Folger Shakespeare Library

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Contents

Front Matter |
ACT 1 |
ACT 2 |
ACT 3 |
ACT 4 |
ACT 5 |

From the Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library

It is hard to imagine a world without Shakespeare. Since their composition four hundred years ago, Shakespeare’s plays and poems have traveled the globe, inviting those who see and read his works to make them their own.

Readers of the New Folger Editions are part of this ongoing process of “taking up Shakespeare,” finding our own thoughts and feelings in language that strikes us as old or unusual and, for that very reason, new. We still struggle to keep up with a writer who could think a mile a minute, whose words paint pictures that shift like clouds. These expertly edited texts are presented to the public as a resource for study, artistic adaptation, and enjoyment. By making the classic texts of the New Folger Editions available in electronic form as Folger Digital Texts, we place a trusted resource in the hands of anyone who wants them.

The New Folger Editions of Shakespeare’s plays, which are the basis for the texts realized here in digital form, are special because of their origin. The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is the single greatest documentary source of Shakespeare’s works. An unparalleled collection of early modern books, manuscripts, and artwork connected to Shakespeare, the Folger’s holdings have been consulted extensively in the preparation of these texts. The Editions also reflect the expertise gained through the regular performance of Shakespeare’s works in the Folger’s Elizabethan Theater.

I want to express my deep thanks to editors Barbara Mowat and Paul Werstine for creating these indispensable editions of Shakespeare’s works, which incorporate the best of textual scholarship with a richness of commentary that is both inspired and engaging. Readers who want to know more about Shakespeare and his plays can follow the paths these distinguished scholars have tread by visiting the Folger either in-person or online, where a range of physical and digital resources exists to supplement the material in these texts. I commend to you these words, and hope that they inspire.

Michael Witmore
Director, Folger Shakespeare Library

Textual Introduction
By Barbara Mowat and Paul Werstine

Until now, with the release of the Folger Digital Texts, readers in search of a free online text of Shakespeare’s plays had to be content primarily with using the Moby™ Text, which reproduces a late-nineteenth century version of the plays. What is the difference? Many ordinary readers assume that there is a single text for the plays: what Shakespeare wrote. But Shakespeare’s plays were not published the way modern novels or plays are published today: as a single, authoritative text. In some cases, the plays have come down to us in multiple published versions, represented by various Quartos (Qq) and by the great collection put together by his colleagues in 1623, called the First Folio (F). There are, for example, three very different versions of Hamlet, two of King Lear, Henry V, Romeo and Juliet, and others. Editors choose which version to use as their base text, and then amend that text with words, lines or speech prefixes from the other versions that, in their judgment, make for a better or more accurate text.

Other editorial decisions involve choices about whether an unfamiliar word could be understood in light of other writings of the period or whether it should be changed; decisions about words that made it into Shakespeare’s text by accident through four hundred years of printings and misprinting; and even decisions based on cultural preference and taste. When the Moby™ Text was created, for example, it was deemed “improper” and “indecent” for Miranda to chastise Caliban for having attempted to rape her. (See The Tempest, 1.2: “Abhorred slave,/Which any print of goodness wilt not take,/Being capable of all ill! I pitied thee…”). All Shakespeare editors at the time took the speech away from her and gave it to her father, Prospero.

The editors of the Moby™ Shakespeare produced their text long before scholars fully understood the proper grounds on which to make the thousands of decisions that Shakespeare editors face. The Folger Library Shakespeare Editions, on which the Folger Digital Texts depend, make this editorial process as nearly transparent as is possible, in contrast to older texts, like the Moby™, which hide editorial interventions. The reader of the Folger Shakespeare knows where the text has been altered because editorial interventions are signaled by square brackets (for example, from Othello: “If she in chains of magic were not bound,”), half-square brackets (for example, from Henry V: “With blood and sword and fire to win your right,”), or angle brackets (for example, from Hamlet: “O farewell, honest soldier. Who hath relieved/you?”). At any point in the text, you can hover your cursor over a bracket for more information.

Because the Folger Digital Texts are edited in accord with twenty-first century knowledge about Shakespeare’s texts, the Folger here provides them to readers, scholars, teachers, actors, directors, and students, free of charge, confident of their quality as texts of the plays and pleased to be able to make this contribution to the study and enjoyment of Shakespeare.

Synopsis

The Two Noble Kinsmen, derived from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, begins as Athens defeats Thebes in war. Arcite and Palamon, Theban knights and devoted cousins, are imprisoned in Athens. From their cell, they see Emilia, the sister-in-law of Theseus, Duke of Athens. Both fall in love with her, becoming bitter rivals.

Arcite is released but, for love of Emilia, stays in Athens at the risk of his life. The jailer’s daughter, who loves Palamon, helps him escape, but goes mad with anxiety. Her original wooer cures her by courting her while pretending to be Palamon.

Arcite encounters Palamon and challenges him to formal combat for Emilia. Theseus discovers them before they duel. He first sentences both to death, but then establishes a contest in which each will participate with Theban comrades. The loser and his knights will die. The winner will wed Emilia.

Arcite prays to Mars for victory; Palamon, to Venus for Emilia’s love. Both prayers are answered. Arcite wins, but dies after a riding accident. Palamon, spared from execution, marries Emilia.

Characters in the Play
Prologue
Arcite
Palamon
the two noble kinsmen, cousins,
nephews of Creon, King of Thebes
Theseus, Duke of Athens
Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons, later Duchess of Athens
Emilia, her sister
Pirithous, friend to Theseus
Three Queens, widows of the kings killed in laying siege to Thebes
The Jailer of Theseus’s prison
The Jailer’s Daughter
The Jailer’s Brother
The Wooer of the Jailer’s daughter
Two Friends of the Jailer
A Doctor
Artesius, an Athenian soldier
Valerius, a Theban
Woman, attending on Emilia
An Athenian Gentleman
Six Knights, three accompanying Arcite, three Palamon
Six Countrymen, one dressed as a Bavian or baboon
A Schoolmaster
Nell, a countrywoman
A Taborer
A singing Boy, a Herald, Messengers, a Servant
Epilogue
Hymen (god of weddings), lords, soldiers, four countrywomen (Fritz, Maudlin, Luce, and Barbary), nymphs, attendants, maids, executioner, guard

Flourish. Enter Prologue.
PROLOGUE
FTLN 0001 New plays and maidenheads are near akin:
FTLN 0002 Much followed both, for both much money giv’n,
FTLN 0003 If they stand sound and well. And a good play,
FTLN 0004 Whose modest scenes blush on his marriage day
FTLN 0005 5 And shake to lose his honor, is like her
FTLN 0006 That after holy tie and first night’s stir
FTLN 0007 Yet still is modesty, and still retains
FTLN 0008 More of the maid, to sight, than husband’s pains.
FTLN 0009 We pray our play may be so, for I am sure
FTLN 0010 10 It has a noble breeder and a pure,
FTLN 0011 A learnèd, and a poet never went
FTLN 0012 More famous yet ’twixt Po and silver Trent.
FTLN 0013 Chaucer, of all admired, the story gives;
FTLN 0014 There, constant to eternity, it lives.
FTLN 0015 15 If we let fall the nobleness of this,
FTLN 0016 And the first sound this child hear be a hiss,
FTLN 0017 How will it shake the bones of that good man
FTLN 0018 And make him cry from underground “O, fan
FTLN 0019 From me the witless chaff of such a writer
FTLN 0020 20 That blasts my bays and my famed works makes
FTLN 0021 lighter
FTLN 0022 Than Robin Hood!” This is the fear we bring;
FTLN 0023 For, to say truth, it were an endless thing
FTLN 0024 And too ambitious, to aspire to him,
FTLN 0025 25 Weak as we are, and, almost breathless, swim
FTLN 0026 In this deep water. Do but you hold out
FTLN 0027 Your helping hands, and we shall tack about
FTLN 0028 And something do to save us. You shall hear
FTLN 0029 Scenes, though below his art, may yet appear
FTLN 0030 30 Worth two hours’ travel. To his bones sweet sleep;
5

7
The Two Noble Kinsmen
PROLOGUE
FTLN 0031 Content to you. If this play do not keep
FTLN 0032 A little dull time from us, we perceive
FTLN 0033 Our losses fall so thick we must needs leave.
Flourish. He exits.

ACT 1
Scene 1
Music. Enter Hymen with a torch burning, a Boy in
a white robe before, singing and strewing flowers.
After Hymen, a Nymph encompassed in her tresses,
bearing a wheaten garland; then Theseus between
two other Nymphs with wheaten chaplets on their
heads. Then Hippolyta, the bride, led by Pirithous,
and another holding a garland over her head, her
tresses likewise hanging. After her, Emilia, holding
up her train. Then Artesius and Attendants.
The Song, sung by the Boy.
FTLN 0034 Roses, their sharp spines being gone,
FTLN 0035 Not royal in their smells alone,
FTLN 0036 But in their hue;
FTLN 0037 Maiden pinks, of odor faint,
FTLN 0038 5 Daisies smell-less, yet most quaint,
FTLN 0039 And sweet thyme true;
FTLN 0040 Primrose, firstborn child of Ver,
FTLN 0041 Merry springtime’s harbinger,
FTLN 0042 With her bells dim;
FTLN 0043 10 Oxlips in their cradles growing,
FTLN 0044 Marigolds on deathbeds blowing,
FTLN 0045 Lark’s-heels trim;
FTLN 0046 All dear Nature’s children sweet
FTLN 0047 Lie ’fore bride and bridegroom’s feet,
Strew flowers.
11

13
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 1. SC. 1
FTLN 0048 15 Blessing their sense.
FTLN 0049 Not an angel of the air,
FTLN 0050 Bird melodious or bird fair,
FTLN 0051 Is absent hence.
FTLN 0052 The crow, the sland’rous cuckoo, nor
FTLN 0053 20 The boding raven, nor chough hoar,
FTLN 0054 Nor chatt’ring pie,
FTLN 0055 May on our bridehouse perch or sing,
FTLN 0056 Or with them any discord bring,
FTLN 0057 But from it fly.
Enter three Queens in black, with veils stained, with
imperial crowns. The first Queen falls down at the foot
of Theseus; the second falls down at the foot of
Hippolyta; the third before Emilia.
FIRST QUEEN , to Theseus
FTLN 0058 25 For pity’s sake and true gentility’s,
FTLN 0059 Hear and respect me.
SECOND QUEEN , to Hippolyta FTLN 0060 For your mother’s sake,
FTLN 0061 And as you wish your womb may thrive with fair
FTLN 0062 ones,
FTLN 0063 30 Hear and respect me.
THIRD QUEEN , to Emilia
FTLN 0064 Now for the love of him whom Jove hath marked
FTLN 0065 The honor of your bed, and for the sake
FTLN 0066 Of clear virginity, be advocate
FTLN 0067 For us and our distresses. This good deed
FTLN 0068 35 Shall raze you out o’ th’ book of trespasses
FTLN 0069 All you are set down there.
THESEUS , to First Queen
FTLN 0070 Sad lady, rise.
HIPPOLYTA , to Second Queen FTLN 0071 Stand up.
EMILIA , to Third Queen FTLN 0072 No knees to me.
FTLN 0073 40 What woman I may stead that is distressed
FTLN 0074 Does bind me to her.

15
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 1. SC. 1
THESEUS , to First Queen
FTLN 0075 What’s your request? Deliver you for all.
FIRST QUEEN
FTLN 0076 We are three queens whose sovereigns fell before
FTLN 0077 The wrath of cruel Creon; who endured
FTLN 0078 45 The beaks of ravens, talons of the kites,
FTLN 0079 And pecks of crows in the foul fields of Thebes.
FTLN 0080 He will not suffer us to burn their bones,
FTLN 0081 To urn their ashes, nor to take th’ offense
FTLN 0082 Of mortal loathsomeness from the blest eye
FTLN 0083 50 Of holy Phoebus, but infects the winds
FTLN 0084 With stench of our slain lords. O, pity, duke!
FTLN 0085 Thou purger of the Earth, draw thy feared sword
FTLN 0086 That does good turns to th’ world; give us the bones
FTLN 0087 Of our dead kings, that we may chapel them;
FTLN 0088 55 And of thy boundless goodness take some note
FTLN 0089 That for our crownèd heads we have no roof
FTLN 0090 Save this, which is the lion’s and the bear’s,
FTLN 0091 And vault to everything.
THESEUS FTLN 0092 Pray you, kneel not.
FTLN 0093 60 I was transported with your speech and suffered
FTLN 0094 Your knees to wrong themselves. I have heard the
FTLN 0095 fortunes
FTLN 0096 Of your dead lords, which gives me such lamenting
FTLN 0097 As wakes my vengeance and revenge for ’em.
FTLN 0098 65 King Capaneus was your lord. The day
FTLN 0099 That he should marry you, at such a season
FTLN 0100 As now it is with me, I met your groom
FTLN 0101 By Mars’s altar. You were that time fair—
FTLN 0102 Not Juno’s mantle fairer than your tresses,
FTLN 0103 70 Nor in more bounty spread her. Your wheaten
FTLN 0104 wreath
FTLN 0105 Was then nor threshed nor blasted. Fortune at you
FTLN 0106 Dimpled her cheek with smiles. Hercules, our
FTLN 0107 kinsman,
FTLN 0108 75 Then weaker than your eyes, laid by his club;

17
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 1. SC. 1
FTLN 0109 He tumbled down upon his Nemean hide
FTLN 0110 And swore his sinews thawed. O grief and time,
FTLN 0111 Fearful consumers, you will all devour!
FIRST QUEEN FTLN 0112 O, I hope some god,
FTLN 0113 80 Some god hath put his mercy in your manhood,
FTLN 0114 Whereto he’ll infuse power, and press you forth
FTLN 0115 Our undertaker.
THESEUS FTLN 0116 O, no knees, none, widow!
FTLN 0117 Unto the helmeted Bellona use them
FTLN 0118 85 And pray for me, your soldier. The First Queen rises.
FTLN 0119 Troubled I am. Turns away.
SECOND QUEEN FTLN 0120 Honored Hippolyta,
FTLN 0121 Most dreaded Amazonian, that hast slain
FTLN 0122 The scythe-tusked boar; that with thy arm, as strong
FTLN 0123 90 As it is white, wast near to make the male
FTLN 0124 To thy sex captive, but that this thy lord,
FTLN 0125 Born to uphold creation in that honor
FTLN 0126 First nature styled it in, shrunk thee into
FTLN 0127 The bound thou wast o’erflowing, at once subduing
FTLN 0128 95 Thy force and thy affection; soldieress
FTLN 0129 That equally canst poise sternness with pity,
FTLN 0130 Whom now I know hast much more power on him
FTLN 0131 Than ever he had on thee, who ow’st his strength
FTLN 0132 And his love too, who is a servant for
FTLN 0133 100 The tenor of thy speech, dear glass of ladies,
FTLN 0134 Bid him that we, whom flaming war doth scorch,
FTLN 0135 Under the shadow of his sword may cool us;
FTLN 0136 Require him he advance it o’er our heads;
FTLN 0137 Speak ’t in a woman’s key, like such a woman
FTLN 0138 105 As any of us three; weep ere you fail.
FTLN 0139 Lend us a knee;
FTLN 0140 But touch the ground for us no longer time
FTLN 0141 Than a dove’s motion when the head’s plucked off.
FTLN 0142 Tell him if he i’ th’ blood-sized field lay swoll’n,
FTLN 0143 110 Showing the sun his teeth, grinning at the moon,
FTLN 0144 What you would do.

19
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 1. SC. 1
HIPPOLYTA FTLN 0145 Poor lady, say no more.
FTLN 0146 I had as lief trace this good action with you
FTLN 0147 As that whereto I am going, and never yet
FTLN 0148 115 Went I so willing way. My lord is taken
FTLN 0149 Heart-deep with your distress; let him consider.
FTLN 0150 I’ll speak anon. Second Queen rises.
THIRD QUEEN FTLN 0151 O, my petition was
FTLN 0152 Set down in ice, which by hot grief uncandied
FTLN 0153 120 Melts into drops; so sorrow, wanting form,
FTLN 0154 Is pressed with deeper matter.
EMILIA FTLN 0155 Pray stand up.
FTLN 0156 Your grief is written in your cheek.
THIRD QUEEN FTLN 0157 O, woe!
FTLN 0158 125 You cannot read it there. She rises.
FTLN 0159 There through my tears,
FTLN 0160 Like wrinkled pebbles in a glassy stream,
FTLN 0161 You may behold ’em. Lady, lady, alack!
FTLN 0162 He that will all the treasure know o’ th’ Earth
FTLN 0163 130 Must know the center too; he that will fish
FTLN 0164 For my least minnow, let him lead his line
FTLN 0165 To catch one at my heart. O, pardon me!
FTLN 0166 Extremity, that sharpens sundry wits,
FTLN 0167 Makes me a fool.
EMILIA FTLN 0168 135 Pray you say nothing, pray you.
FTLN 0169 Who cannot feel nor see the rain, being in ’t,
FTLN 0170 Knows neither wet nor dry. If that you were
FTLN 0171 The groundpiece of some painter, I would buy you
FTLN 0172 T’ instruct me ’gainst a capital grief—indeed,
FTLN 0173 140 Such heart-pierced demonstration. But, alas,
FTLN 0174 Being a natural sister of our sex,
FTLN 0175 Your sorrow beats so ardently upon me
FTLN 0176 That it shall make a counter-reflect ’gainst
FTLN 0177 My brother’s heart and warm it to some pity,
FTLN 0178 145 Though it were made of stone. Pray have good
FTLN 0179 comfort.

21
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 1. SC. 1
THESEUS , coming forward
FTLN 0180 Forward to th’ temple. Leave not out a jot
FTLN 0181 O’ th’ sacred ceremony.
FIRST QUEEN FTLN 0182 O, this celebration
FTLN 0183 150 Will longer last and be more costly than
FTLN 0184 Your suppliants’ war. Remember that your fame
FTLN 0185 Knolls in the ear o’ th’ world; what you do quickly
FTLN 0186 Is not done rashly; your first thought is more
FTLN 0187 Than others’ labored meditance, your premeditating
FTLN 0188 155 More than their actions. But, O Jove, your actions,
FTLN 0189 Soon as they move, as ospreys do the fish,
FTLN 0190 Subdue before they touch. Think, dear duke, think
FTLN 0191 What beds our slain kings have!
SECOND QUEEN FTLN 0192 What griefs our beds,
FTLN 0193 160 That our dear lords have none!
THIRD QUEEN FTLN 0194 None fit for th’ dead.
FTLN 0195 Those that with cords, knives, drams, precipitance,
FTLN 0196 Weary of this world’s light, have to themselves
FTLN 0197 Been death’s most horrid agents, human grace
FTLN 0198 165 Affords them dust and shadow.
FIRST QUEEN FTLN 0199 But our lords
FTLN 0200 Lie blist’ring ’fore the visitating sun,
FTLN 0201 And were good kings when living.
THESEUS
FTLN 0202 It is true, and I will give you comfort
FTLN 0203 170 To give your dead lords graves;
FTLN 0204 The which to do must make some work with Creon.
FIRST QUEEN
FTLN 0205 And that work presents itself to th’ doing.
FTLN 0206 Now ’twill take form; the heats are gone tomorrow.
FTLN 0207 Then, bootless toil must recompense itself
FTLN 0208 175 With its own sweat. Now he’s secure,
FTLN 0209 Not dreams we stand before your puissance,
FTLN 0210 Rinsing our holy begging in our eyes
FTLN 0211 To make petition clear.

23
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 1. SC. 1
SECOND QUEEN FTLN 0212 Now you may take him,
FTLN 0213 180 Drunk with his victory.
THIRD QUEEN FTLN 0214 And his army full
FTLN 0215 Of bread and sloth.
THESEUS FTLN 0216 Artesius, that best knowest
FTLN 0217 How to draw out, fit to this enterprise,
FTLN 0218 185 The prim’st for this proceeding, and the number
FTLN 0219 To carry such a business: forth and levy
FTLN 0220 Our worthiest instruments, whilst we dispatch
FTLN 0221 This grand act of our life, this daring deed
FTLN 0222 Of fate in wedlock.
FIRST QUEEN , to Second and Third Queens
FTLN 0223 190 Dowagers, take hands.
FTLN 0224 Let us be widows to our woes. Delay
FTLN 0225 Commends us to a famishing hope.
ALL THE QUEENS FTLN 0226 Farewell.
SECOND QUEEN
FTLN 0227 We come unseasonably; but when could grief
FTLN 0228 195 Cull forth, as unpanged judgment can, fitt’st time
FTLN 0229 For best solicitation?
THESEUS FTLN 0230 Why, good ladies,
FTLN 0231 This is a service whereto I am going
FTLN 0232 Greater than any was; it more imports me
FTLN 0233 200 Than all the actions that I have foregone,
FTLN 0234 Or futurely can cope.
FIRST QUEEN FTLN 0235 The more proclaiming
FTLN 0236 Our suit shall be neglected when her arms,
FTLN 0237 Able to lock Jove from a synod, shall
FTLN 0238 205 By warranting moonlight corselet thee. O, when
FTLN 0239 Her twinning cherries shall their sweetness fall
FTLN 0240 Upon thy tasteful lips, what wilt thou think
FTLN 0241 Of rotten kings or blubbered queens? What care
FTLN 0242 For what thou feel’st not, what thou feel’st being
FTLN 0243 210 able
FTLN 0244 To make Mars spurn his drum? O, if thou couch
FTLN 0245 But one night with her, every hour in ’t will

25
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 1. SC. 1
FTLN 0246 Take hostage of thee for a hundred, and
FTLN 0247 Thou shalt remember nothing more than what
FTLN 0248 215 That banquet bids thee to.
HIPPOLYTA , to Theseus FTLN 0249 Though much unlike
FTLN 0250 You should be so transported, as much sorry
FTLN 0251 I should be such a suitor, yet I think
FTLN 0252 Did I not, by th’ abstaining of my joy—
FTLN 0253 220 Which breeds a deeper longing—cure their surfeit
FTLN 0254 That craves a present med’cine, I should pluck
FTLN 0255 All ladies’ scandal on me. She kneels.
FTLN 0256 Therefore, sir,
FTLN 0257 As I shall here make trial of my prayers,
FTLN 0258 225 Either presuming them to have some force,
FTLN 0259 Or sentencing for aye their vigor dumb,
FTLN 0260 Prorogue this business we are going about, and
FTLN 0261 hang
FTLN 0262 Your shield afore your heart—about that neck
FTLN 0263 230 Which is my fee, and which I freely lend
FTLN 0264 To do these poor queens service.
ALL QUEENS , to Emilia FTLN 0265 O, help now!
FTLN 0266 Our cause cries for your knee.
EMILIA , to Theseus, kneeling FTLN 0267 If you grant not
FTLN 0268 235 My sister her petition in that force,
FTLN 0269 With that celerity and nature which
FTLN 0270 She makes it in, from henceforth I’ll not dare
FTLN 0271 To ask you anything, nor be so hardy
FTLN 0272 Ever to take a husband.
THESEUS FTLN 0273 240 Pray stand up.
Hippolyta and Emilia rise.
FTLN 0274 I am entreating of myself to do
FTLN 0275 That which you kneel to have me.—Pirithous,
FTLN 0276 Lead on the bride; get you and pray the gods
FTLN 0277 For success and return; omit not anything
FTLN 0278 245 In the pretended celebration.—Queens,
FTLN 0279 Follow your soldier. To Artesius. As before, hence
FTLN 0280 you,

27
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 1. SC. 1
FTLN 0281 And at the banks of Aulis meet us with
FTLN 0282 The forces you can raise, where we shall find
FTLN 0283 250 The moiety of a number for a business
FTLN 0284 More bigger looked. Artesius exits.
To Hippolyta. FTLN 0285 Since that our theme is haste,
FTLN 0286 I stamp this kiss upon thy currant lip;
FTLN 0287 Sweet, keep it as my token.—Set you forward,
FTLN 0288 255 For I will see you gone.
The wedding procession begins to exit
towards the temple.
FTLN 0289 Farewell, my beauteous sister.—Pirithous,
FTLN 0290 Keep the feast full; bate not an hour on ’t.
PIRITHOUS FTLN 0291 Sir,
FTLN 0292 I’ll follow you at heels. The feast’s solemnity
FTLN 0293 260 Shall want till your return.
THESEUS FTLN 0294 Cousin, I charge you,
FTLN 0295 Budge not from Athens. We shall be returning
FTLN 0296 Ere you can end this feast, of which I pray you
FTLN 0297 Make no abatement.—Once more, farewell all.
All but Theseus and the Queens exit.
FIRST QUEEN
FTLN 0298 265 Thus dost thou still make good the tongue o’ th’
FTLN 0299 world.
SECOND QUEEN
FTLN 0300 And earn’st a deity equal with Mars.
THIRD QUEEN FTLN 0301 If not above him, for
FTLN 0302 Thou, being but mortal, makest affections bend
FTLN 0303 270 To godlike honors; they themselves, some say,
FTLN 0304 Groan under such a mast’ry.
THESEUS FTLN 0305 As we are men,
FTLN 0306 Thus should we do; being sensually subdued,
FTLN 0307 We lose our human title. Good cheer, ladies.
FTLN 0308 275 Now turn we towards your comforts.
Flourish. They exit.

29
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 1. SC. 2
Scene 2
Enter Palamon and Arcite.
ARCITE
FTLN 0309 Dear Palamon, dearer in love than blood
FTLN 0310 And our prime cousin, yet unhardened in
FTLN 0311 The crimes of nature, let us leave the city
FTLN 0312 Thebes, and the temptings in ’t, before we further
FTLN 0313 5 Sully our gloss of youth,
FTLN 0314 And here to keep in abstinence we shame
FTLN 0315 As in incontinence; for not to swim
FTLN 0316 I’ th’ aid o’ th’ current were almost to sink,
FTLN 0317 At least to frustrate striving; and to follow
FTLN 0318 10 The common stream, ’twould bring us to an eddy
FTLN 0319 Where we should turn or drown; if labor through,
FTLN 0320 Our gain but life and weakness.
PALAMON FTLN 0321 Your advice
FTLN 0322 Is cried up with example. What strange ruins,
FTLN 0323 15 Since first we went to school, may we perceive
FTLN 0324 Walking in Thebes! Scars and bare weeds
FTLN 0325 The gain o’ th’ martialist, who did propound
FTLN 0326 To his bold ends honor and golden ingots,
FTLN 0327 Which though he won, he had not, and now flirted
FTLN 0328 20 By peace for whom he fought. Who then shall offer
FTLN 0329 To Mars’s so-scorned altar? I do bleed
FTLN 0330 When such I meet, and wish great Juno would
FTLN 0331 Resume her ancient fit of jealousy
FTLN 0332 To get the soldier work, that peace might purge
FTLN 0333 25 For her repletion, and retain anew
FTLN 0334 Her charitable heart, now hard and harsher
FTLN 0335 Than strife or war could be.
ARCITE FTLN 0336 Are you not out?
FTLN 0337 Meet you no ruin but the soldier in
FTLN 0338 30 The cranks and turns of Thebes? You did begin
FTLN 0339 As if you met decays of many kinds.

31
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 1. SC. 2
FTLN 0340 Perceive you none that do arouse your pity
FTLN 0341 But th’ unconsidered soldier?
PALAMON FTLN 0342 Yes, I pity
FTLN 0343 35 Decays where’er I find them, but such most
FTLN 0344 That, sweating in an honorable toil,
FTLN 0345 Are paid with ice to cool ’em.
ARCITE FTLN 0346 ’Tis not this
FTLN 0347 I did begin to speak of. This is virtue
FTLN 0348 40 Of no respect in Thebes. I spake of Thebes—
FTLN 0349 How dangerous, if we will keep our honors,
FTLN 0350 It is for our residing, where every evil
FTLN 0351 Hath a good color; where every seeming good’s
FTLN 0352 A certain evil; where not to be e’en jump
FTLN 0353 45 As they are here were to be strangers, and,
FTLN 0354 Such things to be, mere monsters.
PALAMON FTLN 0355 ’Tis in our power—
FTLN 0356 Unless we fear that apes can tutor ’s—to
FTLN 0357 Be masters of our manners. What need I
FTLN 0358 50 Affect another’s gait, which is not catching
FTLN 0359 Where there is faith? Or to be fond upon
FTLN 0360 Another’s way of speech, when by mine own
FTLN 0361 I may be reasonably conceived—saved too,
FTLN 0362 Speaking it truly? Why am I bound
FTLN 0363 55 By any generous bond to follow him
FTLN 0364 Follows his tailor, haply so long until
FTLN 0365 The followed make pursuit? Or let me know
FTLN 0366 Why mine own barber is unblessed, with him
FTLN 0367 My poor chin too, for ’tis not scissored just
FTLN 0368 60 To such a favorite’s glass? What canon is there
FTLN 0369 That does command my rapier from my hip
FTLN 0370 To dangle ’t in my hand, or to go tiptoe
FTLN 0371 Before the street be foul? Either I am
FTLN 0372 The forehorse in the team, or I am none
FTLN 0373 65 That draw i’ th’ sequent trace. These poor slight
FTLN 0374 sores

33
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 1. SC. 2
FTLN 0375 Need not a plantain. That which rips my bosom
FTLN 0376 Almost to th’ heart’s—
ARCITE FTLN 0377 Our Uncle Creon.
PALAMON FTLN 0378 70 He.
FTLN 0379 A most unbounded tyrant, whose successes
FTLN 0380 Makes heaven unfeared and villainy assured
FTLN 0381 Beyond its power there’s nothing; almost puts
FTLN 0382 Faith in a fever, and deifies alone
FTLN 0383 75 Voluble chance; who only attributes
FTLN 0384 The faculties of other instruments
FTLN 0385 To his own nerves and act; commands men service,
FTLN 0386 And what they win in ’t, boot and glory; one
FTLN 0387 That fears not to do harm; good, dares not. Let
FTLN 0388 80 The blood of mine that’s sib to him be sucked
FTLN 0389 From me with leeches; let them break and fall
FTLN 0390 Off me with that corruption.
ARCITE FTLN 0391 Clear-spirited cousin,
FTLN 0392 Let’s leave his court, that we may nothing share
FTLN 0393 85 Of his loud infamy; for our milk
FTLN 0394 Will relish of the pasture, and we must
FTLN 0395 Be vile or disobedient, not his kinsmen
FTLN 0396 In blood unless in quality.
PALAMON FTLN 0397 Nothing truer.
FTLN 0398 90 I think the echoes of his shames have deafed
FTLN 0399 The ears of heav’nly justice. Widows’ cries
FTLN 0400 Descend again into their throats and have not
FTLN 0401 Due audience of the gods.
Enter Valerius.
FTLN 0402 Valerius.
VALERIUS
FTLN 0403 95 The King calls for you; yet be leaden-footed
FTLN 0404 Till his great rage be off him. Phoebus, when
FTLN 0405 He broke his whipstock and exclaimed against
FTLN 0406 The horses of the sun, but whispered to
FTLN 0407 The loudness of his fury.

35
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 1. SC. 2
PALAMON FTLN 0408 100 Small winds shake him.
FTLN 0409 But what’s the matter?
VALERIUS
FTLN 0410 Theseus, who where he threats appalls, hath sent
FTLN 0411 Deadly defiance to him and pronounces
FTLN 0412 Ruin to Thebes, who is at hand to seal
FTLN 0413 105 The promise of his wrath.
ARCITE FTLN 0414 Let him approach.
FTLN 0415 But that we fear the gods in him, he brings not
FTLN 0416 A jot of terror to us. Yet what man
FTLN 0417 Thirds his own worth—the case is each of ours—
FTLN 0418 110 When that his action’s dregged with mind assured
FTLN 0419 ’Tis bad he goes about?
PALAMON FTLN 0420 Leave that unreasoned.
FTLN 0421 Our services stand now for Thebes, not Creon.
FTLN 0422 Yet to be neutral to him were dishonor,
FTLN 0423 115 Rebellious to oppose. Therefore we must
FTLN 0424 With him stand to the mercy of our fate,
FTLN 0425 Who hath bounded our last minute.
ARCITE FTLN 0426 So we must.
FTLN 0427 To Valerius. Is ’t said this war’s afoot? Or, it shall
FTLN 0428 120 be,
FTLN 0429 On fail of some condition?
VALERIUS FTLN 0430 ’Tis in motion;
FTLN 0431 The intelligence of state came in the instant
FTLN 0432 With the defier.
PALAMON FTLN 0433 125 Let’s to the King, who, were he
FTLN 0434 A quarter carrier of that honor which
FTLN 0435 His enemy come in, the blood we venture
FTLN 0436 Should be as for our health, which were not spent,
FTLN 0437 Rather laid out for purchase. But alas,
FTLN 0438 130 Our hands advanced before our hearts, what will
FTLN 0439 The fall o’ th’ stroke do damage?
ARCITE FTLN 0440 Let th’ event,
FTLN 0441 That never-erring arbitrator, tell us

37
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 1. SC. 3
FTLN 0442 When we know all ourselves, and let us follow
FTLN 0443 135 The becking of our chance.
They exit.
Scene 3
Enter Pirithous, Hippolyta, Emilia.
PIRITHOUS
FTLN 0444 No further.
HIPPOLYTA FTLN 0445 Sir, farewell. Repeat my wishes
FTLN 0446 To our great lord, of whose success I dare not
FTLN 0447 Make any timorous question; yet I wish him
FTLN 0448 5 Excess and overflow of power, an ’t might be,
FTLN 0449 To dure ill-dealing fortune. Speed to him.
FTLN 0450 Store never hurts good governors.
PIRITHOUS FTLN 0451 Though I know
FTLN 0452 His ocean needs not my poor drops, yet they
FTLN 0453 10 Must yield their tribute there.—My precious maid,
FTLN 0454 Those best affections that the heavens infuse
FTLN 0455 In their best-tempered pieces keep enthroned
FTLN 0456 In your dear heart!
EMILIA FTLN 0457 Thanks, sir. Remember me
FTLN 0458 15 To our all-royal brother, for whose speed
FTLN 0459 The great Bellona I’ll solicit; and
FTLN 0460 Since in our terrene state petitions are not
FTLN 0461 Without gifts understood, I’ll offer to her
FTLN 0462 What I shall be advised she likes. Our hearts
FTLN 0463 20 Are in his army, in his tent.
HIPPOLYTA FTLN 0464 In ’s bosom.
FTLN 0465 We have been soldiers, and we cannot weep
FTLN 0466 When our friends don their helms or put to sea,
FTLN 0467 Or tell of babes broached on the lance, or women
FTLN 0468 25 That have sod their infants in—and after ate them—
FTLN 0469 The brine they wept at killing ’em. Then if

39
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 1. SC. 3
FTLN 0470 You stay to see of us such spinsters, we
FTLN 0471 Should hold you here forever.
PIRITHOUS FTLN 0472 Peace be to you
FTLN 0473 30 As I pursue this war, which shall be then
FTLN 0474 Beyond further requiring. Pirithous exits.
EMILIA FTLN 0475 How his longing
FTLN 0476 Follows his friend! Since his depart, his sports,
FTLN 0477 Though craving seriousness and skill, passed slightly
FTLN 0478 35 His careless execution, where nor gain
FTLN 0479 Made him regard, or loss consider, but
FTLN 0480 Playing one business in his hand, another
FTLN 0481 Directing in his head, his mind nurse equal
FTLN 0482 To these so diff’ring twins. Have you observed him
FTLN 0483 40 Since our great lord departed?
HIPPOLYTA FTLN 0484 With much labor,
FTLN 0485 And I did love him for ’t. They two have cabined
FTLN 0486 In many as dangerous as poor a corner,
FTLN 0487 Peril and want contending; they have skiffed
FTLN 0488 45 Torrents whose roaring tyranny and power
FTLN 0489 I’ th’ least of these was dreadful, and they have
FTLN 0490 Fought out together where Death’s self was lodged.
FTLN 0491 Yet fate hath brought them off. Their knot of love,
FTLN 0492 Tied, weaved, entangled, with so true, so long,
FTLN 0493 50 And with a finger of so deep a cunning,
FTLN 0494 May be outworn, never undone. I think
FTLN 0495 Theseus cannot be umpire to himself,
FTLN 0496 Cleaving his conscience into twain and doing
FTLN 0497 Each side like justice, which he loves best.
EMILIA FTLN 0498 55 Doubtless
FTLN 0499 There is a best, and reason has no manners
FTLN 0500 To say it is not you. I was acquainted
FTLN 0501 Once with a time when I enjoyed a playfellow;
FTLN 0502 You were at wars when she the grave enriched,
FTLN 0503 60 Who made too proud the bed; took leave o’ th’ moon,
FTLN 0504 Which then looked pale at parting, when our count
FTLN 0505 Was each eleven.

41
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 1. SC. 3
HIPPOLYTA FTLN 0506 ’Twas Flavina.
EMILIA FTLN 0507 Yes.
FTLN 0508 65 You talk of Pirithous’ and Theseus’ love.
FTLN 0509 Theirs has more ground, is more maturely seasoned,
FTLN 0510 More buckled with strong judgment, and their needs
FTLN 0511 The one of th’ other may be said to water
FTLN 0512 Their intertangled roots of love. But I,
FTLN 0513 70 And she I sigh and spoke of, were things innocent,
FTLN 0514 Loved for we did, and like the elements
FTLN 0515 That know not what nor why, yet do effect
FTLN 0516 Rare issues by their operance, our souls
FTLN 0517 Did so to one another. What she liked
FTLN 0518 75 Was then of me approved, what not, condemned,
FTLN 0519 No more arraignment. The flower that I would pluck
FTLN 0520 And put between my breasts—O, then but beginning
FTLN 0521 To swell about the blossom—she would long
FTLN 0522 Till she had such another, and commit it
FTLN 0523 80 To the like innocent cradle, where, Phoenix-like,
FTLN 0524 They died in perfume. On my head no toy
FTLN 0525 But was her pattern; her affections—pretty,
FTLN 0526 Though haply hers careless were—I followed
FTLN 0527 For my most serious decking. Had mine ear
FTLN 0528 85 Stol’n some new air, or at adventure hummed one
FTLN 0529 From musical coinage, why, it was a note
FTLN 0530 Whereon her spirits would sojourn—rather, dwell
FTLN 0531 on—
FTLN 0532 And sing it in her slumbers. This rehearsal—
FTLN 0533 90 Which fury-innocent wots well comes in
FTLN 0534 Like old importment’s bastard—has this end,
FTLN 0535 That the true love ’tween maid and maid may be
FTLN 0536 More than in sex individual.
HIPPOLYTA FTLN 0537 You’re out of breath,
FTLN 0538 95 And this high-speeded pace is but to say
FTLN 0539 That you shall never—like the maid Flavina—
FTLN 0540 Love any that’s called man.
EMILIA FTLN 0541 I am sure I shall not.

43
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 1. SC. 4
HIPPOLYTA FTLN 0542 Now, alack, weak sister,
FTLN 0543 100 I must no more believe thee in this point—
FTLN 0544 Though in ’t I know thou dost believe thyself—
FTLN 0545 Than I will trust a sickly appetite,
FTLN 0546 That loathes even as it longs. But sure, my sister,
FTLN 0547 If I were ripe for your persuasion, you
FTLN 0548 105 Have said enough to shake me from the arm
FTLN 0549 Of the all-noble Theseus, for whose fortunes
FTLN 0550 I will now in and kneel, with great assurance
FTLN 0551 That we, more than his Pirithous, possess
FTLN 0552 The high throne in his heart.
EMILIA FTLN 0553 110 I am not
FTLN 0554 Against your faith, yet I continue mine.
They exit.
Scene 4
Cornets. A battle struck within; then a retreat.
Flourish. Then enter, through one door, Theseus,
victor, accompanied by Lords and Soldiers.
Entering through another door, the three Queens
meet him, and fall on their faces before him.
FIRST QUEEN
FTLN 0555 To thee no star be dark!
SECOND QUEEN FTLN 0556 Both heaven and Earth
FTLN 0557 Friend thee forever.
THIRD QUEEN FTLN 0558 All the good that may
FTLN 0559 5 Be wished upon thy head, I cry “Amen” to ’t!
THESEUS
FTLN 0560 Th’ impartial gods, who from the mounted heavens
FTLN 0561 View us their mortal herd, behold who err
FTLN 0562 And, in their time, chastise. Go and find out
FTLN 0563 The bones of your dead lords and honor them
FTLN 0564 10 With treble ceremony; rather than a gap
FTLN 0565 Should be in their dear rites, we would supply ’t;

45
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 1. SC. 4
FTLN 0566 But those we will depute which shall invest
FTLN 0567 You in your dignities and even each thing
FTLN 0568 Our haste does leave imperfect. So, adieu,
FTLN 0569 15 And heaven’s good eyes look on you. Queens exit.
Enter a Herald and Soldiers bearing Palamon
and Arcite on biers.
FTLN 0570 What are those?
HERALD
FTLN 0571 Men of great quality, as may be judged
FTLN 0572 By their appointment. Some of Thebes have told ’s
FTLN 0573 They are sisters’ children, nephews to the King.
THESEUS
FTLN 0574 20 By th’ helm of Mars, I saw them in the war,
FTLN 0575 Like to a pair of lions, smeared with prey,
FTLN 0576 Make lanes in troops aghast. I fixed my note
FTLN 0577 Constantly on them, for they were a mark
FTLN 0578 Worth a god’s view. What prisoner was ’t that told me
FTLN 0579 25 When I enquired their names?
HERALD FTLN 0580 Wi’ leave, they’re called
FTLN 0581 Arcite and Palamon.
THESEUS FTLN 0582 ’Tis right; those, those.
FTLN 0583 They are not dead?
HERALD
FTLN 0584 30 Nor in a state of life. Had they been taken
FTLN 0585 When their last hurts were given, ’twas possible
FTLN 0586 They might have been recovered. Yet they breathe
FTLN 0587 And have the name of men.
THESEUS FTLN 0588 Then like men use ’em.
FTLN 0589 35 The very lees of such, millions of rates,
FTLN 0590 Exceed the wine of others. All our surgeons
FTLN 0591 Convent in their behoof; our richest balms,
FTLN 0592 Rather than niggard, waste. Their lives concern us
FTLN 0593 Much more than Thebes is worth. Rather than have
FTLN 0594 40 ’em

47
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 1. SC. 5
FTLN 0595 Freed of this plight, and in their morning state,
FTLN 0596 Sound and at liberty, I would ’em dead.
FTLN 0597 But forty-thousandfold we had rather have ’em
FTLN 0598 Prisoners to us than Death. Bear ’em speedily
FTLN 0599 45 From our kind air, to them unkind, and minister
FTLN 0600 What man to man may do—for our sake, more,
FTLN 0601 Since I have known frights, fury, friends’ behests,
FTLN 0602 Love’s provocations, zeal, a mistress’ task,
FTLN 0603 Desire of liberty, a fever, madness,
FTLN 0604 50 Hath set a mark which nature could not reach to
FTLN 0605 Without some imposition, sickness in will
FTLN 0606 O’er-wrestling strength in reason. For our love
FTLN 0607 And great Apollo’s mercy, all our best
FTLN 0608 Their best skill tender.—Lead into the city,
FTLN 0609 55 Where, having bound things scattered, we will post
FTLN 0610 To Athens ’fore our army.
Flourish. They exit.
Scene 5
Music. Enter the Queens with the hearses of their
knights, in a funeral solemnity, &c.
The dirge.
FTLN 0611 Urns and odors bring away;
FTLN 0612 Vapors, sighs, darken the day;
FTLN 0613 Our dole more deadly looks than dying;
FTLN 0614 Balms and gums and heavy cheers,
FTLN 0615 5 Sacred vials filled with tears,
FTLN 0616 And clamors through the wild air flying.
FTLN 0617 Come, all sad and solemn shows
FTLN 0618 That are quick-eyed Pleasure’s foes;
FTLN 0619 We convent naught else but woes.
FTLN 0620 10 We convent naught else but woes.

49
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 1. SC. 5
THIRD QUEEN , to Second Queen
FTLN 0621 This funeral path brings to your household’s grave.
FTLN 0622 Joy seize on you again; peace sleep with him.
SECOND QUEEN , to First Queen
FTLN 0623 And this to yours.
FIRST QUEEN , to Third Queen FTLN 0624 Yours this way. Heavens
FTLN 0625 15 lend
FTLN 0626 A thousand differing ways to one sure end.
THIRD QUEEN
FTLN 0627 This world’s a city full of straying streets,
FTLN 0628 And death’s the market-place where each one meets.
They exit severally.

ACT 2
Scene 1
Enter Jailer and Wooer.
JAILER FTLN 0629 I may depart with little while I live; something I
FTLN 0630 may cast to you, not much. Alas, the prison I keep,
FTLN 0631 though it be for great ones, yet they seldom come;
FTLN 0632 before one salmon you shall take a number of minnows.
FTLN 0633 5 I am given out to be better lined than it can
FTLN 0634 appear to me report is a true speaker. I would I
FTLN 0635 were really that I am delivered to be. Marry, what
FTLN 0636 I have, be it what it will, I will assure upon my
FTLN 0637 daughter at the day of my death.
WOOER FTLN 0638 10 Sir, I demand no more than your own offer,
FTLN 0639 and I will estate your daughter in what I have
FTLN 0640 promised.
JAILER FTLN 0641 Well, we will talk more of this when the solemnity
FTLN 0642 is past. But have you a full promise of her?
FTLN 0643 15 When that shall be seen, I tender my consent.
Enter the Jailer’s Daughter, carrying rushes.
WOOER FTLN 0644 I have sir. Here she comes.
JAILER , to Daughter FTLN 0645 Your friend and I have chanced
FTLN 0646 to name you here, upon the old business. But no
FTLN 0647 more of that now; so soon as the court hurry is
FTLN 0648 20 over, we will have an end of it. I’ th’ meantime,
53

55
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 2. SC. 1
FTLN 0649 look tenderly to the two prisoners. I can tell you
FTLN 0650 they are princes.
DAUGHTER FTLN 0651 These strewings are for their chamber. ’Tis
FTLN 0652 pity they are in prison, and ’twere pity they should
FTLN 0653 25 be out. I do think they have patience to make any
FTLN 0654 adversity ashamed. The prison itself is proud of
FTLN 0655 ’em, and they have all the world in their chamber.
JAILER FTLN 0656 They are famed to be a pair of absolute men.
DAUGHTER FTLN 0657 By my troth, I think fame but stammers
FTLN 0658 30 ’em. They stand a grise above the reach of report.
JAILER FTLN 0659 I heard them reported in the battle to be the
FTLN 0660 only doers.
DAUGHTER FTLN 0661 Nay, most likely, for they are noble suff’rers.
FTLN 0662 I marvel how they would have looked had they
FTLN 0663 35 been victors, that with such a constant nobility enforce
FTLN 0664 a freedom out of bondage, making misery
FTLN 0665 their mirth and affliction a toy to jest at.
JAILER FTLN 0666 Do they so?
DAUGHTER FTLN 0667 It seems to me they have no more sense
FTLN 0668 40 of their captivity than I of ruling Athens. They eat
FTLN 0669 well, look merrily, discourse of many things, but
FTLN 0670 nothing of their own restraint and disasters. Yet
FTLN 0671 sometimes a divided sigh, martyred as ’twere i’ th’
FTLN 0672 deliverance, will break from one of them—when
FTLN 0673 45 the other presently gives it so sweet a rebuke that
FTLN 0674 I could wish myself a sigh to be so chid, or at least
FTLN 0675 a sigher to be comforted.
WOOER FTLN 0676 I never saw ’em.
JAILER FTLN 0677 The Duke himself came privately in the night,
FTLN 0678 50 and so did they.
Enter Palamon and Arcite, in shackles, above.
FTLN 0679 What the reason of it is, I know not. Look, yonder
FTLN 0680 they are; that’s Arcite looks out.
DAUGHTER FTLN 0681 No, sir, no, that’s Palamon. Arcite is the

57
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 2. SC. 2
FTLN 0682 lower of the twain; you may perceive a part of
FTLN 0683 55 him.
JAILER FTLN 0684 Go to, leave your pointing; they would not
FTLN 0685 make us their object. Out of their sight.
DAUGHTER FTLN 0686 It is a holiday to look on them. Lord, the
FTLN 0687 diff’rence of men!
Jailer, Daughter, and Wooer exit.
Scene 2
Palamon and Arcite remain, above.
PALAMON
FTLN 0688 How do you, noble cousin?
ARCITE FTLN 0689 How do you, sir?
PALAMON
FTLN 0690 Why, strong enough to laugh at misery
FTLN 0691 And bear the chance of war; yet we are prisoners
FTLN 0692 5 I fear forever, cousin.
ARCITE FTLN 0693 I believe it,
FTLN 0694 And to that destiny have patiently
FTLN 0695 Laid up my hour to come.
PALAMON FTLN 0696 O, cousin Arcite,
FTLN 0697 10 Where is Thebes now? Where is our noble country?
FTLN 0698 Where are our friends and kindreds? Never more
FTLN 0699 Must we behold those comforts, never see
FTLN 0700 The hardy youths strive for the games of honor,
FTLN 0701 Hung with the painted favors of their ladies,
FTLN 0702 15 Like tall ships under sail; then start amongst ’em
FTLN 0703 And as an east wind leave ’em all behind us,
FTLN 0704 Like lazy clouds, whilst Palamon and Arcite,
FTLN 0705 Even in the wagging of a wanton leg,
FTLN 0706 Outstripped the people’s praises, won the garlands
FTLN 0707 20 Ere they have time to wish ’em ours. O, never
FTLN 0708 Shall we two exercise, like twins of honor,
FTLN 0709 Our arms again, and feel our fiery horses

59
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 2. SC. 2
FTLN 0710 Like proud seas under us. Our good swords now—
FTLN 0711 Better the red-eyed god of war ne’er wore—
FTLN 0712 25 Ravished our sides, like age must run to rust
FTLN 0713 And deck the temples of those gods that hate us;
FTLN 0714 These hands shall never draw ’em out like lightning
FTLN 0715 To blast whole armies more.
ARCITE FTLN 0716 No, Palamon,
FTLN 0717 30 Those hopes are prisoners with us. Here we are
FTLN 0718 And here the graces of our youths must wither
FTLN 0719 Like a too-timely spring. Here age must find us
FTLN 0720 And—which is heaviest, Palamon—unmarried.
FTLN 0721 The sweet embraces of a loving wife,
FTLN 0722 35 Loaden with kisses, armed with thousand Cupids,
FTLN 0723 Shall never clasp our necks; no issue know us—
FTLN 0724 No figures of ourselves shall we e’er see,
FTLN 0725 To glad our age, and like young eagles teach ’em
FTLN 0726 Boldly to gaze against bright arms and say
FTLN 0727 40 “Remember what your fathers were, and conquer!”
FTLN 0728 The fair-eyed maids shall weep our banishments
FTLN 0729 And in their songs curse ever-blinded Fortune
FTLN 0730 Till she for shame see what a wrong she has done
FTLN 0731 To youth and nature. This is all our world.
FTLN 0732 45 We shall know nothing here but one another,
FTLN 0733 Hear nothing but the clock that tells our woes.
FTLN 0734 The vine shall grow, but we shall never see it;
FTLN 0735 Summer shall come, and with her all delights,
FTLN 0736 But dead-cold winter must inhabit here still.
PALAMON
FTLN 0737 50 ’Tis too true, Arcite. To our Theban hounds
FTLN 0738 That shook the agèd forest with their echoes
FTLN 0739 No more now must we halloo; no more shake
FTLN 0740 Our pointed javelins whilst the angry swine
FTLN 0741 Flies like a Parthian quiver from our rages,
FTLN 0742 55 Struck with our well-steeled darts. All valiant uses,
FTLN 0743 The food and nourishment of noble minds,
FTLN 0744 In us two here shall perish; we shall die,

61
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 2. SC. 2
FTLN 0745 Which is the curse of honor, lastly,
FTLN 0746 Children of grief and ignorance.
ARCITE FTLN 0747 60 Yet, cousin,
FTLN 0748 Even from the bottom of these miseries,
FTLN 0749 From all that fortune can inflict upon us,
FTLN 0750 I see two comforts rising, two mere blessings,
FTLN 0751 If the gods please: to hold here a brave patience,
FTLN 0752 65 And the enjoying of our griefs together.
FTLN 0753 Whilst Palamon is with me, let me perish
FTLN 0754 If I think this our prison!
PALAMON FTLN 0755 Certainly
FTLN 0756 ’Tis a main goodness, cousin, that our fortunes
FTLN 0757 70 Were twined together. ’Tis most true, two souls
FTLN 0758 Put in two noble bodies, let ’em suffer
FTLN 0759 The gall of hazard, so they grow together,
FTLN 0760 Will never sink; they must not, say they could.
FTLN 0761 A willing man dies sleeping and all’s done.
ARCITE
FTLN 0762 75 Shall we make worthy uses of this place
FTLN 0763 That all men hate so much?
PALAMON FTLN 0764 How, gentle cousin?
ARCITE
FTLN 0765 Let’s think this prison holy sanctuary
FTLN 0766 To keep us from corruption of worse men.
FTLN 0767 80 We are young and yet desire the ways of honor
FTLN 0768 That liberty and common conversation,
FTLN 0769 The poison of pure spirits, might like women
FTLN 0770 Woo us to wander from. What worthy blessing
FTLN 0771 Can be but our imaginations
FTLN 0772 85 May make it ours? And here being thus together,
FTLN 0773 We are an endless mine to one another;
FTLN 0774 We are one another’s wife, ever begetting
FTLN 0775 New births of love; we are father, friends,
FTLN 0776 acquaintance;
FTLN 0777 90 We are, in one another, families;
FTLN 0778 I am your heir, and you are mine. This place

63
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 2. SC. 2
FTLN 0779 Is our inheritance; no hard oppressor
FTLN 0780 Dare take this from us; here with a little patience
FTLN 0781 We shall live long and loving. No surfeits seek us;
FTLN 0782 95 The hand of war hurts none here, nor the seas
FTLN 0783 Swallow their youth. Were we at liberty,
FTLN 0784 A wife might part us lawfully, or business;
FTLN 0785 Quarrels consume us; envy of ill men
FTLN 0786 Crave our acquaintance. I might sicken, cousin,
FTLN 0787 100 Where you should never know it, and so perish
FTLN 0788 Without your noble hand to close mine eyes,
FTLN 0789 Or prayers to the gods. A thousand chances,
FTLN 0790 Were we from hence, would sever us.
PALAMON FTLN 0791 You have made
FTLN 0792 105 me—
FTLN 0793 I thank you, cousin Arcite—almost wanton
FTLN 0794 With my captivity. What a misery
FTLN 0795 It is to live abroad and everywhere!
FTLN 0796 ’Tis like a beast, methinks. I find the court here,
FTLN 0797 110 I am sure, a more content; and all those pleasures
FTLN 0798 That woo the wills of men to vanity
FTLN 0799 I see through now, and am sufficient
FTLN 0800 To tell the world ’tis but a gaudy shadow
FTLN 0801 That old Time as he passes by takes with him.
FTLN 0802 115 What had we been, old in the court of Creon,
FTLN 0803 Where sin is justice, lust and ignorance
FTLN 0804 The virtues of the great ones? Cousin Arcite,
FTLN 0805 Had not the loving gods found this place for us,
FTLN 0806 We had died as they do, ill old men, unwept,
FTLN 0807 120 And had their epitaphs, the people’s curses.
FTLN 0808 Shall I say more?
ARCITE FTLN 0809 I would hear you still.
PALAMON FTLN 0810 You shall.
FTLN 0811 Is there record of any two that loved
FTLN 0812 125 Better than we do, Arcite?
ARCITE FTLN 0813 Sure there cannot.

65
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 2. SC. 2
PALAMON
FTLN 0814 I do not think it possible our friendship
FTLN 0815 Should ever leave us.
ARCITE FTLN 0816 Till our deaths it cannot.
Enter Emilia and her Woman, below.
FTLN 0817 130 And after death our spirits shall be led
FTLN 0818 To those that love eternally. Palamon catches sight
of Emilia.
FTLN 0819 Speak on, sir.
EMILIA , to her Woman
FTLN 0820 This garden has a world of pleasures in ’t.
FTLN 0821 What flower is this?
WOMAN FTLN 0822 135 ’Tis called narcissus, madam.
EMILIA
FTLN 0823 That was a fair boy certain, but a fool
FTLN 0824 To love himself. Were there not maids enough?
ARCITE , to Palamon, who is stunned by the sight of Emilia
FTLN 0825 Pray, forward.
PALAMON FTLN 0826 Yes.
EMILIA , to Woman FTLN 0827 140 Or were they all hard-hearted?
WOMAN
FTLN 0828 They could not be to one so fair.
EMILIA FTLN 0829 Thou wouldst not.
WOMAN
FTLN 0830 I think I should not, madam.
EMILIA FTLN 0831 That’s a good wench.
FTLN 0832 145 But take heed to your kindness, though.
WOMAN FTLN 0833 Why,
FTLN 0834 madam?
EMILIA
FTLN 0835 Men are mad things.
ARCITE , to Palamon FTLN 0836 Will you go forward,
FTLN 0837 150 cousin?
EMILIA , to Woman
FTLN 0838 Canst not thou work such flowers in silk, wench?
WOMAN FTLN 0839 Yes.

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ACT 2. SC. 2
EMILIA
FTLN 0840 I’ll have a gown full of ’em, and of these.
FTLN 0841 This is pretty color. Will ’t not do
FTLN 0842 155 Rarely upon a skirt, wench?
WOMAN FTLN 0843 Dainty, madam.
ARCITE , to Palamon
FTLN 0844 Cousin, cousin! How do you, sir? Why, Palamon!
PALAMON
FTLN 0845 Never till now I was in prison, Arcite.
ARCITE
FTLN 0846 Why, what’s the matter, man?
PALAMON FTLN 0847 160 Behold, and wonder!
FTLN 0848 By heaven, she is a goddess.
ARCITE , seeing Emilia FTLN 0849 Ha!
PALAMON FTLN 0850 Do reverence.
FTLN 0851 She is a goddess, Arcite.
EMILIA , to Woman FTLN 0852 165 Of all flowers
FTLN 0853 Methinks a rose is best.
WOMAN FTLN 0854 Why, gentle madam?
EMILIA
FTLN 0855 It is the very emblem of a maid.
FTLN 0856 For when the west wind courts her gently,
FTLN 0857 170 How modestly she blows and paints the sun
FTLN 0858 With her chaste blushes! When the north comes
FTLN 0859 near her,
FTLN 0860 Rude and impatient, then, like chastity,
FTLN 0861 She locks her beauties in her bud again,
FTLN 0862 175 And leaves him to base briers.
WOMAN FTLN 0863 Yet, good madam,
FTLN 0864 Sometimes her modesty will blow so far
FTLN 0865 She falls for ’t. A maid,
FTLN 0866 If she have any honor, would be loath
FTLN 0867 180 To take example by her.
EMILIA FTLN 0868 Thou art wanton!
ARCITE , to Palamon
FTLN 0869 She is wondrous fair.

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ACT 2. SC. 2
PALAMON FTLN 0870 She is all the beauty extant.
EMILIA , to Woman
FTLN 0871 The sun grows high. Let’s walk in. Keep these
FTLN 0872 185 flowers.
FTLN 0873 We’ll see how near art can come near their colors.
FTLN 0874 I am wondrous merry-hearted. I could laugh now.
WOMAN
FTLN 0875 I could lie down, I am sure.
EMILIA FTLN 0876 And take one with you?
WOMAN
FTLN 0877 190 That’s as we bargain, madam.
EMILIA FTLN 0878 Well, agree then.
Emilia and Woman exit.
PALAMON
FTLN 0879 What think you of this beauty?
ARCITE FTLN 0880 ’Tis a rare one.
PALAMON
FTLN 0881 Is ’t but a rare one?
ARCITE FTLN 0882 195 Yes, a matchless beauty.
PALAMON
FTLN 0883 Might not a man well lose himself and love her?
ARCITE
FTLN 0884 I cannot tell what you have done; I have,
FTLN 0885 Beshrew mine eyes for ’t! Now I feel my shackles.
PALAMON
FTLN 0886 You love her, then?
ARCITE FTLN 0887 200 Who would not?
PALAMON FTLN 0888 And desire her?
ARCITE
FTLN 0889 Before my liberty.
PALAMON FTLN 0890 I saw her first.
ARCITE
FTLN 0891 That’s nothing.
PALAMON FTLN 0892 205 But it shall be.
ARCITE FTLN 0893 I saw her, too.
PALAMON FTLN 0894 Yes, but you must not love her.

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ACT 2. SC. 2
ARCITE
FTLN 0895 I will not, as you do, to worship her
FTLN 0896 As she is heavenly and a blessèd goddess.
FTLN 0897 210 I love her as a woman, to enjoy her.
FTLN 0898 So both may love.
PALAMON FTLN 0899 You shall not love at all.
ARCITE FTLN 0900 Not love at all! Who shall deny me?
PALAMON
FTLN 0901 I, that first saw her; I that took possession
FTLN 0902 215 First with mine eye of all those beauties
FTLN 0903 In her revealed to mankind. If thou lov’st her,
FTLN 0904 Or entertain’st a hope to blast my wishes,
FTLN 0905 Thou art a traitor, Arcite, and a fellow
FTLN 0906 False as thy title to her. Friendship, blood,
FTLN 0907 220 And all the ties between us I disclaim
FTLN 0908 If thou once think upon her.
ARCITE FTLN 0909 Yes, I love her,
FTLN 0910 And, if the lives of all my name lay on it,
FTLN 0911 I must do so. I love her with my soul.
FTLN 0912 225 If that will lose you, farewell, Palamon.
FTLN 0913 I say again, I love, and in loving her maintain
FTLN 0914 I am as worthy and as free a lover
FTLN 0915 And have as just a title to her beauty
FTLN 0916 As any Palamon or any living
FTLN 0917 230 That is a man’s son.
PALAMON FTLN 0918 Have I called thee friend?
ARCITE
FTLN 0919 Yes, and have found me so. Why are you moved
FTLN 0920 thus?
FTLN 0921 Let me deal coldly with you: am not I
FTLN 0922 235 Part of your blood, part of your soul? You have
FTLN 0923 told me
FTLN 0924 That I was Palamon and you were Arcite.
PALAMON
FTLN 0925 Yes.

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ACT 2. SC. 2
ARCITE FTLN 0926 Am not I liable to those affections,
FTLN 0927 240 Those joys, griefs, angers, fears, my friend shall
FTLN 0928 suffer?
PALAMON
FTLN 0929 You may be.
ARCITE FTLN 0930 Why then would you deal so cunningly,
FTLN 0931 So strangely, so unlike a noble kinsman,
FTLN 0932 245 To love alone? Speak truly, do you think me
FTLN 0933 Unworthy of her sight?
PALAMON FTLN 0934 No, but unjust
FTLN 0935 If thou pursue that sight.
ARCITE FTLN 0936 Because another
FTLN 0937 250 First sees the enemy, shall I stand still
FTLN 0938 And let mine honor down, and never charge?
PALAMON
FTLN 0939 Yes, if he be but one.
ARCITE FTLN 0940 But say that one
FTLN 0941 Had rather combat me?
PALAMON FTLN 0942 255 Let that one say so,
FTLN 0943 And use thy freedom. Else, if thou pursuest her,
FTLN 0944 Be as that cursèd man that hates his country,
FTLN 0945 A branded villain.
ARCITE FTLN 0946 You are mad.
PALAMON FTLN 0947 260 I must be.
FTLN 0948 Till thou art worthy, Arcite, it concerns me.
FTLN 0949 And in this madness if I hazard thee
FTLN 0950 And take thy life, I deal but truly.
ARCITE FTLN 0951 Fie, sir!
FTLN 0952 265 You play the child extremely. I will love her;
FTLN 0953 I must, I ought to do so, and I dare,
FTLN 0954 And all this justly.
PALAMON FTLN 0955 O, that now, that now,
FTLN 0956 Thy false self and thy friend had but this fortune
FTLN 0957 270 To be one hour at liberty, and grasp
FTLN 0958 Our good swords in our hands, I would quickly
FTLN 0959 teach thee

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ACT 2. SC. 2
FTLN 0960 What ’twere to filch affection from another.
FTLN 0961 Thou art baser in it than a cutpurse.
FTLN 0962 275 Put but thy head out of this window more
FTLN 0963 And, as I have a soul, I’ll nail thy life to ’t.
ARCITE
FTLN 0964 Thou dar’st not, fool; thou canst not; thou art feeble.
FTLN 0965 Put my head out? I’ll throw my body out
FTLN 0966 And leap the garden when I see her next,
FTLN 0967 280 And pitch between her arms to anger thee.
Enter Jailer, above.
PALAMON
FTLN 0968 No more; the keeper’s coming. I shall live
FTLN 0969 To knock thy brains out with my shackles.
ARCITE FTLN 0970 Do!
JAILER
FTLN 0971 By your leave, gentlemen.
PALAMON FTLN 0972 285 Now, honest keeper?
JAILER
FTLN 0973 Lord Arcite, you must presently to th’ Duke;
FTLN 0974 The cause I know not yet.
ARCITE FTLN 0975 I am ready, keeper.
JAILER
FTLN 0976 Prince Palamon, I must awhile bereave you
FTLN 0977 290 Of your fair cousin’s company.
Arcite and Jailer exit.
PALAMON FTLN 0978 And me too,
FTLN 0979 Even when you please, of life.—Why is he sent for?
FTLN 0980 It may be he shall marry her; he’s goodly,
FTLN 0981 And like enough the Duke hath taken notice
FTLN 0982 295 Both of his blood and body. But his falsehood!
FTLN 0983 Why should a friend be treacherous? If that
FTLN 0984 Get him a wife so noble and so fair,
FTLN 0985 Let honest men ne’er love again. Once more
FTLN 0986 I would but see this fair one. Blessèd garden

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ACT 2. SC. 2
FTLN 0987 300 And fruit and flowers more blessèd that still
FTLN 0988 blossom
FTLN 0989 As her bright eyes shine on you, would I were,
FTLN 0990 For all the fortune of my life hereafter,
FTLN 0991 Yon little tree, yon blooming apricock!
FTLN 0992 305 How I would spread and fling my wanton arms
FTLN 0993 In at her window; I would bring her fruit
FTLN 0994 Fit for the gods to feed on; youth and pleasure
FTLN 0995 Still as she tasted should be doubled on her;
FTLN 0996 And, if she be not heavenly, I would make her
FTLN 0997 310 So near the gods in nature, they should fear her.
Enter Jailer, above.
FTLN 0998 And then I am sure she would love me.—How now,
FTLN 0999 keeper,
FTLN 1000 Where’s Arcite?
JAILER FTLN 1001 Banished. Prince Pirithous
FTLN 1002 315 Obtained his liberty, but never more
FTLN 1003 Upon his oath and life must he set foot
FTLN 1004 Upon this kingdom.
PALAMON FTLN 1005 He’s a blessèd man.
FTLN 1006 He shall see Thebes again, and call to arms
FTLN 1007 320 The bold young men that, when he bids ’em charge,
FTLN 1008 Fall on like fire. Arcite shall have a fortune,
FTLN 1009 If he dare make himself a worthy lover,
FTLN 1010 Yet in the field to strike a battle for her,
FTLN 1011 And, if he lose her then, he’s a cold coward.
FTLN 1012 325 How bravely may he bear himself to win her
FTLN 1013 If he be noble Arcite—thousand ways!
FTLN 1014 Were I at liberty, I would do things
FTLN 1015 Of such a virtuous greatness that this lady,
FTLN 1016 This blushing virgin, should take manhood to her
FTLN 1017 330 And seek to ravish me.
JAILER FTLN 1018 My lord, for you
FTLN 1019 I have this charge to—
PALAMON FTLN 1020 To discharge my life?

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ACT 2. SC. 2
JAILER
FTLN 1021 No, but from this place to remove your Lordship;
FTLN 1022 335 The windows are too open.
PALAMON FTLN 1023 Devils take ’em
FTLN 1024 That are so envious to me! Prithee, kill me.
JAILER
FTLN 1025 And hang for ’t afterward!
PALAMON FTLN 1026 By this good light,
FTLN 1027 340 Had I a sword I would kill thee.
JAILER FTLN 1028 Why, my lord?
PALAMON
FTLN 1029 Thou bringst such pelting, scurvy news continually,
FTLN 1030 Thou art not worthy life. I will not go.
JAILER
FTLN 1031 Indeed you must, my lord.
PALAMON FTLN 1032 345 May I see the garden?
JAILER
FTLN 1033 No.
PALAMON FTLN 1034 Then I am resolved, I will not go.
JAILER
FTLN 1035 I must constrain you then; and, for you are
FTLN 1036 dangerous,
FTLN 1037 350 I’ll clap more irons on you.
PALAMON FTLN 1038 Do, good keeper.
FTLN 1039 I’ll shake ’em so, you shall not sleep;
FTLN 1040 I’ll make you a new morris. Must I go?
JAILER
FTLN 1041 There is no remedy.
PALAMON FTLN 1042 355 Farewell, kind window.
FTLN 1043 May rude wind never hurt thee. O, my lady,
FTLN 1044 If ever thou hast felt what sorrow was,
FTLN 1045 Dream how I suffer.—Come; now bury me.
Palamon and Jailer exit.

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The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 2. SC. 3
Scene 3
Enter Arcite.
ARCITE
FTLN 1046 Banished the kingdom? ’Tis a benefit,
FTLN 1047 A mercy I must thank ’em for; but banished
FTLN 1048 The free enjoying of that face I die for,
FTLN 1049 O, ’twas a studied punishment, a death
FTLN 1050 5 Beyond imagination—such a vengeance
FTLN 1051 That, were I old and wicked, all my sins
FTLN 1052 Could never pluck upon me. Palamon,
FTLN 1053 Thou hast the start now; thou shalt stay and see
FTLN 1054 Her bright eyes break each morning ’gainst thy
FTLN 1055 10 window
FTLN 1056 And let in life into thee; thou shalt feed
FTLN 1057 Upon the sweetness of a noble beauty
FTLN 1058 That nature ne’er exceeded nor ne’er shall.
FTLN 1059 Good gods, what happiness has Palamon!
FTLN 1060 15 Twenty to one he’ll come to speak to her,
FTLN 1061 And if she be as gentle as she’s fair,
FTLN 1062 I know she’s his. He has a tongue will tame
FTLN 1063 Tempests and make the wild rocks wanton.
FTLN 1064 Come what can come,
FTLN 1065 20 The worst is death. I will not leave the kingdom.
FTLN 1066 I know mine own is but a heap of ruins,
FTLN 1067 And no redress there. If I go, he has her.
FTLN 1068 I am resolved another shape shall make me
FTLN 1069 Or end my fortunes. Either way I am happy.
FTLN 1070 25 I’ll see her and be near her, or no more.
Enter four Country people, and one with
a garland before them.
Arcite steps aside.
FIRST COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1071 My masters, I’ll be there, that’s
FTLN 1072 certain.
SECOND COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1073 And I’ll be there.

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ACT 2. SC. 3
THIRD COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1074 And I.
FOURTH COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1075 30 Why, then, have with you, boys.
FTLN 1076 ’Tis but a chiding. Let the plough play today; I’ll
FTLN 1077 tickle ’t out of the jades’ tails tomorrow.
FIRST COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1078 I am sure to have my wife as jealous
FTLN 1079 as a turkey, but that’s all one. I’ll go through;
FTLN 1080 35 let her mumble.
SECOND COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1081 Clap her aboard tomorrow night
FTLN 1082 and stow her, and all’s made up again.
THIRD COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1083 Ay, do but put a fescue in her fist
FTLN 1084 and you shall see her take a new lesson out and be
FTLN 1085 40 a good wench. Do we all hold against the Maying?
FOURTH COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1086 Hold? What should ail us?
THIRD COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1087 Arcas will be there.
SECOND COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1088 And Sennois and Rycas; and
FTLN 1089 three better lads ne’er danced under green tree.
FTLN 1090 45 And you know what wenches, ha! But will the
FTLN 1091 dainty domine, the Schoolmaster, keep touch, do
FTLN 1092 you think? For he does all, you know.
THIRD COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1093 He’ll eat a hornbook ere he fail.
FTLN 1094 Go to, the matter’s too far driven between him and
FTLN 1095 50 the tanner’s daughter to let slip now; and she must
FTLN 1096 see the Duke, and she must dance too.
FOURTH COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1097 Shall we be lusty?
SECOND COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1098 All the boys in Athens blow wind
FTLN 1099 i’ th’ breech on ’s. And here I’ll be and there I’ll be,
FTLN 1100 55 for our town, and here again, and there again. Ha,
FTLN 1101 boys, hey for the weavers!
FIRST COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1102 This must be done i’ th’ woods.
FOURTH COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1103 O pardon me.
SECOND COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1104 By any means; our thing of learning
FTLN 1105 60 says so—where he himself will edify the Duke
FTLN 1106 most parlously in our behalfs. He’s excellent i’ th’
FTLN 1107 woods; bring him to th’ plains, his learning makes
FTLN 1108 no cry.

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ACT 2. SC. 3
THIRD COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1109 We’ll see the sports, then every
FTLN 1110 65 man to ’s tackle. And, sweet companions, let’s rehearse,
FTLN 1111 by any means, before the ladies see us, and
FTLN 1112 do sweetly, and God knows what may come on ’t.
FOURTH COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1113 Content. The sports once ended,
FTLN 1114 we’ll perform. Away, boys, and hold.
Arcite comes forward.
ARCITE FTLN 1115 70 By your leaves, honest friends: pray you,
FTLN 1116 whither go you?
FOURTH COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1117 Whither?
FTLN 1118 Why, what a question’s that?
ARCITE FTLN 1119 Yes, ’tis a question
FTLN 1120 75 To me that know not.
THIRD COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1121 To the games, my friend.
SECOND COUNTRYMAN
FTLN 1122 Where were you bred, you know it not?
ARCITE FTLN 1123 Not far, sir.
FTLN 1124 Are there such games today?
FIRST COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1125 80 Yes, marry, are there,
FTLN 1126 And such as you never saw. The Duke himself
FTLN 1127 Will be in person there.
ARCITE FTLN 1128 What pastimes are they?
SECOND COUNTRYMAN
FTLN 1129 Wrestling and running.—’Tis a pretty fellow.
THIRD COUNTRYMAN
FTLN 1130 85 Thou wilt not go along?
ARCITE FTLN 1131 Not yet, sir.
FOURTH COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1132 Well, sir,
FTLN 1133 Take your own time.—Come, boys.
FIRST COUNTRYMAN , aside to the others FTLN 1134 My mind misgives
FTLN 1135 90 me. This fellow has a vengeance trick o’ th’
FTLN 1136 hip. Mark how his body’s made for ’t.
SECOND COUNTRYMAN , aside to the others FTLN 1137 I’ll be
FTLN 1138 hanged, though, if he dare venture. Hang him,
FTLN 1139 plum porridge! He wrestle? He roast eggs! Come,
FTLN 1140 95 let’s be gone, lads. The four exit.

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ACT 2. SC. 4
ARCITE
FTLN 1141 This is an offered opportunity
FTLN 1142 I durst not wish for. Well I could have wrestled—
FTLN 1143 The best men called it excellent—and run
FTLN 1144 Swifter than wind upon a field of corn,
FTLN 1145 100 Curling the wealthy ears, never flew. I’ll venture,
FTLN 1146 And in some poor disguise be there. Who knows
FTLN 1147 Whether my brows may not be girt with garlands,
FTLN 1148 And happiness prefer me to a place
FTLN 1149 Where I may ever dwell in sight of her?
Arcite exits.
Scene 4
Enter Jailer’s Daughter, alone.
DAUGHTER
FTLN 1150 Why should I love this gentleman? ’Tis odds
FTLN 1151 He never will affect me. I am base,
FTLN 1152 My father the mean keeper of his prison,
FTLN 1153 And he a prince. To marry him is hopeless;
FTLN 1154 5 To be his whore is witless. Out upon ’t!
FTLN 1155 What pushes are we wenches driven to
FTLN 1156 When fifteen once has found us! First, I saw him;
FTLN 1157 I, seeing, thought he was a goodly man;
FTLN 1158 He has as much to please a woman in him,
FTLN 1159 10 If he please to bestow it so, as ever
FTLN 1160 These eyes yet looked on. Next, I pitied him,
FTLN 1161 And so would any young wench, o’ my conscience,
FTLN 1162 That ever dreamed, or vowed her maidenhead
FTLN 1163 To a young handsome man. Then I loved him,
FTLN 1164 15 Extremely loved him, infinitely loved him!
FTLN 1165 And yet he had a cousin, fair as he too.
FTLN 1166 But in my heart was Palamon, and there,
FTLN 1167 Lord, what a coil he keeps! To hear him
FTLN 1168 Sing in an evening, what a heaven it is!

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ACT 2. SC. 5
FTLN 1169 20 And yet his songs are sad ones. Fairer spoken
FTLN 1170 Was never gentleman. When I come in
FTLN 1171 To bring him water in a morning, first
FTLN 1172 He bows his noble body, then salutes me thus:
FTLN 1173 “Fair, gentle maid, good morrow. May thy goodness
FTLN 1174 25 Get thee a happy husband.” Once he kissed me;
FTLN 1175 I loved my lips the better ten days after.
FTLN 1176 Would he would do so ev’ry day! He grieves much—
FTLN 1177 And me as much to see his misery.
FTLN 1178 What should I do to make him know I love him?
FTLN 1179 30 For I would fain enjoy him. Say I ventured
FTLN 1180 To set him free? What says the law then?
FTLN 1181 Thus much for law or kindred! I will do it,
FTLN 1182 And this night, or tomorrow, he shall love me.
She exits.
Scene 5
This short flourish of cornets and shouts within.
Enter Theseus, Hippolyta, Pirithous, Emilia, Arcite
in disguise, with a garland, Attendants, and others.
THESEUS , to Arcite
FTLN 1183 You have done worthily. I have not seen,
FTLN 1184 Since Hercules, a man of tougher sinews.
FTLN 1185 Whate’er you are, you run the best and wrestle
FTLN 1186 That these times can allow.
ARCITE FTLN 1187 5 I am proud to please you.
THESEUS
FTLN 1188 What country bred you?
ARCITE FTLN 1189 This; but far off, prince.
THESEUS
FTLN 1190 Are you a gentleman?
ARCITE FTLN 1191 My father said so,
FTLN 1192 10 And to those gentle uses gave me life.

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ACT 2. SC. 5
THESEUS
FTLN 1193 Are you his heir?
ARCITE FTLN 1194 His youngest, sir.
THESEUS FTLN 1195 Your father,
FTLN 1196 Sure, is a happy sire, then. What proves you?
ARCITE
FTLN 1197 15 A little of all noble qualities.
FTLN 1198 I could have kept a hawk and well have hallowed
FTLN 1199 To a deep cry of dogs. I dare not praise
FTLN 1200 My feat in horsemanship, yet they that knew me
FTLN 1201 Would say it was my best piece. Last, and greatest,
FTLN 1202 20 I would be thought a soldier.
THESEUS FTLN 1203 You are perfect.
PIRITHOUS
FTLN 1204 Upon my soul, a proper man.
EMILIA FTLN 1205 He is so.
PIRITHOUS , to Hippolyta
FTLN 1206 How do you like him, lady?
HIPPOLYTA FTLN 1207 25 I admire him.
FTLN 1208 I have not seen so young a man so noble,
FTLN 1209 If he say true, of his sort.
EMILIA FTLN 1210 Believe,
FTLN 1211 His mother was a wondrous handsome woman;
FTLN 1212 30 His face, methinks, goes that way.
HIPPOLYTA FTLN 1213 But his body
FTLN 1214 And fiery mind illustrate a brave father.
PIRITHOUS
FTLN 1215 Mark how his virtue, like a hidden sun,
FTLN 1216 Breaks through his baser garments.
HIPPOLYTA FTLN 1217 35 He’s well got, sure.
THESEUS , to Arcite
FTLN 1218 What made you seek this place, sir?
ARCITE FTLN 1219 Noble Theseus,
FTLN 1220 To purchase name and do my ablest service
FTLN 1221 To such a well-found wonder as thy worth;

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ACT 2. SC. 5
FTLN 1222 40 For only in thy court, of all the world,
FTLN 1223 Dwells fair-eyed Honor.
PIRITHOUS FTLN 1224 All his words are worthy.
THESEUS
FTLN 1225 Sir, we are much indebted to your travel,
FTLN 1226 Nor shall you lose your wish.—Pirithous,
FTLN 1227 45 Dispose of this fair gentleman.
PIRITHOUS FTLN 1228 Thanks, Theseus.—
FTLN 1229 Whate’er you are, you’re mine, and I shall give you
FTLN 1230 To a most noble service: to this lady,
FTLN 1231 This bright young virgin.
He brings Arcite to Emilia.
FTLN 1232 50 Pray observe her goodness;
FTLN 1233 You have honored her fair birthday with your
FTLN 1234 virtues,
FTLN 1235 And, as your due, you’re hers. Kiss her fair hand, sir.
ARCITE
FTLN 1236 Sir, you’re a noble giver.—Dearest beauty,
FTLN 1237 55 Thus let me seal my vowed faith.
He kisses her hand.
FTLN 1238 When your servant,
FTLN 1239 Your most unworthy creature, but offends you,
FTLN 1240 Command him die, he shall.
EMILIA FTLN 1241 That were too cruel.
FTLN 1242 60 If you deserve well, sir, I shall soon see ’t.
FTLN 1243 You’re mine, and somewhat better than your rank
FTLN 1244 I’ll use you.
PIRITHOUS , to Arcite
FTLN 1245 I’ll see you furnished, and because you say
FTLN 1246 You are a horseman, I must needs entreat you
FTLN 1247 65 This afternoon to ride—but ’tis a rough one.
ARCITE
FTLN 1248 I like him better, prince; I shall not then
FTLN 1249 Freeze in my saddle.
THESEUS , to Hippolyta FTLN 1250 Sweet, you must be ready,—
FTLN 1251 And you, Emilia,—and you, friend,—and all,

95
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ACT 2. SC. 6
FTLN 1252 70 Tomorrow by the sun, to do observance
FTLN 1253 To flowery May in Dian’s wood.—Wait well, sir,
FTLN 1254 Upon your mistress.—Emily, I hope
FTLN 1255 He shall not go afoot.
EMILIA FTLN 1256 That were a shame, sir,
FTLN 1257 75 While I have horses.—Take your choice, and what
FTLN 1258 You want at any time, let me but know it.
FTLN 1259 If you serve faithfully, I dare assure you
FTLN 1260 You’ll find a loving mistress.
ARCITE FTLN 1261 If I do not,
FTLN 1262 80 Let me find that my father ever hated,
FTLN 1263 Disgrace and blows.
THESEUS FTLN 1264 Go lead the way; you have won it.
FTLN 1265 It shall be so; you shall receive all dues
FTLN 1266 Fit for the honor you have won. ’Twere wrong else.—
FTLN 1267 85 Sister, beshrew my heart, you have a servant
FTLN 1268 That, if I were a woman, would be master;
FTLN 1269 But you are wise.
EMILIA FTLN 1270 I hope too wise for that, sir.
Flourish. They all exit.
Scene 6
Enter Jailer’s Daughter alone.
DAUGHTER
FTLN 1271 Let all the dukes and all the devils roar!
FTLN 1272 He is at liberty. I have ventured for him,
FTLN 1273 And out I have brought him; to a little wood
FTLN 1274 A mile hence I have sent him, where a cedar
FTLN 1275 5 Higher than all the rest spreads like a plane
FTLN 1276 Fast by a brook, and there he shall keep close
FTLN 1277 Till I provide him files and food, for yet
FTLN 1278 His iron bracelets are not off. O Love,
FTLN 1279 What a stout-hearted child thou art! My father
FTLN 1280 10 Durst better have endured cold iron than done it.

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FTLN 1281 I love him beyond love and beyond reason
FTLN 1282 Or wit or safety. I have made him know it;
FTLN 1283 I care not, I am desperate. If the law
FTLN 1284 Find me and then condemn me for ’t, some wenches,
FTLN 1285 15 Some honest-hearted maids, will sing my dirge
FTLN 1286 And tell to memory my death was noble,
FTLN 1287 Dying almost a martyr. That way he takes
FTLN 1288 I purpose is my way too. Sure he cannot
FTLN 1289 Be so unmanly as to leave me here.
FTLN 1290 20 If he do, maids will not so easily
FTLN 1291 Trust men again. And yet he has not thanked me
FTLN 1292 For what I have done; no, not so much as kissed me,
FTLN 1293 And that, methinks, is not so well; nor scarcely
FTLN 1294 Could I persuade him to become a free man,
FTLN 1295 25 He made such scruples of the wrong he did
FTLN 1296 To me and to my father. Yet I hope,
FTLN 1297 When he considers more, this love of mine
FTLN 1298 Will take more root within him. Let him do
FTLN 1299 What he will with me, so he use me kindly;
FTLN 1300 30 For use me so he shall, or I’ll proclaim him,
FTLN 1301 And to his face, no man. I’ll presently
FTLN 1302 Provide him necessaries and pack my clothes up,
FTLN 1303 And where there is a path of ground I’ll venture,
FTLN 1304 So he be with me. By him like a shadow
FTLN 1305 35 I’ll ever dwell. Within this hour the hubbub
FTLN 1306 Will be all o’er the prison. I am then
FTLN 1307 Kissing the man they look for. Farewell, father!
FTLN 1308 Get many more such prisoners and such daughters,
FTLN 1309 And shortly you may keep yourself. Now to him.
She exits.

ACT 3
Scene 1
Cornets in sundry places. Noise and hallowing
as people a-Maying. Enter Arcite alone.
ARCITE
FTLN 1310 The Duke has lost Hippolyta; each took
FTLN 1311 A several laund. This is a solemn rite
FTLN 1312 They owe bloomed May, and the Athenians pay it
FTLN 1313 To th’ heart of ceremony. O Queen Emilia,
FTLN 1314 5 Fresher than May, sweeter
FTLN 1315 Than her gold buttons on the boughs, or all
FTLN 1316 Th’ enameled knacks o’ th’ mead or garden—yea,
FTLN 1317 We challenge too the bank of any nymph
FTLN 1318 That makes the stream seem flowers; thou, O jewel
FTLN 1319 10 O’ th’ wood, o’ th’ world, hast likewise blessed a pace
FTLN 1320 With thy sole presence. In thy rumination
FTLN 1321 That I, poor man, might eftsoons come between
FTLN 1322 And chop on some cold thought! Thrice blessèd
FTLN 1323 chance
FTLN 1324 15 To drop on such a mistress, expectation
FTLN 1325 Most guiltless on ’t. Tell me, O Lady Fortune,
FTLN 1326 Next after Emily my sovereign, how far
FTLN 1327 I may be proud. She takes strong note of me,
FTLN 1328 Hath made me near her; and this beauteous morn,
FTLN 1329 20 The prim’st of all the year, presents me with
FTLN 1330 A brace of horses; two such steeds might well
101

103
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ACT 3. SC. 1
FTLN 1331 Be by a pair of kings backed, in a field
FTLN 1332 That their crowns’ titles tried. Alas, alas,
FTLN 1333 Poor cousin Palamon, poor prisoner, thou
FTLN 1334 25 So little dream’st upon my fortune that
FTLN 1335 Thou think’st thyself the happier thing, to be
FTLN 1336 So near Emilia; me thou deem’st at Thebes,
FTLN 1337 And therein wretched, although free. But if
FTLN 1338 Thou knew’st my mistress breathed on me, and that
FTLN 1339 30 I eared her language, lived in her eye—O coz,
FTLN 1340 What passion would enclose thee!
Enter Palamon as out of a bush, with his shackles;
he bends his fist at Arcite.
PALAMON FTLN 1341 Traitor kinsman,
FTLN 1342 Thou shouldst perceive my passion if these signs
FTLN 1343 Of prisonment were off me, and this hand
FTLN 1344 35 But owner of a sword. By all oaths in one,
FTLN 1345 I and the justice of my love would make thee
FTLN 1346 A confessed traitor, O thou most perfidious
FTLN 1347 That ever gently looked, the void’st of honor
FTLN 1348 That e’er bore gentle token, falsest cousin
FTLN 1349 40 That ever blood made kin! Call’st thou her thine?
FTLN 1350 I’ll prove it in my shackles, with these hands,
FTLN 1351 Void of appointment, that thou liest, and art
FTLN 1352 A very thief in love, a chaffy lord,
FTLN 1353 Nor worth the name of villain. Had I a sword,
FTLN 1354 45 And these house clogs away—
ARCITE FTLN 1355 Dear cousin Palamon—
PALAMON
FTLN 1356 Cozener Arcite, give me language such
FTLN 1357 As thou hast showed me feat.
ARCITE FTLN 1358 Not finding in
FTLN 1359 50 The circuit of my breast any gross stuff
FTLN 1360 To form me like your blazon holds me to
FTLN 1361 This gentleness of answer: ’tis your passion
FTLN 1362 That thus mistakes, the which, to you being enemy,

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ACT 3. SC. 1
FTLN 1363 Cannot to me be kind. Honor and honesty
FTLN 1364 55 I cherish and depend on, howsoe’er
FTLN 1365 You skip them in me, and with them, fair coz,
FTLN 1366 I’ll maintain my proceedings. Pray be pleased
FTLN 1367 To show in generous terms your griefs, since that
FTLN 1368 Your question’s with your equal, who professes
FTLN 1369 60 To clear his own way with the mind and sword
FTLN 1370 Of a true gentleman.
PALAMON FTLN 1371 That thou durst, Arcite!
ARCITE
FTLN 1372 My coz, my coz, you have been well advertised
FTLN 1373 How much I dare; you’ve seen me use my sword
FTLN 1374 65 Against th’ advice of fear. Sure, of another
FTLN 1375 You would not hear me doubted, but your silence
FTLN 1376 Should break out, though i’ th’ sanctuary.
PALAMON FTLN 1377 Sir,
FTLN 1378 I have seen you move in such a place which well
FTLN 1379 70 Might justify your manhood; you were called
FTLN 1380 A good knight and a bold. But the whole week’s not
FTLN 1381 fair
FTLN 1382 If any day it rain; their valiant temper
FTLN 1383 Men lose when they incline to treachery,
FTLN 1384 75 And then they fight like compelled bears—would fly
FTLN 1385 Were they not tied.
ARCITE FTLN 1386 Kinsman, you might as well
FTLN 1387 Speak this and act it in your glass as to
FTLN 1388 His ear which now disdains you.
PALAMON FTLN 1389 80 Come up to me;
FTLN 1390 Quit me of these cold gyves, give me a sword
FTLN 1391 Though it be rusty, and the charity
FTLN 1392 Of one meal lend me. Come before me then,
FTLN 1393 A good sword in thy hand, and do but say
FTLN 1394 85 That Emily is thine, I will forgive
FTLN 1395 The trespass thou hast done me—yea, my life,
FTLN 1396 If then thou carry ’t; and brave souls in shades
FTLN 1397 That have died manly, which will seek of me

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ACT 3. SC. 1
FTLN 1398 Some news from Earth, they shall get none but this:
FTLN 1399 90 That thou art brave and noble.
ARCITE FTLN 1400 Be content.
FTLN 1401 Again betake you to your hawthorn house.
FTLN 1402 With counsel of the night I will be here
FTLN 1403 With wholesome viands. These impediments
FTLN 1404 95 Will I file off. You shall have garments and
FTLN 1405 Perfumes to kill the smell o’ th’ prison. After,
FTLN 1406 When you shall stretch yourself and say but “Arcite,
FTLN 1407 I am in plight,” there shall be at your choice
FTLN 1408 Both sword and armor.
PALAMON FTLN 1409 100 O you heavens, dares any
FTLN 1410 So noble bear a guilty business? None
FTLN 1411 But only Arcite. Therefore none but Arcite
FTLN 1412 In this kind is so bold.
ARCITE FTLN 1413 Sweet Palamon.
PALAMON
FTLN 1414 105 I do embrace you and your offer; for
FTLN 1415 Your offer do ’t I only. Sir, your person
FTLN 1416 Without hypocrisy I may not wish
FTLN 1417 More than my sword’s edge on ’t.
Wind horns off; sound cornets.
ARCITE FTLN 1418 You hear the horns.
FTLN 1419 110 Enter your muset, lest this match between ’s
FTLN 1420 Be crossed ere met. Give me your hand; farewell.
FTLN 1421 I’ll bring you every needful thing. I pray you,
FTLN 1422 Take comfort and be strong.
PALAMON FTLN 1423 Pray hold your promise,
FTLN 1424 115 And do the deed with a bent brow. Most certain
FTLN 1425 You love me not; be rough with me, and pour
FTLN 1426 This oil out of your language. By this air,
FTLN 1427 I could for each word give a cuff, my stomach
FTLN 1428 Not reconciled by reason.
ARCITE FTLN 1429 120 Plainly spoken,
FTLN 1430 Yet pardon me hard language. When I spur
FTLN 1431 My horse, I chide him not; content and anger

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ACT 3. SC. 2
FTLN 1432 In me have but one face. Wind horns.
FTLN 1433 Hark, sir, they call
FTLN 1434 125 The scattered to the banquet; you must guess
FTLN 1435 I have an office there.
PALAMON FTLN 1436 Sir, your attendance
FTLN 1437 Cannot please heaven, and I know your office
FTLN 1438 Unjustly is achieved.
ARCITE FTLN 1439 130 ’Tis a good title.
FTLN 1440 I am persuaded this question, sick between ’s,
FTLN 1441 By bleeding must be cured. I am a suitor
FTLN 1442 That to your sword you will bequeath this plea,
FTLN 1443 And talk of it no more.
PALAMON FTLN 1444 135 But this one word:
FTLN 1445 You are going now to gaze upon my mistress,
FTLN 1446 For note you, mine she is—
ARCITE FTLN 1447 Nay then,—
PALAMON FTLN 1448 Nay, pray you,
FTLN 1449 140 You talk of feeding me to breed me strength.
FTLN 1450 You are going now to look upon a sun
FTLN 1451 That strengthens what it looks on; there
FTLN 1452 You have a vantage o’er me, but enjoy ’t till
FTLN 1453 I may enforce my remedy. Farewell.
They exit.
Scene 2
Enter Jailer’s Daughter, alone.
DAUGHTER
FTLN 1454 He has mistook the brake I meant, is gone
FTLN 1455 After his fancy. ’Tis now well-nigh morning.
FTLN 1456 No matter; would it were perpetual night,
FTLN 1457 And darkness lord o’ th’ world. Hark, ’tis a wolf!
FTLN 1458 5 In me hath grief slain fear, and but for one thing,
FTLN 1459 I care for nothing, and that’s Palamon.
FTLN 1460 I reck not if the wolves would jaw me, so

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ACT 3. SC. 2
FTLN 1461 He had this file. What if I hallowed for him?
FTLN 1462 I cannot hallow. If I whooped, what then?
FTLN 1463 10 If he not answered, I should call a wolf,
FTLN 1464 And do him but that service. I have heard
FTLN 1465 Strange howls this livelong night; why may ’t not be
FTLN 1466 They have made prey of him? He has no weapons;
FTLN 1467 He cannot run; the jingling of his gyves
FTLN 1468 15 Might call fell things to listen, who have in them
FTLN 1469 A sense to know a man unarmed and can
FTLN 1470 Smell where resistance is. I’ll set it down
FTLN 1471 He’s torn to pieces; they howled many together,
FTLN 1472 And then they fed on him; so much for that.
FTLN 1473 20 Be bold to ring the bell. How stand I then?
FTLN 1474 All’s chared when he is gone. No, no, I lie.
FTLN 1475 My father’s to be hanged for his escape;
FTLN 1476 Myself to beg, if I prized life so much
FTLN 1477 As to deny my act, but that I would not,
FTLN 1478 25 Should I try death by dozens. I am moped;
FTLN 1479 Food took I none these two days;
FTLN 1480 Sipped some water. I have not closed mine eyes
FTLN 1481 Save when my lids scoured off their brine. Alas,
FTLN 1482 Dissolve, my life! Let not my sense unsettle,
FTLN 1483 30 Lest I should drown, or stab, or hang myself.
FTLN 1484 O state of nature, fail together in me,
FTLN 1485 Since thy best props are warped! So, which way now?
FTLN 1486 The best way is the next way to a grave;
FTLN 1487 Each errant step beside is torment. Lo,
FTLN 1488 35 The moon is down, the crickets chirp, the screech
FTLN 1489 owl
FTLN 1490 Calls in the dawn. All offices are done
FTLN 1491 Save what I fail in. But the point is this—
FTLN 1492 An end, and that is all.
She exits.

113
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ACT 3. SC. 3
Scene 3
Enter Arcite with meat, wine, and files.
ARCITE
FTLN 1493 I should be near the place.—Ho! Cousin Palamon!
PALAMON , within
FTLN 1494 Arcite?
ARCITE FTLN 1495 The same. I have brought you food and files.
FTLN 1496 Come forth and fear not; here’s no Theseus.
Enter Palamon.
PALAMON
FTLN 1497 5 Nor none so honest, Arcite.
ARCITE FTLN 1498 That’s no matter.
FTLN 1499 We’ll argue that hereafter. Come, take courage;
FTLN 1500 You shall not die thus beastly. Here, sir, drink—
FTLN 1501 I know you are faint—then I’ll talk further with you.
PALAMON
FTLN 1502 10 Arcite, thou mightst now poison me.
ARCITE FTLN 1503 I might;
FTLN 1504 But I must fear you first. Sit down and, good now,
FTLN 1505 No more of these vain parleys. Let us not,
FTLN 1506 Having our ancient reputation with us,
FTLN 1507 15 Make talk for fools and cowards. To your health.
He drinks.
PALAMON FTLN 1508 Do!
ARCITE
FTLN 1509 Pray sit down, then, and let me entreat you,
FTLN 1510 By all the honesty and honor in you,
FTLN 1511 No mention of this woman; ’twill disturb us.
FTLN 1512 20 We shall have time enough.
PALAMON FTLN 1513 Well, sir, I’ll pledge you.
He drinks.

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ACT 3. SC. 3
ARCITE
FTLN 1514 Drink a good hearty draught; it breeds good blood,
FTLN 1515 man.
FTLN 1516 Do not you feel it thaw you?
PALAMON FTLN 1517 25 Stay, I’ll tell you
FTLN 1518 After a draught or two more.
ARCITE FTLN 1519 Spare it not.
FTLN 1520 The Duke has more, coz. Eat now.
PALAMON FTLN 1521 Yes. He eats.
ARCITE FTLN 1522 30 I am glad
FTLN 1523 You have so good a stomach.
PALAMON FTLN 1524 I am gladder
FTLN 1525 I have so good meat to ’t.
ARCITE FTLN 1526 Is ’t not mad lodging
FTLN 1527 35 Here in the wild woods, cousin?
PALAMON FTLN 1528 Yes, for them
FTLN 1529 That have wild consciences.
ARCITE FTLN 1530 How tastes your
FTLN 1531 victuals?
FTLN 1532 40 Your hunger needs no sauce, I see.
PALAMON FTLN 1533 Not much.
FTLN 1534 But if it did, yours is too tart, sweet cousin.
FTLN 1535 What is this?
ARCITE FTLN 1536 Venison.
PALAMON FTLN 1537 45 ’Tis a lusty meat.
FTLN 1538 Give me more wine. Here, Arcite, to the wenches
FTLN 1539 We have known in our days!
He raises his cup in a toast.
FTLN 1540 The Lord Steward’s
FTLN 1541 daughter!
FTLN 1542 50 Do you remember her?
ARCITE FTLN 1543 After you, coz.
PALAMON
FTLN 1544 She loved a black-haired man.
ARCITE FTLN 1545 She did so; well, sir?

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ACT 3. SC. 3
PALAMON
FTLN 1546 And I have heard some call him Arcite, and—
ARCITE
FTLN 1547 55 Out with ’t, faith.
PALAMON FTLN 1548 She met him in an arbor.
FTLN 1549 What did she there, coz? Play o’ th’ virginals?
ARCITE
FTLN 1550 Something she did, sir.
PALAMON FTLN 1551 Made her groan a month
FTLN 1552 60 for ’t—
FTLN 1553 Or two, or three, or ten.
ARCITE FTLN 1554 The Marshal’s sister
FTLN 1555 Had her share, too, as I remember, cousin,
FTLN 1556 Else there be tales abroad. You’ll pledge her?
PALAMON FTLN 1557 65 Yes.
He lifts his cup and then drinks.
ARCITE
FTLN 1558 A pretty brown wench ’tis. There was a time
FTLN 1559 When young men went a-hunting, and a wood,
FTLN 1560 And a broad beech—and thereby hangs a tale.
FTLN 1561 Heigh ho!
PALAMON FTLN 1562 70 For Emily, upon my life! Fool,
FTLN 1563 Away with this strained mirth. I say again
FTLN 1564 That sigh was breathed for Emily. Base cousin,
FTLN 1565 Dar’st thou break first?
ARCITE FTLN 1566 You are wide.
PALAMON FTLN 1567 75 By heaven and
FTLN 1568 Earth,
FTLN 1569 There’s nothing in thee honest.
ARCITE FTLN 1570 Then I’ll leave you.
FTLN 1571 You are a beast now.
PALAMON FTLN 1572 80 As thou mak’st me, traitor.
ARCITE
FTLN 1573 There’s all things needful: files and shirts and
FTLN 1574 perfumes.

119
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 3. SC. 4
FTLN 1575 I’ll come again some two hours hence and bring
FTLN 1576 That that shall quiet all.
PALAMON FTLN 1577 85 A sword and armor.
ARCITE
FTLN 1578 Fear me not. You are now too foul. Farewell.
FTLN 1579 Get off your trinkets; you shall want naught.
PALAMON FTLN 1580 Sirrah—
ARCITE
FTLN 1581 I’ll hear no more.
He exits.
PALAMON FTLN 1582 90 If he keep touch, he dies for ’t.
He exits.
Scene 4
Enter Jailer’s Daughter.
DAUGHTER
FTLN 1583 I am very cold, and all the stars are out too,
FTLN 1584 The little stars and all, that look like aglets.
FTLN 1585 The sun has seen my folly.—Palamon!
FTLN 1586 Alas, no; he’s in heaven. Where am I now?
FTLN 1587 5 Yonder’s the sea, and there’s a ship. How ’t tumbles!
FTLN 1588 And there’s a rock lies watching under water.
FTLN 1589 Now, now, it beats upon it; now, now, now,
FTLN 1590 There’s a leak sprung, a sound one! How they cry!
FTLN 1591 Open her before the wind; you’ll lose all else.
FTLN 1592 10 Up with a course or two, and tack about, boys!
FTLN 1593 Good night, good night; you’re gone. I am very
FTLN 1594 hungry.
FTLN 1595 Would I could find a fine frog; he would tell me
FTLN 1596 News from all parts o’ th’ world; then would I make
FTLN 1597 15 A carrack of a cockleshell, and sail
FTLN 1598 By east and northeast to the king of pygmies,
FTLN 1599 For he tells fortunes rarely. Now my father,

121
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 3. SC. 5
FTLN 1600 Twenty to one, is trussed up in a trice
FTLN 1601 Tomorrow morning. I’ll say never a word.
(Sing.)
FTLN 1602 20 For I’ll cut my green coat a foot above my knee,
FTLN 1603 And I’ll clip my yellow locks an inch below mine
FTLN 1604 eye.
FTLN 1605 Hey nonny, nonny, nonny.
FTLN 1606 He’s buy me a white cut, forth for to ride,
FTLN 1607 25 And I’ll go seek him through the world that is so
FTLN 1608 wide.
FTLN 1609 Hey nonny, nonny, nonny.
FTLN 1610 O, for a prick now, like a nightingale,
FTLN 1611 To put my breast against. I shall sleep like a top else.
She exits.
Scene 5
Enter a Schoolmaster and six Countrymen,
one dressed as a Bavian.
SCHOOLMASTER FTLN 1612 Fie, fie, what tediosity and disinsanity
FTLN 1613 is here among you! Have my rudiments been labored
FTLN 1614 so long with you, milked unto you, and, by a
FTLN 1615 figure, even the very plum broth and marrow of
FTLN 1616 5 my understanding laid upon you, and do you still
FTLN 1617 cry “Where?” and “How?” and “Wherefore?” You
FTLN 1618 most coarse-frieze capacities, you jean judgments,
FTLN 1619 have I said “Thus let be” and “There let be”
FTLN 1620 and “Then let be” and no man understand me? Proh
FTLN 1621 10 deum, medius fidius, you are all dunces! Forwhy,
FTLN 1622 here stand I; here the Duke comes; there are you,
FTLN 1623 close in the thicket; the Duke appears; I meet him
FTLN 1624 and unto him I utter learnèd things and many figures;
FTLN 1625 he hears, and nods, and hums, and then cries
FTLN 1626 15 “Rare!” and I go forward. At length I fling my cap
FTLN 1627 up—mark there! Then do you as once did Meleager

123
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 3. SC. 5
FTLN 1628 and the boar—break comely out before him;
FTLN 1629 like true lovers, cast yourselves in a body decently,
FTLN 1630 and sweetly, by a figure, trace and turn, boys.
FIRST COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1631 20 And sweetly we will do it, Master
FTLN 1632 Gerald.
SECOND COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1633 Draw up the company. Where’s
FTLN 1634 the taborer?
THIRD COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1635 Why, Timothy!
Enter the Taborer.
TABORER FTLN 1636 25 Here, my mad boys. Have at you!
SCHOOLMASTER FTLN 1637 But I say, where’s their women?
Enter five Wenches.
FOURTH COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1638 Here’s Fritz and Maudlin.
SECOND COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1639 And little Luce with the white
FTLN 1640 legs, and bouncing Barbary.
FIRST COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1641 30 And freckled Nell, that never failed
FTLN 1642 her master.
SCHOOLMASTER FTLN 1643 Where be your ribbons, maids? Swim
FTLN 1644 with your bodies, and carry it sweetly and deliverly,
FTLN 1645 and now and then a favor and a frisk.
NELL FTLN 1646 35 Let us alone, sir.
SCHOOLMASTER FTLN 1647 Where’s the rest o’ th’ music?
THIRD COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1648 Dispersed, as you commanded.
SCHOOLMASTER FTLN 1649 Couple, then, and see what’s wanting.
FTLN 1650 Where’s the Bavian?—My friend, carry your tail
FTLN 1651 40 without offense or scandal to the ladies; and be
FTLN 1652 sure you tumble with audacity and manhood, and
FTLN 1653 when you bark, do it with judgment.
BAVIAN FTLN 1654 Yes, sir.
SCHOOLMASTER FTLN 1655 Quo usque tandem? Here is a woman
FTLN 1656 45 wanting.
FOURTH COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1657 We may go whistle; all the fat’s i’
FTLN 1658 th’ fire.
SCHOOLMASTER FTLN 1659 We have, as learnèd authors utter,

125
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ACT 3. SC. 5
FTLN 1660 washed a tile; we have been fatuus and labored
FTLN 1661 50 vainly.
SECOND COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1662 This is that scornful piece, that
FTLN 1663 scurvy hilding that gave her promise faithfully she
FTLN 1664 would be here—Cicely, the sempster’s daughter.
FTLN 1665 The next gloves that I give her shall be dogskin;
FTLN 1666 55 nay, an she fail me once—you can tell, Arcas, she
FTLN 1667 swore by wine and bread she would not break.
SCHOOLMASTER FTLN 1668 An eel and woman, a learnèd poet
FTLN 1669 says, unless by th’ tail and with thy teeth thou hold,
FTLN 1670 will either fail. In manners, this was false
FTLN 1671 60 position.
FIRST COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1672 A fire ill take her! Does she flinch
FTLN 1673 now?
THIRD COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1674 What shall we determine, sir?
SCHOOLMASTER FTLN 1675 Nothing. Our business is become a
FTLN 1676 65 nullity, yea, and a woeful and a piteous nullity.
FOURTH COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1677 Now, when the credit of our town
FTLN 1678 lay on it, now to be frampold, now to piss o’ th’
FTLN 1679 nettle! Go thy ways; I’ll remember thee. I’ll fit
FTLN 1680 thee!
Enter Jailer’s Daughter.
DAUGHTER , sings
FTLN 1681 70 The George Alow came from the south,
FTLN 1682 From the coast of Barbary-a,
FTLN 1683 And there he met with brave gallants of war,
FTLN 1684 By one, by two, by three-a.
FTLN 1685 “Well hailed, well hailed, you jolly gallants,
FTLN 1686 75 And whither now are you bound-a?
FTLN 1687 O, let me have your company
FTLN 1688 Till I come to the sound-a.”
FTLN 1689 There was three fools, fell out about an owlet—
Sings FTLN 1690 The one he said it was an owl,
FTLN 1691 80 The other he said nay,

127
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ACT 3. SC. 5
FTLN 1692 The third he said it was a hawk,
FTLN 1693 And her bells were cut away.
THIRD COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1694 There’s a dainty madwoman, master,
FTLN 1695 comes i’ th’ nick, as mad as a March hare. If we
FTLN 1696 85 can get her dance, we are made again. I warrant
FTLN 1697 her, she’ll do the rarest gambols.
FIRST COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1698 A madwoman? We are made, boys.
SCHOOLMASTER , to Jailer’s Daughter FTLN 1699 And are you mad,
FTLN 1700 good woman?
DAUGHTER FTLN 1701 90 I would be sorry else. Give me your hand.
SCHOOLMASTER FTLN 1702 Why?
DAUGHTER FTLN 1703 I can tell your fortune. She looks at his
hand. FTLN 1704 You are a fool. Tell ten.—I have posed him.
FTLN 1705 Buzz!—Friend, you must eat no white bread; if
FTLN 1706 95 you do, your teeth will bleed extremely. Shall we
FTLN 1707 dance, ho? I know you, you’re a tinker. Sirrah tinker,
FTLN 1708 stop no more holes but what you should.
SCHOOLMASTER FTLN 1709 Dii boni! A tinker, damsel?
DAUGHTER FTLN 1710 Or a conjurer. Raise me a devil now, and let
FTLN 1711 100 him play Chi passa o’ th’ bells and bones.
SCHOOLMASTER FTLN 1712 Go, take her, and fluently persuade her
FTLN 1713 to a peace. Et opus exegi, quod nec Iovis ira, nec
FTLN 1714 ignis. Strike up, and lead her in.
SECOND COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1715 Come, lass, let’s trip it.
DAUGHTER FTLN 1716 105 I’ll lead.
THIRD COUNTRYMAN FTLN 1717 Do, do!
SCHOOLMASTER FTLN 1718 Persuasively, and cunningly.
Wind horns.
FTLN 1719 Away, boys! I hear the horns. Give me some
FTLN 1720 meditation, and mark your cue.
All but Schoolmaster exit.
FTLN 1721 110 Pallas, inspire me!
Enter Theseus, Pirithous, Hippolyta, Emilia, and train.
THESEUS FTLN 1722 This way the stag took.
SCHOOLMASTER FTLN 1723 Stay, and edify!

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THESEUS FTLN 1724 What have we here?
PIRITHOUS FTLN 1725 Some country sport, upon my life, sir.
THESEUS , to Schoolmaster FTLN 1726 115 Well, sir, go forward. We
FTLN 1727 will “edify.” Chairs and stools brought out.
FTLN 1728 Ladies, sit down. We’ll stay it.
Theseus, Hippolyta, and Emilia sit.
SCHOOLMASTER
FTLN 1729 Thou doughty duke, all hail!—All hail, sweet ladies!
THESEUS , aside FTLN 1730 This is a cold beginning.
SCHOOLMASTER
FTLN 1731 120 If you but favor, our country pastime made is.
FTLN 1732 We are a few of those collected here
FTLN 1733 That ruder tongues distinguish “villager.”
FTLN 1734 And to say verity, and not to fable,
FTLN 1735 We are a merry rout, or else a rabble,
FTLN 1736 125 Or company, or by a figure, chorus,
FTLN 1737 That ’fore thy dignity will dance a morris.
FTLN 1738 And I that am the rectifier of all,
FTLN 1739 By title pedagogus, that let fall
FTLN 1740 The birch upon the breeches of the small ones,
FTLN 1741 130 And humble with a ferula the tall ones,
FTLN 1742 Do here present this machine, or this frame.
FTLN 1743 And, dainty duke, whose doughty dismal fame
FTLN 1744 From Dis to Daedalus, from post to pillar,
FTLN 1745 Is blown abroad, help me, thy poor well-willer,
FTLN 1746 135 And with thy twinkling eyes look right and straight
FTLN 1747 Upon this mighty “Morr,” of mickle weight—
FTLN 1748 “Is” now comes in, which being glued together
FTLN 1749 Makes “Morris,” and the cause that we came hither.
FTLN 1750 The body of our sport, of no small study,
FTLN 1751 140 I first appear, though rude, and raw, and muddy,
FTLN 1752 To speak before thy noble grace this tenner,
FTLN 1753 At whose great feet I offer up my penner.
FTLN 1754 The next, the Lord of May and Lady bright,
FTLN 1755 The Chambermaid and Servingman by night
FTLN 1756 145 That seek out silent hanging; then mine Host

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FTLN 1757 And his fat Spouse, that welcomes to their cost
FTLN 1758 The gallèd traveler, and with a beck’ning
FTLN 1759 Informs the tapster to inflame the reck’ning;
FTLN 1760 Then the beest-eating Clown; and next the Fool,
FTLN 1761 150 The Bavian with long tail and eke long tool,
FTLN 1762 Cum multis aliis that make a dance;
FTLN 1763 Say “ay,” and all shall presently advance.
THESEUS
FTLN 1764 Ay, ay, by any means, dear Domine.
PIRITHOUS FTLN 1765 Produce!
SCHOOLMASTER
FTLN 1766 155 Intrate, filii. Come forth and foot it.
Music. Enter the Countrymen, Countrywomen, and
Jailer’s Daughter; they perform a morris dance.
SCHOOLMASTER
FTLN 1767 Ladies, if we have been merry
FTLN 1768 And have pleased ye with a derry,
FTLN 1769 And a derry and a down,
FTLN 1770 Say the Schoolmaster’s no clown.—
FTLN 1771 160 Duke, if we have pleased thee too
FTLN 1772 And have done as good boys should do,
FTLN 1773 Give us but a tree or twain
FTLN 1774 For a Maypole, and again,
FTLN 1775 Ere another year run out,
FTLN 1776 165 We’ll make thee laugh, and all this rout.
THESEUS
FTLN 1777 Take twenty, Domine.—How does my sweetheart?
HIPPOLYTA
FTLN 1778 Never so pleased, sir.
EMILIA FTLN 1779 ’Twas an excellent dance,
FTLN 1780 And, for a preface, I never heard a better.
THESEUS
FTLN 1781 170 Schoolmaster, I thank you.—One see ’em all
FTLN 1782 rewarded. An Attendant gives money.

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PIRITHOUS
FTLN 1783 And here’s something to paint your pole withal.
He gives money.
THESEUS FTLN 1784 Now to our sports again.
SCHOOLMASTER
FTLN 1785 May the stag thou hunt’st stand long,
FTLN 1786 175 And thy dogs be swift and strong;
FTLN 1787 May they kill him without lets,
FTLN 1788 And the ladies eat his dowsets.
Wind horns within. Theseus, Hippolyta,
Emilia, Pirithous, and Train exit.
FTLN 1789 Come, we are all made. Dii deaeque omnes,
FTLN 1790 You have danced rarely, wenches.
They exit.
Scene 6
Enter Palamon from the bush.
PALAMON
FTLN 1791 About this hour my cousin gave his faith
FTLN 1792 To visit me again, and with him bring
FTLN 1793 Two swords and two good armors. If he fail,
FTLN 1794 He’s neither man nor soldier. When he left me,
FTLN 1795 5 I did not think a week could have restored
FTLN 1796 My lost strength to me, I was grown so low
FTLN 1797 And crestfall’n with my wants. I thank thee, Arcite,
FTLN 1798 Thou art yet a fair foe, and I feel myself,
FTLN 1799 With this refreshing, able once again
FTLN 1800 10 To outdure danger. To delay it longer
FTLN 1801 Would make the world think, when it comes to
FTLN 1802 hearing,
FTLN 1803 That I lay fatting like a swine to fight
FTLN 1804 And not a soldier. Therefore, this blest morning
FTLN 1805 15 Shall be the last; and that sword he refuses,

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FTLN 1806 If it but hold, I kill him with. ’Tis justice.
FTLN 1807 So, love and fortune for me!
Enter Arcite with armors and swords.
FTLN 1808 O, good morrow.
ARCITE
FTLN 1809 Good morrow, noble kinsman.
PALAMON FTLN 1810 20 I have put you
FTLN 1811 To too much pains, sir.
ARCITE FTLN 1812 That too much, fair cousin,
FTLN 1813 Is but a debt to honor and my duty.
PALAMON
FTLN 1814 Would you were so in all, sir; I could wish you
FTLN 1815 25 As kind a kinsman as you force me find
FTLN 1816 A beneficial foe, that my embraces
FTLN 1817 Might thank you, not my blows.
ARCITE FTLN 1818 I shall think either,
FTLN 1819 Well done, a noble recompense.
PALAMON FTLN 1820 30 Then I shall quit you.
ARCITE
FTLN 1821 Defy me in these fair terms, and you show
FTLN 1822 More than a mistress to me. No more anger,
FTLN 1823 As you love anything that’s honorable!
FTLN 1824 We were not bred to talk, man; when we are armed
FTLN 1825 35 And both upon our guards, then let our fury,
FTLN 1826 Like meeting of two tides, fly strongly from us,
FTLN 1827 And then to whom the birthright of this beauty
FTLN 1828 Truly pertains—without upbraidings, scorns,
FTLN 1829 Despisings of our persons, and such poutings,
FTLN 1830 40 Fitter for girls and schoolboys—will be seen,
FTLN 1831 And quickly, yours or mine. Will ’t please you arm,
FTLN 1832 sir?
FTLN 1833 Or if you feel yourself not fitting yet
FTLN 1834 And furnished with your old strength, I’ll stay,
FTLN 1835 45 cousin,
FTLN 1836 And ev’ry day discourse you into health,

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FTLN 1837 As I am spared. Your person I am friends with,
FTLN 1838 And I could wish I had not said I loved her,
FTLN 1839 Though I had died. But loving such a lady,
FTLN 1840 50 And justifying my love, I must not fly from ’t.
PALAMON
FTLN 1841 Arcite, thou art so brave an enemy
FTLN 1842 That no man but thy cousin’s fit to kill thee.
FTLN 1843 I am well and lusty. Choose your arms.
ARCITE FTLN 1844 Choose you, sir.
PALAMON
FTLN 1845 55 Wilt thou exceed in all, or dost thou do it
FTLN 1846 To make me spare thee?
ARCITE FTLN 1847 If you think so, cousin,
FTLN 1848 You are deceived, for as I am a soldier,
FTLN 1849 I will not spare you.
PALAMON FTLN 1850 60 That’s well said.
ARCITE FTLN 1851 You’ll find it.
PALAMON
FTLN 1852 Then, as I am an honest man and love
FTLN 1853 With all the justice of affection,
FTLN 1854 I’ll pay thee soundly. He chooses armor.
FTLN 1855 65 This I’ll take.
ARCITE taking the other FTLN 1856 That’s mine, then.
FTLN 1857 I’ll arm you first.
PALAMON FTLN 1858 Do. Arcite begins arming him.
FTLN 1859 Pray thee tell me, cousin,
FTLN 1860 70 Where got’st thou this good armor?
ARCITE FTLN 1861 ’Tis the Duke’s,
FTLN 1862 And to say true, I stole it. Do I pinch you?
PALAMON FTLN 1863 No.
ARCITE
FTLN 1864 Is ’t not too heavy?
PALAMON FTLN 1865 75 I have worn a lighter,
FTLN 1866 But I shall make it serve.
ARCITE FTLN 1867 I’ll buckle ’t close.

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PALAMON
FTLN 1868 By any means.
ARCITE FTLN 1869 You care not for a grand guard?
PALAMON
FTLN 1870 80 No, no, we’ll use no horses. I perceive
FTLN 1871 You would fain be at that fight.
ARCITE FTLN 1872 I am indifferent.
PALAMON
FTLN 1873 Faith, so am I. Good cousin, thrust the buckle
FTLN 1874 Through far enough.
ARCITE FTLN 1875 85 I warrant you.
PALAMON FTLN 1876 My casque now.
ARCITE
FTLN 1877 Will you fight bare-armed?
PALAMON FTLN 1878 We shall be the nimbler.
ARCITE
FTLN 1879 But use your gauntlets though. Those are o’ th’ least.
FTLN 1880 90 Prithee take mine, good cousin.
PALAMON FTLN 1881 Thank you, Arcite.
FTLN 1882 How do I look? Am I fall’n much away?
ARCITE
FTLN 1883 Faith, very little; love has used you kindly.
PALAMON
FTLN 1884 I’ll warrant thee, I’ll strike home.
ARCITE FTLN 1885 95 Do, and spare not.
FTLN 1886 I’ll give you cause, sweet cousin.
PALAMON FTLN 1887 Now to you, sir.
He begins to arm Arcite.
FTLN 1888 Methinks this armor’s very like that, Arcite,
FTLN 1889 Thou wor’st that day the three kings fell, but lighter.
ARCITE
FTLN 1890 100 That was a very good one, and that day,
FTLN 1891 I well remember, you outdid me, cousin.
FTLN 1892 I never saw such valor. When you charged
FTLN 1893 Upon the left wing of the enemy,

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FTLN 1894 I spurred hard to come up, and under me
FTLN 1895 105 I had a right good horse.
PALAMON FTLN 1896 You had, indeed;
FTLN 1897 A bright bay, I remember.
ARCITE FTLN 1898 Yes, but all
FTLN 1899 Was vainly labored in me; you outwent me,
FTLN 1900 110 Nor could my wishes reach you; yet a little
FTLN 1901 I did by imitation.
PALAMON FTLN 1902 More by virtue;
FTLN 1903 You are modest, cousin.
ARCITE FTLN 1904 When I saw you charge first,
FTLN 1905 115 Methought I heard a dreadful clap of thunder
FTLN 1906 Break from the troop.
PALAMON FTLN 1907 But still before that flew
FTLN 1908 The lightning of your valor. Stay a little;
FTLN 1909 Is not this piece too strait?
ARCITE FTLN 1910 120 No, no, ’tis well.
PALAMON
FTLN 1911 I would have nothing hurt thee but my sword.
FTLN 1912 A bruise would be dishonor.
ARCITE FTLN 1913 Now I am perfect.
PALAMON
FTLN 1914 Stand off, then.
ARCITE FTLN 1915 125 Take my sword; I hold it better.
PALAMON
FTLN 1916 I thank you, no; keep it; your life lies on it.
FTLN 1917 Here’s one; if it but hold, I ask no more
FTLN 1918 For all my hopes. My cause and honor guard me!
ARCITE
FTLN 1919 And me my love!
They bow several ways, then advance and stand.
FTLN 1920 130 Is there aught else to say?
PALAMON
FTLN 1921 This only, and no more: thou art mine aunt’s son.
FTLN 1922 And that blood we desire to shed is mutual—
FTLN 1923 In me thine, and in thee mine. My sword

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FTLN 1924 Is in my hand, and if thou kill’st me,
FTLN 1925 135 The gods and I forgive thee. If there be
FTLN 1926 A place prepared for those that sleep in honor,
FTLN 1927 I wish his weary soul that falls may win it.
FTLN 1928 Fight bravely, cousin. Give me thy noble hand.
ARCITE , as they shake hands
FTLN 1929 Here, Palamon. This hand shall never more
FTLN 1930 140 Come near thee with such friendship.
PALAMON FTLN 1931 I commend thee.
ARCITE
FTLN 1932 If I fall, curse me, and say I was a coward,
FTLN 1933 For none but such dare die in these just trials.
FTLN 1934 Once more farewell, my cousin.
PALAMON FTLN 1935 145 Farewell, Arcite.
Fight.
Horns within. They stand.
ARCITE
FTLN 1936 Lo, cousin, lo, our folly has undone us!
PALAMON FTLN 1937 Why?
ARCITE
FTLN 1938 This is the Duke, a-hunting, as I told you.
FTLN 1939 If we be found, we are wretched. O, retire,
FTLN 1940 150 For honor’s sake, and safely, presently
FTLN 1941 Into your bush again. Sir, we shall find
FTLN 1942 Too many hours to die in. Gentle cousin,
FTLN 1943 If you be seen, you perish instantly
FTLN 1944 For breaking prison, and I, if you reveal me,
FTLN 1945 155 For my contempt. Then all the world will scorn us,
FTLN 1946 And say we had a noble difference,
FTLN 1947 But base disposers of it.
PALAMON FTLN 1948 No, no, cousin,
FTLN 1949 I will no more be hidden, nor put off
FTLN 1950 160 This great adventure to a second trial.
FTLN 1951 I know your cunning, and I know your cause.
FTLN 1952 He that faints now, shame take him! Put thyself
FTLN 1953 Upon thy present guard—

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ARCITE FTLN 1954 You are not mad?
PALAMON
FTLN 1955 165 Or I will make th’ advantage of this hour
FTLN 1956 Mine own, and what to come shall threaten me
FTLN 1957 I fear less than my fortune. Know, weak cousin,
FTLN 1958 I love Emilia, and in that I’ll bury
FTLN 1959 Thee and all crosses else.
ARCITE FTLN 1960 170 Then come what can come,
FTLN 1961 Thou shalt know, Palamon, I dare as well
FTLN 1962 Die as discourse or sleep. Only this fears me:
FTLN 1963 The law will have the honor of our ends.
FTLN 1964 Have at thy life!
PALAMON FTLN 1965 175 Look to thine own well, Arcite.
Fight again.
Horns. Enter Theseus, Hippolyta, Emilia,
Pirithous and train.
THESEUS
FTLN 1966 What ignorant and mad malicious traitors
FTLN 1967 Are you, that ’gainst the tenor of my laws
FTLN 1968 Are making battle, thus like knights appointed,
FTLN 1969 Without my leave and officers of arms?
FTLN 1970 180 By Castor, both shall die.
PALAMON FTLN 1971 Hold thy word, Theseus.
FTLN 1972 We are certainly both traitors, both despisers
FTLN 1973 Of thee and of thy goodness. I am Palamon,
FTLN 1974 That cannot love thee, he that broke thy prison.
FTLN 1975 185 Think well what that deserves. And this is Arcite.
FTLN 1976 A bolder traitor never trod thy ground,
FTLN 1977 A falser ne’er seemed friend. This is the man
FTLN 1978 Was begged and banished; this is he contemns thee
FTLN 1979 And what thou dar’st do; and in this disguise,
FTLN 1980 190 Against thine own edict, follows thy sister,
FTLN 1981 That fortunate bright star, the fair Emilia,
FTLN 1982 Whose servant—if there be a right in seeing
FTLN 1983 And first bequeathing of the soul to—justly

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FTLN 1984 I am; and, which is more, dares think her his.
FTLN 1985 195 This treachery, like a most trusty lover,
FTLN 1986 I called him now to answer. If thou be’st
FTLN 1987 As thou art spoken, great and virtuous,
FTLN 1988 The true decider of all injuries,
FTLN 1989 Say “Fight again,” and thou shalt see me, Theseus,
FTLN 1990 200 Do such a justice thou thyself wilt envy.
FTLN 1991 Then take my life; I’ll woo thee to ’t.
PIRITHOUS FTLN 1992 O heaven,
FTLN 1993 What more than man is this!
THESEUS FTLN 1994 I have sworn.
ARCITE FTLN 1995 205 We seek not
FTLN 1996 Thy breath of mercy, Theseus. ’Tis to me
FTLN 1997 A thing as soon to die as thee to say it,
FTLN 1998 And no more moved. Where this man calls me
FTLN 1999 traitor,
FTLN 2000 210 Let me say thus much: if in love be treason,
FTLN 2001 In service of so excellent a beauty,
FTLN 2002 As I love most, and in that faith will perish,
FTLN 2003 As I have brought my life here to confirm it,
FTLN 2004 As I have served her truest, worthiest,
FTLN 2005 215 As I dare kill this cousin that denies it,
FTLN 2006 So let me be most traitor, and you please me.
FTLN 2007 For scorning thy edict, duke, ask that lady
FTLN 2008 Why she is fair, and why her eyes command me
FTLN 2009 Stay here to love her; and if she say “traitor,”
FTLN 2010 220 I am a villain fit to lie unburied.
PALAMON
FTLN 2011 Thou shalt have pity of us both, O Theseus,
FTLN 2012 If unto neither thou show mercy. Stop,
FTLN 2013 As thou art just, thy noble ear against us;
FTLN 2014 As thou art valiant, for thy cousin’s soul,
FTLN 2015 225 Whose twelve strong labors crown his memory,
FTLN 2016 Let’s die together at one instant, duke;
FTLN 2017 Only a little let him fall before me,
FTLN 2018 That I may tell my soul he shall not have her.

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THESEUS
FTLN 2019 I grant your wish, for to say true, your cousin
FTLN 2020 230 Has ten times more offended, for I gave him
FTLN 2021 More mercy than you found, sir, your offenses
FTLN 2022 Being no more than his.—None here speak for ’em,
FTLN 2023 For ere the sun set both shall sleep forever.
HIPPOLYTA
FTLN 2024 Alas, the pity! Now or never, sister,
FTLN 2025 235 Speak not to be denied. That face of yours
FTLN 2026 Will bear the curses else of after ages
FTLN 2027 For these lost cousins.
EMILIA FTLN 2028 In my face, dear sister,
FTLN 2029 I find no anger to ’em, nor no ruin.
FTLN 2030 240 The misadventure of their own eyes kill ’em.
FTLN 2031 Yet that I will be woman and have pity,
FTLN 2032 My knees shall grow to th’ ground but I’ll get mercy.
She kneels.
FTLN 2033 Help me, dear sister; in a deed so virtuous,
FTLN 2034 The powers of all women will be with us.
Hippolyta kneels.
FTLN 2035 245 Most royal brother—
HIPPOLYTA FTLN 2036 Sir, by our tie of marriage—
EMILIA
FTLN 2037 By your own spotless honor—
HIPPOLYTA FTLN 2038 By that faith,
FTLN 2039 That fair hand, and that honest heart you gave me—
EMILIA
FTLN 2040 250 By that you would have pity in another;
FTLN 2041 By your own virtues infinite—
HIPPOLYTA FTLN 2042 By valor;
FTLN 2043 By all the chaste nights I have ever pleased you—
THESEUS
FTLN 2044 These are strange conjurings.
PIRITHOUS FTLN 2045 255 Nay, then, I’ll in too.
He kneels.

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FTLN 2046 By all our friendship, sir, by all our dangers;
FTLN 2047 By all you love most, wars and this sweet lady—
EMILIA
FTLN 2048 By that you would have trembled to deny
FTLN 2049 A blushing maid—
HIPPOLYTA FTLN 2050 260 By your own eyes; by strength,
FTLN 2051 In which you swore I went beyond all women,
FTLN 2052 Almost all men, and yet I yielded, Theseus—
PIRITHOUS
FTLN 2053 To crown all this: by your most noble soul,
FTLN 2054 Which cannot want due mercy, I beg first—
HIPPOLYTA
FTLN 2055 265 Next hear my prayers—
EMILIA FTLN 2056 Last let me entreat, sir—
PIRITHOUS
FTLN 2057 For mercy.
HIPPOLYTA FTLN 2058 Mercy.
EMILIA FTLN 2059 Mercy on these princes.
THESEUS
FTLN 2060 270 You make my faith reel. (To Emilia.) Say I felt
FTLN 2061 Compassion to ’em both, how would you place it?
They rise from their knees.
EMILIA
FTLN 2062 Upon their lives, but with their banishments.
THESEUS
FTLN 2063 You are a right woman, sister: you have pity,
FTLN 2064 But want the understanding where to use it.
FTLN 2065 275 If you desire their lives, invent a way
FTLN 2066 Safer than banishment. Can these two live,
FTLN 2067 And have the agony of love about ’em,
FTLN 2068 And not kill one another? Every day
FTLN 2069 They’d fight about you, hourly bring your honor
FTLN 2070 280 In public question with their swords. Be wise, then,
FTLN 2071 And here forget ’em; it concerns your credit
FTLN 2072 And my oath equally. I have said they die.

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FTLN 2073 Better they fall by th’ law than one another.
FTLN 2074 Bow not my honor.
EMILIA FTLN 2075 285 O, my noble brother,
FTLN 2076 That oath was rashly made, and in your anger;
FTLN 2077 Your reason will not hold it. If such vows
FTLN 2078 Stand for express will, all the world must perish.
FTLN 2079 Besides, I have another oath ’gainst yours,
FTLN 2080 290 Of more authority, I am sure more love,
FTLN 2081 Not made in passion neither, but good heed.
THESEUS
FTLN 2082 What is it, sister?
PIRITHOUS FTLN 2083 Urge it home, brave lady.
EMILIA
FTLN 2084 That you would ne’er deny me anything
FTLN 2085 295 Fit for my modest suit and your free granting.
FTLN 2086 I tie you to your word now; if you fail in ’t,
FTLN 2087 Think how you maim your honor—
FTLN 2088 For now I am set a-begging, sir, I am deaf
FTLN 2089 To all but your compassion—how their lives
FTLN 2090 300 Might breed the ruin of my name. Opinion!
FTLN 2091 Shall anything that loves me perish for me?
FTLN 2092 That were a cruel wisdom. Do men prune
FTLN 2093 The straight young boughs that blush with thousand
FTLN 2094 blossoms
FTLN 2095 305 Because they may be rotten? O, Duke Theseus,
FTLN 2096 The goodly mothers that have groaned for these,
FTLN 2097 And all the longing maids that ever loved,
FTLN 2098 If your vow stand, shall curse me and my beauty,
FTLN 2099 And in their funeral songs for these two cousins
FTLN 2100 310 Despise my cruelty, and cry woe worth me,
FTLN 2101 Till I am nothing but the scorn of women.
FTLN 2102 For heaven’s sake, save their lives, and banish ’em.
THESEUS
FTLN 2103 On what conditions?
EMILIA FTLN 2104 Swear ’em never more
FTLN 2105 315 To make me their contention, or to know me,

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ACT 3. SC. 6
FTLN 2106 To tread upon thy dukedom, and to be,
FTLN 2107 Wherever they shall travel, ever strangers
FTLN 2108 To one another.
PALAMON FTLN 2109 I’ll be cut a-pieces
FTLN 2110 320 Before I take this oath! Forget I love her?
FTLN 2111 O, all you gods, despise me then! Thy banishment
FTLN 2112 I not mislike, so we may fairly carry
FTLN 2113 Our swords and cause along; else never trifle,
FTLN 2114 But take our lives, duke. I must love, and will,
FTLN 2115 325 And for that love must and dare kill this cousin
FTLN 2116 On any piece the Earth has.
THESEUS FTLN 2117 Will you, Arcite,
FTLN 2118 Take these conditions?
PALAMON FTLN 2119 He’s a villain, then.
PIRITHOUS FTLN 2120 330 These are men!
ARCITE
FTLN 2121 No, never, duke. ’Tis worse to me than begging
FTLN 2122 To take my life so basely; though I think
FTLN 2123 I never shall enjoy her, yet I’ll preserve
FTLN 2124 The honor of affection, and die for her,
FTLN 2125 335 Make death a devil!
THESEUS
FTLN 2126 What may be done? For now I feel compassion.
PIRITHOUS
FTLN 2127 Let it not fall again, sir.
THESEUS FTLN 2128 Say, Emilia,
FTLN 2129 If one of them were dead, as one must, are you
FTLN 2130 340 Content to take th’ other to your husband?
FTLN 2131 They cannot both enjoy you. They are princes
FTLN 2132 As goodly as your own eyes, and as noble
FTLN 2133 As ever fame yet spoke of. Look upon ’em,
FTLN 2134 And, if you can love, end this difference.
FTLN 2135 345 I give consent.—Are you content too, princes?
BOTH
FTLN 2136 With all our souls.
THESEUS FTLN 2137 He that she refuses
FTLN 2138 Must die then.

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BOTH FTLN 2139 Any death thou canst invent, duke.
PALAMON
FTLN 2140 350 If I fall from that mouth, I fall with favor,
FTLN 2141 And lovers yet unborn shall bless my ashes.
ARCITE
FTLN 2142 If she refuse me, yet my grave will wed me,
FTLN 2143 And soldiers sing my epitaph.
THESEUS , to Emilia FTLN 2144 Make choice, then.
EMILIA
FTLN 2145 355 I cannot, sir; they are both too excellent.
FTLN 2146 For me, a hair shall never fall of these men.
HIPPOLYTA
FTLN 2147 What will become of ’em?
THESEUS FTLN 2148 Thus I ordain it—
FTLN 2149 And, by mine honor, once again, it stands,
FTLN 2150 360 Or both shall die: you shall both to your country,
FTLN 2151 And each within this month, accompanied
FTLN 2152 With three fair knights, appear again in this place,
FTLN 2153 In which I’ll plant a pyramid; and whether,
FTLN 2154 Before us that are here, can force his cousin
FTLN 2155 365 By fair and knightly strength to touch the pillar,
FTLN 2156 He shall enjoy her; the other lose his head,
FTLN 2157 And all his friends; nor shall he grudge to fall,
FTLN 2158 Nor think he dies with interest in this lady.
FTLN 2159 Will this content you?
PALAMON FTLN 2160 370 Yes.—Here, Cousin Arcite,
FTLN 2161 I am friends again till that hour. He offers his hand.
ARCITE FTLN 2162 I embrace you.
They shake hands.
THESEUS
FTLN 2163 Are you content, sister?
EMILIA FTLN 2164 Yes, I must, sir,
FTLN 2165 375 Else both miscarry.
THESEUS , to Palamon and Arcite
FTLN 2166 Come, shake hands again, then,

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ACT 3. SC. 6
FTLN 2167 And take heed, as you are gentlemen, this quarrel
FTLN 2168 Sleep till the hour prefixed, and hold your course.
PALAMON
FTLN 2169 We dare not fail thee, Theseus.
They shake hands again.
THESEUS FTLN 2170 380 Come, I’ll give you
FTLN 2171 Now usage like to princes and to friends.
FTLN 2172 When you return, who wins I’ll settle here;
FTLN 2173 Who loses, yet I’ll weep upon his bier.
They exit.

ACT 4
Scene 1
Enter Jailer and his Friend.
JAILER
FTLN 2174 Heard you no more? Was nothing said of me
FTLN 2175 Concerning the escape of Palamon?
FTLN 2176 Good sir, remember!
FIRST FRIEND FTLN 2177 Nothing that I heard,
FTLN 2178 5 For I came home before the business
FTLN 2179 Was fully ended. Yet I might perceive,
FTLN 2180 Ere I departed, a great likelihood
FTLN 2181 Of both their pardons; for Hippolyta
FTLN 2182 And fair-eyed Emily, upon their knees,
FTLN 2183 10 Begged with such handsome pity that the Duke,
FTLN 2184 Methought, stood staggering whether he should
FTLN 2185 follow
FTLN 2186 His rash oath or the sweet compassion
FTLN 2187 Of those two ladies. And, to second them,
FTLN 2188 15 That truly noble prince, Pirithous—
FTLN 2189 Half his own heart—set in too, that I hope
FTLN 2190 All shall be well. Neither heard I one question
FTLN 2191 Of your name or his ’scape.
JAILER FTLN 2192 Pray heaven it hold so.
Enter Second Friend.
163

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ACT 4. SC. 1
SECOND FRIEND
FTLN 2193 20 Be of good comfort, man; I bring you news,
FTLN 2194 Good news.
JAILER FTLN 2195 They are welcome.
SECOND FRIEND FTLN 2196 Palamon has cleared
FTLN 2197 you
FTLN 2198 25 And got your pardon, and discovered how
FTLN 2199 And by whose means he escaped, which was your
FTLN 2200 daughter’s,
FTLN 2201 Whose pardon is procured too; and the prisoner,
FTLN 2202 Not to be held ungrateful to her goodness,
FTLN 2203 30 Has given a sum of money to her marriage—
FTLN 2204 A large one, I’ll assure you.
JAILER FTLN 2205 You are a good man
FTLN 2206 And ever bring good news.
FIRST FRIEND FTLN 2207 How was it ended?
SECOND FRIEND
FTLN 2208 35 Why, as it should be: they that ne’er begged
FTLN 2209 But they prevailed had their suits fairly granted;
FTLN 2210 The prisoners have their lives.
FIRST FRIEND FTLN 2211 I knew ’twould be so.
SECOND FRIEND
FTLN 2212 But there be new conditions, which you’ll hear of
FTLN 2213 40 At better time.
JAILER FTLN 2214 I hope they are good.
SECOND FRIEND FTLN 2215 They are
FTLN 2216 honorable;
FTLN 2217 How good they’ll prove I know not.
FIRST FRIEND FTLN 2218 45 ’Twill be known.
Enter Wooer.
WOOER
FTLN 2219 Alas, sir, where’s your daughter?
JAILER FTLN 2220 Why do you ask?
WOOER
FTLN 2221 O, sir, when did you see her?

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ACT 4. SC. 1
SECOND FRIEND , aside FTLN 2222 How he looks!
JAILER
FTLN 2223 50 This morning.
WOOER FTLN 2224 Was she well? Was she in health?
FTLN 2225 Sir, when did she sleep?
FIRST FRIEND , aside FTLN 2226 These are strange questions.
JAILER
FTLN 2227 I do not think she was very well—for now
FTLN 2228 55 You make me mind her; but this very day
FTLN 2229 I asked her questions, and she answered me
FTLN 2230 So far from what she was, so childishly,
FTLN 2231 So sillily, as if she were a fool,
FTLN 2232 An innocent, and I was very angry.
FTLN 2233 60 But what of her, sir?
WOOER FTLN 2234 Nothing but my pity;
FTLN 2235 But you must know it, and as good by me
FTLN 2236 As by another that less loves her.
JAILER FTLN 2237 Well, sir?
WOOER
FTLN 2238 65 No, sir, not well.
FIRST FRIEND FTLN 2239 Not right?
SECOND FRIEND FTLN 2240 Not well?
WOOER
FTLN 2241 ’Tis too true; she is mad.
FIRST FRIEND FTLN 2242 It cannot be.
WOOER
FTLN 2243 70 Believe you’ll find it so.
JAILER FTLN 2244 I half suspected
FTLN 2245 What you told me. The gods comfort her!
FTLN 2246 Either this was her love to Palamon,
FTLN 2247 Or fear of my miscarrying on his ’scape,
FTLN 2248 75 Or both.
WOOER FTLN 2249 ’Tis likely.
JAILER FTLN 2250 But why all this haste, sir?
WOOER
FTLN 2251 I’ll tell you quickly. As I late was angling

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ACT 4. SC. 1
FTLN 2252 In the great lake that lies behind the palace,
FTLN 2253 80 From the far shore—thick set with reeds and
FTLN 2254 sedges—
FTLN 2255 As patiently I was attending sport,
FTLN 2256 I heard a voice, a shrill one; and, attentive,
FTLN 2257 I gave my ear, when I might well perceive
FTLN 2258 85 ’Twas one that sung, and by the smallness of it
FTLN 2259 A boy or woman. I then left my angle
FTLN 2260 To his own skill, came near, but yet perceived not
FTLN 2261 Who made the sound, the rushes and the reeds
FTLN 2262 Had so encompassed it. I laid me down
FTLN 2263 90 And listened to the words she sung, for then,
FTLN 2264 Through a small glade cut by the fishermen,
FTLN 2265 I saw it was your daughter.
JAILER FTLN 2266 Pray go on, sir.
WOOER
FTLN 2267 She sung much, but no sense; only I heard her
FTLN 2268 95 Repeat this often: “Palamon is gone,
FTLN 2269 Is gone to th’ wood to gather mulberries;
FTLN 2270 I’ll find him out tomorrow.”
FIRST FRIEND FTLN 2271 Pretty soul!
WOOER
FTLN 2272 “His shackles will betray him; he’ll be taken,
FTLN 2273 100 And what shall I do then? I’ll bring a bevy,
FTLN 2274 A hundred black-eyed maids that love as I do,
FTLN 2275 With chaplets on their heads of daffadillies,
FTLN 2276 With cherry lips and cheeks of damask roses,
FTLN 2277 And all we’ll dance an antic ’fore the Duke,
FTLN 2278 105 And beg his pardon.” Then she talked of you, sir—
FTLN 2279 That you must lose your head tomorrow morning,
FTLN 2280 And she must gather flowers to bury you,
FTLN 2281 And see the house made handsome. Then she sung
FTLN 2282 Nothing but “Willow, willow, willow,” and between
FTLN 2283 110 Ever was “Palamon, fair Palamon,”
FTLN 2284 And “Palamon was a tall young man.” The place
FTLN 2285 Was knee-deep where she sat; her careless tresses,

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ACT 4. SC. 1
FTLN 2286 A wreath of bulrush rounded; about her stuck
FTLN 2287 Thousand freshwater flowers of several colors,
FTLN 2288 115 That methought she appeared like the fair nymph
FTLN 2289 That feeds the lake with waters, or as Iris
FTLN 2290 Newly dropped down from heaven. Rings she made
FTLN 2291 Of rushes that grew by, and to ’em spoke
FTLN 2292 The prettiest posies: “Thus our true love’s tied,”
FTLN 2293 120 “This you may lose, not me,” and many a one;
FTLN 2294 And then she wept, and sung again, and sighed,
FTLN 2295 And with the same breath smiled and kissed her
FTLN 2296 hand.
SECOND FRIEND
FTLN 2297 Alas, what pity it is!
WOOER FTLN 2298 125 I made in to her.
FTLN 2299 She saw me, and straight sought the flood. I saved
FTLN 2300 her
FTLN 2301 And set her safe to land, when presently
FTLN 2302 She slipped away, and to the city made
FTLN 2303 130 With such a cry and swiftness that, believe me,
FTLN 2304 She left me far behind her. Three or four
FTLN 2305 I saw from far off cross her—one of ’em
FTLN 2306 I knew to be your brother—where she stayed
FTLN 2307 And fell, scarce to be got away. I left them with her
FTLN 2308 135 And hither came to tell you.
Enter Jailer’s Brother, Jailer’s Daughter, and others.
FTLN 2309 Here they are.
DAUGHTER , sings
FTLN 2310 May you never more enjoy the light, etc.
FTLN 2311 Is not this a fine song?
BROTHER FTLN 2312 O, a very fine one.
DAUGHTER FTLN 2313 140 I can sing twenty more.
BROTHER FTLN 2314 I think you can.
DAUGHTER FTLN 2315 Yes, truly can I. I can sing “The Broom”
FTLN 2316 and “Bonny Robin.” Are not you a tailor?
BROTHER FTLN 2317 Yes.

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ACT 4. SC. 1
DAUGHTER FTLN 2318 145 Where’s my wedding gown?
BROTHER FTLN 2319 I’ll bring it tomorrow.
DAUGHTER FTLN 2320 Do, very rarely, I must be abroad else to
FTLN 2321 call the maids and pay the minstrels, for I must
FTLN 2322 lose my maidenhead by cocklight. ’Twill never
FTLN 2323 150 thrive else.
Sings. FTLN 2324 O fair, O sweet, etc.
BROTHER , to Jailer FTLN 2325 You must e’en take it patiently.
JAILER FTLN 2326’Tis true.
DAUGHTER FTLN 2327 Good e’en, good men. Pray, did you ever
FTLN 2328 155 hear of one young Palamon?
JAILER FTLN 2329 Yes, wench, we know him.
DAUGHTER FTLN 2330 Is ’t not a fine young gentleman?
JAILER FTLN 2331’Tis, love.
BROTHER , aside to others FTLN 2332 By no mean cross her; she
FTLN 2333 160 is then distempered far worse than now she
FTLN 2334 shows.
FIRST FRIEND , to Daughter FTLN 2335 Yes, he’s a fine man.
DAUGHTER FTLN 2336 O , is he so? You have a sister.
FIRST FRIEND FTLN 2337 Yes.
DAUGHTER FTLN 2338 165 But she shall never have him—tell her so—
FTLN 2339 for a trick that I know; you’d best look to her, for
FTLN 2340 if she see him once, she’s gone, she’s done and
FTLN 2341 undone in an hour. All the young maids of our
FTLN 2342 town are in love with him, but I laugh at ’em and
FTLN 2343 170 let ’em all alone. Is ’t not a wise course?
FIRST FRIEND FTLN 2344 Yes.
DAUGHTER FTLN 2345 There is at least two hundred now with
FTLN 2346 child by him—there must be four; yet I keep close
FTLN 2347 for all this, close as a cockle; and all these must be
FTLN 2348 175 boys—he has the trick on ’t—and at ten years old
FTLN 2349 they must be all gelt for musicians and sing the
FTLN 2350 wars of Theseus.
SECOND FRIEND FTLN 2351 This is strange.
DAUGHTER FTLN 2352 As ever you heard, but say nothing.
FIRST FRIEND FTLN 2353 180 No.

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ACT 4. SC. 1
DAUGHTER FTLN 2354 They come from all parts of the dukedom
FTLN 2355 to him; I’ll warrant you, he had not so few last
FTLN 2356 night as twenty to dispatch. He’ll tickle ’t up in two
FTLN 2357 hours, if his hand be in.
JAILER , aside FTLN 2358 185 She’s lost past all cure.
BROTHER FTLN 2359 Heaven forbid, man!
DAUGHTER , to Jailer FTLN 2360 Come hither; you are a wise
FTLN 2361 man.
FIRST FRIEND , aside FTLN 2362 Does she know him?
SECOND FRIEND FTLN 2363 190 No; would she did.
DAUGHTER FTLN 2364 You are master of a ship?
JAILER FTLN 2365 Yes.
DAUGHTER FTLN 2366 Where’s your compass?
JAILER FTLN 2367 Here.
DAUGHTER FTLN 2368 195 Set it to th’ north. And now direct your
FTLN 2369 course to th’ wood, where Palamon lies longing for
FTLN 2370 me. For the tackling, let me alone.—Come, weigh,
FTLN 2371 my hearts, cheerly.
ALL , as if sailing a ship FTLN 2372 Owgh, owgh, owgh!—’Tis up!
FTLN 2373 200 The wind’s fair!—Top the bowline!—Out with the
FTLN 2374 main sail! Where’s your whistle, master?
BROTHER FTLN 2375 Let’s get her in!
JAILER FTLN 2376 Up to the top, boy!
BROTHER FTLN 2377 Where’s the pilot?
FIRST FRIEND FTLN 2378 205 Here.
DAUGHTER FTLN 2379 What kenn’st thou?
SECOND FRIEND FTLN 2380 A fair wood.
DAUGHTER FTLN 2381 Bear for it, master. Tack about!
Sings.
FTLN 2382 When Cynthia with her borrowed light, etc.
They exit.

177
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ACT 4. SC. 2
Scene 2
Enter Emilia alone, with two pictures.
EMILIA
FTLN 2383 Yet I may bind those wounds up that must open
FTLN 2384 And bleed to death for my sake else. I’ll choose,
FTLN 2385 And end their strife. Two such young handsome men
FTLN 2386 Shall never fall for me; their weeping mothers,
FTLN 2387 5 Following the dead cold ashes of their sons,
FTLN 2388 Shall never curse my cruelty.
Looks at one of the pictures.
FTLN 2389 Good heaven,
FTLN 2390 What a sweet face has Arcite! If wise Nature,
FTLN 2391 With all her best endowments, all those beauties
FTLN 2392 10 She sows into the births of noble bodies,
FTLN 2393 Were here a mortal woman, and had in her
FTLN 2394 The coy denials of young maids, yet doubtless
FTLN 2395 She would run mad for this man. What an eye,
FTLN 2396 Of what a fiery sparkle and quick sweetness,
FTLN 2397 15 Has this young prince! Here Love himself sits
FTLN 2398 smiling;
FTLN 2399 Just such another wanton Ganymede
FTLN 2400 Set Jove afire with, and enforced the god
FTLN 2401 Snatch up the goodly boy and set him by him,
FTLN 2402 20 A shining constellation. What a brow,
FTLN 2403 Of what a spacious majesty, he carries,
FTLN 2404 Arched like the great-eyed Juno’s but far sweeter,
FTLN 2405 Smoother than Pelops’ shoulder! Fame and Honor,
FTLN 2406 Methinks, from hence as from a promontory
FTLN 2407 25 Pointed in heaven, should clap their wings and sing
FTLN 2408 To all the under world the loves and fights
FTLN 2409 Of gods and such men near ’em.
Looks at the other picture.
FTLN 2410 Palamon
FTLN 2411 Is but his foil, to him a mere dull shadow;
FTLN 2412 30 He’s swart and meager, of an eye as heavy

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ACT 4. SC. 2
FTLN 2413 As if he had lost his mother; a still temper,
FTLN 2414 No stirring in him, no alacrity;
FTLN 2415 Of all this sprightly sharpness not a smile.
FTLN 2416 Yet these that we count errors may become him;
FTLN 2417 35 Narcissus was a sad boy but a heavenly.
FTLN 2418 O, who can find the bent of woman’s fancy?
FTLN 2419 I am a fool; my reason is lost in me;
FTLN 2420 I have no choice, and I have lied so lewdly
FTLN 2421 That women ought to beat me. On my knees
FTLN 2422 40 I ask thy pardon: Palamon, thou art alone
FTLN 2423 And only beautiful, and these the eyes,
FTLN 2424 These the bright lamps of beauty, that command
FTLN 2425 And threaten love, and what young maid dare cross
FTLN 2426 ’em?
FTLN 2427 45 What a bold gravity, and yet inviting,
FTLN 2428 Has this brown manly face! O Love, this only
FTLN 2429 From this hour is complexion. Lie there, Arcite.
She puts aside his picture.
FTLN 2430 Thou art a changeling to him, a mere gypsy,
FTLN 2431 And this the noble body. I am sotted,
FTLN 2432 50 Utterly lost. My virgin’s faith has fled me.
FTLN 2433 For if my brother but even now had asked me
FTLN 2434 Whether I loved, I had run mad for Arcite.
FTLN 2435 Now, if my sister, more for Palamon.
FTLN 2436 Stand both together. Now, come ask me, brother.
FTLN 2437 55 Alas, I know not! Ask me now, sweet sister.
FTLN 2438 I may go look! What a mere child is Fancy,
FTLN 2439 That, having two fair gauds of equal sweetness,
FTLN 2440 Cannot distinguish, but must cry for both.
Enter a Gentleman.
FTLN 2441 How now, sir?
GENTLEMAN FTLN 2442 60 From the noble duke, your brother,
FTLN 2443 Madam, I bring you news: the knights are come.
EMILIA
FTLN 2444 To end the quarrel?

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ACT 4. SC. 2
GENTLEMAN FTLN 2445 Yes.
EMILIA FTLN 2446 Would I might end first!
FTLN 2447 65 What sins have I committed, chaste Diana,
FTLN 2448 That my unspotted youth must now be soiled
FTLN 2449 With blood of princes, and my chastity
FTLN 2450 Be made the altar where the lives of lovers—
FTLN 2451 Two greater and two better never yet
FTLN 2452 70 Made mothers joy—must be the sacrifice
FTLN 2453 To my unhappy beauty?
Enter Theseus, Hippolyta, Pirithous and Attendants.
THESEUS , to Attendant FTLN 2454 Bring ’em in
FTLN 2455 Quickly, by any means; I long to see ’em.
FTLN 2456 To Emilia. Your two contending lovers are
FTLN 2457 75 returned,
FTLN 2458 And with them their fair knights. Now, my fair
FTLN 2459 sister,
FTLN 2460 You must love one of them.
EMILIA FTLN 2461 I had rather both,
FTLN 2462 80 So neither for my sake should fall untimely.
THESEUS
FTLN 2463 Who saw ’em?
PIRITHOUS FTLN 2464 I awhile.
GENTLEMAN FTLN 2465 And I.
Enter a Messenger.
THESEUS
FTLN 2466 From whence come you, sir?
MESSENGER FTLN 2467 85 From the knights.
THESEUS FTLN 2468 Pray
FTLN 2469 speak,
FTLN 2470 You that have seen them, what they are.
MESSENGER FTLN 2471 I will, sir,
FTLN 2472 90 And truly what I think. Six braver spirits
FTLN 2473 Than these they have brought, if we judge by the
FTLN 2474 outside,

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ACT 4. SC. 2
FTLN 2475 I never saw nor read of. He that stands
FTLN 2476 In the first place with Arcite, by his seeming,
FTLN 2477 95 Should be a stout man, by his face a prince—
FTLN 2478 His very looks so say him; his complexion
FTLN 2479 Nearer a brown than black—stern and yet noble—
FTLN 2480 Which shows him hardy, fearless, proud of dangers;
FTLN 2481 The circles of his eyes show fire within him,
FTLN 2482 100 And as a heated lion, so he looks.
FTLN 2483 His hair hangs long behind him, black and shining
FTLN 2484 Like ravens’ wings; his shoulders broad and strong,
FTLN 2485 Armed long and round; and on his thigh a sword
FTLN 2486 Hung by a curious baldric, when he frowns
FTLN 2487 105 To seal his will with. Better, o’ my conscience,
FTLN 2488 Was never soldier’s friend.
THESEUS
FTLN 2489 Thou hast well described him.
PIRITHOUS FTLN 2490 Yet a great
FTLN 2491 deal short,
FTLN 2492 110 Methinks, of him that’s first with Palamon.
THESEUS
FTLN 2493 Pray speak him, friend.
PIRITHOUS FTLN 2494 I guess he is a prince too,
FTLN 2495 And, if it may be, greater; for his show
FTLN 2496 Has all the ornament of honor in ’t:
FTLN 2497 115 He’s somewhat bigger than the knight he spoke of,
FTLN 2498 But of a face far sweeter; his complexion
FTLN 2499 Is, as a ripe grape, ruddy. He has felt
FTLN 2500 Without doubt what he fights for, and so apter
FTLN 2501 To make this cause his own. In ’s face appears
FTLN 2502 120 All the fair hopes of what he undertakes,
FTLN 2503 And when he’s angry, then a settled valor,
FTLN 2504 Not tainted with extremes, runs through his body
FTLN 2505 And guides his arm to brave things. Fear he cannot;
FTLN 2506 He shows no such soft temper. His head’s yellow,
FTLN 2507 125 Hard-haired and curled, thick-twined like ivy tods,
FTLN 2508 Not to undo with thunder. In his face
FTLN 2509 The livery of the warlike maid appears,

185
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 4. SC. 2
FTLN 2510 Pure red and white, for yet no beard has blessed him.
FTLN 2511 And in his rolling eyes sits Victory,
FTLN 2512 130 As if she ever meant to crown his valor.
FTLN 2513 His nose stands high, a character of honor;
FTLN 2514 His red lips, after fights, are fit for ladies.
EMILIA
FTLN 2515 Must these men die too?
PIRITHOUS FTLN 2516 When he speaks, his tongue
FTLN 2517 135 Sounds like a trumpet. All his lineaments
FTLN 2518 Are as a man would wish ’em, strong and clean.
FTLN 2519 He wears a well-steeled axe, the staff of gold;
FTLN 2520 His age some five-and-twenty.
MESSENGER FTLN 2521 There’s another—
FTLN 2522 140 A little man, but of a tough soul, seeming
FTLN 2523 As great as any; fairer promises
FTLN 2524 In such a body yet I never looked on.
PIRITHOUS
FTLN 2525 O, he that’s freckle-faced?
MESSENGER FTLN 2526 The same, my lord.
FTLN 2527 145 Are they not sweet ones?
PIRITHOUS FTLN 2528 Yes, they are well.
MESSENGER FTLN 2529 Methinks,
FTLN 2530 Being so few, and well disposed, they show
FTLN 2531 Great and fine art in nature. He’s white-haired—
FTLN 2532 150 Not wanton white, but such a manly color
FTLN 2533 Next to an auburn; tough and nimble-set,
FTLN 2534 Which shows an active soul. His arms are brawny,
FTLN 2535 Lined with strong sinews—to the shoulder-piece
FTLN 2536 Gently they swell, like women new-conceived,
FTLN 2537 155 Which speaks him prone to labor, never fainting
FTLN 2538 Under the weight of arms; stout-hearted still,
FTLN 2539 But when he stirs, a tiger. He’s grey-eyed,
FTLN 2540 Which yields compassion where he conquers; sharp
FTLN 2541 To spy advantages, and where he finds ’em,
FTLN 2542 160 He’s swift to make ’em his. He does no wrongs,

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ACT 4. SC. 2
FTLN 2543 Nor takes none. He’s round-faced, and when he
FTLN 2544 smiles
FTLN 2545 He shows a lover; when he frowns, a soldier.
FTLN 2546 About his head he wears the winner’s oak,
FTLN 2547 165 And in it stuck the favor of his lady.
FTLN 2548 His age some six-and-thirty. In his hand
FTLN 2549 He bears a charging-staff embossed with silver.
THESEUS
FTLN 2550 Are they all thus?
PIRITHOUS FTLN 2551 They are all the sons of honor.
THESEUS
FTLN 2552 170 Now, as I have a soul, I long to see ’em.—
FTLN 2553 Lady, you shall see men fight now.
HIPPOLYTA FTLN 2554 I wish it,
FTLN 2555 But not the cause, my lord. They would show
FTLN 2556 Bravely about the titles of two kingdoms;
FTLN 2557 175 ’Tis pity love should be so tyrannous.—
FTLN 2558 O, my soft-hearted sister, what think you?
FTLN 2559 Weep not till they weep blood. Wench, it must be.
THESEUS , to Emilia
FTLN 2560 You have steeled ’em with your beauty. (To
Pirithous.) FTLN 2561 Honored friend,
FTLN 2562 180 To you I give the field; pray order it
FTLN 2563 Fitting the persons that must use it.
PIRITHOUS FTLN 2564 Yes, sir.
THESEUS
FTLN 2565 Come, I’ll go visit ’em. I cannot stay—
FTLN 2566 Their fame has fired me so—till they appear.
FTLN 2567 185 Good friend, be royal.
PIRITHOUS FTLN 2568 There shall want no bravery.
All but Emilia exit.
EMILIA
FTLN 2569 Poor wench, go weep, for whosoever wins
FTLN 2570 Loses a noble cousin for thy sins.
She exits.

189
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ACT 4. SC. 3
Scene 3
Enter Jailer, Wooer, Doctor.
DOCTOR FTLN 2571 Her distraction is more at some time of the
FTLN 2572 moon than at other some, is it not?
JAILER FTLN 2573 She is continually in a harmless distemper,
FTLN 2574 sleeps little, altogether without appetite, save often
FTLN 2575 5 drinking, dreaming of another world, and a better;
FTLN 2576 and what broken piece of matter soe’er she’s about,
FTLN 2577 the name Palamon lards it, that she farces ev’ry
FTLN 2578 business withal, fits it to every question.
Enter Jailer’s Daughter.
FTLN 2579 Look where she comes; you shall perceive her
FTLN 2580 10 behavior. They stand aside.
DAUGHTER FTLN 2581 I have forgot it quite. The burden on ’t was
FTLN 2582 “down-a down-a,” and penned by no worse man
FTLN 2583 than Geraldo, Emilia’s schoolmaster. He’s as fantastical,
FTLN 2584 too, as ever he may go upon ’s legs, for in
FTLN 2585 15 the next world will Dido see Palamon, and then
FTLN 2586 will she be out of love with Aeneas.
DOCTOR , aside to Jailer and Wooer FTLN 2587 What stuff’s here?
FTLN 2588 Poor soul.
JAILER FTLN 2589 E’en thus all day long.
DAUGHTER FTLN 2590 20 Now for this charm that I told you of, you
FTLN 2591 must bring a piece of silver on the tip of your
FTLN 2592 tongue, or no ferry; then if it be your chance to
FTLN 2593 come where the blessed spirits are, there’s a
FTLN 2594 sight now! We maids that have our livers perished,
FTLN 2595 25 cracked to pieces with love, we shall come there,
FTLN 2596 and do nothing all day long but pick flowers with
FTLN 2597 Proserpine. Then will I make Palamon a nosegay;
FTLN 2598 then let him mark me then.
DOCTOR FTLN 2599 How prettily she’s amiss! Note her a little
FTLN 2600 30 further.
DAUGHTER FTLN 2601 Faith, I’ll tell you, sometime we go to

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ACT 4. SC. 3
FTLN 2602 barley-break, we of the blessed. Alas, ’tis a sore life
FTLN 2603 they have i’ th’ other place—such burning, frying,
FTLN 2604 boiling, hissing, howling, chatt’ring, cursing—O,
FTLN 2605 35 they have shrewd measure, take heed! If one be
FTLN 2606 mad, or hang or drown themselves, thither they
FTLN 2607 go, Jupiter bless us, and there shall we be put in
FTLN 2608 a cauldron of lead and usurers’ grease, amongst a
FTLN 2609 whole million of cutpurses, and there boil like a
FTLN 2610 40 gammon of bacon that will never be enough.
DOCTOR FTLN 2611 How her brains coins!
DAUGHTER FTLN 2612 Lords and courtiers that have got maids
FTLN 2613 with child, they are in this place. They shall stand
FTLN 2614 in fire up to the navel and in ice up to th’ heart, and
FTLN 2615 45 there th’ offending part burns and the deceiving
FTLN 2616 part freezes: in troth, a very grievous punishment,
FTLN 2617 as one would think, for such a trifle. Believe me,
FTLN 2618 one would marry a leprous witch to be rid on ’t, I’ll
FTLN 2619 assure you.
DOCTOR FTLN 2620 50 How she continues this fancy! ’Tis not an engraffed
FTLN 2621 madness, but a most thick and profound
FTLN 2622 melancholy.
DAUGHTER FTLN 2623 To hear there a proud lady and a proud city
FTLN 2624 wife howl together—I were a beast an I’d call it
FTLN 2625 55 good sport. One cries “O this smoke!” th’ other,
FTLN 2626 “This fire!”; one cries, “O, that ever I did it behind
FTLN 2627 the arras!” and then howls; th’ other curses a suing
FTLN 2628 fellow and her garden house.
Sings.
FTLN 2629 I will be true, my stars, my fate, etc.
Daughter exits.
JAILER FTLN 2630 60 What think you of her, sir?
DOCTOR FTLN 2631 I think she has a perturbed mind, which I
FTLN 2632 cannot minister to.
JAILER FTLN 2633 Alas, what then?
DOCTOR FTLN 2634 Understand you she ever affected any man
FTLN 2635 65 ere she beheld Palamon?

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ACT 4. SC. 3
JAILER FTLN 2636 I was once, sir, in great hope she had fixed her
FTLN 2637 liking on this gentleman, my friend.
WOOER FTLN 2638 I did think so, too, and would account I had a
FTLN 2639 great penn’orth on ’t to give half my state that both
FTLN 2640 70 she and I, at this present, stood unfeignedly on the
FTLN 2641 same terms.
DOCTOR FTLN 2642 That intemp’rate surfeit of her eye hath distempered
FTLN 2643 the other senses. They may return and
FTLN 2644 settle again to execute their preordained faculties,
FTLN 2645 75 but they are now in a most extravagant vagary.
FTLN 2646 This you must do: confine her to a place where
FTLN 2647 the light may rather seem to steal in than be
FTLN 2648 permitted.—Take upon you, young sir, her friend,
FTLN 2649 the name of Palamon; say you come to eat with
FTLN 2650 80 her, and to commune of love. This will catch her
FTLN 2651 attention, for this her mind beats upon; other
FTLN 2652 objects that are inserted ’tween her mind and eye
FTLN 2653 become the pranks and friskins of her madness.
FTLN 2654 Sing to her such green songs of love as she says
FTLN 2655 85 Palamon hath sung in prison. Come to her stuck
FTLN 2656 in as sweet flowers as the season is mistress of,
FTLN 2657 and thereto make an addition of some other compounded
FTLN 2658 odors which are grateful to the sense.
FTLN 2659 All this shall become Palamon, for Palamon can
FTLN 2660 90 sing, and Palamon is sweet and ev’ry good thing.
FTLN 2661 Desire to eat with her, carve her, drink to her, and
FTLN 2662 still among intermingle your petition of grace and
FTLN 2663 acceptance into her favor. Learn what maids have
FTLN 2664 been her companions and playferes, and let them
FTLN 2665 95 repair to her with Palamon in their mouths, and
FTLN 2666 appear with tokens, as if they suggested for him.—
FTLN 2667 It is a falsehood she is in, which is with falsehoods
FTLN 2668 to be combated. This may bring her to eat,
FTLN 2669 to sleep, and reduce what’s now out of square in
FTLN 2670 100 her into their former law and regiment. I have seen
FTLN 2671 it approved, how many times I know not, but to

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ACT 4. SC. 3
FTLN 2672 make the number more, I have great hope in this.
FTLN 2673 I will between the passages of this project come
FTLN 2674 in with my appliance. Let us put it in execution
FTLN 2675 105 and hasten the success, which doubt not will bring
FTLN 2676 forth comfort.
They exit.

ACT 5
Scene 1
Flourish. Enter Theseus, Pirithous, Hippolyta,
and Attendants. Three altars set up onstage.
THESEUS
FTLN 2677 Now let ’em enter and before the gods
FTLN 2678 Tender their holy prayers. Let the temples
FTLN 2679 Burn bright with sacred fires, and the altars
FTLN 2680 In hallowed clouds commend their swelling incense
FTLN 2681 5 To those above us. Let no due be wanting.
FTLN 2682 They have a noble work in hand will honor
FTLN 2683 The very powers that love ’em.
PIRITHOUS FTLN 2684 Sir, they enter.
Flourish of cornets. Enter Palamon and Arcite
and their Knights.
THESEUS
FTLN 2685 You valiant and strong-hearted enemies,
FTLN 2686 10 You royal german foes, that this day come
FTLN 2687 To blow that nearness out that flames between you,
FTLN 2688 Lay by your anger for an hour and, dove-like,
FTLN 2689 Before the holy altars of your helpers,
FTLN 2690 The all-feared gods, bow down your stubborn
FTLN 2691 15 bodies.
FTLN 2692 Your ire is more than mortal; so your help be.
FTLN 2693 And as the gods regard you, fight with justice.
199

201
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ACT 5. SC. 1
FTLN 2694 I’ll leave you to your prayers, and betwixt you
FTLN 2695 I part my wishes.
PIRITHOUS FTLN 2696 20 Honor crown the worthiest!
Theseus and his train exit.
PALAMON
FTLN 2697 The glass is running now that cannot finish
FTLN 2698 Till one of us expire. Think you but thus,
FTLN 2699 That were there aught in me which strove to show
FTLN 2700 Mine enemy in this business, were ’t one eye
FTLN 2701 25 Against another, arm oppressed by arm,
FTLN 2702 I would destroy th’ offender, coz—I would
FTLN 2703 Though parcel of myself. Then from this gather
FTLN 2704 How I should tender you.
ARCITE FTLN 2705 I am in labor
FTLN 2706 30 To push your name, your ancient love, our kindred
FTLN 2707 Out of my memory, and i’ th’ selfsame place
FTLN 2708 To seat something I would confound. So hoist we
FTLN 2709 The sails that must these vessels port even where
FTLN 2710 The heavenly Limiter pleases.
PALAMON FTLN 2711 35 You speak well.
FTLN 2712 Before I turn, let me embrace thee, cousin.
They embrace.
FTLN 2713 This I shall never do again.
ARCITE FTLN 2714 One farewell.
PALAMON
FTLN 2715 Why, let it be so. Farewell, coz.
ARCITE FTLN 2716 40 Farewell, sir.
Palamon and his Knights exit.
FTLN 2717 Knights, kinsmen, lovers, yea, my sacrifices,
FTLN 2718 True worshippers of Mars, whose spirit in you
FTLN 2719 Expels the seeds of fear and th’ apprehension
FTLN 2720 Which still is father of it, go with me
FTLN 2721 45 Before the god of our profession. There
FTLN 2722 Require of him the hearts of lions and
FTLN 2723 The breath of tigers, yea, the fierceness too,
FTLN 2724 Yea, the speed also—to go on, I mean;

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ACT 5. SC. 1
FTLN 2725 Else wish we to be snails. You know my prize
FTLN 2726 50 Must be dragged out of blood; force and great feat
FTLN 2727 Must put my garland on, where she sticks,
FTLN 2728 The queen of flowers. Our intercession, then,
FTLN 2729 Must be to him that makes the camp a cistern
FTLN 2730 Brimmed with the blood of men. Give me your aid,
FTLN 2731 55 And bend your spirits towards him.
They go to Mars’s altar, fall on
their faces before it, and then kneel.
FTLN 2732 Thou mighty one, that with thy power hast turned
FTLN 2733 Green Neptune into purple, whose approach
FTLN 2734 Comets prewarn, whose havoc in vast field
FTLN 2735 Unearthèd skulls proclaim, whose breath blows
FTLN 2736 60 down
FTLN 2737 The teeming Ceres’ foison, who dost pluck
FTLN 2738 With hand armipotent from forth blue clouds
FTLN 2739 The masoned turrets, that both mak’st and break’st
FTLN 2740 The stony girths of cities; me thy pupil,
FTLN 2741 65 Youngest follower of thy drum, instruct this day
FTLN 2742 With military skill, that to thy laud
FTLN 2743 I may advance my streamer, and by thee
FTLN 2744 Be styled the lord o’ th’ day. Give me, great Mars,
FTLN 2745 Some token of thy pleasure.
Here they fall on their faces as formerly, and
there is heard clanging of armor, with a short
thunder, as the burst of a battle, whereupon
they all rise and bow to the altar.
FTLN 2746 70 O, great corrector of enormous times,
FTLN 2747 Shaker of o’er-rank states, thou grand decider
FTLN 2748 Of dusty and old titles, that heal’st with blood
FTLN 2749 The Earth when it is sick, and cur’st the world
FTLN 2750 O’ th’ pleurisy of people, I do take
FTLN 2751 75 Thy signs auspiciously, and in thy name
FTLN 2752 To my design march boldly.—Let us go. They exit.

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ACT 5. SC. 1
Enter Palamon and his Knights,
with the former observance.
PALAMON
FTLN 2753 Our stars must glister with new fire, or be
FTLN 2754 Today extinct. Our argument is love,
FTLN 2755 Which, if the goddess of it grant, she gives
FTLN 2756 80 Victory too. Then blend your spirits with mine,
FTLN 2757 You whose free nobleness do make my cause
FTLN 2758 Your personal hazard. To the goddess Venus
FTLN 2759 Commend we our proceeding, and implore
FTLN 2760 Her power unto our party.
Here they go to Venus’s altar, fall on
their faces before it, and then kneel.
FTLN 2761 85 Hail, sovereign queen of secrets, who hast power
FTLN 2762 To call the fiercest tyrant from his rage
FTLN 2763 And weep unto a girl; that hast the might
FTLN 2764 Even with an eye-glance to choke Mars’s drum
FTLN 2765 And turn th’ alarm to whispers; that canst make
FTLN 2766 90 A cripple flourish with his crutch, and cure him
FTLN 2767 Before Apollo; that mayst force the king
FTLN 2768 To be his subject’s vassal, and induce
FTLN 2769 Stale gravity to dance. The polled bachelor,
FTLN 2770 Whose youth, like wanton boys through bonfires,
FTLN 2771 95 Have skipped thy flame, at seventy thou canst catch,
FTLN 2772 And make him, to the scorn of his hoarse throat,
FTLN 2773 Abuse young lays of love. What godlike power
FTLN 2774 Hast thou not power upon? To Phoebus thou
FTLN 2775 Add’st flames hotter than his; the heavenly fires
FTLN 2776 100 Did scorch his mortal son, thine him. The huntress,
FTLN 2777 All moist and cold, some say, began to throw
FTLN 2778 Her bow away and sigh. Take to thy grace
FTLN 2779 Me, thy vowed soldier, who do bear thy yoke
FTLN 2780 As ’twere a wreath of roses, yet is heavier
FTLN 2781 105 Than lead itself, stings more than nettles.
FTLN 2782 I have never been foul-mouthed against thy law,

207
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ACT 5. SC. 1
FTLN 2783 Ne’er revealed secret, for I knew none—would not,
FTLN 2784 Had I kenned all that were. I never practiced
FTLN 2785 Upon man’s wife, nor would the libels read
FTLN 2786 110 Of liberal wits. I never at great feasts
FTLN 2787 Sought to betray a beauty, but have blushed
FTLN 2788 At simp’ring sirs that did. I have been harsh
FTLN 2789 To large confessors, and have hotly asked them
FTLN 2790 If they had mothers—I had one, a woman,
FTLN 2791 115 And women ’twere they wronged. I knew a man
FTLN 2792 Of eighty winters—this I told them—who
FTLN 2793 A lass of fourteen brided; ’twas thy power
FTLN 2794 To put life into dust. The agèd cramp
FTLN 2795 Had screwed his square foot round;
FTLN 2796 120 The gout had knit his fingers into knots;
FTLN 2797 Torturing convulsions from his globy eyes
FTLN 2798 Had almost drawn their spheres, that what was life
FTLN 2799 In him seemed torture. This anatomy
FTLN 2800 Had by his young fair fere a boy, and I
FTLN 2801 125 Believed it was his, for she swore it was,
FTLN 2802 And who would not believe her? Brief, I am
FTLN 2803 To those that prate and have done, no companion;
FTLN 2804 To those that boast and have not, a defier;
FTLN 2805 To those that would and cannot, a rejoicer.
FTLN 2806 130 Yea, him I do not love that tells close offices
FTLN 2807 The foulest way, nor names concealments in
FTLN 2808 The boldest language. Such a one I am,
FTLN 2809 And vow that lover never yet made sigh
FTLN 2810 Truer than I. O, then, most soft sweet goddess,
FTLN 2811 135 Give me the victory of this question, which
FTLN 2812 Is true love’s merit, and bless me with a sign
FTLN 2813 Of thy great pleasure.
Here music is heard; doves are
seen to flutter. They fall again upon
their faces, then on their knees.
FTLN 2814 O thou that from eleven to ninety reign’st
FTLN 2815 In mortal bosoms, whose chase is this world

209
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ACT 5. SC. 1
FTLN 2816 140 And we in herds thy game, I give thee thanks
FTLN 2817 For this fair token, which being laid unto
FTLN 2818 Mine innocent true heart, arms in assurance
FTLN 2819 My body to this business.—Let us rise
FTLN 2820 And bow before the goddess. They rise and bow.
FTLN 2821 145 Time comes on.
They exit.
Still music of recorders. Enter Emilia in white, her
hair about her shoulders, wearing a wheaten wreath;
one in white holding up her train, her hair stuck with
flowers; one before her carrying a silver hind, in which
is conveyed incense and sweet odors, which being
set upon the altar of Diana, her maids standing
aloof, she sets fire to it. Then they curtsy and kneel.
EMILIA
FTLN 2822 O sacred, shadowy, cold, and constant queen,
FTLN 2823 Abandoner of revels, mute contemplative,
FTLN 2824 Sweet, solitary, white as chaste, and pure
FTLN 2825 As wind-fanned snow, who to thy female knights
FTLN 2826 150 Allow’st no more blood than will make a blush,
FTLN 2827 Which is their order’s robe, I here, thy priest,
FTLN 2828 Am humbled ’fore thine altar. O, vouchsafe
FTLN 2829 With that thy rare green eye, which never yet
FTLN 2830 Beheld thing maculate, look on thy virgin,
FTLN 2831 155 And, sacred silver mistress, lend thine ear—
FTLN 2832 Which ne’er heard scurrile term, into whose port
FTLN 2833 Ne’er entered wanton sound—to my petition,
FTLN 2834 Seasoned with holy fear. This is my last
FTLN 2835 Of vestal office. I am bride-habited
FTLN 2836 160 But maiden-hearted. A husband I have ’pointed,
FTLN 2837 But do not know him. Out of two I should
FTLN 2838 Choose one, and pray for his success, but I
FTLN 2839 Am guiltless of election. Of mine eyes,
FTLN 2840 Were I to lose one—they are equal precious—
FTLN 2841 165 I could doom neither; that which perished should

211
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 5. SC. 2
FTLN 2842 Go to ’t unsentenced. Therefore, most modest queen,
FTLN 2843 He of the two pretenders that best loves me
FTLN 2844 And has the truest title in ’t, let him
FTLN 2845 Take off my wheaten garland, or else grant
FTLN 2846 170 The file and quality I hold I may
FTLN 2847 Continue in thy band.
Here the hind vanishes under the
altar, and in the place ascends a rose
tree, having one rose upon it.
FTLN 2848 See what our general of ebbs and flows
FTLN 2849 Out from the bowels of her holy altar
FTLN 2850 With sacred act advances: but one rose.
FTLN 2851 175 If well inspired, this battle shall confound
FTLN 2852 Both these brave knights, and I, a virgin flower,
FTLN 2853 Must grow alone unplucked.
Here is heard a sudden twang of instruments,
and the rose falls from the tree.
FTLN 2854 The flower is fall’n, the tree descends. O mistress,
FTLN 2855 Thou here dischargest me. I shall be gathered;
FTLN 2856 180 I think so, but I know not thine own will.
FTLN 2857 Unclasp thy mystery!—I hope she’s pleased;
FTLN 2858 Her signs were gracious.
They curtsy and exit.
Scene 2
Enter Doctor, Jailer, and Wooer in
the habit of Palamon.
DOCTOR
FTLN 2859 Has this advice I told you done any good upon her?
WOOER
FTLN 2860 O, very much. The maids that kept her company
FTLN 2861 Have half-persuaded her that I am Palamon;
FTLN 2862 Within this half-hour she came smiling to me,

213
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ACT 5. SC. 2
FTLN 2863 5 And asked me what I would eat, and when I would
FTLN 2864 kiss her.
FTLN 2865 I told her “Presently,” and kissed her twice.
DOCTOR
FTLN 2866 ’Twas well done; twenty times had been far better,
FTLN 2867 For there the cure lies mainly.
WOOER FTLN 2868 10 Then she told me
FTLN 2869 She would watch with me tonight, for well she knew
FTLN 2870 What hour my fit would take me.
DOCTOR FTLN 2871 Let her do so,
FTLN 2872 And when your fit comes, fit her home,
FTLN 2873 15 And presently.
WOOER FTLN 2874 She would have me sing.
DOCTOR
FTLN 2875 You did so?
WOOER FTLN 2876 No.
DOCTOR FTLN 2877 ’Twas very ill done, then.
FTLN 2878 20 You should observe her ev’ry way.
WOOER FTLN 2879 Alas,
FTLN 2880 I have no voice, sir, to confirm her that way.
DOCTOR
FTLN 2881 That’s all one, if you make a noise.
FTLN 2882 If she entreat again, do anything.
FTLN 2883 25 Lie with her, if she ask you.
JAILER FTLN 2884 Ho there, doctor!
DOCTOR
FTLN 2885 Yes, in the way of cure.
JAILER FTLN 2886 But first, by your leave,
FTLN 2887 I’ th’ way of honesty.
DOCTOR FTLN 2888 30 That’s but a niceness.
FTLN 2889 Ne’er cast your child away for honesty.
FTLN 2890 Cure her first this way; then if she will be honest,
FTLN 2891 She has the path before her.
JAILER
FTLN 2892 Thank you, doctor.

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ACT 5. SC. 2
DOCTOR FTLN 2893 35 Pray bring her in
FTLN 2894 And let’s see how she is.
JAILER FTLN 2895 I will, and tell her
FTLN 2896 Her Palamon stays for her. But, doctor,
FTLN 2897 Methinks you are i’ th’ wrong still. Jailer exits.
DOCTOR FTLN 2898 40 Go, go.
FTLN 2899 You fathers are fine fools. Her honesty?
FTLN 2900 And we should give her physic till we find that!
WOOER
FTLN 2901 Why, do you think she is not honest, sir?
DOCTOR
FTLN 2902 How old is she?
WOOER FTLN 2903 45 She’s eighteen.
DOCTOR FTLN 2904 She may be.
FTLN 2905 But that’s all one; ’tis nothing to our purpose.
FTLN 2906 Whate’er her father says, if you perceive
FTLN 2907 Her mood inclining that way that I spoke of,
FTLN 2908 50 Videlicet, the way of flesh—you have me?
WOOER
FTLN 2909 Yes, very well, sir.
DOCTOR FTLN 2910 Please her appetite,
FTLN 2911 And do it home; it cures her, ipso facto,
FTLN 2912 The melancholy humor that infects her.
WOOER
FTLN 2913 55 I am of your mind, doctor.
DOCTOR FTLN 2914 You’ll find it so.
Enter Jailer, Daughter, and Maid.
FTLN 2915 She comes; pray humor her.
Wooer and Doctor stand aside.
JAILER , to Daughter
FTLN 2916 Come, your love Palamon stays for you, child,
FTLN 2917 And has done this long hour, to visit you.
DAUGHTER
FTLN 2918 60 I thank him for his gentle patience.

217
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 5. SC. 2
FTLN 2919 He’s a kind gentleman, and I am much bound to
FTLN 2920 him.
FTLN 2921 Did you ne’er see the horse he gave me?
JAILER FTLN 2922 Yes.
DAUGHTER
FTLN 2923 65 How do you like him?
JAILER FTLN 2924 He’s a very fair one.
DAUGHTER
FTLN 2925 You never saw him dance?
JAILER FTLN 2926 No.
DAUGHTER FTLN 2927 I have, often.
FTLN 2928 70 He dances very finely, very comely,
FTLN 2929 And for a jig, come cut and long tail to him,
FTLN 2930 He turns you like a top.
JAILER FTLN 2931 That’s fine indeed.
DAUGHTER
FTLN 2932 He’ll dance the morris twenty mile an hour,
FTLN 2933 75 And that will founder the best hobbyhorse,
FTLN 2934 If I have any skill, in all the parish,
FTLN 2935 And gallops to the tune of “Light o’ love.”
FTLN 2936 What think you of this horse?
JAILER FTLN 2937 Having these virtues,
FTLN 2938 80 I think he might be brought to play at tennis.
DAUGHTER
FTLN 2939 Alas, that’s nothing.
JAILER FTLN 2940 Can he write and read too?
DAUGHTER
FTLN 2941 A very fair hand, and casts himself th’ accounts
FTLN 2942 Of all his hay and provender. That hostler
FTLN 2943 85 Must rise betime that cozens him. You know
FTLN 2944 The chestnut mare the Duke has?
JAILER FTLN 2945 Very well.
DAUGHTER
FTLN 2946 She is horribly in love with him, poor beast,
FTLN 2947 But he is like his master, coy and scornful.

219
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 5. SC. 2
JAILER
FTLN 2948 90 What dowry has she?
DAUGHTER FTLN 2949 Some two hundred bottles,
FTLN 2950 And twenty strike of oats, but he’ll ne’er have her.
FTLN 2951 He lisps in ’s neighing able to entice
FTLN 2952 A miller’s mare. He’ll be the death of her.
DOCTOR , aside FTLN 2953 95 What stuff she utters!
Wooer and Doctor come forward.
JAILER
FTLN 2954 Make curtsy; here your love comes.
WOOER FTLN 2955 Pretty soul,
FTLN 2956 How do you? Daughter curtsies.
FTLN 2957 That’s a fine maid; there’s a curtsy!
DAUGHTER
FTLN 2958 100 Yours to command i’ th’ way of honesty.—
FTLN 2959 How far is ’t now to th’ end o’ th’ world, my masters?
DOCTOR
FTLN 2960 Why, a day’s journey, wench.
DAUGHTER , to Wooer FTLN 2961 Will you go with me?
WOOER
FTLN 2962 What shall we do there, wench?
DAUGHTER FTLN 2963 105 Why, play at
FTLN 2964 stool-ball.
FTLN 2965 What is there else to do?
WOOER FTLN 2966 I am content,
FTLN 2967 If we shall keep our wedding there.
DAUGHTER FTLN 2968 110 ’Tis true,
FTLN 2969 For there, I will assure you, we shall find
FTLN 2970 Some blind priest for the purpose, that will venture
FTLN 2971 To marry us; for here they are nice and foolish.
FTLN 2972 Besides, my father must be hanged tomorrow,
FTLN 2973 115 And that would be a blot i’ th’ business.
FTLN 2974 Are not you Palamon?
WOOER FTLN 2975 Do not you know me?

221
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ACT 5. SC. 2
DAUGHTER
FTLN 2976 Yes, but you care not for me; I have nothing
FTLN 2977 But this poor petticoat and two coarse smocks.
WOOER
FTLN 2978 120 That’s all one; I will have you.
DAUGHTER FTLN 2979 Will you surely?
WOOER , taking her hand
FTLN 2980 Yes, by this fair hand, will I.
DAUGHTER FTLN 2981 We’ll to bed then.
WOOER
FTLN 2982 E’en when you will. He kisses her.
DAUGHTER , wiping her face FTLN 2983 125 O , sir, you would fain
FTLN 2984 be nibbling.
WOOER
FTLN 2985 Why do you rub my kiss off?
DAUGHTER FTLN 2986 ’Tis a sweet one,
FTLN 2987 And will perfume me finely against the wedding.
FTLN 2988 130 Is not this your cousin Arcite? She indicates Doctor.
DOCTOR FTLN 2989 Yes, sweetheart,
FTLN 2990 And I am glad my cousin Palamon
FTLN 2991 Has made so fair a choice.
DAUGHTER FTLN 2992 Do you think he’ll have me?
DOCTOR
FTLN 2993 135 Yes, without doubt.
DAUGHTER , to Jailer FTLN 2994 Do you think so too?
JAILER FTLN 2995 Yes.
DAUGHTER
FTLN 2996 We shall have many children. (To Doctor.) Lord,
FTLN 2997 how you’re grown!
FTLN 2998 140 My Palamon, I hope, will grow too, finely,
FTLN 2999 Now he’s at liberty. Alas, poor chicken,
FTLN 3000 He was kept down with hard meat and ill lodging,
FTLN 3001 But I’ll kiss him up again.
Enter a Messenger.

223
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 5. SC. 2
MESSENGER
FTLN 3002 What do you here? You’ll lose the noblest sight
FTLN 3003 145 That e’er was seen.
JAILER FTLN 3004 Are they i’ th’ field?
MESSENGER FTLN 3005 They are.
FTLN 3006 You bear a charge there too.
JAILER FTLN 3007 I’ll away straight.—
FTLN 3008 150 I must e’en leave you here.
DOCTOR FTLN 3009 Nay, we’ll go with you.
FTLN 3010 I will not lose the sight.
JAILER , aside to Doctor FTLN 3011 How did you like her?
DOCTOR
FTLN 3012 I’ll warrant you, within these three or four days
FTLN 3013 155 I’ll make her right again. Jailer and Messenger exit.
(To Wooer.) FTLN 3014 You must not from her,
FTLN 3015 But still preserve her in this way.
WOOER FTLN 3016 I will.
DOCTOR
FTLN 3017 Let’s get her in.
WOOER FTLN 3018 160 Come, sweet, we’ll go to dinner
FTLN 3019 And then we’ll play at cards.
DAUGHTER FTLN 3020 And shall we kiss too?
WOOER
FTLN 3021 A hundred times.
DAUGHTER FTLN 3022 And twenty.
WOOER FTLN 3023 165 Ay, and twenty.
DAUGHTER
FTLN 3024 And then we’ll sleep together.
DOCTOR , to Wooer FTLN 3025 Take her offer.
WOOER
FTLN 3026 Yes, marry, will we.
DAUGHTER FTLN 3027 But you shall not hurt me.
WOOER
FTLN 3028 170 I will not, sweet.
DAUGHTER FTLN 3029 If you do, love, I’ll cry.
They exit.

225
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 5. SC. 3
Scene 3
Flourish. Enter Theseus, Hippolyta,
Emilia, Pirithous, and some Attendants.
EMILIA
FTLN 3030 I’ll no step further.
PIRITHOUS FTLN 3031 Will you lose this sight?
EMILIA
FTLN 3032 I had rather see a wren hawk at a fly
FTLN 3033 Than this decision; ev’ry blow that falls
FTLN 3034 5 Threats a brave life; each stroke laments
FTLN 3035 The place whereon it falls, and sounds more like
FTLN 3036 A bell than blade. I will stay here.
FTLN 3037 It is enough my hearing shall be punished
FTLN 3038 With what shall happen, ’gainst the which there is
FTLN 3039 10 No deafing but to hear; not taint mine eye
FTLN 3040 With dread sights it may shun.
PIRITHOUS , to Theseus FTLN 3041 Sir, my good lord,
FTLN 3042 Your sister will no further.
THESEUS FTLN 3043 O, she must.
FTLN 3044 15 She shall see deeds of honor in their kind,
FTLN 3045 Which sometime show well, penciled. Nature now
FTLN 3046 Shall make and act the story, the belief
FTLN 3047 Both sealed with eye and ear.—You must be present;
FTLN 3048 You are the victor’s meed, the price and garland
FTLN 3049 20 To crown the question’s title.
EMILIA FTLN 3050 Pardon me.
FTLN 3051 If I were there, I’d wink.
THESEUS FTLN 3052 You must be there;
FTLN 3053 This trial is as ’twere i’ th’ night, and you
FTLN 3054 25 The only star to shine.
EMILIA FTLN 3055 I am extinct;
FTLN 3056 There is but envy in that light which shows
FTLN 3057 The one the other. Darkness, which ever was
FTLN 3058 The dam of horror, who does stand accursed
FTLN 3059 30 Of many mortal millions, may even now,

227
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 5. SC. 3
FTLN 3060 By casting her black mantle over both,
FTLN 3061 That neither could find other, get herself
FTLN 3062 Some part of a good name, and many a murder
FTLN 3063 Set off whereto she’s guilty.
HIPPOLYTA FTLN 3064 35 You must go.
EMILIA
FTLN 3065 In faith, I will not.
THESEUS FTLN 3066 Why, the knights must kindle
FTLN 3067 Their valor at your eye. Know, of this war
FTLN 3068 You are the treasure, and must needs be by
FTLN 3069 40 To give the service pay.
EMILIA FTLN 3070 Sir, pardon me.
FTLN 3071 The title of a kingdom may be tried
FTLN 3072 Out of itself.
THESEUS FTLN 3073 Well, well, then; at your pleasure.
FTLN 3074 45 Those that remain with you could wish their office
FTLN 3075 To any of their enemies.
HIPPOLYTA FTLN 3076 Farewell, sister.
FTLN 3077 I am like to know your husband ’fore yourself
FTLN 3078 By some small start of time. He whom the gods
FTLN 3079 50 Do of the two know best, I pray them he
FTLN 3080 Be made your lot.
Theseus, Hippolyta, Pirithous, and others,
exit. Emilia remains, comparing again
the pictures of Arcite and Palamon.
EMILIA
FTLN 3081 Arcite is gently visaged, yet his eye
FTLN 3082 Is like an engine bent, or a sharp weapon
FTLN 3083 In a soft sheath; mercy and manly courage
FTLN 3084 55 Are bedfellows in his visage. Palamon
FTLN 3085 Has a most menacing aspect; his brow
FTLN 3086 Is graved, and seems to bury what it frowns on;
FTLN 3087 Yet sometimes ’tis not so, but alters to
FTLN 3088 The quality of his thoughts. Long time his eye
FTLN 3089 60 Will dwell upon his object. Melancholy
FTLN 3090 Becomes him nobly; so does Arcite’s mirth;

229
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 5. SC. 3
FTLN 3091 But Palamon’s sadness is a kind of mirth,
FTLN 3092 So mingled, as if mirth did make him sad
FTLN 3093 And sadness merry. Those darker humors that
FTLN 3094 65 Stick misbecomingly on others, on them
FTLN 3095 Live in fair dwelling.
Cornets. Trumpets sound as to a charge.
FTLN 3096 Hark how yon spurs to spirit do incite
FTLN 3097 The princes to their proof! Arcite may win me,
FTLN 3098 And yet may Palamon wound Arcite to
FTLN 3099 70 The spoiling of his figure. O, what pity
FTLN 3100 Enough for such a chance? If I were by,
FTLN 3101 I might do hurt, for they would glance their eyes
FTLN 3102 Towards my seat, and in that motion might
FTLN 3103 Omit a ward or forfeit an offense
FTLN 3104 75 Which craved that very time.
Cornets. A great cry and noise
within crying “À Palamon!”
FTLN 3105 It is much better
FTLN 3106 I am not there. O, better never born
FTLN 3107 Than minister to such harm!
Enter Servant.
FTLN 3108 What is the chance?
SERVANT FTLN 3109 80 The cry’s “À Palamon.”
EMILIA FTLN 3110 Then he has won. ’Twas ever likely.
FTLN 3111 He looked all grace and success, and he is
FTLN 3112 Doubtless the prim’st of men. I prithee run
FTLN 3113 And tell me how it goes.
Shout and cornets, crying “À Palamon!”
SERVANT FTLN 3114 85 Still “Palamon.”
EMILIA
FTLN 3115 Run and inquire. Servant exits.
Addressing Arcite’s picture. FTLN 3116 Poor servant, thou hast
FTLN 3117 lost.
FTLN 3118 Upon my right side still I wore thy picture,
FTLN 3119 90 Palamon’s on the left—why so, I know not.

231
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 5. SC. 3
FTLN 3120 I had no end in ’t else; chance would have it so.
FTLN 3121 On the sinister side the heart lies; Palamon
FTLN 3122 Had the best-boding chance.
Another cry, and shout within, and cornets.
FTLN 3123 This burst of clamor
FTLN 3124 95 Is sure th’ end o’ th’ combat.
Enter Servant.
SERVANT
FTLN 3125 They said that Palamon had Arcite’s body
FTLN 3126 Within an inch o’ th’ pyramid, that the cry
FTLN 3127 Was general “À Palamon.” But anon,
FTLN 3128 Th’ assistants made a brave redemption, and
FTLN 3129 100 The two bold titlers at this instant are
FTLN 3130 Hand to hand at it.
EMILIA FTLN 3131 Were they metamorphosed
FTLN 3132 Both into one—O, why, there were no woman
FTLN 3133 Worth so composed a man! Their single share,
FTLN 3134 105 Their nobleness peculiar to them, gives
FTLN 3135 The prejudice of disparity, value’s shortness,
FTLN 3136 To any lady breathing.
Cornets. Cry within, “Arcite, Arcite.”
FTLN 3137 More exulting?
FTLN 3138 “Palamon” still?
SERVANT FTLN 3139 110 Nay, now the sound is “Arcite.”
EMILIA
FTLN 3140 I prithee lay attention to the cry;
FTLN 3141 Set both thine ears to th’ business.
Cornets. A great shout, and cry “Arcite, victory!”
SERVANT FTLN 3142 The cry is “Arcite”
FTLN 3143 And “Victory! Hark, Arcite, victory!”
FTLN 3144 115 The combat’s consummation is proclaimed
FTLN 3145 By the wind instruments.
EMILIA FTLN 3146 Half-sights saw
FTLN 3147 That Arcite was no babe. God’s lid, his richness
FTLN 3148 And costliness of spirit looked through him; it could

233
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 5. SC. 3
FTLN 3149 120 No more be hid in him than fire in flax,
FTLN 3150 Than humble banks can go to law with waters
FTLN 3151 That drift-winds force to raging. I did think
FTLN 3152 Good Palamon would miscarry, yet I knew not
FTLN 3153 Why I did think so. Our reasons are not prophets
FTLN 3154 125 When oft our fancies are. They are coming off.
FTLN 3155 Alas, poor Palamon!
Cornets. Enter Theseus, Hippolyta, Pirithous,
Arcite as victor, and Attendants and others.
THESEUS
FTLN 3156 Lo, where our sister is in expectation,
FTLN 3157 Yet quaking and unsettled.—Fairest Emily,
FTLN 3158 The gods by their divine arbitrament
FTLN 3159 130 Have given you this knight; he is a good one
FTLN 3160 As ever struck at head.—Give me your hands.
FTLN 3161 Receive you her, you him. Be plighted with
FTLN 3162 A love that grows as you decay.
ARCITE FTLN 3163 Emily,
FTLN 3164 135 To buy you I have lost what’s dearest to me
FTLN 3165 Save what is bought, and yet I purchase cheaply,
FTLN 3166 As I do rate your value.
THESEUS FTLN 3167 O loved sister,
FTLN 3168 He speaks now of as brave a knight as e’er
FTLN 3169 140 Did spur a noble steed. Surely the gods
FTLN 3170 Would have him die a bachelor, lest his race
FTLN 3171 Should show i’ th’ world too godlike. His behavior
FTLN 3172 So charmed me that methought Alcides was
FTLN 3173 To him a sow of lead. If I could praise
FTLN 3174 145 Each part of him to th’ all I have spoke, your Arcite
FTLN 3175 Did not lose by ’t, for he that was thus good
FTLN 3176 Encountered yet his better. I have heard
FTLN 3177 Two emulous Philomels beat the ear o’ th’ night
FTLN 3178 With their contentious throats, now one the higher,
FTLN 3179 150 Anon the other, then again the first,
FTLN 3180 And by-and-by out-breasted, that the sense

235
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 5. SC. 4
FTLN 3181 Could not be judge between ’em. So it fared
FTLN 3182 Good space between these kinsmen, till heavens did
FTLN 3183 Make hardly one the winner.—Wear the garland
FTLN 3184 155 With joy that you have won.—For the subdued,
FTLN 3185 Give them our present justice, since I know
FTLN 3186 Their lives but pinch ’em. Let it here be done.
FTLN 3187 The scene’s not for our seeing. Go we hence
FTLN 3188 Right joyful, with some sorrow.—Arm your prize;
FTLN 3189 160 I know you will not lose her.—Hippolyta,
FTLN 3190 I see one eye of yours conceives a tear,
FTLN 3191 The which it will deliver.
EMILIA FTLN 3192 Is this winning?
FTLN 3193 O all you heavenly powers, where is your mercy?
FTLN 3194 165 But that your wills have said it must be so,
FTLN 3195 And charge me live to comfort this unfriended,
FTLN 3196 This miserable prince, that cuts away
FTLN 3197 A life more worthy from him than all women,
FTLN 3198 I should and would die too.
HIPPOLYTA FTLN 3199 170 Infinite pity
FTLN 3200 That four such eyes should be so fixed on one
FTLN 3201 That two must needs be blind for ’t.
THESEUS FTLN 3202 So it is.
Flourish. They exit.
Scene 4
Enter Guard with Palamon and his Knights,
pinioned; Jailer, Executioner and Others,
carrying a block and an ax.
PALAMON
FTLN 3203 There’s many a man alive that hath outlived
FTLN 3204 The love o’ th’ people; yea, i’ th’ selfsame state
FTLN 3205 Stands many a father with his child. Some comfort
FTLN 3206 We have by so considering. We expire,
FTLN 3207 5 And not without men’s pity. To live still,

237
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 5. SC. 4
FTLN 3208 Have their good wishes; we prevent
FTLN 3209 The loathsome misery of age, beguile
FTLN 3210 The gout and rheum that in lag hours attend
FTLN 3211 For gray approachers; we come towards the gods
FTLN 3212 10 Young and unwappered, not halting under crimes
FTLN 3213 Many and stale. That sure shall please the gods
FTLN 3214 Sooner than such, to give us nectar with ’em,
FTLN 3215 For we are more clear spirits. My dear kinsmen,
FTLN 3216 Whose lives for this poor comfort are laid down,
FTLN 3217 15 You have sold ’em too too cheap.
FIRST KNIGHT FTLN 3218 What ending could be
FTLN 3219 Of more content? O’er us the victors have
FTLN 3220 Fortune, whose title is as momentary
FTLN 3221 As to us death is certain. A grain of honor
FTLN 3222 20 They not o’er-weigh us.
SECOND KNIGHT FTLN 3223 Let us bid farewell;
FTLN 3224 And with our patience anger tott’ring Fortune,
FTLN 3225 Who at her certain’st reels.
THIRD KNIGHT FTLN 3226 Come, who begins?
PALAMON
FTLN 3227 25 E’en he that led you to this banquet shall
FTLN 3228 Taste to you all. To Jailer. Ah ha, my friend, my
FTLN 3229 friend,
FTLN 3230 Your gentle daughter gave me freedom once;
FTLN 3231 You’ll see ’t done now forever. Pray, how does she?
FTLN 3232 30 I heard she was not well; her kind of ill
FTLN 3233 Gave me some sorrow.
JAILER FTLN 3234 Sir, she’s well restored,
FTLN 3235 And to be married shortly.
PALAMON FTLN 3236 By my short life,
FTLN 3237 35 I am most glad on ’t. ’Tis the latest thing
FTLN 3238 I shall be glad of; prithee, tell her so.
FTLN 3239 Commend me to her, and to piece her portion,
FTLN 3240 Tender her this. He gives his purse to Jailer.
FIRST KNIGHT FTLN 3241 Nay, let’s be offerers all.

239
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 5. SC. 4
SECOND KNIGHT
FTLN 3242 40 Is it a maid?
PALAMON FTLN 3243 Verily, I think so.
FTLN 3244 A right good creature, more to me deserving
FTLN 3245 Than I can quit or speak of.
ALL KNIGHTS FTLN 3246 Commend us to her.
They give their purses.
JAILER
FTLN 3247 45 The gods requite you all and make her thankful!
PALAMON
FTLN 3248 Adieu, and let my life be now as short
FTLN 3249 As my leave-taking. Lays his head on the block.
FIRST KNIGHT FTLN 3250 Lead, courageous cousin.
SECOND AND THIRD KNIGHTS FTLN 3251 We’ll follow cheerfully.
A great noise within crying “Run!” “Save!” “Hold!”
Enter in haste a Messenger.
MESSENGER
FTLN 3252 50 Hold, hold! O, hold, hold, hold!
Enter Pirithous in haste.
PIRITHOUS
FTLN 3253 Hold, ho! It is a cursèd haste you made
FTLN 3254 If you have done so quickly!—Noble Palamon,
FTLN 3255 The gods will show their glory in a life
FTLN 3256 That thou art yet to lead.
PALAMON FTLN 3257 55 Can that be,
FTLN 3258 When Venus, I have said, is false? How do things
FTLN 3259 fare?
PIRITHOUS
FTLN 3260 Arise, great sir, and give the tidings ear
FTLN 3261 That are most dearly sweet and bitter.
PALAMON , rising FTLN 3262 60 What
FTLN 3263 Hath waked us from our dream?
PIRITHOUS FTLN 3264 List then: your
FTLN 3265 cousin,

241
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 5. SC. 4
FTLN 3266 Mounted upon a steed that Emily
FTLN 3267 65 Did first bestow on him—a black one, owing
FTLN 3268 Not a hair worth of white, which some will say
FTLN 3269 Weakens his price, and many will not buy
FTLN 3270 His goodness with this note, which superstition
FTLN 3271 Here finds allowance—on this horse is Arcite
FTLN 3272 70 Trotting the stones of Athens—which the calkins
FTLN 3273 Did rather tell than trample, for the horse
FTLN 3274 Would make his length a mile, if ’t pleased his rider
FTLN 3275 To put pride in him. As he thus went counting
FTLN 3276 The flinty pavement, dancing, as ’twere, to th’ music
FTLN 3277 75 His own hooves made—for, as they say, from iron
FTLN 3278 Came music’s origin—what envious flint,
FTLN 3279 Cold as old Saturn, and like him possessed
FTLN 3280 With fire malevolent, darted a spark,
FTLN 3281 Or what fierce sulphur else, to this end made,
FTLN 3282 80 I comment not; the hot horse, hot as fire,
FTLN 3283 Took toy at this and fell to what disorder
FTLN 3284 His power could give his will; bounds, comes on end,
FTLN 3285 Forgets school-doing, being therein trained
FTLN 3286 And of kind manage. Pig-like he whines
FTLN 3287 85 At the sharp rowel, which he frets at rather
FTLN 3288 Than any jot obeys; seeks all foul means
FTLN 3289 Of boist’rous and rough jadery to disseat
FTLN 3290 His lord that kept it bravely. When naught served,
FTLN 3291 When neither curb would crack, girth break, nor
FTLN 3292 90 diff’ring plunges
FTLN 3293 Disroot his rider whence he grew, but that
FTLN 3294 He kept him ’tween his legs, on his hind hoofs
FTLN 3295 On end he stands
FTLN 3296 That Arcite’s legs, being higher than his head,
FTLN 3297 95 Seemed with strange art to hang. His victor’s wreath
FTLN 3298 Even then fell off his head, and presently
FTLN 3299 Backward the jade comes o’er, and his full poise
FTLN 3300 Becomes the rider’s load. Yet is he living,
FTLN 3301 But such a vessel ’tis that floats but for

243
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 5. SC. 4
FTLN 3302 100 The surge that next approaches. He much desires
FTLN 3303 To have some speech with you. Lo, he appears.
Enter Theseus, Hippolyta, Emilia,
and Arcite carried in a chair.
PALAMON
FTLN 3304 O, miserable end of our alliance!
FTLN 3305 The gods are mighty, Arcite. If thy heart,
FTLN 3306 Thy worthy, manly heart, be yet unbroken,
FTLN 3307 105 Give me thy last words. I am Palamon,
FTLN 3308 One that yet loves thee dying.
ARCITE FTLN 3309 Take Emilia
FTLN 3310 And with her all the world’s joy. Reach thy hand;
FTLN 3311 Farewell. I have told my last hour. I was false,
FTLN 3312 110 Yet never treacherous. Forgive me, cousin.
FTLN 3313 One kiss from fair Emilia. She kisses him.
FTLN 3314 ’Tis done.
FTLN 3315 Take her. I die. He dies.
PALAMON FTLN 3316 Thy brave soul seek Elysium!
EMILIA
FTLN 3317 115 I’ll close thine eyes, prince. Blessed souls be with
FTLN 3318 thee!
FTLN 3319 Thou art a right good man, and while I live,
FTLN 3320 This day I give to tears.
PALAMON FTLN 3321 And I to honor.
THESEUS
FTLN 3322 120 In this place first you fought; e’en very here
FTLN 3323 I sundered you. Acknowledge to the gods
FTLN 3324 Our thanks that you are living.
FTLN 3325 His part is played, and though it were too short,
FTLN 3326 He did it well. Your day is lengthened, and
FTLN 3327 125 The blissful dew of heaven does arrouse you.
FTLN 3328 The powerful Venus well hath graced her altar,
FTLN 3329 And given you your love. Our master, Mars,
FTLN 3330 Hath vouched his oracle, and to Arcite gave

245
The Two Noble Kinsmen
ACT 5. SC. 4
FTLN 3331 The grace of the contention. So the deities
FTLN 3332 130 Have showed due justice.—Bear this hence.
PALAMON FTLN 3333 O cousin,
FTLN 3334 That we should things desire which do cost us
FTLN 3335 The loss of our desire, that naught could buy
FTLN 3336 Dear love but loss of dear love.
Arcite’s body is carried out.
THESEUS FTLN 3337 135 Never Fortune
FTLN 3338 Did play a subtler game. The conquered triumphs;
FTLN 3339 The victor has the loss; yet in the passage
FTLN 3340 The gods have been most equal.—Palamon,
FTLN 3341 Your kinsman hath confessed the right o’ th’ lady
FTLN 3342 140 Did lie in you, for you first saw her and
FTLN 3343 Even then proclaimed your fancy. He restored her
FTLN 3344 As your stol’n jewel and desired your spirit
FTLN 3345 To send him hence forgiven. The gods my justice
FTLN 3346 Take from my hand and they themselves become
FTLN 3347 145 The executioners. Lead your lady off,
FTLN 3348 And call your lovers from the stage of death,
FTLN 3349 Whom I adopt my friends. A day or two
FTLN 3350 Let us look sadly, and give grace unto
FTLN 3351 The funeral of Arcite, in whose end
FTLN 3352 150 The visages of bridegrooms we’ll put on
FTLN 3353 And smile with Palamon—for whom an hour,
FTLN 3354 But one hour since, I was as dearly sorry
FTLN 3355 As glad of Arcite, and am now as glad
FTLN 3356 As for him sorry. O you heavenly charmers,
FTLN 3357 155 What things you make of us! For what we lack
FTLN 3358 We laugh, for what we have are sorry, still
FTLN 3359 Are children in some kind. Let us be thankful
FTLN 3360 For that which is, and with you leave dispute
FTLN 3361 That are above our question. Let’s go off
FTLN 3362 160 And bear us like the time.
Flourish. They exit.

247
The Two Noble Kinsmen
EPILOGUE
Enter Epilogue.
EPILOGUE
FTLN 3363 I would now ask you how you like the play,
FTLN 3364 But, as it is with schoolboys, cannot say.
FTLN 3365 I am cruel fearful! Pray yet, stay a while,
FTLN 3366 And let me look upon you. No man smile?
FTLN 3367 5 Then it goes hard, I see. He that has
FTLN 3368 Loved a young handsome wench, then, show his
FTLN 3369 face—
FTLN 3370 ’Tis strange if none be here—and, if he will,
FTLN 3371 Against his conscience let him hiss and kill
FTLN 3372 10 Our market. ’Tis in vain, I see, to stay you.
FTLN 3373 Have at the worst can come, then! Now what say
FTLN 3374 you?
FTLN 3375 And yet mistake me not: I am not bold.
FTLN 3376 We have no such cause. If the tale we have told—
FTLN 3377 15 For ’tis no other—any way content you—
FTLN 3378 For to that honest purpose it was meant you—
FTLN 3379 We have our end; and you shall have ere long,
FTLN 3380 I dare say, many a better, to prolong
FTLN 3381 Your old loves to us. We, and all our might,
FTLN 3382 20 Rest at your service. Gentlemen, good night.
Flourish. He exits.