THE TWO NOBLE KINSMEN: Presented at the Blackfriers by the King's Majesty's servants, with great applause:  
Written by the memorable Worthies of their time.  
Mr. John Fletcher, and Mr. William Shakespeare. Gent.  
Printed at London by Tho. Cotes, for john Waterson: and are to be sold at the sign of the Crown in Paul's Churchyard. 1634.   

PROLOGUE.  

NEw Plays, and Maidenheads, are near a kin, 
Florish.   
Much followed both, for both much money g'yn,  
If they stand sound, and well; And a good Play  
(Whose modest Scenes blush on his marriage day,  
And shake to lose his honour) is like her  
That after holy tie, and first nights stir  
Yet still is Modesty, and still retains  
More of the maid to sight, than Husband's pains;  
We pray our Play may be so; For I am sure  
It has a noble Breeder, and a pure,  
A learned, and a Poet never went  
More famous yet 'twixt Po and silver Trent.  
Chaucer (of all admired) the Story gives,  
There constant to Eternity it lives;  
If we let fall the Nobleness of this,  
And the first sound this child bear, be a hiss,  
How will it shake the bones of that good man,  
And make him cry from under ground, O fan  
From me the witless chaff of such a wrighter  
That blasts my Bays, and my famed works makes lighter  
Than Robin Hood? This is the fear we bring;  
For to say Truth, it were an endless thing,  
And too ambitious to aspire to him;  
Weak as we are, and almost breathless swim  
In this deep water. Do but you hold out  
Your helping hands, and we shall take about,  
And something do to save us: You shall hear  
Scenes though below his Art, may yet appear  
Worth two hours' travel. To his bones sweet sleep:  
Content to you. If this play do not keep,  
A little dull time from us, we perceive  
Our losses fall so thick, we must needs leave.    

The Two Noble Kinsmen.  

Actus Primus.  
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 Hippolita the Bride, lead by Theseus, and another holding a Garland over her head (her Tresses likewise hanging.) After her Emilia holding up her Train. 

The Song. Music.  
ROses their sharp spines being gone,  
Not royal in their smells alone,  
But in their hue.  
Maiden Pinks, of odour faint,  
Daisies smel-lesse, yet most quaint  
And sweet Time true.   

Primrose first borne, child of Ver,  
Merry Spring times Harbinger,  
With her bells dim.  
Oxlips, in their Cradles growing,  
Marygolds, on death beds blowing,  
Larkes-heeles trim.   

All dear nature's children: sweet-  
lie fore Bride and Bridegroom's feet Strew Flowers.  
Blessing their sense.  
Not an angle of the air,  
Bird melodious, or bird fair,  
Is absent hence.   

The Crow, the slanderous Cuckoo, nor  
The boding Raven, nor Clough he  
Nor chattring Pie,  
May on our Bridehouse perch or sing,  
Or with them any discord bring  
But from it fly.   Enter 3. Queens in Black, with veils stained, with imperial Crowns. The 1. Queen falls down at the foot of Theseus; The 2. falls down at the foot of Hippolita. The 3. before Emilia. 1. Qu. 

For pities sake and true gentilities,  
Hear, and respect me.   2. Qu. 

For your Mother's sake.  
And as you wish your womb may thrive with fair ones,  
Hear and respect me,   3. Qu. 

Now for the love of him whom jove hath marked  
The honour of your Bed, and for the sake  
Of clear virginity, be Advocate  
For us, and our distresses: This good deed  
Shall raze you out o'th' Book of Trespasses  
All you are set down there.   Theseus. 
Sad Lady rise.  Hypol. 
Stand up.  Emil. 

No knees to me.  
What woman I may steed that is distressed,  
Does bind me to her.   Thes. 
What's your request? Deliver you for all.  1. Qu. 

We are 3. Queens, whose Sovereigns fell before  
The wrath of cruel Creon; who endured  
The Beakes of Ravens, Talents of the Kights,  
And pecks of Crows, in the foul fields of Thebes  
He will not suffer us to burn their bones,  
To urn their ashes, nor to take th' offence  
Of mortal loathsomeness from the blessed eye  
Of holy Phoebus, but infects the winds  
With stench of our slain Lords. O pity Duke,  
Thou purger of the earth, draw thy feared Sword  
That does good turns toth' world; give us the Bones  
Of our dead Kings, that we may Chapel them;  
And of thy boundless goodness take some note  
That for our crowned heads we have no roof,  
Save this which is the Lions, and the Bears,  
And vault to every thing.   Thes. 

Pray you kneel not,  
I was transported with your Speech, and suffered  
Your knees to wrong themselves; I have heard the fortunes  
Of your dead Lords, which gives me such lamenting  
As wakes my vengeance, and revenge for'em  
King Capaneus, was your Lord the day  
That he should marry you, at such a season,  
As now it is with me. I met your Groom,  
By Marsis Altar, you were that time fair;  
Not junos' Mantle fairer than your Tresses,  
Nor in more bounty spread her. Your wheaten wreath  
Was then nor threashd, nor blasted; Fortune at you  
Dimpled her Cheek with smiles: Hercules our kinsman  
(Then weaker than your eyes) laid by his Club,  
He tumbled down upon his Nenuan hide  
And swore his sinews thawd: O grief, and time,  
Fearful consumers, you will all devour.   1, Qu. 

O I hope some God,  
Some God hath put his mercy in your manhood  
Whereto he'll infuse power, and press you forth  
Our undertaker.   Thes. 

O no knees, none Widow,  
Unto the Helmeted-Belona use them,  
And pray for me your Soldier.  
Troubled I am.   turns away. 2. Qu. 

Honoured Hippolita  
Most dreaded Amazonian, that hast slain  
The Sith-tuskd-Bore; that with thy Arm as strong  
As it is white, wast near to make the male  
To thy Sex captive; but that this thy Lord  
Borne to uphold Creation, in that honour  
First nature styled it in, shrunk thee into  
The bound thou wast o'erflowing; at once subduing  
Thy force, and thy affection: Soldiresse  
That equally canst poise sternness with pity,  
Whom now I know haste much more power on him  
Then ever he had on thee, who ow'st his strength  
And his, Love too: who is a Servant for  
The Tenor of the Speech. Dear Glass of Ladies  
Bid him that we whom flaming war doth scorch,  
Under the shadow of his Sword, may cool us:  
Require him he advance it o'er our heads;  
Speak't in a woman's key: like such a woman  
As any of us three; weep ere you fail; lend us a knee;  
But touch the ground for us no longer time  
Than a Doves motion, when the head's plucked off:  
Tell him if he i'th' blood cizd field, lay swollen  
Showing the Sun his Teeth; grinning at the Moon  
What you would do.   Hip. 

Poor Lady, say no more:  
I had as lief trace this good action with you  
As that whereto I am going, and never yet  
Went I so willing, way. My Lord is taken  
Hart deep with your distress: Let him consider:  
I'll speak anon.   3. Qu. 

O my petition was kneel to Emilia.  
Set down in ice, which by hot grief uncandied  
Melts into drops, so sorrow wanting form  
Is pressed with deeper matter.   Emilia. 

Pray stand up,  
Your grief is written in your check.   3. Qu. 

O woe,  
You cannot read it there; there through my tears,  
Like wrinkled peobles in a glass stream  
You may behold 'em (Lady, Lady, alack)  
He that will all the Treasure know o'th' earth  
Must know the Centre too; he that will fish  
For my least minnow, let him lead his line  
To catch one at my heart. O pardon me  
Extremity that sharpens sundry wits  
Makes me a Foole.   Emili. 

Pray you say nothing, pray you,  
Who cannot feel, nor see the rain being in't,  
Knows neither wet, nor dry, if that you were  
The ground-peece of foam Painter, I would buy you  
T'instruct me 'gainst a Capital grief indeed  
Such heart pierced demonstration; but alas  
Being a natural Sister of our Sex  
Your sorrow beats so ardently upon me,  
That it shall make a counter reflect 'gainst  
My Brother's heart, and warm it to some pity  
Though it were made of stone: pray have good comfort.   Thes. 

Forward toth' Temple, leave not out a jot  
O'th' sacred Ceremony.   1. Qu. 

O This Celebration  
Will long last, and be more costly then,  
Your Suppliants war: Remember that your Fame  
Knowles in the ear, o'th' world: what you do quickly,  
Is not done rashly; your first thought is more.  
Then others laboured meditance: your premeditating  
More than their actions: But oh love, your actions  
Soon as they moves as Asprayes do the fish,  
Subdue before they touch, think, dear Duke think  
What beds our slain Kings have.   2. Qu. 

What griefs our beds  
That our dear Lords have none.   3. Qu. 

None fit forth' dead:  
Those that with Cordes, Knives, drams precipitance,  
Weary of this world's light, have to themselves  
Been deaths most horrid Agents, humane grace  
Affords them dust and shadow.   1. Qu. 

But our Lords  
Lie blistring fore the visitating Sun,  
And were good Kings, when living.   Thes. 

It is true. and I will give you comfort,  
To give your dead Lords graves:  
The which to do, must make some work with Creon;   1. Qu. 

And that work presents itself toth' doing:  
Now 'twill take form, the heats are gone to morrow.  
Then, bootless toil must recompense itself,  
With its own sweat; Now he's secure,  
Not dreams, we stand before your puissance  
Wrinching our holy begging in our eyes  
To make petition clear.   2. Qu. 

Now you may take him,  
Drunk with his victory.   3. Qu. 

And his Army full  
Of Bread, and sloth.   Thes. 

Artesuis that best knowest  
How to draw out fit to this enterprise,  
The prim'st for this proceeding, and the number  
To carry such a business, forth and levy  
Our worthiest Instruments, whilst we dispatch  
This grand act of our life, this daring deed  
Of Fate in wedlock.   1. Qu. 

Dowagers, take hands  
Let us be Widows to our woes, delay  
Commends us to a famishing hope.   All. 
Farewell.  2. Qu. 

We come unseasonably: But when could grief  
Cull forth as unpanged judgement can, fittest time  
For best solicitation.   Thes. 

Why good Ladies,  
This is a service, whereto I am going,  
Greater than any was; it more imports me  
Then all the actions that I have foregone,  
Or futurely can cope.   1. Qu. 

The more proclaiming  
Our suit shall be neglected, when her Arms  
Able to lock jove from a Synod, shall  
By warranting Moonlight corslet thee, oh when  
Her twyning Cherries shall their sweetness fall  
Upon thy tasteful lips, what wilt thou think  
Of rotten Kings or blubbered Queens, what care  
For what thou feelst not? what thou feelst being able  
To make Mars spurn his Drom. O if thou couch  
But one night with her, every hour in't will  
Take hostage of thee for a hundred, and  
Thou shalt remember nothing more, than what  
That Banquet bids thee too.   Hip. 

Though much unlike  
You should be so transported, as much sorry  
I should be such a Suitor; yet I think  
Did I not by th'abstaining of my joy  
Which breeds a deeper longing, cure their surfeit  
That craves a present medicine, I should pluck  
All Lady's scandal on me. Therefore Sir  
As I shall here make trial of my prayers,  
Either presuming them to have some force,  
Or sentencing for ay their vigour dumb,  
Prorogue this business, we are going about, and hang  
Your Shield afore your Heart, about that neck  
Which is my fee, and which I freely lend  
To do these poor Queen's service.   All Queens. 

Oh help now  
Our Cause cries for your knee.   Emil. 

If you grant not  
My Sister her petition in that force,  
With that Celerity, and nature which  
She makes it in: from henceforth I'll not dare  
To ask you any thing, nor be so hardy  
Ever to take a Husband.   Thes. 

Pray stand up.  
I am entreating of myself to do  
That which you kneel to have me; Pyrithous  
Lead on the Bride; get you and pray the Gods  
For success, and return; omit not any thing  
In the pretended Celebration: Queens  
Follow your Soldier (as before) hence you  
And at the banks of Anly meet us with  
The forces you can raise, where we shall find  
The moiety of a number, for a business,  
More bigger looked; since that our Theme is haste  
I stamp this kiss upon thy currant lip,  
Sweet keep it as my Token; Set you forward  
For I will see you gone. Exeunt towards the Temple.  
Farewell my beauteous Sister: Pirithous  
Keep the feast full, bate not an hour on't.   Pirithous. 

Sir  
I'll follow you at heeles; The Feasts solemnity  
Shall want till your return.   Thes. 

cousin I charge you  
Budge not from Athens; We shall be returning  
Ere you can end this Feast; of which I pray you  
Make no abatement; once more farewell all.   1. Qu. 
Thus dost thou still make good the tongue o'th' world.  2. Qu. 
And earnst a Deity equal with Mars,  3. Qu. 

If not above him, for  
Thou being but mortal makest affections bend  
To Godlike honours; they themselves some say  
Groan under such a Mastery.   Thes. 

As we are men  
Thus should we do, being sensually subdued  
We lose our humane title; good cheer Ladies. Florish.  
Now turn we towards your Comforts. Exeunt.    

Scaena 2. Enter Palamon, and Arcite.  Arcite. 

Dear Palamon, dearer in love then Blood  
And our prime x, yet unhardened in  
The Crimes of nature; Let us leave the City  
Thebes, and the tempt in't, before we further  
Sully our gloss of youth,  
And here to keep in abstinence we shame  
As in Incontinence; for not to swim  
I'th' aid o'th' Current, were almost to sink,  
At least to frustrate striving, and to follow  
The common Stream, 'twould bring us to an Edy  
Where we should turn or drown; if labour through,  
Our gain but life, and weakness.   Pal. 

Your advice  
Is cried up with example: what strange ruins  
Since first we went to School, may we perceive  
Walking in Thebes? Scars, and bare weeds  
The gain o'th' Martialist, who did propound  
To his bold ends, honour, and golden Ingots,  
Which though he won, he had not, and now flirted  
By peace for whom he fought, who then shall offer  
To Marsis so scorned Altar? I do bleed  
When such I meet, and wish great juno would  
Resume her ancient fit of jelouzie  
To get the Soldier work, that peace might purge  
For her repletion, and retain anew  
Her charitable heart now hard, and harsher  
Then strife, or war could be.   Arcite, 

Are you not out?  
Meet you no ruin, but the Soldier in  
The Cranckes, and turns of Thebes? you did begin  
As if you met decays of many kinds:  
Perceive you none, that do arowse your pity  
But th'un considered Soldier?   Pal. 

Yes, I pity  
Decays where ere I find them, but such most  
That sweating in an honourable Toil  
Are paid with ice to coole'em.   Arcite, 

'tis not this  
I did begin to speak of: This is virtue  
Of no respect in Thebes I spoke of Thebes  
How dangerous if we will keep our Honours,  
It is for our residing, where every evil  
Hath a good colour; where every seeming good's  
A certain evil, where not to be even jump  
As they are, here were to be strangers, and  
Such things to be mere Monsters.   Pal. 

'tis in our power,  
(Unless we fear that Apes can Tutor's) to  
Be Masters of our manners: what need I  
Affect another's gate, which is not catching  
Where there is faith, or to be fond upon  
Another's way of speech, when by mine own  
I may be reasonably conceived; saved too,  
Speaking it truly; why am I bound  
By any generous bond to follow him  
Follows his Tailor, haply so long until  
The followed, make pursuit? or let me know,  
Why mine own Barber is unblessed, with him  
My poor Chin too, for 'tis not Cizard just  
To such a Favourites glass: What Cannon is there  
That does command my Rapier from my hip  
To dangle't in my hand, or to go tip toe  
Before the street be foul? Either I am  
The fore-horse in the Team, or I am none  
That draw i'th' sequent trace: these poor slight sores,  
Need not a plantin; That which tips my bosom  
Almost toth' heart's,   Arcite. 
Our Uncle Creon.  Pal. 

He,  
A most unbounded Tyrant, whose successes  
Makes heaven unfeard, and villainy assured  
Beyond its power: there's nothing, almost puts  
Faith in a fever, and deifies alone  
Voluble chance, who only attributes  
The faculties of other Instruments  
To his own Nerves and act; Commands men service,  
And what they win in't, boot and glory on;  
That fears not to do harm; good, dares not; Let  
The blood of mine that's sib to him, be sucked  
From me with Leeches, Let them break and fall  
Off me with that corruption.   Arc. 

Clear spirited Cousin  
Lets leave his Court, that we may nothing share,  
Of his loud infamy: for our milk,  
Will relish of the pasture, and we must  
Be vile, or disobedient, not his kinesmen  
In blood, unless in quality.   Pal. 

Nothing truer:  
I think the Echoes of his shames have dea'ft  
The ears of heavenly justice: widows cries  
Descend again into their throats; and have not: Enter Valerius.  
Due audience of the Gods: Valerius   Ual. 

The King calls for you; yet be leaden footed  
Till his great rage be off him. Phoebus when  
He broke his whipstock and exclaimed against  
The Horses of the Sun, but whispered too  
The lowdenesse of his Fury.   Pal. 

Small winds shake him,  
But what's the matter?  
Val. Theseus (who where he threats appalls,) hath sent  
Deadly defiance to him, and pronounces  
Ruin to Thebes, who is at hand to seal  
The promise of his wrath.   Arc. 

Let him approach;  
But that we fear the Gods in him, he brings not  
A jot of terror to us; Yet what man  
Thirds his own worth (the case is each of ours)  
When that his actions dregd, with mind assured  
'tis bad he goes about.   Pal. 

Leave that unreasond.  
Our services stand now for Thebes, not Creon,  
Yet to be neutral to him, were dishonour;  
Rebellious to oppose: therefore we must  
With him stand to the mercy of our Fate,  
Who hath bounded our last minute.   Arc. 

So we must;  
Is't said this wars afoot? or it shall be  
On fail of some condition.   Val. 

'tis in motion  
The intelligence of state came in the instant  
With the defier.   Pal. 

Le's to the king, who, were he  
A quarter carrier of that honour, which  
His Enemy come in, the blood we venture  
Should be as for our health, which were not spent,  
Rather laid out for purchase: but alas  
Our hands advanced before our hearts, what will  
The fall o'th' stroke do damage?   Arci. 

Let th'event,  
That never erring arbitrator, tell us  
When we know all ourselves, and let us follow  
The becking of our chance.   Exeunt.  

Scaena 3. Enter Pirithous, Hippolita, Emilia.  Pir. 
No further.  Hip. 

Sir farewell; repeat my wishes  
To our great Lord, of whose success I dare not  
Make any timorous question, yet I wish him  
Excess, and overflow of power, an't might be  
To dure ill-dealing fortune; speed to him,  
Store never hurts good Governors.   Pir. 

Though I know  
His Ocean needs not my poor drops, yet they  
Must yield their tribute there: My precious Maid,  
Those best affections, that the heavens infuse  
In their best tempered pieces, keep enthroned  
In your dear heart.   Emil. 

thanks Sir; Remember me  
To our all royal Brother, for whose speed  
The great Bellona I'll solicit; and  
Since in our terrene State petitions are not  
Without gifts understood: I'll offer to her  
What I shall be advised she likes; our hearts  
Are in his Army in his Tent.   Hip. 

In's bosom:  
We have been Soldiers, and we cannot weep  
When our Friends done their helms, or put to sea,  
Or tell of Babe, broached on the Lance, or women  
That have sod their Infants in (and after eat them)  
Tho brine, they wept at killing 'em; Then if  
You stay to see of us such Spinesters, we  
Should hold you here for ever.   Pir. 

Peace be to you  
As I pursue this war, which shall be then  
Beyond further requiring.   Exit Pir. Emil. 

How his longing  
Follows his Friend; since his depart, his sports  
Though craving seriousness, and skill, passed slightly  
His careless execution, where nor gain  
Made him regard, or loss consider, but  
Playing o'er business in his hand, another  
Directing in his head, his mind, nurse equal  
To these so differing Twins; have you observed him,  
Since our great Lord departed?   Hip. 

With much labour:  
And I did love him for't, they two have Cabined  
In many as dangerous, as poor a Corner,  
Peril and want contending, they have skift  
Torrents whose roaring tyranny and power  
I'th' least of these was dreadful, and they have  
Fought out together, where Deaths-selfe was lodged,  
Yet fate hath brought them off: Their knot of love  
Tide, weaved, entangled, with so true, so long,  
And with a finger of so deep a cunning  
May be outworne, never undone, I think  
Theseus cannot be umpire to himself  
Cleaving his conscience into twain, and doing  
Each side like justice, which he loves best.   Emil. 

Doubtless  
There is a best, and reason has no manners  
To say it is not you: I was acquainted  
Once with a time, when I enjoyed a Playfellow;  
You were at wars, when she the grave enriched,  
Who made too proud the Bed, took leave o'th' Moon  
(which then looked pale at parting) when our count  
Was each a eleven.   Hip. 
'twas Flavia.  Emil. 

Yes  
You talk of Pirithous and Theseus love;  
Theirs has more ground, is more maturely seasons,  
More buckled with strong judgement. and their needs  
The one of th' other may be said to water  2. Hearses ready with Palamon; and Arcite: the 3. 
Their intertangled roots of love, but I  
And she (I sigh and spoke of) were things innocent,  
Loved for we did, and like the Elements  Queens. Theseus: and his Lords ready. 
That know not what, nor why, yet do effect  
Rare issues by their operance; our souls  
Did so to one another; what she liked,  
Was then of me approved, what not condemned  
No more arraignment, the flower that I would pluck  
And put between my breasts, oh (than but beginning  
To swell about the blossom) she would long  
Till she had such another, and commit it  
To the like innocent Cradle, where Phoenix like  
They died in perfume: on my head no toy  
But was her pattern, her affections (pretty  
Though happily, her careless, were, I followed  
For my most serious decking, had mine ear  
Stolen some new air, or at adventure hummed on  
From misicall Coynadge, why it was a note  
Whereon her spirits would sojourn (rather dwell on)  
And sing it in her slumbers; This rehearsal  
(Which fury-innocent wots well) comes in  
Like old importments bastard, has this end,  
That the true love 'tween Maid, and maid, may be  
More then in sex individual.   Hip. 

Y'are outof breath  
And this high speeded-pace, is but to say  
That you shall never (like the Maid Flavina)  
Love any that's called Man.   Emil. 
I am sure I shall not.  Hip. 

Now alack weak Sister,  
I must no more believe thee in this point  
(Though, in't I know thou dost believe thyself,)  
Then I will trust a sickly appetite,  
That loathes even as it longs, but sure my Sister  
If I were ripe for your persuasion, you  
Have said enough to shake me from the Arm  
Of the all noble Theseus, for whose fortunes,  
I will now in, and kneel with great assurance,  
That we, more than his Pirothous, possess  
The high throne in his heart.   Emil. 

I am not against your faith,  
Yet I continue mine.   Exeunt. Cornets.  

Scaena 4. A Battle struck within Then a Retreat: Florish. Then Enter Theseus (victor) the three queens meet him, and fall on their faces before him.  1. Qu. 
To thee no star be dark.  2. Qu. 

Both heaven and earth  
Friend thee for ever.   3. Qu. 

All the good that may  
Be wished upon thy head, I cry Amen to't.   Thes. 

Th'impartial Gods, who from the mounted heavens  
View us their mortal Herd, behold who err,  
And in their time chastise: go and find out  
The bones of your dead Lords, and honour them  
With treble Ceremony, rather than a gap  
Should be in their dear rights, we would suppl'it.  
But those we will depute, which shall invest  
You in your dignities, and even each thing  
Our haste does leave imperfect; So adieu  
And heavens good eyes look on you. what are those?   Exeunt queens. Herald. 

Men of great quality, as may be judgd  
By their appointment; Some of Thebes have told's  
They are Sisters children, Nephews to the King.   Thes. 

Byth' Helm of Mars, I saw them in the war,  
Like to a pair of Lions, smeared with prey,  
Make lanes in troops aghast. I fixed my note  
Constantly on them; for they were a mark  
Worth a god's view: what prisoner was't that told me  
When I inquired their names?   Herald. 

We leave, they're called  
Arcite and Palamon,   Thes. 

'tis right, those, those  
They are not dead?   Her. 

Nor in a state of life, had they been taken  
When their last hurts were given, 'twas possible  
3. Hearses ready.  
They might have been recovered; Yet they breathe  
And have the name of men.   Thes. 

Then like men use 'em  
The very lees of such (millions of rates)  
Exceed the wine of others. all our Surgeon's  
Convent in their behoof, our richest balms  
Rather then niggard waist, their lives concern us,  
Much more than Thebes is worth, rather than have 'em  
Freed of this plight, and in their morning state  
(Sound and at liberty) I would 'em dead,  
But forty thousand fold, we had rather have 'em  
Prisoners to us, than death; Bear 'em speedily  
From our kind air, to them unkind, and minister  
What man to man may do for our sake more,  
Since I have known frights, fury, friends, beheastes,  
Loves, provocations, zeal, a mistress Task,  
Desire of liberty, a fever, madness,  
Hath set a mark which nature could not reach too  
Without some imposition, sickness in will  
Or wrestling strength in reason, for our Love  
And great Apollo's mercy, all our best,  
Their best skill tender. Lead into the City,  
Where having bound things scattered, we will post Florish.  
To Athens for our Army.   Exeunt. Music.  

Scaena 5. Enter the Queens with the Hearses of their Knights, in a Funeral solemnity, &c.  

Urns, and odours, bring away,  
Vapours, sighs, darken the day;  
Our dole more deadly looks than dying  
Balms, and gums, and heavy cheers,  
Sacred vials filled with tears,  
And clamours through the wild air flying.   

Come all sad, and solemn Shows,  
That are quick-eyed pleasures foes;  
We convent nought else but woes.   We convent, &c. 3. Qu. 

This funeral path, brings to your households grave:  
joy cease on you again: peace sleep with him.   2. Qu. 
And this to yours.  1. Qu. 

Yours this way: Heavens lend  
A thousand differing ways, to one sure end.   3. Qu. 

This world's a City full of straying Streets,  
And Death's the market place, where each one meets.   Exeunt severally.   

Actus Secundus.  

Scaena 1. Enter jailer, and Wooer.  jailer. 

I may depart with little, while I live, some thing I  
May cast to you, not much: Alas the Prison I  
Keep, though it be for great ones, yet they seldom  
Come; Before one Salmon, you shall take a number  
Of Minnowes: I am given out to be better lined  
Than it can appear, to me report is a true  
Speaker: I would I were really, that I am  
Delivered to be: Marry, what I have (be it what  
it will) I will assure upon my daughter at  
The day of my death.   Wooer. 

Sir I demand no more than your own offer,  
And I will estate your Daughter in what I  
Have promised,   jailer. 

Well, we will talk more of this, when the solemnity  
Is past; But have you a full promise of her? Enter Daughter.  
When that shall be seen, I tender my consent.   Wooer. 
I have Sir; here she comes.  jailer. 

Your Friend and I have chanced to name  
You here, upon the old business: But no more of that.  
Now, so soon as the Court hurry is over, we will  
Have an end of it: I'th' mean time look tenderly  
To the two Prisoners. I can tell you they are princes.   Daug. 

These strew are for their Chamber; 'tis pity they  
Are in prison, and 'ttwere pity they should be out: I  
Do think they have patience to make any adversity  
Ashamed; the prison itself is proud of 'em; and  
They have all the world in their Chamber.   jailer. 
They are famed to be a pair of absolute men.  Dangh. 

By my troth, I think Fame but stammers 'em, they.  
Stand a greise above the reach of report.   jai. 
I heard them reported in the Battle, to be the only doers.  Daugh. 

Nay most likely, for they are noble suffrers; I  
Marvel how they would have looked had they been  
Victors, that with such a constant Nobility, enforce  
A freedom out of Bondage, making misery their  
Mirth, and affliction, a toy to jest at.   jailer. 
Do they so?  Daug. 

It seems to me they have no more sense of their  
Captivity, than I of ruling Athens: they eat  
Well, look merrily, discourse of many things,  
But nothing of their own restraint, and disasters:  
Yet sometime a divided sigh, martyred as 'ttwere  
I'th' deliverance, will break from one of them.  
When the other presently gives it so sweet a rebuke,  
That I could wish myself a Sigh to be so chid,  
Or at least a Sigher to be comforted.   Wooer. 
I never saw'em.  jailer. 

The Duke himself came privately in the night, Enter Palamon, and Arcite, above.  
And so did they, what the reason of it is, I  
Know not: Look yonder they are; that's  
Arcite looks out.   Daugh. 

No Sir, no, that's Palamon; Arcite is the  
Lower of the twain; you may perceive a part  
Of him.   jai. 

Go too, leave your pointing; they would not  
Make us their object; out of their sight.   Daugh. 

It is a holiday to look on them: Lord, the  
Difference of men. Exeunt,    

Scaena 2. Enter Palamon, and Arcite in prison.  Pal. 
How do you Noble x?  Arcite. 
How do you Sir?  Pal. 

Why strong enough to laugh at misery,  
And bear the chance of war yet, we are prisoners  
I fear for ever x.   Arcite. 

I believe it,  
And to that destiny have patiently  
Laid up my hour to come.   Pal. 

Oh x Arcite,  
Where is Thebes now? where is our noble Country?  
Where are our friends, and kindreds? never more  
Must we behold those comforts, never see  
The hardy youths strive for the Games of honour  
(Hung with the painted favours of their Ladies)  
Like tall Ships under sail: then start amongst 'em  
And as an Eastwind leave 'em all behind us,  
Like lazy Clouds, whilst Palamon and Arcite,  
Even in the wagging of a wanton leg  
Outstripped the people's praises, won the Garlands,  
Ere they have time to wish 'em ours. O never  
Shall we two exercise, like Twins of honour,  
Our Arms again, and feel our fiery horses  
Like proud Seas under us, our good Swords, now  
(Better the red-eyd god of war ne'er were)  
Bravishd our sides, like age must run to rust,  
And deck the Temples of those gods that hate us,  
These hands shall never draw'em out like lightning  
To blast whole Armies more.   Arcite. 

No Palamon,  
Those hopes are Prisoners with us, here we are  
And here the graces of our youths must wither  
Like a too-timely Spring; here age must find us,  
And which is heaviest (Palamon) unmarried,  
The sweet embraces of a loving wife  
Laden with kisses, armed with thousand Cupids  
Shall never clasp our necks, no issue know us,  
No figures of ourselves shall we e'er see,  
To glad our age, and like young Eagles teach'em  
Boldly to gaze against bright arms, and say  
Remember what your fathers were, and conquer.  
The faire-eyd Maids, shall weep our Bavishments,  
And in their Songs, curse ever-blinded fortune  
Till she for shame see what a wrong she has done  
To youth and nature; This is all our world;  
We shall know nothing here but one another,  
Hear nothing but the Clock that tells our woes.  
The Vine shall grow, but we shall never see it:  
Summer shall come, and with her all delights;  
But dead-cold winter must inhabit here still.   Pal. 

'tis too true Arcite. To out Theban hounds,  
That shook the aged Forrest with their echoes,  
No more now must we halo, no more shake  
Our pointed javelyns, whilst the angry Swine  
Flies like a parthian quiver from our rages,  
Struck with our well-steeld Darts: All valiant uses,  
(The food, and nourishment of noble minds,)  
In us two here shall perish; we shall die  
(which is the curse of honour) lastly,  
Children of grief, and Ignorance.   Arc. 

Yet x,  
Even from the bottom of these miseries  
From all that fortune can inflict upon us,  
I see two comforts rising, two mere blessings,  
If the gods please, to hold here a brave patience,  
And the enjoying of our griefs together.  
Whilst Palamon is with me, let me perish  
If I think this our prison.   Pala. 

Certainly,  
'tis a main goodness x, that our fortunes  
Were twyned together; 'tis most true, two souls  
Put in two noble Bodies, let'em suffer  
The gall of hazard, so they grow together,  
Will never sink, they must not, say they could,  
A willing man dies sleeping, and all's done.   Arc. 

Shall we make worthy uses of this place  
That all men hate so much?   Pal. 
How gentle x?  Arc. 

Let's think this prison, holy sanctuary,  
To keep us from corruption of worse men,  
We are young and yet desire the ways of honour,  
That liberty and common Conversation  
The poison of pure spirits; might like women  
Woo us to wander from. What worthy blessing  
Can be but our Imaginations  
May make it ours? And here being thus together,  
We are an endless mine to one another;  
We are one another's wife, ever begotting  
New births of love; we are father, friends, acquaintance,  
We are in one another, Families,  
I am your heir, and you are mine: This place  
Is our Inheritance: no hard Oppressor  
Dare take this from us; here with a little patience  
We shall live long, and loving: No surfeits seek us:  
The hand of war hurts none here, nor the Seas  
Swallow their youth: were we at liberty,  
A wife might part us lawfully, or business,  
Quarrels consume us, Envy of ill men  
Crave our acquaintance, I might sicken x,  
Where you should never know it, and so perish  
Without your noble hand to close mine eyes,  
Or prayers to the gods; a thousand chances  
Were we from hence, would seaver us.   Pal. 

You have made me  
(I thank you x Arcite) almost wanton  
With my Captivity: what a misery  
It is to live abroad? and every where:  
'tis like a Beast me thinks: I find the Court here,  
I am sure a more content, and all those pleasures  
That woo the wills of men to vanity,  
I see through now, and am sufficient  
To tell the world, 'tis but a gaudy shadow,  
That old Time, as he passes by takes with him,  
What had we been old in the Court of Creon,  
Where sin is justice, lust, and ignorance,  
The virtues of the great ones: x Arcite,  
Had not the loving gods found this place for us  
We had died as they do, ill old men, unwept,  
And had their Epitaphs, the people's Curses,  
Shall I say more?   Arc. 
I would hear you still.  Ral. 

Ye shall.  
Is there record of any two that loved  
Better than we do Arcite?   Arc. 
Sure there cannot.  Pal. 

I do not think it possible our friendship  
Should ever leave us.   Arc. 

Till our deaths it cannot Enter Emilia and her woman.  
And after death our spirits shall be led  
To those that love eternally. Speak on Sir.  
This garden has a world of pleasures in't.   Emil. 
What Flower is this?  Wom. 
'tis called Narcissus Madam.  Emil. 

That was a fair Boy certain, but a fool,  
To love himself, were there not maids enough?   Arc. 
Pray forward.  Pal. 
Yes.  Emil. 
Or were they all hard hearted?  Wom. 
They could not be to one so fair.  Emil. 
Thou wouldst not.  Wom. 
I think I should not, Madam.  Emil. 

That's a good wench:  
But take heed to your kindness though.   Wom. 
Why Madam?  Emil. 
Men are mad things.  Arcite. 
Will ye go forward x?  Emil. 
Canst not thou work such flowers in silk wench?  Wom. 
Yes.  Emil. 

I'll have a gown full of 'em and of these,  
This is a pretty colour, wilt not do  
Rarely upon a Skirt wench?   Wom. 
Dainty Madam.  Arc. 
cousin, x, how do you Sir? Why Palamon?  Pal. 
Never till now I was in prison Arcite.  Arc. 
Why 'ss the matter Man?  Pal. 

Behold, and wonder.  
By heaven she is a Goddess.   Arcite. 
Ha.  Pal. 

Do reverence.  
She is a Goddess Arcite.   Emil. 

Of all Flowers.  
Me thinks a Rose is best.   Wom. 
Why gentle Madam?  Emil. 

It is the very Emblem of a Maid.  
For when the west wind courts her gently  
How modestly she blows, and paints the Sun,  
With her chaste blushes? When the North comes near her,  
Rude and impatient, then, like Chastity  
She locks her beauties in her bud again,  
And leaves him to base briers.   Wom. 

Yet good Madam,  
Sometimes her modesty will blow so far  
She falls for't: a Maid  
If she have any honour, would be loath  
To take example by her.   Emil. 
Thou art wanton.  Arc. 
She is wondrous fair.  Pal. 
She is all the beauty extant.  Emil. 

The Sun grows high, le's walk in, keep these flowers,  
we'll see how near Art can come near their colours;  
I am wondrous merry hearted, I could laugh now.   Wom. 
I could lie down I am sure.  Emil. 
And take one with you?  Wom. 
That's as we bargain Madam,  Emil. 
Well, agree then.  Exeunt Emilia and woman. Pal. 
What think you of this beauty?  Arc. 
'tis a rare one.  Pal. 
Is't but a rare one?  Arc. 
Yes a matchless beauty.  Pal. 
Might not a man well lose himself and love her?  Arc. 

I cannot tell what you have done, I have,  
Beshrew mine eyes for't, now I feel my Shackles.   Pal. 
You love her then?  Arc. 
Who would not?  Pal. 
And desire her?  Arc. 
Before my liberty.  Pal. 
I saw her first.  Arc. 
That's nothing  Pal. 
But it shall be.  Arc. 
I saw her too.  Pal. 
Yes, but you must not love her.  Arc. 

I will not as you do; to worship her;  
As she is heavenly, and a blessed Gods;  
(I love her as a woman, to enjoy her)  
So both may love.   Pal. 
You shall not love at all.  Arc. 

Not love at all.  
Who shall deny me?   Pal. 

I that first saw her; I that took possession  
First with mine eye of all those beauties  
In her revealed to mankind: if thou lov'st her.  
Or entertainest a hope to blast my wishes,  
Thou art a Traitor Arcite and a fellow  
False as thy Title to her: friendship, blood  
And all the ties between us I disclaim  
If thou once think upon her.   Arc, 

Yes I love her,  
And if the lives of all my name lay on it,  
I must do so, I love her with my soul,  
If that will lose ye, farewell Palamon,  
I say again, I love, and in loving her maintain  
I am as worthy, and as free a lover  
And have as just a title to her beauty  
As any Palamon or any living  
That is a man's Son.   Pal. 
Have I called thee friend?  Arc. 

Yes, and have found me so; why are you moved thus?  
Let me deal coldly with you, am not I  
Part of you blood, part of your soul? you have told me  
That I was Palamon, and you were Arcite.   Pal. 
Yes.  Arc. 

Am not I liable to those affections,  
Those joys, griefs, angers, fears, my friend shall suffer?   Pal. 
Ye may be.  Arc. 

Why then would you deal so cunningly,  
So strangely, so unlike a noble kinsman  
To love alone? speak truly, do you think me  
Unworthy of her sight?   Pal. 

No, but unjust,  
If thou pursue that sight.   Arc. 

Because an other  
First sees the Enemy, shall I stand still  
And let mine honour down, and never charge?   Pal. 
Yes, if he be but one.  Arc. 

But say that one  
Had rather combat me?   Pal. 

Let that one say so,  
And use thy freedom: else if thou pursuest her,  
Be as that cursed man that hates his Country,  
A branded villain.   Arc. 
You are mad.  Pal. 

I must be.  
Till thou art worthy, Arcite, it concerns me,  
And in this madness, if I hazard thee  
And take thy life, I deal but truly.   Arc. 

Fie Sir.  
You play the Child extremely: I will love her,  
I must, I ought to do so, and I dare,  
And all this justly.   Pal. 

O that now, that now  
Thy false-self and thy friend, had but this fortune  
To be one hour at liberty, and grasp  
Our good Swords in our hands, I would quickly teach thee  
What tw'er to filch affection from another:  
Thou art base in it then a Cutpurse;  
Put but thy head out of this window more,  
And as I have a soul, I'll nail thy life to't.   Arc. 

Thou dar'st not fool, thou canst not, thou art feeble.  
Put my head out? I'll throw my Body out,  
And leap the garden, when I see her next Enter Keeper.  
And pitch between her arms to anger thee.   Pal. 

No more; the keeper's coming; I shall live  
To knock thy brains out with my Shackles.   Arc. 
Do.  Keeper. 
By your leave Gentlemen:  Pala. 
Now honest keeper?  Keeper. 

Lord Arcite, you must presently toth' Duke;  
The cause I know not yet.   Arc. 
I am ready keeper.  Keeper, 

Prince Palamon, I must awhile bereave you  
Of your fair Cousin's Company.   Exeunt Arcite, and Keeper. Pal. 

And me too,  
Even when you please of life; why is he sent for?  
It may be he shall marry her, he's goodly.  
And like enough the Duke hath taken notice  
Both of his blood and body: But his falsehood,  
Why should a friend be treacherous? If that  
Get him a wife so noble, and so fair;  
Let honest men ne'er love again. Once more  
I would but see this fair One: Blessed Garden,  
And fruit, and flowers more blessed that still blossom  
As her bright eyes shine on ye. would I were  
For all the fortune of my life hereafter  
Yond little Tree, yond blooming Apricocke;  
How I would spread, and fling my wanton arms  
In at her window; I would bring her fruit  
Fit for the Gods to feed on: youth and pleasure  
Still as she tasted should be doubled on her,  
And if she be not heavenly I would make her  
So near the Gods in nature, they should fear her. Enter Keeper.  
And then I am sure she would love me: how now keeper  
where's Arcite,   Keeper, 

Banished: Prince Pirithous  
Obtained his liberty; but never more  
Upon his oath and life must he set foot  
Upon this Kingdom.   Pal. 

he's a blessed man,  
He shall see Thebes again, and call to Arms  
The bold young men, that when he bids 'em charge,  
Fall on like fire: Arcite shall have a Fortune,  
If he dare make himself a worthy Lover,  
Yet in the Field to strike a battle for her;  
And if he lose her then, he's a cold Coward;  
How bravely may he bear himself to win her  
If he be noble Arcite; thousand ways.  
Were I at liberty, I would do things  
Of such a virtuous greatness, that this Lady,  
This blushing virgin should take manhood to her  
And seek to ravish me.   Keeper, 

My Lord for you  
I have this charge too.   Pal. 
To discharge my life.  Keep. 

No, but from this place to remove your Lordship,  
The windows are too open.   Fal. 

Devils take 'em  
That are so envious to me; prithee kill me.   Keep. 
And hang for't afterward.  Pal. 

By this good light  
Had I a sword I would kill thee.   Keep, 
Why my Lord?  Pal. 

Thou bringst such pelting scurvy news continually  
Thou art not worthy life; I will not go.   Keep. 
Indeed yond must my Lord.  Pal. 
May I see the garden?  Keep. 
Noe.  Pal. 
Then I am resolved, I will not go.  Keep 

I must constrain you then; and for you are dangerous  
I'll clap more irons on you.   Pal. 

Do good keeper.  
I'll shake'em so, ye shall not sleep,  
I'll make ye a new morris, must I go?   Keep. 
There is no remedy.  Pal. 

Farewell kind window.  
May rude wind never hurt thee. O my Lady  
If ever thou hast felt what sorrow was,  
Dream how I suffer. Come; now bury me.   Exeunt Palamon, and Keeper.  

Scaena 3. Enter Arcite.  Arcite. 

Banished the kingdom? 'tis a benefit,  
A mercy I must thank 'em for, but banished  
The free enjoying of that face I die for,  
Oh 'twas a studied punishment, a death  
Beyond Imagination: Such a vengeance  
That were I old and wicked, all my sins  
Could never pluck upon me. Palamon;  
Thou hast the Start now, thou shalt stay and see  
Her bright eyes break each morning 'gainst thy window,  
And let in life into thee; thou shalt feed  
Upon the sweetness of a noble beauty,  
That nature ne'er exceeded, nor ne'er shall:  
Good gods? what happiness has Palamon?  
Twenty to one, he'll come to speak to her,  
And if she be as gentle, as she's fair,  
I know she's his, he has a Tongue will tame  
Tempests, and make the wild Rocks wanton. Come what can come,  
The worst is death; I will not leave the Kingdom,  
I know mine own, is but a heap of ruins,  
And no redress there, if I go, he has her.  
I am resolved an other shape shall make me,  
Or end my fortunes. Either way, I am happy:  
I'll see her, and be near her, or no more.   Enter. 4. Country people, & one with a garland before them. 1, 
My Masters, I'll be there that's certain.  2. 
And I'll be there.  3. 
And I.  4. 

Why then have with ye Boys; 'tis but a chiding,  
Let the plough play to day, I'll tick'lt out  
Of the lads tails to morrow.   1. 

I am sure  
To have my wife as jealous as a Turkey:  
But that's all one, I'll go through, let her mumble.   2. 

Clap her aboard to morrow night, and stoa her,  
And all's made up again.   3. 

ay, do but put a feskue in her fist, and you shall see her  
Take a new lesson out, and be a good wench.  
Do we all hold, against the Maying?   4. 
Hold? what should ail us?  3. 
Arcas will be there.  2. 

And Sennois.  
And Rycas, and 3. better lads ne'er dancd under green Tree,  
And yet know what wenches: ha?  
But will the dainty Domine, the Schoolmaster keep touch  
Do you think: for he does all ye know.   3. 
he'll eat a hornbook ere he fail: go too, the matter's too far driven between him, and the Tanner's daughter, to let slip now, and she must see the Duke, and she must dance too.  4. 
Shall we be lusty.  2. 
All the Boys in Athens blow wind i'th' breech on's, and here I'll be and there I'll be, for our Town, and here again, and there again: ha, Boys, heigh for the weavers.  1. 
This must be done i'th' woods.  4. 
O pardon me.  2. 
By any means our thing of learning sees so: where he himself will edify the Duke most parlously in our behalfs: he's excellent i'th' woods, bring him toth' plains, his learning makes no cry:  3. 
we'll see the sports, than every man to's Tackle: and Sweet Companions le's rehearse by any means before The Ladies see us, and do sweetly, and God knows what May come on't.  4. 
Content; the sports once ended, we'll perform. Away Boys and hold.  Arc. 
By your leaves honest friends: pray you whither go you.  4. 
Whither? why, what a question's that?  Arc. 
Yes, 'tis a question, to me that know not.  3. 
To the Games my Friend.  2. 
Where were you bred you know it not?  Arc. 

Not fairy Sir,  
Are there such Games to day?   1. 

Yes marry are there:  
And such as you never saw; The Duke himself  
Will be in person there.   Arc. 
What pastimes are they?  2, 
Wrestling, and Running; 'tis a pretty Fellow.  3. 
Thou wilt not go along.  Arc. 
Not yet Sir.  4. 

Well Sir  
Take your own time, come Boys   1. 

My mind misgives me  
This fellow has a vengeance trick o'th' hip,  
Mark how his Body's made for't   2. 

I'll be hanged though  
If he dare venture, hang him plumb porridge,  
He wrestle? he roast eggs. Come le's be gone Lads.   Exeunt: 4. Arc. 

This is an offered opportunity  
I durst not wish for. Well, I could have wrestled,  
The best men called it excellent, and run  
Swifter, than wind upon a field of Corn  
(Curling the wealthy ears) never flew: I'll venture,  
And in some poor disguise be there, who knows  
Whether my brows may not be girt with garlands?  
And happiness prefer me to a place,  
Where I may ever dwell in sight of her.   Exit Arcire,  

Scaena 4. Enter jailors Daughter alone.  Daugh. 

Why should I love this Gentleman? 'tis odds  
He never will affect me; I am base,  
My Father the mean Keeper of his Prison,  
And he a prince; To marry him is hopeless;  
To be his whore, is witless; Out upon't;  
What bushes are we wenches driven to  
When fifteen once has found us? First I saw him,  
I (seeing) thought he was a goodly man;  
He has as much to please a woman in him,  
(If he please to bestow it so) as ever  
These eyes yet looked on; Next, I pitied him,  
And so would any young wench o'my Conscience  
That ever dreamed, or vowed her Maidenhead  
To a young handsome Man; Then I loved him,  
(extremely loved him) infinitely loved him;  
And yet he had a x, fair as he too.  
But in my heart was Palamon, and there  
Lord, what a coil he keeps? To hear him  
Sing in an evening, what a heaven it is?  
And yet his Songs are sad-ones; Fairer spoken,  
Was never Gentleman. When I come in  
To bring him water in a morning, first  
He bows his noble body, then salutes me, thus:  
Fair, gentle Mayde, good morrow, may thy goodness,  
Get thee a happy husband; Once he kissed me,  
I loved my lips the better ten days after,  
Would he would do so every day; He grieves much,  
And me as much to see his misery.  
What should I do, to make him know I love him,  
For I would fain enjoy him? Say I ventured  
To set him free? what says the law then? Thus much  
For Law, or kindred: I will do it,  
And this night, or to morrow he shall love me.   Exit.  

Scaena 4. Enter Theseus, Hippolita, Pirithous, This short flourish of Cornets and Shout Within. Emilia: Arcite with a Garland, &c.  Thes. 

You have done worthily: I have not seen  
Since Hercules, a man of tougher sinews;  
What ere you are, you run the best, and wrestle,  
That these times can allow.   Arcite. 
I am proud to please you.  Thes. 
What Country bred you?  Arcite. 
This; but far off, Prince.  Thes. 
Are you a Gentleman?  Arcite. 

My father said so;  
And to those gentle uses gave me life.   Thes. 
Are you his heir?  Arcite. 
His youngest Sir.  Thes. 

Your Father  
Sure is a happy Sire then: what proves you?   Arcite. 

A little of all noble Qualities:  
I could have kept a Hawk, and well have holloa'd  
To a deep cry of Dogs; I dare not praise  
My feat in horsemanship: yet they that knew me  
Would say it was my best piece: last, and greatest,  
I would be thought a Soldier.   Thes. 
You are perfect.  Pirith. 
Upon my soul, a proper man.  Emilia. 
He is so.  Per. 
How do you like him Lady?  Hip. 

I admire him,  
I have not seen so young a man, so noble  
(If he say true,) of his sort.   Emil. 

Believe,  
His mother was a wondrous handsome woman,  
His face me thinks, goes that way.   Hyp. 

But his Body  
And fiery mind, illustrate a brave Father.   Per. 

Mark how his virtue, like a hidden Sun  
Breaks through his baser garments.   Hyp. 
he's well got sure.  Thes. 
What made you seek this place Sir?  Arc. 

Noble Theseus.  
To purchase name, and do my ablest service  
To such a well-found wonder, as thy worth,  
Foe only in thy Court, of all the world  
dwells faire-eyd honour.   Per. 
All his words are worthy.  Thes. 

Sir, we are much indebted to your travel,  
Nor shall you lose your wish: Pirithous  
Dispose of this fair Gentleman.   Perith. 

Thanks Theseus.  
What ere you are y'are mine, and I shall give you  
To a most noble service, to this Lady,  
This bright young Virgin; pray observe her goodness;  
You have honoured her fair birthday, with your virtues,  
And as your due y'are hers: kiss her fair hand Sir.   Arc. 

Sir, y'are a noble Giver: dearest Beauty,  
Thus let me seal my vowed faith: when your Servant  
(Your most unworthy Creature) but offends you,  
Command him die, he shall.   Emil. 

That were too cruel.  
If you deserve well Sir; I shall soon see't:  
Y'are mine, and somewhat better than your rank I'll use you.   Per. 

I'll see you furnished, and because you say  
You are a horseman, I must needs entreat you  
This after noon to ride, but 'tis a rough one.   Arc. 

I like him better (Prince) I shall not then  
Freeze in my Saddle.   Thes. 

Sweet, you must be ready,  
And you Emilia, and you (Friend) and all  
To morrow by the Sun, to do observance  
To flowery May, in Diane's wood: wait well Sir  
Upon your Mistress: Emely, I hope  
He shall not go a foot.   Emil. 

That were a shame Sir,  
While I have horses: take your choice, and what  
You want at any time, let me but know it;  
If you serve faithfully, I dare assure you  
You'll find a loving mistress.   Are. 

If I do not,  
Let me find that my Father ever hated,  
Disgrace, and blows.   Thes. 

Go lead the way; you have won it:  
It shall be so; you shall receive all dues  
Fit for the honour you have won; 'tTwere wrong else,  
Sister, beshrew my heart, you have a Servant,  
That if I were a woman, would be Master,  
But you are wise.   Florish. Emil. 
I hope too wise for that Sir.  Exeunt omnes.  

Scaena 6. Enter jailors Daughter alone.  Daughter. 

Let all the Dukes, and all the devil's roar,  
He is at liberty: I have ventured for him,  
And out I have brought him to a little wood  
A mile hence, I have sent him, where a Cedar  
Higher than all the rest, spreads like a plane  
Fast by a Brook, and there he shall keep close,  
Till I provide him Fyles, and food, for yet  
His iron bracelets are not off. O Love  
What a stout hearted child thou art! My Father  
Durst better have endured cold iron, than done it:  
I love him, beyond love, and beyond reason,  
Or wit, or safety: I have made him know it  
I care not, I am desperate, If the law  
Find me, and then condemn me for't; some wenches,  
Some honest hearted Maids, will sing my Dirge.  
And tell to memory, my death was noble,  
Dying almost a Martyr: That way he takes,  
I purpose is my way too: Sure he cannot  
Be so unmanly, as to leave me here,  
If he do, Maids will not so easily  
Trust men again: And yet he has not thanked me  
For what I have done: no not so much as kissed me,  
And that (me thinks) is not so well; nor scarcely  
Could I persuade him to become a Freeman,  
He made such scruples of the wrong he did  
To me, and to my Father. Yet I hope  
When he considers more, this love of mine  
Will take more root within him: Let him do  
What he will with me, so he use me kindly,  
For use me so he shall, or I'll proclaim him  
And to his face, no-man: I'll presently  
Provide him necessaries, and pack my clothes up,  
And where there is a path of ground I'll venture  
So he be with me; By him, like a shadow  
I'll ever dwell; within this hour the whoobub  
Will be all o'er the prison: I am then  
Kissing the man they look for: farewell Father;  
Get many more such prisoners, and such daughters,  
And shortly you may keep yourself. Now to him:  Cornets in sundry places. Noise and hallowing as people a Maying:    

Actus Tertius.  

Scaena 1. Enter Arcite alone.  Arcite. 

The Duke has lost Hippolita; each took  
A several land. This is a solemn Right  
They owe bloomd May, and the Athenians pay it  
Toth' heart of Ceremony: O Queen Emilia  
Fresher than May, sweeter  
Than her gold Buttons on the bows, or all  
Th'enameled knacks o'th' Mead, or garden, yea  
(We challenge too) the bank of any Nymph  
That makes the stream seem flowers; thou o jewel  
O'th' wood, o'th' world, hast likewise blessed a pace  
With thy sole presence, in thy rumination  
That I poor man might eftsoons come between  
And chop on some cold thought, thrice blessed chance  
To drop on such a Mistress, expectation  
most guiltless on't: tell me O Lady Fortune  
(Next after Emely my sovereign) how far  
I may be proud. She takes strong note of me,  
Hath made me near her; and this felonious Morn  
(The prim'st of all the year) presents me with  
A brace of horses, two such Steeds might well  
Be by a pair of Kings backed, in a Field  
That their crowns titles tried: Alas, alas  
Poor x Palamon, poor prisoner, thou  
So little dreamest upon my fortune, that  
Thou thinkst thyself, the happier thing, to be  
So near Emilia, me thou deemest at Thebes,  
And therein wretched, although free; But if  
Thou knew'st my Mistress breathed on me, and that  
I eared her language, lived in her eye; O Coz  
What passion would enclose thee.   Enter Palamon as out of a Bush, with his Shackles: bends his fist at Arcite. Palamon. 

Traitor kinsman,  
Thou shouldst perceive my passion, if these signs  
Of prisonment were off me, and this hand  
But owner of a Sword: By all oaths in one  
I, and the justice of my love would make thee  
A confessed Traitor, o thou most perfidious  
That ever gently looked the voids of honour.  
That e'er bore gentle Token; falsest x  
That ever blood made kin, call'st thou her thine?  
I'll prove it in my Shackles, with these hands,  
Void of appointment, that thou liest, and art  
A very thief in love, a Chaffy Lord  
Nor worth the name of villain: had I a Sword  
And these house clogs away.   Arc. 
Dear x Palamon,  Pal. 

Cozener Arcite, give me language, such  
As thou hast showed me feat.   Arc. 

Not finding in  
The circuit of my breast, any gross stuff  
To form me like your blazon, holds me to  
This gentleness of answer; 'tis your passion  
That thus mistakes, the which to you being enemy,  
Cannot to me be kind: honour, and honesty  
I cherish, and depend on, how so e'er  
You skip them in me, and with them fair Coz  
I'll maintain my proceedings; pray be pleased  
To show in generous terms, your griefs, since that  
Your question's with your equal, who professes  
To clear his own way, with the mind and Sword  
Of a true Gentleman.   Pal. 
That thou durst Arcite.  Arc. 

My Coz, my Coz, you have been well advertised  
How much I dare, y'ave seen me use my Sword  
Against th'advice of fear: sure of another  
You would not hear me doubted, but your silence  
Should break out, though i'th' Sanctuary.   Pal. 

Sir,  
I have seen you move in such a place, which well  
Might justify your manhood, you were called  
A good knight and a bold; But the whole weeke's not fair  
If any day it rain: Their valiant temper  
Men lose when they incline to treachery,  
And then they fight like compelled Bears, would fly  
Were they not tied.   Arc. 

Kinsman, you might as well  
Speak this, and act it in your Glass, as to  
His care, which now disdains you.   Pal. 

Come up to me,  
Quit me of these cold Gyves, give me a Sword  
Though it be rusty, and the charity  
Of one meal lend me; Come before me then  
A good Sword in thy hand, and do but say  
That Emily is thine, I will forgive  
The trespass thou hast done me, yea my life  
If then thou carry't, and brave souls in shades  
That have died manly, which will seek of me  
Some news from earth, they shall get none but this  
That thou art brave, and noble.   Arc. 

Be content,  
Again betake you to your hawthorn house,  
With counsel of the night, I will be here  
With wholesome viands; these impediments  
Will I file off, you shall have garments, and  
Perfumes to kill the smell o'th' prison, after  
When you shall stretch yourself, and say but Arcite  
I am in plight, there shall be at your choice  
Both Sword, and Armour.   Pal. 

Oh you heavens, dares any  
So noble bear a guilty business! none  
But only Arcite, therefore none but Arcite  
In this kind is so bold.   Arc. 
Sweet Palamon.  Pal. 

I do embrace you, and your offer, for  
Your offer do't I only, Sir your person  
Without hypocrisy I may not wish Wind horns of Cornets.  
More than my Sword's edge on't.   Arc. 

You hear the Horns;  
Enter your Music lest this match between's  
Be crossed, ere met, give me your hand, farewell.  
I'll bring you every needful thing: I pray you  
Take comfort and be strong.   Pal. 

Pray hold your promise;  
And do the deed with a bend brow, most certain  
You love me not, be rough with me, and pour  
This oil out of your language; by this air  
I could for each word, give a Cuff: my stomach  
not reconciled by reason,   Arc. 

Plainly spoken,  
Yet pardon me hard language, when I spur Wind horns.  
My horse, I chide him nor; content, and anger  
In me have but one face. Hark Sir, they call  
The scattered to the Banquet; you must guess  
I have an office there.   Pal. 

Sir your attendance  
Cannot please heaven, and I know your office  
Unjustly is atcheeved.   Arc. 

If a good title,  
I am persuaded this question sick between's,  
By bleeding must be cured. I am a Suitor,  
That to your Sword you will be queath this plea,  
And talk of it no more.   Pal. 

But this one word:  
You are going now to gaze upon my Mistress,  
For note you, mine she is.   Arc, 
Nay then.  Pal. 

Nay pray you,  
You talk of feeding me to breed me strength  
You are going now to look upon a Sun  
That strengthens what it looks on, there  
You have a vantage o'er me, but enjoy't till  
I may enforce my remedy. Farewell.   Exeunt.  

Scaena 2. Enter jailors daughter alone.  Daugh. 

He has mistook; the Beak I meant, is gone  
After his fancy, 'tis now well-nigh morning,  
No matter, would it were perpetual night,  
And darkness Lord o'th' world, Hark 'tis a wolf:  
In me hath grief slain fear, and but for one thing  
I care for nothing, and that's Palamon.  
I wreak not if the wolves would jaw me, so  
He had this File; what if I hallowd for him?  
I cannot hauling: I I whooped; what then?  
If he not answeard, I should call a wolf,  
And do him but that service. I have heard  
Strange howls this livelong night, why may't not be  
They have made prey of him? he has no weapons,  
He cannot run, the jengling of his Gives  
Might call fell things to listen, who have in them  
A sense to know a man unarmed, and can  
Smell where resistance is. I'll set it down  
He's torn to pieces, they howld many together  
And then they feed on him: So much for that,  
Be bold to ring the Bell; how stand I then?  
All's charged when he is gone, No, no I lye,  
My Father's to be hanged for his escape,  
Myself to beg, if I prized life so much  
As to deny my act, but that I would not,  
Should I try death by dussons: I am moped,  
Food took I none these two days.  
Sipped some water. I have not closed mine eyes  
Save when my lids scowrd off their been; alas  
Dissolve my life, Let not my sense unsettle  
Lest I should drown, or stab, or hang myself,  
O state of Nature, fail together in me,  
Since thy best props are warped: So which way now?  
The best way is, the next way to a grave:  
Each errant step beside is torment. Lo  
The Moon is down, the Cryckets chirp, the Schreichowl  
Calls in the dawn; all offices are done  
Save what I fail in: But the point is this  
An end, and that is all.   Exit.  

Scaena 3. Enter Arcite, with meat, Wine, and Files.  Arc. 
I should be near the place, hoa. x Palamon.  Enter Palamon. Pal. 
Arcite.  Arc. 

The same: I have brought you food and files,  
Come forth and fear not, here no Theseus.   Pal. 
Nor none so honest Arcite.  Arc. 

That's no matter,  
we'll argue that hereafter: Come take courage,  
You shall not die thus beastly, here Sir drink  
I know you are faint, then I'll talk further with you.   Pal. 
Arcite, thou mightst now poison me.  Arc. 

I might.  
But I must fear you first: Sit down, and good now  
No more of these vain parleys; let us not  
Having our ancient reputation with us  
Make talk for Fools, and Cowards, To your health, &c.   Pal. 
Do.  Arc. 

Pray sit down then, and let me entreat you  
By all the honesty and honour in you,  
No mention of this woman, 'twill disturb us,  
We shall have time enough.   Pal. 
Well Sir, I'll pledge you.  Arc. 

Drink a good hearty draught, it breeds good blood man.  
Do not you feel it thaw you?   Pal. 
Stay, I tell you after a draught or two more.  Arc. 
Spare it not, the Duke has more couz: Eat now.  Pal. 
Yes.  Arc. 
I am glad you have so good a stomach.  Pal. 
I am gladder I have so good meat to't.  Arc. 
Is't not mad lodging, here in the wild woods x  Pal. 
Yes, for then that have wild Consciences.  Arc. 
How tastes your victuals? your hunger needs no sauce I see,  Pal. 

Not much.  
But if it did, yours is too tart: sweet x: what is this?   Arc. 
Venison.  Pal. 

'tis a lusty meat:  
Give me more wine; here Arcite to the wenches  
We have known in our days. The Lord Steward's daughter.  
Do you remember her?   Arc. 
After you couz.  Pal. 
She loved a black-haird man.  Arc. 
She did so; well Sir.  Pal. 
And I have heard some call him Arcite. and  Arc. 
Out with't faith.  Pal. 

She met him in an Arbour:  
What did she there couz? play o'th' virginals?   Arc. 
Something she did Sir.  Pal. 
Made her groan a month for't; or 2. or 3. or 10.  Arc. 

The Marshal's Sister,  
Had her share too, as I remember Cofen,  
Else there be tales abroad, you'll pledge her?   Pal. 
Yes.  Arc. 

A pretty brown wench t'is-There was a time  
When young men went a hunting, and a wood,  
And a broad Beech: and thereby hangs a tale: heigh ho.   Pal. 

For Emily, upon my life; Fool  
Away with this strained mirth; I say again  
That sigh was breathed for Emily; base x,  
Dar'st thou break first?   Arc. 
you are wide.  Pal. 
By heaven and earth, there's nothing in thee honest.  Arc, 
Then I'll leave you: you are a Beast now:  Pal. 
As thou mak'st me, Traitor.  Arc. 

there's all things needful, files and shirts, and, perfumes:  
I'll come again some two hours hence, and bring  
That that shall quiet all,   Pal. 
A Sword and Armour.  Arc. 

Fear me not; you are now too foul; farewell.  
Get off your Trinkets, you shall want nought;   Pal. 
Sir ha:  Arc. 
I'll hear no more.  Exit. Pal. 
If he keep touch, he dies for't.  Exit.  

Scaena 4. Enter jailors daughter.  Daugh. 

I am very cold, and all the Stars are out too,  
The little Stars, and all, that look like aglets:  
The Sun has seen my Folly: Palamon;  
Alas no; he's in heaven; where am I now?  
Yonder's the sea, and there's a Ship; how't tumbles  
And there's a Rock lies watching under water;  
Now, now, it beats upon it; now, now, now,  
there's a leak sprung, a sound one, how they cry?  
Upon her before the wind, you'll lose all else:  
Up with a course or two, and take about Boys.  
Good night, good night, y'are gone; I am very hungry,  
Would I could find a fine Frog; would tell me  
news from all parts o'th' world, then would I make  
A Carecke of a Cockle shell, and sail  
By east and North East to the King of Pigmies,  
For he tells fortunes rarely. Now my Father  
Twenty to one is trust up in a trice  
To morrow morning, I'll say never a word.   

For I'll cut my green coat, a foote above my knee,  Sing. 
And I'll clip my yellow locks; an inch below mine eye. hay, nonny, nonny, nonny,  
He's buy me a white Cut, forth for to ride  
And I'll go seek him, throw the world that is so wide hay nonny, nonny, nonny.   

O for a prick now like a Nightingale, to put my breast  
Against. I shall sleep like a Top else.   Exit.  

Scaena 6. Enter a School master. 4. Countrymen: and Baum 2. or 3. wenches, with a Taborer.  Sch. 
Fie, fie, what tediosity, & disensanity is here among ye? have my Rudiments been laboured so long with ye? milkd unto ye, and by a figure even the very plumbroth & marrow of my understanding laid upon ye? and do you still cry where, and how, & wherefore? you most course freeze capacities, ye jave judgements, have I said thus let be, and there let be, and then let be, and no man understand me, proh deum, medius fidius, ye are all dunces: For why here stand I. Here the Duke comes, there are you close in the Thicket; the Duke appears, I meet him and unto him I utter learned things, and many figures, he hears, and nods, and hums, and then cries rare, and I go forward, at length I fling my Cap up; mark there; then do you as once did Meleager, and the Boar break comely out before him: like true lovers, cast yourselves in a Body decently, and sweetly, by a figure trace, and turn Boys.  1. 
And sweetly we will do it Master Gerrold.  2. 
Draw up the Company, Where's the Taborour.  3. 
Why Timothy.  Tab. 
Here my mad boys, have at ye.  Sch. 
But I say where's their women?  4. 
Here's Friz and Maudlin.  2. 
And little Luce with the white legs, and bouncing Barbery.  1. 
And freckled Nell; that never failed her Master.  Sch. 

Where be your Ribbons maids? swim with your Bodies  
And carry it sweetly, and deliverly  
And now and then a favour, and a frisk.   Nel. 
Let us alone Sir.  Sch. 
where's the rest o'th' Music.  3. 
Dispersed as you commanded.  Sch. 

Couple then  
And see what's wanting; where's the Bavian?  
My friend, carry your tail without offence  
Or scandal to the Ladies; and be sure  
You tumble with audacity, and manhood,  
And when you bark do it with judgement.   Bau. 
Yes Sir.  Sch. 
Quo usque tandem. Here is a woman wanting  4. 
We may go whistle: all the fat's i'th' fire.  Sch. 

We have,  
As learned Authors utter, washed a Tile,  
We have been fatuus, and laboured vainly.   2. 

This is that scornful piece, that scurvy hilding  
That gave her promise faithfully, she would be here,  
Cicely the Sempster's daughter:  
The next gloves that I give her shall be dog skin;  
Nay and she fail me once, you can tell Arcas  
She swore by wine, and bread, she would not break.   Sch. 

An Eel and woman,  
A learned Poet says: unless byth' tail  
And with thy teeth thou hold, will either fail,  
In manners this was false position   1. 
A fire ill take her; does she flinch now?  3. 

What  
Shall we determine Sir?   Sch. 

Nothing,  
Our business is become a nullity  
Yea, and a woeful, and a piteous nullity.   4. 

Now when the credit of our Town lay on it,  
Now to be frampold, now to piss o'th' nettle,  
Go thy ways, I'll remember thee, I'll fit thee,   Enter jailors daughter. 

The George allow, came from the South, from  
The coast of Barbary a.  Daughter. 
And there he met with brave gallants of war By one, by two, by three, a  
Well hailed well hailed, you jolly gallants,  
And whither now are you bound a Chaire and stools out.  
O let me have your company till come to the sound a  
There was three fools, fell out about an owlet  
The one said it was an owl  
The other he said nay,  
The third he said it was a hawk, and her bells were cut away.   3. 
there's a dainty mad woman Mr. comes i'th' Nick as mad as a march hare: if we can get her dance, we are made again: I warrant her, she'll do the rarest gambols.  1. 
A mad woman? we are made Boys.  Sch. 
And are you mad good woman?  Daugh. 

I would be sorry else,  
Give me your hand.   Sch. 
Why?  Daugh. 

I can tell your fortune.  
You are a fool: tell ten, I have pozd him: Buzz  
Friend you must eat no white bread, if you do  
Your teeth will bleed extremely, shall we dance ho?  
I know you, you're a Tinker: Sirrah Tinker  
Stop no more holes, but what you should.   Sch. 
Dij boni. A Tinker Damsel?  Daug, 
Or a Conjurer: raise me a devil now, and let him play  Quipassa, 
o'th' bells and bones.  Sch, 

Go take her, and fluently persuade her to a peace:  
Et opus exegi, quod nec Iouis ira, nec ignis.  
Strike up, and lead her in.   2, 
Come lass, le's trip it.  Daugh. 
I'll lead:  (Wind horns: 3. 
Do, do.  Sch. 

Perswasively, and cunningly: away boys, Ex. all but Schoolmaster.  
I hear the horns: give me some  
Meditation, and mark your Cue:  
Pallas inspire me.   Enter Thes. Pir. Hip. Emil. Arcite: and train. Thes. 
This way the Stag took.  Sch. 
Stay, and edify.  Thes. 
What have we here?  Per. 
Some Country sport, upon my life Sir.  Per. 

Well Sir, go forward, we will edify.  
Ladies sit down, we'll stay it.   Sch. 
Thou doughty Duke all hail: all hail sweet Ladies.  Thes. 
This is a cold beginning.  Sch. 

If you but favour; our Country pastime made is,  
We are a few of those collected here  
That ruder Tongues distinguish villager,  
And to say verity, and not to fable;  
We are a merry rout, or else a rabble  
Or company, or by a figure, Choris  
That fore thy dignity will dance a Morris.  
And I that am the rectifier of all  
By title Pedagogus, that let fall  
The Birch upon the breeches of the small ones,  
And humble with a Ferula the tall ones,  
Do here present this Machine, or this frame,  
And dainty Duke, whose doughty dismal fame  
From Dis to Dedalus, from post to pillar  
Is blown abroad; help me thy poor well willer,  
And with thy twinckling eyes, look right and straight  
Upon this mighty Morr— of mickle weight  
Is— now comes in, which being glued together  
Makes Morris, and the cause that we came hither.  
The body of our sport of no small study  
I first appear, though rude, and raw, and muddy,  
To speak before thy noble grace, this tenner:  
At whose great feet I offer up my penner.  
The next the Lord of May, and Lady bright,  
The Chambermaid, and Servingman by night  
That seek out silent hanging: Then mine Host  
And his fat Spouse, that welcomes to their cost  
The gauled Traveller, and with a beckoning  
Informs the Tapster to inflame the reckoning:  
Then the beast eating Clown, and next the fool,  
The Bavian with long tail, and eke long tool,  
Cum multis alijs that make a dance,  
Say I, and all shall presently advance.   Thes. 
ay, I by any means, dear Domine.  Per. 

Produce. Music Dance.  
Intrate filij, Come forth, and foot it, Knocke for Schoole. Enter The Dance.  
Ladies, if we have been merry  
And have pleased thee with a derry,  
And a derry, and a downe  
Say the Schoolemaster's no Clown:  
Duke, if we have pleased three too  
And have done as good Boys should do,  
Give us but a tree or twain  
For a Maypole, and again  
Ere another year run out,  
we'll make thee laugh and all this rout.   Thes. 
Take 20. Domine; how does my sweet heart.  Hip. 
Never so pleased Sir.  Emil. 

'twas an excellent dance, and for a preface  
I never heard a better.   Thes. 
Schoolmaster, I thank you, One see'em all rewarded.  Per. 
And here's something to paint your Pole withal.  Thes. 
Now to our sports again.  Sch. 

May the Stag thou huntst stand long,  
And thy dogs be swift and strong:  
May they kill him without lets,  
And the Ladies eat his dowsets: Come we are all made. Wind horns.  
Dij Deaque omnes, ye have danced rarely wenches. Exeunt.    

Scaena 7. Enter Palamon from the Bush.  Pal. 

About this hour my x gave his faith  
To visit me again, and with him bring  
Two Swords, and two good Armours; if he fail  
He's neither man, nor Soldier; when he left me  
I did not think a week could have restored  
My lost strength to me, I was grown so low,  
And Crest-fallen with my wants: I thank thee Arcite,  
Thou art yet a fair Foe; and I feel myself  
With this refreshing, able once again  
To out dure danger: To delay it longer  
Would make the world think when it comes to hearing,  
That I lay fatting like a Swine, to fight  
And not a Soldier: Therefore this blessed morning  
Shall be the last; and that Sword he refuses,  
If it but hold, I kill him with; 'tis justice:  
So love, and Fortune for me: O good morrow. Enter Arcite with armours and Swords.   Arc. 
Good morrow noble kinsman,  Pal. 

I have put you  
To too much pains Sir.   Arc. 

That too much fair x.  
Is but a debt to honour, and my duty.   Pal. 

Would you were so in all Sir; I could wish ye  
As kind a kinsman, as you force me find  
A beneficial foe, that my embraces  
Might thank ye, not my blows.   Arc. 

I shall think either  
Well done, a noble recompense.   Pal. 
Then I shall quit you.  Arc. 

Defy me in these fair terms, and you show  
More than a Mistress to me, no more anger  
As you love any thing that's honourable;  
We were not bred to talk man, when we are armed  
And both upon our guards, then let our fury  
Like meeting of two tides, fly strongly from us,  
And then to whom the birthright of this Beauty  
Truly pertains (without obbraiding, scorns,  
Dispisings of our persons, and such poutings  
Fitter for Girls and Schooleboyes) will be seen  
And quickly, yours, or mine: wilt please you arm Sir,  
Or if you feel yourself not fitting yet  
And furnished with your old strength, I'll stay x  
And every day discourse you into health,  
As I am spared, your person I am friends with,  
And I could wish I had not said I loved her  
Though I had died; But loving such a Lady  
And justifying my Love, I must not fly from't.   Pal. 

Arcite, thou art so brave an enemy  
That no man but thy cousin's fit to kill thee,  
I am well, and lusty, choose your Arms.   Arc. 
Choose you Sir:  Pal. 

Wilt thou exceed in all, or dost thou do it  
To make me spare thee?   Arc. 

If you think so x,  
You are deceived, for as I am a Soldier.  
I will not spare you.   Pal. 
That's well said.  Arc. 
You'll find it  Pal. 

Then as I am an honest man and love,  
With all the justice of affection  
I'll pay thee soundly: This I'll take.   Arc. 

That's mine then,  
I'll arm you first.   Pal. 

Do: pray thee tell me x,  
Where got'st thou this good Armour.   Arc. 

'tis the Duke's,  
And to say true, I stole it; do I pinch you.   Pal. 
Noe.  Arc. 
Is't not too heavy?  Pal. 

I have worn a lighter,  
But I shall make it serve.   Arc. 
I'll buckled close.  Pal. 
By any means.  Arc. 
You care not for a Grand guard?  Pal. 

No, no, we'll use no horses, I perceive  
You would fain be at that Fight.   Arc. 
I am indifferent.  Pal. 

Faith so am I: good x, thrust the buckle  
Through far enough.   Arc. 
I warrant you.  Pal. 
My Cask now.  Arc. 
Will you fight bare-armd?  Pal. 
We shall be the nimbler.  Arc. 

But use your Gauntlets though; those are o'th' least,  
Prithee take mine good x.   Pal. 

Thank you Arcite.  
How do I look, am I fall'n much away?   Arc. 
Faith very little; love has used you kindly.  Pal. 
I'll warrant thee, I'll strike home.  Arc. 

Do, and spare not;  
I'll give you cause sweet cousin.   Pal. 

Now to you Sir,  
Me thinks this armour's very like that, Arcite,  
Thou worest that day the 3. King's fell, but lighter.   Arc. 

That was a very good one, and that day  
I well remember, you outdid me x,  
I never saw such valour: when you charged  
Upon the left wing of the Enemy,  
I spurred hard to come up, and under me  
I had a right good horse.   Pal. 

You had indeed  
A bright Bay I remember.   Arc. 

Yes but all  
Was vainly laboured in me, you outwent me,  
Nor could my wishes reach you; yet a little  
I did by imitation.   Pal. 

More by virtue,  
You are modest x.   Arc. 

When I saw you charge first,  
Me thought I heard a dreadful clap of Thunder  
Break from the Troop.   Pal. 

But still before that flew  
The lightning of your valour: Stay a little,  
Is not this piece too straight?   Arc. 
No, no, 'tis well.  Pal. 

I would have nothing hurt thee but my Sword,  
A bruise would be dishonour.   Arc. 
Now I am perfect.  Pal. 
Stand off then.  Arc. 
Take my Sword, I hold it better.  Pal. 

I thank ye: No, keep it, your life lies on it,  
Here's one, if it but hold, I ask no more,  
For all my hopes: My Cause and honour guard me.   Arc. 
And me my love: * Is there ought else to say? They bow several ways: then advance and stand.  Pal. 

This only, and no more: Thou art mine Aunts Son.  
And that blood we desire to shed is mutual,  
In me, thine, and in thee, mine: My Sword  
Is in my hand, and if thou killst me  
The gods, and I forgive thee; If there be  
A place prepared for those that sleep in honour,  
I wish his weary soul, that falls may win it:  
Fight bravely cousin, give me thy noble hand.   Arc. 

Here Palamon: This hand shall never more  
Come near thee with such friendship.   Pal. 
I commend thee.  Arc. 

If I fall, curse me, and say I was a coward,  
For none but such, dare die in these just Trials.  
Once more farewell my x,   Pal. 
Farewell Arcite.  Fight. Horns within: they stand. Arc. 
Lo x, lo, our Folly has undone us.  Pal. 
Why?  Arc. 

This is the Duke, a hunting as I told you,  
If we be found, we are wretched, O retire  
For honour's sake, and safely presently  
Into your Bush again; Sir we shall find  
Too many hours to die in, gentle x:  
If you be seen you perish instantly  
For breaking prison, and I, if you reveal me,  
For my contempt; Then all the world will scorn us,  
And say we had a noble difference,  
But base disposers of it.   Pal. 

No, no, x  
I will no more be hidden, nor put off  
This great adventure to a second Trial;  
I know your cunning, and I know your cause,  
He that faints now, shame take him, put thyself  
Upon thy present guard.   Arc. 
You are not mad?  Pal. 

Or I will make th'advantage of this hour  
Mine own, and what to come shall threaten me,  
I fear less than my fortune: know weak x  
I love Emilia, and in that I'll bury  
Thee, and all crosses else.   Arc. 

Then come, what can come  
Thou shalt know Palamon, I dare as well  
Die, as discourse, or sleep: Only this fears me,  
The law will have the honour of our ends.  
Have at thy life.   Pal. 
Look to thine own well Arcite.  Fight again. Horns. Enter Theseus, Hippolita, Emilia, Perithous and train. Theseus. 

What ignorant and mad malicious Traitors,  
Are you? That 'gainst the tenor of my Laws  
Are making Battle, thus like Knights appointed,  
Without my leave, and Officers of Arms?  
By Castor both shall die.   Pal. 

Hold thy word Theseus,  
We are certainly both Traitors, both despisers  
Of thee, and of thy goodness: I am Palamon  
That cannot love thee, he that broke thy Prison,  
Think well, what that deserves; and this is Arcite  
A bolder Traitor never trod thy ground  
A Falser ne'er seemed friend: This is the man  
Was begged and banished, this is he contemns thee  
And what thou dar'st do; and in this disguise  
Against this own Edict follows thy Sister,  
That fortunate bright Star, the fair Emilia  
Whose servant, (if there be a right in seeing,  
And first bequeathing of the soul to) justly  
I am, and which is more, dares think her his.  
This treachery like a most trusty Lover,  
I called him now to answer; if thou be'st  
As thou art spoken, great and virtuous,  
The true decider of all injuries,  
Say, Fight again, and thou shalt see me Theseus  
Do such a justice, thou thyself wilt envy,  
Then take my life, I'll woo thee to't.   Per. 

O heaven,  
What more than man is this!   Thes. 
I have sworn.  Arc. 

We seek not  
Thy breath of mercy Theseus, 'tis to me  
A thing as soon to die, as thee to say it,  
And no more moved: where this man calls me Traitor,  
Let me say thus much; if in love be Treason,  
In service of so excellent a Beauty,  
As I love most, and in that faith will perish,  
As I have brought my life here to confirm it,  
As I have served her truest, worthiest,  
As I dare kill this cousin, that denies it,  
So let me be most Traitor, and ye please me:  
For scorning thy Edict Duke, ask that Lady  
Why she is fair, and why her eyes command me  
Stay here to love her; and if she say Traitor,  
I am a villain fit to lie unburied.   Pal. 

Thou shalt have pity of us both, o Theseus,  
If unto neither thou show mercy, stop,  
(As thou art just) thy noble ear against us,  
As thou art valiant; for thy Cousin's soul  
Whose 12. strong labours crown his memory,  
Le's die together, at one instant Duke,  
Only a little let him fall before me,  
That I may tell my Soul he shall not have her.   Thes. 

I grant your wish, for to say true, your x  
Has ten times more offended, for I gave him  
More mercy than you found, Sir, your offences  
Being no more than his: None here speak for'em  
For ere the Sun set, both shall sleep for ever.   Hipol. 

Asas the pity, now or never Sister  
Speak not to be denied; That face of yours  
Will bear the curses else of after ages  
For these lost Cousins.   Emil. 

In my face dear Sister  
I find no anger to 'em; nor no ruin,  
The misadventure of their own eyes kill'em;  
Yet that I will be woman, and have pity,  
My knees shall grow toth' ground but I'll get mercy.  
Help me dear Sister, in a deed so virtuous,  
The powers of all women will be with us,  
Moft royal Brother.   Hipol. 
Sir by our tie of Marriage.  Emil. 
By your own spotless honour.  Hip. 

By that faith,  
That fair hand, and that honest heart you gave me.   Emil. 

By that you would have pity in another,  
By your own virtues infinite.   Hip. 

By valour,  
By all the chaste nights I have ever pleased you.   Thes. 
These are strange Conjure.  Per. 

Nay then I ioin in too: By all our friendship Sir, by all our dangers,  
By all you love most, wars; and this sweet Lady.   Emil. 

By that you would have trembled to deny  
A blushing Maid.   Hip. 

By your own eyes: By strength  
In which you swore I went beyond all women,  
Almost all men, and yet I yielded Theseus.   Per. 

To crown all this; By your most noble soul  
Which cannot want due mercy, I beg first.   Hip. 
Next hear my prayers.  Emil. 
Last let me entreat Sir.  Per. 
For mercy.  Hip. 
Mercy.  Emil. 
Mercy on these Princes.  Thes. 

Ye make my faith reel: Say I felt  
Compassion to'em both, how would you place it?   Emil. 
Upon their lives: But with their banishments.  Thes. 

You are a right woman Sister; you have pity,  
But want the understanding where to use it.  
If you desire their lives, invent a way  
Safer than banishment: Can these two live  
And have the agony of love about 'em,  
And not kill one another? Every day  
They'd fight about you; hourly bring your honour  
In public question with their Swords; Be wise then  
And here forget 'em; it concerns your credit,  
And my oath equally: I have said they die,  
Better they fall byth' law, than one another.  
Bow not my honour.   Emil. 

O my noble Brother,  
That oath was rashly made, and in your anger,  
Your reason will not hold it, if such vows  
Stand for express will, all the world must perish.  
Beside, I have another oath, 'gainst yours  
Of more authority, I am sure more love,  
Not made in passion neither, but good heed.   Thes. 
What is it Sister?  Ber. 
Urge it home brave Lady.  Emil. 

That you would ne'er deny me any thing  
Fit for my modest suit, and your free granting:  
I tie you to your word now, if ye fall in't,  
Think how you maim your honour;  
(For now I am set a begging Sir, I am deaf  
To all but your compassion) how their lives  
Might breed the ruin of my name; Opinion,  
Shall any thing that loves me perish for me?  
That were a cruel wisdom, do men prune  
The straight young Bows that blush with thousand Blossoms  
Because they may be rotten? O Duke Theseus  
The goodly Mothers that have groaned for these,  
And all the longing Maids that ever loved,  
If your vow stand, shall curse me and my Beauty,  
And in their funeral songs, for these two Cousins  
Despise my cruelty, and cry woe worth me,  
Till I am nothing but the scorn of women;  
For heaven's sake save their lives, and banish 'em.   Thes. 
On what conditions?  Emil. 

Sweare'em never more  
To make me their Contention, or to know me,  
To tread upon thy Duke doom, and to be  
Where ever they shall travel, ever strangers to one another.   Pal. 

I'll be cut a pieces  
Before I take this oath, forget I love her?  
O all ye gods despise me then: Thy Banishment  
I not mislike, so we may fairly carry  
Our Swords, and cause along: else never trifle,  
But take our lives Duke, I must love and will,  
And for that love, must and dare kill this x  
On any piece the earth has.   Thes. 

Will you Arcite  
Take these conditions?   Pal. 
He's a villain then.  Per. 
These are men.  Arcite. 

No, never Duke: 'tis worse to me than begging  
To take my life so basely, though I think  
I never shall enjoy her, yet I'll preserve  
The honour of affection, and die for her,  
Make death a Devil.   Thes. 
What may be done? for now I feel compassion.  Per. 
Let it not fall again Sir.  Thes. 

Say Emilia  
If one of them were dead, as one must, are you  
Content to take th'other to your husband?  
They cannot both enjoy you; They are Princes  
As goodly as your own eyes, and as noble  
As ever fame yet spoke of; look upon'em,  
And if you can love, end this difference,  
I give consent, are you content too Princes?   Both. 
With all our souls.  Thes. 

He that she refuses  
Must die then.   Both. 
Any death thou canst invent Duke.  Pal. 

If I fall from that mouth, I fall with favour,  
And Lovers yet unborn shall bless my ashes.   Arc. 

If she refuse me, yet my grave will wed me,  
And Soldiers sing my Epitaph.   Thes. 
Make choice then.  Emil. 

I cannot Sir, they are both too excellent  
For me, a hair shall never fall of these men.   Hip. 
What will become of 'em?  Thes. 

Thus I ordain it,  
And by mine honour, once again it stands,  
Or both shall die. You shall both to your Country,  
And each within this month accompanied  
With three fair Knights, appear again in this place,  
In which I'll plant a Pyramid; and whether  
Before us that are here, can force his x  
By fair and knightly strength to touch the Pillar,  
He shall enjoy her: the other loose his head,  
And all his friends; Nor shall he grudge to fall,  
Nor think he dies with interest in this Lady:  
Will this content ye?   Pal. 

Yes: here x Arcite  
I am friends again, till that hour.   Arc. 
I embrace ye.  Thes. 
Are you content Sister?  Emil. 

Yes, I must Sir,  
Else both miscarry.   Thes. 

Come shake hands again then,  
And take heed, as you are Gentlemen, this Quarrel  
Sleep till the hour prefixed, and hold your course,   Pal. 
We dare not fail thee Theseus.  Thes. 

Come, I'll give ye  
Now usage like to Princes, and to Friends:  
When ye return, who wins, I'll settle here,  
Who loses, yet I'll weep upon his Beer. Exeunt.     

Actus Quartus.  

Scaena 1. Enter jailer, and his friend.  jailer. 

Hear you no more, was nothing said of me  
Concerning the escape of Palamon?  
Good Sir remember.   1. Fr. 

Nothing that I heard,  
For I came home before the business  
Was fully ended: Yet I might perceive  
Ere I departed, a great likelihood  
Of both their pardons: For Hippolita,  
And faire-eyd Emilie, upon their knees  
Begged with such handsome pity, that the Duke  
Me thought stood staggering, whether he should follow  
His rash oth, or the sweet compassion  
Of those two Ladies; and to second them,  
That truly noble Prince Perithous  
Half his own heart, set in too, that I hope  
All shall be well: Neither heard I one question  
Of your name, or his 'scape.   Enter 2. Friend. jay. 
Pray heaven it hold so.  2. Fr: 

Be of good comfort man; I bring you news,  
Good news.   jay. 
They are welcome,  2. Fr. 

Palamon has cleared you,  
And got your pardon, and discovered  
How, and by whose means he escaped, which was your Daughters,  
Whose pardon is procured too, and the Prisoner  
Not to be held ungrateful to her goodness,  
Has given a sum of money to her Marriage.  
A large one I'll assure you.   jay. 

Ye are a good man  
And ever bring good news.   1. Fr. 
How was it ended?  2. Fr. 

Why, as it should be; they that ne'er begged  
But they prevailed, had their suits fairly granted,  
The prisoners have their lives.   1. Fr. 
I knew 'twould be so.  2. Fr. 

But there be new conditions, which you'll hear of  
At better time.   jay. 
I hope they are good.  2. Fr. 

They are honourable,  
How good they'll prove, I know not.   Enter Wooer. 1. Fr. 
'Twill be known.  Woo. 
Alas Sir, where's your Daughter?  jay. 
Why do you ask?  Woo. 
O Sir when did you see her?  2. Fr. 
How he looks?  jay. 
This morning.  Woo. 
Was she well? was she in health? Sir, when did she sleep?  1. Fr. 
These are strange Questions.  jay, 

I do not think she was very well, for now  
You make me mind her, but this very day  
I asked her questions, and she answered me  
So far from what she was, so childishly.  
So sillily, as if she were a fool,  
An Innocent, and I was very angry.  
But what of her Sir?   Woo. 

Nothing but my pity; but you must know it, and as good by me  
As by an other that less loves her:   jay. 
Well Sir.  1. Fr. 
Not right?  2. Fr. 
Not well?— Wooer, No Sir not well.  Woo. 
'tis too true, she is mad.  1. Fr. 
It cannot be.  Woo. 
Believe you'll find it so.  jay. 

I half suspected  
What you told me: the gods comfort her:  
Either this was her love to Palamon,  
Or fear of my miscarrying on his 'scape,  
Or both.   Woo. 
'tis likely.  jay. 
But why all this haste Sir?  Woo. 

I'll tell you quickly. As I late was angling  
In the great Lake that lies behind the Palace,  
From the far shore, thick set with reeds, and Sedges,  
As patiently I was attending sport,  
I heard a voice, a shrill one, and attentive  
I gave my ear, when I might well perceive  
'Twas one that sung, and by the smallness of it  
A boy or woman. I than left my angle  
To his own skill, came near, but yet perceived not  
Who made the sound; the rushes, and the Reeds  
Had so encompassed it: I laid me down  
And listened to the words she song, for then  
Through a small glade cut by the Fisher men,  
I saw it was your Daughter.   jay. 
Pray go on Sir?  Woo. 

She sung much, but no sense; only I heard her  
Repeat this often. Palamon is gone,  
Is gone toth' wood to gather Mulberries,  
I'll find him out to morrow.   1. Fr. 
Pretty soul.  Woo. 

His shackles will betray him, he'll be taken,  
And what shall I do then? I'll bring a bevy,  
A hundred black eyed Maids, that love as I do  
With Chaplets on their heads of Daffodils,  
With cherry-lips, and cheeks of Damask Rofes,  
And all we'll dance an Antique fore the Duke,  
And beg his pardon; Then she talked of you Sir;  
That you must lose your head to morrow morning,  
And she must gather flowers to bury you,  
And see the house made handsome, than she sung  
Nothing but Willow, willow, willow, and between  
Ever was, Palamon, fair Palamon,  
And Palamon, was a tall young man. The place  
Was knee deep where she sat; her careless Tresses,  
A wreak of bulrush rounded; about her stuck  
Thousand fresh water flowers of several colours.  
That me thought she appeared like the fair Nymph  
That feeds the lake with waters, or as Iris  
Newly dropped down from heaven; Rings she made  
Of rushes that grew by, and to 'em spoke  
The prettiest posies: Thus our true love's tide,  
This you may lose, not me, and many a one:  
And then she wept, and sung again, and sighed,  
And with the same breath smiled, and kissed her hand.   2. Fr. 
Alas what pity it is?  Wooer. 

I made in to her.  
She saw me, and straight sought the flood, I saved her,  
And set her safe to land: when presently  
She slipped away, and to the city made,  
With such a cry, and swiftness, that believe me  
She left me far behind her; three, or four,  
I saw from far off cross her one of'em  
I knew to be your brother, where she stayed,  
And fell, scarce to be got away: I left them with her. Enter Brother, Daughter, and others.  
And hither came to tell you: Here they are.   Daugh. 

May you never more enjoy the light, &c.  
Is not this a fine Song?   Bro. 
O a very fine one.  Daugh. 
I can sing twenty more.  Bro. 
I think you can,  Daugh. 

Yes truly can I, I can sing the Broom,  
And Bony Robin. Are not you a tailor?   Bro. 
Yes,  Daugh. 
where's my wedding Gown?  Bro. 
I'll bring it to morrow.  Daugh. 

Do, very rarely, I must be abroad else  
To call the Maids, and pay the Minstrels  
For I must lose my Maidenhead by cocklight  
'twill never thrive else.   O fair, oh sweet, &c. Sings. Bro. 
You must even take it patiently.  jay. 
'tis true,  Daugh. 

Good'ev'n, good men, pray did you ever hear  
Of one young Palamon?   jay. 
Yes wench we know him.  Daugh. 
Is't not a fine young Gentleman?  jay. 
'tis, Love.  Bro. 

By no mean cross her, she is then distempered  
For worse than now she shows.   1. Fr. 
Yes, he's a fine man.  Daugh. 
O, is he so? you have a Sister.  1. Fr. 
Yes.  Daugh. 

But she shall never have him, tell her so,  
For a trick that I know, y'had best look to her,  
For if she see him once, she's gone, she's done,  
And undone in an hour. All the young Maids  
Of our Town are in love with him, but I laugh at'em  
an let 'em all alone, Is't not a wise course?   1. Fr. 
Yes.  Daugh. 

There is at least two hundred now with child by him,  
There must be four; yet I keep close for all this,  
Close as a Cockle; and all these must be Boys,  
He has the trick on't, and at ten years old  
They must be all gelt for musicians,  
And sing the wars of Theseus.   2. Fr. 
This is strange.  Daugh. 
As ever you heard, but say nothing.  1. Fr. 
No.  Daugh. 

They come from all parts of the Dukedom to him,  
I'll warrant ye, he had not so few last night  
As twenty to dispatch, he'll tickle't up  
In two hours, if his hand be in.   jay. 

She's lost  
Past all cure.   Bro. 
Heaven forbid man.  Daugh. 
Come hither, you are a wise man.  1. Fr. 
Does she know him?  1. Fr. 
No, would she did.  Daugh. 
You are master of a Ship?  jay. 
Yes.  Daugh. 
where's your compass?  jay. 
here.  Daugh. 

Set it to'th North.  
And now direct your course toth' wood, where Palamon  
Lies longing for me; For the Tackling  
Let me alone; Come weigh my hearts, cheerly.   All. 

Owgh, owgh, owgh, 'tis up, the wind's fair, top the  
Bowling, out with the main sail, where's your  
Whistle Master?   Bro. 
Le's get her in.  jay. 
Up to the top Boy.  Bro. 
where's the Pilot?  1. Fr. 
here,  Daugh. 
What ken'st thou?  2. Fr. 
A fair wood.  Daugh. 
Bear for it master: take about:  Sings. When Cynthia with her borrowed light, &c. Exeunt.  

Scaena 2. Enter Emilia alone, with 2. Pictures.  Emilia. 

Yet I may bind those wounds up, that must open  
And bleed to death for my sake else; I'll choose,  
And end their strife: Two such young handsome men  
Shall never fall for me, their weeping Mothers,  
Following the dead cold ashes of their Sons  
Shall never curse my cruelty: Good heaven,  
What a sweet face has Arcite? if wise nature  
With all her best endowments, all those beauties  
She sows into the births of noble bodies,  
Were here a mortal woman, and had in her  
The coy denials of young Maids, yet doubtless,  
She would run mad for this man: what an eye?  
Of what a fiery sparkle, and quick sweetness,  
Has this young Prince? Here Love himself sits smiling,  
Just such another wanton Ganimead,  
Set Love a fire with, and enforced the god  
Snatch up the goodly Boy, and set him by him  
A shining constellation: What a brow,  
Of what a spacious Majesty he carries?  
Arched like the great eyed Juno's, but far sweeter,  
Smother than Pelops Shoulder? Fame and honour  
Mc thinks from hence, as from a Promontory  
Pointed in heaven, should clap their wings, and sing  
To all the under world, the Loves, and Fights  
Of gods, and such men neere'em. Palamon,  
Is but his foil, to him, a mere dull shadow,  
he's swarth, and meager, of an eye as heavy  
As if he had lost his mother; a still temper,  
No stirring in him, no alacrity,  
Of all this sprightly sharpness, not a smile;  
Yet these that we count errors may become him:  
Narcissus was a sad Boy, but a heavenly:  
Oh who can find the bent of woman's fancy?  
I am a Fool, my reason is lost in me,  
I have no choice, and I have lied so lewdly  
That women ought to beat me. On my knees  
I ask thy pardon: Palamon, thou art alone,  
And only beautiful, and these the eyes,  
These the bright lamps of beauty, that command  
And threaten Love, and what young Maid dare cross 'em  
What a bold gravity, and yet inviting  
Has this brown manly face? O Love, this only  
From this hour is Complexion: Lie there Arcite,  
Thou art a changeling to him, a mere Gipsy.  
And this the noble Body: I am sotted,  
Utterly lost: My Virgin's faith has fled me.  
For if my brother but even now had asked me  
Whether I loved, I had run mad for Arcite,  
Now if my Sister; More for Palamon,  
Stand both together: Now, come ask me Brother,  
Alas, I know not: ask me now sweet Sister,  
I may go look; What a mere child is fancy,  
That having two fair gauds of equal sweetness,  
Cannot distinguish, but must cry for both.   Enter Emil. and Gent: Emil. 
How now Sir?  Gent. 

From the Noble Duke your Brother  
Madam, I bring you news: The Knights are come.   Emil. 
To end the quarrel?  Gent. 
Yes.  Emil. 

Would I might end first:  
What sins have I committed, chaste Diana,  
That my unspotted youth must now be soiled  
With blood of Princes? and my Chastity  
Be made the Altar, where the lives of Lovers,  
Two greater, and two better never yet  
Made mother's joy, must be the sacrifice  
To my unhappy Beauty?   Enter Theseus, Hippolita, Pirithous and attendants. Theseus. 

Bring 'em in quickly,  
By any means, I long to see'em.  
Your two contending Lovers are returned,  
And with them their fair Knights: Now my fair Sister,  
You must love one of them.   Emil. 

I had rather both,  
So neither for my sake should fall untimely   Enter Messengers. Curtis. Thes. 
Who saw'em?  Per. 
I a while.  Gent. 
And I.  Thes. 
From whence come you Sir?  Mess. 
From the Knights.  Thes. 

Pray speak  
You that have seen them, what they are.   Mess. 

I will Sir,  
And truly what I think: Six braver spirits  
Than these they have brought, (if we judge by the outside)  
I never saw, nor read of: He that stands  
In the first place with Arcite, by his seeming  
Should be a stout man, by his face a Prince,  
(His very looks so say him) his complexion,  
Nearer a brown, than black; stern, and yet noble,  
Which shows him hardy, fearless, proud of dangers:  
The circles of his eyes show fair within him,  
And as a heated Lion, so he looks;  
His hair hangs long behind him, black and shining  
Like Ravens wings: his shoulders broad, and strong,  
Armed long and round, and on his Thigh a Sword  
Hung by a curious Bauldricke; when he frowns  
To seal his will with, better o'my conscience  
Was never Soldiers friend.   Thes. 
Thou hast well described him.  Per. 

Yet a great deal short  
Me thinks, of him that's first with Palamon.   Thes. 
Pray speak him friend.  Per. 

I guess he is a Prince too,  
And if it may be, greater; for his show  
Has all the ornament of honour in't:  
he's somewhat bigger, than the Knight he spoke of,  
But of a face far sweeter; His complexion  
Is (as a ripe grape) ruddy: he has felt  
Without doubt what he fights for, and so apt  
To make this cause his own: In's face appears  
All the fair hopes of what he undertakes,  
And when he's angry, than a settled valour  
(Not tainted with extremes) runs through his body,  
And guides his arm to brave things: Fear he cannot,  
He shows no such soft temper, his head's yellow,  
Hard haired, and curled, thick twinned like Ivy tops,  
Not to undo with thunder: In his face  
The livery of the warlike Maid appears,  
Pure red, and white, for yet no beard has blessed him.  
And in his rolling eyes, sits victory.  
As if she ever meant to correct his valour:  
His Nose stands high, a Character of honour.  
His red lips, after fights, are fit for Ladies.   Emil. 
Must these men die too?  Per. 

When he speaks, his tongue  
Sounds like a Trumpet; All his lineaments  
Are as a man would wish 'em, strong, and clean,  
He wears a well-steeld Axe, the staff of gold,  
His age some five and twenty.   Mess. 

there's another,  
A little man, but of a tough soul, seeming  
As great as any: fairer promises  
In such a Body, yet I never looked on.   Per. 
O, he that's freckle faced?  Mess 

The same my Lord,  
Are they not sweet ones?   Per. 
Yes they are well.  Mess. 

Me thinks,  
Being so few, and well disposed, they show  
Great, and fine art in nature, he's white haired,  
Not wanton white, but such a manly colour  
Next to an aborne, tough, and nimble set,  
Which shows an active soul; his arms are brawny  
Lined with strong sinewes: To the shoulder piece,  
Gently they swell, like women new conceived,  
Which speaks him prone to labour, never fainting  
Under the weight of Arms; stout hearted, still,  
But when he stirs, a Tiger; he's gray eyed,  
Which yields compassion where he conquers: sharp  
To spy advantages, and where he finds 'em,  
He's swift to make 'em his: He does no wrongs,  
Nor takes none; he's round faced, and when he smiles  
He shows a Lover, when he frowns, a Soldier:  
About his head he wears the winners oak,  
And in it stuck the favour of his Lady:  
His age, some six and thirty. In his hand  
He bears a charging Staff, embossed with silver.   Thes. 
Are they all thus?  Per. 
They are all the sons of honour.  Thes. 

Now as I have a soul I long to see'em,  
Lady you shall see men fight now.   Hip. 

I wish it,  
But not the cause my Lord; They would show  
Bravely about the Titles of two Kingdoms;  
'tis pity Love should be so tyrannous:  
O my soft hearted Sister, what think you?  
Weep not, till they weep blood; Wench it must be.   Thes. 

You have steeled'em with your Beauty: honoured Friend,  
To you I give the Field; pray order it,  
Fitting the persons that must use it.   Per. 
Yes Sir.  Thes. 

Come, I'll go visit'em: I cannot stay.  
Their fame has fired me so; Till they appear,  
Good Friend be royal.   Per. 
There shall want no bravery.  Emilia. 

Poor wench go weep, for whosoever wins,  
Loses a noble x, for thy sins.   Exeunt.  

Scaena 3. Enter jailer, Wooer, Doctor.  Doct. 

Her distraction is more at some time of the Moon,  
Then at other some, is it not?   jay. 

She is continually in a harmless distemper, sleeps  
Little, altogether without appetite, save often drinking,  
Dreaming of another world, and a better; and what  
Broken piece of matter soe'er she's about, the name  
Palamon lards it, that she farces every business Enter Daughter.  
Withal, fits it to every question; Look where  
she comes, you shall perceive her behaviour.   Daugh. 

I have forgot it quite; The burden o''nt, was down  
A down a, and penned by no worse man, than  
Giraldo, Emily's Schoolmaster; he's as  
Fantastical too, as ever he may go upon's legs,  
For in the next world will Dido see Palamon, and  
Then will she be out of love with aeneas.   Doct. 
What stuff's here? poor soul.  joy. 
Even thus all day long.  Daugh. 

Now for this Charm, that I told you of, you must  
Bring a piece of silver on the tip of your tongue,  
Or no ferry: then if it be your chance to come where  
The blessed spirits, as there's a sight now; we maids  
That have our Lyvers, perished, cracked to pieces with  
Love, we shall come there, and do nothing all day long  
But pick flowers with Proserpina, then will I make  
Palamon a Nosegay, then let him mark me,— then.   Doct. 
How prettily she's amiss? note her a little further.  Dau. 

Faith I'll tell you, sometime we go to Barley break,  
We of the blessed; alas, 'tis a sore life they have i'th'  
Tother place, such burning, frying, boiling, hissing,  
Howling, chattering, cursing, oh they have shroud  
Measure, take heed; if one be mad, or hang or  
Drown themselves, thither they go, jupiter bless  
Us, and there shall we be put in a Cauldron of  
Lead, and Usurer's grease, amongst a whole million of  
Cutpurses, and there boil like a Gammon of Bacon  
That will never be enough.   Exit. Doct. 
How her brain coins?  Daugh. 

Lords and Courtiers, that have got maids with  
Child, they are in this place, they shall stand in fire up to the  
Nav'le, and in ice up toth' hart, and there th'offending part burns, and the deceiving part freezes; in troth a very grievous punishment, as one would think, for such a Trifle, believe me one would marry a leprous witch, to be rid on't I'll assure you.   Doct. 

How she continues this fancy? 'tis not an engrafted  
Madness, but a most thick, and profound melancholy.   Daugh. 

To hear there a proud Lady, and a proud City  
wife, howl together: I were a beast and I'd call it good  
sport: one cries, o this smoke, another this fire; One cries, o,  
that ever I did it behind the arras, and then howls; th'other  
curses a suing fellow and her garden house.  
Sings. I will be true, my stars, my fate, &c.   Exit. Daugh. jay. 
What think you of her Sir?  Doct. 
I think she has a perturbed mind, which I cannot minister to.  jay. 
Alas, what then?  Doct. 

Understand you, she ever affected any man, ere  
She beheld Palamon?   jay. 

I was once Sir, in great hope, she had fixed her  
Liking on this gentleman my friend.   Woo. 

I did think so too, and would account I had a great  
Pen-worth on't, to give half my slate, that both  
She and I at this present stood unfeignedly on the  
Same terms.   Do. 

That intemprat surfeit of her eye, hath distempered the  
Other senses, they may return and settle again to  
Execute their preordaind faculties, but they are  
Now in a most extravagant vagary. This you  
Must do, Confine her to a place, where the light  
May rather seem to steal in, then be permitted; take  
Upon you (young Sir her friend) the name of  
Palamon, say you come to eat with her, and to  
Commune of Love; this will catch her attention, for  
This her mind beats upon; other objects that are  
Inserted 'tween her mind and eye, become the pranks  
And friskins of her madness; Sing to her, such green  
Songs of Love, as she says Palamon hath sung in  
Prison; Come to her, stuck in as sweet flowers, as the  
Season is mistress of, and thereto make an addition of  
Some other compounded odours, which are grateful to the  
Sense: all this shall become Palamon, for Palamon can  
Sing, and Palamon is sweet, and every good thing, desire  
To eat with her, crave her, drink to her, and still  
Among, intermingle your petition of grace and acceptance  
Into her favour: Learn what Maids have been her  
Companions, and play-pheeres, and let them repair to  
Her with Palamon in their mouths, and appear with  
Tokens, as if they suggested for him, It is a falsehood  
She is in, which is with fasehoods to be combated.  
This may bring her to eat, to sleep, and reduce what's  
Now out of square in her, into their former law, and  
Regiment; I have seen it approved, how many times  
I know not, but to make the number more, I have  
Great hope in this. I will between the passages of  
This project, come in with my applyance: Let us  
Put it in execution; and hasten the success, which doubt not  
Will bring forth comfort.   Florish. Exeunt.   

Actus Quintus.  

Scaena 1. Enter Theseus', Perithous, Hippolita, attendants.  Thes. 

Now let'em enter, and before the gods  
Tender their holy prayers: Let the Temples  
Burn bright with sacred fires, and the Altars  
In hallowed clouds commend their swelling Incense  
To those above us: Let no due be wanting, Flourish of Cornets.  
They have a noble work in hand, will honour  
The very powers that love 'em.   Enter Palamon and Arcite, and their Knights. Per. 
Sir they enter.  Thes. 

You valiant and strong hearted Enemies  
You royal German foes, that this day come  
To blow that nearness out that flames between ye;  
Lay by your anger for an hour, and dovelike  
Before the holy Altars of your helpers  
(The all feared gods) bow down your stubborn bodies,  
Your ire is more than mortal; So your help be,  
And as the gods regard ye, fight with justice,  
I le leave you to your prayers, and betwixt ye  
I part my wishes.   Per. 
Honour crown the worthiest.  Exit Theseus, and his train. Pal. 

The glass is running now that cannot finish  
Till one of us expire: Think you but thus,  
That were there aught in me which strove to show  
Mine enemy in this business, were't one eyes  
Against another: Arm oppressed by Arm:  
I would destroy th'offender, Coz, I would  
Though parcel of myself: Then from this gather  
How I should tender you.   Arc. 

I am in labour  
To push your name, your ancient love, our kindred  
Out of my memory; and i'th' self same place  
To seat something I would confound: So hoist we  
The sails, that must these vessel's port even where  
The heavenly Lymiter pleases.   Pal. 

You speak well;  
Before I turn, Let me embrace thee Cozen  
This I shall never do again.   Arc. 
One farewell.  Pal. 
Why let it be so: Farewell Coz.  Exeunt Palamon and his Knights. Arc. 

Farewell Sir;  
Knights, Kinsmen, Lovers, yea my Sacrifices  
True worshippers of Mars, whose spirit in you  
Expels the seeds of fear, and th'apprehension  
Which still is farther off it, Go with me  
Before the god of our profession: There  
Require of him the hearts of Lions, and  
The breath of Tigers, yea the fierceness too,  
Yea the speed also, to go on, I mean:  
Else wish we to be Snails; you know my prize  
Must be dragged out of blood, force and great feat  
Must put my Garland on, where she sticks  
The Queen of Flowers: our intercession then  
Must be to him that makes the Camp, a Cestron  
Brymd with the blood of men: give me your aid  
And bend your spirits towards him. They kneel.  
Thou mighty one, that with thy power hast turned  
Green Nepture into purple.  
Comets prewarne, whose havoc in vast Field  
Vnearthed skulls proclaim, whose breath blows down,  
The teeming Ceres foyzon, who dost pluck  
With hand armenypotent from forth blue clouds,  
The masoned Turrets, that both mak'st, and break'st  
The stony girths of Cities: me thy pupil,  
Youngest follower of thy drum, instruct this day  
With military skill, that to thy laud  
I may advance my Streamer, and by thee,  
Be styled the Lord o'th' day, give me great Mars  
Some token of thy pleasure. Here they fall on their faces as formerly, and there is heard clanging of Armour, with a short Thunder as the burst of a Battle, whereupon they all rise and bow to the Altar.  
O Great Corrector of enormous times;  
Shaker of ore-rank States, thou grand decider  
Of dusty, and old titles, that healst with blood  
The earth when it is sick, and cursed the world  
O'th' pleurisy of people; I do take  
Thy signs auspiciously, and in thy name  
To my design; march boldly, let us go.   Exeunt. Enter Palamon and his Knights, with the former observance. Pal. 

Our stars must glister with new fire, or be  
To day extinct; our argument is love,  
Which if the goddess of it grant, she gives  
Victory too, then blend your spirits with mine,  
You, whose free nobleness do make my cause  
Your personal hazard; to the goddess Venus  
Commend we our proceeding, and implore  
Her power unto our party. Here they kneel as formerly.  
Hail Sovereign Queen of secrets, who hast power  
To call the feircest Tyrant from his rage;  
And weep unto a Girl; that hast the might  
Even with an ey-glance, to choke Marsis Drum  
And turn th'alarm to whispers, that canst make  
A Cripple flourish with his Crutch, and cure him  
Before Apollo; that may'st force the King  
To be his subject's vassal, and induce  
Stale gravity to dance, the pould Bachelor  
Whose youth like wanton Boys through Bonfyres  
Have skipped thy flame, at seaventy, thou canst catch  
And make him to the scorn of his hoarse throat  
Abuse young lays of love; what godlike power  
Hast thou not power upon? To Phoebus thou  
Add'st flames, hotter than his the heavenly fires  
Did scorch his mortal Son, thine him; the huntress  
All moist and cold, some say began to throw  
Her Bow away, and sigh: take to thy grace  
Me thy vowed Soldier, who do bear thy yoke  
As 'twere a wreath of Roses, yet is heavier  
Than Lead itself, stings more than Nettles;  
I have never been foul mouthed against thy law,  
ne'er revealed secret, for I knew none; would not  
Had I ken all that were; I never practised  
Upon man's wife, nor would the Libels read  
Of liberall wits: I never at great feasts  
Sought to betray a Beauty, but have blushed  
At simpering Sirs that did: I have been harsh  
To large Confessors, and have hotly asked them  
If they had Mothers, I had one, a woman,  
And women 'twere they wronged. I knew a man  
Of eighty winters, this I told them, who  
A Lass of fourteen bribed, 'twas thy power  
To put life into dust, the aged Cramp  
Had screwed his square foot round,  
The Gout had knit his fingers into knots,  
Torturing Convulsions from his globie eyes,  
Had almost drawn their spheres, that what was life  
In him seemed torture: this Anatomy  
Had by his young fair fere a Boy, and I  
Believed it was his, for she swore it was,  
And who would not believe her? brief I am  
To those that prate and have done; no Companion  
To those that boast and have not; a defier  
To those that would and cannot; a rejoicer,  
Yea him I do not love, that tells close offices  
The foulest way, nor names concealments in  
The boldest language, such a one I am,  
And vow that lover never yet made sigh  
Truer than I. O then most soft sweet goddess  
Give me the victory of this question, which  
Is true love's merit, and bless me with a sign  
Of thy great pleasure.   Here Musics is heard, Doves are seen to flutter, they fall again upon their faces, then on their knees. Pal. 

O thou that from eleven, to ninety reign'st  
In mortal bosoms, whose chase is this world  
And we in herds thy game; I give thee thanks  
For this fair Token, which being laid unto  
Mine innocent true heart, arms in assurance They bow.  
My body to this business. Let us rise  
And bow before the goddess: Time comes on.   Exeunt. Still Music of Records. Enter Emilia in white, her hair about her shoulders, 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 odours, which being set upon the Altar her maids standing a loof, she sets fire to it, than they curtsy and kneel. Emilia. 

O sacred, shadowy, cold and constant Queen,  
Abandoner of Revels, mute contemplative,  
Sweet, solitary, white as chaste, and pure  
As windefand Snow, who to thy female knights  
Alow'st no more blood than will make a blush,  
Which is their order's robe. I here thy Priest  
Am humbled fore thine Altar, O vouchsafe  
With that thy rare green eye, which never yet  
Beheld thing maculate, look on thy virgin,  
And sacred silver Mistress, lend thine ear  
(Which ne'er heard scurrile term, into whose port  
ne'er entered wanton sound,) to my petition  
Seasoned with holy fear; This is my last  
Of vestal office, I am bride habited,  
But maiden hearted, a husband I have pointed,  
But do not know him out of two, I should  
Choose one, and pray for his success, but I  
Am guiltless of election of mine eyes,  
Were I to lose one, they are equal precious,  
I could doom neither, that which perished should  
Go to't unsentenced: Therefore most modest Queen,  
He of the two Pretenders, that best loves me  
And has the truest title in't, Let him  
Take off my wheaten Gerland, or else grant  
The file and qualitie I hold, I may  
Continue in thy Band. Here the Hind vanishes under the Altar: and in the place ascends a Rose Tree, having one Rose upon it.  
See what our General of Ebbs and Flows  
Out from the bowels of her holy Altar  
With sacred act advances: But one Rose,  
If well inspired, this Battle shall confound  
Both these brave Knights, and I a virgin flower  
Must grow alone unplucked. Here is heard a sudden twang of Instruments, and the Rose falls from the Tree.  
The flower is fall'n, the Tree descends: O Mistress  
Thou here dischargest me, I shall be gathered,  
I think so, but I know not thine own will;  
Unclasp thy Mystery: I hope she's pleased,  
Her Signs were gracious.   They curtsy and Exeunt.  

Scaena 2. Enter Doctor, jailor and Wooer, in habit of Palamon.  Doct. 
Has this advice I told you, done any good upon her?  Wooer. 

O very much; The maids that heaped her company  
Have half persuaded her that I am Palamon; within this  
Half hour she came smiling to me, and asked me what I  
Would eat, and when I would kiss her: I told her  
Presently, and kissed her twice.   Doct. 

T was well done; twenty times had been far better,  
For there the cure lies mainly.   Wooer. 

Then she told me  
She would watch with me to night, for well she knew  
What hour my fit would take me.   Doct. 

Let her do so,  
And when your fit comes, fit her home,  
And presently.   Wooer. 
She would have me sing.  Doctor. 
You did so?  Wooer. 
No.  Doct. 

'twas very ill done then,  
You should observe her every way.   Wooer. 

Alas  
I have no voice Sir, to confirm her that way.   Doctor. 

That's all one, if ye make a noise,  
If she entreat again, do any thing,  
Lie with her if she ask you.   jailor. 
Hoa there Doctor.  Doctor. 
Yes in the way of cure.  jailor 

But first by your leave  
I'th' way of honesty.   Doctor. 

That's but a niceness,  
ne'er cast your child away for honesty;  
Cure her first this way, then if she will be honest,  
She has the path before her.   jailor. 
Thank ye Doctor.  Doctor. 

Pray bring her in  
And let's see how she is.   jailor. 

I will, and tell her  
Her Palamon stays for her: But Doctor,  
Me thinks you are i'th' wrong still.   Exit jailor. Doct. 

go, go: you Fathers are fine Fools: her honesty?  
And we should give her physic till we find that:   Wooer. 
Why, do you think she is not honest Sir?  Doctor. 
How old is she?  Wooer. 
She's eighteen.  Doctor. 

She may be,  
But that's all one, 'tis nothing to our purpose,  
What ere her Father says, if you perceive  
Her mood inclining that way that I spoke of  
Videlicet, the way of flesh, you have me.   Wooer. 
Yet very well Sir.  Doctor. 

Please her appetite  
And do it home, it cures her ipso facto,  
The melancholy humour that infects her.   Wooer. 
I am of your mind Doctor.  Enter jailor, Daughter, Maid. Doctor. 
You'll find it so; she comes, pray honour her.  jailor. 

Come, your Love Palamon stays for you child,  
And has done this long hour, to visit you.   Daughter. 

I thank him for his gentle patience,  
He's a kind Gentleman, and I am much bound to him,  
Did you ne'er see the horse he gave me?   jailor. 
Yes.  Daugh. 
How do you like him?  jailor. 
He's a very fair one.  Daugh. 
You never saw him dance?  jailor. 
No.  Daugh. 

I have often.  
He dances very finely, very comely,  
And for a jig, come cut and long tail to him,  
He turns ye like a Top.   jailor. 
That's fine indeed.  Daugh. 

he'll dance the Morris twenty mile an hour,  
And that will founder the best hobby-horse  
(If I have any skill) in all the parish,  
And gallops to the turn of Light a'love,  
What think you of this horse?   jailor. 

Having these virtues  
I think he might be brought to play at Tennis.   Daugh. 
Alas that's nothing.  jailor. 
Can he write and read too.  Daugh. 

A very fair hand, and casts himself th'accounts  
Of all his hay and provender: That Hostler  
Must rise betime that cousin's him; you know  
The Chestnut Mare the Duke has?   jailor. 
Very well.  Daugh. 

She is horribly in love with him, poor beast,  
But he is like his master coy and scornful.   jailor. 
What dowry has she?  Daugh. 

Some two hundred Bottles,  
And twenty strike of oats; but he'll ne'er have her;  
He lisps in's neighing able to entice  
A Miller's Mare,  
he'll be the death of her.   Doctor. 
What stuff she utters?  jailor. 
Make curtsy, here your love comes.  Wooer. 

Pretty soul  
How do ye? that's a fine maid, there's a curtsy.   Daugh. 

Yours to command i'th' way of honesty;  
How far is't now toth' end o'th' world my Masters?   Doctor. 
Why a day's journey wench.  Daugh. 
Will you go with me?  Wooer. 
What shall we do there wench?  Daugh. 

Why play at stool ball.  
What is there else to do?   Wooer. 

I am content  
If we shall keep our wedding there.   Daugh. 

'tis true  
For there I will assure you, we shall find  
Some blind Priest for the purpose, that will venture  
To marry us, for here they are nice, and foolish;  
Besides my father must be hanged to morrow  
And that would be a blot i'th' business  
Are not you Palamon?   Wooer. 
Do not you know me?  Daugh. 

Yes, but you care not for me; I have nothing  
But this poor petticoat, and too corpse Smocks.   Wooer. 
That's all one, I will have you.  Daugh. 
Will you surely?  Wooer. 
Yes by this fair hand will I.  Daugh. 
we'll to bed then.  Wooer. 
Even when you will.  Daugh. 
O Sir, you would fain be nibbling.  Wooer. 
Why do you rub my kiss off?  Daugh. 

'tis a sweet one,  
And will perfume me finely against the wedding.  
Is not this your x Arcite?   Doctor. 

Yes sweetheart,  
And I am glad my x Palamon  
Has made so fair a choice.   Daugh. 
Do you think he'll have me?  Doctor. 
Yes without doubt.  Daugh. 
Do you think so too?  jailor. 
Yes.  Daugh. 

We shall have many children: Lord, how y'are grown,  
My Palamon I hope will grow too finely  
Now he's at liberty: Alas poor Chicken  
He was kept down with hard meat, and ill lodging  
But I'll kiss him up again.   Enter a Messenger. Mess. 

What do you here, you'll lose the noblest sight  
That e'er was seen.   jailor. 
Are they i'th' Field?  Mess. 

They are  
You bear a charge there too.   jailor. 

I'll away straight  
I must even leave you here.   Doctor. 

Nay we'll go with you,  
I will not lose the Fight.   jailor. 
How did you like her?  Doctor. 

I'll warrant you within these 3. or 4 days  
I'll make her right again. You must not from her  
But still preserve her in this way.   Wooer. 
I will,  Doc. 
Le's get her in.  Wooer. 

Come sweet we'll go to dinner  
And then we'll play at Cards.   Daugh. 
And shall we kiss too?  Wooer. 
A hundred times  Daugh. 
And twenty.  Wooer. 
I and twenty.  Daugh. 
And then we'll sleep together.  Doc. 
Take her offer.  Wooer. 
Yes marry will we.  Daugh. 
But you shall not hurt me.  Wooer. 
I will not sweet.  Daugh. 
If you do (Love) I'll cry.  Flourish Exeunt.  

Seaena 3. Enter Theseus, Hippolita, Emilia, Peritbous: and some Attendants, T. Tuck: Curtis.  Emil. 
I'll no step further.  Per. 
Will you lose this sight?  Emil. 

I had rather see a wren hawk at a fly  
Then this decision every; blow that falls  
Threats a brave life, each stroke laments  
The place whereon it falls, and sounds more like  
A Bell, than blade: I will stay here,  
It is enough my hearing shall be punished,  
With what shall happen, 'gainst the which there is  
No deaffing, but to hear; not taint mine eye  
With dread sights, it may shun.   Pir. 

Sir, my good Lord  
Your Sister will no further.   Thes. 

Oh she must.  
She shall see deeds of honour in their kind,  
Which sometime show well pencild. Nature now  
Shall make, and act the Story, the belief  
Both sealed with eye, and ear; you must be present,  
You are the victor's meed, the price, and garland  
To crown the Questions title.   Emil. 

Pardon me,  
If I were there, I'd wink   Thes. 

You must be there;  
This Trial is as 'twere i'th' night, and you  
The only star to shine.   Emil. 

I am extinct,  
There is but envy in that light, which shows  
The one the other: darkness which ever was  
The dam of horror, who does stand accursed  
Of many mortal Millions, may even now  
By casting her black mantle over both  
That neither could find other, get herself  
Some part of a good name, and many a murder  
Set off whereto she's guilty.   Hip. 
You must go.  Emilia, 
In faith I will not.  Thes. 

Why the knights must kindle  
Their valour at your eye: know of this war  
You are the Treasure, and must needs be by  
To give the Service pay.   Emilia, 

Sir pardon me,  
The title of a kingdom may be tried  
Out of itself.   Thes. 

Well, well then, at your pleasure,  
Those that remain with you, could wish their office  
To any of their Enemies.   Hip. 

Farewell Sister,  
I am like to know your husband fore yourself  
By some small start of time, he whom the gods  
Do of the two know best, I pray them he  
Be made your Lot.   Exeunt Theseus, Hippolita, Pirithous, &c. Emil. 

Arcite is gently visagd; yet his eye  
Is like an Engyn bent, or a sharp weapon  
In a soft sheath; mercy, and manly courage  
Are bedfellows in his visage: Palamon  
Has a most menacing aspect, his brow  
Is graved, and seems to bury what it frowns on,  
Yet sometime 'tis not so, but altars to  
The quality of his thoughts; long time his eye  
Will dwell upon his object. Mellencholly  
Becomes him nobly; So does Arcites mirth,  
But Palamons' sadness is a kind of mirth,  
So mingled, as if mirth did make him sad,  
And sadness, merry; those darker humours that  
Stick misbecomingly on others, on them  
Live in fair dwelling. Cornets. Trumpet's sound as to a charge.  
Hark how you spurs to spirit do incite  
The Princes to their proof, Arcite may win me,  
And yet may Palamon wound Arcite to  
The spoiling of his figure. O what pity  
Enough for such a chance; if I were by  
I might do hurt, for they would glance their eyes  
Toward my Seat, and in that motion might  
Omit a ward, or forfeit an offence  
Which craved that very time: it is much better  
(Cornets. a great cry and noise within crying a Palamon.)  
I am not there, oh better never borne  
Then minister to such harm, what is the chance?   Enter Servant. Ser. 
The Crie's a Palamon.  Emil. 

Then he has won: 'twas ever likely,  
He looked all grace and success, and he is  
Doubtless the prim'st of men: I prithee run  
And tell me how it goes.   Shout, and Cornets: Crying a Palamon. Ser. 
Still Palamon.  Emil. 

Run and inquire, poor Servant thou hast lost,  
Upon my right side still I wore thy picture,  
Palamons' on the left, why so, I know not,  
I had no end in't; else chance would have it so. Another cry, and shout within, and Cornets.  
On the sinister side, the heart lies; Palamon  
Had the best boding chance: This burst of clamour  
Is sure th'end o'th' Combat.   Enter Servant. Ser. 

They said that Palamon had Arcites body  
Within an inch o'th' Pyramid, that the cry  
Was general a Palamon: But anon,  
Th' Assistants made a brave redemption, and  
The two bold Tytlers, at this instant are  
Hand to hand at it.   Emil. 

Were they metamorphisd  
Both into one; oh why? there were no woman  
Worth so composed a Man: their single share,  
Their nobleness peculiar to them, gives  
The prejudice of disparity values shortness Cornets. Cry within, Arcite, Arcite.  
To any Lady breathing— More exulting?  
Palamon still?   Ser. 
Nay, now the sound is Arcite.  Emil. 

I prithee lay attention to the Cry.  
Cornets. a great shout and cry, Arcite, victory. Set both thine ears toth' business.   Ser. 

The cry is  
Arcite, and victory, hark Arcite, victory,  
The Combats consummation is proclaimed  
By the wind Instruments.   Emil. 

Half sights saw  
That Arcite was no babe: god's lid, his richness  
And costliness of spirit looked through him, it could  
No more be hid in him, than fire in flax,  
Then humble banks can go to law with waters,  
That drift winds, force to raging: I did think  
Good Palamon would miscarry, yet I knew not  
Why I did think so; Our reasons are not prophets  
When oft our fancies are: They are coming off:  
Alas poor Palamon.   Cornets. Enter Theseus, Hippolita, Pirithous, Arcite as victor, and attendants, &c. Thes. 

Lo, where our Sister is in expectation,  
Yet quaking, and unsettled: Fairest Emily.  
The gods by their divine arbitrement  
Have given you this Knight, he is a good one  
As ever struck at head: Give me your hands;  
Receive you her, you him, be plighted with  
A love that grows, as you decay;   Arcite. 

Emily,  
To buy you, I have lost what's dearest to me,  
Save what is bought, and yet I purchase cheaply,  
As I do rate your value.   Thes. 

O loved Sister,  
He speaks now of as brave a Knight as ere  
Did spur a noble Steed: Surely the gods  
Would have him die a Bachelor, lest his race  
Should show i'th' world too godlike: His behaviour  
So charmed me, that me thought Alcides was  
To him a sow of lead: if I could praise  
Each part of him toth' all; I have spoke, your Arcite  
Did not lose by't; For he that was thus good  
Encountered yet his Better, I have heard  
Two emulous Philomel's, beat the ear o'th' night  
With their contentious throats, now one the higher,  
Anon the other, then again the first,  
And by and by outbreasted, that the sense  
Could not be judge between 'em: So it fared  
Good space between these kinesmen; till heavens did  
Make hardly one the winner: wear the Garland  
With joy that you have won: For the subdued,  
Give them our present justice, since I know  
Their lives but pinch'em; Let it here be done:  
The scene's not for our seeing, go we hence,  
Right joyful, with some sorrow. Arm your prize,  
I know you will not lose her: Hippolita  
I see one eye of yours conceives a tear  
The which it will deliver.   Florish. Emil. 

Is this winning?  
Oh all you heavenly powers where is you mercy?  
But that your wills have said it must be so,  
And charge me live to comfort this unfriended,  
This miserable Prince, that cuts away  
A life more worthy from him, than all women;  
I should, and would die too.   Hip. 

Infinite pity  
That four such eyes should be so fixed on one  
That two must needs be blind for't.   Thes. 
So it is.  Exeunt.  

Scaena 4. Enter Palamon and his Knights pyniond: jailor, Executioner &c. Gard.  

there's many a man alive, that hath out lived  
The love o'th' people, yea i'th' selfsame state  
Stands many a Father with his child; some comfort  
We have by so considering: we expire  
And not without men's pity. To live still,  
Have their good wishes, we prevent  
The loathsome misery of age, beguile  
The Gout and Rheum, that in lag hours attend  
For grey approachers; we come towards the gods  
Young, and unwappered not, halting under Crymes  
Many and stale: that sure shall please the gods  
Sooner than such, to give us Nectar with 'em,  
For we are more clear Spirits. My dear kinsmen.  
Whose lives (for this poor comfort) are laid down,  
You have sold 'em too too cheap.   1. K. 

What ending could be  
Of more content? over us the victors have  
Fortune, whose title is as momentary,  
As to us death is certain: A grain of honour  
They not ore'-weigh us.   2. K. 

Let us bid farewell;  
And with our patience, anger tottering Fortune,  
Who at her certainest reels.   3. K. 
Come? who begins?  Pal. 

Even he that led you to this Banquet, shall  
Taste to you all: ah ha my Friend, my Friend,  
Your gentle daughter gave me freedom once;  
You'll see't done now for ever: pray how does she?  
I heard she was not well; her kind of ill  
gave me some sorrow.   jailor. 

Sir she's well restored,  
And to be married shortly.   Pal. 

By my short life  
I am most glad on't; 'tis the latest thing  
I shall be glad of, prithee tell her so:  
Commend me to her, and to piece her portion  
Tender her this.   1. K. 
Nay le's be offerers all.  2. K. 
Is it a maid?  Pal. 

Verily I think so,  
A right good creature, more to me deserving  
Then I can quite or speak of.   All K. 
Commend us to her.  They give their purses. jailor. 

The gods requite you all,  
And make her thankful.   Pal. 

Adieu; and let my life be now as short,  
As my leave taking.   Lies on the Block. 1. K. 
Lead courageous x.  1. 2. K. 
we'll follow cheerfully.  A great noise within crying, run, save hold: Enter in haste a Messenger. Mess. 
Hold, hold, O hold, hold, hold.  Enter Pirithous in haste. Pir. 

Hold hoa: It is a cursed haste you made  
If you have done so quickly: noble Palamon,  
The gods will show their glory in a life.  
That thou art yet to lead.   Pal. 

Can that be,  
When Venus I have said is false? How do things fare?   Pir. 

Arise great Sir, and give the tidings ear  
That are most early sweet, and bitter.   Pal. 

What  
Hath waked us from our dream?   Pir. 

List then: your x  
Mounted upon a Steed that Emily  
Did first bestow on him, a black one, owing  
Not a hair worth of white, which some will say  
Weakens his price, and many will not buy  
His goodness with this note: Which superstition  
Heere finds allowance: On this horse is Arcite  
Trotting the stones of Athens, which the Calkins  
Did rather tell, then trample; for the horse  
Would make his length a mile, if't pleased his Rider  
To put pride in him: as he thus went counting  
The flinty pavement, dancing as 'twere toth' Music  
His own hooves made; (for as they say from iron  
Came Musics origen) what envious Flint,  
Cold as old Saturn, and like him possessed  
With fire malevolent, darted a Spark  
Or what fierce sulphur else, to this end made,  
I comment not; the hot horse, hot as fire  
took Toy at this, and fell to what disorder  
His power could give his will, bounds, comes on end,  
Forgets school doing, being therein trained,  
And of kind mannadge, pig-like he whines  
At the sharp Rowel, which he frets at rather  
Then any jot obeys; seeks all foul means  
Of boisterous and rough jadrie, to dis-seate  
His Lord, that kept it bravely: when nought served,  
When neither Curb would crack, girth break nor differing plunges  
Dis-roote his Rider whence he grew, but that  
He kept him 'tween his legs, on his hind hooves on end he stands  
That Arcites legs being higher than his head  
Seemed with strange art to hang: His victors wreath  
Even then fell off his head: and presently  
Backward the jade comes over, and his full poise  
Becomes the Rider's load: yet is he living.  
But such a vessel 'T, that floats but for  
The surge that next approaches: he much desires  
To have some speech with you: Lo he appears. Enter Theseus, Hippolita, Emilia, Arcite, in a chair.   Pal. 

O miserable end of our alliance  
The gods are mighty Arcite, if thy heart,  
Thy worthy, manly heart be yet unbroken;  
Give me thy last words, I am Palamon,  
One that yet loves thee dying.   Arc. 

Take Emilia  
And with her, all the world's joy: Reach thy hand,  
Farewell: I have told my last hour; I was false,  
Yet never treacherous: Forgive me x:  
One kiss from fair Emilia: 'tis done:  
Take her: I die.   Pal. 
Thy brave soul seek elysium.  Emil. 

I'll close thine eyes Prince; blessed souls be with thee,  
Thou art a right good man, and while I live,  
This day I give to tears.   Pal. 
And I to honour.  Thes. 

In this place first you fought: even very here  
I sundered you, acknowledge to the gods  
Our thanks that you are living:  
His part is played, and though it were too short  
He did it well: your day is lengthened, and,  
The blissful dew of heaven does arowze you.  
The powerful Venus, well hath graced her Altar,  
And given you your love: Our Master Mars  
Hast vouched his Oracle, and to Arcite gave  
The grace of the Contention: So the Deities  
Have showed due justice: Bear this hence.   Pal. 

O x,  
That we should things desire, which do cost us  
The loss of our desire; That nought could buy  
Dear love, but loss of dear love.   Thes. 

Never Fortune  
Did play a subtler Game: The conquered triumphs,  
The victor has the Loss: yet in the passage,  
The gods have been most equal: Palamon,  
Your kinsman hath confessed the right o'th' Lady  
Did lie in you, for you first saw her, and  
Even then proclaimed your fancy: He restored her  
As your stolen jewel, and desired your spirit  
To send him hence forgiven; The gods my justice  
Take from my hand, and they themselves become  
The Executioners: Lead your Lady off;  
And call your Lovers from the stage of death,  
Whom I adopt my Friends. A day or two  
Let us look sadly, and give grace unto  
The Funeral of Arcite, in whose end  
The visages of bridegrooms we'll put on  
And smile with Palamon; for whom an hour,  
But one hour since, I was as dearly sorry,  
As glad of Arcite: and am now as glad,  
As for him sorry. O you heavenly Charmers,  
What things you make of us? For what we lack  
We laugh, for what we have, are sorry still,  
Are children in some kind. Let us be thankful  
For that which is, and with you leave dispute  
That are above our question: Let's go off,  
And bear us like the time:   Florish. Exeunt.    

EPILOGUE.  

I Would now ask ye how ye like the Play,  
But as it is with School Boys, cannot say,  
I am cruel fearful: pray yet stay a while,  
And let me look upon ye: No man smile?  
Then it goes hard I see; He that has  
Loved a young handsome wench then, show his face:  
'tis strange if none be here, and if he will  
Against his Conscience let him hiss, and kill  
Our Market: 'tis in vain, I see to stay ye,  
Have at the worst can come, then; Now what say ye?  
And yet mistake me not: I am not bold  
We have no such cause. If the tale we have told  
(For 'tis no other) any way content ye)  
(For to that honest purpose it was meant ye)  
We have our end; and ye shall have ere long  
I dare say many a better, to prolong  
Your old loves to us: we, and all our might,  
Rest at your service, Gentlemen, good night.   
Florish.  
FINIS.