第1章
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  THETWONOBLEKINSMEN:

  PresentedattheBlackfriersbytheKingsMaiestiesservants,withgreatapplause:

  WrittenbythememorableWorthiesoftheirtime;

  Mr。JohnFletcher,Gent。,andMr。WilliamShakspeare,Gent。

  ThePersonsrepresentedinthePlay。

  Hymen,Theseus,Hippolita,BridetoTheseusEmelia,SistertoTheseus[Emelia’sWoman],Nymphs,ThreeQueens,ThreevaliantKnights,Palamon,andArcite,ThetwoNobleKinsmen,inlovewithfairEmelia[Valerius],Perithous,[AHerald],[AGentleman],[AMessenger],[AServant],[Wooer],[Keeper],Jaylor,HisDaughter,inlovewithPalamon[Hisbrother],[ADoctor],[4]Countreymen,[2FriendsoftheJaylor],[3Knights],[Nel,andother]

  Wenches,ATaborer,Gerrold,ASchoolmaster。)

  PROLOGVE。

  [Florish。]

  NewPlayes,andMaydenheads,areneareakin,Muchfollow’dboth,forbothmuchmonyg’yn,Iftheystandsound,andwell:AndagoodPlay(WhosemodestSceanesblushonhismarriageday,Andshaketoloosehishonour)islikehirThatafterholyTyeandfirstnightsstirYetstillisModestie,andstillretainesMoreofthemaidtosight,thanHusbandspaines;

  WeprayourPlaymaybeso;ForIamsureIthasanobleBreeder,andapure,Alearned,andaPoetneverwentMorefamousyettwixtPoandsilverTrent:

  Chaucer(ofalladmir’d)theStorygives,ThereconstanttoEternityitlives。

  IfweletfalltheNoblenesseofthis,Andthefirstsoundthischildheare,beahisse,Howwillitshakethebonesofthatgoodman,Andmakehimcryfromunderground,’OfanFrommethewitleschaffeofsuchawrighterThatblastesmyBayes,andmyfam’dworkesmakeslighterThenRobinHood!’Thisisthefearewebring;

  FortosayTruth,itwereanendlessething,Andtooambitious,toaspiretohim,Weakeasweare,andalmostbreathlesseswimInthisdeepewater。DobutyouholdoutYourhelpinghands,andweshalltakeabout,Andsomethingdoetosaveus:YoushallheareSceanes,thoughbelowhisArt,mayyetappeareWorthtwohourestravell。Tohisbonessweetsleepe:

  Contenttoyou。IfthisplaydoenotkeepeAlittledulltimefromus,weperceaveOurlossesfallsothicke,wemustneedsleave。[Florish。]

  ActusPrimus。

  [Scaena1。](Athens。Beforeatemple。)

  [EnterHymenwithaTorchburning:aBoy,inawhiteRobebeforesinging,andstrewingFlowres:AfterHymen,aNimph,encompastinherTresses,bearingawheatenGarland。ThenTheseusbetweenetwootherNimphswithwheatenChapletsontheirheades。ThenHipolitatheBride,leadbyPirithous,andanotherholdingaGarlandoverherhead(herTresseslikewisehanging。)AfterherEmiliaholdingupherTraine。(ArtesiusandAttendants。)]

  TheSong,[Musike。]

  Rosestheirsharpespinesbeinggon,Notroyallintheirsmelsalone,Butintheirhew。

  MaidenPinckes,ofodourfaint,Daziessmel—lesse,yetmostquaintAndsweetTimetrue。

  Prim—rosefirstbornechildofVer,MerrySpringtimesHerbinger,Withherbelsdimme。

  Oxlips,intheirCradlesgrowing,Mary—golds,ondeathbedsblowing,Larkes—heelestrymme。

  Alldeerenatureschildrensweete,LyforeBrideandBridegroomesfeete,[StrewFlowers。]

  Blessingtheirsence。

  Notanangleoftheaire,Birdmelodious,orbirdfaire,Isabsenthence。

  TheCrow,theslaundrousCuckoe,norThebodingRaven,norChoughhoreNorchattringPie,MayonourBridehousepearchorsing,Orwiththemanydiscordbring,Butfromitfly。

  [Enter3。QueenesinBlacke,withvailesstaind,withimperiallCrownes。The1。QueenefalsdowneatthefooteofTheseus;The2。falsdowneatthefooteofHypolita。The3。beforeEmilia。]

  1。QUEEN。

  Forpittiessakeandtruegentilities,Heare,andrespectme。

  2。QUEEN。

  ForyourMotherssake,Andasyouwishyourwombmaythrivewithfaireones,Heareandrespectme。

  3。QUEEN

  NowfortheloveofhimwhomIovehathmarkdThehonourofyourBed,andforthesakeOfcleerevirginity,beAdvocateForus,andourdistresses。ThisgooddeedeShallrazeyououto’thBookeofTrespassesAllyouaresetdownethere。

  THESEUS。

  SadLady,rise。

  HIPPOLITA。

  Standup。

  EMILIA。

  Nokneestome。

  WhatwomanImaysteedthatisdistrest,Doesbindmetoher。

  THESEUS。

  What’syourrequest?Deliveryouforall。

  1。QUEEN。

  Weare3。Queenes,whoseSoveraignesfelbeforeThewrathofcruellCreon;whoenduredTheBeakesofRavens,TallentsoftheKights,AndpecksofCrowes,inthefowlefeildsofThebs。

  Hewillnotsufferustoburnetheirbones,Tournetheirashes,nortotaketh’offenceOfmortallloathsomenesfromtheblesteyeOfholyPhoebus,butinfectsthewindesWithstenchofourslaineLords。Opitty,Duke:

  Thoupurgeroftheearth,drawthyfeardSwordThatdoesgoodturnesto’thworld;giveustheBonesOfourdeadKings,thatwemayChappellthem;

  AndofthyboundlesgoodnestakesomenoteThatforourcrownedheadeswehavenoroofe,SavethiswhichistheLyons,andtheBeares,Andvaulttoeverything。

  THESEUS。

  Prayyou,kneelenot:

  IwastransportedwithyourSpeech,andsuffer’dYourkneestowrongthemselves;IhaveheardthefortunesOfyourdeadLords,whichgivesmesuchlamentingAswakesmyvengeance,andrevengefor’em,KingCapaneuswasyourLord:thedayThatheshouldmarryyou,atsuchaseason,Asnowitiswithme,ImetyourGroome,ByMarsisAltar;youwerethattimefaire,NotIunosMantlefairerthenyourTresses,Norinmorebountyspreadher。YourwheatenwreatheWasthennorthreashd,norblasted;FortuneatyouDimpledherCheekewithsmiles:Herculesourkinesman(Thenweakerthanyoureies)laidebyhisClub,HetumbleddowneuponhisNemeanhideAndsworehissinewsthawd:Ogreife,andtime,Fearefullconsumers,youwillalldevoure。

  1。QUEEN。

  O,IhopesomeGod,SomeGodhathputhismercyinyourmanhoodWheretoheelinfusepowre,andpresseyouforthOurundertaker。

  THESEUS。

  Onoknees,none,Widdow,VntotheHelmetedBelonausethem,AndprayformeyourSouldier。

  TroubledIam。[turnesaway。]

  2。QUEEN。

  HonouredHypolita,MostdreadedAmazonian,thathastslaineTheSith—tuskdBore;thatwiththyArmeasstrongAsitiswhite,wastneeretomakethemaleTothySexcaptive,butthatthisthyLord,BornetoupholdCreationinthathonourFirstnaturestildeitin,shrunketheeintoThebowndthouwastore—flowing,atoncesubduingThyforce,andthyaffection:SoldiresseThatequallycanstpoizesterneneswithpitty,WhomnowIknowhastmuchmorepoweronhimTheneverhehadonthee,whoow’sthisstrengthAndhisLovetoo,whoisaServantforTheTenourofthySpeech:DeereGlasseofLadies,Bidhimthatwe,whomflamingwardothscortch,VndertheshaddowofhisSwordmaycooleus:

  Requirehimheadvanceitoreourheades;

  Speak’tinawomanskey:likesuchawomanAsanyofusthree;weepeereyoufaile;

  Lendusaknee;

  ButtouchthegroundforusnolongertimeThenaDovesmotion,whenthehead’splucktoff:

  Tellhimifhei’thbloodcizdfieldlayswolne,ShowingtheSunhisTeeth,grinningattheMoone,Whatyouwoulddoe。

  HIPPOLITA。

  PooreLady,saynomore:

  IhadasleifetracethisgoodactionwithyouAsthatwheretoIamgoing,andneveryetWentIsowillingway。MyLordistakenHartdeepewithyourdistresse:Lethimconsider:

  Ilespeakeanon。

  3。QUEEN。

  Omypetitionwas[kneeletoEmilia。]

  Setdowneinyce,whichbyhotgreefeuncandiedMeltsintodrops,sosorrow,wantingforme,Isprestwithdeepermatter。

  EMILIA。

  Praystandup,Yourgreefeiswritteninyourcheeke。

  3。QUEEN。

  Owoe,Youcannotreadeitthere,therethroughmyteares——

  LikewrinckledpeoblesinaglassiestreameYoumaybehold’em。Lady,Lady,alacke,HethatwillalltheTreasureknowo’thearthMustknowtheCentertoo;hethatwillfishFormyleastminnow,lethimleadhislineTocatchoneatmyheart。Opardonme:

  Extremity,thatsharpenssundrywits,MakesmeaFoole。

  EMILIA。

  Prayyousaynothing,prayyou:

  Whocannotfeelenorseetheraine,beingin’t,Knowesneitherwetnordry:ifthatyouwereTheground—peeceofsomePainter,IwouldbuyyouT’instructmegainstaCapitallgreefeindeed——

  Suchheartpeirc’ddemonstration;but,alas,BeinganaturallSifterofourSexYoursorrowbeatessoardentlyuponme,ThatitshallmakeacounterreflectgainstMyBrothersheart,andwarmeittosomepitty,Thoughitweremadeofstone:pray,havegoodcomfort。

  THESEUS。

  Forwardto’thTemple,leavenotoutaIotO’thsacredCeremony。

  1。QUEEN。

  O,ThisCelebrationWilllonglast,andbemorecostlythenYourSuppliantswar:RememberthatyourFameKnowlesintheeareo’thworld:whatyoudoequicklyIsnotdonerashly;yourfirstthoughtismoreThenotherslabouredmeditance:yourpremeditatingMorethentheiractions:But,ohIove!youractions,Sooneastheymooves,asAsprayesdoethefish,Subduebeforetheytouch:thinke,deereDuke,thinkeWhatbedsourslaineKingshave。

  2。QUEEN。

  Whatgreifesourbeds,ThatourdeereLordshavenone。

  3。QUEEN。

  Nonefitfor’thdead:

  ThosethatwithCordes,Knives,dramsprecipitance,Wearyofthisworldslight,havetothemselvesBeenedeathesmosthorridAgents,humainegraceAffordsthemdustandshaddow。

  1。QUEEN。

  ButourLordsLyblistringforethevisitatingSunne,AndweregoodKings,whenliving。

  THESEUS。

  Itistrue,andIwillgiveyoucomfort,TogiveyourdeadLordsgraves:thewhichtodoe,MustmakesomeworkewithCreon。

  1。QUEEN。

  Andthatworkepresentsitselfeto’thdoing:

  Nowtwilltakeforme,theheatesaregonetomorrow。

  Then,bootelestoylemustrecompenceitselfeWithit’sownesweat;Nowhe’ssecure,NotdreameswestandbeforeyourpuissanceWrinchingourholybegginginoureyesTomakepetitioncleere。

  2。QUEEN。

  Nowyoumaytakehim,drunkewithhisvictory。

  3。QUEEN。

  AndhisArmyfullofBread,andsloth。

  THESEUS。

  Artesius,thatbestknowestHowtodrawoutfittothisenterpriseTheprim’stforthisproceeding,andthenumberTocarrysuchabusinesse,forthandlevyOurworthiestInstruments,whilstwedespatchThisgrandactofourlife,thisdaringdeedeOfFateinwedlocke。

  1。QUEEN。

  Dowagers,takehands;

  LetusbeWiddowestoourwoes:delayCommendsustoafamishinghope。

  ALL。

  Farewell。

  2。QUEEN。

  Wecomeunseasonably:ButwhencouldgreefeCullforth,asunpangedjudgementcan,fit’sttimeForbestsolicitation。

  THESEUS。

  Why,goodLadies,Thisisaservice,wheretoIamgoing,Greaterthenanywas;itmoreimportsmeThenalltheactionsthatIhaveforegone,Orfuturelycancope。

  1。QUEEN。

  ThemoreproclaimingOursuitshallbeneglected:whenherArmesAbletolockeIovefromaSynod,shallBywarrantingMoone—lightcorsletthee,oh,whenHertwyningCherriesshalltheirsweetnesfallVponthytastefulllips,whatwiltthouthinkeOfrottenKingsorblubberdQueenes,whatcareForwhatthoufeelstnot?whatthoufeelstbeingableTomakeMarsspurnehisDrom。O,ifthoucouchButonenightwithher,everyhowrein’twillTakehostageoftheeforahundred,andThoushaltremembernothingmorethenwhatThatBanketbidstheetoo。

  HIPPOLITA。

  Thoughmuchunlike[Kneeling。]

  Youshouldbesotransported,asmuchsorryIshouldbesuchaSuitour;yetIthinke,DidInotbyth’abstayningofmyjoy,Whichbreedsadeeperlonging,curetheirsurfeitThatcravesapresentmedcine,IshouldpluckeAllLadiesscandallonme。Therefore,Sir,AsIshallheremaketryallofmyprayres,Eitherpresumingthemtohavesomeforce,Orsentencingforaytheirvigourdombe:

  Proroguethisbusineswearegoingabout,andhangYourSheildaforeyourHeart,aboutthatneckeWhichismyffee,andwhichIfreelylendTodoethesepooreQueenesservice。

  ALLQUEENS。

  Ohhelpenow,OurCausecriesforyourknee。

  EMILIA。

  Ifyougrantnot[Kneeling。]

  MySisterherpetitioninthatforce,WiththatCelerityandnature,whichSheemakesitin,fromhenceforthilenotdareToaskeyouanything,norbesohardyEvertotakeaHusband。

  THESEUS。

  Praystandup。

  IamentreatingofmyselfetodoeThatwhichyoukneeletohaveme。Pyrithous,LeadeontheBride;getyouandpraytheGodsForsuccesse,andreturne;omitnotanythingInthepretendedCelebration。Queenes,FollowyourSoldier。Asbefore,henceyou[toArtesius]

  AndatthebanckesofAulismeeteuswithTheforcesyoucanraise,whereweshallfindeThemoytieofanumber,forabusinesMorebiggerlook’t。SincethatourTheameishaste,Istampthiskisseuponthycurrantlippe;

  Sweete,keepeitasmyToken。Setyouforward,ForIwillseeyougone。[ExeunttowardstheTemple。]

  Farewell,mybeauteousSister:Pyrithous,Keepethefeastfull,batenotanhowreon’t。

  PERITHOUS。

  Sir,Ilefollowyouatheeles;TheFeastssolempnityShallwanttillyourreturne。

  THESEUS。

  Cosen,IchargeyouBoudgenotfromAthens;WeshallbereturningEreyoucanendthisFeast,ofwhich,Iprayyou,Makenoabatement;oncemore,farewellall。

  1。QUEEN。

  Thusdo’stthoustillmakegoodthetongueo’thworld。

  2。QUEEN。

  AndearnstaDeityequalwithMars。

  3。QUEEN。

  Ifnotabovehim,forThoubeingbutmortallmakestaffectionsbendToGodlikehonours;theythemselves,somesay,GroneundersuchaMastry。

  THESEUS。

  Aswearemen,Thusshouldwedoe;beingsensuallysubdude,Welooseourhumanetytle。Goodcheere,Ladies。[Florish。]

  NowturnewetowardsyourComforts。[Exeunt。]

  Scaena2。(Thebs)。

  [EnterPalamon,andArcite。]

  ARCITE。

  DeerePalamon,deererinlovethenBloodAndourprimeCosen,yetunhardnedinTheCrimesofnature;LetusleavetheCittyThebs,andthetemptingsin’t,beforewefurtherSullyourglosseofyouth:

  AndheretokeepeinabstinenceweshameAsinIncontinence;fornottoswimI’thaideo’thCurrentwerealmosttosincke,Atleasttofrustratestriving,andtofollowThecommonStreame,twoldbringustoanEdyWhereweshouldturneordrowne;iflabourthrough,Ourgainebutlife,andweakenes。

  PALAMON。

  YouradviceIscrideupwithexample:whatstrangeruinsSincefirstwewenttoSchoole,mayweperceiveWalkinginThebs?Skars,andbareweedesThegaineo’thMartialist,whodidpropoundTohisboldendshonour,andgoldenIngots,Whichthoughhewon,hehadnot,andnowflurtedBypeaceforwhomhefought:whothenshallofferToMarsissoscorndAltar?IdoebleedeWhensuchImeete,andwishgreatIunowouldResumeherancientfitofIelouzieTogettheSoldierworke,thatpeacemightpurgeForherrepletion,andretaineanewHercharitableheartnowhard,andharsherThenstrifeorwarcouldbe。

  ARCITE。

  Areyounotout?

  MeeteyounoruinebuttheSoldierinTheCranckesandturnesofThebs?youdidbeginAsifyoumetdecaiesofmanykindes:

  Perceiveyounone,thatdoearowseyourpittyButth’un—considerdSoldier?

  PALAMON。

  Yes,IpittyDecaieswhereereIfindethem,butsuchmostThat,sweatinginanhonourableToyle,Arepaidewithycetocoole’em。

  ARCITE。

  TisnotthisIdidbegintospeakeof:ThisisvertueOfnorespectinThebs;IspakeofThebsHowdangerousifwewillkeepeourHonours,Itisforourresyding,whereeveryevillHathagoodcullor;whereeve’ryseeminggood’sAcertaineevill,wherenottobeev’nIumpeAstheyare,hereweretobestrangers,andSuchthingstobe,meereMonsters。

  PALAMON。

  Tisinourpower,(VnlessewefearethatApescanTutor’s)toBeMastersofourmanners:whatneedeI

  Affectanothersgate,whichisnotcatchingWherethereisfaith,ortobefonduponAnotherswayofspeech,whenbymineowneImaybereasonablyconceiv’d;sav’dtoo,Speakingittruly?whyamIboundByanygenerousbondtofollowhimFolloweshisTaylor,haplysolonguntillThefollow’dmakepursuit?orletmeknow,WhymineowneBarberisunblest,withhimMypooreChinnetoo,fortisnotCizardiustTosuchaFavoritesglasse:WhatCannonisthereThatdoescommandmyRapierfrommyhipTodangle’tinmyhand,ortogotiptoeBeforethestreetebefoule?EitherIamThefore—horseintheTeame,orIamnoneThatdrawi’thsequenttrace:thesepooresleightsoresNeedenotaplantin;ThatwhichripsmybosomeAlmostto’thheart’s——

  ARCITE。

  OurVncleCreon。

  PALAMON。

  He,AmostunboundedTyrant,whosesuccessesMakesheavenunfeard,andvillanyassuredBeyonditspowerthere’snothing,almostputsFaithinafeavour,anddeifiesaloneVolublechance;whoonelyattributesThefacultiesofotherInstrumentsTohisowneNervesandact;Commandsmenservice,Andwhattheywinnein’t,bootandglory;on(e)

  Thatfearesnottodoharm;good,daresnot;LetThebloodofminethat’ssibbetohimbesucktFrommewithLeeches;LetthembreakeandfallOffmewiththatcorruption。

  ARCITE。

  CleerespiritedCozen,LetsleavehisCourt,thatwemaynothingshareOfhislowdinfamy:forourmilkeWillrelishofthepasture,andwemustBevileordisobedient,nothiskinesmenInblood,unlesseinquality。

  PALAMON。

  Nothingtruer:

  IthinketheEcchoesofhisshameshavedea’ftTheearesofheav’nlyIustice:widdowscryesDescendagaineintotheirthroates,andhavenot[enterValerius。]

  DueaudienceoftheGods。——Valerius!

  VALERIUS。

  TheKingcalsforyou;yetbeleadenfooted,Tillhisgreatragebeoffhim。Phebus,whenHebrokehiswhipstockeandexclaimdagainstTheHorsesoftheSun,butwhisperdtooThelowdenesseofhisFury。

  PALAMON。

  Smallwindesshakehim:

  Butwhatsthematter?

  VALERIUS。

  Theseus(whowherehethreatesappals,)hathsentDeadlydefyancetohim,andpronouncesRuinetoThebs;whoisathandtosealeThepromiseofhiswrath。

  ARCITE。

  Lethimapproach;

  ButthatwefearetheGodsinhim,hebringsnotAjotofterrourtous;YetwhatmanThirdshisowneworth(thecaseiseachofours)

  WhenthathisactionsdregdwithmindeassurdTisbadhegoesabout?

  PALAMON。

  Leavethatunreasond。

  OurservicesstandnowforThebs,notCreon,Yettobeneutralltohimweredishonour;

  Rebellioustooppose:thereforewemustWithhimstandtothemercyofourFate,Whohathboundedourlastminute。

  ARCITE。

  Sowemust。

  Istsedthiswarresafoote?oritshallbe,Onfaileofsomecondition?

  VALERIUS。

  TisinmotionTheintelligenceofstatecameintheinstantWiththedefier。

  PALAMON。

  Letstotheking,who,wereheAquartercarrierofthathonourwhichHisEnemycomein,thebloodweventureShouldbeasforourhealth,whichwerenotspent,Ratherlaideoutforpurchase:but,alas,Ourhandsadvanc’dbeforeourhearts,whatwillThefallo’thstrokedoedamage?

  ARCITE。

  Letth’event,ThatnevererringArbitratour,tellusWhenweknowallourselves,andletusfollowThebeckingofourchance。[Exeunt。]

  Scaena3。(BeforethegatesofAthens。)

  [EnterPirithous,Hipolita,Emilia。]

  PERITHOUS。

  Nofurther。

  HIPPOLITA。

  Sir,farewell;repeatmywishesToourgreatLord,ofwhosesuccesIdarenotMakeanytimerousquestion;yetIwishhimExcesandoverflowofpower,and’tmightbe,Todureill—dealingfortune:speedetohim,StoreneverhurtesgoodGouernours。

  PERITHOUS。

  ThoughIknowHisOceanneedesnotmypooredrops,yettheyMustyeildtheirtributethere。MypreciousMaide,Thosebestaffections,thattheheavensinfuseIntheirbesttemperdpeices,keepeenthroandInyourdeareheart。

  EMILIA。

  Thanckes,Sir。RemembermeToourallroyallBrother,forwhosespeedeThegreatBellonailesollicite;andSinceinourterreneStatepetitionsarenotWithoutgiftesunderstood,IleoffertoherWhatIshallbeadvisedshelikes:ourheartsAreinhisArmy,inhisTent。

  HIPPOLITA。

  In’sbosome:

  WehavebinSoldiers,andweecannotweepeWhenourFriendsdontheirhelmes,orputtosea,OrtellofBabesbroachdontheLaunce,orwomenThathavesodtheirInfantsin(andaftereatethem)

  Thebrine,theyweptatkilling’em;ThenifYoustaytoseeofussuchSpincsters,weShouldholdyouhereforever。

  PERITHOUS。

  Peacebetoyou,AsIpursuethiswar,whichshallbethenBeyondfurtherrequiring。[ExitPir。]

  EMILIA。

  HowhislongingFolloweshisFriend!sincehisdepart,hissportesThoughcravingseriousnes,andskill,pastslightlyHiscarelesexecution,wherenorgaineMadehimregard,orlosseconsider;butPlayingonebusinesinhishand,anotherDirectinginhishead,hisminde,nurseequallTothesesodiffringTwyns——haveyouobserv’dhim,SinceourgreatLorddeparted?

  HIPPOLITA。

  Withmuchlabour,AndIdidlovehimfort:theytwohaveCabindInmanyasdangerous,aspooreaCorner,Perillandwantcontending;theyhaveskiftTorrentswhoseroringtyrannyandpowerI’thleastofthesewasdreadfull,andtheyhaveFoughtouttogether,whereDeaths—selfewaslodgd,Yetfatehathbroughtthemoff:Theirknotoflove,Tide,weau’d,intangled,withsotrue,solong,Andwithafingerofsodeepeacunning,Maybeoutworne,neverundone。IthinkeTheseuscannotbeumpiretohimselfe,CleavinghisconscienceintotwaineanddoingEachsidelikeIustice,whichhelovesbest。

  EMILIA。

  DoubtlesseThereisabest,andreasonhasnomannersTosayitisnotyou:IwasacquaintedOncewithatime,whenIenjoydaPlay—fellow;

  Youwereatwars,whenshethegraveenrichd,WhomadetooproudtheBed,tookeleaveothMoone(Whichthenlooktpaleatparting)whenourcountWaseacheleven。

  HIPPOLITA。

  TwasFlaui(n)a。

  EMILIA。

  Yes。

  YoutalkeofPirithousandTheseuslove;

  Theirshasmoreground,ismorematurelyseasond,MorebuckledwithstrongIudgementandtheirneedesTheoneofth’othermaybesaidtowater[2。HearsesreadywithPalamon:andArcite:the3。Queenes。Theseus:andhisLordesready。]

  Theirintertangledrootesoflove;butI

  AndsheeIsighandspokeofwerethingsinnocent,Lou’dforwedid,andliketheElementsThatknownotwhat,norwhy,yetdoeeffectRareissuesbytheiroperance,oursoulesDidsotooneanother;whatshelik’d,Wasthenofmeapproov’d,whatnot,condemd,Nomorearraignment;theflowrethatIwouldpluckeAndputbetweenemybreasts(thenbutbeginningToswellabouttheblossome)oh,shewouldlongTillsheehadsuchanother,andcommititTothelikeinnocentCradle,wherePhenixlikeTheydideinperfume:onmyheadnotoyButwasherpatterne;heraffections(pretty,Though,happely,hercareleswere)IfollowedFormymostseriousdecking;hadmineeareStolnesomenewaire,oratadventurehumdonFrommusicallCoynadge,whyitwasanoteWhereonherspiritswouldsojourne(ratherdwellon)

  Andsingitinherslumbers。Thisrehearsall(Whichev’ryinnocentwotswellcomesinLikeoldimportmentsbastard)hasthisend,ThatthetruelovetweeneMayde,andmayde,maybeMoretheninsexidividuall。

  HIPPOLITA。

  Y’areoutofbreathAndthishighspeededpace,isbuttosayThatyoushallneverliketheMaideFlavinaLoveanythat’scalldMan。

  EMILIA。

  IamsureIshallnot。

  HIPPOLITA。

  Now,alacke,weakeSister,Imustnomorebeleevetheeinthispoint(Thoughin’tIknowthoudostbeleevethyselfe,)

  ThenIwilltrustasickelyappetite,Thatloathesevenasitlongs;but,sure,mySister,IfIwereripeforyourperswasion,youHavesaideenoughtoshakemefromtheArmeOftheallnobleTheseus,forwhosefortunesIwillnowin,andkneelewithgreatassurance,Thatwe,morethenhisPirothous,possesseThehighthroneinhisheart。

  EMILIA。

  IamnotAgainstyourfaith;yetIcontinewmine。[Exeunt。Cornets。]

  Scaena4。(AfieldbeforeThebes。Deadbodieslyingontheground。)

  [ABattailestrookewithin:ThenaRetrait:Florish。ThenEnterTheseus(victor),(HeraldandAttendants:)thethreeQueenesmeetehim,andfallontheirfacesbeforehim。]

  1。QUEEN。

  Totheenostarrebedarke。

  2。QUEEN。

  BothheavenandearthFriendtheeforever。

  3。QUEEN。

  AllthegoodthatmayBewishduponthyhead,IcryAmentoo’t。

  THESEUS。

  Th’imparciallGods,whofromthemountedheavensViewustheirmortallHeard,beholdwhoerre,Andintheirtimechastice:goeandfindeoutThebonesofyourdeadLords,andhonourthemWithtrebleCeremonie;ratherthenagapShouldbeintheirdeererights,wewouldsupply’t。

  Butthosewewilldepute,whichshallinvestYouinyourdignities,andeveneachthingOurhastdoesleaveimperfect:So,adiew,Andheavensgoodeyeslookeonyou。Whatarethose?[ExeuntQueenes。]

  HERALD。

  Menofgreatquality,asmaybejudgdBytheirappointment;SoneofThebshavetold’sTheyareSisterschildren,NephewestotheKing。

  THESEUS。

  By’thHelmeofMars,Isawtheminthewar,LiketoapaireofLions,smeardwithprey,Makelanesintroopesagast。IfixtmynoteConstantlyonthem;fortheywereamarkeWorthagod’sview:whatprisonerwas’tthattoldmeWhenIenquiredtheirnames?

  HERALD。

  Wi’leave,they’rcalledArciteandPalamon。

  THESEUS。

  Tisright:those,those。Theyarenotdead?

  HERALD。

  Norinastateoflife:hadtheybintaken,Whentheirlasthurtsweregiven,twaspossible[3。Hearsesready。]

  Theymighthavebinrecovered;YettheybreatheAndhauethenameofmen。

  THESEUS。

  Thenlikemenuse’em。

  Theveryleesofsuch(millionsofrates)

  Exceedethewineofothers:allourSurgionsConventintheirbehoofe;ourrichestbalmesRatherthenniggard,waft:theirlivesconcerneusMuchmorethenThebsisworth:ratherthenhave’emFreedofthisplight,andintheirmorningstate(Soundandatliberty)Iwould’emdead;

  Butfortythousandfoldwehadratherhave’emPrisonerstousthendeath。Beare’emspeedilyFromourkindeaire,tothemunkinde,andministerWhatmantomanmaydoe——foroursakemore,SinceIhaveknownefrights,fury,friendsbeheastes,Lovesprovocations,zeale,amistrisTaske,Desireofliberty,afeavour,madnes,HathsetamarkewhichnaturecouldnotreachtooWithoutsomeimposition:sicknesinwillOrwrastlingstrengthinreason。ForourLoveAndgreatAppollosmercy,allourbestTheirbestskilltender。LeadeintotheCitty,Wherehavingboundthingsscatterd,wewillpost[Florish。]

  ToAthensfor(e)ourArmy[Exeunt。Musicke。]

  Scaena5。(Anotherpartofthesame。)

  [EntertheQueeneswiththeHearsesoftheirKnightes,inaFunerallSolempnity,&c。]

  Vrnesandodoursbringaway,Vapours,sighes,darkentheday;

  Ourdolemoredeadlylookesthandying;

  Balmes,andGummes,andheavycheeres,Sacredvialsfill’dwithteares,Andclamorsthroughthewildayreflying。

  ComeallsadandsolempneShowes,Thatarequick—eydpleasuresfoes;

  Weconventnoughtelsebutwoes。

  Weconvent,&c。

  3。QUEEN。

  Thisfuneralpathbringstoyourhousholdsgrave:

  Ioyceazeonyouagaine:peacesleepewithhim。

  2。QUEEN。

  Andthistoyours。

  1。QUEEN。

  Yoursthisway:HeavenslendAthousanddifferingwaiestoonesureend。

  3。QUEEN。

  Thisworld’saCittyfullofstrayingStreetes,AndDeath’sthemarketplace,whereeachonemeetes。[Exeuntseverally。]

  ActusSecundus。

  Scaena1。(Athens。Agarden,withaprisoninthebackground。)

  [EnterIailor,andWooer。]

  IAILOR。

  Imaydepartwithlittle,whileIlive;somethingImaycasttoyou,notmuch:Alas,thePrisonIkeepe,thoughitbeforgreatones,yettheyseldomecome;BeforeoneSalmon,youshalltakeanumberofMinnowes。Iamgivenouttobebetterlyn’dthenitcanappearetomereportisatrueSpeaker:IwouldIwerereallythatIamdeliverdtobe。Marry,whatIhave(beitwhatitwill)

  Iwillassureuponmydaughteratthedayofmydeath。

  WOOER。

  Sir,Idemaundnomorethenyourowneoffer,andIwillestateyourDaughterinwhatIhavepromised。

  IAILOR。

  Wel,wewilltalkemoreofthis,whenthesolemnityispast。Buthaveyouafullpromiseofher?Whenthatshallbeseene,I

  tendermyconsent。

  [EnterDaughter。]

  WOOER。

  IhaveSir;heresheecomes。

  IAILOR。

  YourFriendandIhavechancedtonameyouhere,upontheoldbusines:Butnomoreofthatnow;sosooneastheCourthurryisover,wewillhaveanendofit:I’thmeanetimelooketenderlytothetwoPrisoners。Icantellyoutheyareprinces。

  DAUGHTER。

  ThesestrewingsarefortheirChamber;tispittytheyareinprison,andtwerpittytheyshouldbeout:Idoethinketheyhavepatiencetomakeanyadversityasham’d;theprisonitselfeisproudof’em;

  andtheyhavealltheworldintheirChamber。

  IAILOR。

  Theyarefam’dtobeapaireofabsolutemen。

  DAUGHTER。

  Bymytroth,IthinkFamebutstammers’em;theystandagreiseabovethereachofreport。

  IAILOR。

  IheardthemreportedintheBattailetobetheonlydoers。

  DAUGHTER。

  Nay,mostlikely,fortheyarenoblesuffrers;ImervailehowtheywouldhavelookdhadtheybeeneVictors,thatwithsuchaconstantNobilityenforceafreedomeoutofBondage,makingmiserytheirMirth,andafflictionatoytojestat。

  IAILOR。

  Doetheyso?

  DAUGHTER。

  ItseemestometheyhavenomoresenceoftheirCaptivity,thenI

  ofrulingAthens:theyeatewell,lookemerrily,discourseofmanythings,butnothingoftheirownerestraint,anddisasters:yetsometimeadevidedsigh,martyrdas’tweri’thdeliverance,willbreakefromoneofthem;whentheotherpresentlygivesitsosweetearebuke,thatIcouldwishmyselfeaSightobesochid,oratleastaSighertobecomforted。

  WOOER。

  Ineversaw’em。

  IAILOR。

  TheDukehimselfecameprivatelyinthenight,[EnterPalamon,andArcite,above。]

  andsodidthey:whatthereasonofitis,Iknownot:Looke,yondertheyare!that’sArcitelookesout。

  DAUGHTER。

  No,Sir,no,that’sPalamon:Arciteisthelowerofthetwaine;

  youmayperceiveapartofhim。

  IAILOR。

  Goetoo,leaveyourpointing;theywouldnotmakeustheirobject;

  outoftheirsight。

  DAUGHTER。

  Itisahollidaytolookeonthem:Lord,thediffrenceofmen!

  [Exeunt。]

  Scaena2。(Theprison)

  [EnterPalamon,andArciteinprison。]

  PALAMON。

  Howdoeyou,NobleCosen?

  ARCITE。

  Howdoeyou,Sir?

  PALAMON。

  Whystronginoughtolaughatmisery,Andbearethechanceofwarre,yetweareprisoners,Ifeare,forever,Cosen。

  ARCITE。

  Ibeleeveit,AndtothatdestinyhavepatientlyLaideupmyhouretocome。

  PALAMON。

  OCosenArcite,WhereisThebsnow?whereisournobleCountry?

  Whereareourfriends,andkindreds?nevermoreMustwebeholdthosecomforts,neverseeThehardyyouthesstrivefortheGamesofhonour(HungwiththepaintedfavoursoftheirLadies,LiketallShipsundersaile)thenstartamong’st’emAndasanEastwindleave’enallbehindeus,LikelazyClowdes,whilstPalamonandArcite,EveninthewaggingofawantonlegOut—striptthepeoplespraises,wontheGarlands,Eretheyhavetimetowish’emours。OneverShallwetwoexercise,likeTwynsofhonour,OurArmesagaine,andfeeleourfyryhorsesLikeproudSeasunderus:ourgoodSwordsnow(Betterthered—eydgodofwarnev’rwore)

  Ravishdoursides,likeagemustruntorust,AnddecketheTemplesofthosegodsthathateus:

  Thesehandsshallneverdraw’emoutlikelightning,ToblastwholeArmiesmore。

  ARCITE。

  No,Palamon,ThosehopesarePrisonerswithus;hereweareAndherethegracesofouryouthesmustwitherLikeatoo—timelySpring;hereagemustfindeus,And,whichisheaviest,Palamon,unmarried;

  Thesweeteembracesofalovingwife,Lodenwithkisses,armdwiththousandCupidsShallneverclaspeourneckes,noissueknowus,Nofiguresofourselvesshallweev’rsee,Togladourage,andlikeyoungEaglesteach’emBoldlytogazeagainstbrightarmes,andsay:

  ’Rememberwhatyourfatherswere,andconquer。’

  Thefaire—eydMaides,shallweepeourBanishments,AndintheirSongs,curseever—blindedfortune,TillsheeforshameseewhatawrongshehasdoneToyouthandnature。Thisisallourworld;

  Weshallknownothingherebutoneanother,HearenothingbuttheClockethattelsourwoes。

  TheVineshallgrow,butweshallneverseeit:

  Sommershallcome,andwithheralldelights;

  Butdead—coldwintermustinhabiteherestill。

  PALAMON。

  Tistootrue,Arcite。ToourThebanhoundes,ThatshooketheagedForrestwiththeirecchoes,Nomorenowmustwehalloa,nomoreshakeOurpointedIavelyns,whilsttheangrySwineFlyeslikeaparthianquiverfromourrages,Struckewithourwell—steeldDarts:Allvaliantuses(Thefoode,andnourishmentofnoblemindes,)

  Inustwohereshallperish;weshalldie(Whichisthecurseofhonour)lastlyChildrenofgreife,andIgnorance。

  ARCITE。

  Yet,Cosen,Evenfromthebottomofthesemiseries,Fromallthatfortunecaninflictuponus,Iseetwocomfortsrysing,twomeereblessings,Ifthegodsplease:toholdhereabravepatience,Andtheenjoyingofourgreefestogether。

  WhilstPalamoniswithme,letmeperishIfIthinkethisourprison。

  PALAMON。

  Certeinly,Tisamainegoodnes,Cosen,thatourfortunesWeretwyn’dtogether;tismosttrue,twosoulesPutintwonobleBodies——let’emsufferThegauleofhazard,sotheygrowtogether——

  Willneversincke;theymustnot,saytheycould:

  Awillingmandiessleeping,andall’sdone。

  ARCITE。

  ShallwemakeworthyusesofthisplaceThatallmenhatesomuch?

  PALAMON。

  How,gentleCosen?

  ARCITE。

  Let’sthinkethisprisonholysanctuary,Tokeepeusfromcorruptionofworsemen。

  Weareyoungandyetdesirethewaiesofhonour,ThatlibertyandcommonConversation,Thepoysonofpurespirits,mightlikewomenWooeustowanderfrom。WhatworthyblessingCanbebutourImaginationsMaymakeitours?Andheerebeingthustogether,Weareanendlesminetooneanother;

  Weareoneanotherswife,everbegettingNewbirthesoflove;wearefather,friends,acquaintance;

  Weare,inoneanother,Families,Iamyourheire,andyouaremine:ThisplaceIsourInheritance,nohardOppressourDaretakethisfromus;here,withalittlepatience,Weshalllivelong,andloving:Nosurfeitsseekeus:

  Thehandofwarhurtsnonehere,northeSeasSwallowtheiryouth:wereweatliberty,Awifemightpartuslawfully,orbusines;

  Quarrelsconsumeus,EnvyofillmenGraveouracquaintance;Imightsicken,Cosen,Whereyoushouldneverknowit,andsoperishWithoutyournoblehandtoclosemineeies,Orpraierstothegods:athousandchaunces,Werewefromhence,wouldseaverus。

  PALAMON。

  Youhavemademe(Ithankeyou,CosenArcite)almostwantonWithmyCaptivity:whatamiseryItistoliveabroade,andeverywhere!

  TislikeaBeast,methinkes:IfindetheCourthere——

  Iamsure,amorecontent;andallthosepleasuresThatwooethewilsofmentovanity,Iseethroughnow,andamsufficientTotelltheworld,tisbutagaudyshaddow,ThatoldTime,ashepassesby,takeswithhim。

  Whathadwebin,oldintheCourtofCreon,WheresinisIustice,lustandignoranceThevertuesofthegreatones!CosenArcite,Hadnotthelovinggodsfoundthisplaceforus,Wehaddiedastheydoe,illoldmen,unwept,AndhadtheirEpitaphes,thepeoplesCurses:

  ShallIsaymore?

  ARCITE。

  Iwouldheareyoustill。

  PALAMON。

  Yeshall。

  Isthererecordofanytwothatlov’dBetterthenwedoe,Arcite?

  ARCITE。

  Sure,therecannot。

  PALAMON。

  IdoenotthinkeitpossibleourfriendshipShouldeverleaveus。

  ARCITE。

  Tillourdeathesitcannot;

  [EnterEmiliaandherwoman(below)。]

  AndafterdeathourspiritsshallbeledTothosethatloveeternally。Speakeon,Sir。

  EMILIA。

  Thisgardenhasaworldofpleasuresin’t。

  WhatFlowreisthis?

  WOMAN。

  TiscalldNarcissus,Madam。

  EMILIA。

  ThatwasafaireBoy,certaine,butafoole,Tolovehimselfe;weretherenotmaidesenough?

  ARCITE。

  Prayforward。

  PALAMON。

  Yes。

  EMILIA。

  Orweretheyallhardhearted?

  WOMAN。

  Theycouldnotbetoonesofaire。

  EMILIA。

  Thouwouldstnot。

  WOMAN。

  IthinkeIshouldnot,Madam。

  EMILIA。

  That’sagoodwench:

  Buttakeheedetoyourkindnesthough。

  WOMAN。

  Why,Madam?

  EMILIA。

  Menaremadthings。

  ARCITE。

  Willyegoeforward,Cosen?

  EMILIA。

  Canstnotthouworkesuchflowersinsilke,wench?

  WOMAN。

  Yes。

  EMILIA。

  Ilehaveagownefullof’em,andofthese;

  Thisisaprettycolour,wiltnotdoeRarelyuponaSkirt,wench?

  WOMAN。

  Deinty,Madam。

  ARCITE。

  Cosen,Cosen,howdoeyou,Sir?Why,Palamon?

  PALAMON。

  NevertillnowIwasinprison,Arcite。

  ARCITE。

  Whywhatsthematter,Man?

  PALAMON。

  Behold,andwonder。

  Byheaven,sheeisaGoddesse。

  ARCITE。

  Ha。

  PALAMON。

  Doereverence。SheisaGoddesse,Arcite。

  EMILIA。

  OfallFlowres,methinkesaRoseisbest。

  WOMAN。

  Why,gentleMadam?

  EMILIA。

  ItistheveryEmblemeofaMaide。

  Forwhenthewestwindcourtshergently,Howmodestlysheblowes,andpaintstheSun,Withherchasteblushes!WhentheNorthcomesneereher,Rudeandimpatient,then,likeChastity,Sheelockesherbeautiesinherbudagaine,Andleaveshimtobasebriers。

  WOMAN。

  Yet,goodMadam,SometimeshermodestywillblowsofarShefalsfor’t:aMayde,Ifsheehaveanyhonour,wouldbelothTotakeexamplebyher。

  EMILIA。

  Thouartwanton。

  ARCITE。

  Sheiswondrousfaire。

  PALAMON。

  Sheisbeautyextant。

  EMILIA。

  TheSungrowshigh,letswalkin:keeptheseflowers;

  WeeleseehowneereArtcancomeneeretheircolours。

  Iamwondrousmerryhearted,Icouldlaughnow。

  WOMAN。

  Icouldliedowne,Iamsure。

  EMILIA。

  Andtakeonewithyou?

  WOMAN。

  That’saswebargaine,Madam。

  EMILIA。

  Well,agreethen。[ExeuntEmiliaandwoman。]

  PALAMON。

  Whatthinkeyouofthisbeauty?

  ARCITE。

  Tisarareone。

  PALAMON。

  Is’tbutarareone?

  ARCITE。

  Yes,amatchlesbeauty。

  PALAMON。

  Mightnotamanwelllosehimselfeandloveher?

  ARCITE。

  Icannottellwhatyouhavedone,Ihave;

  Beshrewmineeyesfor’t:nowIfeelemyShackles。

  PALAMON。

  Youloveher,then?

  ARCITE。

  Whowouldnot?

  PALAMON。

  Anddesireher?

  ARCITE。

  Beforemyliberty。

  PALAMON。

  Isawherfirst。

  ARCITE。

  That’snothing。

  PALAMON。

  Butitshallbe。

  ARCITE。

  Isawhertoo。

  PALAMON。

  Yes,butyoumustnotloveher。

  ARCITE。

  Iwillnotasyoudoe,toworshipher,Assheisheavenly,andablessedGoddes;

  Iloveherasawoman,toenjoyher:

  Sobothmaylove。

  PALAMON。

  Youshallnotloveatall。

  ARCITE。

  Notloveatall!

  Whoshalldenyme?

  PALAMON。

  I,thatfirstsawher;I,thattookepossessionFirstwithmineeyesofallthosebeautiesInherrevealdtomankinde:ifthoulou’sther,Orentertain’stahopetoblastmywishes,ThouartaTraytour,Arcite,andafellowFalseasthyTitletoher:friendship,blood,AndallthetyesbetweeneusIdisclaime,Ifthouoncethinkeuponher。

  ARCITE。

  Yes,Iloveher,Andifthelivesofallmynamelayonit,Imustdoeso;Iloveherwithmysoule:

  Ifthatwillloseye,farewell,Palamon;

  Isayagaine,Ilove,andinlovinghermaintaineIamasworthyandasfreealover,AndhaveasjustatitletoherbeautyAsanyPalamonoranylivingThatisamansSonne。

  PALAMON。

  HaveIcaldtheefriend?

  ARCITE。

  Yes,andhavefoundmeso;whyareyoumov’dthus?

  Letmedealecoldlywithyou:amnotI

  Partofyourblood,partofyoursoule?youhavetoldmeThatIwasPalamon,andyouwereArcite。

  PALAMON。

  Yes。

  ARCITE。

  AmnotIliabletothoseaffections,Thosejoyes,greifes,angers,feares,myfriendshallsuffer?

  PALAMON。

  Yemaybe。

  ARCITE。

  Why,then,wouldyoudealesocunningly,Sostrangely,sovnlikeanoblekinesman,Tolovealone?speaketruely:doeyouthinkemeVnworthyofhersight?

  PALAMON。

  No;butunjust,Ifthoupursuethatsight。

  ARCITE。

  BecauseanotherFirstseestheEnemy,shallIstandstillAndletminehonourdowne,andnevercharge?

  PALAMON。

  Yes,ifhebebutone。

  ARCITE。

  ButsaythatoneHadrathercombatme?

  PALAMON。

  Letthatonesayso,Andusethyfreedome;elsifthoupursuesther,BeasthatcursedmanthathateshisCountry,Abrandedvillaine。

  ARCITE。

  Youaremad。

  PALAMON。

  Imustbe,Tillthouartworthy,Arcite;itconcernesme,Andinthismadnes,ifIhazardtheeAndtakethylife,Idealebuttruely。

  ARCITE。

  Fie,Sir,YouplaytheChildeextreamely:Iwillloveher,Imust,Ioughttodoeso,andIdare;

  Andallthisjustly。

  PALAMON。

  Othatnow,thatnowThyfalse—selfeandthyfriendhadbutthisfortune,Tobeonehowreatliberty,andgraspeOurgoodSwordsinourhands!IwouldquicklyteachtheeWhat’twertofilchaffectionfromanother:

  ThouartbaserinitthenaCutpurse;

  Putbutthyheadoutofthiswindowmore,AndasIhaveasoule,Ilenailethylifetoo’t。

  ARCITE。

  Thoudar’stnot,foole,thoucanstnot,thouartfeeble。

  Putmyheadout?IlethrowmyBodyout,Andleapethegarden,whenIseehernext[EnterKeeper。]

  Andpitchbetweenherarmestoangerthee。

  PALAMON。

  Nomore;thekeeper’scomming;IshallliveToknockethybrainesoutwithmyShackles。

  ARCITE。

  Doe。

  KEEPER。

  Byyourleave,Gentlemen——

  PALAMON。

  Now,honestkeeper?

  KEEPER。

  LordArcite,youmustpresentlyto’thDuke;

  ThecauseIknownotyet。

  ARCITE。

  Iamready,keeper。

  KEEPER。

  PrincePalamon,ImustawhilebereaveyouOfyourfaireCosensCompany。[ExeuntArcite,andKeeper。]

  PALAMON。

  Andmetoo,Evenwhenyouplease,oflife。Whyishesentfor?

  Itmaybeheshallmarryher;he’sgoodly,AndlikeenoughtheDukehathtakennoticeBothofhisbloodandbody:Buthisfalsehood!

  Whyshouldafriendbetreacherous?IfthatGethimawifesonoble,andsofaire,Lethonestmenne’reloveagaine。OncemoreIwouldbutseethisfaireOne。BlessedGarden,Andfruite,andflowersmoreblessed,thatstillblossomAsherbrighteiesshineonye!wouldIwere,Forallthefortuneofmylifehereafter,YonlittleTree,yonbloomingApricocke;

  HowIwouldspread,andflingmywantonarmesInatherwindow;IwouldbringherfruiteFitfortheGodstofeedon:youthandpleasureStillasshetastedshouldbedoubledonher,Andifshebenotheavenly,IwouldmakeherSoneeretheGodsinnature,theyshouldfeareher,[EnterKeeper。]

  AndthenIamsureshewouldloveme。Hownow,keeper。

  Wher’sArcite?

  KEEPER。

  Banishd:PrincePirithousObtainedhisliberty;butnevermoreVponhisothandlifemusthesetfooteVponthisKingdome。

  PALAMON。

  Heesablessedman!

  HeshallseeThebsagaine,andcalltoArmesTheboldyongmen,that,whenhebids’emcharge,Fallonlikefire:ArciteshallhaveaFortune,IfhedaremakehimselfeaworthyLover,YetintheFeildtostrikeabattleforher;

  Andifheloseherthen,he’sacoldCoward;

  HowbravelymayhebearehimselfetowinherIfhebenobleArcite——thousandwaies。

  WereIatliberty,IwoulddoethingsOfsuchavertuousgreatnes,thatthisLady,Thisblushingvirgine,shouldtakemanhoodtoherAndseeketoravishme。

  KEEPER。

  MyLordforyouIhavethischargetoo——

  PALAMON。

  Todischargemylife?

  KEEPER。

  No,butfromthisplacetoremooveyourLordship:

  Thewindowesaretooopen。

  PALAMON。

  Devilstake’em,Thataresoenvioustome!pre’theekillme。

  KEEPER。

  Andhangfor’tafterward。

  PALAMON。

  Bythisgoodlight,HadIaswordIwouldkillthee。

  KEEPER。

  Why,myLord?

  PALAMON。

  ThoubringstsuchpeltingscuruynewscontinuallyThouartnotworthylife。Iwillnotgoe。

  KEEPER。

  Indeede,youmust,myLord。

  PALAMON。

  MayIseethegarden?

  KEEPER。

  Noe。

  PALAMON。

  ThenIamresolud,Iwillnotgoe。

  KEEPER。

  Imustconstraineyouthen:andforyouaredangerous,Ileclapmoreyronsonyou。

  PALAMON。

  Doe,goodkeeper。

  Ileshake’emso,yeshallnotsleepe;

  IlemakeyeanewMorrisse:mustIgoe?

  KEEPER。

  Thereisnoremedy。

  PALAMON。

  Farewell,kindewindow。

  Mayrudewindeneverhurtthee。O,myLady,Ifeverthouhastfeltwhatsorrowwas,DreamehowIsuffer。Come;nowburyme。[ExeuntPalamon,andKeeper。]

  Scaena3。(ThecountrynearAthens。)

  [EnterArcite。]

  ARCITE。

  Banishdthekingdome?tisabenefit,AmercyImustthanke’emfor,butbanishdThefreeenjoyingofthatfaceIdiefor,Ohtwasastuddiedpunishment,adeathBeyondImagination:SuchavengeanceThat,wereIoldandwicked,allmysinsCouldneverpluckeuponme。Palamon,Thouha’sttheStartnow,thoushaltstayandseeHerbrighteyesbreakeeachmorninggainstthywindow,Andletinlifeintothee;thoushaltfeedeVponthesweetenesofanoblebeauty,Thatnaturenev’rexceeded,nornev’rshall:

  Goodgods!whathappineshasPalamon!

  Twentytoone,hee’lecometospeaketoher,Andifshebeasgentleasshe’sfaire,Iknowshe’shis;hehasaTonguewilltameTempests,andmakethewildRockeswanton。

  Comewhatcancome,Theworstisdeath;IwillnotleavetheKingdome。

  Iknowmineowneisbutaheapeofruins,Andnoredressethere;ifIgoe,hehasher。

  Iamresolu’danothershapeshallmakeme,Orendmyfortunes。Eitherway,Iamhappy:

  Ileseeher,andbeneereher,ornomore。

  [Enter4。Countrypeople,&onewithagarlondbeforethem。]

  1。COUNTREYMAN

  MyMasters,ilebethere,that’scertaine2。COUNTREYMAN

  AndIlebethere。

  3。COUNTREYMAN

  AndI。

  4。COUNTREYMAN

  Why,then,havewithye,Boyes;Tisbutachiding。

  Lettheploughplaytoday,iletick’ltoutOftheIadestailestomorrow。

  1。COUNTREYMAN

  IamsureTohavemywifeasjealousasaTurkey:

  Butthat’sallone;ilegoethrough,lethermumble。

  2。COUNTREYMAN

  Clapheraboardtomorrownight,andstoaher,Andall’smadeupagaine。

  3。COUNTREYMAN

  I,doebutputafeskueinherfist,andyoushallseeherTakeanewlessonout,andbeagoodwench。

  DoeweallholdagainsttheMaying?

  4。COUNTREYMAN

  Hold?whatshouldaileus?

  3。COUNTREYMAN

  Arcaswillbethere。

  2。COUNTREYMAN

  AndSennois。

  AndRycas,and3。betterladsnev’rdancdUndergreenTree。Andyeeknowwhatwenches:ha?

  ButwillthedaintyDomine,theSchoolemaster,Keeptouch,doeyouthinke?forhedo’sall,yeknow。

  3。COUNTREYMAN

  Hee’leateahornebookeerehefaile:goetoo,thematter’stoofarredrivenbetweenehimandtheTannersdaughter,toletslipnow,andshemustseetheDuke,andshemustdauncetoo。

  4。COUNTREYMAN

  Shallwebelusty?

  2。COUNTREYMAN

  AlltheBoyesinAthensblowwindi’thbreechon’s,andheereilebeandthereilebe,forourTowne,andhereagaine,andthereagaine:

  ha,Boyes,heighfortheweavers。

  1。COUNTREYMAN

  Thismustbedonei’thwoods。

  4。COUNTREYMAN

  O,pardonme。

  2。COUNTREYMAN

  Byanymeanes,ourthingoflearningsaiesso:

  WherehehimselfewilledifietheDukeMostparlouslyinourbehalfes:heesexcellenti’thwoods;

  Bringhimto’thplaines,hislearningmakesnocry。

  3。COUNTREYMAN

  Weeleseethesports,then;everymanto’sTackle:

  And,SweeteCompanions,letsrehearsebyanymeanes,BeforetheLadiesseeus,anddoesweetly,AndGodknowswhatMaycomeon’t。

  4。COUNTREYMAN

  Content;thesportsonceended,wee’lperforme。

  Away,Boyesandhold。

  ARCITE。

  Byyourleaves,honestfriends:prayyou,whithergoeyou?

  4。COUNTREYMAN

  Whither?why,whataquestion’sthat?

  ARCITE。

  Yes,tisaquestion,tomethatknownot。

  3。COUNTREYMAN

  TotheGames,myFriend。

  2。COUNTREYMAN

  Wherewereyoubred,youknowitnot?

  ARCITE。

  Notfarre,Sir,AretheresuchGamestoday?

  1。COUNTREYMAN

  Yes,marry,arethere:

  Andsuchasyouneuersaw;TheDukehimselfeWillbeinpersonthere。

  ARCITE。

  Whatpastimesarethey?

  2。COUNTREYMAN

  Wrastling,andRunning。——TisaprettyFellow。

  3。COUNTREYMAN

  Thouwiltnotgoealong?

  ARCITE。

  Notyet,Sir。

  4。COUNTREYMAN

  Well,Sir,Takeyourownetime:come,Boyes。

  1。COUNTREYMAN

  Mymindemisgivesme;

  Thisfellowhasaveng’ancetrickeo’thhip:

  MarkehowhisBodi’smadefor’t2。COUNTREYMAN

  Ilebehangd,though,Ifhedareventure;hanghim,plumbporredge,Hewrastle?herosteggs!Come,letsbegon,Lads。[Exeunt。]

  ARCITE。

  ThisisanofferdoportunityIdurstnotwishfor。WellIcouldhavewrestled,Thebestmencallditexcellent,andrun——

  SwifterthewindeuponafeildofCorne(Curlingthewealthyeares)neverflew:Ileventure,Andinsomepooredisguizebethere;whoknowesWhethermybrowesmaynotbegirtwithgarlands?

  Andhappinespreferremetoaplace,WhereImayeverdwellinsightofher。[ExitArcite。]

  Scaena4。(Athens。Aroomintheprison。)

  [EnterIailorsDaughteralone。]

  DAUGHTER。

  WhyshouldIlovethisGentleman?TisoddsHeneverwillaffectme;Iambase,MyFatherthemeaneKeeperofhisPrison,Andheaprince:Tomarryhimishopelesse;

  Tobehiswhoreiswitles。Outupon’t,Whatpushesarewewenchesdrivento,Whenfifteeneoncehasfoundus!First,Isawhim;

  I(seeing)thoughthewasagoodlyman;

  Hehasasmuchtopleaseawomaninhim,(Ifhepleasetobestowitso)aseverTheseeyesyetlookton。Next,Ipittiedhim,Andsowouldanyyoungwench,o’myConscience,Thateverdream’d,orvow’dherMaydenheadToayonghansomMan;ThenIlov’dhim,Extreamelylov’dhim,infinitelylov’dhim;

  AndyethehadaCosen,faireashetoo。

  ButinmyheartwasPalamon,andthere,Lord,whatacoylehekeepes!TohearehimSinginanevening,whataheavenitis!

  AndyethisSongsaresadones。FairerspokenWasneverGentleman。WhenIcomeinTobringhimwaterinamorning,firstHeboweshisnoblebody,thensalutesme,thus:

  ’Faire,gentleMayde,goodmorrow;maythygoodnesGettheeahappyhusband。’Oncehekistme。

  Ilov’dmylipsthebettertendaiesafter。

  Wouldhewoulddoesoev’ryday!Hegreivesmuch,Andmeasmuchtoseehismisery。

  WhatshouldIdoe,tomakehimknowIlovehim?

  ForIwouldfaineenjoyhim。SayIventur’dTosethimfree?whatsaiesthelawthen?ThusmuchForLaw,orkindred!Iwilldoeit,Andthisnight,ortomorrow,heshallloveme。[Exit。]

  Scaena5。(AnopenplaceinAthens。)

  [EnterTheseus,Hipolita,Pirithous,Emilia:ArcitewithaGarland,&c。]

  [ThisshortflorishofCornetsandShowteswithin。]

  THESEUS。

  Youhavedoneworthily;Ihavenotseene,SinceHercules,amanoftoughersynewes;

  Whatereyouare,yourunthebest,andwrastle,Thatthesetimescanallow。

  ARCITE。

  Iamproudtopleaseyou。

  THESEUS。

  WhatCountriebredyou?

  ARCITE。

  This;butfaroff,Prince。

  THESEUS。

  AreyouaGentleman?

  ARCITE。

  Myfathersaidso;

  Andtothosegentleusesgavemelife。

  THESEUS。

  Areyouhisheire?

  ARCITE。

  Hisyongest,Sir。

  THESEUS。

  YourFatherSureisahappySirethen:whatproovesyou?

  ARCITE。

  AlittleofallnobleQuallities:

  IcouldhavekeptaHawke,andwellhaveholloa’dToadeepecrieofDogges;IdarenotpraiseMyfeatinhorsemanship,yettheythatknewmeWouldsayitwasmybestpeece:last,andgreatest,IwouldbethoughtaSouldier。

  THESEUS。

  Youareperfect。

  PERITHOUS。

  Vponmysoule,aproperman。

  EMILIA。

  Heisso。

  PERITHOUS。

  Howdoeyoulikehim,Ladie?

  HIPPOLITA。

  Iadmirehim;

  Ihavenotseenesoyongamansonoble(Ifhesaytrue,)ofhissort。

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