Scene 1
Cornets in sundry places . Noise and hallowing
as people a-Maying .
Enter Arcite alone .
ARCITE
The Duke has lost Hippolyta ; each took
A several laund . This is a solemn rite
They owe bloomed May , and the Athenians pay it
To th’ heart of ceremony . O Queen Emilia ,
Fresher than May , sweeter
Than her gold buttons on the boughs , or all
Th’ enameled knacks o’ th’ mead or garden — yea ,
We challenge too the bank of any nymph
That makes the stream seem flowers ; thou , O jewel
O’ th’ wood , o’ th’ world , hast likewise blessed a pace
With thy sole presence . In thy rumination
That I , poor man , might eftsoons come between
And chop on some cold thought ! Thrice blessèd
chance
To drop on such a mistress , expectation
Most guiltless on ’t . Tell me , O Lady Fortune ,
Next after Emily my sovereign , how far
I may be proud . She takes strong note of me ,
Hath made me near her ; and this beauteous morn ,
The prim’st of all the year , presents me with
A brace of horses ; two such steeds might well
[103] ACT 3. SC. 1 Be by a pair of kings backed , in a field
That their crowns’ titles tried . Alas , alas ,
Poor cousin Palamon , poor prisoner , thou
So little dream’st upon my fortune that
Thou think’st thyself the happier thing , to be
So near Emilia ; me thou deem’st at Thebes ,
And therein wretched , although free . But if
Thou knew’st my mistress breathed on me , and that
I eared her language , lived in her eye — O coz ,
What passion would enclose thee !
Enter Palamon as out of a bush , with his shackles ;
he bends his fist at Arcite .
PALAMON
Traitor kinsman ,
Thou shouldst perceive my passion if these signs
Of prisonment were off me , and this hand
But owner of a sword . By all oaths in one ,
I and the justice of my love would make thee
A confessed traitor , O thou most perfidious
That ever gently looked , the void’st of honor
That e’er bore gentle token , falsest cousin
That ever blood made kin ! Call’st thou her thine ?
I’ll prove it in my shackles , with these hands ,
Void of appointment , that thou liest , and art
A very thief in love , a chaffy lord ,
Nor worth the name of villain . Had I a sword ,
And these house clogs away —
ARCITE
Dear cousin Palamon —
PALAMON
Cozener Arcite , give me language such
As thou hast showed me feat .
ARCITE
Not finding in
The circuit of my breast any gross stuff
To form me like your blazon holds me to
This gentleness of answer : ’tis your passion
That thus mistakes , the which , to you being enemy ,
[105] ACT 3. SC. 1 Cannot to me be kind . Honor and honesty
I cherish and depend on , howsoe’er
You skip them in me , and with them , fair coz ,
I’ll maintain my proceedings . Pray be pleased
To show in generous terms your griefs , since that
Your question’s with your equal , who professes
To clear his own way with the mind and sword
Of a true gentleman .
PALAMON
That thou durst , Arcite !
ARCITE
My coz , my coz , you have been well advertised
How much I dare ; you’ve seen me use my sword
Against th’ advice of fear . Sure , of another
You would not hear me doubted , but your silence
Should break out , though i’ th’ sanctuary .
PALAMON
Sir ,
I have seen you move in such a place which well
Might justify your manhood ; you were called
A good knight and a bold . But the whole week’s not
fair
If any day it rain ; their valiant temper
Men lose when they incline to treachery ,
And then they fight like compelled bears — would fly
Were they not tied .
ARCITE
Kinsman , you might as well
Speak this and act it in your glass as to
His ear which now disdains you .
PALAMON
Come up to me ;
Quit me of these cold gyves , give me a sword
Though it be rusty , and the charity
Of one meal lend me . Come before me then ,
A good sword in thy hand , and do but say
That Emily is thine , I will forgive
The trespass thou hast done me — yea , my life ,
If then thou carry ’t ; and brave souls in shades
That have died manly , which will seek of me
[107] ACT 3. SC. 1 Some news from Earth , they shall get none but this :
That thou art brave and noble .
ARCITE
Be content .
Again betake you to your hawthorn house .
With counsel of the night I will be here
With wholesome viands . These impediments
Will I file off . You shall have garments and
Perfumes to kill the smell o’ th’ prison . After ,
When you shall stretch yourself and say but ‘Arcite ,
I am in plight ,’ there shall be at your choice
Both sword and armor .
PALAMON
O you heavens , dares any
So noble bear a guilty business ? None
But only Arcite . Therefore none but Arcite
In this kind is so bold .
ARCITE
Sweet Palamon .
PALAMON
I do embrace you and your offer ; for
Your offer do ’t I only . Sir , your person
Without hypocrisy I may not wish
More than my sword’s edge on ’t .
Wind horns off ; sound cornets .
ARCITE
You hear the horns .
Enter your muset , lest this match between ’s
Be crossed ere met . Give me your hand ; farewell .
I’ll bring you every needful thing . I pray you ,
Take comfort and be strong .
PALAMON
Pray hold your promise ,
And do the deed with a bent brow . Most certain
You love me not ; be rough with me , and pour
This oil out of your language . By this air ,
I could for each word give a cuff , my stomach
Not reconciled by reason .
ARCITE
Plainly spoken ,
Yet pardon me hard language . When I spur
My horse , I chide him not ; content and anger
[109] ACT 3. SC. 2 In me have but one face .
Wind horns .
Hark , sir , they call
The scattered to the banquet ; you must guess
I have an office there .
PALAMON
Sir , your attendance
Cannot please heaven , and I know your office
Unjustly is achieved .
ARCITE
’Tis a good title .
I am persuaded this question , sick between ’s ,
By bleeding must be cured . I am a suitor
That to your sword you will bequeath this plea ,
And talk of it no more .
PALAMON
But this one word :
You are going now to gaze upon my mistress ,
For note you , mine she is —
ARCITE
Nay then , —
PALAMON
Nay , pray you ,
You talk of feeding me to breed me strength .
You are going now to look upon a sun
That strengthens what it looks on ; there
You have a vantage o’er me , but enjoy ’t till
I may enforce my remedy . Farewell .
They exit .
ACT 3. SC. 3
Scene 3
Enter Arcite with meat , wine , and files .
ARCITE
I should be near the place . — Ho ! Cousin Palamon !
PALAMON
, within
Arcite ?
ARCITE
The same . I have brought you food and files .
Come forth and fear not ; here’s no Theseus .
Enter Palamon .
PALAMON
Nor none so honest , Arcite .
ARCITE
That’s no matter .
We’ll argue that hereafter . Come , take courage ;
You shall not die thus beastly . Here , sir , drink —
I know you are faint — then I’ll talk further with you .
PALAMON
Arcite , thou mightst now poison me .
ARCITE
I might ;
But I must fear you first . Sit down and , good now ,
No more of these vain parleys . Let us not ,
Having our ancient reputation with us ,
Make talk for fools and cowards . To your health .
He drinks .
PALAMON
Do !
ARCITE
Pray sit down , then , and let me entreat you ,
By all the honesty and honor in you ,
No mention of this woman ; ’twill disturb us .
We shall have time enough .
PALAMON
Well , sir , I’ll pledge you .
He drinks .
[115]ACT 3. SC. 3
ARCITE
Drink a good hearty draught ; it breeds good blood ,
man .
Do not you feel it thaw you ?
PALAMON
Stay , I’ll tell you
After a draught or two more .
ARCITE
Spare it not .
The Duke has more , coz . Eat now .
PALAMON
Yes .
He eats .
ARCITE
I am glad
You have so good a stomach .
PALAMON
I am gladder
I have so good meat to ’t .
ARCITE
Is ’t not mad lodging
Here in the wild woods , cousin ?
PALAMON
Yes , for them
That have wild consciences .
ARCITE
How tastes your
victuals ?
Your hunger needs no sauce , I see .
PALAMON
Not much .
But if it did , yours is too tart , sweet cousin .
What is this ?
ARCITE
Venison .
PALAMON
’Tis a lusty meat .
Give me more wine . Here , Arcite , to the wenches
We have known in our days !
He raises his cup in a toast .
The Lord Steward’s
daughter !
Do you remember her ?
ARCITE
After you , coz .
PALAMON
She loved a black-haired man .
ARCITE
She did so ; well , sir ?
[117]ACT 3. SC. 3
PALAMON
And I have heard some call him Arcite , and —
ARCITE
Out with ’t , faith .
PALAMON
She met him in an arbor .
What did she there , coz ? Play o’ th’ virginals ?
ARCITE
Something she did , sir .
PALAMON
Made her groan a month
for ’t —
Or two , or three , or ten .
ARCITE
The Marshal’s sister
Had her share , too , as I remember , cousin ,
Else there be tales abroad . You’ll pledge her ?
PALAMON
Yes .
He lifts his cup and then drinks .
ARCITE
A pretty brown wench ’tis . There was a time
When young men went a-hunting , and a wood ,
And a broad beech — and thereby hangs a tale .
Heigh ho !
PALAMON
For Emily , upon my life ! Fool ,
Away with this strained mirth . I say again
That sigh was breathed for Emily . Base cousin ,
Dar’st thou break first ?
ARCITE
You are wide .
PALAMON
By heaven and
Earth ,
There’s nothing in thee honest .
ARCITE
Then I’ll leave you .
You are a beast now .
PALAMON
As thou mak’st me , traitor .
ARCITE
There’s all things needful : files and shirts and
perfumes .
[119] ACT 3. SC. 4 I’ll come again some two hours hence and bring
That that shall quiet all .
PALAMON
A sword and armor .
ARCITE
Fear me not . You are now too foul . Farewell .
Get off your trinkets ; you shall want naught .
PALAMON
Sirrah —
ARCITE
I’ll hear no more .
He exits .
PALAMON
If he keep touch , he dies for ’t .
He exits .
Scene 5
Enter a Schoolmaster and six Countrymen ,
one dressed as a Bavian .
SCHOOLMASTER
Fie , fie , what tediosity and disinsanity
is here among you ! Have my rudiments been labored
so long with you , milked unto you , and , by a
figure , even the very plum broth and marrow of
my understanding laid upon you , and do you still
cry ‘Where ?’ and ‘How ?’ and ‘Wherefore ?’ You
most coarse-frieze capacities , you jean judgments ,
have I said ‘Thus let be’ and ‘There let be’
and ‘Then let be’ and no man understand me ? Proh
deum , medius fidius , you are all dunces ! Forwhy ,
here stand I ; here the Duke comes ; there are you ,
close in the thicket ; the Duke appears ; I meet him
and unto him I utter learnèd things and many figures ;
he hears , and nods , and hums , and then cries
‘Rare !’ and I go forward . At length I fling my cap
up — mark there ! Then do you as once did Meleager
[123] ACT 3. SC. 5 and the boar — break comely out before him ;
like true lovers , cast yourselves in a body decently ,
and sweetly , by a figure , trace and turn , boys .
FIRST COUNTRYMAN
And sweetly we will do it , Master
Gerald .
SECOND COUNTRYMAN
Draw up the company . Where’s
the taborer ?
THIRD COUNTRYMAN
Why , Timothy !
Enter the Taborer .
TABORER
Here , my mad boys . Have at you !
SCHOOLMASTER
But I say , where’s their women ?
Enter five Wenches .
FOURTH COUNTRYMAN
Here’s Fritz and Maudlin .
SECOND COUNTRYMAN
And little Luce with the white
legs , and bouncing Barbary .
FIRST COUNTRYMAN
And freckled Nell , that never failed
her master .
SCHOOLMASTER
Where be your ribbons , maids ? Swim
with your bodies , and carry it sweetly and deliverly ,
and now and then a favor and a frisk .
NELL
Let us alone , sir .
SCHOOLMASTER
Where’s the rest o’ th’ music ?
THIRD COUNTRYMAN
Dispersed , as you commanded .
SCHOOLMASTER
Couple , then , and see what’s wanting .
Where’s the Bavian ? — My friend , carry your tail
without offense or scandal to the ladies ; and be
sure you tumble with audacity and manhood , and
when you bark , do it with judgment .
BAVIAN
Yes , sir .
SCHOOLMASTER
Quo usque tandem ? Here is a woman
wanting .
FOURTH COUNTRYMAN
We may go whistle ; all the fat’s i’
th’ fire .
SCHOOLMASTER
We have , as learnèd authors utter ,
[125] ACT 3. SC. 5 washed a tile ; we have been fatuus and labored
vainly .
SECOND COUNTRYMAN
This is that scornful piece , that
scurvy hilding that gave her promise faithfully she
would be here — Cicely , the sempster’s daughter .
The next gloves that I give her shall be dogskin ;
nay , an she fail me once — you can tell , Arcas , she
swore by wine and bread she would not break .
SCHOOLMASTER
An eel and woman , a learnèd poet
says , unless by th’ tail and with thy teeth thou hold ,
will either fail . In manners , this was false
position .
FIRST COUNTRYMAN
A fire ill take her ! Does she flinch
now ?
THIRD COUNTRYMAN
What shall we determine , sir ?
SCHOOLMASTER
Nothing . Our business is become a
nullity , yea , and a woeful and a piteous nullity .
FOURTH COUNTRYMAN
Now , when the credit of our town
lay on it , now to be frampold , now to piss o’ th’
nettle ! Go thy ways ; I’ll remember thee . I’ll fit
thee !
Enter Jailer’s Daughter .
DAUGHTER
, sings
The George Alow came from the south ,
From the coast of Barbary-a ,
And there he met with brave gallants of war ,
By one , by two , by three-a .
‘Well hailed , well hailed , you jolly gallants ,
And whither now are you bound-a ?
O , let me have your company
Till I come to the sound-a .’ There was three fools , fell out about an owlet —
Sings
The one he said it was an owl ,
The other he said nay ,
[127] ACT 3. SC. 5 The third he said it was a hawk ,
And her bells were cut away . THIRD COUNTRYMAN
There’s a dainty madwoman , master ,
comes i’ th’ nick , as mad as a March hare . If we
can get her dance , we are made again . I warrant
her , she’ll do the rarest gambols .
FIRST COUNTRYMAN
A madwoman ? We are made , boys .
SCHOOLMASTER
, to Jailer’s Daughter
And are you mad ,
good woman ?
DAUGHTER
I would be sorry else . Give me your hand .
SCHOOLMASTER
Why ?
DAUGHTER
I can tell your fortune . She looks at his
hand . You are a fool . Tell ten . — I have posed him .
Buzz ! — Friend , you must eat no white bread ; if
you do , your teeth will bleed extremely . Shall we
dance , ho ? I know you , you’re a tinker . Sirrah tinker ,
stop no more holes but what you should .
SCHOOLMASTER
Dii boni ! A tinker , damsel ?
DAUGHTER
Or a conjurer . Raise me a devil now , and let
him play Chi passa o’ th’ bells and bones .
SCHOOLMASTER
Go , take her , and fluently persuade her
to a peace . Et opus exegi , quod nec Iovis ira , nec
ignis . Strike up , and lead her in .
SECOND COUNTRYMAN
Come , lass , let’s trip it .
DAUGHTER
I’ll lead .
THIRD COUNTRYMAN
Do , do !
SCHOOLMASTER
Persuasively , and cunningly .
Wind horns .
Away , boys ! I hear the horns . Give me some
meditation , and mark your cue .
All but Schoolmaster exit .
Pallas , inspire me !
Enter Theseus , Pirithous , Hippolyta , Emilia , and train .
THESEUS
This way the stag took .
SCHOOLMASTER
Stay , and edify !
[129]ACT 3. SC. 5
THESEUS
What have we here ?
PIRITHOUS
Some country sport , upon my life , sir .
THESEUS
, to Schoolmaster
Well , sir , go forward . We
will
‘edify .’ Chairs and stools brought out .
Ladies , sit down . We’ll stay it .
Theseus , Hippolyta , and Emilia sit .
SCHOOLMASTER
Thou doughty duke , all hail ! — All hail , sweet ladies !
THESEUS
, aside
This is a cold beginning .
SCHOOLMASTER
If you but favor , our country pastime made is .
We are a few of those collected here
That ruder tongues distinguish ‘villager .’
And to say verity , and not to fable ,
We are a merry rout , or else a rabble ,
Or company , or by a figure , chorus ,
That ’fore thy dignity will dance a morris .
And I that am the rectifier of all ,
By title pedagogus , that let fall
The birch upon the breeches of the small ones ,
And humble with a ferula the tall ones ,
Do here present this machine , or this frame .
And , dainty duke , whose doughty dismal fame
From Dis to Daedalus , from post to pillar ,
Is blown abroad , help me , thy poor well-willer ,
And with thy twinkling eyes look right and straight
Upon this mighty ‘Morr ,’ of mickle weight —
‘Is’ now comes in , which being glued together
Makes ‘Morris ,’ and the cause that we came hither .
The body of our sport , of no small study ,
I first appear , though rude , and raw , and muddy ,
To speak before thy noble grace this tenner ,
At whose great feet I offer up my penner .
The next , the Lord of May and Lady bright ,
The Chambermaid and Servingman by night
That seek out silent hanging ; then mine Host
[131] ACT 3. SC. 5 And his fat Spouse , that welcomes to their cost
The gallèd traveler , and with a beck’ning
Informs the tapster to inflame the reck’ning ;
Then the beest-eating Clown ; and next the Fool ,
The Bavian with long tail and eke long tool ,
Cum multis aliis that make a dance ;
Say ‘ay ,’ and all shall presently advance .
THESEUS
Ay , ay , by any means , dear Domine .
PIRITHOUS
Produce !
SCHOOLMASTER
Intrate , filii . Come forth and foot it .
Music . Enter the Countrymen , Countrywomen , and
Jailer’s Daughter ; they perform a morris dance .
SCHOOLMASTER
Ladies , if we have been merry
And have pleased ye with a derry ,
And a derry and a down ,
Say the Schoolmaster’s no clown . —
Duke , if we have pleased thee too
And have done as good boys should do ,
Give us but a tree or twain
For a Maypole , and again ,
Ere another year run out ,
We’ll make thee laugh , and all this rout .
THESEUS
Take twenty , Domine . — How does my sweetheart ?
HIPPOLYTA
Never so pleased , sir .
EMILIA
’Twas an excellent dance ,
And , for a preface , I never heard a better .
THESEUS
Schoolmaster , I thank you . — One see ’em all
rewarded .
An Attendant gives money .
[133]ACT 3. SC. 6
PIRITHOUS
And here’s something to paint your pole withal .
He gives money .
THESEUS
Now to our sports again .
SCHOOLMASTER
May the stag thou hunt’st stand long ,
And thy dogs be swift and strong ;
May they kill him without lets ,
And the ladies eat his dowsets . Wind horns within . Theseus , Hippolyta ,
Emilia , Pirithous , and Train exit .
Come , we are all made .
Dii deaeque omnes ,
You have danced rarely , wenches .
They exit .
Scene 6
Enter Palamon from the bush .
PALAMON
About this hour my cousin gave his faith
To visit me again , and with him bring
Two swords and two good armors . If he fail ,
He’s neither man nor soldier . When he left me ,
I did not think a week could have restored
My lost strength to me , I was grown so low
And crestfall’n with my wants . I thank thee , Arcite ,
Thou art yet a fair foe , and I feel myself ,
With this refreshing , able once again
To outdure danger . To delay it longer
Would make the world think , when it comes to
hearing ,
That I lay fatting like a swine to fight
And not a soldier . Therefore , this blest morning
Shall be the last ; and that sword he refuses ,
[135] ACT 3. SC. 6 If it but hold , I kill him with . ’Tis justice .
So , love and fortune for me !
Enter Arcite with armors and swords .
O , good morrow .
ARCITE
Good morrow , noble kinsman .
PALAMON
I have put you
To too much pains , sir .
ARCITE
That too much , fair cousin ,
Is but a debt to honor and my duty .
PALAMON
Would you were so in all , sir ; I could wish you
As kind a kinsman as you force me find
A beneficial foe , that my embraces
Might thank you , not my blows .
ARCITE
I shall think either ,
Well done , a noble recompense .
PALAMON
Then I shall quit you .
ARCITE
Defy me in these fair terms , and you show
More than a mistress to me . No more anger ,
As you love anything that’s honorable !
We were not bred to talk , man ; when we are armed
And both upon our guards , then let our fury ,
Like meeting of two tides , fly strongly from us ,
And then to whom the birthright of this beauty
Truly pertains — without upbraidings , scorns ,
Despisings of our persons , and such poutings ,
Fitter for girls and schoolboys — will be seen ,
And quickly , yours or mine . Will ’t please you arm ,
sir ?
Or if you feel yourself not fitting yet
And furnished with your old strength , I’ll stay ,
cousin ,
And ev’ry day discourse you into health ,
[137] ACT 3. SC. 6 As I am spared . Your person I am friends with ,
And I could wish I had not said I loved her ,
Though I had died . But loving such a lady ,
And justifying my love , I must not fly from ’t .
PALAMON
Arcite , thou art so brave an enemy
That no man but thy cousin’s fit to kill thee .
I am well and lusty . Choose your arms .
ARCITE
Choose you , sir .
PALAMON
Wilt thou exceed in all , or dost thou do it
To make me spare thee ?
ARCITE
If you think so , cousin ,
You are deceived , for as I am a soldier ,
I will not spare you .
PALAMON
That’s well said .
ARCITE
You’ll find it .
PALAMON
Then , as I am an honest man and love
With all the justice of affection ,
I’ll pay thee soundly .
He chooses armor .
This I’ll take .
ARCITE
taking the other That’s mine , then .
I’ll arm you first .
PALAMON
Do .
Arcite begins arming him .
Pray thee tell me , cousin ,
Where got’st thou this good armor ?
ARCITE
’Tis the Duke’s ,
And to say true , I stole it . Do I pinch you ?
PALAMON
No .
ARCITE
Is ’t not too heavy ?
PALAMON
I have worn a lighter ,
But I shall make it serve .
ARCITE
I’ll buckle ’t close .
[139]ACT 3. SC. 6
PALAMON
By any means .
ARCITE
You care not for a grand guard ?
PALAMON
No , no , we’ll use no horses . I perceive
You would fain be at that fight .
ARCITE
I am indifferent .
PALAMON
Faith , so am I . Good cousin , thrust the buckle
Through far enough .
ARCITE
I warrant you .
PALAMON
My casque now .
ARCITE
Will you fight bare-armed ?
PALAMON
We shall be the nimbler .
ARCITE
But use your gauntlets though . Those are o’ th’ least .
Prithee take mine , good cousin .
PALAMON
Thank you , Arcite .
How do I look ? Am I fall’n much away ?
ARCITE
Faith , very little ; love has used you kindly .
PALAMON
I’ll warrant thee , I’ll strike home .
ARCITE
Do , and spare not .
I’ll give you cause , sweet cousin .
PALAMON
Now to you , sir .
He begins to arm Arcite .
Methinks this armor’s very like that , Arcite ,
Thou wor’st that day the three kings fell , but lighter .
ARCITE
That was a very good one , and that day ,
I well remember , you outdid me , cousin .
I never saw such valor . When you charged
Upon the left wing of the enemy ,
[141] ACT 3. SC. 6 I spurred hard to come up , and under me
I had a right good horse .
PALAMON
You had , indeed ;
A bright bay , I remember .
ARCITE
Yes , but all
Was vainly labored in me ; you outwent me ,
Nor could my wishes reach you ; yet a little
I did by imitation .
PALAMON
More by virtue ;
You are modest , cousin .
ARCITE
When I saw you charge first ,
Methought I heard a dreadful clap of thunder
Break from the troop .
PALAMON
But still before that flew
The lightning of your valor . Stay a little ;
Is not this piece too strait ?
ARCITE
No , no , ’tis well .
PALAMON
I would have nothing hurt thee but my sword .
A bruise would be dishonor .
ARCITE
Now I am perfect .
PALAMON
Stand off , then .
ARCITE
Take my sword ; I hold it better .
PALAMON
I thank you , no ; keep it ; your life lies on it .
Here’s one ; if it but hold , I ask no more
For all my hopes . My cause and honor guard me !
ARCITE
And me my love !
They bow several ways , then advance and stand .
Is there aught else to say ?
PALAMON
This only , and no more : thou art mine aunt’s son .
And that blood we desire to shed is mutual —
In me thine , and in thee mine . My sword
[143] ACT 3. SC. 6 Is in my hand , and if thou kill’st me ,
The gods and I forgive thee . If there be
A place prepared for those that sleep in honor ,
I wish his weary soul that falls may win it .
Fight bravely , cousin . Give me thy noble hand .
ARCITE
, as they shake hands
Here , Palamon . This hand shall never more
Come near thee with such friendship .
PALAMON
I commend thee .
ARCITE
If I fall , curse me , and say I was a coward ,
For none but such dare die in these just trials .
Once more farewell , my cousin .
PALAMON
Farewell , Arcite .
Fight .
Horns within . They stand .
ARCITE
Lo , cousin , lo , our folly has undone us !
PALAMON
Why ?
ARCITE
This is the Duke , a-hunting , as I told you .
If we be found , we are wretched . O , retire ,
For honor’s sake , and safely , presently
Into your bush again . Sir , we shall find
Too many hours to die in . Gentle cousin ,
If you be seen , you perish instantly
For breaking prison , and I , if you reveal me ,
For my contempt . Then all the world will scorn us ,
And say we had a noble difference ,
But base disposers of it .
PALAMON
No , no , cousin ,
I will no more be hidden , nor put off
This great adventure to a second trial .
I know your cunning , and I know your cause .
He that faints now , shame take him ! Put thyself
Upon thy present guard —
[145]ACT 3. SC. 6
ARCITE
You are not mad ?
PALAMON
Or I will make th’ advantage of this hour
Mine own , and what to come shall threaten me
I fear less than my fortune . Know , weak cousin ,
I love Emilia , and in that I’ll bury
Thee and all crosses else .
ARCITE
Then come what can come ,
Thou shalt know , Palamon , I dare as well
Die as discourse or sleep . Only this fears me :
The law will have the honor of our ends .
Have at thy life !
PALAMON
Look to thine own well , Arcite .
Fight again .
Horns . Enter Theseus , Hippolyta , Emilia ,
Pirithous and train .
THESEUS
What ignorant and mad malicious traitors
Are you , that ’gainst the tenor of my laws
Are making battle , thus like knights appointed ,
Without my leave and officers of arms ?
By Castor , both shall die .
PALAMON
Hold thy word , Theseus .
We are certainly both traitors , both despisers
Of thee and of thy goodness . I am Palamon ,
That cannot love thee , he that broke thy prison .
Think well what that deserves . And this is Arcite .
A bolder traitor never trod thy ground ,
A falser ne’er seemed friend . This is the man
Was begged and banished ; this is he contemns thee
And what thou dar’st do ; and in this disguise ,
Against thine own edict , follows thy sister ,
That fortunate bright star , the fair Emilia ,
Whose servant — if there be a right in seeing
And first bequeathing of the soul to — justly
[147] ACT 3. SC. 6 I am ; and , which is more , dares think her his .
This treachery , like a most trusty lover ,
I called him now to answer . If thou be’st
As thou art spoken , great and virtuous ,
The true decider of all injuries ,
Say ‘Fight again ,’ and thou shalt see me , Theseus ,
Do such a justice thou thyself wilt envy .
Then take my life ; I’ll woo thee to ’t .
PIRITHOUS
O heaven ,
What more than man is this !
THESEUS
I have sworn .
ARCITE
We seek not
Thy breath of mercy , Theseus . ’Tis to me
A thing as soon to die as thee to say it ,
And no more moved . Where this man calls me
traitor ,
Let me say thus much : if in love be treason ,
In service of so excellent a beauty ,
As I love most , and in that faith will perish ,
As I have brought my life here to confirm it ,
As I have served her truest , worthiest ,
As I dare kill this cousin that denies it ,
So let me be most traitor , and you please me .
For scorning thy edict , duke , ask that lady
Why she is fair , and why her eyes command me
Stay here to love her ; and if she say ‘traitor ,’
I am a villain fit to lie unburied .
PALAMON
Thou shalt have pity of us both , O Theseus ,
If unto neither thou show mercy . Stop ,
As thou art just , thy noble ear against us ;
As thou art valiant , for thy cousin’s soul ,
Whose twelve strong labors crown his memory ,
Let’s die together at one instant , duke ;
Only a little let him fall before me ,
That I may tell my soul he shall not have her .
[149]ACT 3. SC. 6
THESEUS
I grant your wish , for to say true , your cousin
Has ten times more offended , for I gave him
More mercy than you found , sir , your offenses
Being no more than his . — None here speak for ’em ,
For ere the sun set both shall sleep forever .
HIPPOLYTA
Alas , the pity ! Now or never , sister ,
Speak not to be denied . That face of yours
Will bear the curses else of after ages
For these lost cousins .
EMILIA
In my face , dear sister ,
I find no anger to ’em , nor no ruin .
The misadventure of their own eyes kill ’em .
Yet that I will be woman and have pity ,
My knees shall grow to th’ ground but I’ll get mercy .
She kneels .
Help me , dear sister ; in a deed so virtuous ,
The powers of all women will be with us .
Hippolyta kneels .
Most royal brother —
HIPPOLYTA
Sir , by our tie of marriage —
EMILIA
By your own spotless honor —
HIPPOLYTA
By that faith ,
That fair hand , and that honest heart you gave me —
EMILIA
By that you would have pity in another ;
By your own virtues infinite —
HIPPOLYTA
By valor ;
By all the chaste nights I have ever pleased you —
THESEUS
These are strange conjurings .
PIRITHOUS
Nay , then , I’ll in too .
He kneels .
[151] ACT 3. SC. 6 By all our friendship , sir , by all our dangers ;
By all you love most , wars and this sweet lady —
EMILIA
By that you would have trembled to deny
A blushing maid —
HIPPOLYTA
By your own eyes ; by strength ,
In which you swore I went beyond all women ,
Almost all men , and yet I yielded , Theseus —
PIRITHOUS
To crown all this : by your most noble soul ,
Which cannot want due mercy , I beg first —
HIPPOLYTA
Next hear my prayers —
EMILIA
Last let me entreat , sir —
PIRITHOUS
For mercy .
HIPPOLYTA
Mercy .
EMILIA
Mercy on these princes .
THESEUS
You make my faith reel .
( To Emilia . )
Say I felt
Compassion to ’em both , how would you place it ?
They rise from their knees .
EMILIA
Upon their lives , but with their banishments .
THESEUS
You are a right woman , sister : you have pity ,
But want the understanding where to use it .
If you desire their lives , invent a way
Safer than banishment . Can these two live ,
And have the agony of love about ’em ,
And not kill one another ? Every day
They’d fight about you , hourly bring your honor
In public question with their swords . Be wise , then ,
And here forget ’em ; it concerns your credit
And my oath equally . I have said they die .
[153] ACT 3. SC. 6 Better they fall by th’ law than one another .
Bow not my honor .
EMILIA
O , my noble brother ,
That oath was rashly made , and in your anger ;
Your reason will not hold it . If such vows
Stand for express will , all the world must perish .
Besides , I have another oath ’gainst yours ,
Of more authority , I am sure more love ,
Not made in passion neither , but good heed .
THESEUS
What is it , sister ?
PIRITHOUS
Urge it home , brave lady .
EMILIA
That you would ne’er deny me anything
Fit for my modest suit and your free granting .
I tie you to your word now ; if you fail in ’t ,
Think how you maim your honor —
For now I am set a-begging , sir , I am deaf
To all but your compassion — how their lives
Might breed the ruin of my name . Opinion !
Shall anything that loves me perish for me ?
That were a cruel wisdom . Do men prune
The straight young boughs that blush with thousand
blossoms
Because they may be rotten ? O , Duke Theseus ,
The goodly mothers that have groaned for these ,
And all the longing maids that ever loved ,
If your vow stand , shall curse me and my beauty ,
And in their funeral songs for these two cousins
Despise my cruelty , and cry woe worth me ,
Till I am nothing but the scorn of women .
For heaven’s sake , save their lives , and banish ’em .
THESEUS
On what conditions ?
EMILIA
Swear ’em never more
To make me their contention , or to know me ,
[155] ACT 3. SC. 6 To tread upon thy dukedom , and to be ,
Wherever they shall travel , ever strangers
To one another .
PALAMON
I’ll be cut a-pieces
Before I take this oath ! Forget I love her ?
O , all you gods , despise me then ! Thy banishment
I not mislike , so we may fairly carry
Our swords and cause along ; else never trifle ,
But take our lives , duke . I must love , and will ,
And for that love must and dare kill this cousin
On any piece the Earth has .
THESEUS
Will you , Arcite ,
Take these conditions ?
PALAMON
He’s a villain , then .
PIRITHOUS
These are men !
ARCITE
No , never , duke . ’Tis worse to me than begging
To take my life so basely ; though I think
I never shall enjoy her , yet I’ll preserve
The honor of affection , and die for her ,
Make death a devil !
THESEUS
What may be done ? For now I feel compassion .
PIRITHOUS
Let it not fall again , sir .
THESEUS
Say , Emilia ,
If one of them were dead , as one must , are you
Content to take th’ other to your husband ?
They cannot both enjoy you . They are princes
As goodly as your own eyes , and as noble
As ever fame yet spoke of . Look upon ’em ,
And , if you can love , end this difference .
I give consent . — Are you content too , princes ?
BOTH
With all our souls .
THESEUS
He that she refuses
Must die then .
[157]ACT 3. SC. 6
BOTH
Any death thou canst invent , duke .
PALAMON
If I fall from that mouth , I fall with favor ,
And lovers yet unborn shall bless my ashes .
ARCITE
If she refuse me , yet my grave will wed me ,
And soldiers sing my epitaph .
THESEUS
, to Emilia
Make choice , then .
EMILIA
I cannot , sir ; they are both too excellent .
For me , a hair shall never fall of these men .
HIPPOLYTA
What will become of ’em ?
THESEUS
Thus I ordain it —
And , by mine honor , once again , it stands ,
Or both shall die : you shall both to your country ,
And each within this month , accompanied
With three fair knights , appear again in this place ,
In which I’ll plant a pyramid ; and whether ,
Before us that are here , can force his cousin
By fair and knightly strength to touch the pillar ,
He shall enjoy her ; the other lose his head ,
And all his friends ; nor shall he grudge to fall ,
Nor think he dies with interest in this lady .
Will this content you ?
PALAMON
Yes . — Here , Cousin Arcite ,
I am friends again till that hour .
He offers his hand .
ARCITE
I embrace you .
They shake hands .
THESEUS
Are you content , sister ?
EMILIA
Yes , I must , sir ,
Else both miscarry .
THESEUS
, to Palamon and Arcite
Come , shake hands again , then ,
[159] ACT 3. SC. 6 And take heed , as you are gentlemen , this quarrel
Sleep till the hour prefixed , and hold your course .
PALAMON
We dare not fail thee , Theseus .
They shake hands again .
THESEUS
Come , I’ll give you
Now usage like to princes and to friends .
When you return , who wins I’ll settle here ;
Who loses , yet I’ll weep upon his bier .
They exit .