Shesawme,andstraightsoughttheflood;Isav’dher,Andsethersafetoland:whenpresentlyShesliptaway,andtotheCittymade,Withsuchacryandswiftnes,that,beleeveme,Sheeleftmefarrebehindeher;threeorfoureIsawfromfarreoffcrosseher,oneof’emIknewtobeyourbrother;whereshestaid,Andfell,scarcetobegotaway:Ileftthemwithher,[EnterBrother,Daughter,andothers。]
Andhethercametotellyou。Heretheyare。
DAUGHTER。[sings。]
Mayyounevermoreenjoythelight,&c。
IsnotthisafineSong?
BROTHER。
O,averyfineone。
DAUGHTER。
Icansingtwentymore。
BROTHER。
Ithinkeyoucan。
DAUGHTER。
Yes,truely,canI;IcansingtheBroome,AndBonyRobin。Arenotyouatailour?
BROTHER。
Yes。
DAUGHTER。
Wher’smyweddingGowne?
BROTHER。
Ilebringittomorrow。
DAUGHTER。
Doe,veryrarely;ImustbeabroadelseTocalltheMaides,andpaytheMinstrels,ForImustloosemyMaydenheadbycock—light;
Twillneverthriveelse。
[Singes。]Ofaire,ohsweete,&c。
BROTHER。
Youmustev’ntakeitpatiently。
IAILOR。
Tistrue。
DAUGHTER。
Goodev’n,goodmen;pray,didyoueverheareOfoneyongPalamon?
IAILOR。
Yes,wench,weknowhim。
DAUGHTER。
Is’tnotafineyongGentleman?
IAILOR。
TisLove。
BROTHER。
Bynomeanecrosseher;sheisthendistemperdFarworsethennowsheshowes。
1。FRIEND。
Yes,he’safineman。
DAUGHTER。
O,isheso?youhaveaSister?
1。FRIEND。
Yes。
DAUGHTER。
Butsheshallneverhavehim,tellherso,ForatrickethatIknow;y’hadbestlooketoher,Forifsheseehimonce,she’sgone,she’sdone,Andundoninanhowre。AlltheyoungMaydesOfourTowneareinlovewithhim,butIlaughat’emAndlet’emallalone;Is’tnotawisecourse?
1。FRIEND。
Yes。
DAUGHTER。
Thereisatleasttwohundrednowwithchildbyhim——
Theremustbefowre;yetIkeepecloseforallthis,CloseasaCockle;andallthesemustbeBoyes,Hehasthetrickeon’t,andattenyearesoldTheymustbeallgeltforMusitians,AndsingthewarsofTheseus。
2。FRIEND。
Thisisstrange。
DAUGHTER。
Aseveryouheard,butsaynothing。
1。FRIEND。
No。
DAUGHTER。
TheycomefromallpartsoftheDukedometohim;
Ilewarrantye,hehadnotsofewlastnightAstwentytodispatch:hee’ltickl’tupIntwohowres,ifhishandbein。
IAILOR。
She’slostPastallcure。
BROTHER。
Heavenforbid,man。
DAUGHTER。
Comehither,youareawiseman。
1。FRIEND。
Do’ssheknowhim?
2。FRIEND。
No,wouldshedid。
DAUGHTER。
YouaremasterofaShip?
IAILOR。
Yes。
DAUGHTER。
Wher’syourCompasse?
IAILOR。
Heere。
DAUGHTER。
Setittoo’thNorth。
Andnowdirectyourcourseto’thwood,wherPalamonLyeslongingforme;FortheTacklingLetmealone;Come,waygh,myhearts,cheerely!
ALL。
Owgh,owgh,owgh,tisup,thewind’sfaire,ToptheBowling,outwiththemainesaile;
Wher’syourWhistle,Master?
BROTHER。
Letsgetherin。
IAILOR。
Vptothetop,Boy。
BROTHER。
Wher’sthePilot?
1。FRIEND。
Heere。
DAUGHTER。
Whatken’stthou?
2。FRIEND。
Afairewood。
DAUGHTER。
Beareforit,master:takeabout![Singes。]
WhenCinthiawithherborrowedlight,&c。[Exeunt。]
Scaena2。(ARoominthePalace。)
[EnterEmiliaalone,with2。Pictures。]
EMILIA。
YetImaybindethosewoundsup,thatmustopenAndbleedtodeathformysakeelse;Ilechoose,Andendtheirstrife:TwosuchyonghansommenShallneverfallforme,theirweepingMothers,FollowingthedeadcoldashesoftheirSonnes,Shallnevercursemycruelty。Goodheaven,WhatasweetfacehasArcite!ifwisenature,Withallherbestendowments,allthosebeutiesShesowesintothebirthesofnoblebodies,Werehereamortallwoman,andhadinherThecoydeniallsofyongMaydes,yetdoubtles,Shewouldrunmadforthisman:whataneye,Ofwhatafyrysparkle,andquicksweetnes,HasthisyongPrince!HereLovehimselfesitssmyling,IustsuchanotherwantonGanimeadSetJoveafirewith,andenforcdthegodSnatchupthegoodlyBoy,andsethimbyhimAshiningconstellation:Whatabrow,OfwhataspaciousMajesty,hecarries!
Arch’dlikethegreateydIuno’s,butfarsweeter,SmootherthenPelopsShoulder!Fameandhonour,Methinks,fromhence,asfromaPromontoryPointedinheaven,shouldclaptheirwings,andsingToalltheunderworldtheLovesandFightsOfgods,andsuchmenneere’em。PalamonIsbuthisfoyle,tohimameeredullshadow:
Hee’sswarthandmeagre,ofaneyeasheavyAsifhehadlosthismother;astilltemper,Nostirringinhim,noalacrity,Ofallthissprightlysharpenesnotasmile;
Yetthesethatwecounterroursmaybecomehim:
NarcissuswasasadBoy,butaheavenly:——
Ohwhocanfindethebentofwomansfancy?
IamaFoole,myreasonislostinme;
Ihavenochoice,andIhavely’dsolewdlyThatwomenoughttobeateme。OnmykneesIaskethypardon,Palamon;thouartalone,Andonlybeutifull,andthesetheeyes,Thesethebrightlampsofbeauty,thatcommandAndthreatenLove,andwhatyongMayddarecrosse’em?
Whataboldgravity,andyetinviting,Hasthisbrownemanlyface!OLove,thisonlyFromthishowreisComplexion:Lyethere,Arcite,Thouartachanglingtohim,ameereGipsey,AndthisthenobleBodie。Iamsotted,Vtterlylost:MyVirginsfaithhasfledme;
Forifmybrotherbutevennowhadask’dmeWhetherIlov’d,IhadrunmadforArcite;
Now,ifmySister,MoreforPalamon。
Standbothtogether:Now,comeaskeme,Brother。——
Alas,Iknownot!Askemenow,sweetSister;——
Imaygoelooke。WhatameerechildisFancie,That,havingtwofairegawdesofequallsweetnesse,Cannotdistinguish,butmustcrieforboth。
[Enter(a)Gent(leman。)]
EMILIA。
Hownow,Sir?
GENTLEMAN。
FromtheNobleDukeyourBrother,Madam,Ibringyounewes:TheKnightsarecome。
EMILIA。
Toendthequarrell?
GENTLEMAN。
Yes。
EMILIA。
WouldImightendfirst:
WhatsinneshaveIcommitted,chastDiana,ThatmyunspottedyouthmustnowbesoyldWithbloodofPrinces?andmyChastitieBemadetheAltar,wherethelivesofLovers(TwogreaterandtwobetterneveryetMademothersjoy)mustbethesacrificeTomyunhappyBeautie?
[EnterTheseus,Hipolita,Perithousandattendants。]
THESEUS。
Bring’eminQuickly,Byanymeanes;Ilongtosee’em。——
YourtwocontendingLoversarereturn’d,AndwiththemtheirfaireKnights:Now,myfaireSister,Youmustloveoneofthem。
EMILIA。
Ihadratherboth,Soneitherformysakeshouldfalluntimely。
[EnterMessenger。(Curtis。)]
THESEUS。
Whosaw’em?
PERITHOUS。
I,awhile。
GENTLEMAN。
AndI。
THESEUS。
Fromwhencecomeyou,Sir?
MESSENGER。
FromtheKnights。
THESEUS。
Pray,speake,Youthathaveseenethem,whattheyare。
MESSENGER。
Iwill,Sir,AndtrulywhatIthinke:SixbraverspiritsThenthesetheyhavebrought,(ifwejudgebytheoutside)
Ineversaw,norreadof。HethatstandsInthefirstplacewithArcite,byhisseeming,Shouldbeastoutman,byhisfaceaPrince,(Hisverylookessosayhim)hiscomplexion,Nearerabrowne,thanblacke,sterne,andyetnoble,Whichsheweshimhardy,fearelesse,proudofdangers:
Thecirclesofhiseyesshowfirewithinhim,AndasaheatedLyon,sohelookes;
Hishairehangslongbehindhim,blackeandshiningLikeRavenswings:hisshouldersbroadandstrong,Armdlongandround,andonhisThighaSwordHungbyacuriousBauldricke,whenhefrownesTosealehiswillwith:better,o’myconscienceWasneverSouldiersfriend。
THESEUS。
Thouha’stwelldescribdehim。
PERITHOUS。
Yetagreatdealeshort,Methinkes,ofhimthat’sfirstwithPalamon。
THESEUS。
Pray,speakehim,friend。
PERITHOUS。
IghesseheisaPrincetoo,And,ifitmaybe,greater;forhisshowHasalltheornamentofhonourin’t:
Hee’ssomewhatbigger,thentheKnighthespokeof,Butofafacefarsweeter;HiscomplexionIs(asaripegrape)ruddy:hehasfelt,Withoutdoubt,whathefightsfor,andsoapterTomakethiscausehisowne:In’sfaceappearesAllthefairehopesofwhatheundertakes,Andwhenhe’sangry,thenasetledvalour(Nottaintedwithextreames)runsthroughhisbody,Andguideshisarmetobravethings:Fearehecannot,Heshewesnosuchsofttemper;hishead’syellow,Hardhayr’d,andcurld,thicketwindlikeIvytods,Nottoundoewiththunder;InhisfaceTheliverieofthewarlikeMaideappeares,Purered,andwhite,foryetnobeardhasblesthim。
Andinhisrowlingeyessitsvictory,Asifsheevermenttocourthisvalour:
HisNosestandshigh,aCharacterofhonour。
Hisredlips,afterfights,arefitforLadies。
EMILIA。
Mustthesemendietoo?
PERITHOUS。
Whenhespeakes,histongueSoundslikeaTrumpet;AllhislyneamentsAreasamanwouldwish’em,strongandcleane,Hewearesawell—steeldAxe,thestaffeofgold;
Hisagesomefiveandtwenty。
MESSENGER。
Ther’sanother,Alittleman,butofatoughsoule,seemingAsgreatasany:fairerpromisesInsuchaBodyyetIneverlook’don。
PERITHOUS。
O,hethat’sfrecklefac’d?
MESSENGER。
Thesame,myLord;
Aretheynotsweetones?
PERITHOUS。
Yes,theyarewell。
MESSENGER。
Methinkes,Beingsofew,andwelldisposd,theyshowGreat,andfineartinnature:he’swhitehair’d,Notwantonwhite,butsuchamanlycolourNexttoanaborne;tough,andnimbleset,Whichshowesanactivesoule;hisarmesarebrawny,Lindewithstrongsinewes:TotheshoulderpeeceGentlytheyswell,likewomennewconceav’d,Whichspeakeshimpronetolabour,neverfaintingVnderthewaightofArmes;stoutharted,still,Butwhenhestirs,aTiger;he’sgrayeyd,Whichyeeldscompassionwhereheconquers:sharpeTospyadvantages,andwherehefinds’em,He’sswifttomake’emhis:Hedo’snowrongs,Nortakesnone;he’sroundfac’d,andwhenhesmilesHeshowesaLover,whenhefrownes,aSouldier:
Abouthisheadhewearesthewinnersoke,AndinitstuckethefavourofhisLady:
Hisage,somesixandthirtie。InhishandHebearesachargingStaffe,embostwithsilver。
THESEUS。
Aretheyallthus?
PERITHOUS。
Theyareallthesonnesofhonour。
THESEUS。
Now,asIhaveasoule,Ilongtosee’em。
Lady,youshallseemenfightnow。
HIPPOLITA。
Iwishit,Butnotthecause,myLord;TheywouldshowBravelyabouttheTitlesoftwoKingdomes;
TispittyLoveshouldbesotyrannous:
OmysofthartedSister,whatthinkeyou?
Weepenot,tilltheyweepeblood,Wench;itmustbe。
THESEUS。
Youhavesteel’d’emwithyourBeautie。——HonordFriend,ToyouIgivetheFeild;pray,orderitFittingthepersonsthatmustuseit。
PERITHOUS。
Yes,Sir。
THESEUS。
Come,Ilegoevisit’em:Icannotstay,Theirfamehasfir’dmeso;Tilltheyappeare。
GoodFriend,beroyall。
PERITHOUS。
Thereshallwantnobravery。
EMILIA。
Poorewench,goeweepe,forwhosoeverwins,LoosesanobleCosenforthysins。[Exeunt。]
Scaena3。(Aroomintheprison。)
[EnterIailor,Wooer,Doctor。]
DOCTOR。
HerdistractionismoreatsometimeoftheMoone,thenatothersome,isitnot?
IAILOR。
Sheiscontinuallyinaharmelessedistemper,sleepeslittle,altogetherwithoutappetite,saveoftendrinking,dreamingofanotherworld,andabetter;andwhatbrokenpeeceofmatterso’ereshe’sabout,thenamePalamonlardesit,thatshefarcesev’rybusineswithall,fytsittoeveryquestion。——
[EnterDaughter。]
Lookewheresheecomes,youshallperceiveherbehaviour。
DAUGHTER。
Ihaveforgotitquite;Theburdenon’t,wasDOWNEA,DOWNEA,andpendbynoworseman,thenGiraldo,EmiliasSchoolemaster;
he’sasFantasticalltoo,aseverhemaygoeupon’slegs,——forinthenextworldwillDidoseePalamon,andthenwillshebeoutoflovewithEneas。
DOCTOR。
Whatstuff’shere?poresoule!
IAILOR。
Ev’nthusalldaylong。
DAUGHTER。
NowforthisCharme,thatItoldyouof:youmustbringapeeceofsilveronthetipofyourtongue,ornoferry:then,ifitbeyourchancetocomewheretheblessedspirits,asther’sasightnow——wemaidsthathaveourLyversperish’d,crakttopeeceswithLove,weshallcomethere,anddoenothingalldaylongbutpickeflowerswithProserpine;thenwillImakePalamonaNosegay;thenlethimmarkeme,——then——
DOCTOR。
Howprettilyshe’samisse?noteheralittlefurther。
DAUGHTER。
Faith,iletellyou,sometimewegoetoBarlybreake,weoftheblessed;alas,tisasorelifetheyhavei’thotherplace,suchburning,frying,boyling,hissing,howling,chattring,cursing,ohtheyhaveshrowdmeasure!takeheede;ifonebemad,orhangordrownethemselves,thithertheygoe,Iupiterblessevs,andthereshallwebeputinaCaldronoflead,andVsurersgrease,amongstawholemillionofcutpurses,andthereboylelikeaGamonofBaconthatwillneverbeenough。[Exit。]
DOCTOR。
Howherbrainecoynes!
DAUGHTER。
LordsandCourtiers,thathavegotmaidswithChild,theyareinthisplace:theyshallstandinfireuptotheNav’le,andinyceupto’thhart,andthereth’offendingpartburnes,andthedeceavingpartfreezes;introth,averygreevouspunishment,asonewouldthinke,forsuchaTrifle;beleveme,onewouldmarryaleaprouswitch,toberidon’t,Ileassureyou。
DOCTOR。
Howshecontinuesthisfancie!TisnotanengraffedMadnesse,butamostthicke,andprofoundmellencholly。
DAUGHTER。
TohearethereaproudLady,andaproudCittywiffe,howletogether!Iwereabeastandil’dcallitgoodsport:onecries,’Othissmoake!’another,’thisfire!’Onecries,’O,thateverIdiditbehindthearras!’andthenhowles;th’othercursesasuingfellowandhergardenhouse。[Sings]Iwillbetrue,mystars,myfate,&c。[ExitDaugh。]
IAILOR。
Whatthinkeyouofher,Sir?
DOCTOR。
Ithinkeshehasaperturbedminde,whichIcannotministerto。
IAILOR。
Alas,whatthen?
DOCTOR。
Vnderstandyou,sheeveraffectedanyman,ereshebeheldPalamon?
IAILOR。
Iwasonce,Sir,ingreathopeshehadfixdherlikingonthisgentleman,myfriend。
WOOER。
Ididthinkesotoo,andwouldaccountIhadagreatpen—worthon’t,togivehalfemystate,thatbothsheandIatthispresentstoodunfainedlyonthesametearmes。
DOCTOR。
Thatintempratsurfeitofhereyehathdistemperdtheothersences:
theymayreturneandsettleagainetoexecutetheirpreordaindfaculties,buttheyarenowinamostextravagantvagary。Thisyoumustdoe:Confinehertoaplace,wherethelightmayratherseemetostealein,thenbepermitted;takevponyou(yongSir,herfriend)thenameofPalamon;sayyoucometoeatewithher,andtocommuneofLove;thiswillcatchherattention,forthishermindebeatesupon;otherobjectsthatareinsertedtweenehermindeandeyebecometheprankesandfriskinsofhermadnes;SingtohersuchgreenesongsofLove,asshesayesPalamonhathsunginprison;Cometoher,stuckeinassweetflowersastheseasonismistresof,andtheretomakeanadditionofsomothercompoundedodours,whicharegratefultothesence:allthisshallbecomePalamon,forPalamoncansing,andPalamonissweet,andev’rygoodthing:desiretoeatewithher,carveher,drinketoher,andstillamong,intermingleyourpetitionofgraceandacceptanceintoherfavour:LearnewhatMaideshavebeenehercompanionsandplay—pheeres,andletthemrepairetoherwithPalamonintheirmouthes,andappearewithtokens,asiftheysuggestedforhim。
Itisafalsehoodsheisin,whichiswithfalsehoodtobecombated。
Thismaybringhertoeate,tosleepe,andreducewhat’snowoutofsquareinher,intotheirformerlaw,andregiment;Ihaveseeneitapproved,howmanytimesIknownot,buttomakethenumbermore,Ihavegreathopeinthis。Iwill,betweenethepassagesofthisproject,comeinwithmyapplyance:Letusputitinexecution,andhastenthesuccesse,which,doubtnot,willbringforthcomfort。[Florish。Exeunt。]
ActusQuintusScaena1。(BeforetheTemplesofMars,Venus,andDiana。)
[EnterThesius,Perithous,Hipolita,attendants。]
THESEUS。
Nowlet’ementer,andbeforethegodsTendertheirholyprayers:LettheTemplesBurnebrightwithsacredfires,andtheAltarsInhallowedcloudscommendtheirswellingIncenseTothoseaboveus:Letnoduebewanting;[FlorishofCornets。]
Theyhaveanobleworkeinhand,willhonourTheverypowersthatlove’em。
[EnterPalamonandArcite,andtheirKnights。]
PERITHOUS。
Sir,theyenter。
THESEUS。
YouvaliantandstronghartedEnemies,YouroyallGermanfoes,thatthisdaycomeToblowthatfurnesseoutthatflamesbetweeneye:
Laybyyourangerforanhoure,anddove—like,BeforetheholyAltarsofyourhelpers,(Theallfeardgods)bowdowneyourstubbornebodies。
Yourireismorethanmortall;Soyourhelpebe,Andasthegodsregardye,fightwithIustice;
Ileleaveyoutoyourprayers,andbetwixtyeIpartmywishes。
PERITHOUS。
Honourcrownetheworthiest。[ExitTheseus,andhistraine。]
PALAMON。
TheglasseisrunningnowthatcannotfinishTilloneofusexpire:Thinkeyoubutthus,ThatwerethereoughtinmewhichstrovetoshowMineenemyinthisbusinesse,wer’toneeyeAgainstanother,ArmeopprestbyArme,Iwoulddestroyth’offender,Coz,Iwould,Thoughparcellofmyselfe:ThenfromthisgatherHowIshouldtenderyou。
ARCITE。
IaminlabourTopushyourname,yourauncientlove,ourkindredOutofmymemory;andi’thselfesameplaceToseatesomethingIwouldconfound:SohoystweThesayles,thatmustthesevessellsportevenwhereTheheavenlyLymiterpleases。
PALAMON。
Youspeakewell;
BeforeIturne,Letmeembracethee,Cosen:
ThisIshallneverdoeagen。
ARCITE。
Onefarewell。
PALAMON。
Why,letitbeso:Farewell,Coz。[ExeuntPalamonandhisKnights。]
ARCITE。
Farewell,Sir。——
Knights,Kinsemen,Lovers,yea,mySacrifices,TrueworshippersofMars,whosespiritinyouExpellstheseedesoffeare,andth’apprehensionWhichstillisfartheroffit,GoewithmeBeforethegodofourprofession:ThereRequireofhimtheheartsofLyons,andThebreathofTigers,yea,thefearcenessetoo,Yea,thespeedalso,——togoeon,Imeane,ElsewishwetobeSnayles:youknowmyprizeMustbedrag’doutofblood;forceandgreatfeateMustputmyGarlandon,whereshestickesTheQueeneofFlowers:ourintercessionthenMustbetohimthatmakestheCampeaCestronBrymdwiththebloodofmen:givemeyouraideAndbendyourspiritstowardshim。[Theykneele。]
Thoumightyone,thatwiththypowerhastturndGreeneNeptuneintopurple,(whoseApproach)
Cometsprewarne,whosehavockeinvasteFeildVnearthedskullsproclaime,whosebreathblowesdowne,TheteemingCeresfoyzon,whodothpluckeWithhandarmypotentfromforthblewclowdesThemasondTurrets,thatbothmak’standbreak’stThestonygirthesofCitties:methypuple,YongestfollowerofthyDrom,instructthisdayWithmilitaryskill,thattothylawdeImayadvancemyStreamer,andbythee,Bestil’dtheLordo’thday:giveme,greatMars,Sometokenofthypleasure。
[Heretheyfallontheirfacesasformerly,andthereisheardclangingofArmor,withashortThunderastheburstofaBattaile,whereupontheyallriseandbowtotheAltar。]
OGreatCorrectorofenormoustimes,Shakerofore—rankStates,thougranddeciderOfdustieandoldtytles,thathealstwithbloodTheearthwhenitissicke,andcursttheworldO’thpluresieofpeople;IdoetakeThysignesauspiciously,andinthynameTomydesignemarchboldly。Letusgoe。[Exeunt。]
[EnterPalamonandhisKnights,withtheformerobservance。]
PALAMON。
Ourstarsmustglisterwithnewfire,orbeTodaieextinct;ourargumentislove,Whichifthegoddesseofitgrant,shegivesVictorytoo:thenblendyourspiritswithmine,You,whosefreenoblenessedoemakemycauseYourpersonallhazard;tothegoddesseVenusCommendweourproceeding,andimploreHerpoweruntoourpartie。[Heretheykneeleasformerly。]
Haile,SoveraigneQueeneofsecrets,whohastpowerTocallthefeircestTyrantfromhisrage,AndweepeuntoaGirle;thatha’stthemight,Evenwithaney—glance,tochokeMarsisDromAndturneth’allarmetowhispers;thatcanstmakeACripleflorishwithhisCrutch,andcurehimBeforeApollo;thatmay’stforcetheKingTobehissubjectsvassaile,andinduceStalegravitietodaunce;thepouldBachelour——
Whoseyouth,likewontonBoyesthroughBonfyres,Haveskiptthyflame——atseaventythoucanstcatchAndmakehim,tothescorneofhishoarsethroate,Abuseyonglaiesoflove:whatgodlikepowerHastthounotpowerupon?ToPhoebusthouAdd’stflameshotterthenhis;theheavenlyfyresDidscortchhismortallSon,thinehim;thehuntresseAllmoystandcold,somesay,begantothrowHerBowaway,andsigh。TaketothygraceMe,thyvowdSouldier,whodoebearethyyokeAst’werawreathofRoses,yetisheavierThenLeaditselfe,stingsmorethanNettles。
Ihaveneverbeenefoulemouthdagainstthylaw,Nev’rrevealdsecret,forIknewnone——wouldnot,HadIkendallthatwere;IneverpractisedVponmanswife,norwouldtheLibellsreadeOfliberallwits;IneveratgreatfeastesSoughttobetrayaBeautie,buthaveblush’dAtsimpringSirsthatdid;IhavebeeneharshTolargeConfessors,andhavehotlyask’dthemIftheyhadMothers:Ihadone,awoman,Andwoment’wertheywrong’d。IknewamanOfeightiewinters,thisItoldthem,whoALasseoffoureteenebrided;twasthypowerToputlifeintodust;theagedCrampeHadscrew’dhissquarefooteround,TheGouthadknithisfingersintoknots,TorturingConvulsionsfromhisglobieeyes,Hadalmostdrawnetheirspheeres,thatwhatwaslifeInhimseem’dtorture:thisAnatomieHadbyhisyongfairepheareaBoy,andI
Beleev’ditwashim,forshesworeitwas,Andwhowouldnotbeleeveher?briefe,IamTothosethatprateandhavedonenoCompanion;
Tothosethatboastandhavenotadefyer;
TothosethatwouldandcannotaRejoycer。
Yea,himIdoenotlove,thattellscloseofficesThefowlestway,nornamesconcealementsinTheboldestlanguage:suchaoneIam,AndvowthatloverneveryetmadesighTruerthenI。O,then,mostsoft,sweetgoddesse,Givemethevictoryofthisquestion,whichIstruelovesmerit,andblessemewithasigneOfthygreatpleasure。
[HereMusickeisheard,Dovesareseenetoflutter;theyfallagaineupontheirfaces,thenontheirknees。]
PALAMON。
Othou,thatfromeleventoninetieraign’stInmortallbosomes,whosechaseisthisworld,Andweinheardsthygame:IgivetheethankesForthisfaireToken,which,beinglayduntoMineinnocenttrueheart,armesinassurance[Theybow。]
Mybodytothisbusinesse。LetusriseAndbowbeforethegoddesse:Timecomeson。[Exeunt。]
[StillMusickeofRecords。]
[EnterEmiliainwhite,herhaireabouthershoulders,(wearing)awheatenwreath:Oneinwhiteholdinguphertraine,herhairestuckewithflowers:OnebeforehercarryingasilverHynde,inwhichisconveydIncenseandsweetodours,whichbeingsetupontheAltar(ofDiana)hermaidesstandingaloofe,shesetsfiretoit;thentheycurtseyandkneele。]
EMILIA。
Osacred,shadowie,coldandconstantQueene,AbandonerofRevells,mute,contemplative,Sweet,solitary,whiteaschaste,andpureAswindefandSnow,whotothyfemallknightsAlow’stnomorebloodthanwillmakeablush,Whichistheirordersrobe:Iheere,thyPriest,AmhumbledforethineAltar;Ovouchsafe,Withthatthyraregreeneeye,whichneveryetBeheldthingmaculate,lookeonthyvirgin;
And,sacredsilverMistris,lendthineeare(Whichnev’rheardscurrillterme,intowhoseportNe’reentredwantonfound,)tomypetitionSeasondwithholyfeare:ThisismylastOfvestalloffice;Iambridehabited,Butmaydenharted,ahusbandIhavepointed,Butdoenotknowhim;outoftwoIshouldChooseoneandprayforhissuccesse,butI
Amguiltlesseofelection:ofmineeyes,WereItolooseone,theyareequallprecious,Icoulddoombeneither,thatwhichperish’dshouldGoetoo’tunsentenc’d:Therefore,mostmodestQueene,HeofthetwoPretenders,thatbestlovesmeAndhasthetruesttitlein’t,LethimTakeoffmywheatenGerland,orelsegrantThefyleandqualitieIhold,ImayContinueinthyBand。
[HeretheHyndevanishesundertheAltar:andintheplaceascendsaRoseTree,havingoneRoseuponit。]
SeewhatourGenerallofEbbsandFlowesOutfromthebowellsofherholyAltarWithsacredactadvances!ButoneRose:
Ifwellinspird,thisBattaileshalconfoundBoththesebraveKnights,andI,avirginflowreMustgrowaloneunpluck’d。
[HereisheardasodainetwangofInstruments,andtheRosefals\\
fromtheTree(whichvanishesunderthealtar。)]
Theflowreisfalne,theTreedescends:O,Mistris,Thouheredischargestme;Ishallbegather’d:
Ithinkeso,butIknownotthineownewill;
VnclaspethyMisterie。——Ihopeshe’spleas’d,HerSignesweregratious。[TheycurtseyandExeunt。]
Scaena2。(AdarkenedRoominthePrison。)
[EnterDoctor,IaylorandWooer,inhabiteofPalamon。]
DOCTOR。
HasthisadviceItoldyou,doneanygooduponher?
WOOER。
Overymuch;ThemaidsthatkepthercompanyHavehalfeperswadedherthatIamPalamon;
Withinthishalfehoureshecamesmilingtome,AndaskedmewhatIwouldeate,andwhenIwouldkisseher:
Itoldherpresently,andkisthertwice。
DOCTOR。
Twaswelldone;twentietimeshadbinfarbetter,Fortherethecureliesmainely。
WOOER。
ThenshetoldmeShewouldwatchwithmetonight,forwellsheknewWhathouremyfitwouldtakeme。
DOCTOR。
Letherdoeso,Andwhenyourfitcomes,fitherhome,Andpresently。
WOOER。
Shewouldhavemesing。
DOCTOR。
Youdidso?
WOOER。
No。
DOCTOR。
Twasveryilldone,then;
Youshouldobserveherev’ryway。
WOOER。
Alas,Ihavenovoice,Sir,toconfirmeherthatway。
DOCTOR。
That’sallone,ifyeemakeanoyse;
Ifsheintreateagaine,doeanything,——
Lyewithher,ifsheaskeyou。
IAILOR。
Hoa,there,Doctor!
DOCTOR。
Yes,inthewaieofcure。
IAILOR。
Butfirst,byyourleave,I’thwayofhonestie。
DOCTOR。
That’sbutanicenesse,Nev’rcastyourchildawayforhonestie;
Cureherfirstthisway,thenifsheewillbehonest,Shehasthepathbeforeher。
IAILOR。
Thankeyee,Doctor。
DOCTOR。
Pray,bringherin,Andlet’sseehowsheeis。
IAILOR。
Iwill,andtellherHerPalamonstaiesforher:But,Doctor,Methinkesyouarei’thwrongstill。[ExitIaylor。]
DOCTOR。
Goe,goe:
YouFathersarefineFooles:herhonesty?
Andweshouldgiveherphysicketillwefindethat——
WOOER。
Why,doeyouthinkesheisnothonest,Sir?
DOCTOR。
Howoldisshe?
WOOER。
She’seighteene。
DOCTOR。
Shemaybe,Butthat’sallone;tisnothingtoourpurpose。
WhatereherFathersaies,ifyouperceaveHermoodeincliningthatwaythatIspokeof,Videlicet,thewayofflesh——youhaveme?
WOOER。
Yet,verywell,Sir。
DOCTOR。
Pleaseherappetite,Anddoeithome;itcuresher,ipsofacto,Themellenchollyhumourthatinfectsher。
WOOER。
Iamofyourminde,Doctor。
[EnterIaylor,Daughter,Maide。]
DOCTOR。
You’lfindeitso;shecomes,prayhumourher。
IAILOR。
Come,yourLovePalamonstaiesforyou,childe,Andhasdonethislonghoure,tovisiteyou。
DAUGHTER。
Ithankehimforhisgentlepatience;
He’sakindGentleman,andIammuchboundtohim。
Didyounev’rseethehorsehegaveme?
IAILOR。
Yes。
DAUGHTER。
Howdoeyoulikehim?
IAILOR。
He’saveryfaireone。
DAUGHTER。
Youneversawhimdance?
IAILOR。
No。
DAUGHTER。
Ihaveoften。
Hedauncesveryfinely,verycomely,AndforaIigge,comecutandlongtailetohim,HeturnesyelikeaTop。
IAILOR。
That’sfine,indeede。
DAUGHTER。
Hee’ldancetheMorristwentymileanhoure,Andthatwillfounderthebesthobby—horse(IfIhaveanyskill)inalltheparish,AndgallopstotheturneofLIGHTA’LOVE:
Whatthinkeyouofthishorse?
IAILOR。
Havingthesevertues,IthinkehemightbebroghttoplayatTennis。
DAUGHTER。
Alas,that’snothing。
IAILOR。
Canhewriteandreadetoo?
DAUGHTER。
Averyfairehand,andcastshimselfeth’accountsOfallhishayandprovender:ThatHostlerMustrisebetimethatcozenshim。YouknowTheChestnutMaretheDukehas?
IAILOR。
Verywell。
DAUGHTER。
Sheishorriblyinlovewithhim,poorebeast,Butheislikehismaster,coyandscornefull。
IAILOR。
Whatdowryhasshe?
DAUGHTER。
SometwohundredBottles,AndtwentystrikeofOates;buthee’lne’rehaveher;
Helispesin’sneighing,abletoenticeAMillarsMare:Hee’lbethedeathofher。
DOCTOR。
Whatstuffesheutters!
IAILOR。
Makecurtsie;hereyourlovecomes。
WOOER。
Prettysoule,Howdoeye?that’safinemaide,ther’sacurtsie!
DAUGHTER。
Yourstocommandithwayofhonestie。
Howfaris’tnowto’thendo’thworld,myMasters?
DOCTOR。
Why,adaiesIorney,wench。
DAUGHTER。
Willyougoewithme?
WOOER。
Whatshallwedoethere,wench?
DAUGHTER。
Why,playatstooleball:
Whatisthereelsetodoe?
WOOER。
Iamcontent,Ifweshallkeepeourweddingthere。
DAUGHTER。
Tistrue:
Forthere,Iwillassureyou,weshallfindeSomeblindPriestforthepurpose,thatwillventureTomarryus,forheretheyarenice,andfoolish;
Besides,myfathermustbehang’dtomorrowAndthatwouldbeabloti’thbusinesse。
ArenotyouPalamon?
WOOER。
Doenotyouknowme?
DAUGHTER。
Yes,butyoucarenotforme;IhavenothingButthisporepetticoate,andtoocorseSmockes。
WOOER。
That’sallone;Iwillhaveyou。
DAUGHTER。
Willyousurely?
WOOER。
Yes,bythisfairehand,willI。
DAUGHTER。
Wee’ltobed,then。
WOOER。
Ev’nwhenyouwill。[Kissesher。]
DAUGHTER。
OSir,youwouldfainebenibling。
WOOER。
Whydoeyourubmykisseoff?
DAUGHTER。
Tisasweetone,Andwillperfumemefinelyagainstthewedding。
IsnotthisyourCosenArcite?
DOCTOR。
Yes,sweetheart,AndIamgladmyCosenPalamonHasmadesofaireachoice。
DAUGHTER。
Doeyouthinkehee’lhaveme?
DOCTOR。
Yes,withoutdoubt。
DAUGHTER。
Doeyouthinkesotoo?
IAILOR。
Yes。
DAUGHTER。
Weshallhavemanychildren:——Lord,howy’argrowne!
MyPalamon,Ihope,willgrow,too,finely,Nowhe’satliberty:Alas,pooreChicken,Hewaskeptdownewithhardmeateandilllodging,Butilekissehimupagaine。
[EmteraMessenger。]
MESSENGER。
Whatdoeyouhere?you’lloosethenoblestsightThatev’rwasseene。
IAILOR。
Aretheyi’thField?
MESSENGER。
Theyare。
Youbeareachargetheretoo。
IAILOR。
Ileawaystraight。
Imustev’nleaveyouhere。
DOCTOR。
Nay,wee’lgoewithyou;
IwillnotloosetheFight。
IAILOR。
Howdidyoulikeher?
DOCTOR。
Ilewarrantyou,withinthese3。or4。daiesIlemakeherrightagaine。Youmustnotfromher,Butstillpreserveherinthisway。
WOOER。
Iwill。
DOCTOR。
Letsgetherin。
WOOER。
Come,sweete,wee’lgoetodinner;
AndthenweeleplayatCardes。
DAUGHTER。
Andshallwekissetoo?
WOOER。
Ahundredtimes。
DAUGHTER。
Andtwenty。
WOOER。
I,andtwenty。
DAUGHTER。
Andthenwee’lsleepetogether。
DOCTOR。
Takeheroffer。
WOOER。
Yes,marry,willwe。
DAUGHTER。
Butyoushallnothurtme。
WOOER。
Iwillnot,sweete。
DAUGHTER。
Ifyoudoe,Love,ilecry。[Florish。Exeunt]
Scaena3。(APlaceneartheLists。)
[EnterTheseus,Hipolita,Emilia,Perithous:andsomeAttendants,(T。Tucke:Curtis。)]
EMILIA。
Ilenostepfurther。
PERITHOUS。
Willyouloosethissight?
EMILIA。
IhadratherseeawrenhawkeataflyThenthisdecision;ev’ryblowthatfallsThreatsabravelife,eachstroakelamentsTheplacewhereonitfals,andsoundsmorelikeABellthenblade:Iwillstayhere;
ItisenoughmyhearingshallbepunishdWithwhatshallhappen——gainstthewhichthereisNodeaffing,buttoheare——nottaintmineeyeWithdreadsights,itmayshun。
PERITHOUS。
Sir,mygoodLord,YourSisterwillnofurther。
THESEUS。
Oh,shemust。
Sheshallseedeedsofhonourintheirkinde,Whichsometimeshowwell,pencild。NaturenowShallmakeandacttheStory,thebeleifeBothsealdwitheyeandeare;youmustbepresent,Youarethevictoursmeede,theprice,andgarlondTocrownetheQuestionstitle。
EMILIA。
Pardonme;
IfIwerethere,I’ldwinke。
THESEUS。
Youmustbethere;
ThisTryallisast’weri’thnight,andyouTheonelystartoshine。
EMILIA。
Iamextinct;
Thereisbutenvyinthatlight,whichshowesTheonetheother:darkenes,whicheverwasThedamofhorrour,whodo’sstandaccurstOfmanymortallMillions,mayevennow,Bycastingherblackemantleoverboth,Thatneithercouldefindeother,getherselfeSomepartofagoodname,andmanyamurtherSetoffwhertoshe’sguilty。
HIPPOLITA。
Youmustgoe。
EMILIA。
Infaith,Iwillnot。
THESEUS。
Why,theknightsmustkindleTheirvalouratyoureye:know,ofthiswarYouaretheTreasure,andmustneedesbebyTogivetheServicepay。
EMILIA。
Sir,pardonme;
ThetytleofakingdomemaybetrideOutofitselfe。
THESEUS。
Well,well,then,atyourpleasure;
ThosethatremainewithyoucouldwishtheirofficeToanyoftheirEnemies。
HIPPOLITA。
Farewell,Sister;
IamliketoknowyourhusbandforeyourselfeBysomesmallstartoftime:hewhomthegodsDoeofthetwoknowbest,IpraythemheBemadeyourLot。
[ExeuntTheseus,Hipolita,Perithous,&c。]
EMILIA。
Arciteisgentlyvisagd;yethiseyeIslikeanEngynbent,orasharpeweaponInasoftsheath;mercyandmanlycourageArebedfellowesinhisvisage。PalamonHasamostmenacingaspect:hisbrowIsgrav’d,andseemestoburywhatitfrowneson;
Yetsometimetisnotso,butalterstoThequallityofhisthoughts;longtimehiseyeWilldwelluponhisobject。MellenchollyBecomeshimnobly;Sodo’sArcitesmirth,ButPalamonssadnesisakindeofmirth,Somingled,asifmirthdidmakehimsad,Andsadnes,merry;thosedarkerhumoursthatStickemisbecominglyonothers,onthemLiveinfairedwelling。[Cornets。Trompetssoundastoacharge。]
Harke,howyonspurstospiritdoeinciteThePrincestotheirproofe!Arcitemaywinme,AndyetmayPalamonwoundArcitetoThespoylingofhisfigure。O,whatpittyEnoughforsuchachance;ifIwereby,Imightdoehurt,fortheywouldglancetheireiesTowardmySeat,andinthatmotionmightOmitaward,orforfeitanoffenceWhichcrav’dthatverytime:itismuchbetterIamnotthere;ohbetterneverborneThenministertosuchharme。[Cornets。Agreatcryandnoicewithin,crying’aPalamon’。]Whatisthechance?
[EnterServant。]
SERVANT。
TheCrie’s’aPalamon’。
EMILIA。
Thenhehaswon!Twaseverlikely;
Helookdallgraceandsuccesse,andheisDoubtlessetheprim’stofmen:Ipre’thee,runAndtellmehowitgoes。[Showt,andCornets:Crying,’aPalamon。’]
SERVANT。
StillPalamon。
EMILIA。
Runandenquire。PooreServant,thouhastlost;
VponmyrightsidestillIworethypicture,Palamonsontheleft:whyso,Iknownot;
Ihadnoendin’telse,chancewouldhaveitso。
Onthesinistersidetheheartlyes;PalamonHadthebestbodingchance。[Anothercry,andshowtwithin,andCornets。]ThisburstofclamourIssureth’endo’thCombat。
[EnterServant。]
SERVANT。
TheysaidethatPalamonhadArcitesbodyWithinanincho’thPyramid,thatthecryWasgenerall’aPalamon’:But,anon,Th’Assistantsmadeabraveredemption,andThetwoboldTytlers,atthisinstantareHandtohandatit。
EMILIA。
WeretheymetamorphisdBothintoone!ohwhy?therewerenowomanWorthsocomposdaMan:theirsingleshare,Theirnoblenespeculiertothem,givesTheprejudiceofdisparity,valuesshortnes,[Cornets。Crywithin,Arcite,Arcite。]
ToanyLadybreathing——Moreexulting?
Palamonstill?
SERVANT。
Nay,nowthesoundisArcite。
EMILIA。
Ipre’thee,layattentiontotheCry,[Cornets。Agreatshowtandcry,’Arcite,victory!’]
Setboththineearesto’thbusines。
SERVANT。
Thecryis’Arcite’,and’victory’,harke:’Arcite,victory!’
TheCombatsconsummationisproclaim’dBythewindInstruments。
EMILIA。
HalfesightssawThatArcitewasnobabe;god’slyd,hisrichnesAndcostlinesofspiritlook’tthroughhim,itcouldNomorebehidinhimthenfireinflax,Thenhumblebanckescangoetolawwithwaters,Thatdriftwindesforcetoraging:IdidthinkeGoodPalamonwouldmiscarry;yetIknewnotWhyIdidthinkeso;Ourreasonsarenotprophets,Whenoftourfanciesare。Theyarecommingoff:
Alas,poorePalamon![Cornets。]
[EnterTheseus,Hipolita,Pirithous,Arciteasvictor,andattendants,&c。]
THESEUS。
Lo,whereourSisterisinexpectation,Yetquaking,andunsetled。——FairestEmily,ThegodsbytheirdivinearbitramentHavegivenyouthisKnight;heisagoodoneAseverstrookeathead。Givemeyourhands;
Receiveyouher,youhim;beplightedwithAlovethatgrowes,asyoudecay。
ARCITE。
Emily,Tobuyyou,Ihavelostwhat’sdeeresttome,Savewhatisbought,andyetIpurchasecheapely,AsIdoerateyourvalue。
THESEUS。
OlovedSister,HespeakesnowofasbraveaKnightasereDidspuranobleSteed:Surely,thegodsWouldhavehimdieaBatchelour,leasthisraceShouldshewi’thworldtoogodlike:HisbehaviourSocharmedme,thatmethoughtAlcideswasTohimasowoflead:ifIcouldpraiseEachpartofhimto’thallIhavespoke,yourArciteDidnotlooseby’t;ForhethatwasthusgoodEncountredyethisBetter。IhaveheardTwoemulousPhilomelsbeatetheeareo’thnightWiththeircontentiousthroates,nowonethehigher,Anontheother,thenagainethefirst,Andbyandbyoutbreasted,thatthesenceCouldnotbejudgebetweene’em:Soitfar’dGoodspacebetweenethesekinesmen;tillheavensdidMakehardlyonethewinner。WearetheGirlondWithjoythatyouhavewon:Forthesubdude,GivethemourpresentIustice,sinceIknowTheirlivesbutpinch’em;Letitherebedone。
TheSceane’snotforourseeing,goewehence,Rightjoyfull,withsomesorrow。——Armeyourprize,Iknowyouwillnotlooseher。——Hipolita,IseeoneeyeofyoursconceivesateareThewhichitwilldeliver。[Florish。]
EMILIA。
Isthiswynning?
Ohallyouheavenlypowers,whereisyourmercy?
Butthatyourwilshavesaideitmustbeso,Andchargemelivetocomfortthisunfriended,ThismiserablePrince,thatcutsawayAlifemoreworthyfromhimthenallwomen,Ishould,andwould,dietoo。
HIPPOLITA。
Infinitepitty,ThatfowresucheiesshouldbesofixdononeThattwomustneedesbeblindefort。
THESEUS。
Soitis。[Exeunt。]
Scaena4。(Thesame;aBlockprepared。)
[EnterPalamonandhisKnightespyniond:Iaylor,Executioner,&c。Gard。]
(PALAMON。)
Ther’smanyamanalivethathathoutliv’dTheloveo’thpeople;yea,i’thselfesamestateStandsmanyaFatherwithhischilde;somecomfortWehavebysoconsidering:weexpireAndnotwithoutmenspitty。Tolivestill,Havetheirgoodwishes;wepreventTheloathsomemiseryofage,beguileTheGowtandRheume,thatinlaghowresattendForgreyapproachers;wecometowardsthegodsYongandunwapper’d,nothaltingunderCrymesManyandstale:thatsureshallpleasethegods,Soonerthansuch,togiveusNectarwith’em,ForwearemorecleareSpirits。Mydearekinesmen,Whoselives(forthispoorecomfort)arelaiddowne,Youhavesould’emtootoocheape。
1。KNIGHT。
WhatendingcouldbeOfmorecontent?oreusthevictorshaveFortune,whosetitleisasmomentary,Astousdeathiscertaine:AgraineofhonourTheynotore’—weighus。
2。KNIGHT。
Letusbidfarewell;
AndwithourpatienceangertottringFortune,Whoathercertain’streeles。
3。KNIGHT。
Come;whobegins?
PALAMON。
Ev’nhethatledyoutothisBanketshallTastetoyouall。——Ahha,myFriend,myFriend,Yourgentledaughtergavemefreedomeonce;
You’lsee’tdonenowforever:pray,howdo’esshe?
Iheardshewasnotwell;herkindofillGavemesomesorrow。
IAILOR。
Sir,she’swellrestor’d,Andtobemarryedshortly。
PALAMON。
Bymyshortlife,Iammostgladon’t;TisthelatestthingIshallbegladof;pre’theetellherso:
Commendmetoher,andtopeeceherportion,Tenderherthis。[Givespurse。]
1。KNIGHT。
Nayletsbeofferersall。
2。KNIGHT。
Isitamaide?
PALAMON。
Verily,Ithinkeso,Arightgoodcreature,moretomedeservingThenIcanquightorspeakeof。
ALLKNIGHTS。
Commendustoher。[Theygivetheirpurses。]
IAILOR。
Thegodsrequightyouall,Andmakeherthankefull。
PALAMON。
Adiew;andletmylifebenowasshort,Asmyleavetaking。[LiesontheBlocke。]
1。KNIGHT。
Leade,couragiousCosin。
2。KNIGHT。
Wee’lfollowcheerefully。[Agreatnoisewithincrying,’run,save,hold!’]
[EnterinhastaMessenger。]
MESSENGER。
Hold,hold!Ohold,hold,hold!
[EnterPirithousinhaste。]
PERITHOUS。
Hold!hoa!Itisacursedhastyoumade,Ifyouhavedonesoquickly。NoblePalamon,Thegodswillshewtheirgloryinalife,Thatthouartyettoleade。
PALAMON。
Canthatbe,WhenVenus,Ihavesaid,isfalse?Howdoethingsfare?
PERITHOUS。
Arise,greatSir,andgivethetydingseareThataremostdearlysweetandbitter。
PALAMON。
WhatHathwaktusfromourdreame?
PERITHOUS。
Listthen:yourCosen,MounteduponaSteedthatEmilyDidfirstbestowonhim,ablackeone,owingNotahayreworthofwhite——whichsomewillsayWeakenshisprice,andmanywillnotbuyHisgoodnessewiththisnote:WhichsuperstitionHeerefindesallowance——OnthishorseisArciteTrottingthestonesofAthens,whichtheCalkinsDidrathertellthentrample;forthehorseWouldmakehislengthamile,if’tpleas’dhisRiderToputprideinhim:ashethuswentcountingTheflintypavement,dancing,ast’wer,to’thMusickeHisownehoofesmade;(forastheysayfromironCameMusickesorigen)whatenviousFlint,ColdasoldSaturne,andlikehimpossestWithfiremalevolent,dartedaSparke,Orwhatfeircesulphurelse,tothisendmade,Icommentnot;——thehothorse,hotasfire,TookeToyatthis,andfelltowhatdisorderHispowercouldgivehiswill;bounds,comesonend,Forgetsschooledooing,beingthereintraind,Andofkindmannadge;pig—likehewhinesAtthesharpeRowell,whichhefreatsatratherThenanyjotobaies;seekesallfoulemeanesOfboystrousandroughIadrie,todis—seateHisLord,thatkeptitbravely:whennoughtserv’d,WhenneitherCurbwouldcracke,girthbreakenordiffringplungesDis—rootehisRiderwhencehegrew,butthatHekepthimtweenehislegges,onhishindhoofesonendhestands,ThatArcitesleggs,beinghigherthenhishead,Seem’dwithstrangearttohand:HisvictorswreathEventhenfelloffhishead:andpresentlyBackewardtheIadecomesore,andhisfullpoyzeBecomestheRidersloade:yetisheliving,Butsuchavesselltis,thatfloatesbutforThesurgethatnextapproaches:hemuchdesiresTohavesomespeechwithyou:Loeheappeares。
[EnterTheseus,Hipolita,Emilia,Arciteinachaire。]
PALAMON。
Omiserableendofouralliance!
Thegodsaremightie,Arcite:ifthyheart,Thyworthie,manlyheart,beyetunbroken,Givemethylastwords;IamPalamon,Onethatyetlovestheedying。
ARCITE。
TakeEmiliaAndwithheralltheworldsjoy:Reachthyhand:
Farewell:Ihavetoldmylasthoure。Iwasfalse,Yetnevertreacherous:Forgiveme,Cosen:——
OnekissefromfaireEmilia:Tisdone:
Takeher:Idie。
PALAMON。
ThybravesouleseekeElizium。
EMILIA。
Ileclosethineeyes,Prince;blessedsoulesbewiththee!
Thouartarightgoodman,andwhileIlive,ThisdayIgivetoteares。
PALAMON。
AndItohonour。
THESEUS。
Inthisplacefirstyoufought:ev’nveryhereIsundredyou:acknowledgetothegodsOurthankesthatyouareliving。
Hispartisplayd,andthoughitweretooshort,Hediditwell:yourdayislengthned,andTheblissefulldewofheavendo’sarowzeyou。
ThepowerfullVenuswellhathgrac’dherAltar,Andgivenyouyourlove:OurMasterMarsHathvouch’dhisOracle,andtoArcitegaveThegraceoftheContention:SotheDeitiesHaveshewdduejustice:Bearethishence。
PALAMON。
OCosen,Thatweshouldthingsdesire,whichdoecostusThelosseofourdesire!ThatnoughtcouldbuyDearelove,butlosseofdearelove!
THESEUS。
NeverFortuneDidplayasubtlerGame:Theconquerdtriumphes,ThevictorhastheLosse:yetinthepassageThegodshavebeenemostequall:Palamon,Yourkinsemanhathconfesttherighto’thLadyDidlyeinyou,foryoufirstsawher,andEventhenproclaimdyourfancie:HerestordherAsyourstolneIewell,anddesir’dyourspiritTosendhimhenceforgiven;ThegodsmyjusticeTakefrommyhand,andtheythemselvesbecomeTheExecutioners:LeadeyourLadyoff;
AndcallyourLoversfromthestageofdeath,WhomIadoptmyFrinds。AdayortwoLetuslookesadly,andgivegraceuntoTheFunerallofArcite;inwhoseendThevisagesofBridegroomesweeleputonAndsmilewithPalamon;forwhomanhoure,Butonehoure,since,Iwasasdearelysorry,AsgladofArcite:andamnowasglad,Asforhimsorry。OyouheavenlyCharmers,Whatthingsyoumakeofus!ForwhatwelackeWelaugh,forwhatwehave,aresorry:stillArechildreninsomekind。LetusbethankefullForthatwhichis,andwithyouleavedisputeThatareaboveourquestion。Let’sgoeoff,Andbeareuslikethetime。[Florish。Exeunt。]
EPILOGVE
IwouldnowaskeyehowyelikethePlay,But,asitiswithSchooleBoyes,cannotsay,Iamcruellfearefull:pray,yetstayawhile,Andletmelookeuponye:Nomansmile?
Thenitgoeshard,Isee;HethathasLov’dayonghansomewench,then,showhisface——
Tisstrangeifnonebeheere——andifhewillAgainsthisConscience,lethimhisse,andkillOurMarket:Tisinvaine,Isee,tostayyee;
Haveattheworstcancome,then!Nowwhatsayye?
Andyetmistakemenot:Iamnotbold;
Wehavenosuchcause。Ifthetalewehavetold(Fortisnoother)anywaycontentye(Fortothathonestpurposeitwasmentye)
Wehaveourend;andyeshallhaveerelong,Idaresay,manyabetter,toprolongYouroldlovestous:we,andallourmightRestatyourservice。Gentlemen,goodnight。[Florish。]
FINIS