousin;</span>
<br/>
<span>I will no more be hidden, nor put off</span>
<br/>
<span>This great adventure to a second trial:</span>
<br/>
<span>I know your cunning and I know your cause:</span>
<br/>
<span>He that faints now, shame take him! Put thyself</span>
<br/>
<span>Upon thy present guard⁠—</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>You are not mad?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Or I will make th’ advantage of this hour</span>
<br/>
<span>Mine own; and what to come shall threaten me,</span>
<br/>
<span>I fear less than my fortune. Know, weak cousin,</span>
<br/>
<span>I love Emilia; and in that I’ll bury</span>
<br/>
<span>Thee, and all crosses else.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Then, come what can come,</span>
<br/>
<span>Thou shalt know, Palamon, I dare as well</span>
<br/>
<span>Die, as discourse or sleep: only this fears me,</span>
<br/>
<span>The law will have the honour of our ends.</span>
<br/>
<span>Have at thy life!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>Look to thine own well, Arcite. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">They fight. Horns winded within.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</b>, and Train.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>What ignorant and mad malicious traitors</span>
<br/>
<span>Are you, that, ’gainst the tenor of my laws,</span>
<br/>
<span>Are making battle, thus like knights appointed,</span>
<br/>
<span>Without my leave, and officers of arms?</span>
<br/>
<span>By Castor, both shall die.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Hold thy word, Theseus:</span>
<br/>
<span>We’re certainly both traitors, both despisers</span>
<br/>
<span>Of thee and of thy goodness: I am Palamon,</span>
<br/>
<span>That cannot love thee, he that broke thy prison;</span>
<br/>
<span>Think well what that deserves: and this is Arcite;</span>
<br/>
<span>A bolder traitor never trod thy ground,</span>
<br/>
<span>A falser ne’er seemed friend: this is the man</span>
<br/>
<span>Was begg’d and banish’d: this is he contemns thee</span>
<br/>
<span>And what thou dar’st do; and in this disguise,</span>
<br/>
<span>Against thy own edict, follows thy sister,</span>
<br/>
<span>That fortunate bright star, the fair Emilia;</span>
<br/>
<span>Whose servant⁠—if there be a right in seeing,</span>
<br/>
<span>And first bequeathing of the soul to⁠—justly</span>
<br/>
<span>I am; and, which is more, dares think her his.</span>
<br/>
<span>This treachery, like a most trusty lover,</span>
<br/>
<span>I call’d him now to answer: if thou be’st,</span>
<br/>
<span>As thou art spoken, great and virtuous,</span>
<br/>
<span>The true decider of all injuries,</span>
<br/>
<span>Say “Fight again!” and thou shalt see me, Theseus,</span>
<br/>
<span>Do such a justice thou thyself wilt envy:</span>
<br/>
<span>Then take my life; I’ll woo thee to’t.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>O heaven,</span>
<br/>
<span>What more than man is this!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td>I’ve sworn.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>We seek not</span>
<br/>
<span>Thy breath of mercy, Theseus: ’tis to me</span>
<br/>
<span>A thing as soon to die as thee to say it,</span>
<br/>
<span>And no more mov’d. Where this man calls me traitor,</span>
<br/>
<span>Let me say thus much: if in love be treason,</span>
<br/>
<span>In service of so excellent a beauty,</span>
<br/>
<span>As I love most, and in that faith will perish,</span>
<br/>
<span>As I have brought my life here to confirm it,</span>
<br/>
<span>As I have serv’d her truest, worthiest,</span>
<br/>
<span>As I dare kill this cousin that denies it,</span>
<br/>
<span>So let me be most traitor, and ye please me.</span>
<br/>
<span>For scorning thy edict, duke, ask that lady</span>
<br/>
<span>Why she is fair, and why her eyes command me</span>
<br/>
<span>Stay here to love her; and, if she say “traitor,”</span>
<br/>
<span>I am a villain fit to lie unburied.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Thou shalt have pity of us both, O Theseus,</span>
<br/>
<span>If unto neither thou show mercy; stop,</span>
<br/>
<span>As thou art just, thy noble ear against us;</span>
<br/>
<span>As thou art valiant: for thy cousin’s soul,</span>
<br/>
<span>Whose twelve strong labours crown his memory,</span>
<br/>
<span>Let’s die together, at one instant, duke;</span>
<br/>
<span>Only a little let him fall before me,</span>
<br/>
<span>That I may tell my soul he shall not have her.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I grant your wish; for, to say true, your cousin</span>
<br/>
<span>Has ten times more offended, for I gave him</span>
<br/>
<span>More mercy than you found, sir, your offences</span>
<br/>
<span>Being no more then his.⁠—None here speak for ’em;</span>
<br/>
<span>For, ere the sun set, both shall sleep for ever.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Alas, the pity!⁠—Now or never, sister,</span>
<br/>
<span>Speak, not to be denied: that face of yours</span>
<br/>
<span>Will bear the curses else of after ages</span>
<br/>
<span>For these lost cousins.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>In my face, dear sister,</span>
<br/>
<span>I find no anger to ’em, nor no ruin;</span>
<br/>
<span>The misadventure of their own eyes kill ’em:</span>
<br/>
<span>Yet that I will be woman and have pity,</span>
<br/>
<span>My knees shall grow to the ground but I’ll get mercy.</span>
<br/>
<span>Help me, dear sister: in a deed so virtuous</span>
<br/>
<span>The powers of all women will be with us.⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Most royal brother⁠—<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">They kneel.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</td>
<td>Sir, by our tie of marriage⁠—</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td>By your own spotless honour⁠—</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>By that faith,</span>
<br/>
<span>That fair hand, and that honest heart you gave me⁠—</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>By that you would have pity in another,</span>
<br/>
<span>By your own virtues infinite⁠—</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>By valour,</span>
<br/>
<span>By all the chaste nights I have ever pleas’d you⁠—</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td>These are strange conjurings.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Nay, then, I’ll in too:⁠—<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Kneels.</i></span>
<br/>
<span>By all our friendship, sir, by all our dangers,</span>
<br/>
<span>By all you love most, wars, and this sweet lady⁠—</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>By that you would have trembled to deny</span>
<br/>
<span>A blushing maid⁠—</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>By your own eyes, by strength,</span>
<br/>
<span>In which you swore I went beyond all women,</span>
<br/>
<span>Almost all men, and yet I yielded, Theseus⁠—</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>To crown all this, by your most noble soul,</span>
<br/>
<span>Which cannot want due mercy, I beg first.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</td>
<td>Next, hear my prayers.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td>Last, let me entreat, sir.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td>For mercy.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</td>
<td>Mercy.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td>Mercy on these princes.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Ye make my faith reel: say I felt</span>
<br/>
<span>Compassion to ’em both, how would you place it?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td>Upon their lives; but with their banishments.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>You’re a right woman, sister; you have pity,</span>
<br/>
<span>But want the understanding where to use it.</span>
<br/>
<span>If you desire their lives, invent a way</span>
<br/>
<span>Safer than banishment: can these two live,</span>
<br/>
<span>And have the agony of love about ’em,</span>
<br/>
<span>And not kill one another? every day</span>
<br/>
<span>They’d fight about you; hourly bring your honour</span>
<br/>
<span>In public question with their swords. Be wise, then,</span>
<br/>
<span>And here forget ’em; it concerns your credit</span>
<br/>
<span>And my oath equally; I’ve said they die:</span>
<br/>
<span>Better they fall by the law than one another.</span>
<br/>
<span>Bow not my honour.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>O my noble brother,</span>
<br/>
<span>That oath was rashly made, and in your anger;</span>
<br/>
<span>Your reason will not hold it: if such vows</span>
<br/>
<span>Stand for express will, all the world must perish.</span>
<br/>
<span>Beside, I have another oath ’gainst yours,</span>
<br/>
<span>Of more authority, I’m sure more love;</span>
<br/>
<span>Not made in passion neither, but good heed.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td>What is it, sister?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td>Urge it home, brave lady.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>That you would ne’er deny me anything</span>
<br/>
<span>Fit for my modest suit and your free granting:</span>
<br/>
<span>I tie you to your word now; if ye fall in’t,</span>
<br/>
<span>Think how you maim your honour⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>For now I’m set a-begging, sir, I’m deaf</span>
<br/>
<span>To all but your compassion⁠—how their lives</span>
<br/>
<span>Might breed the ruin of my name, opinion!</span>
<br/>
<span>Shall anything that loves me perish for me?</span>
<br/>
<span>That were a cruel wisedom: do men proyne</span>
<br/>
<span>The straight young boughs that blush with thousand blossoms,</span>
<br/>
<span>Because they may be rotten? O Duke Theseus,</span>
<br/>
<span>The goodly mothers that have groan’d for these,</span>
<br/>
<span>And all the longing maids that ever lov’d,</span>
<br/>
<span>If your vow stand, shall curse me and my beauty,</span>
<br/>
<span>And in their funeral songs for these two cousins</span>
<br/>
<span>Despise my cruelty, and cry woe-worth me,</span>
<br/>
<span>Till I am nothing but the scorn of women.</span>
<br/>
<span>For heaven’s sake save their lives, and banish ’em.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td>On what conditions?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Swear ’em never more</span>
<br/>
<span>To make me their contention or to know me,</span>
<br/>
<span>To tread upon thy dukedom, and to be,</span>
<br/>
<span>Wherever they shall travel, ever strangers</span>
<br/>
<span>To one another.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I’ll be cut to pieces</span>
<br/>
<span>Before I take this oath: forget I love her?</span>
<br/>
<span>O all ye gods, dispise me, then. Thy banishment</span>
<br/>
<span>I not mislike, so we may fairly carry</span>
<br/>
<span>Our swords and cause along; else, never trifle,</span>
<br/>
<span>But take our lives, duke: I must love, and will;</span>
<br/>
<span>And for that love must and dare kill this cousin,</span>
<br/>
<span>On any piece the earth has.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Will you, Arcite,</span>
<br/>
<span>Take these conditions?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>He’s a villain, then.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td>These are men!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>No, never, duke; ’tis worse to me than begging,</span>
<br/>
<span>To take my life so basely. Though I think</span>
<br/>
<span>I never shall enjoy her, yet I’ll preserve</span>
<br/>
<span>The honour of affection, and die for her,</span>
<br/>
<span>Make death a devil.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td>What may be done? for now I feel compassion.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td>Let it not fall again, sir.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Say, Emilia,</span>
<br/>
<span>If one of them were dead, as one must, are you</span>
<br/>
<span>Content to take the other to your husband?</span>
<br/>
<span>They cannot both enjoy you: they are princes</span>
<br/>
<span>As goodly as your own eyes, and as noble</span>
<br/>
<span>As ever fame yet spoke of: look upon ’em,</span>
<br/>
<span>And, if you can love, end this difference;</span>
<br/>
<span>I give consent.⁠—Are you content too, princes?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="together">
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon<br/>
Arcite</td>
<td>With all our souls.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>He that she refuses</span>
<br/>
<span>Must die, then.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="together">
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon<br/>
Arcite</td>
<td>Any death thou canst invent, duke.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>If I fall from that mouth, I fall with favour,</span>
<br/>
<span>And lovers yet unborn shall bless my ashes.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>If she refuse me, yet my grave will wed me,</span>
<br/>
<span>And soldiers sing my epitaph.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td>Make choice, then.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I cannot, sir; they’re both too excellent:</span>
<br/>
<span>For me, a hair shall never fall of these men.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</td>
<td>What will become of ’em?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Thus I ordaine it;</span>
<br/>
<span>And, by mine honour, once again it stands,</span>
<br/>
<span>Or both shall die.⁠—You shall both to your country;</span>
<br/>
<span>And each, within this month, accompanied</span>
<br/>
<span>With three fair knights, appear again in this place,</span>
<br/>
<span>In which I’ll plant a pyramid; and whether,</span>
<br/>
<span>Before us that are here, can force his cousin</span>
<br/>
<span>By fair and knightly strength to touch the pillar,</span>
<br/>
<span>He shall enjoy her; th’ other lose his head,</span>
<br/>
<span>And all his friends; nor shall he grudge to fall,</span>
<br/>
<span>Nor think he dies with interest in this lady.</span>
<br/>
<span>Will this content ye?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Yes.⁠—Here, cousin Arcite,</span>
<br/>
<span>I’m friends again till that hour.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>I embrace ye.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td>Are you content, sister?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Yes; I must, sir;</span>
<br/>
<span>Else both miscarry.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Come, shake hands again, then;</span>
<br/>
<span>And take heed, as you’re gentlemen, this quarrel</span>
<br/>
<span>Sleep till the hour prefix’d, and hold your course.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>We dare not fail thee, Theseus.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Come, I’ll give ye</span>
<br/>
<span>Now usage like to princes and to friends.</span>
<br/>
<span>When ye return, who wins, I’ll settle here;</span>
<br/>
<span>Who loses, yet I’ll weep upon his bier. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exeunt.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
</section>
<section id="act-4" epub:type="chapter bodymatter z3998:fiction z3998:drama">
<h2>
<span epub:type="label">Act</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">IV</span>
</h2>
<section id="scene-4-1" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3>
<span epub:type="label">Scene</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">I</span>
</h3>
<p>Athens. A room in the prison.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</b> and <b epub:type="z3998:persona">First Friend</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Hear you no more? was nothing said of me</span>
<br/>
<span>Concerning the escape of Palamon?</span>
<br/>
<span>Good sir, remember.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Friend</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Nothing that I heard;</span>
<br/>
<span>For I came home before the business</span>
<br/>
<span>Was fully ended: yet I might perceive,</span>
<br/>
<span>Ere I departed, a great likelihood</span>
<br/>
<span>Of both their pardons; for Hippolyta</span>
<br/>
<span>And fair-ey’d Emily upon their knees</span>
<br/>
<span>Begg’d with such handsome pity, that the duke</span>
<br/>
<span>Methought stood staggering whether he should follow</span>
<br/>
<span>His rash oath, or the sweet compassion</span>
<br/>
<span>Of those two ladies; and to second them,</span>
<br/>
<span>That truly noble Prince Pirithous,</span>
<br/>
<span>Half his own heart, set in too, that I hope</span>
<br/>
<span>All shall be well: neither heard I one question</span>
<br/>
<span>Of your name or his scape.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>Pray heaven, it hold so!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Friend</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Friend</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Be of good comfort, man: I bring you news,</span>
<br/>
<span>Good news.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>They’re welcome.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Friend</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Palamon has clear’d you,</span>
<br/>
<span>And got your pardon, and discover’d how</span>
<br/>
<span>And by whose means he escap’d, which was your daughter’s,</span>
<br/>
<span>Whose pardon is procur’d too; and the prisoner⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Not to be held ungrateful to her goodness⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Has given a sum of money to her marriage,</span>
<br/>
<span>A large one, I’ll assure you.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Ye’re a good man,</span>
<br/>
<span>And ever bring good news.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Friend</td>
<td>How was it ended?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Friend</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Why, as it should be; they that never begg’d</span>
<br/>
<span>But they prevail’d, had their suits fairly granted:</span>
<br/>
<span>The prisoners have their lives.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Friend</td>
<td>I knew ’twould be so.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Friend</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>But there be new conditions, which you’ll hear of</span>
<br/>
<span>At better time.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>I hope they’re good.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Friend</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>They’re honourable:</span>
<br/>
<span>How good they’ll prove, I know not.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Friend</td>
<td>’Twill be known.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td>Alas, sir, where’s your daughter?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>Why do you ask?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td>O, sir, when did you see her?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Friend</td>
<td>How he looks!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>This morning.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Was she well? was she in health, sir?</span>
<br/>
<span>When did she sleep?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Friend</td>
<td>These are strange questions.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I do not think she was very well; for, now</span>
<br/>
<span>You make me mind her, but this very day</span>
<br/>
<span>I ask’d her questions, and she answer’d me</span>
<br/>
<span>So far from what she was, so childishly,</span>
<br/>
<span>So sillily, as if she were a fool,</span>
<br/>
<span>An innocent; and I was very angry.</span>
<br/>
<span>But what of her, sir?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Nothing but my pity:</span>
<br/>
<span>But you must know it, and as good by me</span>
<br/>
<span>As by another that less loves her.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>Well, sir?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Friend</td>
<td>Not right?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Friend</td>
<td>Not well?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>No, sir; not well:</span>
<br/>
<span>’Tis too true, she is mad.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Friend</td>
<td>It cannot be.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td>Believe, you’ll find it so.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I half suspected</span>
<br/>
<span>What you have told me; the gods comfort her!</span>
<br/>
<span>Either this was her love to Palamon,</span>
<br/>
<span>Or fear of my miscarrying on his scape,</span>
<br/>
<span>Or both.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td>’Tis likely.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>But why all this haste, sir?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I’ll tell you quickly. As I late was angling</span>
<br/>
<span>In the great lake that lies behind the palace,</span>
<br/>
<span>From the far shore, thick set with reeds and sedges,</span>
<br/>
<span>As patiently I was attending sport,</span>
<br/>
<span>I heard a voice, a shrill one; and attentive</span>
<br/>
<span>I gave my ear; when I might well perceive</span>
<br/>
<span>’Twas one that sung, and, by the smallness of it,</span>
<br/>
<span>A boy or woman. I then left my angle</span>
<br/>
<span>To his own skill, came near, but yet perceiv’d not</span>
<br/>
<span>Who made the sound, the rushes and the reeds</span>
<br/>
<span>Had so encompass’d it: I laid me down,</span>
<br/>
<span>And listen’d to the words she sung; for then,</span>
<br/>
<span>Through a small glade cut by the fishermen,</span>
<br/>
<span>I saw it was your daughter.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>Pray, go on, sir.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>She sung much, but no sense; only I heard her</span>
<br/>
<span>Repeat this often, “Palamon is gone,</span>
<br/>
<span>Is gone to the wood to gather mulberries;</span>
<br/>
<span>I’ll find him out to-morrow.”</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Friend</td>
<td>Pretty soul!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>“His shackles will betray him, he’ll be taken;</span>
<br/>
<span>And what shall I do then? I’ll bring a bevy,</span>
<br/>
<span>A hundred black-ey’d maids that love as I do,</span>
<br/>
<span>With chaplets on their heads of daffodillies,</span>
<br/>
<span>With cherry lips, and cheeks of damask roses,</span>
<br/>
<span>And all we’ll dance an antic ’fore the duke,</span>
<br/>
<span>And beg his pardon.” Then she talk’d of you, sir;</span>
<br/>
<span>That you must lose your head to-morrow morning,</span>
<br/>
<span>And she must gather flowers to bury you,</span>
<br/>
<span>And see the house made handsome. Then she sung</span>
<br/>
<span>Nothing but “Willow, willow, willow;” and between</span>
<br/>
<span>Ever was, “Palamon, fair Palamon,”</span>
<br/>
<span>And “Palamon was a tall young man.” The place</span>
<br/>
<span>Was knee-deep where she sat; her careless tresses</span>
<br/>
<span>A wreath of bulrush rounded; about her stuck</span>
<br/>
<span>Thousand fresh water-flowers of several colours;</span>
<br/>
<span>That methought she appear’d like the fair nymph</span>
<br/>
<span>That feeds the lake with waters, or as Iris</span>
<br/>
<span>Newly dropt down from heaven. Rings she made</span>
<br/>
<span>Of rushes that grew by, and to ’em spoke</span>
<br/>
<span>The prettiest posies⁠—“Thus our true love’s tied,”</span>
<br/>
<span>“This you may loose, not me,” and many a one;</span>
<br/>
<span>And then she wept, and sung again, and sigh’d,</span>
<br/>
<span>And with the same breath smil’d, and kiss’d her hand.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Friend</td>
<td>Alas, what pity ’tis!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I made in to her:</span>
<br/>
<span>She saw me, and straight sought the flood; I sav’d her,</span>
<br/>
<span>And set her safe to land: when presently</span>
<br/>
<span>She slipt away, and to the city made,</span>
<br/>
<span>With such a cry, and swiftness, that, believe me,</span>
<br/>
<span>She left me far behind her. Three or four</span>
<br/>
<span>I saw from far off cross her, one of ’em</span>
<br/>
<span>I knew to be your brother; where she stay’d,</span>
<br/>
<span>And fell, scarce to be got away: I left them with her,</span>
<br/>
<span>And hither came to tell you. Here they are.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler’s</b> <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Brother</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</b>, and others.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>
<p>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Sings.</i>
</p>
<div epub:type="z3998:song">
<p>
<span>May you never more enjoy the light, <abbr class="eoc">etc.</abbr></span>
</p>
</div>
<p class="continued">Is not this a fine song?</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Brother</td>
<td>O, a very fine one!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>I can sing twenty more.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Brother</td>
<td>I think you can.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Yes, truly, can I; I can sing “The Broom,”</span>
<br/>
<span>And “Bonny Robin.” Are not you a tailor?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Brother</td>
<td>Yes.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>Where’s my wedding-gown?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Brother</td>
<td>I’ll bring’t to-morrow.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Do, very rarely; I must be abroad else,</span>
<br/>
<span>To call the maids and pay the minstrels;</span>
<br/>
<span>For I must lose my maidenhead by cock-light;</span>
<br/>
<span>’Twill never thrive else. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Sings.</i></span>
</p>
<div epub:type="z3998:song">
<p>
<span>O fair, O sweet, <abbr class="eoc">etc.</abbr></span>
</p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Brother</td>
<td>You must even take it patiently.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>’Tis true.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Good even, good men. Pray, did you ever hear</span>
<br/>
<span>Of one young Palamon?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>Yes, wench, we know him.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>Is’t not a fine young gentleman?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>’Tis love!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Brother</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>By no mean cross her; she is then distemper’d</span>
<br/>
<span>Far worse than now she shows.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Friend</td>
<td>Yes, he’s a fine man.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>O, is he so? You have a sister?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Friend</td>
<td>Yes.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>But she shall never have him, tell her so,</span>
<br/>
<span>For a trick that I know: y’had best look to her,</span>
<br/>
<span>For, if she see him once, she’s gone; she’s done,</span>
<br/>
<span>And undone in an hour. All the young maids</span>
<br/>
<span>Of our town are in love with him: but I laugh at ’em,</span>
<br/>
<span>And let ’em all alone; is’t not a wise course?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Friend</td>
<td>Yes.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>There is at least two hundred now with child by him⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>There must be four; yet I keep close for all this,</span>
<br/>
<span>Close as a cockle; and all these must be boys⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>He has the trick on’t; and at ten years old</span>
<br/>
<span>They must be all gelt for musicians,</span>
<br/>
<span>And sing the wars of Theseus.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Friend</td>
<td>This is strange.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>As ever you heard: but say nothing.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Friend</td>
<td>No.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>They come from all parts of the dukedome to him;</span>
<br/>
<span>I’ll warrant ye, he had not so few last night</span>
<br/>
<span>As twenty to dispatch; he’ll tickle’t up</span>
<br/>
<span>In two hours, if his hand be in.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>She’s lost,</span>
<br/>
<span>Past all cure.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Brother</td>
<td>Heaven forbid, man!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>Come hither; you’re a wise man.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Friend</td>
<td>Does she know him?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Friend</td>
<td>No; would she did!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>You’re master of a ship?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>Yes.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>Where’s your compass?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>Here.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Set it to the north;</span>
<br/>
<span>And now direct your course to the wood, where Palamon</span>
<br/>
<span>Lies longing for me; for the tackling</span>
<br/>
<span>Let me alone: come, weigh, my hearts, cheerly!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">All</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Owgh, owgh, owgh! ’tis up, the wind is fair:</span>
<br/>
<span>Top the bowling; out with the main-sail:</span>
<br/>
<span>Where’s your whistle, master?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Brother</td>
<td>Let’s get her in.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>Up to the top, boy!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Brother</td>
<td>Where’s the pilot?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Friend</td>
<td>Here.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>What kenn’st thou?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Friend</td>
<td>A fair wood.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Bear for it, master:</span>
<br/>
<span>Tack about! <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Sings.</i></span>
</p>
<div epub:type="z3998:song">
<p>
<span>When Cynthia with her borrow’d light, <abbr class="eoc">etc.</abbr> <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exeunt.</i></span>
</p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
<section id="scene-4-2" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3>
<span epub:type="label">Scene</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">II</span>
</h3>
<p>Athens. A room in the palace.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</b> with two pictures.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Yet I may bind those wounds up, that must open</span>
<br/>
<span>And bleed to death for my sake else: I’ll choose,</span>
<br/>
<span>And end their strife: two such young handsome men</span>
<br/>
<span>Shall never fall for me: their weeping mothers,</span>
<br/>
<span>Following the dead-cold ashes of their sons,</span>
<br/>
<span>Shall never curse my cruelty. Good heaven,</span>
<br/>
<span>What a sweet face has Arcite! If wise Nature,</span>
<br/>
<span>With all her best endowments, all those beauties</span>
<br/>
<span>She sows into the births of noble bodies,</span>
<br/>
<span>Were here a mortal woman, and had in her</span>
<br/>
<span>The coy denials of young maids, yet doubtless</span>
<br/>
<span>She would run mad for this man: what an eye⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Of what a fiery sparkle and quick sweetness,</span>
<br/>
<span>Has this young prince! here Love himself sits smiling!⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Just such another, wanton Ganymede</span>
<br/>
<span>Set Jove a-fire with, and enforc’d the god</span>
<br/>
<span>Snatch up the goodly boy and set him by him,</span>
<br/>
<span>A shining constellation: what a brow,</span>
<br/>
<span>Of what a spacious majesty, he carries,</span>
<br/>
<span>Arch’d like the great-ey’d Juno’s, but far sweeter,</span>
<br/>
<span>Smoother than Pelops’ shoulder! Fame and honour,</span>
<br/>
<span>Methinks, from hence, as from a promontory</span>
<br/>
<span>Pointed in heaven, should clap their wings, and sing</span>
<br/>
<span>To all the under-world, the loves and fights</span>
<br/>
<span>Of gods, and such men near ’em. Palamon</span>
<br/>
<span>Is but his foil; to him, a mere dull shadow:</span>
<br/>
<span>He’s swarth and meagre, of an eye as heavy</span>
<br/>
<span>As if he had lost his mother; a still temper,</span>
<br/>
<span>No stirring in him, no alacrity;</span>
<br/>
<span>Of all this sprightly sharpness, not a smile;⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Yet these that we count errors, may become him:</span>
<br/>
<span>Narcissus was a sad boy, but a heavenly.</span>
<br/>
<span>O, who can find the bent of woman’s fancy?</span>
<br/>
<span>I am a fool, my reason is lost in me;</span>
<br/>
<span>I have no choice, and I have lied so lewdly</span>
<br/>
<span>That women ought to beat me. On my knees</span>
<br/>
<span>I ask thy pardon, Palamon; thou art alone,</span>
<br/>
<span>And only beautiful; and these the eyes,</span>
<br/>
<span>These the bright lamps of beauty, that command</span>
<br/>
<span>And threaten Love; and what young maid dare cross ’em?</span>
<br/>
<span>What a bold gravity, and yet inviting,</span>
<br/>
<span>Has this brown manly face! O Love, this only</span>
<br/>
<span>From this hour is complexion. Lie there, Arcite;</span>
<br/>
<span>Thou art a changeling to him, a mere gipsy,</span>
<br/>
<span>And this the noble body. I am sotted,</span>
<br/>
<span>Utterly lost; my virgin’s faith has fled me,</span>
<br/>
<span>For, if my brother but even now had ask’d me</span>
<br/>
<span>Whether I lov’d, I had run mad for Arcite;</span>
<br/>
<span>Now if my sister, more for Palamon.⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Stand both together.⁠—Now, come, ask me, brother;⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Alas, I know not!⁠—Ask me now, sweet sister;⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>I may go look!⁠—What a mere child is fancy,</span>
<br/>
<span>That, having two fair gauds of equal sweetness,</span>
<br/>
<span>Cannot distinguish, but must cry for both!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter a <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Gentleman</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>How now, sir!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gentleman</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>From the noble duke your brother,</span>
<br/>
<span>Madam, I bring you news: the knights are come.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td>To end the quarrel?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gentleman</td>
<td>Yes.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Would I might end first!</span>
<br/>
<span>What sins have I committed, chaste Diana,</span>
<br/>
<span>That my unspotted youth must now be soil’d</span>
<br/>
<span>With blood of princes, and my chastity</span>
<br/>
<span>Be made the altar where the lives of lovers⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Two greater and two better never yet</span>
<br/>
<span>Made mothers joy⁠—must be the sacrifice</span>
<br/>
<span>To my unhappy beauty?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</b>, and Attendants.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Bring ’em in</span>
<br/>
<span>Quickly by any means; I long to see ’em.⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Your two contending lovers are return’d,</span>
<br/>
<span>And with them their fair knights: now, my fair sister,</span>
<br/>
<span>You must love one of them.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I had rather both,</span>
<br/>
<span>So neither for my sake should fall untimely.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td>Who saw ’em?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td>I a while.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gentleman</td>
<td>And I.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Messenger</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td>From whence come you, sir?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Messenger</td>
<td>From the knights.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Pray, speak,</span>
<br/>
<span>You that have seen them, what they are.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Messenger</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I will, sir,</span>
<br/>
<span>And truly what I think. Six braver spirits</span>
<br/>
<span>Than these the’ve brought⁠—if we judge by th’ outside⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>I never saw nor read of. He that stands</span>
<br/>
<span>In the first place with Arcite, by his seeming</span>
<br/>
<span>Should be a stout man, by his face a prince⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>His very looks so say him; his complexion</span>
<br/>
<span>Nearer a brown than black; stern, and yet noble,</span>
<br/>
<span>Which shows him hardy, fearless, proud of dangers;</span>
<br/>
<span>The circles of his eyes show fire within him,</span>
<br/>
<span>And as a heated lion so he looks;</span>
<br/>
<span>His hair hangs long behind him, black and shining</span>
<br/>
<span>Like ravens’ wings; his shoulders broad and strong;</span>
<br/>
<span>Arm’d long and round; and on his thigh a sword</span>
<br/>
<span>Hung by a curious baldrick, when he frowns</span>
<br/>
<span>To seal his will with; better, o’ my conscience,</span>
<br/>
<span>Was never soldier’s friend.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td>Thou’st well describ’d him.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Yet a great deal short,</span>
<br/>
<span>Methinks, of him that’s first with Palamon.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td>Pray, speak him, friend.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I guess he is a prince too,</span>
<br/>
<span>And, if it may be, greater; for his show</span>
<br/>
<span>Has all the ornament of honour in’t:</span>
<br/>
<span>He’s somewhat bigger than the knight he spoke of,</span>
<br/>
<span>But of a face far sweeter; his complexion</span>
<br/>
<span>Is, as a ripe grape, ruddy; he has felt,</span>
<br/>
<span>Without doubt, what he fights for, and so apter</span>
<br/>
<span>To make this cause his own; in’s face appears</span>
<br/>
<span>All the fair hopes of what he undertakes;</span>
<br/>
<span>And when he’s angry, then a settled valour,</span>
<br/>
<span>Not tainted with extremes, runs through his body,</span>
<br/>
<span>And guides his arm to brave things; fear he cannot,</span>
<br/>
<span>He shows no such soft temper; his head’s yellow,</span>
<br/>
<span>Hard-hair’d, and curl’d, thick-twin’d, like ivy-tods,</span>
<br/>
<span>Not to undo with thunder; in his face</span>
<br/>
<span>The livery of the warlike maid appears,</span>
<br/>
<span>Pure red and white, for yet no beard has blest him;</span>
<br/>
<span>And in his rolling eyes sits Victory,</span>
<br/>
<span>As if she ever meant to court his valour;</span>
<br/>
<span>His nose stands high, a character of honour,</span>
<br/>
<span>His red lips, after fights, are fit for ladies.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td>Must these men die too?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>When he speaks, his tongue</span>
<br/>
<span>Sounds like a trumpet; all his lineaments</span>
<br/>
<span>Are as a man would wish ’em, strong and clean;</span>
<br/>
<span>He wears a well-steel’d axe, the staff of gold;</span>
<br/>
<span>His age some five-and-twenty.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Messenger</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>There’s another,</span>
<br/>
<span>A little man, but of a tough soul, seeming</span>
<br/>
<span>As great as any; fairer promises</span>
<br/>
<span>In such a body yet I never look’d on.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td>O, he that’s freckle-fac’d?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Messenger</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>The same, my lord:</span>
<br/>
<span>Are they not sweet ones?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td>Yes, they’re well.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Messenger</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Methinks,</span>
<br/>
<span>Being so few and well-dispos’d, they show</span>
<br/>
<span>Great and fine art in nature. He’s white-hair’d,</span>
<br/>
<span>Not wanton-white, but such a manly colour</span>
<br/>
<span>Next to an aborne; tough and nimble-set,</span>
<br/>
<span>Which shows an active soul; his arms are brawny,</span>
<br/>
<span>Lin’d with strong sinews; to the shoulder-piece</span>
<br/>
<span>Gently they swell, like women new-conceiv’d,</span>
<br/>
<span>Which speaks him prone to labour, never fainting</span>
<br/>
<span>Under the weight of arms; stout-hearted, still,</span>
<br/>
<span>But, when he stirs, a tiger; he’s gray-ey’d,</span>
<br/>
<span>Which yields compassion where he conquers; sharp</span>
<br/>
<span>To spy advantages, and where he finds ’em,</span>
<br/>
<span>He’s swift to make ’em his; he does no wrongs,</span>
<br/>
<span>Nor takes none; he’s round-fac’d, and when he smiles</span>
<br/>
<span>He shows a lover, when he frowns, a soldier;</span>
<br/>
<span>About his head he wears the winner’s oak,</span>
<br/>
<span>And in it stuck the favour of his lady;</span>
<br/>
<span>His age some six-and-thirty; in his hand</span>
<br/>
<span>He bears a charging-staff, emboss’d with silver.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td>Are they all thus?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td>They’re all the sons of honour.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Now, as I have a soul, I long to see ’em.⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Lady, you shall see men fight now.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I wish it,</span>
<br/>
<span>But not the cause, my lord: they would show</span>
<br/>
<span>Bravely about the titles of two kingdoms:</span>
<br/>
<span>’Tis pity Love should be so tyrannous.⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>O my soft-hearted sister, what think you?</span>
<br/>
<span>Weep not, till they weep blood, wench: it must be.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>You’ve steel’d ’em with your beauty.⁠—Honour’d friend,</span>
<br/>
<span>To you I give the field; pray, order it</span>
<br/>
<span>Fitting the persons that must use it.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td>Yes, sir.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Come, I’ll go visit ’em: I cannot stay⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Their fame has fir’d me so⁠—till they appear.</span>
<br/>
<span>Good friend, be royal.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td>There shall want no bravery.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Poor wench, go weep; for whosoever wins,</span>
<br/>
<span>Loses a noble cousin for thy sins. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exeunt.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
<section id="scene-4-3" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3>
<span epub:type="label">Scene</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">III</span>
</h3>
<p>Athens. A room in the prison.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</b>, and <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</td>
<td>Her distraction is more at some time of the moon than at other some, is it not?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>She is continually in a harmless distemper; sleeps little; altogether without appetite, save often drinking; dreaming of another world and a better; and what broken piece of matter soe’er she’s about, the name Palamon lards it; that she farces every business withal, fits it to every question.⁠—Look, where she comes; you shall perceive her behaviour.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler’s</b> <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>I have forgot it quite; the burden on’t, was <em>Down-a, down-a</em>; and penned by no worse man than Giraldo, Emilia’s schoolmaster: he’s as fantastical, too, as ever he may go upon’s legs; for in the next world will Dido see Palamon, and then will she be out of love with Aeneas.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</td>
<td>What stuff’s here! poor soul!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>Even thus all day long.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>Now for this charm that I told you of. You must bring a piece of silver on the tip of your tongue, or no ferry: then, if it be your chance to come where the blessed spirits⁠—as there’s a sight now!⁠—we maids that have our livers perished, cracked to pieces with love, we shall come there, and do nothing all day long but pick flowers with Proserpine; then will I make Palamon a nosegay; then let him⁠—mark me⁠—then⁠—</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</td>
<td>How prettily she’s amiss! note her a little further.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>Faith, I’ll tell you; sometime we go to barley-break, we of the blessed. Alas, ’tis a sore life they have i’ th’ other place, such burning, frying, boiling, hissing, howling, chattering, cursing! O, they have shrewd measure! Take heed: if one be mad, or hang, or drown themselves, thither they go; Jupiter bless us! and there shall we be put in a caldron of lead and usurers’ grease, amongst a whole million of cut-purses, and there boil like a gammon of bacon that will never be enough.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</td>
<td>How her brain coins!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>Lords and courtiers that have got maids with child, they are in this place; they shall stand in fire up to the navel, and in ice up to the heart, and there th’ offending part burns, and the deceiving part freezes; in troth, a very grievous punishment, as one would think, for such a trifle: believe me, one would marry a leprous witch to be rid on’t, I’ll assure you.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</td>
<td>How she continues this fancy! ’Tis not an engraffed madness, but a most thick and profound melancholy.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>
<p>To hear there a proud lady and a proud city-wife howl together! I were a beast, an I’d call it good sport: one cries, “O, this smoke!” th’ other, “This fire!” one cries, “O, that ever I did it behind the arras!” and then howls; th’ other curses a suing fellow and her garden-house. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Sings.</i></p>
<div epub:type="z3998:song">
<p>
<span>I will be true, my stars, my fate, <abbr class="eoc">etc.</abbr> <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit.</i></span>
</p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>What think you of her, sir?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</td>
<td>I think she has a perturbed mind, which I cannot minister to.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>Alas, what then?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</td>
<td>Understand you she ever affected any man ere she beheld Palamon?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>I was once, sir, in great hope she had fixed her liking on this gentleman, my friend.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td>I did think so too; and would account I had a great pen’worth on’t, to give half my state, that both she and I at this present stood unfeinedly on the same terms.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</td>
<td>That intemperate surfeit of her eye hath distemper’d the other senses: they may return and settle again to execute their preordained faculties; but they are now in a most extravagant vagary. This you must do: confine her to a place where the light may rather seem to steal in than be permitted. Take upon you, young sir, her friend, the name of Palamon; say you come to eat with her, and to commune of love; this will catch her attention, for this her mind beats upon; other objects, that are inserted ’tween her mind and eye, become the pranks and friskins of her madness: sing to her such green songs of love as she says Palamon hath sung in prison; come to her, stuck in as sweet flowers as the season is mistress of, and thereto make an addition of some other compounded odours, which are grateful to the sense; all this shall become Palamon, for Palamon can sing, and Palamon is sweet, and every good thing: desire to eat with her, carve her, drink to her, and still among intermingle your petition of grace and acceptance into her favour: learn what maids have been her companions and play-feres; and let them repair to her with Palamon in their mouths, and appear with tokens, as if they suggested for him. It is a falsehood she is in, which is with falsehoods to be combated. This may bring her to eat, to sleep, and reduce what’s now out of square in her into their former law and regiment: I have seen it approved, how many times I know not; but to make the number more I have great hope in this. I will, between the passages of this project, come in with my appliance. Let us put it in execution; and hasten the success, which, doubt not, will bring forth comfort. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exeunt.</i></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
</section>
<section id="act-5" epub:type="chapter bodymatter z3998:fiction z3998:drama">
<h2>
<span epub:type="label">Act</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">V</span>
</h2>
<section id="scene-5-1" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3>
<span epub:type="label">Scene</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">I</span>
</h3>
<p>Athens. Three altars prepared, and inscribed severally to Mars, Venus, and Diana.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">A flourish. Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</b>, and Attendants.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Now let ’em enter, and before the gods</span>
<br/>
<span>Tender their holy prayers: let the temples</span>
<br/>
<span>Burn bright with sacred fires, and the altars</span>
<br/>
<span>In hallow’d clouds commend their swelling incense</span>
<br/>
<span>To those above us: let no due be wanting:</span>
<br/>
<span>They have a noble work in hand, will honour</span>
<br/>
<span>The very powers that love ’em.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td>Sir, they enter.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">A flourish of cornets. Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</b>, and their <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Knights</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>You valiant and strong-hearted enemies,</span>
<br/>
<span>You royal germane foes, that this day come</span>
<br/>
<span>To blow that nearness out that flames between ye,</span>
<br/>
<span>Lay by your anger for an hour, and dove-like</span>
<br/>
<span>Before the holy altars of your helpers,</span>
<br/>
<span>The all-fear’d gods, bow down your stubborn bodies:</span>
<br/>
<span>Your hire is more than mortal; so your help be!</span>
<br/>
<span>And, as the gods regard ye, fight with justice:</span>
<br/>
<span>I’ll leave you to your prayers, and betwixt ye</span>
<br/>
<span>I part my wishes.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td>Honour crown the worthiest! <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</b> and his Train.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>The glass is running now that cannot finish</span>
<br/>
<span>Till one of us expire: think you but thus,</span>
<br/>
<span>That, were there aught in me which strove to show</span>
<br/>
<span>Mine enemy in this business, were’t one eye</span>
<br/>
<span>Against another, arm oppress’d by arm,</span>
<br/>
<span>I would destroy th’ offender; coz, I would,</span>
<br/>
<span>Though parcel of myself: then from this gather</span>
<br/>
<span>How I should tender you.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I am in labour</span>
<br/>
<span>To push your name, your ancient love, our kindred,</span>
<br/>
<span>Out of my memory; and i’ the selfsame place</span>
<br/>
<span>To seat something I would confound: so hoist we</span>
<br/>
<span>The sails, that must these vessels port even where</span>
<br/>
<span>The heavenly lymiter pleases.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>You speak well.</span>
<br/>
<span>Before I turn, let me embrace thee, cousin:</span>
<br/>
<span>This I shall never do again.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td>One farewell!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>Why, let it be so: farewell, coz!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Farewell, sir! <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">They embrace.⁠—Exeunt <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</b> and his <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Knights</b>.</i></span>
<br/>
<span>Knights, kinsmen, lovers, yea, my sacrifices,</span>
<br/>
<span>True worshippers of Mars, whose spirit in you</span>
<br/>
<span>Expels the seeds of fear, and th’ apprehension</span>
<br/>
<span>Which still is farther off it, go with me</span>
<br/>
<span>Before the god of our profession: there</span>
<br/>
<span>Require of him the hearts of lions, and</span>
<br/>
<span>The breath of tigers, yea, the fierceness too,</span>
<br/>
<span>Yea, the speed also⁠—to go on, I mean,</span>
<br/>
<span>Else wish we to be snails: you know my prize</span>
<br/>
<span>Must be dragg’d out of blood; force and great feat</span>
<br/>
<span>Must put my garland on, where she sticks</span>
<br/>
<span>The queen of flowers; our intercession, then,</span>
<br/>
<span>Must be to him that makes the camp a cestron</span>
<br/>
<span>Brimm’d with the blood of men; give me your aid,</span>
<br/>
<span>And bend your spirits towards him. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">They advance to the altar of Mars, and fall on their faces; then kneel.</i></span>
<br/>
<span>Thou mighty one, that with thy power hast turn’d</span>
<br/>
<span>Green Neptune into purple; whose approach</span>
<br/>
<span>Comets prewarn; whose havoc in vast field</span>
<br/>
<span>Unearth’d skulls proclaim; whose breath blows down</span>
<br/>
<span>The teeming Ceres’ foyzon; who dost pluck</span>
<br/>
<span>With hand armipotent from forth blue clouds</span>
<br/>
<span>The mason’d turrets; that both mak’st and break’st</span>
<br/>
<span>The stony girths of cities; me thy pupil,</span>
<br/>
<span>Young’st follower of thy drum, instruct this day</span>
<br/>
<span>With military skill, that to thy laud</span>
<br/>
<span>I may advance my streamer, and by thee</span>
<br/>
<span>Be styl’d the lord o’ the day;⁠—give me, great Mars,</span>
<br/>
<span>Some token of thy pleasure. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Here they fall on their faces as formerly, and there is heard clanging of armour, with a short thunder, as the burst of a battle, whereupon they all rise and bow to the altar.</i></span>
<br/>
<span>O great corrector of enormous times,</span>
<br/>
<span>Shaker of o’er-rank states, thou grand decider</span>
<br/>
<span>Of dusty and old titles, that heal’st with blood</span>
<br/>
<span>The earth when it is sick, and cur’st the world</span>
<br/>
<span>O’ the pluresie of people; I do take</span>
<br/>
<span>Thy signs auspiciously, and in thy name</span>
<br/>
<span>To my design march boldly.⁠—Let us go. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exeunt.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Reenter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</b> and his <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Knights</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Our stars must glister with new fire, or be</span>
<br/>
<span>To-day extinct; our argument is love,</span>
<br/>
<span>Which if the goddess of it grant, she gives</span>
<br/>
<span>Victory too: then blend your spirits with mine,</span>
<br/>
<span>You, whose free nobleness do make my cause</span>
<br/>
<span>Your personal hazard: to the goddess Venus</span>
<br/>
<span>Commend we our proceeding, and implore</span>
<br/>
<span>Her power unto our party. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">They advance to the alter of Venus, and fall on their faces; then kneel.</i></span>
<br/>
<span>Hail, sovereign queen of secrets, who hast power</span>
<br/>
<span>To call the fiercest tyrant from his rage,</span>
<br/>
<span>And weep unto a girl; that hast the might</span>
<br/>
<span>Even with an eye-glance to choke Mars’s drum,</span>
<br/>
<span>And turn th’ alarm to whispers; that canst make</span>
<br/>
<span>A cripple flourish with his crutch, and cure him</span>
<br/>
<span>Before Apollo; that may’st force the king</span>
<br/>
<span>To be his subject’s vassal, and induce</span>
<br/>
<span>Stale gravity to dance; the poul’d bach’lor⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Whose youth, like wonton boys through bonfires,</span>
<br/>
<span>Have skipt thy flame⁠—at seventy thou canst catch,</span>
<br/>
<span>And make him, to the scorn of his hoarse throat,</span>
<br/>
<span>Abuse young lays of love: what godlike power</span>
<br/>
<span>Hast thou not power upon? to Phoebus thou</span>
<br/>
<span>Add’st flames, hotter than his; the heavenly fires</span>
<br/>
<span>Did scorch his mortal son, thine him: the huntress</span>
<br/>
<span>All moist and cold, some say, began to throw</span>
<br/>
<span>Her bow away, and sigh: take to thy grace</span>
<br/>
<span>Me, thy vow’d soldier, who do bear thy yoke</span>
<br/>
<span>As ’twere a wreath of roses, yet is heavier</span>
<br/>
<span>Than lead itself, stings more than nettles: I</span>
<br/>
<span>Have never been foul mouth’d against thy law;</span>
<br/>
<span>Ne’er reveal’d secret, for I knew none⁠—would not,</span>
<br/>
<span>Had I kenn’d all that were; I never practis’d</span>
<br/>
<span>Upon man’s wife, nor would the libels read</span>
<br/>
<span>Of liberal wits; I never at great feasts</span>
<br/>
<span>Sought to betray a beauty, but have blush’d</span>
<br/>
<span>At simpering sirs that did; I have been harsh</span>
<br/>
<span>To large confessors, and have hotly ask’d them,</span>
<br/>
<span>If they had mothers? I had one, a woman,</span>
<br/>
<span>And women ’twere they wrong’d: I knew a man</span>
<br/>
<span>Of eighty winters⁠—this I told them⁠—who</span>
<br/>
<span>A lass of fourteen brided; ’twas thy power</span>
<br/>
<span>To put life into dust; the aged cramp</span>
<br/>
<span>Had screw’d his square foot round,</span>
<br/>
<span>The gout had knit his fingers into knots,</span>
<br/>
<span>Torturing convulsions from his globy eyes</span>
<br/>
<span>Had almost drawn their spheres, that what was life</span>
<br/>
<span>In him seem’d torture; this anatomy</span>
<br/>
<span>Had by his young fair fere a boy, and I</span>
<br/>
<span>Believ’d it was his, for she swore it was,</span>
<br/>
<span>And who would not believe her? Brief, I am</span>
<br/>
<span>To those that prate, and have done, no companion;</span>
<br/>
<span>To those that boast, and have not, a defier;</span>
<br/>
<span>To those that would, and cannot, a rejoicer:</span>
<br/>
<span>Yea, him I do not love, that tells close offices</span>
<br/>
<span>The foulest way, nor names concealments in</span>
<br/>
<span>The boldest language; such a one I am,</span>
<br/>
<span>And vow that lover never yet made sigh</span>
<br/>
<span>Truer than I. O, then, most soft sweet goddess,</span>
<br/>
<span>Give me the victory of this question, which</span>
<br/>
<span>Is true love’s merit, and bless me with a sign</span>
<br/>
<span>Of thy great pleasure. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Here music is heard, and doves are seen to flutter: they fall again upon their faces, then on their knees.</i></span>
<br/>
<span>O thou that from eleven to ninety reign’st</span>
<br/>
<span>In mortal bosoms, whose chase is this world,</span>
<br/>
<span>And we in herds thy game, I give thee thanks</span>
<br/>
<span>For this fair token; which being laid unto</span>
<br/>
<span>Mine innocent true heart, arms in assurance</span>
<br/>
<span>My body to this business.⁠—Let us rise,</span>
<br/>
<span>And bow before the goddess: time comes on. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">They bow, then exeunt.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Still music of records. Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</b> in white, her hair about her shoulders, and 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 odours, which being set upon the altar of Diana, her Maids standing aloof, she sets fire to it; then they curtsy and kneel.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>O sacred, shadowy, cold, and constant queen,</span>
<br/>
<span>Abandoner of revels, mute, contemplative,</span>
<br/>
<span>Sweet, solitary, white as chaste, and pure</span>
<br/>
<span>As wind-fann’d snow, who to thy female knights</span>
<br/>
<span>Allow’st no more blood than will make a blush,</span>
<br/>
<span>Which is their order’s robe; I here, thy priest,</span>
<br/>
<span>Am humbled ’fore thine altar: O, vouchsafe,</span>
<br/>
<span>With that thy rare green eye⁠—which never yet</span>
<br/>
<span>Beheld thing maculate⁠—look on thy virgin;</span>
<br/>
<span>And, sacred silver mistress, lend thine ear⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>Which nev’r heard scurril term, into whose port</span>
<br/>
<span>Nev’r entered wanton sound⁠—to my petition,</span>
<br/>
<span>Season’d with holy fear. This is my last</span>
<br/>
<span>Of vestal office; I’m bride-habited,</span>
<br/>
<span>But maiden-hearted: a husband I have ’pointed,</span>
<br/>
<span>But do not know him; out of two I should</span>
<br/>
<span>Choose one, and pray for his success; but I</span>
<br/>
<span>Am guiltless of election: of mine eyes</span>
<br/>
<span>Were I to lose one⁠—they are equal precious⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>I could doom neither; that which perish’d should</span>
<br/>
<span>Go to’t unsentenc’d: therefore, most modest queen,</span>
<br/>
<span>He, of the two pretenders, that best loves me</span>
<br/>
<span>And has the truest title in’t, let him</span>
<br/>
<span>Take off my wheaten garland, or else grant</span>
<br/>
<span>The file and quality I hold I may</span>
<br/>
<span>Continue in thy band. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Here the hind vanishes under the altar, and in the place ascends a rose-tree, having one rose upon it.</i></span>
<br/>
<span>See what our general of ebbs and flows</span>
<br/>
<span>Out from the bowels of her holy altar</span>
<br/>
<span>With sacred act advances; but one rose!</span>
<br/>
<span>If well inspir’d, this battle shall confound</span>
<br/>
<span>Both these brave knights, and I, a virgin flower,</span>
<br/>
<span>Must grow alone, unpluck’d. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Here is heard a sudden twang of instruments, and the rose falls from the tree, which vanishes under the altar.</i></span>
<br/>
<span>The flower is fall’n, the tree descends.⁠—O mistress,</span>
<br/>
<span>Thou here dischargest me; I shall be gather’d,</span>
<br/>
<span>I think so; but I know not thine own will:</span>
<br/>
<span>Unclasp thy mystery.⁠—I hope she’s pleas’d;</span>
<br/>
<span>Her signs were gracious. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">They curtsy, and exeunt.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
<section id="scene-5-2" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3>
<span epub:type="label">Scene</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">II</span>
</h3>
<p>Athens. A room in the prison.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</b>, and <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</b> in the habit of <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</td>
<td>Has this advice I told you done any good upon her?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>O, very much; the maids that kept her company</span>
<br/>
<span>Have half persuaded her that I am Palamon;</span>
<br/>
<span>Within this half-hour she came smiling to me,</span>
<br/>
<span>And ask’d me what I’d eat, and when I’d kiss her:</span>
<br/>
<span>I told her presently, and kiss’d her twice.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>’Twas well done: twenty times had been far better;</span>
<br/>
<span>For there the cure lies mainly.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Then she told me</span>
<br/>
<span>She’d watch with me to-night, for well she knew</span>
<br/>
<span>What hour my fit would take me.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Let her do so;</span>
<br/>
<span>And when your fit comes, fit her home, and presently.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td>She would have me sing.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</td>
<td>You did so?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td>No.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>’Twas very ill done, then;</span>
<br/>
<span>You should observe her every way.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Alas,</span>
<br/>
<span>I have no voice, sir, to confirm her that way!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>That’s all one, if ye make a noise:</span>
<br/>
<span>If she entreat again, do anything;</span>
<br/>
<span>Lie with her, if she ask you.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>Hoa, there, doctor!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</td>
<td>Yes, in the way of cure.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>But first, by your leave,</span>
<br/>
<span>I’ the way of honesty.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>That’s but a niceness;</span>
<br/>
<span>Ne’er cast your child away for honesty:</span>
<br/>
<span>Cure her first this way; then, if she’ll be honest,</span>
<br/>
<span>She has the path before her.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>Thanke ye, doctor.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Pray, bring her in,</span>
<br/>
<span>And let’s see how she is.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I will, and tell her</span>
<br/>
<span>Her Palamon stays for her: but, doctor,</span>
<br/>
<span>Methinks you are i’ the wrong still. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Go, go;</span>
<br/>
<span>You fathers are fine fools: her honesty!</span>
<br/>
<span>And we should give her physic till we find that⁠—</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td>Why, do you think she is not honest, sir?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</td>
<td>How old is she?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td>She’s eighteen.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>She may be;</span>
<br/>
<span>But that’s all one, ’tis nothing to our purpose:</span>
<br/>
<span>Whate’er her father says, if you perceive</span>
<br/>
<span>Her mood inclining that way that I spoke of,</span>
<br/>
<span><i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Videlicet</i>, the way of flesh⁠—you have me?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td>Yes, very well, sir.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Please her appetite,</span>
<br/>
<span>And do it home; it cures her, <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">ipso facto</i>,</span>
<br/>
<span>The melancholy humour that infects her.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td>I am of your mind, doctor.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</td>
<td>You’ll find it so. She comes: pray, humour her.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Reenter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</b>, with <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</b> and Maid.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Come; your love Palamon stays for you, child,</span>
<br/>
<span>And has done this long hour, to visit you.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I thank him for his gentle patience;</span>
<br/>
<span>He’s a kind gentleman, and I’m much bound to him.</span>
<br/>
<span>Did you ne’er see the horse he gave me?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>Yes.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>How do you like him?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>He’s a very fair one.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>You never saw him dance?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>No.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I have often:</span>
<br/>
<span>He dances very finely, very comely;</span>
<br/>
<span>And, for a jig, come cut and long tail to him;</span>
<br/>
<span>He turns ye like a top.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>That’s fine indeed.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>He’ll dance the morris twenty mile an hour,</span>
<br/>
<span>And that will founder the best hobby-horse,</span>
<br/>
<span>If I have any skill, in all the parish;</span>
<br/>
<span>And gallops to the tune of “Light o’ Love:”</span>
<br/>
<span>What think you of this horse?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Having these virtues,</span>
<br/>
<span>I think he might be brought to play at tennis.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>Alas, that’s nothing.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>Can he write and read too?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>A very fair hand; and casts himself th’ accounts</span>
<br/>
<span>Of all his hay and provender; that hostler</span>
<br/>
<span>Must rise betime that cozens him. You know</span>
<br/>
<span>The chestnut mare the duke has?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>Very well.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>She’s horribly in love with him, poor beast;</span>
<br/>
<span>But he is like his master, coy and scornful.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>What dowry has she?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Some two hundred bottles,</span>
<br/>
<span>And twenty strike of oats; but he’ll ne’er have her:</span>
<br/>
<span>He lisps in’s neighing, able to entice</span>
<br/>
<span>A miller’s mare; he’ll be the death of her.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</td>
<td>What stuff she utters!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>Make curtsy; here your love comes.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Pretty soul,</span>
<br/>
<span>How do ye? That’s a fine maid; there’s a curtsy!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Yours to command, i’ the way of honesty.</span>
<br/>
<span>How far is’t now to th’ end o’ the world, my masters?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</td>
<td>Why, a day’s journey, wench.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>Will you go with me?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td>What shall we do there, wench?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Why, play at stool-ball:</span>
<br/>
<span>What is there else to do?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I am content,</span>
<br/>
<span>If we shall keep our wedding there.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>’Tis true;</span>
<br/>
<span>For there, I will assure you, we shall find</span>
<br/>
<span>Some blind priest for the purpose, that will venture</span>
<br/>
<span>To marry us, for here they’re nice and foolish;</span>
<br/>
<span>Besides, my father must be hang’d to-morrow,</span>
<br/>
<span>And that would be a blot i’ the business.</span>
<br/>
<span>Are not you Palamon?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td>Do not you know me?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Yes; but you care not for me: I have nothing</span>
<br/>
<span>But this poor petticoat and two coarse smocks.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td>That’s all one; I will have you.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>Will you surely?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td>Yes, by this fair hand, will I.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>We’ll to bed, then.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td>Even when you will. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Kisses her.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>O, sir, you’d fain be nibbling.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td>Why do you rub my kiss off?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>’Tis a sweet one,</span>
<br/>
<span>And will perfume me finely ’gainst the wedding.</span>
<br/>
<span>Is not this your cousin Arcite?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Yes, sweetheart;</span>
<br/>
<span>And I am glad my cousin Palamon</span>
<br/>
<span>Has made so fair a choice.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>Do you think he’ll have me?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</td>
<td>Yes, without doubt.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>Do you think so too?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>Yes.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>We shall have many children.⁠—Lord, how y’are grown!</span>
<br/>
<span>My Palamon I hope will grow, too, finely,</span>
<br/>
<span>Now he’s at liberty: alas, poor chicken,</span>
<br/>
<span>He was kept down with hard meat and ill lodging;</span>
<br/>
<span>But I’ll kiss him up again.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Messenger</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Messenger</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>What do you here? you’ll lose the noblest sight</span>
<br/>
<span>That e’er was seen.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>Are they i’ the field?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Messenger</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>They are:</span>
<br/>
<span>You bear a charge there too.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I’ll away straight.⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>I must even leave you here.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Nay, we’ll go with you;</span>
<br/>
<span>I will not lose the sight.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>How did you like her?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I’ll warrant you, within these three or four days</span>
<br/>
<span>I’ll make her right again.⁠—You must not from her,</span>
<br/>
<span>But still preserve her in this way.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td>I will.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</td>
<td>Let’s get her in.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Come, sweet, we’ll go to dinner;</span>
<br/>
<span>And then we’ll play at cards.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>And shall we kiss too?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td>A hundred times.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>And twenty?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td>Ay, and twenty.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>And then we’ll sleep together?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Doctor</td>
<td>Take her offer.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td>Yes, marry, will we.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>But you shall not hurt me.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Wooer</td>
<td>I will not, sweet.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Daughter</td>
<td>If you do, love, I’ll cry. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exeunt.</i></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
<section id="scene-5-3" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3>
<span epub:type="label">Scene</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">III</span>
</h3>
<p>A part of the forest near Athens, and near the place appointed for the combat.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Flourish. Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</b>, and Attendants.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td>I’ll no step further.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td>Will you lose this sight?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I had rather see a wren hawk at a fly,</span>
<br/>
<span>Than this decision: every blow that falls</span>
<br/>
<span>Threats a brave life; each stroke laments</span>
<br/>
<span>The place whereon it falls, and sounds more like</span>
<br/>
<span>A bell than blade: I will stay here⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>It is enough my hearing shall be punish’d</span>
<br/>
<span>With what shall happen, ’gainst the which there is</span>
<br/>
<span>No deafing, but to hear⁠—not taint mine eye</span>
<br/>
<span>With dread sights it may shun.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Sir, my good lord,</span>
<br/>
<span>Your sister will no further.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>O, she must:</span>
<br/>
<span>She shall see deeds of honour in their kind,</span>
<br/>
<span>Which sometime show well, pencill’d: nature now</span>
<br/>
<span>Shall make and act the story, the belief</span>
<br/>
<span>Both seal’d with eye and ear. You must be present;</span>
<br/>
<span>You are the victor’s meed, the price and garland</span>
<br/>
<span>To crown the question’s title.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Pardon me;</span>
<br/>
<span>If I were there, I’d wink.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>You must be there;</span>
<br/>
<span>This trial is as ’twere i’ the night, and you</span>
<br/>
<span>The only star to shine.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I am extinct:</span>
<br/>
<span>There is but envy in that light, which shows</span>
<br/>
<span>The one the other. Darkness, which ever was</span>
<br/>
<span>The dam of Horror, who does stand accurs’d</span>
<br/>
<span>Of many mortal millions, may even now,</span>
<br/>
<span>By casting her black mantle over both,</span>
<br/>
<span>That neither could find other, get herself</span>
<br/>
<span>Some part of a good name, and many a murder</span>
<br/>
<span>Set off whereto she’s guilty.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</td>
<td>You must go.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td>In faith, I will not.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Why, the knights must kindle</span>
<br/>
<span>Their valour at your eye: know, of this war</span>
<br/>
<span>You are the treasure, and must needs be by</span>
<br/>
<span>To give the service pay.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Sir, pardon me;</span>
<br/>
<span>The title of a kingdom may be tried</span>
<br/>
<span>Out of itself.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Well, well, then, at your pleasure:</span>
<br/>
<span>Those that remain with you could wish their office</span>
<br/>
<span>To any of their enemies.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Farewell, sister:</span>
<br/>
<span>I’m like to know your husband ’fore yourself,</span>
<br/>
<span>By some small start of time: he whom the gods</span>
<br/>
<span>Do of the two know best, I pray them he</span>
<br/>
<span>Be made your lot. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exeunt all except <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</b> and some of the Attendants.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Arcite is gently visag’d; yet his eye</span>
<br/>
<span>Is like an engine bent, or a sharp weapon</span>
<br/>
<span>In a soft sheath; mercy and manly courage</span>
<br/>
<span>Are bedfellows in his visage. Palamon</span>
<br/>
<span>Has a most menacing aspect; his brow</span>
<br/>
<span>Is grav’d, and seems to bury what it frowns on;</span>
<br/>
<span>Yet sometimes ’tis not so, but alters to</span>
<br/>
<span>The quality of his thoughts; long time his eye</span>
<br/>
<span>Will dwell upon his object; melancholy</span>
<br/>
<span>Becomes him nobly; so does Arcite’s mirth;</span>
<br/>
<span>But Palamon’s sadness is a kind of mirth,</span>
<br/>
<span>So mingled as if mirth did make him sad,</span>
<br/>
<span>And sadness merry; those darker humours that</span>
<br/>
<span>Stick misbecomingly on others, on him</span>
<br/>
<span>Live in fair dwelling. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Cornets; trumpets sound as to a charge, within.</i></span>
<br/>
<span>Hark, how yon spurs to spirit do incite</span>
<br/>
<span>The princes to their proof! Arcite may win me</span>
<br/>
<span>And yet may Palamon wound Arcite to</span>
<br/>
<span>The spoiling of his figure. O, what pity</span>
<br/>
<span>Enough for such a chance! If I were by,</span>
<br/>
<span>I might do hurt; for they would glance their eyes</span>
<br/>
<span>Toward my seat, and in that motion might</span>
<br/>
<span>Omit a ward, or forfeit an offence,</span>
<br/>
<span>Which crav’d that very time: it is much better</span>
<br/>
<span>I am not there; O, better never born</span>
<br/>
<span>Than minister to such harm. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Cornets; and a great cry of “A Palamon!” within.</i> What is the chance?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Servant</td>
<td>The cry’s “A Palamon!”</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Then he has won. ’Twas ever likely:</span>
<br/>
<span>He look’d all grace and success, and he is</span>
<br/>
<span>Doubtless the prim’st of men. I pry’thee, run</span>
<br/>
<span>And tell me how it goes. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Shouts; cornets; and cry of “A Palamon!” within.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Servant</td>
<td>Still “Palamon!”</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Run and inquire. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit <b epub:type="z3998:persona">First Servant</b>.</i> Poor servant, thou hast lost:</span>
<br/>
<span>Upon my right side still I wore thy picture,</span>
<br/>
<span>Palamon’s on the left: why so, I know not;</span>
<br/>
<span>I had no end in’t else; chance would have it so:</span>
<br/>
<span>On the sinister side the heart lies; Palamon</span>
<br/>
<span>Had the best-boding chance. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Another cry, and shout, and cornets, within.</i> This burst of clamour</span>
<br/>
<span>Is sure the end o’ the combat.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Reenter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">First Servant</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Servant</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>They said that Palamon had Arcite’s body</span>
<br/>
<span>Within an inch o’ the pyramid, that the cry</span>
<br/>
<span>Was general “A Palamon!” but anon</span>
<br/>
<span>Th’ assistants made a brave redemption, and</span>
<br/>
<span>The two bold tytlers at this instant are</span>
<br/>
<span>Hand to hand at it.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Were they metamorphos’d</span>
<br/>
<span>Both into one⁠—O, why? there were no woman</span>
<br/>
<span>Worth so compos’d a man: their single share,</span>
<br/>
<span>Their nobleness peculiar to them, gives</span>
<br/>
<span>The prejudice of disparity, values shortness</span>
<br/>
<span>To any lady breathing. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Cornets; and cry of “Arcite, Arcite!” within.</i> More exulting?</span>
<br/>
<span>“Palamon” still?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Servant</td>
<td>Nay, now the sound is “Arcite.”</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I pr’ythee, lay attention to the cry;</span>
<br/>
<span>Set both thine ears to the business. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Cornets; and a great shout, and cry of “Arcite, victory!” within.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Servant</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>The cry is</span>
<br/>
<span>“Arcite!” and “victory!” Hark: “Arcite, victory!”</span>
<br/>
<span>The combat’s consummation is proclaim’d</span>
<br/>
<span>By the wind-instruments.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Half-sights saw</span>
<br/>
<span>That Arcite was no babe: God’s lid, his richness</span>
<br/>
<span>And costliness of spirit look’d through him; it could</span>
<br/>
<span>No more be hid in him than fire in flax,</span>
<br/>
<span>Than humble banks can go to law with waters</span>
<br/>
<span>That drift-winds force to raging. I did think</span>
<br/>
<span>Good Palamon would miscarry; yet I knew not</span>
<br/>
<span>Why I did think so: our reasons are not prophets,</span>
<br/>
<span>When oft our fancies are. They’re coming off:</span>
<br/>
<span>Alas, poor Palamon! <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Cornets within.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Reenter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</b>, with <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</b> as victor, Attendants, <abbr class="eoc">etc.</abbr></i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Lo, where our sister is in expectation,</span>
<br/>
<span>Yet quaking and unsettled.⁠—Fairest Emily,</span>
<br/>
<span>The gods, by their divine arbitrament,</span>
<br/>
<span>Have given you this knight: he is a good one</span>
<br/>
<span>As ever struck at head. Give me your hands:</span>
<br/>
<span>Receive you her, you him; be plighted with</span>
<br/>
<span>A love that grows as you decay.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Emily,</span>
<br/>
<span>To buy you I have lost what’s dearest to me,</span>
<br/>
<span>Save what is bought; and yet I purchase cheaply,</span>
<br/>
<span>As I do rate your value.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>O lov’d sister,</span>
<br/>
<span>He speaks now of as brave a knight as e’er</span>
<br/>
<span>Did spur a noble steed: surely, the gods</span>
<br/>
<span>Would have him die a bach’lor, lest his race</span>
<br/>
<span>Should show i’ the world too godlike: his behaviour</span>
<br/>
<span>So charm’d me, that methought Alcides was</span>
<br/>
<span>To him a sow of lead: if I could praise</span>
<br/>
<span>Each part of him to th’ all I’ve spoke, your Arcite</span>
<br/>
<span>Did not lose by’t; for he that was thus good</span>
<br/>
<span>Encounter’d yet his better. I have heard</span>
<br/>
<span>Two emulous Philomels beat the ear o’ the night</span>
<br/>
<span>With their contentious throats, now one the higher,</span>
<br/>
<span>Anon the other, then again the first,</span>
<br/>
<span>And by-and-by out-breasted, that the sense</span>
<br/>
<span>Could not be judge between ’em: so it far’d</span>
<br/>
<span>Good space between these kinsmen; till heavens did</span>
<br/>
<span>Make hardly one the winner.⁠—Wear the garland</span>
<br/>
<span>With joy that you have won.⁠—For the subdu’d,</span>
<br/>
<span>Give them our present justice, since I know</span>
<br/>
<span>Their lives but pinch ’em; let it here be done.</span>
<br/>
<span>The scene’s not for our seeing: go we hence,</span>
<br/>
<span>Right joyful, with some sorrow.⁠—Arm your prize;</span>
<br/>
<span>I know you will not lose her.⁠—Hippolyta,</span>
<br/>
<span>I see one eye of yours conceives a tear,</span>
<br/>
<span>The which it will deliver.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Is this winning?</span>
<br/>
<span>O all you heavenly powers, where is your mercy?</span>
<br/>
<span>But that your wills have said it must be so,</span>
<br/>
<span>And charge me live to comfort this unfriended,</span>
<br/>
<span>This miserable prince, that cuts away</span>
<br/>
<span>A life more worthy from him than all women,</span>
<br/>
<span>I should and would die too.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Infinite pity,</span>
<br/>
<span>That four such eyes should be so fix’d on one,</span>
<br/>
<span>That two must needs be blind for’t!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td>So it is. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Flourish. Exeunt.</i></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
<section id="scene-5-4" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3>
<span epub:type="label">Scene</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">IV</span>
</h3>
<p>The same; a block prepared.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</b> and his <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Knights</b> pinioned, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</b>, Executioner, <abbr>etc.</abbr>, and Guard.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>There’s many a man alive that hath outliv’d</span>
<br/>
<span>The love o’ the people; yea, i’ the selfsame state</span>
<br/>
<span>Stands many a father with his child: some comfort</span>
<br/>
<span>We have by so considering; we expire,</span>
<br/>
<span>And not without men’s pity; to live, still</span>
<br/>
<span>Have their good wishes; we prevent</span>
<br/>
<span>The loathsome misery of age, beguile</span>
<br/>
<span>The gout and rheum, that in lag hours attend</span>
<br/>
<span>For gray approachers; we come towards the gods,</span>
<br/>
<span>Young and unwapper’d, not halting under crimes</span>
<br/>
<span>Many and stale; that, sure, shall please the gods</span>
<br/>
<span>Sooner than such, to give us nectar with ’em,</span>
<br/>
<span>For we are more clear spirits. My dear kinsmen,</span>
<br/>
<span>Whose lives for this poor comfort are laid down,</span>
<br/>
<span>You’ve sold ’em too too cheap.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Knight</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>What ending could be</span>
<br/>
<span>Of more content? O’er us the victors have</span>
<br/>
<span>Fortune, whose title is as momentary</span>
<br/>
<span>As to us death is certain; a grain of honour</span>
<br/>
<span>They not o’erweigh us.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Knight</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Let us bid farewell;</span>
<br/>
<span>And with our patience anger tottering Fortune,</span>
<br/>
<span>Who, at her certain’st, reels.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Third Knight</td>
<td>Come; who begins?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Even he that led you to this banquet shall</span>
<br/>
<span>Taste to you all.⁠—Ah, ha, my friend, my friend!</span>
<br/>
<span>Your gentle daughter gave me freedom once;</span>
<br/>
<span>You’ll see’t done now for ever: pray, how does she?</span>
<br/>
<span>I heard she was not well; her kind of ill</span>
<br/>
<span>Gave me some sorrow.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Sir, she’s well restor’d,</span>
<br/>
<span>And to be married shortly.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>By my short life,</span>
<br/>
<span>I am most glad on’t; ’tis the latest thing</span>
<br/>
<span>I shall be glad of; pr’ythee, tell her so;</span>
<br/>
<span>Commend me to her, and, to piece her portion,</span>
<br/>
<span>Tender her this. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Gives purse.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Knight</td>
<td>Nay, let’s be offerers all.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Second Knight</td>
<td>Is it a maid?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Verily, I think so;</span>
<br/>
<span>A right good creature, more to me deserving</span>
<br/>
<span>That I can ’quite or speak of.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">All the Knights</td>
<td>Commend us to her. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Giving their purses.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Gaoler</td>
<td>The gods requite you all, and make her thankful!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Adieu; and let my life be now as short</span>
<br/>
<span>As my leave-taking.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">First Knight</td>
<td>Lead, couragious cousin.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">All the Knights</td>
<td>We’ll follow cheerfully. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</b> lays his head on the block. A great noise, and cry of “Run, save, hold!” within.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Messenger</b> in haste.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Messenger</td>
<td>Hold, hold! O, hold, hold, hold!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</b> in haste.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Hold, hoa! it is a cursed haste you made,</span>
<br/>
<span>If you have done so quickly.⁠—Noble Palamon,</span>
<br/>
<span>The gods will show their glory in a life</span>
<br/>
<span>That thou art yet to lead.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Can that be, when</span>
<br/>
<span>Venus I’ve said, is false? How do things fare?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Arise, great sir, and give the tidings ear <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</b> rises.</i></span>
<br/>
<span>That are most dearly sweet and bitter.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>What</span>
<br/>
<span>Hath wak’d us from our dream?</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Pirithous</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>List, then. Your cousin</span>
<br/>
<span>Mounted upon a steed that Emily</span>
<br/>
<span>Did first bestow on him⁠—a black one, owing</span>
<br/>
<span>Not a hair-worth of white, which some will say</span>
<br/>
<span>Weakens his price, and many will not buy</span>
<br/>
<span>His goodness with this note; which superstition</span>
<br/>
<span>Here finds allowance⁠—on this horse is Arcite</span>
<br/>
<span>Trotting the stones of Athens, which the calkins</span>
<br/>
<span>Did rather tell than trample; for the horse</span>
<br/>
<span>Would make his length a mile, if’t pleas’d his rider</span>
<br/>
<span>To put pride in him: as he thus went counting</span>
<br/>
<span>The flinty pavement, dancing as ’twere to the music</span>
<br/>
<span>His own hoofs made⁠—for, as they say, from iron</span>
<br/>
<span>Came music’s origin⁠—what envious flint,</span>
<br/>
<span>Cold as old Saturn, and like him possess’d</span>
<br/>
<span>With fire malevolent, darted a spark,</span>
<br/>
<span>Or what fierce sulphur else, to this end made</span>
<br/>
<span>I comment not; the hot horse, hot as fire,</span>
<br/>
<span>Took toy at this, and fell to what disorder</span>
<br/>
<span>His power could give his will, bounds, comes on end,</span>
<br/>
<span>Forgets school-doing, being therein train’d,</span>
<br/>
<span>And of kind manage; pig-like he whines</span>
<br/>
<span>At the sharp rowel, which he frets at rather</span>
<br/>
<span>Than any jot obeys; seeks all foul means</span>
<br/>
<span>Of boisterous and rough jadry, to dis-seat</span>
<br/>
<span>His lord that kept it bravely: when nought serv’d,</span>
<br/>
<span>When neither curb would crack, girth break, nor differing plunges</span>
<br/>
<span>Disroot his rider whence he grew, but that</span>
<br/>
<span>He kept him ’tween his legs, on his hind hoofs</span>
<br/>
<span>… on end he stands,</span>
<br/>
<span>That Arcite’s legs, being higher than his head,</span>
<br/>
<span>Seem’d with strange art to hand: his victor’s wreath</span>
<br/>
<span>Even then fell off his head; and presently</span>
<br/>
<span>Backward the jade comes o’er, and his full poise</span>
<br/>
<span>Becomes the rider’s load. Yet is he living;</span>
<br/>
<span>But such a vessel ’tis that floats but for</span>
<br/>
<span>The surge that next approaches: he much desires</span>
<br/>
<span>To have some speech with you. Lo, he appears.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Hippolyta</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</b> in a chair.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>O miserable end of our alliance!</span>
<br/>
<span>The gods are mighty.⁠—Arcite, if thy heart,</span>
<br/>
<span>Thy worthy, manly heart, be yet unbroken,</span>
<br/>
<span>Give me thy last words; I am Palamon,</span>
<br/>
<span>One that yet loves thee dying.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Arcite</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Take Emilia,</span>
<br/>
<span>And with her all the world’s joy. Reach thy hand:</span>
<br/>
<span>Farewell; I’ve told my last hour. I was false,</span>
<br/>
<span>Yet never treacherous: forgive me, cousin.⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>One kiss from fair Emilia. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Kisses her.</i>⁠—’Tis done:</span>
<br/>
<span>Take her. I die.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>Thy brave soul seek Elysium!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Emilia</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I’ll close thine eyes, prince; blessed souls be with thee!</span>
<br/>
<span>Thou art a right good man; and, while I live,</span>
<br/>
<span>This day I give to tears.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td>And I to honour.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>In this place first you fought; even very here</span>
<br/>
<span>I sunder’d you: acknowledge to the gods</span>
<br/>
<span>Our thanks that you are living.</span>
<br/>
<span>His part is play’d, and, though it were too short,</span>
<br/>
<span>He did it well; your day is lengthen’d, and</span>
<br/>
<span>The blissful dew of heaven does arrowze you:</span>
<br/>
<span>The powerful Venus well hath grac’d her altar,</span>
<br/>
<span>And given you your love; our master Mars</span>
<br/>
<span>Hath vouch’d his oracle, and to Arcite gave</span>
<br/>
<span>The grace of the contention: so the deities</span>
<br/>
<span>Have show’d due justice.⁠—Bear this hence.</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Palamon</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>O cousin,</span>
<br/>
<span>That we should things desire, which do cost us</span>
<br/>
<span>The loss of our desire! that naught could buy</span>
<br/>
<span>Dear love but loss of dear love!</span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Theseus</td>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>Never fortune</span>
<br/>
<span>Did play a subtler game: the conquer’d triumphs,</span>
<br/>
<span>The victor has the loss; yet in the passage</span>
<br/>
<span>The gods have been most equal. Palamon,</span>
<br/>
<span>Your kinseman hath confess’d the right o’ the lady</span>
<br/>
<span>Did lie in you; for you first saw her, and</span>
<br/>
<span>Even then proclaim’d your fancy; he restor’d her,</span>
<br/>
<span>As your stol’n jewel, and desir’d your spirit</span>
<br/>
<span>To send him hence forgiven: the gods my justice</span>
<br/>
<span>Take from my hand, and they themselves become</span>
<br/>
<span>The executioners. Lead your lady off;</span>
<br/>
<span>And call your lovers from the stage of death,</span>
<br/>
<span>Whom I adopt my friends. A day or two</span>
<br/>
<span>Let us look sadly, and give grace unto</span>
<br/>
<span>The funeral of Arcite; in whose end</span>
<br/>
<span>The visages of bridegrooms we’ll put on,</span>
<br/>
<span>And smile with Palamon; for whom an hour,</span>
<br/>
<span>But one hour since, I was as dearly sorry</span>
<br/>
<span>As glad of Arcite, and am now as glad</span>
<br/>
<span>As for him sorry.⁠—O you heavenly charmers,</span>
<br/>
<span>What things you make of us! For what we lack</span>
<br/>
<span>We laugh, for what we have are sorry; still</span>
<br/>
<span>Are children in some kind. Let us be thankful</span>
<br/>
<span>For that which is, and with you leave dispute</span>
<br/>
<span>That are above our question.⁠—Let’s go off,</span>
<br/>
<span>And bear us like the time. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Flourish. Exeunt.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
</section>
<section id="epilogue" epub:type="epilogue z3998:scene bodymatter z3998:fiction z3998:drama">
<h2 epub:type="title">Epilogue</h2>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>I would now ask ye how ye like the play;</span>
<br/>
<span>But, as it is with school-boys, cannot say</span>
<br/>
<span>I’m cruel fearful. Pray, yet stay a while</span>
<br/>
<span>And let me look upon ye. No man smile?</span>
<br/>
<span>Then it goes hard, I see. He that has</span>
<br/>
<span>Lov’d a young handsome wench, then, show his face⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>’Tis strange if none be here⁠—and, if he will</span>
<br/>
<span>Against his conscience, let him hiss, and kill</span>
<br/>
<span>Our market. ’Tis in vain, I see, to stay ye:</span>
<br/>
<span>Have at the worst can come, then! Now what say ye?</span>
<br/>
<span>And yet mistake me not; I am not bold;</span>
<br/>
<span>We have no such cause. If the tale we’ve told⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>For ’tis no other⁠—any way content ye⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>For to that honest purpose it was meant ye⁠—</span>
<br/>
<span>We have our end; and ye shall have ere long,</span>
<br/>
<span>I dare say, many a better, to prolong</span>
<br/>
<span>Your old loves to us. We and all our might</span>
<br/>
<span>Rest at your service: gentlemen, good night. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Flourish.</i></span>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
<section id="colophon" epub:type="colophon backmatter">
<header>
<h2 epub:type="title">Colophon</h2>
<img alt="The Standard Ebooks logo." 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epub:type="z3998:publisher-logo se:image.color-depth.black-on-transparent"/>
</header>
<p><i epub:type="se:name.publication.book">The Two Noble Kinsmen</i><br/>
was published in <time>1613</time> by<br/>
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Shakespeare">William Shakespeare</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Fletcher_(playwright)">John Fletcher</a>.</p>
<p>This ebook was produced for<br/>
<a href="https://standardebooks.org/">Standard Ebooks</a><br/>
by<br/>
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-sweeney-554927190/">Emma Sweeney</a>,<br/>
and is based on a transcription produced in <time>1998</time> by<br/>
<b epub:type="z3998:personal-name">Christopher Hapka</b><br/>
for<br/>
<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1542">Project Gutenberg</a><br/>
and on digital scans from the<br/>
<a href="https://archive.org/details/cu31924056255031">Internet Archive</a>.</p>
<p>The cover page is adapted from<br/>
<i epub:type="se:name.visual-art.painting">The Death of Decius Mus</i>,<br/>
a painting completed in <time>1920</time> by<br/>
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vilhelm_Lundstr%C3%B8m">Vilhelm Lundstrøm</a>.<br/>
The cover and title pages feature the<br/>
<b epub:type="se:name.visual-art.typeface">League Spartan</b> and <b epub:type="se:name.visual-art.typeface">Sorts Mill Goudy</b><br/>
typefaces created in <time>2014</time> and <time>2009</time> by<br/>
<a href="https://www.theleagueofmoveabletype.com/">The League of Moveable Type</a>.</p>
<p>The first edition of this ebook was released on<br/>
<time datetime="2022-10-17T20:00:57Z">October 17, 2022, 8:00 <abbr class="eoc">p.m.</abbr></time><br/>
You can check for updates to this ebook, view its revision history, or download it for different ereading systems at<br/>
<a href="https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/william-shakespeare_john-fletcher/the-two-noble-kinsmen">standardebooks.org/ebooks/william-shakespeare_john-fletcher/the-two-noble-kinsmen</a>.</p>
<p>The volunteer-driven Standard Ebooks project relies on readers like you to submit typos, corrections, and other improvements. Anyone can contribute at <a href="https://standardebooks.org/">standardebooks.org</a>.</p>
</section>
<section id="uncopyright" epub:type="copyright-page backmatter">
<h2 epub:type="title">Uncopyright</h2>
<blockquote epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>May you do good and not evil.</span>
<br/>
<span>May you find forgiveness for yourself and forgive others.</span>
<br/>
<span>May you share freely, never taking more than you give.</span>
</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Copyright pages exist to tell you that you <em>can’t</em> do something. Unlike them, this Uncopyright page exists to tell you that the writing and artwork in this ebook are believed to be in the United States public domain; that is, they are believed to be free of copyright restrictions in the United States. The United States public domain represents our collective cultural heritage, and items in it are free for anyone in the United States to do almost anything at all with, without having to get permission.</p>
<p>Copyright laws are different all over the world, and the source text or artwork in this ebook may still be copyrighted in other countries. If you’re not located in the United States, you must check your local laws before using this ebook. Standard Ebooks makes no representations regarding the copyright status of the source text or artwork in this ebook in any country other than the United States.</p>
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