William Shakespeare - The Complete Works/William Shakespeare - The Complete Works on CD-ROM.iso/library/text/tnk/tnk.txt

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   0  <O 225><H TNK><D 1613-14><K play><A ?Fletcher>
   0  <T title>The Two Noble Kinsmen
   0  <X > <Y Pr> <T dsd> {Flourish. Enter Prologue}
   1  <S PROLOGUE> <T verse> New plays and maidenheads are near akin:
   2  Much followed both, for both much money giv'n
   3  If they stand sound and well. And a good play,
   4  Whose modest scenes blush on his marriage day
   5  And shake to lose his honour, is like her
   6  That after holy tie and first night's stir
   7  Yet still is modesty, and still retains
   8  More of the maid to sight than husband's pains.
   9  We pray our play may be so, for I am sure
  10  It has a noble breeder and a pure,
  11  A learne\d, and a poet never went
  12  More famous yet 'twixt Po and silver Trent.
  13  Chaucer, of all admired, the story gives:
  14  There constant to eternity it lives.
  15  If we let fall the nobleness of this
  16  And the first sound this child hear be a hiss,
  17  How will it shake the bones of that good man,
  18  And make him cry from under ground, `O fan
  19  From me the witless chaff of such a writer,
  20  That blasts my bays and my famed works makes lighter
  21  Than Robin Hood"? This is the fear we bring,
  22  For to say truth, it were an endless thing
  23  And too ambitious to aspire to him,
  24  Weak as we are, and almost breathless swim
  25  In this deep water. Do but you hold out
  26  Your helping hands and we shall tack about
  27  And something do to save us. You shall hear
  28  Scenes, though below his art, may yet appear
  29  Worth two hours' travail. To his bones, sweet sleep;
  30  Content to you. If this play do not keep
  31  A little dull time from us, we perceive
  32  Our losses fall so thick we must needs leave.<T esd> {Flourish. Exit}
   0  <A Shakespeare>
   0  <X 1> <Y 1> <T dsd> {Music. Enter Hymen with a torch burning, a Boy in   +
   0  a white robe before, singing and strewing flowers. After Hymen, a nymph  +
   0  encompassed in her tresses, bearing a wheaten garland. Then Theseus      +
   0  between two other nymphs with wheaten chaplets on their heads. Then      +
   0  Hippolyta, the bride, led by Pirithous and another holding a garland     +
   0  over her head, her tresses likewise hanging. After her, Emilia holding   +
   0  up her train. Then Artesius [and other attendants]}
   1  <S BOY> <T asd> {(sings during procession)}<T song> Roses, their sharp   +
   1  spines being gone,
   2  Not royal in their smells alone,
   3  But in their hue;
   4  Maiden pinks, of odour faint,
   5  Daisies smell-less, yet most quaint,
   6  And sweet thyme true;
   7  Primrose, first-born child of Ver,
   8  Merry springtime's harbinger,
   9  With harebells dim;
  10  Oxlips, in their cradles growing,
  11  Marigolds, on deathbeds blowing,
  12  Lark's-heels trim;
  13  All dear nature's children sweet,
  14  Lie fore bride and bridegroom's feet,<T dsd> {He strews flowers}
  15  <T song> Blessing their sense.
  16  Not an angel of the air,
  17  Bird melodious, or bird fair,
  18  Is absent hence.
  19  The crow, the sland'rous cuckoo, nor
  20  The boding raven, nor chough hoar,
  21  Nor chatt'ring pie,
  22  May on our bridehouse perch or sing,
  23  Or with them any discord bring,
  24  But from it fly.<T dsd> {Enter three Queens in black, with veils         +
  24  stained, with imperial crowns. The First Queen falls down at the foot    +
  24  of Theseus; the Second falls down at the foot of Hippolyta; the Third,   +
  24  before Emilia}
  25  <S FIRST QUEEN> <T asd> {(to Theseus)}<T verse> For pity's sake and      +
  25  true gentility's,
  26B Hear and respect me.<S SECOND QUEEN> <T asd> {(to Hippolyta)}<T verse>   +
  26B For your mother's sake,
  27  And as you wish your womb may thrive with fair ones,
  28  Hear and respect me.
  29  <S THIRD QUEEN> <T asd> {(to Emilia)}<T verse> Now for the love of him   +
  29  whom Jove hath marked
  30  The honour of your bed, and for the sake
  31  Of clear virginity, be advocate
  32  For us and our distresses. This good deed
  33  Shall raze you out o' th' Book of Trespasses
  34  All you are set down there.
  35B <S THESEUS> <T asd> {(to First Queen)}<T verse> Sad lady,                +
  35B rise.<S HIPPOLYTA> <T asd> {(to Second Queen)}<T verse> Stand            +
  35B up.<S EMILIA> <T asd> {(to Third Queen)}<T verse> No knees to me.
  36  What woman I may stead that is distressed
  37  Does bind me to her.
  38  <S THESEUS> <T asd> {(to First Queen)}<T verse> What's your request?     +
  38  Deliver you for all.
  39  <S FIRST QUEEN> <T asd> {[kneeling still]}<T verse> We are three queens  +
  39  whose sovereigns fell before
  40  The wrath of cruel Creon; who endured
  41  The beaks of ravens, talons of the kites,
  42  And pecks of crows in the foul fields of Thebes.
  43  He will not suffer us to burn their bones,
  44  To urn their ashes, nor to take th' offence
  45  Of mortal loathsomeness from the blest eye
  46  Of holy Phoebus, but infects the winds
  47  With stench of our slain lords. O pity, Duke!
  48  Thou purger of the earth, draw thy feared sword
  49  That does good turns to th' world; give us the bones
  50  Of our dead kings that we may chapel them;
  51  And of thy boundless goodness take some note
  52  That for our crowne\d heads we have no roof,
  53  Save this, which is the lion's and the bear's,
  54B And vault to everything.<S THESEUS> Pray you, kneel not:
  55  I was transported with your speech, and suffered
  56  Your knees to wrong themselves. I have heard the fortunes
  57  Of your dead lords, which gives me such lamenting
  58  As wakes my vengeance and revenge for 'em.
  59  King Capaneus was your lord: the day
  60  That he should marry you_at such a season
  61  As now it is with me_I met your groom
  62  By Mars's altar. You were that time fair,
  63  Not Juno's mantle fairer than your tresses,
  64  Nor in more bounty spread her. Your wheaten wreath
  65  Was then nor threshed nor blasted; fortune at you
  66  Dimpled her cheek with smiles; Hercules our kinsman_
  67  Then weaker than your eyes_laid by his club.
  68  He tumbled down upon his Nemean hide
  69  And swore his sinews thawed. O grief and time,
  70  Fearful consumers, you will all devour.
  71A <S FIRST QUEEN> <T asd> {[kneeling still]}<T verse> O, I hope some god,
  72  Some god hath put his mercy in your manhood,
  73  Whereto he'll infuse power and press you forth
  74B Our undertaker.<S THESEUS> O no knees, none, widow:<T dsd> {[The First   +
  74B Queen rises]}
  75  <T verse> Unto the helmeted Bellona use them
  76  And pray for me, your soldier. Troubled I am.<T dsd> {He turns away}
  77A <S SECOND QUEEN> <T asd> {[kneeling still]}<T verse> Honoured            +
  77A Hippolyta,
  78  Most dreaded Amazonian, that hast slain
  79  The scythe-tusked boar, that with thy arm, as strong
  80  As it is white, wast near to make the male
  81  To thy sex captive, but that this, thy lord_
  82  Born to uphold creation in that honour
  83  First nature styled it in_shrunk thee into
  84  The bound thou wast o'erflowing, at once subduing
  85  Thy force and thy affection; soldieress,
  86  That equally canst poise sternness with pity,
  87  Whom now I know hast much more power on him
  88  Than ever he had on thee, who ow'st his strength,
  89  And his love too, who is a servant for
  90  The tenor of thy speech; dear glass of ladies,
  91  Bid him that we, whom flaming war doth scorch,
  92  Under the shadow of his sword may cool us.
  93  Require him he advance it o'er our heads.
  94  Speak 't in a woman's key, like such a woman
  95  As any of us three. Weep ere you fail.
  96  Lend us a knee:
  97  But touch the ground for us no longer time
  98  Than a dove's motion when the head's plucked off.
  99  Tell him, if he i' th' blood-sized field lay swoll'n,
 100  Showing the sun his teeth, grinning at the moon,
 101B What you would do.<S HIPPOLYTA> Poor lady, say no more.
 102  I had as lief trace this good action with you
 103  As that whereto I am going, and never yet
 104  Went I so willing way. My lord is taken
 105  Heart-deep with your distress. Let him consider.
 106B I'll speak anon.<T dsd> {[The Second Queen rises]}<S THIRD QUEEN>        +
 106B <T asd> {(kneeling [still] to Emilia)}<T verse> O, my petition was
 107  Set down in ice, which by hot grief uncandied
 108  Melts into drops; so sorrow, wanting form,
 109B Is pressed with deeper matter.<S EMILIA> Pray stand up:
 110B Your grief is written in your cheek.<S THIRD QUEEN> O woe,
 111  You cannot read it there; there, through my tears,
 112  Like wrinkled pebbles in a glassy stream,
 113B You may behold 'em.<T dsd> {[The Third Queen rises]}<T verse> Lady,      +
 113B lady, alack_
 114  He that will all the treasure know o' th' earth
 115  Must know the centre too; he that will fish
 116  For my least minnow, let him lead his line
 117  To catch one at my heart. O, pardon me:
 118  Extremity, that sharpens sundry wits,
 119B Makes me a fool.<S EMILIA> Pray you, say nothing, pray you.
 120  Who cannot feel nor see the rain, being in 't,
 121  Knows neither wet nor dry. If that you were
 122  The ground-piece of some painter, I would buy you
 123  T' instruct me 'gainst a capital grief, indeed
 124  Such heart-pierced demonstration; but, alas,
 125  Being a natural sister of our sex,
 126  Your sorrow beats so ardently upon me
 127  That it shall make a counter-reflect 'gainst
 128  My brother's heart, and warm it to some pity,
 129  Though it were made of stone. Pray have good comfort.
 130  <S THESEUS> Forward to th' temple. Leave not out a jot
 131B O' th' sacred ceremony.<S FIRST QUEEN> O, this celebration
 132  Will longer last and be more costly than
 133  Your suppliants' war. Remember that your fame
 134  Knolls in the ear o' th' world: what you do quickly
 135  Is not done rashly; your first thought is more
 136  Than others' laboured meditance; your premeditating
 137  More than their actions. But, O Jove, your actions,
 138  Soon as they move, as ospreys do the fish,
 139  Subdue before they touch. Think, dear Duke, think
 140B What beds our slain kings have.<S SECOND QUEEN> What griefs our beds,
 141B That our dear lords have none.<S THIRD QUEEN> None fit for th' dead.
 142  Those that with cords, knives, drams, precipitance,
 143  Weary of this world's light, have to themselves
 144  Been death's most horrid agents, human grace
 145B Affords them dust and shadow.<S FIRST QUEEN> But our lords
 146  Lie blist'ring fore the visitating sun,
 147B And were good kings, when living.<S THESEUS> It is true,
 148  And I will give you comfort to give your dead lords graves,
 149  The which to do must make some work with Creon.
 150  <S FIRST QUEEN> And that work presents itself to th' doing.
 151  Now 'twill take form, the heats are gone tomorrow.
 152  Then, bootless toil must recompense itself
 153  With its own sweat; now he's secure,
 154  Not dreams we stand before your puissance
 155  Rinsing our holy begging in our eyes
 156B To make petition clear.<S SECOND QUEEN> Now you may take him,
 157B Drunk with his victory.<S THIRD QUEEN> And his army full
 158B Of bread and sloth.<S THESEUS> Artesius, that best knowest
 159  How to draw out, fit to this enterprise
 160  The prim'st for this proceeding and the number
 161  To carry such a business: forth and levy
 162  Our worthiest instruments, whilst we dispatch
 163  This grand act of our life, this daring deed
 164B Of fate in wedlock.<S FIRST QUEEN> <T asd> {(to the other two            +
 164B Queens)}<T verse> Dowagers, take hands;
 165  Let us be widows to our woes; delay
 166B Commends us to a famishing hope.<S ALL THREE QUEENS> Farewell.
 167  <S SECOND QUEEN> We come unseasonably, but when could grief
 168  Cull forth, as unpanged judgement can, fitt'st time
 169B For best solicitation?<S THESEUS> Why, good ladies,
 170  This is a service whereto I am going
 171  Greater than any war_it more imports me
 172  Than all the actions that I have foregone,
 173B Or futurely can cope.<S FIRST QUEEN> The more proclaiming
 174  Our suit shall be neglected when her arms,
 175  Able to lock Jove from a synod, shall
 176  By warranting moonlight corslet thee! O when
 177  Her twinning cherries shall their sweetness fall
 178  Upon thy tasteful lips, what wilt thou think
 179  Of rotten kings or blubbered queens? What care
 180  For what thou feel'st not, what thou feel'st being able
 181  To make Mars spurn his drum? O, if thou couch
 182  But one night with her, every hour in 't will
 183  Take hostage of thee for a hundred, and
 184  Thou shalt remember nothing more than what
 185B That banquet bids thee to.<S HIPPOLYTA> <T asd> {(to Theseus)}<T verse>  +
 185B Though much unlike
 186  You should be so transported, as much sorry
 187  I should be such a suitor_yet I think
 188  Did I not by th' abstaining of my joy,
 189  Which breeds a deeper longing, cure their surfeit
 190  That craves a present medicine, I should pluck
 191  All ladies' scandal on me.<T asd> {[Kneels]}<T verse> Therefore, sir,
 192  As I shall here make trial of my prayers,
 193  Either presuming them to have some force,
 194  Or sentencing for aye their vigour dumb,
 195  Prorogue this business we are going about, and hang
 196  Your shield afore your heart_about that neck
 197  Which is my fee, and which I freely lend
 198B To do these poor queens service.<S ALL THREE QUEENS> <T asd> {(to        +
 198B Emilia)}<T verse> O, help now,
 199B Our cause cries for your knee.<S EMILIA> <T asd> {(kneels to             +
 199B Theseus)}<T verse> If you grant not
 200  My sister her petition in that force
 201  With that celerity and nature which
 202  She makes it in, from henceforth I'll not dare
 203  To ask you anything, nor be so hardy
 204B Ever to take a husband.<S THESEUS> Pray stand up.<T dsd> {[They rise]}
 205  <T verse> I am entreating of myself to do
 206  That which you kneel to have me._Pirithous,
 207  Lead on the bride: get you and pray the gods
 208  For success and return; omit not anything
 209  In the pretended celebration._Queens,
 210  Follow your soldier.<T asd> {(To Artesius)}<T verse> As before, hence    +
 210  you,
 211  And at the banks of Aulis meet us with
 212  The forces you can raise, where we shall find
 213  The moiety of a number for a business
 214B More bigger looked.<T esd> {Exit Artesius}<T asd> {(To                   +
 214B Hippolyta)}<T verse> Since that our theme is haste,
 215  I stamp this kiss upon thy current lip_
 216  Sweet, keep it as my token.<T asd> {(To the wedding party)}<T verse>     +
 216  Set you forward,
 217  For I will see you gone.
 218  <T asd> {(To Emilia)}<T verse> Farewell, my beauteous                    +
 218  sister._Pirithous,
 219B Keep the feast full: bate not an hour on 't.<S PIRITHOUS> Sir,
 220  I'll follow you at heels. The feast's solemnity
 221B Shall want till your return.<S THESEUS> Cousin, I charge you
 222  Budge not from Athens. We shall be returning
 223  Ere you can end this feast, of which, I pray you,
 224  Make no abatement._Once more, farewell all.<T esd> {Exeunt Hippolyta,    +
 224  Emilia, Pirithous, and train towards the temple}
 225  <S FIRST QUEEN> <T verse> Thus dost thou still make good the tongue      +
 225  o' th' world.
 226  <S SECOND QUEEN> And earn'st a deity equal with Mars_
 227A <S THIRD QUEEN> If not above him, for
 228  Thou being but mortal mak'st affections bend
 229  To godlike honours; they themselves, some say,
 230B Groan under such a mast'ry.<S THESEUS> As we are men,
 231  Thus should we do; being sensually subdued
 232  We lose our human title. Good cheer, ladies.
 233  Now turn we towards your comforts.<T esd> {[Flourish.] Exeunt}
   0  <Y 2> <T dsd> {Enter Palamon and Arcite}
   1  <S ARCITE> <T verse> Dear Palamon, dearer in love than blood,
   2  And our prime cousin, yet unhardened in
   3  The crimes of nature, let us leave the city,
   4  Thebes, and the temptings in 't, before we further
   5  Sully our gloss of youth.
   6  And here to keep in abstinence we shame
   7  As in incontinence; for not to swim
   8  I' th' aid o' th' current were almost to sink_
   9  At least to frustrate striving; and to follow
  10  The common stream 'twould bring us to an eddy
  11  Where we should turn or drown; if labour through,
  12B Our gain but life and weakness.<S PALAMON> Your advice
  13  Is cried up with example. What strange ruins
  14  Since first we went to school may we perceive
  15  Walking in Thebes? Scars and bare weeds
  16  The gain o' th' martialist who did propound
  17  To his bold ends honour and golden ingots,
  18  Which though he won, he had not; and now flirted
  19  By peace for whom he fought. Who then shall offer
  20  To Mars's so-scorned altar? I do bleed
  21  When such I meet, and wish great Juno would
  22  Resume her ancient fit of jealousy
  23  To get the soldier work, that peace might purge
  24  For her repletion and retain anew
  25  Her charitable heart, now hard and harsher
  26B Than strife or war could be.<S ARCITE> Are you not out?
  27  Meet you no ruin but the soldier in
  28  The cranks and turns of Thebes? You did begin
  29  As if you met decays of many kinds.
  30  Perceive you none that do arouse your pity
  31B But th' unconsidered soldier?<S PALAMON> Yes, I pity
  32  Decays where'er I find them, but such most
  33  That, sweating in an honourable toil,
  34B Are paid with ice to cool 'em.<S ARCITE> 'Tis not this
  35  I did begin to speak of. This is virtue,
  36  Of no respect in Thebes. I spake of Thebes,
  37  How dangerous, if we will keep our honours,
  38  It is for our residing where every evil
  39  Hath a good colour, where every seeming good's
  40  A certain evil, where not to be ev'n jump
  41  As they are here were to be strangers, and
  42B Such things to be, mere monsters.<S PALAMON> 'Tis in our power,
  43  Unless we fear that apes can tutor's, to
  44  Be masters of our manners. What need I
  45  Affect another's gait, which is not catching
  46  Where there is faith? Or to be fond upon
  47  Another's way of speech, when by mine own
  48  I may be reasonably conceived_saved, too_
  49  Speaking it truly? Why am I bound
  50  By any generous bond to follow him
  51  Follows his tailor, haply so long until
  52  The followed make pursuit? Or let me know
  53  Why mine own barber is unblest_with him
  54  My poor chin, too_for 'tis not scissored just
  55  To such a favourite's glass? What canon is there
  56  That does command my rapier from my hip
  57  To dangle 't in my hand? Or to go tiptoe
  58  Before the street be foul? Either I am
  59  The fore-horse in the team or I am none
  60  That draw i' th' sequent trace. These poor slight sores
  61  Need not a plantain. That which rips my bosom
  62B Almost to th' heart's_<S ARCITE> Our uncle Creon.<S PALAMON> He,
  63  A most unbounded tyrant, whose successes
  64  Makes heaven unfeared and villainy assured
  65  Beyond its power there's nothing; almost puts
  66  Faith in a fever, and deifies alone
  67  Voluble chance; who only attributes
  68  The faculties of other instruments
  69  To his own nerves and act; commands men's service,
  70  And what they win in 't, boot and glory; one
  71  That fears not to do harm, good dares not. Let
  72  The blood of mine that's sib to him be sucked
  73  From me with leeches. Let them break and fall
  74B Off me with that corruption.<S ARCITE> Clear-spirited cousin,
  75  Let's leave his court that we may nothing share
  76  Of his loud infamy: for our milk
  77  Will relish of the pasture, and we must
  78  Be vile or disobedient; not his kinsmen
  79B In blood unless in quality.<S PALAMON> Nothing truer.
  80  I think the echoes of his shames have deafed
  81  The ears of heav'nly justice. Widows' cries
  82  Descend again into their throats and have not<T dsd> {Enter Valerius}
  83  <T verse> Due audience of the gods_Valerius.
  84  <S VALERIUS> The King calls for you; yet be leaden-footed
  85  Till his great rage be off him. Phoebus, when
  86  He broke his whipstock and exclaimed against
  87  The horses of the sun, but whispered to
  88B The loudness of his fury.<S PALAMON> Small winds shake him.
  89  But what's the matter?
  90  <S VALERIUS> Theseus, who where he threats, appals, hath sent
  91  Deadly defiance to him and pronounces
  92  Ruin to Thebes, who is at hand to seal
  93B The promise of his wrath.<S ARCITE> Let him approach.
  94  But that we fear the gods in him, he brings not
  95  A jot of terror to us. Yet what man
  96  Thirds his own worth_the case is each of ours_
  97  When that his action's dregged with mind assured
  98B 'Tis bad he goes about.<S PALAMON> Leave that unreasoned.
  99  Our services stand now for Thebes, not Creon,
 100  Yet to be neutral to him were dishonour,
 101  Rebellious to oppose. Therefore we must
 102  With him stand to the mercy of our fate,
 103B Who hath bounded our last minute.<S ARCITE> So we must.
 104  Is 't said this war's afoot? Or it shall be
 105B On fail of some condition?<S VALERIUS> 'Tis in motion,
 106  The intelligence of state came in the instant
 107B With the defier.<S PALAMON> Let's to the King, who, were he
 108  A quarter carrier of that honour which
 109  His enemy come in, the blood we venture
 110  Should be as for our health, which were not spent,
 111  Rather laid out for purchase. But, alas,
 112  Our hands advanced before our hearts, what will
 113B The fall o' th' stroke do damage?<S ARCITE> Let th' event_
 114  That never-erring arbitrator_tell us
 115  When we know all ourselves, and let us follow
 116  The becking of our chance.<T esd> {Exeunt}
   0  <Y 3> <T dsd> {Enter Pirithous, Hippolyta, and Emilia}
   1B <S PIRITHOUS> <T verse> No further.<S HIPPOLYTA> Sir, farewell. Repeat   +
   1B my wishes
   2  To our great lord, of whose success I dare not
   3  Make any timorous question; yet I wish him
   4  Excess and overflow of power, an 't might be,
   5  To dure ill-dealing fortune. Speed to him;
   6B Store never hurts good governors.<S PIRITHOUS> Though I know
   7  His ocean needs not my poor drops, yet they
   8  Must yield their tribute there.<T asd> {(To Emilia)}<T verse> My         +
   8  precious maid,
   9  Those best affections that the heavens infuse
  10  In their best-tempered pieces keep enthroned
  11B In your dear heart.<S EMILIA> Thanks, sir. Remember me
  12  To our all-royal brother, for whose speed
  13  The great Bellona I'll solicit; and
  14  Since in our terrene state petitions are not
  15  Without gifts understood, I'll offer to her
  16  What I shall be advised she likes. Our hearts
  17B Are in his army, in his tent.<S HIPPOLYTA> In 's bosom.
  18  We have been soldiers, and we cannot weep
  19  When our friends don their helms, or put to sea,
  20  Or tell of babes broached on the lance, or women
  21  That have sod their infants in_and after eat them_
  22  The brine they wept at killing 'em: then if
  23  You stay to see of us such spinsters, we
  24B Should hold you here forever.<S PIRITHOUS> Peace be to you
  25  As I pursue this war, which shall be then
  26B Beyond further requiring.<T esd> {Exit Pirithous}<S EMILIA> <T verse>    +
  26B How his longing
  27  Follows his friend! Since his depart, his sports,
  28  Though craving seriousness and skill, passed slightly
  29  His careless execution, where nor gain
  30  Made him regard or loss consider, but
  31  Playing one business in his hand, another
  32  Directing in his head, his mind nurse equal
  33  To these so diff'ring twins. Have you observed him
  34B Since our great lord departed?<S HIPPOLYTA> With much labour;
  35  And I did love him for 't. They two have cabined
  36  In many as dangerous as poor a corner,
  37  Peril and want contending; they have skiffed
  38  Torrents whose roaring tyranny and power
  39  I' th' least of these was dreadful, and they have
  40  Fought out together where death's self was lodged;
  41  Yet fate hath brought them off. Their knot of love,
  42  Tied, weaved, entangled with so true, so long,
  43  And with a finger of so deep a cunning,
  44  May be outworn, never undone. I think
  45  Theseus cannot be umpire to himself,
  46  Cleaving his conscience into twain and doing
  47B Each side like justice, which he loves best.<S EMILIA> Doubtless
  48  There is a best, and reason has no manners
  49  To say it is not you. I was acquainted
  50  Once with a time when I enjoyed a playfellow;
  51  You were at wars when she the grave enriched,
  52  Who made too proud the bed; took leave o' th' moon_
  53  Which then looked pale at parting_when our count
  54B Was each eleven.<S HIPPOLYTA> 'Twas Flavina.<S EMILIA> Yes.
  55  You talk of Pirithous' and Theseus' love:
  56  Theirs has more ground, is more maturely seasoned,
  57  More buckled with strong judgement, and their needs
  58  The one of th' other may be said to water
  59  Their intertangled roots of love; but I
  60  And she I sigh and spoke of were things innocent,
  61  Loved for we did, and like the elements,
  62  That know not what, nor why, yet do effect
  63  Rare issues by their operance, our souls
  64  Did so to one another. What she liked
  65  Was then of me approved; what not, condemned_
  66  No more arraignment. The flower that I would pluck
  67  And put between my breasts_O then but beginning
  68  To swell about the blossom_she would long
  69  Till she had such another, and commit it
  70  To the like innocent cradle, where, phoenix-like,
  71  They died in perfume. On my head no toy
  72  But was her pattern. Her affections_pretty,
  73  Though happily her careless wear_I followed
  74  For my most serious decking. Had mine ear
  75  Stol'n some new air, or at adventure hummed one,
  76  From musical coinage, why, it was a note
  77  Whereon her spirits would sojourn_rather dwell on_
  78  And sing it in her slumbers. This rehearsal_
  79  Which, seely innocence wots well, comes in
  80  Like old emportment's bastard_has this end:
  81  That the true love 'tween maid and maid may be
  82B More than in sex dividual.<S HIPPOLYTA> You're out of breath,
  83  And this high-speeded pace is but to say
  84  That you shall never, like the maid Flavina,
  85  Love any that's called man.
  86A <S EMILIA> I am sure I shall not.
  87A <S HIPPOLYTA> Now alack, weak sister,
  88  I must no more believe thee in this point_
  89  Though in 't I know thou dost believe thyself_
  90  Than I will trust a sickly appetite
  91  That loathes even as it longs. But sure, my sister,
  92  If I were ripe for your persuasion, you
  93  Have said enough to shake me from the arm
  94  Of the all-noble Theseus, for whose fortunes
  95  I will now in and kneel, with great assurance
  96  That we more than his Pirithous possess
  97B The high throne in his heart.<S EMILIA> I am not
  98  Against your faith, yet I continue mine.<T esd> {Exeunt}
   0  <A ?Shakespeare>
   0  <Y 4> <T dsd> {Cornetts. A battle struck within. Then a                  +
   0  retreat. Flourish. Then enter Theseus, victor. The three Queens meet     +
   0  him and fall on their faces before him. [Also enter a Herald, and        +
   0  attendants bearing Palamon and Arcite on two hearses]}
   1B <S FIRST QUEEN> <T asd> {(to Theseus)}<T verse> To thee no star be       +
   1B dark.<S SECOND QUEEN> <T asd> {(to Theseus)}<T verse> Both heaven and    +
   1B earth
   2B Friend thee for ever.<S THIRD QUEEN> <T asd> {(to Theseus)}<T verse>     +
   2B All the good that may
   3  Be wished upon thy head, I cry `Amen" to 't.
   4  <S THESEUS> Th' impartial gods, who from the mounted heavens
   5  View us their mortal herd, behold who err
   6  And in their time chastise. Go and find out
   7  The bones of your dead lords and honour them
   8  With treble ceremony: rather than a gap
   9  Should be in their dear rites we would supply 't.
  10  But those we will depute which shall invest
  11  You in your dignities, and even each thing
  12  Our haste does leave imperfect. So adieu,
  13B And heaven's good eyes look on you.<T esd> {Exeunt the Queens}<T verse>  +
  13B What are those?
  14  <S HERALD> Men of great quality, as may be judged
  15  By their appointment. Some of Thebes have told 's
  16  They are sisters' children, nephews to the King.
  17  <S THESEUS> By th' helm of Mars I saw them in the war,
  18  Like to a pair of lions smeared with prey,
  19  Make lanes in troops aghast. I fixed my note
  20  Constantly on them, for they were a mark
  21  Worth a god's view. What prisoner was 't that told me
  22B When I enquired their names?<S HERALD> Wi' leave, they're called
  23B Arcite and Palamon.<S THESEUS> 'Tis right: those, those.
  24  They are not dead?
  25  <S HERALD> Nor in a state of life. Had they been taken
  26  When their last hurts were given, 'twas possible
  27  They might have been recovered. Yet they breathe,
  28B And have the name of men.<S THESEUS> Then like men use 'em.
  29  The very lees of such, millions of rates
  30  Exceed the wine of others. All our surgeons
  31  Convent in their behoof; our richest balms,
  32  Rather than niggard, waste. Their lives concern us
  33  Much more than Thebes is worth. Rather than have 'em
  34  Freed of this plight and in their morning state_
  35  Sound and at liberty_I would 'em dead;
  36  But forty-thousandfold we had rather have 'em
  37  Prisoners to us, than death. Bear 'em speedily
  38  From our kind air, to them unkind, and minister
  39  What man to man may do_for our sake, more,
  40  Since I have known frights, fury, friends' behests,
  41  Love's provocations, zeal, a mistress' task,
  42  Desire of liberty, a fever, madness,
  43  Hath set a mark which nature could not reach to
  44  Without some imposition, sickness in will
  45  O'er-wrestling strength in reason. For our love
  46  And great Apollo's mercy, all our best
  47  Their best skill tender._Lead into the city
  48  Where, having bound things scattered, we will post
  49  To Athens fore our army.<T esd> {Flourish. Exeunt}
   0  <Y 5> <T dsd> {Music. Enter the three Queens with the hearses of their   +
   0  lords in a funeral solemnity, with attendants}<T asd> {Song}
   1  <T song> Urns and odours, bring away,
   2  Vapours, sighs, darken the day;
   3  Our dole more deadly looks than dying.
   4  Balms and gums and heavy cheers,
   5  Sacred vials filled with tears,
   6  And clamours through the wild air flying:
   7  Come all sad and solemn shows,
   8  That are quick-eyed pleasure's foes.
   9  We convent naught else but woes,
  10  We convent naught else but woes.
  11  <S THIRD QUEEN> <T verse> This funeral path brings to your household's   +
  11  grave_
  12  Joy seize on you again, peace sleep with him.
  13B <S SECOND QUEEN> And this to yours.<S FIRST QUEEN> Yours this way.       +
  13B Heavens lend
  14  A thousand differing ways to one sure end.
  15  <S THIRD QUEEN> This world's a city full of straying streets,
  16  And death's the market-place where each one meets.<T esd> {Exeunt        +
  16  severally}
  16  [[ACT INTERVAL]]
   0  <A Shakespeare>
   0  <X 2> <Y 1> <T dsd> {Enter the Jailer and the Wooer}
   1  <S JAILER> <T prose> I may depart with little, while I live; something   +
   1  I
   2  may cast to you, not much. Alas, the prison I keep,
   3  though it be for great ones, yet they seldom come;
   4  before one salmon you shall take a number of minnows.
   5  I am given out to be better lined than it can appear to
   6  me report is a true speaker. I would I were really that
   7  I am delivered to be. Marry, what I have_be it what
   8  it will_I will assure upon my daughter at the day of
   9  my death.
  10  <S WOOER> Sir, I demand no more than your own offer, and
  11  I will estate your daughter in what I have promised.
  12  <S JAILER> Well, we will talk more of this when the solemnity
  13  is past. But have you a full promise of her?<T dsd> {Enter the Jailer's  +
  13  Daughter with rushes}
  14  <T prose> When that shall be seen, I tender my consent.
  15  <S WOOER> I have, sir. Here she comes.
  16  <S JAILER> <T asd> {(to Daughter)}<T prose> Your friend and I have       +
  16  chanced to
  17  name you here, upon the old business_but no more
  18  of that now. So soon as the court hurry is over we will
  19  have an end of it. I' th' mean time, look tenderly to the
  20  two prisoners. I can tell you they are princes.
  21  <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> These strewings are for their chamber.
  22  'Tis pity they are in prison, and 'twere pity they should
  23  be out. I do think they have patience to make any
  24  adversity ashamed; the prison itself is proud of 'em,
  25  and they have all the world in their chamber.
  26  <S JAILER> They are famed to be a pair of absolute men.
  27  <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> By my troth, I think fame but stammers
  28  'em_they stand a grece above the reach of report.
  29  <S JAILER> I heard them reported in the battle to be the only
  30  doers.
  31  <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> Nay, most likely, for they are noble
  32  sufferers. I marvel how they would have looked had
  33  they been victors, that with such a constant nobility
  34  enforce a freedom out of bondage, making misery their
  35  mirth, and affliction a toy to jest at.
  36  <S JAILER> Do they so?
  37  <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> It seems to me they have no more
  38  sense of their captivity than I of ruling Athens. They
  39  eat well, look merrily, discourse of many things, but
  40  nothing of their own restraint and disasters. Yet
  41  sometime a divided sigh_martyred as 'twere i' th'
  42  deliverance_will break from one of them, when the
  43  other presently gives it so sweet a rebuke that I could
  44  wish myself a sigh to be so chid, or at least a sigher
  45  to be comforted.
  46  <S WOOER> I never saw 'em.
  47  <S JAILER> The Duke himself came privately in the night,<T dsd>          +
  47  {Palamon and Arcite appear [at a window] above}
  48  <T prose> and so did they. What the reason of it is I know not.
  49  Look, yonder they are. That's Arcite looks out.
  50  <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> No, sir, no_that's Palamon. Arcite is
  51  the lower of the twain_<T asd> {(pointing at Arcite)}<T prose> you may
  52  perceive a part of him.
  53  <S JAILER> Go to, leave your pointing. They would not make
  54  us their object. Out of their sight.
  55  <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> It is a holiday to look on them. Lord,
  56  the difference of men!<T esd> {Exeunt}
   0  <A Fletcher>
   0  <Y 2> <T dsd> {Enter Palamon and Arcite in prison, [in shackles,         +
   0  above]}
   1B <S PALAMON> <T verse> How do you, noble cousin?<S ARCITE> How do you,    +
   1B sir?
   2  <S PALAMON> Why, strong enough to laugh at misery
   3  And bear the chance of war. Yet we are prisoners,
   4B I fear, for ever, cousin.<S ARCITE> I believe it,
   5  And to that destiny have patiently
   6B Laid up my hour to come.<S PALAMON> O, cousin Arcite,
   7  Where is Thebes now? Where is our noble country?
   8  Where are our friends and kindreds? Never more
   9  Must we behold those comforts, never see
  10  The hardy youths strive for the games of honour,
  11  Hung with the painted favours of their ladies,
  12  Like tall ships under sail; then start amongst 'em
  13  And, as an east wind, leave 'em all behind us,
  14  Like lazy clouds, whilst Palamon and Arcite,
  15  Even in the wagging of a wanton leg,
  16  Outstripped the people's praises, won the garlands
  17  Ere they have time to wish 'em ours. O never
  18  Shall we two exercise, like twins of honour,
  19  Our arms again and feel our fiery horses
  20  Like proud seas under us. Our good swords, now_
  21  Better the red-eyed god of war ne'er wore_
  22  Ravished our sides, like age must run to rust
  23  And deck the temples of those gods that hate us.
  24  These hands shall never draw 'em out like lightning
  25B To blast whole armies more.<S ARCITE> No, Palamon,
  26  Those hopes are prisoners with us. Here we are,
  27  And here the graces of our youths must wither,
  28  Like a too-timely spring. Here age must find us
  29  And, which is heaviest, Palamon, unmarried_
  30  The sweet embraces of a loving wife
  31  Loaden with kisses, armed with thousand Cupids,
  32  Shall never clasp our necks; no issue know us;
  33  No figures of ourselves shall we e'er see
  34  To glad our age, and, like young eagles, teach 'em
  35  Boldly to gaze against bright arms and say,
  36  `Remember what your fathers were, and conquer."
  37  The fair-eyed maids shall weep our banishments,
  38  And in their songs curse ever-blinded fortune,
  39  Till she for shame see what a wrong she has done
  40  To youth and nature. This is all our world.
  41  We shall know nothing here but one another,
  42  Hear nothing but the clock that tells our woes.
  43  The vine shall grow, but we shall never see it;
  44  Summer shall come, and with her all delights,
  45  But dead-cold winter must inhabit here still.
  46  <S PALAMON> 'Tis too true, Arcite. To our Theban hounds
  47  That shook the age\d forest with their echoes,
  48  No more now must we holler; no more shake
  49  Our pointed javelins whilst the angry swine
  50  Flies like a Parthian quiver from our rages,
  51  Struck with our well-steeled darts. All valiant uses_
  52  The food and nourishment of noble minds_
  53  In us two here shall perish; we shall die_
  54  Which is the curse of honour_lastly,
  55B Children of grief and ignorance.<S ARCITE> Yet, cousin,
  56  Even from the bottom of these miseries,
  57  From all that fortune can inflict upon us,
  58  I see two comforts rising_two mere blessings,
  59  If the gods please, to hold here a brave patience
  60  And the enjoying of our griefs together.
  61  Whilst Palamon is with me, let me perish
  62B If I think this our prison.<S PALAMON> Certainly
  63  'Tis a main goodness, cousin, that our fortunes
  64  Were twined together. 'Tis most true, two souls
  65  Put in two noble bodies, let 'em suffer
  66  The gall of hazard, so they grow together,
  67  Will never sink; they must not, say they could.
  68  A willing man dies sleeping and all's done.
  69  <S ARCITE> Shall we make worthy uses of this place
  70B That all men hate so much?<S PALAMON> How, gentle cousin?
  71  <S ARCITE> Let's think this prison holy sanctuary,
  72  To keep us from corruption of worse men.
  73  We are young, and yet desire the ways of honour
  74  That liberty and common conversation,
  75  The poison of pure spirits, might, like women,
  76  Woo us to wander from. What worthy blessing
  77  Can be, but our imaginations
  78  May make it ours? And here being thus together,
  79  We are an endless mine to one another:
  80  We are one another's wife, ever begetting
  81  New births of love; we are father, friends, acquaintance;
  82  We are in one another, families_
  83  I am your heir, and you are mine; this place
  84  Is our inheritance: no hard oppressor
  85  Dare take this from us. Here, with a little patience,
  86  We shall live long and loving. No surfeits seek us_
  87  The hand of war hurts none here, nor the seas
  88  Swallow their youth. Were we at liberty
  89  A wife might part us lawfully, or business;
  90  Quarrels consume us; envy of ill men
  91  Crave our acquaintance. I might sicken, cousin,
  92  Where you should never know it, and so perish
  93  Without your noble hand to close mine eyes,
  94  Or prayers to the gods. A thousand chances,
  95B Were we from hence, would sever us.<S PALAMON> You have made me_
  96  I thank you, cousin Arcite_almost wanton
  97  With my captivity. What a misery
  98  It is to live abroad, and everywhere!
  99  'Tis like a beast, methinks. I find the court here;
 100  I am sure, a more content; and all those pleasures
 101  That woo the wills of men to vanity
 102  I see through now, and am sufficient
 103  To tell the world 'tis but a gaudy shadow,
 104  That old Time, as he passes by, takes with him.
 105  What had we been, old in the court of Creon,
 106  Where sin is justice, lust and ignorance
 107  The virtues of the great ones? Cousin Arcite,
 108  Had not the loving gods found this place for us,
 109  We had died as they do, ill old men, unwept,
 110  And had their epitaphs, the people's curses.
 111B Shall I say more?<S ARCITE> I would hear you still.<S PALAMON> Ye        +
 111B shall.
 112  Is there record of any two that loved
 113B Better than we do, Arcite?<S ARCITE> Sure there cannot.
 114  <S PALAMON> I do not think it possible our friendship
 115B Should ever leave us.<S ARCITE> Till our deaths it cannot,<T dsd>        +
 115B {Enter Emilia and her Woman [below]. Palamon sees Emilia and is silent}
 116  <T verse> And after death our spirits shall be led
 117  To those that love eternally. Speak on, sir.
 118  <S EMILIA> <T asd> {(to her Woman)}<T verse> This garden has a world of  +
 118  pleasure in 't.
 119B What flower is this?<S WOMAN> 'Tis called narcissus, madam.
 120  <S EMILIA> That was a fair boy, certain, but a fool
 121  To love himself. Were there not maids enough?
 122B <S ARCITE> <T asd> {(to Palamon)}<T verse> Pray forward.<S PALAMON>      +
 122B Yes.<S EMILIA> <T asd> {(to her Woman)}<T verse> Or were they all        +
 122B hard-hearted?
 123B <S WOMAN> They could not be to one so fair.<S EMILIA> Thou wouldst not.
 124B <S WOMAN> I think I should not, madam.<S EMILIA> That's a good wench_
 125B But take heed to your kindness, though.<S WOMAN> Why, madam?
 126B <S EMILIA> Men are mad things.<S ARCITE> <T asd> {(to Palamon)}<T verse>+
 126B  Will ye go forward, cousin?
 127B <S EMILIA> <T asd> {(to her Woman)}<T verse> Canst not thou work such    +
 127B flowers in silk, wench?<S WOMAN> Yes.
 128  <S EMILIA> I'll have a gown full of 'em, and of these.
 129  This is a pretty colour_will 't not do
 130B Rarely upon a skirt, wench?<S WOMAN> Dainty, madam.
 131  <S ARCITE> <T asd> {(to Palamon)}<T verse> Cousin, cousin, how do you,   +
 131  sir? Why, Palamon!
 132  <S PALAMON> Never till now was I in prison, Arcite.
 133B <S ARCITE> Why, what's the matter, man?<S PALAMON> Behold and            +
 133B wonder!<T dsd> {Arcite sees Emilia}
 134B <T verse> By heaven, she is a goddess!<S ARCITE> Ha!<S PALAMON> Do       +
 134B reverence.
 135B She is a goddess, Arcite.<S EMILIA> <T asd> {(to her Woman)}<T verse>    +
 135B Of all flowers
 136B Methinks a rose is best.<S WOMAN> Why, gentle madam?
 137  <S EMILIA> It is the very emblem of a maid_
 138  For when the west wind courts her gently,
 139  How modestly she blows, and paints the sun
 140  With her chaste blushes! When the north comes near her,
 141  Rude and impatient, then, like chastity,
 142  She locks her beauties in her bud again,
 143B And leaves him to base briers.<S WOMAN> Yet, good madam,
 144  Sometimes her modesty will blow so far
 145  She falls for 't_a maid,
 146  If she have any honour, would be loath
 147B To take example by her.<S EMILIA> Thou art wanton.
 148B <S ARCITE> <T asd> {(to Palamon)}<T verse> She is wondrous               +
 148B fair.<S PALAMON> She is all the beauty extant.
 149  <S EMILIA> <T asd> {(to her Woman)}<T verse> The sun grows high_let's    +
 149  walk in. Keep these flowers.
 150  We'll see how close art can come near their colours.
 151  I am wondrous merry-hearted_I could laugh now.
 152B <S WOMAN> I could lie down, I am sure.<S EMILIA> And take one with you?
 153B <S WOMAN> That's as we bargain, madam.<S EMILIA> Well, agree             +
 153B then.<T esd> {Exeunt Emilia and her Woman}
 154B <S PALAMON> <T verse> What think you of this beauty?<S ARCITE> 'Tis a    +
 154B rare one.
 155B <S PALAMON> Is 't but a rare one?<S ARCITE> Yes, a matchless beauty.
 156  <S PALAMON> Might not a man well lose himself and love her?
 157  <S ARCITE> I cannot tell what you have done; I have,
 158  Beshrew mine eyes for 't. Now I feel my shackles.
 159A <S PALAMON> You love her then?
 160A <S ARCITE> Who would not?
 161A <S PALAMON> And desire her?
 162A <S ARCITE> Before my liberty.
 163B <S PALAMON> I saw her first.<S ARCITE> That's nothing.<S PALAMON> But    +
 163B it shall be.
 164B <S ARCITE> I saw her too.<S PALAMON> Yes, but you must not love her.
 165  <S ARCITE> I will not, as you do, to worship her
 166  As she is heavenly and a blesse\d goddess!
 167  I love her as a woman, to enjoy her_
 168B So both may love.<S PALAMON> You shall not love at all.
 169  <S ARCITE> Not love at all_who shall deny me?
 170  <S PALAMON> I that first saw her, I that took possession
 171  First with mine eye of all those beauties
 172  In her revealed to mankind. If thou lov'st her,
 173  Or entertain'st a hope to blast my wishes,
 174  Thou art a traitor, Arcite, and a fellow
 175  False as thy title to her. Friendship, blood,
 176  And all the ties between us I disclaim,
 177B If thou once think upon her.<S ARCITE> Yes, I love her_
 178  And if the lives of all my name lay on it,
 179  I must do so. I love her with my soul_
 180  If that will lose ye, farewell, Palamon!
 181  I say again,
 182  I love her, and in loving her maintain
 183  I am as worthy and as free a lover,
 184  And have as just a title to her beauty,
 185  As any Palamon, or any living
 186B That is a man's son.<S PALAMON> Have I called thee friend?
 187  <S ARCITE> Yes, and have found me so. Why are you moved thus?
 188  Let me deal coldly with you. Am not I
 189  Part of your blood, part of your soul? You have told me
 190B That I was Palamon and you were Arcite.<S PALAMON> Yes.
 191  <S ARCITE> Am not I liable to those affections,
 192  Those joys, griefs, angers, fears, my friend shall suffer?
 193B <S PALAMON> Ye may be.<S ARCITE> Why then would you deal so cunningly,
 194  So strangely, so unlike a noble kinsman,
 195  To love alone? Speak truly. Do you think me
 196B Unworthy of her sight?<S PALAMON> No, but unjust
 197B If thou pursue that sight.<S ARCITE> Because another
 198  First sees the enemy, shall I stand still,
 199  And let mine honour down, and never charge?
 200B <S PALAMON> Yes, if he be but one.<S ARCITE> But say that one
 201B Had rather combat me?<S PALAMON> Let that one say so,
 202  And use thy freedom; else, if thou pursuest her,
 203  Be as that curse\d man that hates his country,
 204B A branded villain.<S ARCITE> You are mad.<S PALAMON> I must be.
 205  Till thou art worthy, Arcite, it concerns me;
 206  And in this madness if I hazard thee
 207B And take thy life, I deal but truly.<S ARCITE> Fie, sir.
 208  You play the child extremely. I will love her,
 209  I must, I ought to do so, and I dare_
 210B And all this justly.<S PALAMON> O, that now, that now
 211  Thy false self and thy friend had but this fortune_
 212  To be one hour at liberty and grasp
 213  Our good swords in our hands! I would quickly teach thee
 214  What 'twere to filch affection from another.
 215  Thou art baser in it than a cutpurse.
 216  Put but thy head out of this window more
 217  And, as I have a soul, I'll nail thy life to 't.
 218  <S ARCITE> Thou dar'st not, fool; thou canst not; thou art feeble.
 219  Put my head out? I'll throw my body out
 220  And leap the garden when I see her next,<T dsd> {Enter the Jailer        +
 220  [above]}
 221  <T verse> And pitch between her arms to anger thee.
 222  <S PALAMON> No more_the keeper's coming. I shall live
 223B To knock thy brains out with my shackles.<S ARCITE> Do.
 224B <S JAILER> By your leave, gentlemen.<S PALAMON> Now, honest keeper?
 225  <S JAILER> Lord Arcite, you must presently to th' Duke.
 226B The cause I know not yet.<S ARCITE> I am ready, keeper.
 227  <S JAILER> Prince Palamon, I must a while bereave you
 228B Of your fair cousin's company.<T esd> {Exeunt Arcite and the             +
 228B Jailer}<S PALAMON> <T verse> And me, too,
 229  Even when you please, of life. Why is he sent for?
 230  It may be he shall marry her_he's goodly,
 231  And like enough the Duke hath taken notice
 232  Both of his blood and body. But his falsehood!
 233  Why should a friend be treacherous? If that
 234  Get him a wife so noble and so fair,
 235  Let honest men ne'er love again. Once more
 236  I would but see this fair one. Blesse\d garden,
 237  And fruit and flowers more blesse\d, that still blossom
 238  As her bright eyes shine on ye! Would I were,
 239  For all the fortune of my life hereafter,
 240  Yon little tree, yon blooming apricot_
 241  How I would spread and fling my wanton arms
 242  In at her window! I would bring her fruit
 243  Fit for the gods to feed on; youth and pleasure
 244  Still as she tasted should be doubled on her;
 245  And if she be not heavenly, I would make her
 246  So near the gods in nature they should fear her_<T dsd> {Enter the       +
 246  Jailer [above]}
 247  <T verse> And then I am sure she would love me. How now, keeper,
 248B Where's Arcite?<S JAILER> Banished_Prince Pirithous
 249  Obtained his liberty; but never more,
 250  Upon his oath and life, must he set foot
 251B Upon this kingdom.<S PALAMON> <T asd> {[aside]}<T verse> He's a          +
 251B blesse\d man.
 252  He shall see Thebes again, and call to arms
 253  The bold young men that, when he bids 'em charge,
 254  Fall on like fire. Arcite shall have a fortune,
 255  If he dare make himself a worthy lover,
 256  Yet in the field to strike a battle for her;
 257  And if he lose her then, he's a cold coward.
 258  How bravely may he bear himself to win her
 259  If he be noble Arcite; thousand ways!
 260  Were I at liberty I would do things
 261  Of such a virtuous greatness that this lady,
 262  This blushing virgin, should take manhood to her
 263B And seek to ravish me.<S JAILER> My lord, for you
 264B I have this charge to_<S PALAMON> To discharge my life.
 265  <S JAILER> No, but from this place to remove your lordship_
 266B The windows are too open.<S PALAMON> Devils take 'em
 267  That are so envious to me_prithee kill me.
 268B <S JAILER> And hang for 't afterward?<S PALAMON> By this good light,
 269B Had I a sword I would kill thee.<S JAILER> Why, my lord?
 270  <S PALAMON> Thou bring'st such pelting scurvy news continually,
 271  Thou art not worthy life. I will not go.
 272B <S JAILER> Indeed you must, my lord.<S PALAMON> May I see the garden?
 273B <S JAILER> No.<S PALAMON> Then I am resolved_I will not go.
 274  <S JAILER> I must constrain you, then; and for you are dangerous,
 275B I'll clap more irons on you.<S PALAMON> Do, good keeper.
 276  I'll shake 'em so ye shall not sleep:
 277  I'll make ye a new morris. Must I go?
 278B <S JAILER> There is no remedy.<S PALAMON> Farewell, kind window.
 279  May rude wind never hurt thee. O, my lady,
 280  If ever thou hast felt what sorrow was,
 281  Dream how I suffer. Come, now bury me.<T esd> {Exeunt Palamon and the    +
 281  Jailer}
   0  <Y 3> <T dsd> {Enter Arcite}
   1  <S ARCITE> <T verse> Banished the kingdom? 'Tis a benefit,
   2  A mercy I must thank 'em for; but banished
   3  The free enjoying of that face I die for_
   4  O, 'twas a studied punishment, a death
   5  Beyond imagination; such a vengeance
   6  That, were I old and wicked, all my sins
   7  Could never pluck upon me. Palamon,
   8  Thou hast the start now_thou shalt stay and see
   9  Her bright eyes break each morning 'gainst thy window,
  10  And let in life into thee. Thou shalt feed
  11  Upon the sweetness of a noble beauty
  12  That nature ne'er exceeded, nor ne'er shall.
  13  Good gods! What happiness has Palamon!
  14  Twenty to one he'll come to speak to her,
  15  And if she be as gentle as she's fair,
  16  I know she's his_he has a tongue will tame
  17  Tempests and make the wild rocks wanton.
  18  Come what can come,
  19  The worst is death. I will not leave the kingdom.
  20  I know mine own is but a heap of ruins,
  21  And no redress there. If I go he has her.
  22  I am resolved another shape shall make me,
  23  Or end my fortunes. Either way I am happy_
  24  I'll see her and be near her, or no more.<T dsd> {Enter four Country     +
  24  People, one of whom carries a garland before them. Arcite stands apart}
  25  <S FIRST COUNTRYMAN> <T verse> My masters, I'll be there_that's          +
  25  certain.
  26A <S SECOND COUNTRYMAN> And I'll be there.
  27A <S THIRD COUNTRYMAN> And I.
  28  <S FOURTH COUNTRYMAN> Why then, have with ye, boys! 'Tis but a chiding_
  29  Let the plough play today, I'll tickle 't out
  30B Of the jades' tails tomorrow.<S FIRST COUNTRYMAN> I am sure
  31  To have my wife as jealous as a turkey_
  32  But that's all one. I'll go through, let her mumble.
  33  <S SECOND COUNTRYMAN> Clap her aboard tomorrow night and stow her,
  34B And all's made up again.<S THIRD COUNTRYMAN> Ay, do but put
  35  A fescue in her fist and you shall see her
  36  Take a new lesson out and be a good wench.
  37  Do we all hold against the maying?
  38B <S FOURTH COUNTRYMAN> Hold? What should ail us?<S THIRD COUNTRYMAN>      +
  38B Arcas will be there.
  39  <S SECOND COUNTRYMAN> <T prose> And Sennois, and Rycas, and three
  40  better lads ne'er danced under green tree; and ye know
  41  what wenches, ha? But will the dainty dominie, the
  42  schoolmaster, keep touch, do you think? For he does
  43  all, ye know.
  44  <S THIRD COUNTRYMAN> He'll eat a hornbook ere he fail. Go
  45  to, the matter's too far driven between him and the
  46  tanner's daughter to let slip now, and she must see the
  47  Duke, and she must dance too.
  48  <S FOURTH COUNTRYMAN> Shall we be lusty?
  49  <S SECOND COUNTRYMAN> All the boys in Athens blow wind
  50  i' th' breech on 's! And here I'll be and there I'll be, for
  51  our town, and here again and there again_ha, boys,
  52  hey for the weavers!
  53  <S FIRST COUNTRYMAN> This must be done i' th' woods.
  54  <S FOURTH COUNTRYMAN> O, pardon me.
  55  <S SECOND COUNTRYMAN> By any means, our thing of learning
  56  said so; where he himself will edify the Duke most
  57  parlously in our behalfs_he's excellent i' th' woods,
  58  bring him to th' plains, his learning makes no cry.
  59  <S THIRD COUNTRYMAN> We'll see the sports, then every man
  60  to 's tackle_and, sweet companions, let's rehearse, by
  61  any means, before the ladies see us, and do sweetly,
  62  and God knows what may come on 't.
  63  <S FOURTH COUNTRYMAN> Content_the sports once ended,
  64  we'll perform. Away boys, and hold.
  65  <S ARCITE> <T asd> {(coming forward)}<T verse> By your leaves, honest    +
  65  friends, pray you whither go you?
  66  <S FOURTH COUNTRYMAN> Whither? Why, what a question's that?
  67A <S ARCITE> Yet 'tis a question
  68B To me that know not.<S THIRD COUNTRYMAN> To the games, my friend.
  69B <S SECOND COUNTRYMAN> Where were you bred, you know it not?<S ARCITE>    +
  69B Not far, sir_
  70B Are there such games today?<S FIRST COUNTRYMAN> Yes, marry, are there,
  71  And such as you never saw. The Duke himself
  72B Will be in person there.<S ARCITE> What pastimes are they?
  73  <S SECOND COUNTRYMAN> Wrestling and running.<T asd> {(To the             +
  73  others)}<T verse> 'Tis a pretty fellow.
  74B <S THIRD COUNTRYMAN> <T asd> {(to Arcite)}<T verse> Thou wilt not go     +
  74B along?<S ARCITE> Not yet, sir.<S FOURTH COUNTRYMAN> Well, sir,
  75B Take your own time.<T asd> {(To the others)}<T verse> Come,              +
  75B boys.<S FIRST COUNTRYMAN> My mind misgives me_
  76  This fellow has a vengeance trick o' th' hip:
  77B Mark how his body's made for 't.<S SECOND COUNTRYMAN> I'll be hanged     +
  77B though
  78  If he dare venture; hang him, plum porridge!
  79  He wrestle? He roast eggs! Come, let's be gone, lads.<T esd> {Exeunt     +
  79  the four Countrymen}
  80  <S ARCITE> <T verse> This is an offered opportunity
  81  I durst not wish for. Well I could have wrestled_
  82  The best men called it excellent_and run
  83  Swifter than wind upon a field of corn,
  84  Curling the wealthy ears, never flew. I'll venture,
  85  And in some poor disguise be there. Who knows
  86  Whether my brows may not be girt with garlands,
  87  And happiness prefer me to a place
  88  Where I may ever dwell in sight of her?<T esd> {Exit}
   0  <Y 4> <T dsd> {Enter the Jailer's Daughter}
   1  <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> <T verse> Why should I love this gentleman? 'Tis   +
   1  odds
   2  He never will affect me. I am base,
   3  My father the mean keeper of his prison,
   4  And he a prince. To marry him is hopeless,
   5  To be his whore is witless. Out upon 't,
   6  What pushes are we wenches driven to
   7  When fifteen once has found us? First, I saw him;
   8  I, seeing, thought he was a goodly man;
   9  He has as much to please a woman in him_
  10  If he please to bestow it so_as ever
  11  These eyes yet looked on. Next, I pitied him,
  12  And so would any young wench, o' my conscience,
  13  That ever dreamed or vowed her maidenhead
  14  To a young handsome man. Then, I loved him,
  15  Extremely loved him, infinitely loved him_
  16  And yet he had a cousin fair as he, too.
  17  But in my heart was Palamon, and there,
  18  Lord, what a coil he keeps! To hear him
  19  Sing in an evening, what a heaven it is!
  20  And yet his songs are sad ones. Fairer spoken
  21  Was never gentleman. When I come in
  22  To bring him water in a morning, first
  23  He bows his noble body, then salutes me, thus:
  24  `Fair, gentle maid, good morrow. May thy goodness
  25  Get thee a happy husband." Once he kissed me_
  26  I loved my lips the better ten days after.
  27  Would he would do so every day! He grieves much,
  28  And me as much to see his misery.
  29  What should I do to make him know I love him?
  30  For I would fain enjoy him. Say I ventured
  31  To set him free? What says the law then? Thus much
  32  For law or kindred! I will do it,
  33  And this night; ere tomorrow he shall love me.<T esd> {Exit}
   0  <Y 5> <T dsd> {Short flourish of cornetts and shouts within. Enter       +
   0  Theseus, Hippolyta, Pirithous, Emilia, Arcite disguised, with a          +
   0  garland, and attendants}
   1  <S THESEUS> <T verse> You have done worthily. I have not seen
   2  Since Hercules a man of tougher sinews.
   3  Whate'er you are, you run the best and wrestle
   4B That these times can allow.<S ARCITE> I am proud to please you.
   5B <S THESEUS> What country bred you?<S ARCITE> This_but far off, prince.
   6B <S THESEUS> Are you a gentleman?<S ARCITE> My father said so,
   7  And to those gentle uses gave me life.
   8B <S THESEUS> Are you his heir?<S ARCITE> His youngest, sir.<S THESEUS>    +
   8B Your father
   9  Sure is a happy sire, then. What proves you?
  10  <S ARCITE> A little of all noble qualities.
  11  I could have kept a hawk and well have hollered
  12  To a deep cry of dogs; I dare not praise
  13  My feat in horsemanship, yet they that knew me
  14  Would say it was my best piece; last and greatest,
  15B I would be thought a soldier.<S THESEUS> You are perfect.
  16B <S PIRITHOUS> Upon my soul, a proper man.<S EMILIA> He is so.
  17B <S PIRITHOUS> <T asd> {(to Hippolyta)}<T verse> How do you like him,     +
  17B lady?<S HIPPOLYTA> I admire him.
  18  I have not seen so young a man so noble_
  19B If he say true_of his sort.<S EMILIA> Believe
  20  His mother was a wondrous handsome woman_
  21B His face methinks goes that way.<S HIPPOLYTA> But his body
  22  And fiery mind illustrate a brave father.
  23  <S PIRITHOUS> Mark how his virtue, like a hidden sun,
  24B Breaks through his baser garments.<S HIPPOLYTA> He's well got, sure.
  25B <S THESEUS> <T asd> {(to Arcite)}<T verse> What made you seek this       +
  25B place, sir?<S ARCITE> Noble Theseus,
  26  To purchase name and do my ablest service
  27  To such a well-found wonder as thy worth,
  28  For only in thy court of all the world
  29B Dwells fair-eyed honour.<S PIRITHOUS> All his words are worthy.
  30  <S THESEUS> <T asd> {(to Arcite)}<T verse> Sir, we are much indebted to  +
  30  your travel,
  31  Nor shall you lose your wish._Pirithous,
  32B Dispose of this fair gentleman.<S PIRITHOUS> Thanks, Theseus.
  33  <T asd> {(To Arcite)}<T verse> Whate'er you are, you're mine, and I      +
  33  shall give you
  34  To a most noble service, to this lady,
  35  This bright young virgin; pray observe her goodness.
  36  You have honoured her fair birthday with your virtues,
  37  And as your due you're hers. Kiss her fair hand, sir.
  38  <S ARCITE> Sir, you're a noble giver.<T asd> {(To Emilia)}<T verse>      +
  38  Dearest beauty,
  39B Thus let me seal my vowed faith.<T dsd> {He kisses her hand}<T verse>    +
  39B When your servant,
  40  Your most unworthy creature, but offends you,
  41B Command him die, he shall.<S EMILIA> That were too cruel.
  42  If you deserve well, sir, I shall soon see 't.
  43  You're mine, and somewhat better than your rank I'll use you.
  44  <S PIRITHOUS> <T asd> {(to Arcite)}<T verse> I'll see you furnished,     +
  44  and, because you say
  45  You are a horseman, I must needs entreat you
  46  This afternoon to ride_but 'tis a rough one.
  47  <S ARCITE> I like him better, prince_I shall not then
  48B Freeze in my saddle.<S THESEUS> <T asd> {(to Hippolyta)}<T verse>        +
  48B Sweet, you must be ready_
  49  And you, Emilia,<T asd> {[to Pirithous]}<T verse> and you, friend_and    +
  49  all,
  50  Tomorrow by the sun, to do observance
  51  To flow'ry May in Dian's wood.<T asd> {(To Arcite)}<T verse> Wait well,  +
  51  sir,
  52  Upon your mistress._Emily, I hope
  53B He shall not go afoot.<S EMILIA> That were a shame, sir,
  54  While I have horses.<T asd> {(To Arcite)}<T verse> Take your choice,     +
  54  and what
  55  You want, at any time, let me but know it.
  56  If you serve faithfully, I dare assure you,
  57B You'll find a loving mistress.<S ARCITE> If I do not,
  58  Let me find that my father ever hated_
  59B Disgrace and blows.<S THESEUS> Go, lead the way_you have won it.
  60  It shall be so: you shall receive all dues
  61  Fit for the honour you have won. 'Twere wrong else.
  62  <T asd> {(To Emilia)}<T verse> Sister, beshrew my heart, you have a      +
  62  servant
  63  That, if I were a woman, would be master.
  64B But you are wise.<S EMILIA> I hope too wise for that, sir.<T esd>        +
  64B {Flourish. Exeunt}
   0  <Y 6> <T dsd> {Enter the Jailer's Daughter}
   1  <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> <T verse> Let all the dukes and all the devils     +
   1  roar_
   2  He is at liberty! I have ventured for him,
   3  And out I have brought him. To a little wood
   4  A mile hence I have sent him, where a cedar
   5  Higher than all the rest spreads like a plane,
   6  Fast by a brook_and there he shall keep close
   7  Till I provide him files and food, for yet
   8  His iron bracelets are not off. O Love,
   9  What a stout-hearted child thou art! My father
  10  Durst better have endured cold iron than done it.
  11  I love him beyond love and beyond reason
  12  Or wit or safety. I have made him know it_
  13  I care not, I am desperate. If the law
  14  Find me and then condemn me for 't, some wenches,
  15  Some honest-hearted maids, will sing my dirge
  16  And tell to memory my death was noble,
  17  Dying almost a martyr. That way he takes,
  18  I purpose, is my way too. Sure, he cannot
  19  Be so unmanly as to leave me here.
  20  If he do, maids will not so easily
  21  Trust men again. And yet, he has not thanked me
  22  For what I have done_no, not so much as kissed me_
  23  And that, methinks, is not so well. Nor scarcely
  24  Could I persuade him to become a free man,
  25  He made such scruples of the wrong he did
  26  To me and to my father. Yet, I hope
  27  When he considers more, this love of mine
  28  Will take more root within him. Let him do
  29  What he will with me_so he use me kindly.
  30  For use me, so he shall, or I'll proclaim him,
  31  And to his face, no man. I'll presently
  32  Provide him necessaries and pack my clothes up,
  33  And where there is a patch of ground I'll venture,
  34  So he be with me. By him, like a shadow,
  35  I'll ever dwell. Within this hour the hubbub
  36  Will be all o'er the prison_I am then
  37  Kissing the man they look for. Farewell, father:
  38  Get many more such prisoners and such daughters,
  39  And shortly you may keep yourself. Now to him.<T esd> {Exit}
  39  [[ACT INTERVAL]]
   0  <A Shakespeare>
   0  <X 3> <Y 1> <T dsd> {[A bush in place.] Cornetts in sundry places.       +
   0  Noise and hollering as of people a-Maying. Enter Arcite}
   1  <S ARCITE> <T verse> The Duke has lost Hippolyta_each took
   2  A several laund. This is a solemn rite
   3  They owe bloomed May, and the Athenians pay it
   4  To th' heart of ceremony. O, Queen Emilia,
   5  Fresher than May, sweeter
   6  Than her gold buttons on the boughs, or all
   7  Th' enamelled knacks o' th' mead or garden_yea,
   8  We challenge too the bank of any nymph
   9  That makes the stream seem flowers; thou, O jewel
  10  O' th' wood, o' th' world, hast likewise blessed a pace
  11  With thy sole presence in thy [
  12  ] rumination
  13  That I, poor man, might eftsoons come between
  14  And chop on some cold thought. Thrice blesse\d chance
  15  To drop on such a mistress, expectation
  16  Most guiltless on 't! Tell me, O Lady Fortune,
  17  Next after Emily my sovereign, how far
  18  I may be proud. She takes strong note of me,
  19  Hath made me near her, and this beauteous morn,
  20  The prim'st of all the year, presents me with
  21  A brace of horses_two such steeds might well
  22  Be by a pair of kings backed, in a field
  23  That their crowns' titles tried. Alas, alas,
  24  Poor cousin Palamon, poor prisoner_thou
  25  So little dream'st upon my fortune that
  26  Thou think'st thyself the happier thing to be
  27  So near Emilia. Me thou deem'st at Thebes,
  28  And therein wretched, although free. But if
  29  Thou knew'st my mistress breathed on me, and that
  30  I eared her language, lived in her eye_O, coz,
  31B What passion would enclose thee!<T dsd> {Enter Palamon as out of a bush  +
  31B with his shackles. He bends his fist at Arcite}<S PALAMON> <T verse>     +
  31B Traitor kinsman,
  32  Thou shouldst perceive my passion if these signs
  33  Of prisonment were off me, and this hand
  34  But owner of a sword. By all oaths in one,
  35  I and the justice of my love would make thee
  36  A confessed traitor. O thou most perfidious
  37  That ever gently looked, the void'st of honour
  38  That e'er bore gentle token, falsest cousin
  39  That ever blood made kin_call'st thou her thine?
  40  I'll prove it in my shackles, with these hands,
  41  Void of appointment, that thou liest and art
  42  A very thief in love, a chaffy lord
  43  Not worth the name of villain. Had I a sword
  44B And these house-clogs away_<S ARCITE> Dear cousin Palamon_
  45  <S PALAMON> Cozener Arcite, give me language such
  46B As thou hast showed me feat.<S ARCITE> Not finding in
  47  The circuit of my breast any gross stuff
  48  To form me like your blazon holds me to
  49  This gentleness of answer_'tis your passion
  50  That thus mistakes, the which, to you being enemy,
  51  Cannot to me be kind. Honour and honesty
  52  I cherish and depend on, howsoe'er
  53  You skip them in me, and with them, fair coz,
  54  I'll maintain my proceedings. Pray be pleased
  55  To show in generous terms your griefs, since that
  56  Your question's with your equal, who professes
  57  To clear his own way with the mind and sword
  58B Of a true gentleman.<S PALAMON> That thou durst, Arcite!
  59  <S ARCITE> My coz, my coz, you have been well advertised
  60  How much I dare; you've seen me use my sword
  61  Against th' advice of fear. Sure, of another
  62  You would not hear me doubted, but your silence
  63B Should break out, though i' th' sanctuary.<S PALAMON> Sir,
  64  I have seen you move in such a place which well
  65  Might justify your manhood; you were called
  66  A good knight and a bold. But the whole week's not fair
  67  If any day it rain: their valiant temper
  68  Men lose when they incline to treachery,
  69  And then they fight like compelled bears_would fly
  70B Were they not tied.<S ARCITE> Kinsman, you might as well
  71  Speak this and act it in your glass as to
  72B His ear which now disdains you.<S PALAMON> Come up to me,
  73  Quit me of these cold gyves, give me a sword,
  74  Though it be rusty, and the charity
  75  Of one meal lend me. Come before me then,
  76  A good sword in thy hand, and do but say
  77  That Emily is thine_I will forgive
  78  The trespass thou hast done me, yea, my life,
  79  If then thou carry 't; and brave souls in shades
  80  That have died manly, which will seek of me
  81  Some news from earth, they shall get none but this_
  82B That thou art brave and noble.<S ARCITE> Be content,
  83  Again betake you to your hawthorn house.
  84  With counsel of the night I will be here
  85  With wholesome viands. These impediments
  86  Will I file off. You shall have garments and
  87  Perfumes to kill the smell o' th' prison. After,
  88  When you shall stretch yourself and say but `Arcite,
  89  I am in plight", there shall be at your choice
  90B Both sword and armour.<S PALAMON> O, you heavens, dares any
  91  So noble bear a guilty business! None
  92  But only Arcite, therefore none but Arcite
  93B In this kind is so bold.<S ARCITE> Sweet Palamon.
  94  <S PALAMON> I do embrace you and your offer_for
  95  Your offer do 't I only, sir; your person,
  96  Without hypocrisy, I may not wish<T dsd> {Wind horns within}
  97B <T verse> More than my sword's edge on 't.<S ARCITE> You hear the horns_
  98  Enter your muset lest this match between 's
  99  Be crossed ere met. Give me your hand, farewell.
 100  I'll bring you every needful thing_I pray you,
 101B Take comfort and be strong.<S PALAMON> Pray hold your promise,
 102  And do the deed with a bent brow. Most certain
 103  You love me not_be rough with me and pour
 104  This oil out of your language. By this air,
 105  I could for each word give a cuff, my stomach
 106B Not reconciled by reason.<S ARCITE> Plainly spoken,
 107  Yet_pardon me_hard language: when I spur<T dsd> {Wind horns within}
 108  <T verse> My horse I chide him not. Content and anger
 109  In me have but one face. Hark, sir, they call
 110  The scattered to the banquet. You must guess
 111B I have an office there.<S PALAMON> Sir, your attendance
 112  Cannot please heaven, and I know your office
 113B Unjustly is achieved.<S ARCITE> 'Tis a good title.
 114  I am persuaded this question, sick between 's,
 115  By bleeding must be cured. I am a suitor
 116  That to your sword you will bequeath this plea
 117B And talk of it no more.<S PALAMON> But this one word:
 118  You are going now to gaze upon my mistress_
 119B For note you, mine she is_<S ARCITE> Nay then_<S PALAMON> Nay, pray      +
 119B you_
 120  You talk of feeding me to breed me strength_
 121  You are going now to look upon a sun
 122  That strengthens what it looks on. There you have
 123  A vantage o'er me, but enjoy it till
 124  I may enforce my remedy. Farewell.<T esd> {Exeunt severally, [Palamon    +
 124  as into the bush]}
   0  <A ?Shakespeare>
   0  <Y 2> <T dsd> {Enter the Jailer's Daughter, with a file}
   1  <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> <T verse> He has mistook the brake I meant, is     +
   1  gone
   2  After his fancy. 'Tis now wellnigh morning.
   3  No matter_would it were perpetual night,
   4  And darkness lord o' th' world. Hark, 'tis a wolf!
   5  In me hath grief slain fear, and, but for one thing,
   6  I care for nothing_and that's Palamon.
   7  I reck not if the wolves would jaw me, so
   8  He had this file. What if I hollered for him?
   9  I cannot holler. If I whooped, what then?
  10  If he not answered, I should call a wolf
  11  And do him but that service. I have heard
  12  Strange howls this livelong night_why may 't not be
  13  They have made prey of him? He has no weapons;
  14  He cannot run; the jangling of his gyves
  15  Might call fell things to listen, who have in them
  16  A sense to know a man unarmed, and can
  17  Smell where resistance is. I'll set it down
  18  He's torn to pieces: they howled many together
  19  And then they fed on him. So much for that.
  20  Be bold to ring the bell. How stand I then?
  21  All's chared when he is gone. No, no, I lie:
  22  My father's to be hanged for his escape,
  23  Myself to beg, if I prized life so much
  24  As to deny my act_but that I would not,
  25  Should I try death by dozens. I am moped_
  26  Food took I none these two days,
  27  Sipped some water. I have not closed mine eyes
  28  Save when my lids scoured off their brine. Alas,
  29  Dissolve, my life; let not my sense unsettle,
  30  Lest I should drown or stab or hang myself.
  31  O state of nature, fail together in me,
  32  Since thy best props are warped. So which way now?
  33  The best way is the next way to a grave,
  34  Each errant step beside is torment. Lo,
  35  The moon is down, the crickets chirp, the screech-owl
  36  Calls in the dawn. All offices are done
  37  Save what I fail in: but the point is this,
  38  An end, and that is all.<T esd> {Exit}
   0  <A Fletcher>
   0  <Y 3> <T dsd> {Enter Arcite with a bundle containing meat, wine, and     +
   0  files}
   1  <S ARCITE> <T verse> I should be near the place. Ho, cousin              +
   1  Palamon!<T dsd> {Enter Palamon [as from the bush]}
   2B <S PALAMON> <T verse> Arcite.<S ARCITE> The same. I have brought you     +
   2B food and files.
   3  Come forth and fear not, here's no Theseus.
   4B <S PALAMON> Nor none so honest, Arcite.<S ARCITE> That's no matter_
   5  We'll argue that hereafter. Come, take courage_
   6  You shall not die thus beastly. Here, sir, drink;
   7  I know you are faint. Then I'll talk further with you.
   8B <S PALAMON> Arcite, thou mightst now poison me.<S ARCITE> I might_
   9  But I must fear you first. Sit down and, good now,
  10  No more of these vain parleys. Let us not,
  11  Having our ancient reputation with us,
  12  Make talk for fools and cowards. To your health, sir.
  13B <S PALAMON> Do.<T dsd> {[Arcite drinks]}<S ARCITE> <T verse> Pray sit    +
  13B down, then, and let me entreat you,
  14  By all the honesty and honour in you,
  15  No mention of this woman_'twill disturb us.
  16B We shall have time enough.<S PALAMON> Well, sir, I'll pledge you.<T dsd>+
  16B  {Palamon drinks}
  17  <S ARCITE> <T verse> Drink a good hearty draught; it breeds good blood,  +
  17  man.
  18B Do not you feel it thaw you?<S PALAMON> Stay, I'll tell you
  19B After a draught or two more.<T dsd> {Palamon drinks}<S ARCITE> <T verse>+
  19B  Spare it not_
  20B The Duke has more, coz. Eat now.<S PALAMON> Yes.<T dsd> {Palamon         +
  20B eats}<S ARCITE> <T verse> I am glad
  21B You have so good a stomach.<S PALAMON> I am gladder
  22B I have so good meat to 't.<S ARCITE> Is 't not mad, lodging
  23B Here in the wild woods, cousin?<S PALAMON> Yes, for them
  24B That have wild consciences.<S ARCITE> How tastes your victuals?
  25B Your hunger needs no sauce, I see.<S PALAMON> Not much.
  26  But if it did, yours is too tart, sweet cousin.
  27B What is this?<S ARCITE> Venison.<S PALAMON> 'Tis a lusty meat_
  28  Give me more wine. Here, Arcite, to the wenches
  29  We have known in our days.<T asd> {[Drinking]}<T verse> The lord         +
  29  steward's daughter.
  30B Do you remember her?<S ARCITE> After you, coz.
  31B <S PALAMON> She loved a black-haired man.<S ARCITE> She did so; well,    +
  31B sir.
  32  <S PALAMON> And I have heard some call him Arcite, and_
  33B <S ARCITE> Out with 't, faith.<S PALAMON> She met him in an arbour_
  34  What did she there, coz? Play o' th' virginals?
  35B <S ARCITE> Something she did, sir_<S PALAMON> Made her groan a month     +
  35B for 't_
  36B Or two, or three, or ten.<S ARCITE> The marshal's sister
  37  Had her share too, as I remember, cousin,
  38B Else there be tales abroad. You'll pledge her?<S PALAMON> Yes.<T dsd>    +
  38B {[They drink]}
  39  <S ARCITE> <T verse> A pretty brown wench 'tis. There was a time
  40  When young men went a-hunting, and a wood,
  41  And a broad beech, and thereby hangs a tale_
  42B Heigh-ho!<S PALAMON> For Emily, upon my life! Fool,
  43  Away with this strained mirth. I say again,
  44  That sigh was breathed for Emily. Base cousin,
  45B Dar'st thou break first?<S ARCITE> You are wide.<S PALAMON> By heaven    +
  45B and earth,
  46B There's nothing in thee honest.<S ARCITE> Then I'll leave you_
  47B You are a beast now.<S PALAMON> As thou mak'st me, traitor.
  48  <S ARCITE> <T asd> {(pointing to the bundle)}<T verse> There's all       +
  48  things needful: files and shirts and perfumes_
  49  I'll come again some two hours hence and bring
  50B That that shall quiet all.<S PALAMON> A sword and armour.
  51  <S ARCITE> Fear me not. You are now too foul. Farewell.
  52B Get off your trinkets: you shall want naught.<S PALAMON> Sirrah_
  53B <S ARCITE> I'll hear no more.<T esd> {Exit}<S PALAMON> <T verse> If he   +
  53B keep touch, he dies for 't.<T esd> {Exit [as into the bush]}
   0  <Y 4> <T dsd> {Enter the Jailer's Daughter}
   1  <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> <T verse> I am very cold, and all the stars are    +
   1  out too,
   2  The little stars and all, that look like aglets_
   3  The sun has seen my folly. Palamon!
   4  Alas, no, he's in heaven. Where am I now?
   5  Yonder's the sea and there's a ship_how 't tumbles!
   6  And there's a rock lies watching under water_
   7  Now, now, it beats upon it_now, now, now,
   8  There's a leak sprung, a sound one_how they cry!
   9  Open her before the wind_you'll lose all else.
  10  Up with a course or two and tack about, boys.
  11  Good night, good night, you're gone. I am very hungry.
  12  Would I could find a fine frog_he would tell me
  13  News from all parts o' th' world, then would I make
  14  A carrack of a cockle-shell, and sail
  15  By east and north-east to the King of Pygmies,
  16  For he tells fortunes rarely. Now my father,
  17  Twenty to one, is trussed up in a trice
  18  Tomorrow morning. I'll say never a word.
  19  <T asd> {(She sings)}<T verse> For I'll cut my green coat, a foot above  +
  19  my knee,
  20  And I'll clip my yellow locks, an inch below mine eye,
  21  Hey nonny, nonny, nonny,
  22  He s' buy me a white cut, forth for to ride,
  23  And I'll go seek him, through the world that is so wide,
  24  Hey nonny, nonny, nonny.
  25  O for a prick now, like a nightingale,
  26  To put my breast against. I shall sleep like a top else.<T esd> {Exit}
   0  <Y 5> <T dsd> {Enter Gerald (a schoolmaster), five Countrymen, one of    +
   0  whom is dressed as a Babion, five Wenches, and Timothy, a taborer. All   +
   0  are attired as morris dancers}
   1A <S SCHOOLMASTER> <T verse> Fie, fie,
   2  What tediosity and disinsanity
   3  Is here among ye! Have my rudiments
   4  Been laboured so long with ye, milked unto ye,
   5  And, by a figure, even the very plum-broth
   6  And marrow of my understanding laid upon ye?
   7  And do you still cry `where?" and `how?" and `wherefore?"
   8  You most coarse frieze capacities, ye jean judgements,
   9  Have I said, `thus let be", and `there let be",
  10  And `then let be", and no man understand me?
  11  {Proh deum, medius fidius}_ye are all dunces.
  12  Forwhy, here stand I. Here the Duke comes. There are you,
  13  Close in the thicket. The Duke appears. I meet him,
  14  And unto him I utter learne\d things
  15  And many figures. He hears, and nods, and hums,
  16  And then cries, `Rare!", and I go forward. At length
  17  I fling my cap up_mark there_then do you,
  18  As once did Meleager and the boar,
  19  Break comely out before him, like true lovers,
  20  Cast yourselves in a body decently,
  21  And sweetly, by a figure, trace and turn, boys.
  22  <S FIRST COUNTRYMAN> And sweetly we will do it, master Gerald.
  23  <S SECOND COUNTRYMAN> Draw up the company. Where's the taborer?
  24B <S THIRD COUNTRYMAN> Why, Timothy!<S TABORER> Here, my mad boys, have    +
  24B at ye!
  25B <S SCHOOLMASTER> But I say, where's these women?<S FOURTH COUNTRYMAN>    +
  25B Here's Friz and Madeline.
  26  <S SECOND COUNTRYMAN> And little Luce with the white legs, and bouncing  +
  26  Barbara.
  27  <S FIRST COUNTRYMAN> And freckled Nell, that never failed her master.
  28  <S SCHOOLMASTER> Where be your ribbons, maids? Swim with your bodies
  29  And carry it sweetly and deliverly,
  30  And now and then a favour and a frisk.
  31B <S NELL> Let us alone, sir.<S SCHOOLMASTER> Where's the rest o' th'      +
  31B music?
  32B <S THIRD COUNTRYMAN> Dispersed as you commanded.<S SCHOOLMASTER>         +
  32B Couple, then,
  33  And see what's wanting. Where's the babion?
  34  <T asd> {(To the Babion)}<T verse> My friend, carry your tail without    +
  34  offence
  35  Or scandal to the ladies; and be sure
  36  You tumble with audacity and manhood,
  37B And when you bark, do it with judgement.<S BABION> Yes, sir.
  38  <S SCHOOLMASTER> {Quousque tandem?} Here is a woman wanting!
  39  <S FOURTH COUNTRYMAN> We may go whistle_all the fat's i' th' fire.
  40A <S SCHOOLMASTER> We have,
  41  As learne\d authors utter, washed a tile;
  42  We have been {fatuus}, and laboured vainly.
  43  <S SECOND COUNTRYMAN> This is that scornful piece, that scurvy hilding
  44  That gave her promise faithfully she would be here_
  45  Cicely, the seamstress' daughter.
  46  The next gloves that I give her shall be dogskin.
  47  Nay, an she fail me once_you can tell, Arcas,
  48  She swore by wine and bread she would not break.
  49A <S SCHOOLMASTER> An eel and woman,
  50  A learne\d poet says, unless by th' tail
  51  And with thy teeth thou hold, will either fail_
  52  In manners this was false position.
  53B <S FIRST COUNTRYMAN> A fire-ill take her! Does she flinch now?           +
  53B <S THIRD COUNTRYMAN> What
  54B Shall we determine, sir?<S SCHOOLMASTER> Nothing;
  55  Our business is become a nullity,
  56  Yea, and a woeful and a piteous nullity.
  57  <S FOURTH COUNTRYMAN> Now, when the credit of our town lay on it,
  58  Now to be frampold, now to piss o' th' nettle!
  59  Go thy ways_I'll remember thee, I'll fit thee!<T dsd> {Enter the         +
  59  Jailer's Daughter}
  60  <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> <T asd> {(sings)}<T song> The {George Alow} came   +
  60  from the south,
  61  From the coast of Barbary-a;
  62  And there he met with brave gallants of war,
  63  By one, by two, by three-a.
  64  `Well hailed, well hailed, you jolly gallants,
  65  And whither now are you bound-a?
  66  O let me have your company
  67  Till I come to the sound-a."
  68  <T verse> There was three fools fell out about an owlet_
  69  <T song> The one he said it was an owl,
  70  The other he said nay,
  71  The third he said it was a hawk,
  72  And her bells were cut away.
  73  <S THIRD COUNTRYMAN> <T verse> There's a dainty madwoman, master,
  74  Comes i' th' nick, as mad as a March hare.
  75  If we can get her dance, we are made again.
  76  I warrant her, she'll do the rarest gambols.
  77  <S FIRST COUNTRYMAN> A madwoman? We are made, boys.
  78B <S SCHOOLMASTER> <T asd> {(to the Jailer's Daughter)}<T verse> And are   +
  78B you mad, good woman?<S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> I would be sorry else.
  79B Give me your hand.<S SCHOOLMASTER> Why?<S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> I can tell  +
  79B your fortune.<T dsd> {[She examines his hand]}
  80  <T verse> You are a fool. Tell ten_I have posed him. Buzz!
  81  Friend, you must eat no white bread_if you do,
  82  Your teeth will bleed extremely. Shall we dance, ho?
  83  I know you_you're a tinker. Sirrah tinker,
  84B Stop no more holes but what you should.<S SCHOOLMASTER> {Dii boni}_
  85B A tinker, damsel?<S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> Or a conjurer_
  86  Raise me a devil now and let him play
  87B {Qui passa} o' th' bells and bones.<S SCHOOLMASTER> Go, take her,
  88  And fluently persuade her to a peace.
  89  {Et opus exegi, quod nec Iovis ira, nec ignis}_
  90B Strike up, and lead her in.<S SECOND COUNTRYMAN> Come, lass, let's trip  +
  90B it.
  91A <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> I'll lead.
  92A <S THIRD COUNTRYMAN> Do, do.
  93B <S SCHOOLMASTER> Persuasively and cunningly_<T dsd> {Wind horns          +
  93B within}<T verse> away, boys,
  94  I hear the horns. Give me some meditation,
  95B And mark your cue.<T esd> {Exeunt all but Gerald the                     +
  95B Schoolmaster}<T verse> Pallas inspire me.<T dsd> {Enter Theseus,         +
  95B Pirithous, Hippolyta, Emilia, Arcite, and train}
  96A <S THESEUS> <T verse> This way the stag took.
  97A <S SCHOOLMASTER> Stay and edify.
  98A <S THESEUS> What have we here?
  99  <S PIRITHOUS> Some country sport, upon my life, sir.
 100  <S THESEUS> <T asd> {(to the Schoolmaster)}<T verse> Well, sir, go       +
 100  forward_we will edify.
 101  Ladies, sit down_we'll stay it.<T dsd> {They sit: [Theseus] in a chair,  +
 101  the others on stools}
 102  <S SCHOOLMASTER> <T verse> Thou doughty Duke, all hail! All hail, sweet  +
 102  ladies.
 103A <S THESEUS> This is a cold beginning.
 104  <S SCHOOLMASTER> If you but favour, our country pastime made is.
 105  We are a few of those collected here,
 106  That ruder tongues distinguish `villager";
 107  And to say verity, and not to fable,
 108  We are a merry rout, or else a rabble,
 109  Or company, or, by a figure, chorus,
 110  That fore thy dignity will dance a morris.
 111  And I, that am the rectifier of all,
 112  By title {pedagogus}, that let fall
 113  The birch upon the breeches of the small ones,
 114  And humble with a ferula the tall ones,
 115  Do here present this machine, or this frame;
 116  And dainty Duke, whose doughty dismal fame
 117  From Dis to Daedalus, from post to pillar,
 118  Is blown abroad, help me, thy poor well-willer,
 119  And with thy twinkling eyes, look right and straight
 120  Upon this mighty `Moor"_of mickle weight_
 121  `Ice" now comes in, which, being glued together,
 122  Makes `morris", and the cause that we came hither.
 123  The body of our sport, of no small study,
 124  I first appear, though rude, and raw, and muddy,
 125  To speak, before thy noble grace, this tenor
 126  At whose great feet I offer up my penner.
 127  The next, the Lord of May and Lady bright;
 128  The Chambermaid and Servingman, by night
 129  That seek out silent hanging; then mine Host
 130  And his fat Spouse, that welcomes, to their cost,
 131  The galle\d traveller, and with a beck'ning
 132  Informs the tapster to inflame the reck'ning;
 133  Then the beest-eating Clown; and next, the Fool;
 134  The babion with long tail and eke long tool,
 135  {Cum multis aliis} that make a dance_
 136  Say `ay", and all shall presently advance.
 137B <S THESEUS> Ay, ay, by any means, dear dominie.<S PIRITHOUS> Produce.
 138  <S SCHOOLMASTER> <T asd> {(knocks for the dance)}<T verse> {Intrate      +
 138  filii}, come forth and foot it.<T dsd> {[He flings up his cap.] Music.}
 139  {[The Schoolmaster ushers in May Lord, May Lady. Servingman,             +
 139  Chambermaid. A Country Clown, or Shepherd, Country Wench. An Host,       +
 139  Hostess. A He-babion, She-babion. A He-fool, The Jailer's Daughter       +
 139  as She-fool. All these persons apparelled to the life, the men           +
 139  issuing out of one door and the wenches from the other. They dance a     +
 139  morris]}<T song> Ladies, if we have been merry,
 140  And have pleased ye with a derry,
 141  And a derry, and a down,
 142  Say the schoolmaster's no clown.
 143  Duke, if we have pleased thee too,
 144  And have done as good boys should do,
 145  Give us but a tree or twain
 146  For a maypole, and again,
 147  Ere another year run out,
 148  We'll make thee laugh, and all this rout.
 149  <S THESEUS> <T verse> Take twenty, dominie.<T asd> {(To                  +
 149  Hippolyta)}<T verse> How does my sweetheart?
 150B <S HIPPOLYTA> Never so pleased, sir.<S EMILIA> 'Twas an excellent        +
 150B dance,
 151  And for a preface, I never heard a better.
 152  <S THESEUS> Schoolmaster, I thank you. One see 'em all rewarded.
 153  <S PIRITHOUS> And here's something to paint your pole withal.<T dsd>     +
 153  {He gives them money}
 154A <S THESEUS> <T verse> Now to our sports again.
 155  <S SCHOOLMASTER> <T song> May the stag thou hunt'st stand long,
 156  And thy dogs be swift and strong;
 157  May they kill him without lets,
 158  And the ladies eat his dowsets.<T esd> {Exeunt Theseus and train. Wind   +
 158  horns within}
 159  <T verse> Come, we are all made. {Dii deaeque omnes},
 160  Ye have danced rarely, wenches.<T esd> {Exeunt}
   0  <Y 6> <T dsd> {Enter Palamon from the bush}
   1  <S PALAMON> <T verse> About this hour my cousin gave his faith
   2  To visit me again, and with him bring
   3  Two swords and two good armours; if he fail,
   4  He's neither man nor soldier. When he left me,
   5  I did not think a week could have restored
   6  My lost strength to me, I was grown so low
   7  And crest-fall'n with my wants. I thank thee, Arcite,
   8  Thou art yet a fair foe, and I feel myself,
   9  With this refreshing, able once again
  10  To out-dure danger. To delay it longer
  11  Would make the world think, when it comes to hearing,
  12  That I lay fatting, like a swine, to fight,
  13  And not a soldier. Therefore this blest morning
  14  Shall be the last; and that sword he refuses,
  15  If it but hold, I kill him with; 'tis justice.
  16B So, love and fortune for me!<T dsd> {Enter Arcite with two armours and   +
  16B two swords}<T verse> O, good morrow.
  17B <S ARCITE> Good morrow, noble kinsman.<S PALAMON> I have put you
  18B To too much pains, sir.<S ARCITE> That too much, fair cousin,
  19  Is but a debt to honour, and my duty.
  20  <S PALAMON> Would you were so in all, sir_I could wish ye
  21  As kind a kinsman, as you force me find
  22  A beneficial foe, that my embraces
  23B Might thank ye, not my blows.<S ARCITE> I shall think either,
  24B Well done, a noble recompense.<S PALAMON> Then I shall quit you.
  25  <S ARCITE> Defy me in these fair terms, and you show
  26  More than a mistress to me_no more anger,
  27  As you love anything that's honourable.
  28  We were not bred to talk, man. When we are armed
  29  And both upon our guards, then let our fury,
  30  Like meeting of two tides, fly strongly from us;
  31  And then to whom the birthright of this beauty
  32  Truly pertains_without upbraidings, scorns,
  33  Despisings of our persons, and such poutings
  34  Fitter for girls and schoolboys_will be seen,
  35  And quickly, yours or mine. Will 't please you arm, sir?
  36  Or, if you feel yourself not fitting yet,
  37  And furnished with your old strength, I'll stay, cousin,
  38  And every day discourse you into health,
  39  As I am spared. Your person I am friends with,
  40  And I could wish I had not said I loved her,
  41  Though I had died; but loving such a lady,
  42  And justifying my love, I must not fly from 't.
  43  <S PALAMON> Arcite, thou art so brave an enemy
  44  That no man but thy cousin's fit to kill thee.
  45B I am well and lusty_choose your arms.<S ARCITE> Choose you, sir.
  46  <S PALAMON> Wilt thou exceed in all, or dost thou do it
  47B To make me spare thee?<S ARCITE> If you think so, cousin,
  48  You are deceived, for as I am a soldier,
  49B I will not spare you.<S PALAMON> That's well said.<S ARCITE> You'll      +
  49B find it.
  50  <S PALAMON> Then as I am an honest man, and love
  51  With all the justice of affection,
  52B I'll pay thee soundly.<T dsd> {He chooses one armour}<T verse> This      +
  52B I'll take.<S ARCITE> <T asd> {(indicating the remaining                  +
  52B armour)}<T verse> That's mine, then.
  53B I'll arm you first.<S PALAMON> Do.<T dsd> {Arcite arms Palamon}<T verse>+
  53B  Pray thee tell me, cousin,
  54B Where gott'st thou this good armour?<S ARCITE> 'Tis the Duke's,
  55B And to say true, I stole it. Do I pinch you?<S PALAMON> No.
  56B <S ARCITE> Is 't not too heavy?<S PALAMON> I have worn a lighter_
  57B But I shall make it serve.<S ARCITE> I'll buckle 't close.
  58B <S PALAMON> By any means.<S ARCITE> You care not for a grand guard?
  59  <S PALAMON> No, no, we'll use no horses. I perceive
  60B You would fain be at that fight.<S ARCITE> I am indifferent.
  61  <S PALAMON> Faith, so am I. Good cousin, thrust the buckle
  62B Through far enough.<S ARCITE> I warrant you.<S PALAMON> My casque now.
  63B <S ARCITE> Will you fight bare-armed?<S PALAMON> We shall be the         +
  63B nimbler.
  64  <S ARCITE> But use your gauntlets, though_those are o' th' least.
  65B Prithee take mine, good cousin.<S PALAMON> Thank you, Arcite.
  66  How do I look? Am I fall'n much away?
  67  <S ARCITE> Faith, very little_love has used you kindly.
  68B <S PALAMON> I'll warrant thee, I'll strike home.<S ARCITE> Do, and       +
  68B spare not_
  69B I'll give you cause, sweet cousin.<S PALAMON> Now to you, sir.<T dsd>    +
  69B {Palamon arms Arcite}
  70  <T verse> Methinks this armour's very like that, Arcite,
  71  Thou wor'st that day the three kings fell, but lighter.
  72  <S ARCITE> That was a very good one, and that day,
  73  I well remember, you outdid me, cousin.
  74  I never saw such valour. When you charged
  75  Upon the left wing of the enemy,
  76  I spurred hard to come up, and under me
  77B I had a right good horse.<S PALAMON> You had indeed_
  78B A bright bay, I remember.<S ARCITE> Yes. But all
  79  Was vainly laboured in me_you outwent me,
  80  Nor could my wishes reach you. Yet a little
  81B I did by imitation.<S PALAMON> More by virtue_
  82B You are modest, cousin.<S ARCITE> When I saw you charge first,
  83  Methought I heard a dreadful clap of thunder
  84B Break from the troop.<S PALAMON> But still before that flew
  85  The lightning of your valour. Stay a little,
  86B Is not this piece too strait?<S ARCITE> No, no, 'tis well.
  87  <S PALAMON> I would have nothing hurt thee but my sword_
  88B A bruise would be dishonour.<S ARCITE> Now I am perfect.
  89B <S PALAMON> Stand off, then.<S ARCITE> Take my sword; I hold it better.
  90  <S PALAMON> I thank ye. No, keep it_your life lies on it.
  91  Here's one_if it but hold, I ask no more
  92  For all my hopes. My cause and honour guard me.
  93B <S ARCITE> And me, my love.<T dsd> {They bow several ways, then advance  +
  93B and stand}<T verse> Is there aught else to say?
  94  <S PALAMON> This only, and no more. Thou art mine aunt's son,
  95  And that blood we desire to shed is mutual:
  96  In me, thine, and in thee, mine. My sword
  97  Is in my hand, and if thou kill'st me,
  98  The gods and I forgive thee. If there be
  99  A place prepared for those that sleep in honour,
 100  I wish his weary soul that falls may win it.
 101  Fight bravely, cousin. Give me thy noble hand.
 102  <S ARCITE> Here, Palamon. This hand shall never more
 103B Come near thee with such friendship.<S PALAMON> I commend thee.
 104  <S ARCITE> If I fall, curse me, and say I was a coward_
 105  For none but such dare die in these just trials.
 106B Once more farewell, my cousin.<S PALAMON> Farewell, Arcite.<T dsd>       +
 106B {Fight. Horns within; they stand}
 107B <S ARCITE> <T verse> Lo, cousin, lo, our folly has undone us.<S PALAMON>+
 107B  Why?
 108  <S ARCITE> This is the Duke a-hunting, as I told you.
 109  If we be found, we are wretched. O, retire,
 110  For honour's sake, and safely, presently,
 111  Into your bush again. Sir, we shall find
 112  Too many hours to die. In, gentle cousin_
 113  If you be seen, you perish instantly
 114  For breaking prison, and I, if you reveal me,
 115  For my contempt. Then all the world will scorn us,
 116  And say we had a noble difference,
 117B But base disposers of it.<S PALAMON> No, no, cousin,
 118  I will no more be hidden, nor put off
 119  This great adventure to a second trial.
 120  I know your cunning and I know your cause_
 121  He that faints now, shame take him! Put thyself
 122B Upon thy present guard_<S ARCITE> You are not mad?
 123  <S PALAMON> Or I will make th' advantage of this hour
 124  Mine own, and what to come shall threaten me
 125  I fear less than my fortune. Know, weak cousin,
 126  I love Emilia, and in that I'll bury
 127B Thee and all crosses else.<S ARCITE> Then come what can come,
 128  Thou shalt know, Palamon, I dare as well
 129  Die as discourse or sleep. Only this fears me,
 130  The law will have the honour of our ends.
 131B Have at thy life!<S PALAMON> Look to thine own well, Arcite!<T dsd>      +
 131B {They fight again.}
 132  {Horns. Enter Theseus, Hippolyta, Emilia, Pirithous, and train.          +
 132  [Theseus] separates Palamon and Arcite}<S THESEUS> <T verse> What        +
 132  ignorant and mad malicious traitors
 133  Are you, that 'gainst the tenor of my laws
 134  Are making battle, thus like knights appointed,
 135  Without my leave and officers of arms?
 136B By Castor, both shall die.<S PALAMON> Hold thy word, Theseus.
 137  We are certainly both traitors, both despisers
 138  Of thee and of thy goodness. I am Palamon,
 139  That cannot love thee, he that broke thy prison_
 140  Think well what that deserves. And this is Arcite;
 141  A bolder traitor never trod thy ground,
 142  A falser ne'er seemed friend. This is the man
 143  Was begged and banished; this is he contemns thee,
 144  And what thou dar'st do; and in this disguise,
 145  Against thine own edict, follows thy sister,
 146  That fortunate bright star, the fair Emilia,
 147  Whose servant_if there be a right in seeing
 148  And first bequeathing of the soul to_justly
 149  I am; and, which is more, dares think her his.
 150  This treachery, like a most trusty lover,
 151  I called him now to answer. If thou be'st
 152  As thou art spoken, great and virtuous,
 153  The true decider of all injuries,
 154  Say, `Fight again", and thou shalt see me, Theseus,
 155  Do such a justice thou thyself wilt envy.
 156B Then take my life_I'll woo thee to 't.<S PIRITHOUS> O heaven,
 157B What more than man is this!<S THESEUS> I have sworn.<S ARCITE> We seek   +
 157B not
 158  Thy breath of mercy, Theseus. 'Tis to me
 159  A thing as soon to die as thee to say it,
 160  And no more moved. Where this man calls me traitor
 161  Let me say thus much_if in love be treason,
 162  In service of so excellent a beauty,
 163  As I love most, and in that faith will perish,
 164  As I have brought my life here to confirm it,
 165  As I have served her truest, worthiest,
 166  As I dare kill this cousin that denies it,
 167  So let me be most traitor and ye please me.
 168  For scorning thy edict, Duke, ask that lady
 169  Why she is fair, and why her eyes command me
 170  Stay here to love her, and if she say, `Traitor",
 171  I am a villain fit to lie unburied.
 172  <S PALAMON> Thou shalt have pity of us both, O Theseus,
 173  If unto neither thou show mercy. Stop,
 174  As thou art just, thy noble ear against us;
 175  As thou art valiant, for thy cousin's soul,
 176  Whose twelve strong labours crown his memory,
 177  Let's die together, at one instant, Duke.
 178  Only a little let him fall before me,
 179  That I may tell my soul he shall not have her.
 180  <S THESEUS> I grant your wish; for to say true, your cousin
 181  Has ten times more offended, for I gave him
 182  More mercy than you found, sir, your offences
 183  Being no more than his. None here speak for 'em,
 184  For ere the sun set both shall sleep for ever.
 185  <S HIPPOLYTA> <T asd> {(to Emilia)}<T verse> Alas, the pity! Now or      +
 185  never, sister,
 186  Speak, not to be denied. That face of yours
 187  Will bear the curses else of after ages
 188B For these lost cousins.<S EMILIA> In my face, dear sister,
 189  I find no anger to 'em, nor no ruin.
 190  The misadventure of their own eyes kill 'em.
 191  Yet that I will be woman and have pity,<T dsd> {[She kneels]}
 192  <T verse> My knees shall grow to th' ground, but I'll get mercy.
 193  Help me, dear sister_in a deed so virtuous
 194  The powers of all women will be with us.<T dsd> {Hippolyta kneels}
 195B <T verse> Most royal brother_<S HIPPOLYTA> Sir, by our tie of marriage_
 196B <S EMILIA> By your own spotless honour_<S HIPPOLYTA> By that faith,
 197  That fair hand, and that honest heart you gave me_
 198  <S EMILIA> By that you would have pity in another,
 199B By your own virtues infinite_<S HIPPOLYTA> By valour,
 200  By all the chaste nights I have ever pleased you_
 201B <S THESEUS> These are strange conjurings.<S PIRITHOUS> Nay, then, I'll   +
 201B in too.<T dsd> {[He kneels]}
 202  <T verse> By all our friendship, sir, by all our dangers,
 203  By all you love most: wars, and this sweet lady_
 204  <S EMILIA> By that you would have trembled to deny
 205B A blushing maid_<S HIPPOLYTA> By your own eyes, by strength_
 206  In which you swore I went beyond all women,
 207  Almost all men_and yet I yielded, Theseus_
 208  <S PIRITHOUS> To crown all this, by your most noble soul,
 209  Which cannot want due mercy, I beg first_
 210B <S HIPPOLYTA> Next hear my prayers_<S EMILIA> Last let me entreat, sir_
 211B <S PIRITHOUS> For mercy.<S HIPPOLYTA> Mercy.<S EMILIA> Mercy on these    +
 211B princes.
 212  <S THESEUS> Ye make my faith reel. Say I felt
 213  Compassion to 'em both, how would you place it?<T dsd> {[They rise]}
 214  <S EMILIA> <T verse> Upon their lives_but with their banishments.
 215  <S THESEUS> You are a right woman, sister: you have pity,
 216  But want the understanding where to use it.
 217  If you desire their lives, invent a way
 218  Safer than banishment. Can these two live,
 219  And have the agony of love about 'em,
 220  And not kill one another? Every day
 221  They'd fight about you, hourly bring your honour
 222  In public question with their swords. Be wise, then,
 223  And here forget 'em. It concerns your credit
 224  And my oath equally. I have said_they die.
 225  Better they fall by th' law than one another.
 226B Bow not my honour.<S EMILIA> O my noble brother,
 227  That oath was rashly made, and in your anger.
 228  Your reason will not hold it. If such vows
 229  Stand for express will, all the world must perish.
 230  Beside, I have another oath 'gainst yours,
 231  Of more authority, I am sure more love_
 232  Not made in passion, neither, but good heed.
 233B <S THESEUS> What is it, sister?<S PIRITHOUS> <T asd> {(to                +
 233B Emilia)}<T verse> Urge it home, brave lady.
 234  <S EMILIA> That you would ne'er deny me anything
 235  Fit for my modest suit and your free granting.
 236  I tie you to your word now; if ye fail in 't,
 237  Think how you maim your honour_
 238  For now I am set a-begging, sir. I am deaf
 239  To all but your compassion_how their lives
 240  Might breed the ruin of my name, opinion.
 241  Shall anything that loves me perish for me?
 242  That were a cruel wisdom: do men prune
 243  The straight young boughs that blush with thousand blossoms
 244  Because they may be rotten? O, Duke Theseus,
 245  The goodly mothers that have groaned for these,
 246  And all the longing maids that ever loved,
 247  If your vow stand, shall curse me and my beauty,
 248  And in their funeral songs for these two cousins
 249  Despise my cruelty and cry woe worth me,
 250  Till I am nothing but the scorn of women.
 251  For heaven's sake, save their lives and banish 'em.
 252B <S THESEUS> On what conditions?<S EMILIA> Swear 'em never more
 253  To make me their contention, or to know me,
 254  To tread upon thy dukedom; and to be,
 255  Wherever they shall travel, ever strangers
 256B To one another.<S PALAMON> I'll be cut a-pieces
 257  Before I take this oath_forget I love her?
 258  O all ye gods, despise me, then. Thy banishment
 259  I not mislike, so we may fairly carry
 260  Our swords and cause along_else, never trifle,
 261  But take our lives, Duke. I must love, and will;
 262  And for that love must and dare kill this cousin
 263B On any piece the earth has.<S THESEUS> Will you, Arcite,
 264B Take these conditions?<S PALAMON> He's a villain then.<S PIRITHOUS>      +
 264B These are men!
 265  <S ARCITE> No, never, Duke. 'Tis worse to me than begging,
 266  To take my life so basely. Though I think
 267  I never shall enjoy her, yet I'll preserve
 268  The honour of affection and die for her,
 269  Make death a devil.
 270  <S THESEUS> What may be done? For now I feel compassion.
 271B <S PIRITHOUS> Let it not fall again, sir.<S THESEUS> Say, Emilia,
 272  If one of them were dead_as one must_are you
 273  Content to take the other to your husband?
 274  They cannot both enjoy you. They are princes
 275  As goodly as your own eyes, and as noble
 276  As ever fame yet spoke of. Look upon 'em,
 277  And if you can love, end this difference.
 278  I give consent.<T asd> {(To Palamon and Arcite)}<T verse> Are you        +
 278  content too, princes?
 279B <S PALAMON {AND} ARCITE> With all our souls.<S THESEUS> He that she      +
 279B refuses
 280B Must die, then.<S PALAMON {AND} ARCITE> Any death thou canst invent,     +
 280B Duke.
 281  <S PALAMON> If I fall from that mouth, I fall with favour,
 282  And lovers yet unborn shall bless my ashes.
 283  <S ARCITE> If she refuse me, yet my grave will wed me,
 284B And soldiers sing my epitaph.<S THESEUS> <T asd> {(to Emilia)}<T verse>  +
 284B Make choice, then.
 285  <S EMILIA> I cannot, sir. They are both too excellent.
 286  For me, a hair shall never fall of these men.
 287B <S HIPPOLYTA> <T asd> {[to Theseus]}<T verse> What will become of        +
 287B 'em?<S THESEUS> Thus I ordain it,
 288  And by mine honour once again it stands,
 289  Or both shall die.<T asd> {(To Palamon and Arcite)}<T verse> You shall   +
 289  both to your country,
 290  And each within this month, accompanied
 291  With three fair knights, appear again in this place,
 292  In which I'll plant a pyramid; and whether,
 293  Before us that are here, can force his cousin,
 294  By fair and knightly strength, to touch the pillar,
 295  He shall enjoy her; the other lose his head,
 296  And all his friends; nor shall he grudge to fall,
 297  Nor think he dies with interest in this lady.
 298B Will this content ye?<S PALAMON> Yes. Here, cousin Arcite,
 299B I am friends again till that hour.<S ARCITE> I embrace ye.
 300B <S THESEUS> <T asd> {(to Emilia)}<T verse> Are you content,              +
 300B sister?<S EMILIA> Yes, I must, sir,
 301B Else both miscarry.<S THESEUS> <T asd> {(to Palamon and                  +
 301B Arcite)}<T verse> Come, shake hands again, then,
 302  And take heed, as you are gentlemen, this quarrel
 303  Sleep till the hour prefixed, and hold your course.
 304B <S PALAMON> We dare not fail thee, Theseus.<S THESEUS> Come, I'll give   +
 304B ye
 305  Now usage like to princes and to friends.
 306  When ye return, who wins I'll settle here,
 307  Who loses, yet I'll weep upon his bier.<T esd> {Exeunt. [In the          +
 307  act-time the bush is removed]}
 307  [[ACT INTERVAL]]
   0  <X 4> <Y 1> <T dsd> {Enter the Jailer and his Friend}
   1  <S JAILER> <T verse> Hear you no more? Was nothing said of me
   2  Concerning the escape of Palamon?
   3B Good sir, remember.<S FRIEND> Nothing that I heard,
   4  For I came home before the business
   5  Was fully ended. Yet I might perceive,
   6  Ere I departed, a great likelihood
   7  Of both their pardons: for Hippolyta
   8  And fair-eyed Emily upon their knees
   9  Begged with such handsome pity that the Duke,
  10  Methought, stood staggering whether he should follow
  11  His rash oath or the sweet compassion
  12  Of those two ladies; and to second them
  13  That truly noble prince, Pirithous_
  14  Half his own heart_set in too, that I hope
  15  All shall be well. Neither heard I one question
  16B Of your name or his scape.<T dsd> {Enter the Second Friend}<S JAILER>    +
  16B <T verse> Pray heaven it hold so.
  17  <S SECOND FRIEND> Be of good comfort, man. I bring you news,
  18B Good news.<S JAILER> They are welcome.<S SECOND FRIEND> Palamon has      +
  18B cleared you,
  19  And got your pardon, and discovered how
  20  And by whose means he scaped_which was your daughter's,
  21  Whose pardon is procured too; and the prisoner,
  22  Not to be held ungrateful to her goodness,
  23  Has given a sum of money to her marriage_
  24B A large one, I'll assure you.<S JAILER> Ye are a good man,
  25B And ever bring good news.<S FIRST FRIEND> How was it ended?
  26  <S SECOND FRIEND> Why, as it should be: they that ne'er begged,
  27  But they prevailed, had their suits fairly granted_
  28B The prisoners have their lives.<S FIRST FRIEND> I knew 'twould be so.
  29  <S SECOND FRIEND> But there be new conditions which you'll hear of
  30B At better time.<S JAILER> I hope they are good.<S SECOND FRIEND> They    +
  30B are honourable_
  31B How good they'll prove I know not.<T dsd> {Enter the Wooer}              +
  31B <S FIRST FRIEND> <T verse> 'Twill be known.
  32B <S WOOER> Alas, sir, where's your daughter?<S JAILER> Why do you ask?
  33B <S WOOER> O, sir, when did you see her?<S SECOND FRIEND> How he looks!
  34B <S JAILER> This morning.<S WOOER> Was she well? Was she in health?
  35B Sir, when did she sleep?<S FIRST FRIEND> These are strange questions.
  36  <S JAILER> I do not think she was very well: for now
  37  You make me mind her, but this very day
  38  I asked her questions and she answered me
  39  So far from what she was, so childishly,
  40  So sillily, as if she were a fool,
  41  An innocent_and I was very angry.
  42B But what of her, sir?<S WOOER> Nothing, but my pity_
  43  But you must know it, and as good by me
  44  As by another that less loves her_
  45B <S JAILER> Well, sir?<S FIRST FRIEND> Not right?<S WOOER> No, sir, not   +
  45B well.<S SECOND FRIEND> Not well?
  46B <S WOOER> 'Tis too true_she is mad.<S FIRST FRIEND> It cannot be.
  47B <S WOOER> Believe, you'll find it so.<S JAILER> I half suspected
  48  What you told me_the gods comfort her!
  49  Either this was her love to Palamon,
  50  Or fear of my miscarrying on his scape,
  51B Or both.<S WOOER> 'Tis likely.<S JAILER> But why all this haste, sir?
  52  <S WOOER> I'll tell you quickly. As I late was angling
  53  In the great lake that lies behind the palace,
  54  From the far shore, thick set with reeds and sedges,
  55  As patiently I was attending sport,
  56  I heard a voice_a shrill one_and attentive
  57  I gave my ear, when I might well perceive
  58  'Twas one that sung, and by the smallness of it
  59  A boy or woman. I then left my angle
  60  To his own skill, came near, but yet perceived not
  61  Who made the sound, the rushes and the reeds
  62  Had so encompassed it. I laid me down
  63  And listened to the words she sung, for then,
  64  Through a small glade cut by the fishermen,
  65B I saw it was your daughter.<S JAILER> Pray go on, sir.
  66  <S WOOER> She sung much, but no sense; only I heard her
  67  Repeat this often_`Palamon is gone,
  68  Is gone to th' wood to gather mulberries;
  69B I'll find him out tomorrow."<S FIRST FRIEND> Pretty soul!
  70  <S WOOER> `His shackles will betray him_he'll be taken,
  71  And what shall I do then? I'll bring a bevy,
  72  A hundred black-eyed maids that love as I do,
  73  With chaplets on their heads of daffodillies,
  74  With cherry lips and cheeks of damask roses,
  75  And all we'll dance an antic fore the Duke
  76  And beg his pardon." Then she talked of you, sir_
  77  That you must lose your head tomorrow morning,
  78  And she must gather flowers to bury you,
  79  And see the house made handsome. Then she sung
  80  Nothing but `willow, willow, willow", and between
  81  Ever was `Palamon, fair Palamon",
  82  And `Palamon was a tall young man". The place
  83  Was knee-deep where she sat; her careless tresses
  84  A wreath of bull-rush rounded; about her stuck
  85  Thousand freshwater flowers of several colours_
  86  That she appeared, methought, like the fair nymph
  87  That feeds the lake with waters, or as Iris
  88  Newly dropped down from heaven. Rings she made
  89  Of rushes that grew by, and to 'em spoke
  90  The prettiest posies_`Thus our true love's tied",
  91  `This you may lose, not me", and many a one.
  92  And then she wept, and sung again, and sighed_
  93  And with the same breath smiled and kissed her hand.
  94B <S SECOND FRIEND> Alas, what pity it is!<S WOOER> I made in to her:
  95  She saw me and straight sought the flood_I saved her,
  96  And set her safe to land, when presently
  97  She slipped away and to the city made,
  98  With such a cry and swiftness that, believe me,
  99  She left me far behind her. Three or four
 100  I saw from far off cross her_one of 'em
 101  I knew to be your brother, where she stayed
 102  And fell, scarce to be got away. I left them with her,<T dsd> {Enter     +
 102  the Jailer's Brother, the Jailer's Daughter, and others}
 103  <T verse> And hither came to tell you_here they are.
 104  <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> <T asd> {(sings)}<T verse> `May you never more     +
 104  enjoy the light . . ."_
 105B Is not this a fine song?<S JAILER'S BROTHER> O, a very fine one.
 106B <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> I can sing twenty more.<S JAILER'S BROTHER> I      +
 106B think you can.
 107  <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> Yes, truly can I_I can sing `The Broom"
 108  And `Bonny Robin"_are not you a tailor?
 109B <S JAILER'S BROTHER> Yes.<S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> Where's my wedding        +
 109B gown?<S JAILER'S BROTHER> I'll bring it tomorrow.
 110  <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> Do, very rarely_I must be abroad else,
 111  To call the maids and pay the minstrels,
 112  For I must lose my maidenhead by cocklight,
 113  'Twill never thrive else.<T asd> {(Sings)}<T verse> `O fair, O sweet .   +
 113  . ."
 114B <S JAILER'S BROTHER> <T asd> {[to the Jailer]}<T verse> You must e'en    +
 114B take it patiently.<S JAILER> 'Tis true.
 115  <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> Good ev'n, good men. Pray, did you ever hear
 116B Of one young Palamon?<S JAILER> Yes, wench, we know him.
 117B <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> Is 't not a fine young gentleman?<S JAILER> 'Tis,  +
 117B love.
 118  <S JAILER'S BROTHER> By no mean cross her, she is then distempered
 119B Far worse than now she shows.<S FIRST FRIEND> <T asd> {(to the Jailer's  +
 119B Daughter)}<T verse> Yes, he's a fine man.
 120B <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> O, is he so? You have a sister.<S FIRST FRIEND>    +
 120B Yes.
 121  <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> But she shall never have him, tell her so,
 122  For a trick that I know. You'd best look to her,
 123  For if she see him once, she's gone_she's done
 124  And undone in an hour. All the young maids
 125  Of our town are in love with him, but I laugh at 'em
 126B And let 'em all alone. Is 't not a wise course?<S FIRST FRIEND> Yes.
 127  <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> There is at least two hundred now with child by    +
 127  him,
 128  There must be four; yet I keep close for all this,
 129  Close as a cockle; and all these must be boys_
 130  He has the trick on 't_and at ten years old
 131  They must be all gelt for musicians
 132B And sing the wars of Theseus.<S SECOND FRIEND> This is strange.
 133B <S [JAILER'S BROTHER]> As ever you heard, but say nothing.               +
 133B <S FIRST FRIEND> No.
 134  <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> They come from all parts of the dukedom to him.
 135  I'll warrant ye, he had not so few last night
 136  As twenty to dispatch. He'll tickle 't up
 137B In two hours, if his hand be in.<S JAILER> She's lost
 138B Past all cure.<S JAILER'S BROTHER> Heaven forbid, man!
 139B <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> <T asd> {(to the Jailer)}<T verse> Come            +
 139B hither_you are a wise man.<S FIRST FRIEND> Does she know him?
 140B <S SECOND FRIEND> No_would she did.<S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> You are master  +
 140B of a ship?
 141B <S JAILER> Yes.<S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> Where's your compass?<S JAILER>     +
 141B Here.<S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> Set it to th' north.
 142  And now direct your course to th' wood where Palamon
 143  Lies longing for me. For the tackling,
 144  Let me alone. Come, weigh, my hearts, cheerly all.
 145  Uff, uff, uff! 'Tis up. The wind's fair. Top the bowline.
 146  Out with the mainsail. Where's your whistle, master?
 147A <S JAILER'S BROTHER> Let's get her in.
 148B <S JAILER> Up to the top, boy!<S JAILER'S BROTHER> Where's the           +
 148B pilot?<S FIRST FRIEND> Here.
 149B <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> What kenn'st thou?<S SECOND FRIEND> A fair         +
 149B wood.<S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> Bear for it, master.
 150  Tack about!
 151  <T asd> {(Sings)}<T verse> `When Cynthia with her borrowed               +
 151  light . . ."<T esd> {Exeunt}
   0  <A ?Fletcher>
   0  <Y 2> <T dsd> {[Enter Emilia, with two pictures]}
   1  <S EMILIA> <T verse> Yet I may bind those wounds up that must open
   2  And bleed to death for my sake else_I'll choose,
   3  And end their strife. Two such young handsome men
   4  Shall never fall for me; their weeping mothers
   5  Following the dead cold ashes of their sons,
   6  Shall never curse my cruelty. Good heaven,
   7  What a sweet face has Arcite! If wise nature,
   8  With all her best endowments, all those beauties
   9  She sows into the births of noble bodies,
  10  Were here a mortal woman and had in her
  11  The coy denials of young maids, yet doubtless
  12  She would run mad for this man. What an eye,
  13  Of what a fiery sparkle and quick sweetness
  14  Has this young prince! Here love himself sits smiling!
  15  Just such another wanton Ganymede
  16  Set Jove afire once, and enforced the god
  17  Snatch up the goodly boy and set him by him,
  18  A shining constellation. What a brow,
  19  Of what a spacious majesty, he carries!
  20  Arched like the great-eyed Juno's, but far sweeter,
  21  Smoother than Pelops' shoulder! Fame and honour,
  22  Methinks, from hence, as from a promontory
  23  Pointed in heaven, should clap their wings and sing
  24  To all the under world the loves and fights
  25  Of gods, and such men near 'em. Palamon
  26  Is but his foil; to him a mere dull shadow;
  27  He's swart and meagre, of an eye as heavy
  28  As if he had lost his mother; a still temper,
  29  No stirring in him, no alacrity,
  30  Of all this sprightly sharpness, not a smile.
  31  Yet these that we count errors may become him:
  32  Narcissus was a sad boy, but a heavenly.
  33  O, who can find the bent of woman's fancy?
  34  I am a fool, my reason is lost in me,
  35  I have no choice, and I have lied so lewdly
  36  That women ought to beat me. On my knees
  37  I ask thy pardon, Palamon, thou art alone
  38  And only beautiful, and these the eyes,
  39  These the bright lamps of beauty, that command
  40  And threaten love_and what young maid dare cross 'em?
  41  What a bold gravity, and yet inviting,
  42  Has this brown manly face? O, love, this only
  43  From this hour is complexion. Lie there, Arcite,
  44  Thou art a changeling to him, a mere gypsy,
  45  And this the noble body. I am sotted,
  46  Utterly lost_my virgin's faith has fled me.
  47  For if my brother, but even now, had asked me
  48  Whether I loved, I had run mad for Arcite;
  49  Now if my sister, more for Palamon.
  50  Stand both together. Now come ask me, brother_
  51  Alas, I know not; ask me now, sweet sister_
  52  I may go look. What a mere child is fancy,
  53  That having two fair gauds of equal sweetness,
  54  Cannot distinguish, but must cry for both!<T dsd> {[Enter a Gentleman]}
  55B <T verse> How now, sir?<S GENTLEMAN> From the noble Duke your brother,
  56  Madam, I bring you news. The knights are come.
  57B <S EMILIA> To end the quarrel?<S GENTLEMAN> Yes.<S EMILIA> Would I       +
  57B might end first!
  58  What sins have I committed, chaste Diana,
  59  That my unspotted youth must now be soiled
  60  With blood of princes, and my chastity
  61  Be made the altar where the lives of lovers_
  62  Two greater and two better never yet
  63  Made mothers joy_must be the sacrifice
  64B To my unhappy beauty?<T dsd> {Enter Theseus, Hippolyta, Pirithous, and   +
  64B attendants}<S THESEUS> <T verse> Bring 'em in
  65  Quickly, by any means, I long to see 'em.<T esd> {Exit one or more}
  66  <T asd> {(To Emilia)}<T verse> Your two contending lovers are returned,
  67  And with them their fair knights. Now, my fair sister,
  68B You must love one of them.<S EMILIA> I had rather both,
  69  So neither for my sake should fall untimely.<T dsd> {Enter a Messenger}
  70B <S THESEUS> <T verse> Who saw 'em?<S PIRITHOUS> I a while.<S GENTLEMAN>  +
  70B And I.
  71B <S THESEUS> <T asd> {(to the Messenger)}<T verse> From whence come you,  +
  71B sir?<S MESSENGER> From the knights.<S THESEUS> Pray speak,
  72B You that have seen them, what they are.<S MESSENGER> I will, sir,
  73  And truly what I think. Six braver spirits
  74  Than these they have brought, if we judge by the outside,
  75  I never saw nor read of. He that stands
  76  In the first place with Arcite, by his seeming,
  77  Should be a stout man; by his face, a prince.
  78  His very looks so say him: his complexion,
  79  Nearer a brown than black, stern and yet noble,
  80  Which shows him hardy, fearless, proud of dangers.
  81  The circles of his eyes show fire within him,
  82  And, as a heated lion, so he looks.
  83  His hair hangs long behind him, black and shining,
  84  Like ravens' wings. His shoulders, broad and strong;
  85  Armed long and round; and on his thigh a sword
  86  Hung by a curious baldric, when he frowns
  87  To seal his will with. Better, o' my conscience,
  88  Was never soldier's friend.
  89A <S THESEUS> Thou hast well described him.
  90A <S PIRITHOUS> Yet a great deal short,
  91  Methinks, of him that's first with Palamon.
  92B <S THESEUS> Pray speak him, friend.<S PIRITHOUS> I guess he is a prince  +
  92B too,
  93  And, if it may be, greater_for his show
  94  Has all the ornament of honour in 't.
  95  He's somewhat bigger than the knight he spoke of,
  96  But of a face far sweeter. His complexion
  97  Is as a ripe grape, ruddy. He has felt,
  98  Without doubt, what he fights for, and so apter
  99  To make this cause his own. In 's face appears
 100  All the fair hopes of what he undertakes,
 101  And when he's angry, then a settled valour,
 102  Not tainted with extremes, runs through his body
 103  And guides his arm to brave things. Fear he cannot_
 104  He shows no such soft temper. His head's yellow,
 105  Hard-haired and curled, thick twined: like ivy tods,
 106  Not to undo with thunder. In his face
 107  The livery of the warlike maid appears,
 108  Pure red and white_for yet no beard has blessed him_
 109  And in his rolling eyes sits victory,
 110  As if she ever meant to court his valour.
 111  His nose stands high, a character of honour;
 112  His red lips, after fights, are fit for ladies.
 113B <S EMILIA> Must these men die too?<S PIRITHOUS> When he speaks, his      +
 113B tongue
 114  Sounds like a trumpet. All his lineaments
 115  Are as a man would wish 'em_strong and clean.
 116  He wears a well-steeled axe, the staff of gold.
 117B His age, some five-and-twenty.<S MESSENGER> There's another_
 118  A little man, but of a tough soul, seeming
 119  As great as any. Fairer promises
 120  In such a body yet I never looked on.
 121B <S PIRITHOUS> O, he that's freckle-faced?<S MESSENGER> The same, my      +
 121B lord.
 122B Are they not sweet ones?<S PIRITHOUS> Yes, they are well.<S MESSENGER>   +
 122B Methinks,
 123  Being so few and well disposed, they show
 124  Great and fine art in nature. He's white-haired_
 125  Not wanton white, but such a manly colour
 126  Next to an auburn, tough and nimble set,
 127  Which shows an active soul. His arms are brawny,
 128  Lined with strong sinews_to the shoulder piece
 129  Gently they swell, like women new-conceived,
 130  Which speaks him prone to labour, never fainting
 131  Under the weight of arms; stout-hearted, still,
 132  But when he stirs, a tiger. He's grey-eyed,
 133  Which yields compassion where he conquers; sharp
 134  To spy advantages, and where he finds 'em,
 135  He's swift to make 'em his. He does no wrongs,
 136  Nor takes none. He's round-faced, and when he smiles
 137  He shows a lover; when he frowns, a soldier.
 138  About his head he wears the winner's oak,
 139  And in it stuck the favour of his lady.
 140  His age, some six-and-thirty. In his hand
 141  He bears a charging staff embossed with silver.
 142B <S THESEUS> Are they all thus?<S PIRITHOUS> They are all the sons of     +
 142B honour.
 143  <S THESEUS> Now as I have a soul, I long to see 'em.
 144B <T asd> {(To Hippolyta)}<T verse> Lady, you shall see men fight          +
 144B now.<S HIPPOLYTA> I wish it,
 145  But not the cause, my lord. They would show
 146  Bravely about the titles of two kingdoms_
 147  'Tis pity love should be so tyrannous.
 148  <T asd> {(To Emilia)}<T verse> O my soft-hearted sister, what think      +
 148  you?
 149  Weep not till they weep blood. Wench, it must be.
 150B <S THESEUS> <T asd> {(to Emilia)}<T verse> You have steeled 'em with     +
 150B your beauty.<T asd> {(To Pirithous)}<T verse> Honoured friend,
 151  To you I give the field: pray order it
 152B Fitting the persons that must use it.<S PIRITHOUS> Yes, sir.
 153  <S THESEUS> Come, I'll go visit 'em_I cannot stay,
 154  Their fame has fired me so. Till they appear,
 155B Good friend, be royal.<S PIRITHOUS> There shall want no bravery.
 156  <S EMILIA> <T asd> {[aside]}<T verse> Poor wench, go weep_for whosoever  +
 156  wins
 157  Loses a noble cousin for thy sins.<T esd> {Exeunt}
   0  <A Fletcher>
   0  <Y 3> <T dsd> {Enter the Jailer, the Wooer, and the Doctor}
   1  <S DOCTOR> <T prose> Her distraction is more at some time of the moon
   2  than at other some, is it not?
   3  <S JAILER> She is continually in a harmless distemper: sleeps
   4  little; altogether without appetite, save often drinking;
   5  dreaming of another world, and a better; and what
   6  broken piece of matter soe'er she's about, the name
   7  `Palamon" lards it, that she farces every business<T dsd> {Enter the     +
   7  Jailer's Daughter}
   8  <T prose> withal, fits it to every question. Look where she comes_
   9  you shall perceive her behaviour.<T dsd> {They stand apart}
  10  <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> <T prose> I have forgot it quite_the burden on 't
  11  was `Down-a, down-a", and penned by no worse man
  12  than Giraldo, Emilia's schoolmaster. He's as fantastical,
  13  too, as ever he may go upon 's legs_for in the next
  14  world will Dido see Palamon, and then will she be out
  15  of love with Aeneas.
  16  <S DOCTOR> What stuff's here? Poor soul.
  17  <S JAILER> E'en thus all day long.
  18  <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> Now for this charm that I told you
  19  of_you must bring a piece of silver on the tip of your
  20  tongue, or no ferry: then, if it be your chance to come
  21  where the blessed spirits are_there's a sight now! We
  22  maids that have our livers perished, cracked to pieces
  23  with love, we shall come there and do nothing all day
  24  long but pick flowers with Proserpine. Then will I make
  25  Palamon a nosegay, then let him mark me, then_
  26  <S DOCTOR> How prettily she's amiss! Note her a little further.
  27  <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> Faith, I'll tell you: sometime we go to
  28  barley-break, we of the blessed. Alas, 'tis a sore life
  29  they have i' th' other place_such burning, frying,
  30  boiling, hissing, howling, chattering, cursing_O they
  31  have shrewd measure_take heed! If one be mad or
  32  hang or drown themselves, thither they go, Jupiter
  33  bless us, and there shall we be put in a cauldron of
  34  lead and usurers' grease, amongst a whole million of
  35  cutpurses, and there boil like a gammon of bacon that
  36  will never be enough.
  37  <S DOCTOR> How her brain coins!
  38  <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> Lords and courtiers that have got
  39  maids with child_they are in this place. They shall
  40  stand in fire up to the navel and in ice up to th' heart,
  41  and there th' offending part burns, and the deceiving
  42  part freezes_in truth a very grievous punishment as
  43  one would think for such a trifle. Believe me, one would
  44  marry a leprous witch to be rid on 't, I'll assure you.
  45  <S DOCTOR> How she continues this fancy! 'Tis not an
  46  engrafted madness, but a most thick and profound
  47  melancholy.
  48  <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> To hear there a proud lady and a
  49  proud city wife howl together! I were a beast an I'd
  50  call it good sport. One cries, `O this smoke!", th' other,
  51  `This fire!"; one cries, `O that ever I did it behind the
  52  arras!", and then howls_th' other curses a suing fellow
  53  and her garden-house.
  54  <T asd> {(Sings)}<T verse> `I will be true, my stars, my                 +
  54  fate . . ."<T esd> {Exit Daughter}
  55  <S JAILER> <T asd> {(to the Doctor)}<T prose> What think you of her,     +
  55  sir?
  56  <S DOCTOR> I think she has a perturbed mind, which I cannot
  57  minister to.
  58  <S JAILER> Alas, what then?
  59  <S DOCTOR> Understand you she ever affected any man ere
  60  she beheld Palamon?
  61  <S JAILER> I was once, sir, in great hope she had fixed her
  62  liking on this gentleman, my friend.
  63  <S WOOER> I did think so too, and would account I had a
  64  great penn'orth on 't to give half my state that both
  65  she and I, at this present, stood unfeignedly on the
  66  same terms.
  67  <S DOCTOR> That intemperate surfeit of her eye hath distempered
  68  the other senses. They may return and settle
  69  again to execute their preordained faculties, but they
  70  are now in a most extravagant vagary. This you must
  71  do: confine her to a place where the light may rather
  72  seem to steal in than be permitted; take upon you,
  73  young sir her friend, the name of Palamon; say you
  74  come to eat with her and to commune of love. This
  75  will catch her attention, for this her mind beats upon_
  76  other objects that are inserted 'tween her mind and
  77  eye become the pranks and friskins of her madness.
  78  Sing to her such green songs of love as she says
  79  Palamon hath sung in prison; come to her stuck in as
  80  sweet flowers as the season is mistress of, and thereto
  81  make an addition of some other compounded odours
  82  which are grateful to the sense. All this shall become
  83  Palamon, for Palamon can sing, and Palamon is sweet
  84  and every good thing. Desire to eat with her, carve
  85  her, drink to her, and still among intermingle your
  86  petition of grace and acceptance into her favour. Learn
  87  what maids have been her companions and playferes,
  88  and let them repair to her, with Palamon in their
  89  mouths, and appear with tokens as if they suggested
  90  for him. It is a falsehood she is in, which is with
  91  falsehoods to be combated. This may bring her to eat,
  92  to sleep, and reduce what's now out of square in her
  93  into their former law and regiment. I have seen it
  94  approved, how many times I know not, but to make
  95  the number more I have great hope in this. I will
  96  between the passages of this project come in with my
  97  appliance. Let us put it in execution, and hasten the
  98  success, which doubt not will bring forth comfort.<T esd> {Exeunt}
  98  [[ACT INTERVALL]]
   0  <A ?Fletcher>
   0  <X 5> <Y 1> <T dsd> {[An altar prepared.] Flourish. Enter Theseus,       +
   0  Pirithous, Hippolyta, attendants}
   1  <S THESEUS> <T verse> Now let 'em enter and before the gods
   2  Tender their holy prayers. Let the temples
   3  Burn bright with sacred fires, and the altars
   4  In hallowed clouds commend their swelling incense
   5  To those above us. Let no due be wanting.<T dsd> {Flourish of cornetts}
   6  <T verse> They have a noble work in hand, will honour
   7B The very powers that love 'em.<T dsd> {Enter Palamon with his three      +
   7B Knights [at one door], and Arcite with his three Knights [at the         +
   7B other door]}<S PIRITHOUS> <T verse> Sir, they enter.
   8  <S THESEUS> You valiant and strong-hearted enemies,
   9  You royal german foes that this day come
  10  To blow that nearness out that flames between ye,
  11  Lay by your anger for an hour and, dove-like,
  12  Before the holy altars of your helpers,
  13  The all-feared gods, bow down your stubborn bodies.
  14  Your ire is more than mortal_so your help be;
  15  And as the gods regard ye, fight with justice.
  16  I'll leave you to your prayers, and betwixt ye
  17B I part my wishes.<S PIRITHOUS> Honour crown the worthiest.<T esd> {Exit  +
  17B Theseus and his train}
  18  <S PALAMON> <T asd> {(to Arcite)}<T verse> The glass is running now      +
  18  that cannot finish
  19  Till one of us expire. Think you but thus,
  20  That were there aught in me which strove to show
  21  Mine enemy in this business, were 't one eye
  22  Against another, arm oppressed by arm,
  23  I would destroy th' offender_coz, I would,
  24  Though parcel of myself. Then from this gather
  25B How I should tender you.<S ARCITE> I am in labour
  26  To push your name, your ancient love, our kindred,
  27  Out of my memory, and i' th' selfsame place
  28  To seat something I would confound. So hoist we
  29  The sails that must these vessels port even where
  30B The heavenly limiter pleases.<S PALAMON> You speak well.
  31  Before I turn, let me embrace thee, cousin_
  32B This I shall never do again.<S ARCITE> One farewell.
  33B <S PALAMON> Why, let it be so_farewell, coz.<S ARCITE> Farewell,         +
  33B sir.<T esd> {Exeunt Palamon and his three Knights}
  34  <A Shakespeare>
  34  <T verse> Knights, kinsmen, lovers_yea, my sacrifices,
  35  True worshippers of Mars, whose spirit in you
  36  Expels the seeds of fear and th' apprehension
  37  Which still is father of it, go with me
  38  Before the god of our profession. There
  39  Require of him the hearts of lions and
  40  The breath of tigers, yea, the fierceness too,
  41  Yea, the speed also_to go on, I mean,
  42  Else wish we to be snails. You know my prize
  43  Must be dragged out of blood_force and great feat
  44  Must put my garland on me, where she sticks,
  45  The queen of flowers. Our intercession, then,
  46  Must be to him that makes the camp a cistern
  47  Brimmed with the blood of men_give me your aid,
  48B And bend your spirits towards him.<T dsd> {They kneel before the altar,  +
  48B [fall on their faces, then on their knees again]}<T asd> {(Praying to    +
  48B Mars)}<T verse> Thou mighty one,
  49  That with thy power hast turned green Neptune into purple;
  50  Whose havoc in vast field comets prewarn,
  51  Unearthe\d skulls proclaim; whose breath blows down
  52  The teeming Ceres' foison; who dost pluck
  53  With hand armipotent from forth blue clouds
  54  The masoned turrets, that both mak'st and break'st
  55  The stony girths of cities; me thy pupil,
  56  Youngest follower of thy drum, instruct this day
  57  With military skill, that to thy laud
  58  I may advance my streamer, and by thee
  59  Be styled the lord o' th' day. Give me, great Mars,
  60  Some token of thy pleasure.<T dsd> {Here they fall on their faces, as    +
  60  formerly, and there is heard clanging of armour, with a short thunder,   +
  60  as the burst of a battle, whereupon they all rise and bow to the altar}
  61  <T verse> O great corrector of enormous times,
  62  Shaker of o'er-rank states, thou grand decider
  63  Of dusty and old titles, that heal'st with blood
  64  The earth when it is sick, and cur'st the world
  65  O' th' plurisy of people, I do take
  66  Thy signs auspiciously, and in thy name,
  67  To my design, march boldly.<T asd> {(To his Knights)}<T verse> Let us    +
  67  go.<T esd> {Exeunt}
   0  <Y 2> <T dsd> {Enter Palamon and his Knights with the former             +
   0  observance}
   1  <S PALAMON> <T asd> {(to his Knights)}<T verse> Our stars must glister   +
   1  with new fire, or be
   2  Today extinct. Our argument is love,
   3  Which if the goddess of it grant, she gives
   4  Victory too. Then blend your spirits with mine,
   5  You whose free nobleness do make my cause
   6  Your personal hazard. To the goddess Venus
   7  Commend we our proceeding, and implore
   8  Her power unto our party.<T dsd> {Here they kneel before the altar,      +
   8  [fall on their faces then on their knees again]}
   9  <T asd> {(Praying to Venus)}<T verse> Hail, sovereign queen of secrets,  +
   9  who hast power
  10  To call the fiercest tyrant from his rage
  11  And weep unto a girl; that hast the might,
  12  Even with an eye-glance, to choke Mars's drum
  13  And turn th' alarum to whispers; that canst make
  14  A cripple flourish with his crutch, and cure him
  15  Before Apollo; that mayst force the king
  16  To be his subject's vassal, and induce
  17  Stale gravity to dance; the polled bachelor
  18  Whose youth, like wanton boys through bonfires,
  19  Have skipped thy flame, at seventy thou canst catch
  20  And make him to the scorn of his hoarse throat
  21  Abuse young lays of love. What godlike power
  22  Hast thou not power upon? To Phoebus thou
  23  Add'st flames hotter than his_the heavenly fires
  24  Did scorch his mortal son, thine him. The huntress,
  25  All moist and cold, some say, began to throw
  26  Her bow away and sigh. Take to thy grace
  27  Me, thy vowed soldier, who do bear thy yoke
  28  As 'twere a wreath of roses, yet is heavier
  29  Than lead itself, stings more than nettles.
  30  I have never been foul-mouthed against thy law;
  31  Ne'er revealed secret, for I knew none; would not,
  32  Had I kenned all that were. I never practised
  33  Upon man's wife, nor would the libels read
  34  Of liberal wits. I never at great feasts
  35  Sought to betray a beauty, but have blushed
  36  At simp'ring sirs that did. I have been harsh
  37  To large confessors, and have hotly asked them
  38  If they had mothers_I had one, a woman,
  39  And women 'twere they wronged. I knew a man
  40  Of eighty winters, this I told them, who
  41  A lass of fourteen brided_'twas thy power
  42  To put life into dust. The age\d cramp
  43  Had screwed his square foot round,
  44  The gout had knit his fingers into knots,
  45  Torturing convulsions from his globy eyes
  46  Had almost drawn their spheres, that what was life
  47  In him seemed torture. This anatomy
  48  Had by his young fair fere a boy, and I
  49  Believed it was his, for she swore it was,
  50  And who would not believe her? Brief_I am
  51  To those that prate and have done, no companion;
  52  To those that boast and have not, a defier;
  53  To those that would and cannot, a rejoicer.
  54  Yea, him I do not love that tells close offices
  55  The foulest way, nor names concealments in
  56  The boldest language. Such a one I am,
  57  And vow that lover never yet made sigh
  58  Truer than I. O, then, most soft sweet goddess,
  59  Give me the victory of this question, which
  60  Is true love's merit, and bless me with a sign
  61  Of thy great pleasure.<T dsd> {Here music is heard, doves are seen to    +
  61  flutter. They fall again upon their faces, then on their knees}
  62  <T verse> O thou that from eleven to ninety reign'st
  63  In mortal bosoms, whose chase is this world
  64  And we in herds thy game, I give thee thanks
  65  For this fair token, which, being laid unto
  66  Mine innocent true heart, arms in assurance
  67  My body to this business.<T asd> {(To his Knights)}<T verse> Let us      +
  67  rise
  68B And bow before the goddess.<T dsd> {They rise and bow}<T verse> Time     +
  68B comes on.<T esd> {Exeunt}
   0  <Y 3> <T dsd> {Still music of recorders. Enter Emilia in white, her      +
   0  hair about her shoulders, with a wheaten wreath; one in white holding    +
   0  up her train, her hair stuck with flowers; one before her carrying a     +
   0  silver hind in which is conveyed incense and sweet odours, which being   +
   0  set upon the altar, her maids standing apart, she sets fire to it. Then  +
   0  they curtsy and kneel}
   1  <S EMILIA> <T asd> {(praying to Diana)}<T verse> O sacred, shadowy,      +
   1  cold, and constant queen,
   2  Abandoner of revels, mute contemplative,
   3  Sweet, solitary, white as chaste, and pure
   4  As wind-fanned snow, who to thy female knights
   5  Allow'st no more blood than will make a blush,
   6  Which is their order's robe: I here, thy priest,
   7  Am humbled fore thine altar. O, vouchsafe
   8  With that thy rare green eye, which never yet
   9  Beheld thing maculate, look on thy virgin;
  10  And, sacred silver mistress, lend thine ear_
  11  Which ne'er heard scurril term, into whose port
  12  Ne'er entered wanton sound_to my petition,
  13  Seasoned with holy fear. This is my last
  14  Of vestal office. I am bride-habited,
  15  But maiden-hearted. A husband I have 'pointed,
  16  But do not know him. Out of two, I should
  17  Choose one and pray for his success, but I
  18  Am guiltless of election. Of mine eyes
  19  Were I to lose one, they are equal precious_
  20  I could doom neither: that which perished should
  21  Go to 't unsentenced. Therefore, most modest queen,
  22  He of the two pretenders that best loves me
  23  And has the truest title in 't, let him
  24  Take off my wheaten garland, or else grant
  25  The file and quality I hold I may
  26  Continue in thy band.<T dsd> {Here the hind vanishes under the altar     +
  26  and in the place ascends a rose tree having one rose upon it}
  27  <T asd> {(To her women)}<T verse> See what our general of ebbs and       +
  27  flows
  28  Out from the bowels of her holy altar,
  29  With sacred act, advances_but one rose!
  30  If well inspired, this battle shall confound
  31  Both these brave knights, and I a virgin flower
  32  Must grow alone, unplucked.<T dsd> {Here is heard a sudden twang of      +
  32  instruments and the rose falls from the tree}
  33  <T verse> The flower is fall'n, the tree descends.<T asd> {(To           +
  33  Diana)}<T verse> O mistress,
  34  Thou here dischargest me_I shall be gathered.
  35  I think so, but I know not thine own will.
  36  Unclasp thy mystery.<T asd> {[To her women]}<T verse> I hope she's       +
  36  pleased;
  37  Her signs were gracious.<T esd> {They curtsy and exeunt}
   0  <A Fletcher>
   0  <Y 4> <T dsd> {Enter the Doctor, the Jailer, and the Wooer in the habit  +
   0  of Palamon}
   1  <S DOCTOR> <T prose> Has this advice I told you done any good upon
   2  her?
   3  <S WOOER> O, very much. The maids that kept her company
   4  have half persuaded her that I am Palamon. Within
   5  this half-hour she came smiling to me, and asked me
   6  what I would eat, and when I would kiss her.
   7  <T verse> I told her presently, and kissed her twice.
   8  <S DOCTOR> 'Twas well done_twenty times had been far better,
   9B For there the cure lies mainly.<S WOOER> Then she told me
  10  She would watch with me tonight, for well she knew
  11B What hour my fit would take me.<S DOCTOR> Let her do so,
  12  And when your fit comes, fit her home,
  13B And presently.<S WOOER> She would have me sing.
  14B <S DOCTOR> You did so?<S WOOER> No.<S DOCTOR> 'Twas very ill done,       +
  14B then.
  15B You should observe her every way.<S WOOER> Alas,
  16  I have no voice, sir, to confirm her that way.
  17  <S DOCTOR> That's all one, if ye make a noise.
  18  If she entreat again, do anything_
  19B Lie with her if she ask you.<S JAILER> Ho there, Doctor.
  20B <S DOCTOR> Yes, in the way of cure.<S JAILER> But first, by your leave,
  21B I' th' way of honesty.<S DOCTOR> That's but a niceness_
  22  Ne'er cast your child away for honesty.
  23  Cure her first this way, then if she will be honest,
  24B She has the path before her.<S JAILER> Thank ye, Doctor.
  25  <S DOCTOR> Pray bring her in and let's see how she is.
  26  <S JAILER> I will, and tell her her Palamon stays for her.
  27  But, Doctor, methinks you are i' th' wrong still.<T esd> {Exit Jailer}
  28  <S DOCTOR> <T verse> Go, go. You fathers are fine fools_her honesty?
  29  An we should give her physic till we find that_
  30  <S WOOER> Why, do you think she is not honest, sir?
  31B <S DOCTOR> How old is she?<S WOOER> She's eighteen.<S DOCTOR> She may    +
  31B be_
  32  But that's all one. 'Tis nothing to our purpose.
  33  Whate'er her father says, if you perceive
  34  Her mood inclining that way that I spoke of,
  35  {Videlicet}, the way of flesh_you have me?
  36B <S WOOER> Yes, very well, sir.<S DOCTOR> Please her appetite,
  37  And do it home_it cures her, {ipso facto},
  38  The melancholy humour that infects her.
  39A <S WOOER> I am of your mind, Doctor.<T dsd> {Enter the Jailer and his    +
  39A Daughter, [mad]}
  40  <S DOCTOR> <T verse> You'll find it so_she comes: pray humour            +
  40  her.<T dsd> {[The Doctor and the Wooer stand apart]}
  41  <S JAILER> <T asd> {(to his Daughter)}<T verse> Come, your love Palamon  +
  41  stays for you, child,
  42  And has done this long hour, to visit you.
  43  <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> I thank him for his gentle patience.
  44  He's a kind gentleman, and I am much bound to him.
  45B Did you ne'er see the horse he gave me?<S JAILER> Yes.
  46B <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> How do you like him?<S JAILER> He's a very fair    +
  46B one.
  47B <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> You never saw him dance?<S JAILER> No.             +
  47B <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> I have, often.
  48  He dances very finely, very comely,
  49  And, for a jig, come cut and long-tail to him,
  50B He turns ye like a top.<S JAILER> That's fine, indeed.
  51  <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> He'll dance the morris twenty mile an hour,
  52  And that will founder the best hobbyhorse,
  53  If I have any skill, in all the parish_
  54  And gallops to the tune of `Light o' love".
  55B What think you of this horse?<S JAILER> Having these virtues
  56  I think he might be brought to play at tennis.
  57B <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> Alas, that's nothing.<S JAILER> Can he write and   +
  57B read too?
  58  <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> A very fair hand, and casts himself th' accounts
  59  Of all his hay and provender. That ostler
  60  Must rise betime that cozens him. You know
  61B The chestnut mare the Duke has?<S JAILER> Very well.
  62  <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> She is horribly in love with him, poor beast,
  63  But he is like his master_coy and scornful.
  64B <S JAILER> What dowry has she?<S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> Some two hundred     +
  64B bottles
  65  And twenty strike of oats, but he'll ne'er have her.
  66  He lisps in 's neighing, able to entice
  67  A miller's mare. He'll be the death of her.
  68  <S DOCTOR> <T prose> What stuff she utters!
  69A <S JAILER> <T verse> Make curtsy_here your love comes.
  70A <S WOOER> <T asd> {(coming forward)}<T verse> Pretty soul,
  71B How do ye?<T dsd> {She curtsies}<T verse> That's a fine maid, there's a  +
  71B curtsy.
  72  <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> Yours to command, i' th' way of honesty_
  73  How far is 't now to th' end o' th' world, my masters?
  74B <S DOCTOR> Why, a day's journey, wench.<S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> <T asd>     +
  74B {(to Wooer)}<T verse> Will you go with me?
  75B <S WOOER> What shall we do there, wench?<S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> Why, play  +
  75B at stool-ball_
  76B What is there else to do?<S WOOER> I am content
  77B If we shall keep our wedding there.<S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> 'Tis true_
  78  For there, I will assure you, we shall find
  79  Some blind priest for the purpose that will venture
  80  To marry us, for here they are nice, and foolish.
  81  Besides, my father must be hanged tomorrow,
  82  And that would be a blot i' th' business.
  83B Are not you Palamon?<S WOOER> Do not you know me?
  84  <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> Yes, but you care not for me. I have nothing
  85  But this poor petticoat and two coarse smocks.
  86B <S WOOER> That's all one_I will have you.<S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> Will you  +
  86B surely?
  87B <S WOOER> Yes, by this fair hand, will I.<S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> We'll to  +
  87B bed then.
  88B <S WOOER> E'en when you will.<T dsd> {He kisses her}                     +
  88B <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> <T asd> {(rubbing off the kiss)}<T verse> O, sir,  +
  88B you would fain be nibbling.
  89B <S WOOER> Why do you rub my kiss off?<S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> 'Tis a sweet  +
  89B one,
  90  And will perfume me finely against the wedding.
  91B <T asd> {(Indicating the Doctor)}<T verse> Is not this your cousin       +
  91B Arcite?<S DOCTOR> Yes, sweetheart,
  92  And I am glad my cousin Palamon
  93B Has made so fair a choice.<S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> Do you think he'll have  +
  93B me?
  94B <S DOCTOR> Yes, without doubt.<S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> <T asd> {(to the     +
  94B Jailer)}<T verse> Do you think so too?<S JAILER> Yes.
  95  <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> We shall have many children.<T asd> {[To the       +
  95  Doctor]}<T verse> Lord, how you're grown!
  96  My Palamon, I hope, will grow too, finely,
  97  Now he's at liberty. Alas, poor chicken,
  98  He was kept down with hard meat and ill lodging,
  99  But I'll kiss him up again.<T dsd> {Enter a Messenger}
 100  <S MESSENGER> <T verse> What do you here? You'll lose the noblest sight
 101B That e'er was seen.<S JAILER> Are they i' th' field?<S MESSENGER> They   +
 101B are_
 102B You bear a charge there too.<S JAILER> I'll away straight.
 103B <T asd> {[To the others]}<T verse> I must e'en leave you here.<S DOCTOR>+
 103B  Nay, we'll go with you_
 104B I will not lose the sight.<S JAILER> How did you like her?
 105  <S DOCTOR> I'll warrant you, within these three or four days
 106B I'll make her right again.<T esd> {[Exit the Jailer with the             +
 106B Messenger]}<T asd> {(To the Wooer)}<T verse> You must not from her,
 107B But still preserve her in this way.<S WOOER> I will.
 108B <S DOCTOR> Let's get her in.<S WOOER> <T asd> {(to the Jailer's          +
 108B Daughter)}<T verse> Come, sweet, we'll go to dinner,
 109B And then we'll play at cards.<S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> And shall we kiss     +
 109B too?
 110B <S WOOER> A hundred times.<S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> And twenty.<S WOOER>     +
 110B Ay, and twenty.
 111B <S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> And then we'll sleep together.<S DOCTOR> <T asd>   +
 111B {(to the Wooer)}<T verse> Take her offer.
 112B <S WOOER> <T asd> {(to the Jailer's Daughter)}<T verse> Yes, marry,      +
 112B will we.<S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> But you shall not hurt me.
 113B <S WOOER> I will not, sweet.<S JAILER'S DAUGHTER> If you do, love, I'll  +
 113B cry.<T esd> {Exeunt}
   0  <A Shakespeare>
   0  <Y 5> <T dsd> {Flourish. Enter Theseus, Hippolyta, Emilia, Pirithous,    +
   0  and some attendants}
   1B <S EMILIA> <T verse> I'll no step further.<S PIRITHOUS> Will you lose    +
   1B this sight?
   2  <S EMILIA> I had rather see a wren hawk at a fly
   3  Than this decision. Every blow that falls
   4  Threats a brave life; each stroke laments
   5  The place whereon it falls, and sounds more like
   6  A bell than blade. I will stay here.
   7  It is enough my hearing shall be punished
   8  With what shall happen, 'gainst the which there is
   9  No deafing, but to hear; not taint mine eye
  10B With dread sights it may shun.<S PIRITHOUS> <T asd> {(to                 +
  10B Theseus)}<T verse> Sir, my good lord,
  11B Your sister will no further.<S THESEUS> O, she must.
  12  She shall see deeds of honour in their kind,
  13  Which sometime show well pencilled. Nature now
  14  Shall make and act the story, the belief
  15  Both sealed with eye and ear.<T asd> {(To Emilia)}<T verse> You must be  +
  15  present_
  16  You are the victor's meed, the price and garland
  17B To crown the question's title.<S EMILIA> Pardon me,
  18B If I were there I'd wink.<S THESEUS> You must be there_
  19  This trial is, as 'twere, i' th' night, and you
  20B The only star to shine.<S EMILIA> I am extinct.
  21  There is but envy in that light which shows
  22  The one the other. Darkness, which ever was
  23  The dam of horror, who does stand accursed
  24  Of many mortal millions, may even now,
  25  By casting her black mantle over both,
  26  That neither could find other, get herself
  27  Some part of a good name, and many a murder
  28B Set off whereto she's guilty.<S HIPPOLYTA> You must go.
  29B <S EMILIA> In faith, I will not.<S THESEUS> Why, the knights must        +
  29B kindle
  30  Their valour at your eye. Know, of this war
  31  You are the treasure, and must needs be by
  32B To give the service pay.<S EMILIA> Sir, pardon me_
  33  The title of a kingdom may be tried
  34B Out of itself.<S THESEUS> Well, well_then at your pleasure.
  35  Those that remain with you could wish their office
  36B To any of their enemies.<S HIPPOLYTA> Farewell, sister.
  37  I am like to know your husband fore yourself,
  38  By some small start of time. He whom the gods
  39  Do of the two know best, I pray them he
  40  Be made your lot.<T esd> {Exeunt all but Emilia}
  41  <T dsd> {[Emilia takes out two pictures, one from her right side, and    +
  41  one from her left]}<S EMILIA> <T verse> Arcite is gently visaged, yet    +
  41  his eye
  42  Is like an engine bent or a sharp weapon
  43  In a soft sheath. Mercy and manly courage
  44  Are bedfellows in his visage. Palamon
  45  Has a most menacing aspect. His brow
  46  Is graved and seems to bury what it frowns on,
  47  Yet sometime 'tis not so, but alters to
  48  The quality of his thoughts. Long time his eye
  49  Will dwell upon his object. Melancholy
  50  Becomes him nobly_so does Arcite's mirth.
  51  But Palamon's sadness is a kind of mirth,
  52  So mingled as if mirth did make him sad
  53  And sadness merry. Those darker humours that
  54  Stick misbecomingly on others, on them
  55  Live in fair dwelling.<T dsd> {Cornetts. Trumpets sound as to a charge}
  56  <T verse> Hark, how yon spurs to spirit do incite
  57  The princes to their proof. Arcite may win me,
  58  And yet may Palamon wound Arcite to
  59  The spoiling of his figure. O, what pity
  60  Enough for such a chance! If I were by
  61  I might do hurt, for they would glance their eyes
  62  Toward my seat, and in that motion might
  63  Omit a ward or forfeit an offence
  64  Which craved that very time. It is much better<T dsd> {Cornetts. A       +
  64  great cry and noise within, crying, `A Palamon"}
  65  <T verse> I am not there. O better never born,
  66B Than minister to such harm.<T dsd> {Enter Servant}<T verse> What is the  +
  66B chance?
  67A <S SERVANT> The cry's `A Palamon".
  68  <S EMILIA> Then he has won. 'Twas ever likely_
  69  He looked all grace and success, and he is
  70  Doubtless the prim'st of men. I prithee run
  71B And tell me how it goes.<T dsd> {Shout and cornetts, crying, `A          +
  71B Palamon"}<S SERVANT> <T verse> Still `Palamon".
  72B <S EMILIA> Run and enquire.<T esd> {Exit Servant}<T dsd> {[She speaks    +
  72B to the picture in her right hand]}<T verse> Poor servant, thou hast      +
  72B lost.
  73  Upon my right side still I wore thy picture,
  74  Palamon's on the left. Why so, I know not.
  75  I had no end in 't, else chance would have it so.<T dsd> {Another cry    +
  75  and shout within and cornetts}
  76  <T verse> On the sinister side the heart lies_Palamon
  77  Had the best-boding chance. This burst of clamour
  78  Is sure the end o' th' combat.<T dsd> {Enter Servant}
  79  <S SERVANT> <T verse> They said that Palamon had Arcite's body
  80  Within an inch o' th' pyramid_that the cry
  81  Was general `A Palamon". But anon
  82  Th' assistants made a brave redemption, and
  83  The two bold titlers at this instant are
  84B Hand to hand at it.<S EMILIA> Were they metamorphosed
  85  Both into one! O why? There were no woman
  86  Worth so composed a man: their single share,
  87  Their nobleness peculiar to them, gives
  88  The prejudice of disparity, value's shortness,
  89B To any lady breathing_<T dsd> {Cornetts. Cry within, `Arcite,            +
  89B Arcite"}<T verse> More exulting?
  90B `Palamon" still?<S SERVANT> Nay, now the sound is `Arcite".
  91  <S EMILIA> I prithee, lay attention to the cry.<T dsd> {Cornetts. A      +
  91  great shout and cry, `Arcite, victory!"}
  92B <T verse> Set both thine ears to th' business.<S SERVANT> The cry is
  93  `Arcite" and `Victory"_hark, `Arcite, victory!"
  94  The combat's consummation is proclaimed
  95B By the wind instruments.<S EMILIA> Half sights saw
  96  That Arcite was no babe. God's lid, his richness
  97  And costliness of spirit looked through him_it could
  98  No more be hid in him than fire in flax,
  99  Than humble banks can go to law with waters
 100  That drift winds force to raging. I did think
 101  Good Palamon would miscarry, yet I knew not
 102  Why I did think so. Our reasons are not prophets
 103  When oft our fancies are. They are coming off_
 104  Alas, poor Palamon.<T dsd> {[She puts away the pictures.]}
 105  {Cornetts. Enter Theseus, Hippolyta, Pirithous, Arcite as victor, and    +
 105  attendants}<S THESEUS> <T verse> Lo, where our sister is in              +
 105  expectation,
 106  Yet quaking and unsettled. Fairest Emily,
 107  The gods by their divine arbitrament
 108  Have given you this knight. He is a good one
 109  As ever struck at head.<T asd> {[To Arcite and Emilia]}<T verse> Give    +
 109  me your hands.
 110  <T asd> {(To Arcite)}<T verse> Receive you her,<T asd> {(to              +
 110  Emilia)}<T verse> you him:<T asd> {(to both)}<T verse> be plighted with
 111B A love that grows as you decay.<S ARCITE> Emilia,
 112  To buy you I have lost what's dearest to me
 113  Save what is bought, and yet I purchase cheaply
 114B As I do rate your value.<S THESEUS> <T asd> {(to Emilia)}<T verse> O     +
 114B love\d sister,
 115  He speaks now of as brave a knight as e'er
 116  Did spur a noble steed. Surely the gods
 117  Would have him die a bachelor lest his race
 118  Should show i' th' world too godlike. His behaviour
 119  So charmed me that, methought, Alcides was
 120  To him a sow of lead. If I could praise
 121  Each part of him to th' all I have spoke, your Arcite
 122  Did not lose by 't; for he that was thus good,
 123  Encountered yet his better. I have heard
 124  Two emulous Philomels beat the ear o' th' night
 125  With their contentious throats, now one the higher,
 126  Anon the other, then again the first,
 127  And by and by out-breasted, that the sense
 128  Could not be judge between 'em_so it fared
 129  Good space between these kinsmen, till heavens did
 130  Make hardly one the winner.<T asd> {(To Arcite)}<T verse> Wear the       +
 130  garland
 131  With joy that you have won._For the subdued,
 132  Give them our present justice, since I know
 133  Their lives but pinch 'em. Let it here be done.
 134  The scene's not for our seeing; go we hence
 135  Right joyful, with some sorrow.<T asd> {(To Arcite)}<T verse> Arm your   +
 135  prize;
 136  I know you will not lose her. Hippolyta,
 137  I see one eye of yours conceives a tear,
 138B The which it will deliver.<T dsd> {Flourish}<S EMILIA> <T verse> Is      +
 138B this winning?
 139  O all you heavenly powers, where is your mercy?
 140  But that your wills have said it must be so,
 141  And charge me live to comfort this unfriended,
 142  This miserable prince, that cuts away
 143  A life more worthy from him than all women,
 144B I should and would die too.<S HIPPOLYTA> Infinite pity
 145  That four such eyes should be so fixed on one
 146B That two must needs be blind for 't.<S THESEUS> So it is.<T esd>         +
 146B {Exeunt}
   0  <Y 6> <T dsd> {Enter, guarded, Palamon and his three Knights pinioned;   +
   0  enter with them the Jailer and an executioner with block and axe}
   1  <S PALAMON> <T verse> There's many a man alive that hath outlived
   2  The love o' th' people; yea, i' th' selfsame state
   3  Stands many a father with his child: some comfort
   4  We have by so considering. We expire,
   5  And not without men's pity; to live still,
   6  Have their good wishes. We prevent
   7  The loathsome misery of age, beguile
   8  The gout and rheum that in lag hours attend
   9  For grey approachers; we come towards the gods
  10  Young and unwappered, not halting under crimes
  11  Many and stale_that sure shall please the gods
  12  Sooner than such, to give us nectar with 'em,
  13  For we are more clear spirits. My dear kinsmen,
  14  Whose lives for this poor comfort are laid down,
  15B You have sold 'em too too cheap.<S FIRST KNIGHT> What ending could be
  16  Of more content? O'er us the victors have
  17  Fortune, whose title is as momentary
  18  As to us death is certain_a grain of honour
  19B They not o'erweigh us.<S SECOND KNIGHT> Let us bid farewell,
  20  And with our patience anger tott'ring fortune,
  21B Who at her certain'st reels.<S THIRD KNIGHT> Come, who begins?
  22  <S PALAMON> E'en he that led you to this banquet shall
  23  Taste to you all.<T asd> {(To the Jailer)}<T verse> Aha, my friend, my   +
  23  friend,
  24  Your gentle daughter gave me freedom once;
  25  You'll see 't done now for ever. Pray, how does she?
  26  I heard she was not well; her kind of ill
  27B Gave me some sorrow.<S JAILER> Sir, she's well restored
  28B And to be married shortly.<S PALAMON> By my short life,
  29  I am most glad on 't. 'Tis the latest thing
  30  I shall be glad of. Prithee, tell her so;
  31  Commend me to her, and to piece her portion
  32B Tender her this.<T dsd> {He gives his purse}<S FIRST KNIGHT> <T verse>   +
  32B Nay, let's be offerers all.
  33B <S SECOND KNIGHT> Is it a maid?<S PALAMON> Verily, I think so_
  34  A right good creature more to me deserving
  35B Than I can quit or speak of.<S ALL THREE KNIGHTS> Commend us to          +
  35B her.<T dsd> {They give their purses}
  36  <S JAILER> <T verse> The gods requite you all, and make her thankful.
  37  <S PALAMON> Adieu, and let my life be now as short
  38B As my leave-taking.<T dsd> {He lies on the block}<S FIRST KNIGHT>        +
  38B <T verse> Lead, courageous cousin.
  39A <S SECOND {AND} THIRD KNIGHTS> We'll follow cheerfully.<T dsd> {A great  +
  39A noise within: crying, `Run! Save! Hold!"}
  40A {Enter in haste a Messenger}<S MESSENGER> <T verse> Hold! Hold! O,       +
  40A hold! Hold! Hold!<T dsd> {Enter Pirithous in haste}
  41  <S PIRITHOUS> <T verse> Hold, ho! It is a curse\d haste you made
  42  If you have done so quickly! Noble Palamon,
  43  The gods will show their glory in a life
  44B That thou art yet to lead.<S PALAMON> Can that be,
  45  When Venus, I have said, is false? How do things fare?
  46  <S PIRITHOUS> Arise, great sir, and give the tidings ear
  47B That are most rarely sweet and bitter.<S PALAMON> What
  48B Hath waked us from our dream?<S PIRITHOUS> List, then: your cousin,
  49  Mounted upon a steed that Emily
  50  Did first bestow on him, a black one owing
  51  Not a hair-worth of white_which some will say
  52  Weakens his price and many will not buy
  53  His goodness with this note; which superstition
  54  Here finds allowance_on this horse is Arcite
  55  Trotting the stones of Athens, which the calkins
  56  Did rather tell than trample; for the horse
  57  Would make his length a mile, if 't pleased his rider
  58  To put pride in him. As he thus went counting
  59  The flinty pavement, dancing, as 'twere, to th' music
  60  His own hooves made_for, as they say, from iron
  61  Came music's origin_what envious flint,
  62  Cold as old Saturn and like him possessed
  63  With fire malevolent, darted a spark,
  64  Or what fierce sulphur else, to this end made,
  65  I comment not_the hot horse, hot as fire,
  66  Took toy at this and fell to what disorder
  67  His power could give his will; bounds; comes on end;
  68  Forgets school-doing, being therein trained
  69  And of kind mane\ge; pig-like he whines
  70  At the sharp rowel, which he frets at rather
  71  Than any jot obeys; seeks all foul means
  72  Of boist'rous and rough jad'ry to disseat
  73  His lord, that kept it bravely. When naught served,
  74  When neither curb would crack, girth break, nor diff'ring plunges
  75  Disroot his rider whence he grew, but that
  76  He kept him 'tween his legs, on his hind hooves_
  77  On end he stands_
  78  That Arcite's legs, being higher than his head,
  79  Seemed with strange art to hang. His victor's wreath
  80  Even then fell off his head; and presently
  81  Backward the jade comes o'er and his full poise
  82  Becomes the rider's load. Yet is he living;
  83  But such a vessel 'tis that floats but for
  84  The surge that next approaches. He much desires
  85  To have some speech with you_lo, he appears.<T dsd> {Enter Theseus,      +
  85  Hippolyta, Emilia, and Arcite in a chair borne by attendants}
  86  <S PALAMON> <T verse> O miserable end of our alliance!
  87  The gods are mighty. Arcite, if thy heart,
  88  Thy worthy manly heart, be yet unbroken,
  89  Give me thy last words. I am Palamon,
  90B One that yet loves thee dying.<S ARCITE> Take Emilia,
  91  And with her all the world's joy. Reach thy hand_
  92  Farewell_I have told my last hour. I was false,
  93  Yet never treacherous. Forgive me, cousin_
  94  One kiss from fair Emilia_<T asd> {(they kiss)}<T verse> 'tis done.
  95B Take her; I die.<T esd> {He dies}<S PALAMON> <T verse> Thy brave soul    +
  95B seek Elysium.
  96  <S EMILIA> <T asd> {(to Arcite's body)}<T verse> I'll close thine eyes,  +
  96  Prince. Blesse\d souls be with thee.
  97  Thou art a right good man, and, while I live,
  98B This day I give to tears.<S PALAMON> And I to honour.
  99  <S THESEUS> In this place first you fought, e'en very here
 100  I sundered you. Acknowledge to the gods
 101  Our thanks that you are living.
 102  His part is played, and, though it were too short,
 103  He did it well. Your day is lengthened and
 104  The blissful dew of heaven does arrouse you.
 105  The powerful Venus well hath graced her altar,
 106  And given you your love; our master, Mars,
 107  Hath vouched his oracle, and to Arcite gave
 108  The grace of the contention. So the deities
 109B Have showed due justice._Bear this hence.<T esd> {[Exeunt attendants     +
 109B with Arcite's body]}<S PALAMON> <T verse> O cousin,
 110  That we should things desire which do cost us
 111  The loss of our desire! That naught could buy
 112B Dear love, but loss of dear love!<S THESEUS> Never fortune
 113  Did play a subtler game_the conquered triumphs,
 114  The victor has the loss. Yet in the passage
 115  The gods have been most equal. Palamon,
 116  Your kinsman hath confessed the right o' th' lady
 117  Did lie in you, for you first saw her and
 118  Even then proclaimed your fancy. He restored her
 119  As your stol'n jewel, and desired your spirit
 120  To send him hence forgiven. The gods my justice
 121  Take from my hand, and they themselves become
 122  The executioners. Lead your lady off,
 123  And call your lovers from the stage of death,
 124  Whom I adopt my friends. A day or two
 125  Let us look sadly and give grace unto
 126  The funeral of Arcite, in whose end
 127  The visages of bridegrooms we'll put on
 128  And smile with Palamon, for whom an hour,
 129  But one hour since, I was as dearly sorry
 130  As glad of Arcite, and am now as glad
 131  As for him sorry. O you heavenly charmers,
 132  What things you make of us! For what we lack
 133  We laugh, for what we have, are sorry; still
 134  Are children in some kind. Let us be thankful
 135  For that which is, and with you leave dispute
 136  That are above our question. Let's go off
 137  And bear us like the time.<T esd> {Flourish. Exeunt}
   0  <A ?Fletcher>
   0  <X > <Y Ep> <T dsd> {Enter Epilogue}
   1  <S EPILOGUE> <T verse> I would now ask ye how ye like the play,
   2  But, as it is with schoolboys, cannot say.
   3  I am cruel fearful. Pray yet stay awhile,
   4  And let me look upon ye. No man smile?
   5  Then it goes hard, I see. He that has
   6  Loved a young handsome wench, then, show his face_
   7  'Tis strange if none be here_and, if he will,
   8  Against his conscience let him hiss and kill
   9  Our market. 'Tis in vain, I see, to stay ye.
  10  Have at the worst can come, then! Now, what say ye?
  11  And yet mistake me not_I am not bold_
  12  We have no such cause. If the tale we have told_
  13  For 'tis no other_any way content ye,
  14  For to that honest purpose it was meant ye,
  15  We have our end; and ye shall have ere long,
  16  I dare say, many a better to prolong
  17  Your old loves to us. We and all our might
  18  Rest at your service. Gentlemen, good night.<T esd> {Flourish. Exit}
      <T characters><X ><Y ><S ><A >
      ALL THREE KNIGHTS
      ALL THREE QUEENS
      ARCITE
      BABION
      BOY
      DOCTOR
      EMILIA
      EPILOGUE
      FIRST COUNTRYMAN
      FIRST FRIEND
      FIRST KNIGHT
      FIRST QUEEN
      FOURTH COUNTRYMAN
      FRIEND
      GENTLEMAN
      HERALD
      HIPPOLYTA
      JAILER
      JAILER'S BROTHER
      JAILER'S DAUGHTER
      MESSENGER
      NELL
      PALAMON
      PALAMON {AND} ARCITE
      PIRITHOUS
      PROLOGUE
      SCHOOLMASTER
      SECOND COUNTRYMAN
      SECOND FRIEND
      SECOND KNIGHT
      SECOND QUEEN
      SECOND {AND} THIRD KNIGHTS
      SERVANT
      TABORER
      THESEUS
      THIRD COUNTRYMAN
      THIRD KNIGHT
      THIRD QUEEN
      VALERIUS
      WOMAN
      WOOER
      [JAILER'S BROTHER]
      <A ><D ><H ><K ><O ><S ><T ><X ><Y >