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Shakespeare
The Two Noble Kinsmen
CONTENTS Table of Contents
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Prologue PROLOGUE
Act 1 1.0
Scene 1 1.1
Scene 2 1.2
Scene 3 1.3
Scene 4 1.4
Scene 5 1.5
Act 2 2.0
Scene 1 2.1
Scene 2 2.2
Scene 3 2.3
Scene 4 2.4
Scene 5 2.5
Scene 6 2.6
Act 3 3.0
Scene 1 3.1
Scene 2 3.2
Scene 3 3.3
Scene 4 3.4
Scene 5 3.5
Scene 6 3.6
Act 4 4.0
Scene 1 4.1
Scene 2 4.2
Scene 3 4.3
Act 5 5.0
Scene 1 5.1
Scene 2 5.2
Scene 3 5.3
Scene 4 5.4
Scene 5 5.5
Scene 6 5.6
Dramatis Personae 6.0
PROLOGUE
New plays and maidenheads are near akin:
Much followed both, for both much money giv'n
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 night's 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 learnЉd, 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 hear 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 writer,
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 tack about
And something do to save us. You shall hear
Scenes, though below his art, may yet appear
Worth two hours' travail. 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.
Flourish. Exit
1.1 Scene 1
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Music. Enter Hymen with a torch burning, a Boy
in a white robe before, singing and strewing flowers. After Hymen, a
nymph encompassed in her tresses, bearing a wheaten garland. Then
Theseus between two other nymphs with wheaten chaplets on their heads.
Then Hippolyta, the bride, led by Pirithous and another holding a
garland over her head, her tresses likewise hanging. After her, Emilia
holding up her train. Then Artesius (and other attendants)
BOY
(sings during procession)
Roses, their sharp spines being gone,
Not royal in their smells alone,
But in their hue;
Maiden pinks, of odour faint,
Daisies smell-less, yet most quaint,
And sweet thyme true;
Primrose, first-born child of Ver,
Merry springtime's harbinger,
With harebells dim;
Oxlips, in their cradles growing,
Marigolds, on deathbeds blowing,
Lark's-heels trim;
All dear nature's children sweet,
Lie fore bride and bridegroom's feet,
He strews flowers
Blessing their sense.
Not an angel of the air,
Bird melodious, or bird fair,
Is absent hence.
The crow, the sland'rous cuckoo, nor
The boding raven, nor chough hoar,
Nor chatt'ring pie,
May on our bridehouse perch or sing,
Or with them any discord bring,
But from it fly.
Enter three Queens in black, with veils stained, with
imperial crowns. The First Queen falls down at the foot
of Theseus; the Second falls down at the foot of Hippolyta;
the Third, before Emilia
FIRST QUEEN
(to Theseus)
For pity's sake and true gentility's,
Hear and respect me.
SECOND QUEEN
(to Hippolyta)
For your mother's sake,
And as you wish your womb may thrive with fair ones,
Hear and respect me.
THIRD QUEEN
(to Emilia)
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
(to First Queen)
Sad lady, rise.
HIPPOLYTA
(to Second Queen)
Stand up.
EMILIA
(to Third Queen)
No knees to me.What woman I may stead that is distressed
Does bind me to her.
THESEUS
(to First Queen)
What's your request? Deliver you for all.
FIRST QUEEN
(kneeling still)
We are three queens whose sovereigns fell before
The wrath of cruel Creon; who endured
The beaks of ravens, talons of the kites,
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 blest 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 to th' 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 crownЉd heads we have no roof,
Save this, which is the lion's and the bear's,
And vault to everything.
THESEUS
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 Mars's altar. You were that time fair,
Not Juno's mantle fairer than your tresses,
Nor in more bounty spread her. Your wheaten wreath
Was then nor threshed 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 Nemean hide
And swore his sinews thawed. O grief and time,
Fearful consumers, you will all devour.
FIRST QUEEN
(kneeling still)
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.
THESEUS
O no knees, none, widow:
(The First Queen rises)
Unto the helmeted Bellona use them
And pray for me, your soldier. Troubled I am.
He turns away
SECOND QUEEN
(kneeling still)
Honoured Hippolyta,
Most dreaded Amazonian, that hast slain
The scythe-tusked boar, 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 -
Born 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; soldieress,
That equally canst poise sternness with pity,
Whom now I know hast much more power on him
Than ever he had on thee, who ow'st his strength,
And his love too, who is a servant for
The tenor of thy 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 dove's motion when the head's plucked off.
Tell him, if he i'th' blood-sized field lay swoll'n,
Showing the sun his teeth, grinning at the moon,
What you would do.
HIPPOLYTA
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
Heart-deep with your distress. Let him consider.
I'll speak anon.
(The Second Queen rises)
THIRD QUEEN
(kneeling (still) to Emilia)
O, my petition was
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 cheek.
THIRD QUEEN
O woe,
You cannot read it there; there, through my tears,
Like wrinkled pebbles in a glassy stream,
You may behold 'em.
(The Third Queen rises)
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 fool.
EMILIA
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-piece of some 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.
THESEUS
Forward to th' temple. Leave not out a jot
O'th' sacred ceremony.
FIRST QUEEN
O, this celebration
Will longer last and be more costly than
Your suppliants' war. Remember that your fame
Knolls in the ear o'th' world: what you do quickly
Is not done rashly; your first thought is more
Than others' laboured meditance; your premeditating
More than their actions. But, O Jove, your actions,
Soon as they move, as ospreys do the fish,
Subdue before they touch. Think, dear Duke, think
What beds our slain kings have.
SECOND QUEEN
What griefs our beds,
That our dear lords have none.
THIRD QUEEN
None fit for th' dead.
Those that with cords, knives, drams, precipitance,
Weary of this world's light, have to themselves
Been death's most horrid agents, human grace
Affords them dust and shadow.
FIRST QUEEN
But our lords
Lie blist'ring fore the visitating sun,
And were good kings, when living.
THESEUS
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.
FIRST QUEEN
And that work presents itself to th' doing.
Now 'twill take form, the heats are gone tomorrow.
Then, bootless toil must recompense itself
With its own sweat; now he's secure,
Not dreams we stand before your puissance
Rinsing our holy begging in our eyes
To make petition clear.
SECOND QUEEN
Now you may take him,
Drunk with his victory.
THIRD QUEEN
And his army full
Of bread and sloth.
THESEUS
Artesius, 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.
FIRST QUEEN
(to the other two Queens)
Dowagers, take hands;
Let us be widows to our woes; delay
Commends us to a famishing hope.
ALL THREE QUEENS
Farewell.
SECOND QUEEN
We come unseasonably, but when could grief
Cull forth, as unpanged judgement can, fitt'st time
For best solicitation?
THESEUS
Why, good ladies,
This is a service whereto I am going
Greater than any war - it more imports me
Than all the actions that I have foregone,
Or futurely can cope.
FIRST QUEEN
The more proclaiming
Our suit shall be neglected when her arms,
Able to lock Jove from a synod, shall
By warranting moonlight corslet thee! O when
Her twinning cherries shall their sweetness fall
Upon thy tasteful lips, what wilt thou think
Of rotten kings or blubbered queens? What care
For what thou feel'st not, what thou feel'st being able
To make Mars spurn his drum? 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 to.
HIPPOLYTA
(to Theseus)
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 ladies' scandal on me. (Kneels) Therefore, sir,
As I shall here make trial of my prayers,
Either presuming them to have some force,
Or sentencing for aye 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 queens service.
ALL THREE QUEENS
(to Emilia)
O, help now,
Our cause cries for your knee.
EMILIA
(kneels to Theseus)
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 anything, nor be so hardy
Ever to take a husband.
THESEUS
Pray stand up.
(They rise)
I am entreating of myself to do
That which you kneel to have me. - Pirithous,
Lead on the bride: get you and pray the gods
For success and return; omit not anything
In the pretended celebration. - Queens,
Follow your soldier. (To Artesius) As before, hence you,
And at the banks of Aulis meet us with
The forces you can raise, where we shall find
The moiety of a number for a business
More bigger looked.
Exit Artesius
(To Hippolyta) Since that our theme is haste,
I stamp this kiss upon thy current lip -
Sweet, keep it as my token. (To the wedding party)Set
you forward,
For I will see you gone.
(To Emilia) Farewell, my beauteous sister. - Pirithous,
Keep the feast full: bate not an hour on't.
PIRITHOUS
Sir,
I'll follow you at heels. The feast's solemnity
Shall want till your return.
THESEUS
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.
Exeunt Hippolyta, Emilia, Pirithous, and train
towards the temple
FIRST QUEEN
Thus dost thou still make good the tongue o'th' world.
SECOND QUEEN
And earn'st a deity equal with Mars -
THIRD QUEEN
If not above him, for
Thou being but mortal mak'st affections bend
To godlike honours; they themselves, some say,
Groan under such a mast'ry.
THESEUS
As we are men,
Thus should we do; being sensually subdued
We lose our human title. Good cheer, ladies.
Now turn we towards your comforts.
(Flourish.) Exeunt
1.2 Scene 2
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Enter Palamon and Arcite
ARCITE
Dear Palamon, dearer in love than blood,
And our prime cousin, yet unhardened in
The crimes of nature, let us leave the city,
Thebes, and the temptings 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 eddy
Where we should turn or drown; if labour through,
Our gain but life and weakness.
PALAMON
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 Mars's so-scorned altar? I do bleed
When such I meet, and wish great Juno would
Resume her ancient fit of jealousy
To get the soldier work, that peace might purge
For her repletion and retain anew
Her charitable heart, now hard and harsher
Than strife or war could be.
ARCITE
Are you not out?
Meet you no ruin but the soldier in
The cranks and turns of Thebes? You did begin
As if you met decays of many kinds.
Perceive you none that do arouse your pity
But th' unconsidered soldier?
PALAMON
Yes, I pity
Decays where'er I find them, but such most
That, sweating in an honourable toil,
Are paid with ice to cool 'em.
ARCITE
'Tis not this
I did begin to speak of. This is virtue,
Of no respect in Thebes. I spake 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 ev'n jump
As they are here were to be strangers, and
Such things to be, mere monsters.
PALAMON
'Tis in our power,
Unless we fear that apes can tutor's, to
Be masters of our manners. What need I
Affect another's gait, 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 unblest - with him
My poor chin, too - for'tis not scissored just
To such a favourite's glass? What canon is there
That does command my rapier from my hip
To dangle't in my hand? Or to go tiptoe
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 plantain. That which rips my bosom
Almost to th' heart's -
ARCITE
Our uncle Creon.
PALAMON
He,
A most unbounded tyrant, whose successes
Makes heaven unfeared 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's service,
And what they win in't, boot and glory; one
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.
ARCITE
Clear-spirited cousin,
Let's 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 kinsmen
In blood unless in quality.
PALAMON
Nothing truer.
I think the echoes of his shames have deafed
The ears of heav'nly justice. Widows' cries
Descend again into their throats and have not
Enter Valerius
Due audience of the gods - Valerius.
VALERIUS
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 to
The loudness of his fury.
PALAMON
Small winds shake him.
But what's the matter?
VALERIUS
Theseus, who where he threats, appals, hath sent
Deadly defiance to him and pronounces
Ruin to Thebes, who is at hand to seal
The promise of his wrath.
ARCITE
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 action's dregged with mind assured
'Tis bad he goes about.
PALAMON
Leave that unreasoned.
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.
ARCITE
So we must.
Is't said this war's afoot? Or it shall be
On fail of some condition?
VALERIUS
'Tis in motion,
The intelligence of state came in the instant
With the defier.
PALAMON
Let'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?
ARCITE
Let th' event -
That never-erring arbitrator - tell us
When we know all ourselves, and let us follow
The becking of our chance.
Exeunt
1.3 Scene 3
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Enter Pirithous, Hippolyta, and Emilia
PIRITHOUS
No further.
HIPPOLYTA
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.
PIRITHOUS
Though I know
His ocean needs not my poor drops, yet they
Must yield their tribute there. (To Emilia) My precious
maid,
Those best affections that the heavens infuse
In their best-tempered pieces keep enthroned
In your dear heart.
EMILIA
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.
HIPPOLYTA
In's bosom.
We have been soldiers, and we cannot weep
When our friends don their helms, or put to sea,
Or tell of babes broached on the lance, or women
That have sod their infants in - and after eat them -
The brine they wept at killing 'em: then if
You stay to see of us such spinsters, we
Should hold you here forever.
PIRITHOUS
Peace be to you
As I pursue this war, which shall be then
Beyond further requiring.
Exit Pirithous
EMILIA
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 one business in his hand, another
Directing in his head, his mind nurse equal
To these so diff'ring twins. Have you observed him
Since our great lord departed?
HIPPOLYTA
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 skiffed
Torrents whose roaring tyranny and power
I'th' least of these was dreadful, and they have
Fought out together where death's self was lodged;
Yet fate hath brought them off. Their knot of love,
Tied, weaved, entangled with so true, so long,
And with a finger of so deep a cunning,
May be outworn, 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.
EMILIA
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 eleven.
HIPPOLYTA
'Twas Flavina.
EMILIA
Yes.
You talk of Pirithous' and Theseus' love:
Theirs has more ground, is more maturely seasoned,
More buckled with strong judgement, and their needs
The one of th' other may be said to water
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,
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 - O then 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 wear - I followed
For my most serious decking. Had mine ear
Stol'n some new air, or at adventure hummed one,
From musical coinage, why, it was a note
Whereon her spirits would sojourn - rather dwell on -
And sing it in her slumbers. This rehearsal -
Which, seely innocence wots well, comes in
Like old emportment's bastard - has this end:
That the true love 'tween maid and maid may be
More than in sex dividual.
HIPPOLYTA
You're out of breath,
And this high-speeded pace is but to say
That you shall never, like the maid Flavina,
Love any that's called man.
EMILIA
I am sure I shall not.
HIPPOLYTA
Now alack, weak sister,
I must no more believe thee in this point -
Though in't I know thou dost believe thyself -
Than 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 Pirithous possess
The high throne in his heart.
EMILIA
I am not
Against your faith, yet I continue mine.
Exeunt
1.4 Scene 4
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Cornetts. A battle struck within. Then a retreat.
Flourish. Then enter Theseus, victor. The three Queens meet
him and fall on their faces before him.
(Also enter a Herald, and attendants bearing
Palamon and Arcite on two hearses)
FIRST QUEEN
(to Theseus)
To thee no star be dark.
SECOND QUEEN
(to Theseus)
Both heaven and
earthFriend thee for ever.
THIRD QUEEN
(to Theseus)
All the good that may
Be wished upon thy head, I cry 'Amen' to't.
THESEUS
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 rites we would supply't.
But those we will depute which shall invest
You in your dignities, and even each thing
Our haste does leave imperfect. So adieu,
And heaven's good eyes look on you.
Exeunt the Queens
What are those?
HERALD
Men of great quality, as may be judged
By their appointment. Some of Thebes have told's
They are sisters' children, nephews to the King.
THESEUS
By th' 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 enquired their names?
HERALD
Wi' leave, they're called
Arcite and Palamon.
THESEUS
'Tis right: those, those.
They are not dead?
HERALD
Nor in a state of life. Had they been taken
When their last hurts were given, 'twas possible
They might have been recovered. Yet they breathe,
And have the name of men.
THESEUS
Then like men use 'em.
The very lees of such, millions of rates
Exceed the wine of others. All our surgeons
Convent in their behoof; our richest balms,
Rather than niggard, waste. 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-thousandfold 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' behests,
Love's provocations, zeal, a mistress' task,
Desire of liberty, a fever, madness,
Hath set a mark which nature could not reach to
Without some imposition, sickness in will
O'er-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
To Athens fore our army.
Flourish. Exeunt
1.5 Scene 5
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Music. Enter the three Queens with the hearses of
their lords in a funeral solemnity, with attendants
Song
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 pleasure's foes.
We convent naught else but woes,
We convent naught else but woes.
THIRD QUEEN
This funeral path brings to your household's grave -
Joy seize on you again, peace sleep with him.
SECOND QUEEN
And this to yours.
FIRST QUEEN
Yours this way. Heavens lend
A thousand differing ways to one sure end.
THIRD QUEEN
This world's a city full of straying streets,
And death's the market-place where each one meets.
Exeunt severally
ACT INTERVAL
2.1 Scene 1
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Enter the Jailer and the Wooer
JAILER
I may depart with little, while I live; something 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 minnows.
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 the Jailer's Daughter with rushes
When that shall be seen, I tender my consent.
WOOER
I have, sir. Here she comes.
JAILER
(to Daughter)
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.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
These strewings are for their chamber.
'Tis pity they are in prison, and 'twere 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.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
By my troth, I think fame but stammers
'em - they stand a grece above the reach of report.
JAILER
I heard them reported in the battle to be the only
doers.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
Nay, most likely, for they are noble
sufferers. 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?
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
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 'twere 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,
Palamon and Arcite appear (at a window) above
and so did they. What the reason of it is I know not.
Look, yonder they are. That's Arcite looks out.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
No, sir, no - that's Palamon. Arcite is
the lower of the twain - (pointing at Arcite) you may
perceive a part of him.
JAILER
Go to, leave your pointing. They would not make
us their object. Out of their sight.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
It is a holiday to look on them. Lord,
the difference of men!
Exeunt
2.2 Scene 2
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Enter Palamon and Arcite in prison, (in shackles,
above)
PALAMON
How do you, noble cousin?
ARCITE
How do you, sir?
PALAMON
Why, strong enough to laugh at misery
And bear the chance of war. Yet we are prisoners,
I fear, for ever, cousin.
ARCITE
I believe it,
And to that destiny have patiently
Laid up my hour to come.
PALAMON
O, cousin 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 east wind, 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-eyed god of war ne'er wore -
Ravished 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
Loaden 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 fair-eyed maids shall weep our banishments,
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.
PALAMON
'Tis too true, Arcite. To our Theban hounds
That shook the agЉd forest with their echoes,
No more now must we holler; no more shake
Our pointed javelins whilst the angry swine
Flies like a Parthian quiver from our rages,
Struck with our well-steeled 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.
ARCITE
Yet, cousin,
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.
PALAMON
Certainly
'Tis a main goodness, cousin, that our fortunes
Were twined 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.
ARCITE
Shall we make worthy uses of this place
That all men hate so much?
PALAMON
How, gentle cousin?
ARCITE
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 begetting
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, cousin,
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 sever us.
PALAMON
You have made me -
I thank you, cousin Arcite - almost wanton
With my captivity. What a misery
It is to live abroad, and everywhere!
'Tis like a beast, methinks. 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? Cousin 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?
ARCITE
I would hear you still.
PALAMON
Ye shall.
Is there record of any two that loved
Better than we do, Arcite?
ARCITE
Sure there cannot.
PALAMON
I do not think it possible our friendship
Should ever leave us.
ARCITE
Till our deaths it cannot,
Enter Emilia and her Woman (below). Palamon sees
Emilia and is silent
And after death our spirits shall be led
To those that love eternally. Speak on, sir.
EMILIA
(to her Woman)
This garden has a world of pleasure in't.
What flower is this?
WOMAN
'Tis called narcissus, madam.
EMILIA
That was a fair boy, certain, but a fool
To love himself. Were there not maids enough?
ARCITE
(to Palamon)
Pray forward.
PALAMON
Yes.
EMILIA
(to her Woman)
Or were they all hard-hearted?
WOMAN
They could not be to one so fair.
EMILIA
Thou wouldst not.
WOMAN
I think I should not, madam.
EMILIA
That's a good wench -
But take heed to your kindness, though.
WOMAN
Why, madam?
EMILIA
Men are mad things.
ARCITE
(to Palamon)
Will ye go forward, cousin?
EMILIA
(to her Woman)
Canst not thou work such flowers in silk, wench?
WOMAN
Yes.
EMILIA
I'll have a gown full of 'em, and of these.
This is a pretty colour - will't not do
Rarely upon a skirt, wench?
WOMAN
Dainty, madam.
ARCITE
(to Palamon)
Cousin, cousin, how do you, sir? Why, Palamon!
PALAMON
Never till now was I in prison, Arcite.
ARCITE
Why, what's the matter, man?
PALAMON
Behold and wonder!
Arcite sees Emilia
By heaven, she is a goddess!
ARCITE
Ha!
PALAMON
Do reverence.
She is a goddess, Arcite.
EMILIA
(to her Woman)
Of all flowers
Methinks a rose is best.
WOMAN
Why, gentle madam?
EMILIA
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.
WOMAN
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.
EMILIA
Thou art wanton.
ARCITE
(to Palamon)
She is wondrous fair.
PALAMON
She is all the beauty extant.
EMILIA
(to her Woman)
The sun grows high - let's walk in. Keep these flowers.
We'll see how close art can come near their colours.
I am wondrous merry-hearted - I could laugh now.
WOMAN
I could lie down, I am sure.
EMILIA
And take one with you?
WOMAN
That's as we bargain, madam.
EMILIA
Well, agree then.
Exeunt Emilia and her Woman
PALAMON
What think you of this beauty?
ARCITE
'Tis a rare one.
PALAMON
Is't but a rare one?
ARCITE
Yes, a matchless beauty.
PALAMON
Might not a man well lose himself and love her?
ARCITE
I cannot tell what you have done; I have,
Beshrew mine eyes for't. Now I feel my shackles.
PALAMON
You love her then?
ARCITE
Who would not?
PALAMON
And desire her?
ARCITE
Before my liberty.
PALAMON
I saw her first.
ARCITE
That's nothing.
PALAMON
But it shall be.
ARCITE
I saw her too.
PALAMON
Yes, but you must not love her.
ARCITE
I will not, as you do, to worship her
As she is heavenly and a blessЉd goddess!
I love her as a woman, to enjoy her -
So both may love.
PALAMON
You shall not love at all.
ARCITE
Not love at all - who shall deny me?
PALAMON
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 entertain'st 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.
ARCITE
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 her, 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.
PALAMON
Have I called thee friend?
ARCITE
Yes, and have found me so. Why are you moved thus?
Let me deal coldly with you. Am not I
Part of your blood, part of your soul? You have told me
That I was Palamon and you were Arcite.
PALAMON
Yes.
ARCITE
Am not I liable to those affections,
Those joys, griefs, angers, fears, my friend shall suffer?
PALAMON
Ye may be.
ARCITE
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?
PALAMON
No, but unjust
If thou pursue that sight.
ARCITE
Because another
First sees the enemy, shall I stand still,
And let mine honour down, and never charge?
PALAMON
Yes, if he be but one.
ARCITE
But say that one
Had rather combat me?
PALAMON
Let that one say so,
And use thy freedom; else, if thou pursuest her,
Be as that cursЉd man that hates his country,
A branded villain.
ARCITE
You are mad.
PALAMON
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.
ARCITE
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.
PALAMON
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 'twere to filch affection from another.
Thou art baser in it than a cutpurse.
Put but thy head out of this window more
And, as I have a soul, I'll nail thy life to't.
ARCITE
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 the Jailer (above)
And pitch between her arms to anger thee.
PALAMON
No more - the keeper's coming. I shall live
To knock thy brains out with my shackles.
ARCITE
Do.
JAILER
By your leave, gentlemen.
PALAMON
Now, honest keeper?
JAILER
Lord Arcite, you must presently to th' Duke.
The cause I know not yet.
ARCITE
I am ready, keeper.
JAILER
Prince Palamon, I must a while bereave you
Of your fair cousin's company.
Exeunt Arcite and the Jailer
PALAMON
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. BlessЉd garden,
And fruit and flowers more blessЉd, that still blossom
As her bright eyes shine on ye! Would I were,
For all the fortune of my life hereafter,
Yon little tree, yon blooming apricot -
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 the Jailer (above)
And then I am sure she would love me. How now, keeper,
Where's Arcite?
JAILER
Banished - Prince Pirithous
Obtained his liberty; but never more,
Upon his oath and life, must he set foot
Upon this kingdom.
PALAMON
(aside)
He's a blessЉd 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.
JAILER
My lord, for you
I have this charge to -
PALAMON
To discharge my life.
JAILER
No, but from this place to remove your lordship -
The windows are too open.
PALAMON
Devils take 'em
That are so envious to me - prithee kill me.
JAILER
And hang for't afterward?
PALAMON
By this good light,
Had I a sword I would kill thee.
JAILER
Why, my lord?
PALAMON
Thou bring'st such pelting scurvy news continually,
Thou art not worthy life. I will not go.
JAILER
Indeed you must, my lord.
PALAMON
May I see the garden?
JAILER
No.
PALAMON
Then I am resolved - I will not go.
JAILER
I must constrain you, then; and for you are dangerous,
I'll clap more irons on you.
PALAMON
Do, good keeper.
I'll shake 'em so ye shall not sleep:
I'll make ye a new morris. Must I go?
JAILER
There is no remedy.
PALAMON
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 the Jailer
2.3 Scene 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 -
O, '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 another 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 four Country People, one of whom carries a
garland before them. Arcite stands apart
FIRST COUNTRYMAN
My masters, I'll be there - that's certain.
SECOND COUNTRYMAN
And I'll be there.
THIRD COUNTRYMAN
And I.
FOURTH COUNTRYMAN
Why then, have with ye, boys! 'Tis but a chiding -
Let the plough play today, I'll tickle't out
Of the jades' tails tomorrow.
FIRST COUNTRYMAN
I am sure
To have my wife as jealous as a turkey -
But that's all one. I'll go through, let her mumble.
SECOND COUNTRYMAN
Clap her aboard tomorrow night and stow her,
And all's made up again.
THIRD COUNTRYMAN
Ay, do but put
A fescue 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?
FOURTH COUNTRYMAN
Hold? What should ail us?
THIRD COUNTRYMAN
Arcas will be there.
SECOND COUNTRYMAN
And Sennois, and Rycas, and three
better lads ne'er danced under green tree; and ye know
what wenches, ha? But will the dainty dominie, the
schoolmaster, keep touch, do you think? For he does
all, ye know.
THIRD COUNTRYMAN
He'll eat a hornbook ere he fail. Go
to, 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.
FOURTH COUNTRYMAN
Shall we be lusty?
SECOND COUNTRYMAN
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,
hey for the weavers!
FIRST COUNTRYMAN
This must be done i'th' woods.
FOURTH COUNTRYMAN
O, pardon me.
SECOND COUNTRYMAN
By any means, our thing of learning
said so; where he himself will edify the Duke most
parlously in our behalfs - he's excellent i'th' woods,
bring him to th' plains, his learning makes no cry.
THIRD COUNTRYMAN
We'll see the sports, then every man
to's tackle - and, sweet companions, let's rehearse, by
any means, before the ladies see us, and do sweetly,
and God knows what may come on't.
FOURTH COUNTRYMAN
Content - the sports once ended,
we'll perform. Away boys, and hold.
ARCITE
(coming forward)
By your leaves, honest friends, pray you whither go you?
FOURTH COUNTRYMAN
Whither? Why, what a question's that?
ARCITE
Yet 'tis a question
To me that know not.
THIRD COUNTRYMAN
To the games, my friend.
SECOND COUNTRYMAN
Where were you bred, you know it not?
ARCITE
Not far, sir -
Are there such games today?
FIRST COUNTRYMAN
Yes, marry, are there,
And such as you never saw. The Duke himself
Will be in person there.
ARCITE
What pastimes are they?
SECOND COUNTRYMAN
Wrestling and running. (To the others) 'Tis a pretty
fellow.
THIRD COUNTRYMAN
(to Arcite)
Thou wilt not go along?
ARCITE
Not yet, sir.
FOURTH COUNTRYMAN
Well, sir,
Take your own time. (To the others) Come, boys.
FIRST COUNTRYMAN
My mind misgives me -
This fellow has a vengeance trick o'th' hip:
Mark how his body's made for't.
SECOND COUNTRYMAN
I'll be hanged though
If he dare venture; hang him, plum porridge!
He wrestle? He roast eggs! Come, let's be gone, lads.
Exeunt the four Countrymen
ARCITE
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
2.4 Scene 4
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Enter the Jailer's Daughter
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
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 pushes 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 cousin 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 maid, 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; ere tomorrow he shall love me.
Exit
2.5 Scene 5
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Short flourish of cornetts and shouts within.
Enter Theseus, Hippolyta, Pirithous, Emilia, Arcite
disguised, with a garland, and attendants
THESEUS
You have done worthily. I have not seen
Since Hercules a man of tougher sinews.
Whate'er you are, you run the best and wrestle
That these times can allow.
ARCITE
I am proud to please you.
THESEUS
What country bred you?
ARCITE
This - but far off, prince.
THESEUS
Are you a gentleman?
ARCITE
My father said so,
And to those gentle uses gave me life.
THESEUS
Are you his heir?
ARCITE
His youngest, sir.
THESEUS
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 hollered
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.
THESEUS
You are perfect.
PIRITHOUS
Upon my soul, a proper man.
EMILIA
He is so.
PIRITHOUS
(to Hippolyta)
How do you like him, lady?
HIPPOLYTA
I admire him.
I have not seen so young a man so noble -
If he say true - of his sort.
EMILIA
Believe
His mother was a wondrous handsome woman -
His face methinks goes that way.
HIPPOLYTA
But his body
And fiery mind illustrate a brave father.
PIRITHOUS
Mark how his virtue, like a hidden sun,
Breaks through his baser garments.
HIPPOLYTA
He's well got, sure.
THESEUS
(to Arcite)
What made you seek this place, sir?
ARCITE
Noble Theseus,
To purchase name and do my ablest service
To such a well-found wonder as thy worth,
For only in thy court of all the world
Dwells fair-eyed honour.
PIRITHOUS
All his words are worthy.
THESEUS
(to Arcite)
Sir, we are much indebted to your travel,
Nor shall you lose your wish. - Pirithous,
Dispose of this fair gentleman.
PIRITHOUS
Thanks, Theseus.
(To Arcite) Whate'er you are, you're 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 you're hers. Kiss her fair hand, sir.
ARCITE
Sir, you're a noble giver. (To Emilia) Dearest beauty,
Thus let me seal my vowed faith.
He kisses her hand
When your servant,
Your most unworthy creature, but offends you,
Command him die, he shall.
EMILIA
That were too cruel.
If you deserve well, sir, I shall soon see't.
You're mine, and somewhat better than your rank I'll use you.
PIRITHOUS
(to Arcite)
I'll see you furnished, and, because you say
You are a horseman, I must needs entreat you
This afternoon to ride - but 'tis a rough one.
ARCITE
I like him better, prince - I shall not then
Freeze in my saddle.
THESEUS
(to Hippolyta)
Sweet, you must be ready -
And you, Emilia, (to Pirithous) and you, friend -
and all,
Tomorrow by the sun, to do observance
To flow'ry May in Dian's wood. (To Arcite) Wait well,
sir,
Upon your mistress. - Emily, I hope
He shall not go afoot.
EMILIA
That were a shame, sir,
While I have horses. (To Arcite) 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.
ARCITE
If I do not,
Let me find that my father ever hated -
Disgrace and blows.
THESEUS
Go, lead the way - you have won it.
It shall be so: you shall receive all dues
Fit for the honour you have won. 'Twere wrong else.
(To Emilia) Sister, beshrew my heart, you have a
servant
That, if I were a woman, would be master.
But you are wise.
EMILIA
I hope too wise for that, sir.
Flourish. Exeunt
2.6 Scene 6
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Enter the Jailer's Daughter
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
Let all the dukes and all the devils 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 files 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, methinks, is not so well. Nor scarcely
Could I persuade him to become a free man,
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 patch of ground I'll venture,
So he be with me. By him, like a shadow,
I'll ever dwell. Within this hour the hubbub
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.
Exit
ACT INTERVAL
3.1 Scene 1
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(A bush in place.) Cornetts in sundry places. Noise
and hollering as of people a-Maying.
Enter Arcite
ARCITE
The Duke has lost Hippolyta - each took
A several laund. This is a solemn rite
They owe bloomed May, and the Athenians pay it
To th' heart of ceremony. O, Queen Emilia,
Fresher than May, sweeter
Than her gold buttons on the boughs, or all
Th'enamelled 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 blessЉd chance
To drop on such a mistress, expectation
Most guiltless on't! Tell me, O Lady Fortune,
Next after Emily my sovereign, how far
I may be proud. She takes strong note of me,
Hath made me near her, and this beauteous morn,
The prim'st of all the year, presents me with
A brace of horses - two such steeds might well
Be by a pair of kings backed, in a field
That their crowns' titles tried. Alas, alas,
Poor cousin Palamon, poor prisoner - thou
So little dream'st upon my fortune that
Thou think'st thyself the happier thing to be
So near Emilia. Me thou deem'st at Thebes,
And therein wretched, although free. But if
Thou knew'st my mistress breathed on me, and that
I eared her language, lived in her eye - O, coz,
What passion would enclose thee!
Enter Palamon as out of a bush with his shackles.
He bends his fist at Arcite
PALAMON
Traitor kinsman,
Thou shouldst perceive my passion if these signs
Of prisonment were off me, and this hand
But owner of a sword. By all oaths in one,
I and the justice of my love would make thee
A confessed traitor. O thou most perfidious
That ever gently looked, the void'st of honour
That e'er bore gentle token, falsest cousin
That ever blood made kin - call'st thou her thine?
I'll prove it in my shackles, with these hands,
Void of appointment, that thou liest and art
A very thief in love, a chaffy lord
Not worth the name of villain. Had I a sword
And these house-clogs away -
ARCITE
Dear cousin Palamon -
PALAMON
Cozener Arcite, give me language such
As thou hast showed me feat.
ARCITE
Not finding in
The circuit of my breast any gross stuff
To form me like your blazon holds me to
This gentleness of answer - 'tis your passion
That thus mistakes, the which, to you being enemy,
Cannot to me be kind. Honour and honesty
I cherish and depend on, howsoe'er
You skip them in me, and with them, fair coz,
I'll maintain my proceedings. Pray be pleased
To show in generous terms your griefs, since that
Your question's with your equal, who professes
To clear his own way with the mind and sword
Of a true gentleman.
PALAMON
That thou durst, Arcite!
ARCITE
My coz, my coz, you have been well advertised
How much I dare; you've seen me use my sword
Against th' advice of fear. Sure, of another
You would not hear me doubted, but your silence
Should break out, though i'th' sanctuary.
PALAMON
Sir,
I have seen you move in such a place which well
Might justify your manhood; you were called
A good knight and a bold. But the whole week's not fair
If any day it rain: their valiant temper
Men lose when they incline to treachery,
And then they fight like compelled bears - would fly
Were they not tied.
ARCITE
Kinsman, you might as well
Speak this and act it in your glass as to
His ear which now disdains you.
PALAMON
Come up to me,
Quit me of these cold gyves, give me a sword,
Though it be rusty, and the charity
Of one meal lend me. Come before me then,
A good sword in thy hand, and do but say
That Emily is thine - I will forgive
The trespass thou hast done me, yea, my life,
If then thou carry't; and brave souls in shades
That have died manly, which will seek of me
Some news from earth, they shall get none but this -
That thou art brave and noble.
ARCITE
Be content,
Again betake you to your hawthorn house.
With counsel of the night I will be here
With wholesome viands. These impediments
Will I file off. You shall have garments and
Perfumes to kill the smell o'th' prison. After,
When you shall stretch yourself and say but 'Arcite,
I am in plight', there shall be at your choice
Both sword and armour.
PALAMON
O, you heavens, dares any
So noble bear a guilty business! None
But only Arcite, therefore none but Arcite
In this kind is so bold.
ARCITE
Sweet Palamon.
PALAMON
I do embrace you and your offer - for
Your offer do't I only, sir; your person,
Without hypocrisy, I may not wish
Wind horns within
More than my sword's edge on't.
ARCITE
You hear the horns -
Enter your muset lest this match between's
Be crossed ere met. Give me your hand, farewell.
I'll bring you every needful thing - I pray you,
Take comfort and be strong.
PALAMON
Pray hold your promise,
And do the deed with a bent brow. Most certain
You love me not - be rough with me and pour
This oil out of your language. By this air,
I could for each word give a cuff, my stomach
Not reconciled by reason.
ARCITE
Plainly spoken,
Yet - pardon me - hard language: when I spur
Wind horns within
My horse I chide him not. 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.
PALAMON
Sir, your attendance
Cannot please heaven, and I know your office
Unjustly is achieved.
ARCITE
'Tis a good title.
I am persuaded this question, sick between's,
By bleeding must be cured. I am a suitor
That to your sword you will bequeath this plea
And talk of it no more.
PALAMON
But this one word:
You are going now to gaze upon my mistress -
For note you, mine she is -
ARCITE
Nay then -
PALAMON
Nay, pray you -
You talk of feeding me to breed me strength -
You are going now to look upon a sun
That strengthens what it looks on. There you have
A vantage o'er me, but enjoy it till
I may enforce my remedy. Farewell.
Exeunt severally, (Palamon as into the bush)
3.2 Scene 2
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Enter the Jailer's Daughter, with a file
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
He has mistook the brake I meant, is gone
After his fancy. 'Tis now wellnigh 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 reck not if the wolves would jaw me, so
He had this file. What if I hollered for him?
I cannot holler. If I whooped, what then?
If he not answered, 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 jangling of his gyves
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 howled many together
And then they fed on him. So much for that.
Be bold to ring the bell. How stand I then?
All's chared when he is gone. No, no, I lie:
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 dozens. I am moped -
Food took I none these two days,
Sipped some water. I have not closed mine eyes
Save when my lids scoured off their brine. 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 crickets chirp, the screech-owl
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
3.3 Scene 3
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Enter Arcite with a bundle containing meat, wine, and files
ARCITE
I should be near the place. Ho, cousin Palamon!
Enter Palamon (as from the bush)
PALAMON
Arcite.
ARCITE
The same. I have brought you food and files.
Come forth and fear not, here's no Theseus.
PALAMON
Nor none so honest, Arcite.
ARCITE
That's no matter -
We'll argue that hereafter. Come, take courage -
You shall not die thus beastly. Here, sir, drink;
I know you are faint. Then I'll talk further with you.
PALAMON
Arcite, thou mightst now poison me.
ARCITE
I might -
But I must fear you first. Sit down and, good now,
No more of these vain parleys. Let us not,
Having our ancient reputation with us,
Make talk for fools and cowards. To your health, sir.
PALAMON
Do.
(Arcite drinks)
ARCITE
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.
ARCITE
Drink a good hearty draught; it breeds good blood, man.
Do not you feel it thaw you?
PALAMON
Stay, I'll tell you
After a draught or two more.
Palamon drinks
ARCITE
Spare it not -
The Duke has more, coz. Eat now.
PALAMON
Yes.
Palamon eats
ARCITE
I am glad
You have so good a stomach.
PALAMON
I am gladder
I have so good meat to't.
ARCITE
Is't not mad, lodging
Here in the wild woods, cousin?
PALAMON
Yes, for them
That have wild consciences.
ARCITE
How tastes your victuals?
Your hunger needs no sauce, I see.
PALAMON
Not much.
But if it did, yours is too tart, sweet cousin.
What is this?
ARCITE
Venison.
PALAMON
'Tis a lusty meat -
Give me more wine. Here, Arcite, to the wenches
We have known in our days. (Drinking) The lord
steward's daughter.
Do you remember her?
ARCITE
After you, coz.
PALAMON
She loved a black-haired man.
ARCITE
She did so; well, sir.
PALAMON
And I have heard some call him Arcite, and -
ARCITE
Out with't, faith.
PALAMON
She met him in an arbour -
What did she there, coz? Play o'th' virginals?
ARCITE
Something she did, sir -
PALAMON
Made her groan a month for't -
Or two, or three, or ten.
ARCITE
The marshal's sister
Had her share too, as I remember, cousin,
Else there be tales abroad. You'll pledge her?
PALAMON
Yes.
(They drink)
ARCITE
A pretty brown wench 'tis. There was a time
When young men went a-hunting, and a wood,
And a broad beech, and thereby hangs a tale -
Heigh-ho!
PALAMON
For Emily, upon my life! Fool,
Away with this strained mirth. I say again,
That sigh was breathed for Emily. Base cousin,
Dar'st thou break first?
ARCITE
You are wide.
PALAMON
By heaven and earth,
There's nothing in thee honest.
ARCITE
Then I'll leave you -
You are a beast now.
PALAMON
As thou mak'st me, traitor.
ARCITE
(pointing to the bundle)
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.
PALAMON
A sword and armour.
ARCITE
Fear me not. You are now too foul. Farewell.
Get off your trinkets: you shall want naught.
PALAMON
Sirrah -
ARCITE
I'll hear no more.
Exit
PALAMON
If he keep touch, he dies for't.
Exit (as into the bush)
3.4 Scene 4
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Enter the Jailer's Daughter
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
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!
Open her before the wind - you'll lose all else.
Up with a course or two and tack about, boys.
Good night, good night, you're gone. I am very hungry.
Would I could find a fine frog - he would tell me
News from all parts o'th' world, then would I make
A carrack of a cockle-shell, and sail
By east and north-east to the King of Pygmies,
For he tells fortunes rarely. Now my father,
Twenty to one, is trussed up in a trice
Tomorrow morning. I'll say never a word.
(She sings)
For I'll cut my green coat, a foot above my knee,
And I'll clip my yellow locks, an inch below mine eye,
Hey nonny, nonny, nonny,
He s' buy me a white cut, forth for to ride,
And I'll go seek him, through the world that is so wide,
Hey nonny, nonny, nonny.
O for a prick now, like a nightingale,
To put my breast against. I shall sleep like a top else.
Exit
3.5 Scene 5
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Enter Gerald (a schoolmaster), five Countrymen, one
of whom is dressed as a Babion, five Wenches, and
Timothy, a taborer. All are attired as morris dancers
SCHOOLMASTER
Fie, fie,
What tediosity and disinsanity
Is here among ye! Have my rudiments
Been laboured so long with ye, milked unto ye,
And, by a figure, even the very plum-broth
And marrow of my understanding laid upon ye?
And do you still cry 'where?' and 'how?' and 'wherefore?'
You most coarse frieze capacities, ye jean 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.
Forwhy, here stand I. Here the Duke comes. There are you,
Close in the thicket. The Duke appears. I meet him,
And unto him I utter learnЉd 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.
FIRST COUNTRYMAN
And sweetly we will do it, master Gerald.
SECOND COUNTRYMAN
Draw up the company. Where's the taborer?
THIRD COUNTRYMAN
Why, Timothy!
TABORER
Here, my mad boys, have at ye!
SCHOOLMASTER
But I say, where's these women?
FOURTH COUNTRYMAN
Here's Friz and Madeline.
SECOND COUNTRYMAN
And little Luce with the white legs, and bouncing Barbara.
FIRST COUNTRYMAN
And freckled Nell, that never failed her master.
SCHOOLMASTER
Where be your ribbons, maids? Swim with your bodies
And carry it sweetly and deliverly,
And now and then a favour and a frisk.
NELL
Let us alone, sir.
SCHOOLMASTER
Where's the rest o'th' music?
THIRD COUNTRYMAN
Dispersed as you commanded.
SCHOOLMASTER
Couple, then,
And see what's wanting. Where's the babion?
(To the Babion) 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.
BABION
Yes, sir.
SCHOOLMASTER
Quousque tandem? Here is a woman wanting!
FOURTH COUNTRYMAN
We may go whistle - all the fat's i'th' fire.
SCHOOLMASTER
We have,
As learnЉd authors utter, washed a tile;
We have been fatuus, and laboured vainly.
SECOND COUNTRYMAN
This is that scornful piece, that scurvy hilding
That gave her promise faithfully she would be here -
Cicely, the seamstress' daughter.
The next gloves that I give her shall be dogskin.
Nay, an she fail me once - you can tell, Arcas,
She swore by wine and bread she would not break.
SCHOOLMASTER
An eel and woman,
A learnЉd poet says, unless by th' tail
And with thy teeth thou hold, will either fail -
In manners this was false position.
FIRST COUNTRYMAN
A fire-ill take her! Does she flinch now?
THIRD COUNTRYMAN
What
Shall we determine, sir?
SCHOOLMASTER
Nothing;
Our business is become a nullity,
Yea, and a woeful and a piteous nullity.
FOURTH COUNTRYMAN
Now, when the credit of our town lay on it,
Now to be frampold, now to piss o'th' nettle!
Go thy ways - I'll remember thee, I'll fit thee!
Enter the Jailer's Daughter
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
(sings)
The George Alow came from the south,
From the coast of Barbary-a;
And there he met with brave gallants of war,
By one, by two, by three-a.
'Well hailed, well hailed, you jolly gallants,
And whither now are you bound-a?
O let me have your company
Till I come to the sound-a.'
There was three fools fell out about an owlet -
The one he said it was an owl,
The other he said nay,
The third he said it was a hawk,
And her bells were cut away.
THIRD COUNTRYMAN
There's a dainty madwoman, master,
Comes i'th' nick, as mad as a March hare.
If we can get her dance, we are made again.
I warrant her, she'll do the rarest gambols.
FIRST COUNTRYMAN
A madwoman? We are made, boys.
SCHOOLMASTER
(to the Jailer's Daughter)
And are you mad, good woman?
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
I would be sorry else.
Give me your hand.
SCHOOLMASTER
Why?
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
I can tell your fortune.
(She examines his hand)
You are a fool. Tell ten - I have posed him. Buzz!
Friend, you must eat no white bread - if you do,
Your teeth will bleed extremely. Shall we dance, ho?
I know you - you're a tinker. Sirrah tinker,
Stop no more holes but what you should.
SCHOOLMASTER
Dii boni-
A tinker, damsel?
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
Or a conjurer -
Raise me a devil now and let him play
Qui passa o'th' bells and bones.
SCHOOLMASTER
Go, take her,
And fluently persuade her to a peace.
Et opus exegi, quod nec Iovis ira, nec ignis -
Strike up, and lead her in.
SECOND COUNTRYMAN
Come, lass, let's trip it.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
I'll lead.
THIRD COUNTRYMAN
Do, do.
SCHOOLMASTER
Persuasively and cunningly -
Wind horns within
away, boys,
I hear the horns. Give me some meditation,
And mark your cue.
Exeunt all but Gerald the Schoolmaster
Pallas inspire me.
Enter Theseus, Pirithous, Hippolyta, Emilia, Arcite,
and train
THESEUS
This way the stag took.
SCHOOLMASTER
Stay and edify.
THESEUS
What have we here?
PIRITHOUS
Some country sport, upon my life, sir.
THESEUS
(to the Schoolmaster)
Well, sir, go forward - we will edify.
Ladies, sit down - we'll stay it.
They sit: (Theseus) in a chair, the others on stools
SCHOOLMASTER
Thou doughty Duke, all hail! All hail, sweet ladies.
THESEUS
This is a cold beginning.
SCHOOLMASTER
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, chorus,
That fore thy dignity will dance a morris.
And I, that am the rectifier of all,
By title pedagogus, that let fall
The birch upon the breeches of the small ones,
And humble with a ferula the tall ones,
Do here present this machine, or this frame;
And dainty Duke, whose doughty dismal fame
From Dis to Daedalus, from post to pillar,
Is blown abroad, help me, thy poor well-willer,
And with thy twinkling eyes, look right and straight
Upon this mighty 'Moor' - of mickle weight -
'Ice' 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 tenor
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 gallЉd traveller, and with a beck'ning
Informs the tapster to inflame the reck'ning;
Then the beest-eating Clown; and next, the Fool;
The babion with long tail and eke long tool,
Cum multis aliis that make a dance -
Say 'ay', and all shall presently advance.
THESEUS
Ay, ay, by any means, dear dominie.
PIRITHOUS
Produce.
SCHOOLMASTER
(knocks for the dance)
Intrate filii, come forth and foot it.
(He flings up his cap.) Music.
(The Schoolmaster ushers in
May Lord, May Lady.
Servingman, Chambermaid.
A Country Clown,
or Shepherd, Country Wench.
An Host, Hostess.
A He-babion, She-babion.
A He-fool, The Jailer's Daughter as
She-fool.
All these persons apparelled to the life, the men
issuing out of one door and the wenches from the
other. They dance a morris)
Ladies, if we have been merry,
And have pleased ye with a derry,
And a derry, and a down,
Say the schoolmaster's no clown.
Duke, if we have pleased thee too,
And have done as good boys should do,
Give us but a tree or twain
For a maypole, and again,
Ere another year run out,
We'll make thee laugh, and all this rout.
THESEUS
Take twenty, dominie. (To Hippolyta) How does my
sweetheart?
HIPPOLYTA
Never so pleased, sir.
EMILIA
'Twas an excellent dance,
And for a preface, I never heard a better.
THESEUS
Schoolmaster, I thank you. One see 'em all rewarded.
PIRITHOUS
And here's something to paint your pole withal.
He gives them money
THESEUS
Now to our sports again.
SCHOOLMASTER
May the stag thou hunt'st stand long,
And thy dogs be swift and strong;
May they kill him without lets,
And the ladies eat his dowsets.
Exeunt Theseus and train. Wind horns within
Come, we are all made. Dii deaeque omnes,
Ye have danced rarely, wenches.
Exeunt
3.6 Scene 6
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Enter Palamon from the bush
PALAMON
About this hour my cousin gave his faith
To visit me again, and with him bring
Two swords and two good 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-fall'n with my wants. I thank thee, Arcite,
Thou art yet a fair foe, and I feel myself,
With this refreshing, able once again
To 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 blest 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!
Enter Arcite with two armours and two swords
O, good morrow.
ARCITE
Good morrow, noble kinsman.
PALAMON
I have put you
To too much pains, sir.
ARCITE
That too much, fair cousin,
Is but a debt to honour, and my duty.
PALAMON
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.
ARCITE
I shall think either,
Well done, a noble recompense.
PALAMON
Then I shall quit you.
ARCITE
Defy me in these fair terms, and you show
More than a mistress to me - no more anger,
As you love anything that's 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 upbraidings, scorns,
Despisings of our persons, and such poutings
Fitter for girls and schoolboys - will be seen,
And quickly, yours or mine. Will't please you arm, sir?
Or, if you feel yourself not fitting yet,
And furnished with your old strength, I'll stay, cousin,
And 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.
PALAMON
Arcite, thou art so brave an enemy
That no man but thy cousin's fit to kill thee.
I am well and lusty - choose your arms.
ARCITE
Choose you, sir.
PALAMON
Wilt thou exceed in all, or dost thou do it
To make me spare thee?
ARCITE
If you think so, cousin,
You are deceived, for as I am a soldier,
I will not spare you.
PALAMON
That's well said.
ARCITE
You'll find it.
PALAMON
Then as I am an honest man, and love
With all the justice of affection,
I'll pay thee soundly.
He chooses one armour
This I'll take.
ARCITE
(indicating the remaining armour)
That's mine, then.
I'll arm you first.
PALAMON
Do.
Arcite arms Palamon
Pray thee tell me, cousin,
Where gott'st thou this good armour?
ARCITE
'Tis the Duke's,
And to say true, I stole it. Do I pinch you?
PALAMON
No.
ARCITE
Is't not too heavy?
PALAMON
I have worn a lighter -
But I shall make it serve.
ARCITE
I'll buckle't close.
PALAMON
By any means.
ARCITE
You care not for a grand guard?
PALAMON
No, no, we'll use no horses. I perceive
You would fain be at that fight.
ARCITE
I am indifferent.
PALAMON
Faith, so am I. Good cousin, thrust the buckle
Through far enough.
ARCITE
I warrant you.
PALAMON
My casque now.
ARCITE
Will you fight bare-armed?
PALAMON
We shall be the nimbler.
ARCITE
But use your gauntlets, though - those are o'th' least.
Prithee take mine, good cousin.
PALAMON
Thank you, Arcite.
How do I look? Am I fall'n much away?
ARCITE
Faith, very little - love has used you kindly.
PALAMON
I'll warrant thee, I'll strike home.
ARCITE
Do, and spare not -
I'll give you cause, sweet cousin.
PALAMON
Now to you, sir.
Palamon arms Arcite
Methinks this armour's very like that, Arcite,
Thou wor'st that day the three kings fell, but lighter.
ARCITE
That was a very good one, and that day,
I well remember, you outdid me, cousin.
I never saw such 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.
PALAMON
You had indeed -
A bright bay, I remember.
ARCITE
Yes. But all
Was vainly laboured in me - you outwent me,
Nor could my wishes reach you. Yet a little
I did by imitation.
PALAMON
More by virtue -
You are modest, cousin.
ARCITE
When I saw you charge first,
Methought I heard a dreadful clap of thunder
Break from the troop.
PALAMON
But still before that flew
The lightning of your valour. Stay a little,
Is not this piece too strait?
ARCITE
No, no, 'tis well.
PALAMON
I would have nothing hurt thee but my sword -
A bruise would be dishonour.
ARCITE
Now I am perfect.
PALAMON
Stand off, then.
ARCITE
Take my sword; I hold it better.
PALAMON
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.
ARCITE
And me, my love.
They bow several ways, then advance and stand
Is there aught else to say?
PALAMON
This only, and no more. Thou art mine aunt's son,
And that blood we desire to shed is mutual:
In me, thine, and in thee, mine. My sword
Is in my hand, and if thou kill'st me,
The gods and I forgive thee. If there be
A place prepared for those that sleep in honour,
I wish his weary soul that falls may win it.
Fight bravely, cousin. Give me thy noble hand.
ARCITE
Here, Palamon. This hand shall never more
Come near thee with such friendship.
PALAMON
I commend thee.
ARCITE
If I fall, curse me, and say I was a coward -
For none but such dare die in these just trials.
Once more farewell, my cousin.
PALAMON
Farewell, Arcite.
Fight. Horns within; they stand
ARCITE
Lo, cousin, lo, our folly has undone us.
PALAMON
Why?
ARCITE
This is the Duke a-hunting, as I told you.
If we be found, we are wretched. O, retire,
For honour's sake, and safely, presently,
Into your bush again. Sir, we shall find
Too many hours to die. In, gentle cousin -
If you be seen, you perish instantly
For breaking prison, and I, if you reveal me,
For my contempt. Then all the world will scorn us,
And say we had a noble difference,
But base disposers of it.
PALAMON
No, no, cousin,
I will no more be hidden, nor put off
This great adventure to a second trial.
I know your cunning and I know your cause -
He that faints now, shame take him! Put thyself
Upon thy present guard -
ARCITE
You are not mad?
PALAMON
Or I will make th' advantage of this hour
Mine own, and what to come shall threaten me
I fear less than my fortune. Know, weak cousin,
I love Emilia, and in that I'll bury
Thee and all crosses else.
ARCITE
Then come what can come,
Thou shalt know, Palamon, I dare as well
Die as discourse or sleep. Only this fears me,
The law will have the honour of our ends.
Have at thy life!
PALAMON
Look to thine own well, Arcite!
They fight again.
Horns. Enter Theseus, Hippolyta, Emilia, Pirithous,
and train. (Theseus) separates Palamon and Arcite
THESEUS
What ignorant and mad malicious traitors
Are you, that 'gainst the tenor of my laws
Are making battle, thus like knights appointed,
Without my leave and officers of arms?
By Castor, both shall die.
PALAMON
Hold thy word, Theseus.
We are certainly both traitors, both despisers
Of thee and of thy goodness. I am Palamon,
That cannot love thee, he that broke thy prison -
Think well what that deserves. And this is Arcite;
A bolder traitor never trod thy ground,
A falser ne'er seemed friend. This is the man
Was begged and banished; this is he contemns thee,
And what thou dar'st do; and in this disguise,
Against thine own edict, follows thy sister,
That fortunate bright star, the fair Emilia,
Whose servant - if there be a right in seeing
And first bequeathing of the soul to - justly
I am; and, which is more, dares think her his.
This treachery, like a most trusty lover,
I called him now to answer. If thou be'st
As thou art spoken, great and virtuous,
The true decider of all injuries,
Say, 'Fight again', and thou shalt see me, Theseus,
Do such a justice thou thyself wilt envy.
Then take my life - I'll woo thee to't.
PIRITHOUS
O heaven,
What more than man is this!
THESEUS
I have sworn.
ARCITE
We seek not
Thy breath of mercy, Theseus. 'Tis to me
A thing as soon to die as thee to say it,
And no more moved. Where this man calls me traitor
Let me say thus much - if in love be treason,
In service of so excellent a beauty,
As I love most, and in that faith will perish,
As I have brought my life here to confirm it,
As I have served her truest, worthiest,
As I dare kill this cousin that denies it,
So let me be most traitor and 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.
PALAMON
Thou shalt have pity of us both, O Theseus,
If unto neither thou show mercy. Stop,
As thou art just, thy noble ear against us;
As thou art valiant, for thy cousin's soul,
Whose twelve strong labours crown his memory,
Let's die together, at one instant, Duke.
Only a little let him fall before me,
That I may tell my soul he shall not have her.
THESEUS
I grant your wish; for to say true, your cousin
Has ten times more offended, for I gave him
More mercy than you found, sir, your offences
Being no more than his. None here speak for 'em,
For ere the sun set both shall sleep for ever.
HIPPOLYTA
(to Emilia)
Alas, the pity! Now or never, sister,
Speak, not to be denied. That face of yours
Will bear the curses else of after ages
For these lost cousins.
EMILIA
In my face, dear sister,
I find no anger to 'em, nor no ruin.
The misadventure of their own eyes kill 'em.
Yet that I will be woman and have pity,
(She kneels)
My knees shall grow to th' ground, but I'll get mercy.
Help me, dear sister - in a deed so virtuous
The powers of all women will be with us.
Hippolyta kneels
Most royal brother -
HIPPOLYTA
Sir, by our tie of marriage -
EMILIA
By your own spotless honour -
HIPPOLYTA
By that faith,
That fair hand, and that honest heart you gave me -
EMILIA
By that you would have pity in another,
By your own virtues infinite -
HIPPOLYTA
By valour,
By all the chaste nights I have ever pleased you -
THESEUS
These are strange conjurings.
PIRITHOUS
Nay, then, I'll in too.
(He kneels)
By all our friendship, sir, by all our dangers,
By all you love most: wars, and this sweet lady -
EMILIA
By that you would have trembled to deny
A blushing maid -
HIPPOLYTA
By your own eyes, by strength -
In which you swore I went beyond all women,
Almost all men - and yet I yielded, Theseus -
PIRITHOUS
To crown all this, by your most noble soul,
Which cannot want due mercy, I beg first -
HIPPOLYTA
Next hear my prayers -
EMILIA
Last let me entreat, sir -
PIRITHOUS
For mercy.
HIPPOLYTA
Mercy.
EMILIA
Mercy on these princes.
THESEUS
Ye make my faith reel. Say I felt
Compassion to 'em both, how would you place it?
(They rise)
EMILIA
Upon their lives - but with their banishments.
THESEUS
You are a right woman, sister: you have pity,
But want the understanding where to use it.
If you desire their lives, invent a way
Safer than banishment. Can these two live,
And have the agony of love about 'em,
And not kill one another? Every day
They'd fight about you, hourly bring your 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 by th' law than one another.
Bow not my honour.
EMILIA
O my noble brother,
That oath was rashly made, and in your anger.
Your reason will not hold it. If such vows
Stand for express will, all the world must perish.
Beside, I have another oath 'gainst yours,
Of more authority, I am sure more love -
Not made in passion, neither, but good heed.
THESEUS
What is it, sister?
PIRITHOUS
(to Emilia)
Urge it home, brave lady.
EMILIA
That you would ne'er deny me anything
Fit for my modest suit and your free granting.
I tie you to your word now; if ye fail 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 anything that loves me perish for me?
That were a cruel wisdom: do men prune
The straight young boughs that blush with thousand blossoms
Because they may be rotten? O, Duke Theseus,
The goodly mothers that have groaned for these,
And all the longing maids that ever loved,
If your vow stand, shall curse me and my beauty,
And in their funeral songs for these two cousins
Despise my cruelty and cry woe worth me,
Till I am nothing but the scorn of women.
For heaven's sake, save their lives and banish 'em.
THESEUS
On what conditions?
EMILIA
Swear 'em never more
To make me their contention, or to know me,
To tread upon thy dukedom; and to be,
Wherever they shall travel, ever strangers
To one another.
PALAMON
I'll be cut a-pieces
Before I take this oath - forget I love her?
O all 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 cousin
On any piece the earth has.
THESEUS
Will you, Arcite,
Take these conditions?
PALAMON
He's a villain then.
PIRITHOUS
These are men!
ARCITE
No, never, Duke. 'Tis worse to me than begging,
To take my life so basely. Though I think
I never shall enjoy her, yet I'll preserve
The honour of affection and die for her,
Make death a devil.
THESEUS
What may be done? For now I feel compassion.
PIRITHOUS
Let it not fall again, sir.
THESEUS
Say, Emilia,
If one of them were dead - as one must - are you
Content to take the 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. (To Palamon and Arcite) Are you
content too, princes?
PALAMON AND ARCITE
With all our souls.
THESEUS
He that she refuses
Must die, then.
PALAMON AND ARCITE
Any death thou canst invent, Duke.
PALAMON
If I fall from that mouth, I fall with favour,
And lovers yet unborn shall bless my ashes.
ARCITE
If she refuse me, yet my grave will wed me,
And soldiers sing my epitaph.
THESEUS
(to Emilia)
Make choice, then.
EMILIA
I cannot, sir. They are both too excellent.
For me, a hair shall never fall of these men.
HIPPOLYTA
(to Theseus)
What will become of 'em?
THESEUS
Thus I ordain it,
And by mine honour once again it stands,
Or both shall die. (To Palamon and Arcite) You shall
both to your country,
And each within this month, accompanied
With three fair knights, appear again in this place,
In which I'll plant a pyramid; and whether,
Before us that are here, can force his cousin,
By fair and knightly strength, to touch the pillar,
He shall enjoy her; the other lose his head,
And all his friends; nor shall he grudge to fall,
Nor think he dies with interest in this lady.
Will this content ye?
PALAMON
Yes. Here, cousin Arcite,
I am friends again till that hour.
ARCITE
I embrace ye.
THESEUS
(to Emilia)
Are you content, sister?
EMILIA
Yes, I must, sir,
Else both miscarry.
THESEUS
(to Palamon and Arcite)
Come, shake hands again, then,
And take heed, as you are gentlemen, this quarrel
Sleep till the hour prefixed, and hold your course.
PALAMON
We dare not fail thee, Theseus.
THESEUS
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 bier.
Exeunt. (In the act-time the bush is removed)
ACT INTERVAL
4.1 Scene 1
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Enter the Jailer and his Friend
JAILER
Hear you no more? Was nothing said of me
Concerning the escape of Palamon?
Good sir, remember.
FRIEND
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 Hippolyta
And fair-eyed Emily upon their knees
Begged with such handsome pity that the Duke,
Methought, stood staggering whether he should follow
His rash oath or the sweet compassion
Of those two ladies; and to second them
That truly noble prince, Pirithous -
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 the Second Friend
JAILER
Pray heaven it hold so.
SECOND FRIEND
Be of good comfort, man. I bring you news,
Good news.
JAILER
They are welcome.
SECOND FRIEND
Palamon has cleared you,
And got your pardon, and discovered how
And by whose means he scaped - which was your daughter's,
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.
JAILER
Ye are a good man,
And ever bring good news.
FIRST FRIEND
How was it ended?
SECOND FRIEND
Why, as it should be: they that ne'er begged,
But they prevailed, had their suits fairly granted -
The prisoners have their lives.
FIRST FRIEND
I knew 'twould be so.
SECOND FRIEND
But there be new conditions which you'll hear of
At better time.
JAILER
I hope they are good.
SECOND FRIEND
They are honourable -
How good they'll prove I know not.
Enter the Wooer
FIRST FRIEND
'Twill be known.
WOOER
Alas, sir, where's your daughter?
JAILER
Why do you ask?
WOOER
O, sir, when did you see her?
SECOND FRIEND
How he looks!
JAILER
This morning.
WOOER
Was she well? Was she in health?
Sir, when did she sleep?
FIRST FRIEND
These are strange questions.
JAILER
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?
WOOER
Nothing, but my pity -
But you must know it, and as good by me
As by another that less loves her -
JAILER
Well, sir?
FIRST FRIEND
Not right?
WOOER
No, sir, not well.
SECOND FRIEND
Not well?
WOOER
'Tis too true - she is mad.
FIRST FRIEND
It cannot be.
WOOER
Believe, you'll find it so.
JAILER
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.
WOOER
'Tis likely.
JAILER
But why all this haste, sir?
WOOER
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 then 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 sung, for then,
Through a small glade cut by the fishermen,
I saw it was your daughter.
JAILER
Pray go on, sir.
WOOER
She sung much, but no sense; only I heard her
Repeat this often - 'Palamon is gone,
Is gone to th' wood to gather mulberries;
I'll find him out tomorrow.'
FIRST FRIEND
Pretty soul!
WOOER
'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 daffodillies,
With cherry lips and cheeks of damask roses,
And all we'll dance an antic fore the Duke
And beg his pardon.' Then she talked of you, sir -
That you must lose your head tomorrow morning,
And she must gather flowers to bury you,
And see the house made handsome. Then 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 wreath of bull-rush rounded; about her stuck
Thousand freshwater flowers of several colours -
That she appeared, methought, 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 tied',
'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.
SECOND FRIEND
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 the Jailer's Brother, the Jailer's Daughter, and others
And hither came to tell you - here they are.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
(sings)
'May you never more enjoy the light . . .' -
Is not this a fine song?
JAILER'S BROTHER
O, a very fine one.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
I can sing twenty more.
JAILER'S BROTHER
I think you can.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
Yes, truly can I - I can sing 'The Broom'
And 'Bonny Robin' - are not you a tailor?
JAILER'S BROTHER
Yes.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
Where's my wedding gown?
JAILER'S BROTHER
I'll bring it tomorrow.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
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. (Sings)'O fair, O sweet . . .'
JAILER'S BROTHER
(to the Jailer)
You must e'en take it patiently.
JAILER
'Tis true.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
Good ev'n, good men. Pray, did you ever hear
Of one young Palamon?
JAILER
Yes, wench, we know him.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
Is't not a fine young gentleman?
JAILER
'Tis, love.
JAILER'S BROTHER
By no mean cross her, she is then distempered
Far worse than now she shows.
FIRST FRIEND
(to the Jailer's Daughter)
Yes, he's a fine man.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
O, is he so? You have a sister.
FIRST FRIEND
Yes.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
But she shall never have him, tell her so,
For a trick that I know. You'd 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
And let 'em all alone. Is 't not a wise course?
FIRST FRIEND
Yes.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
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.
SECOND FRIEND
This is strange.
(JAILER'S BROTHER)
As ever you heard, but say nothing.
FIRST FRIEND
No.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
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.
JAILER
She's lost
Past all cure.
JAILER'S BROTHER
Heaven forbid, man!
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
(to the Jailer)
Come hither - you are a wise man.
FIRST FRIEND
Does she know him?
SECOND FRIEND
No - would she did.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
You are master of a ship?
JAILER
Yes.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
Where's your compass?
JAILER
Here.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
Set it to th' north.
And now direct your course to th' wood where Palamon
Lies longing for me. For the tackling,
Let me alone. Come, weigh, my hearts, cheerly all.
Uff, uff, uff! 'Tis up. The wind's fair. Top the bowline.
Out with the mainsail. Where's your whistle, master?
JAILER'S BROTHER
Let's get her in.
JAILER
Up to the top, boy!
JAILER'S BROTHER
Where's the pilot?
FIRST FRIEND
Here.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
What kenn'st thou?
SECOND FRIEND
A fair wood.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
Bear for it, master.
Tack about!
(Sings)
'When Cynthia with her borrowed light . . .' Exeunt
4.2 Scene 2
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
(Enter Emilia, with two 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 Ganymede
Set Jove afire once, 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,
Smoother than Pelops' shoulder! Fame and honour,
Methinks, 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 near 'em. Palamon
Is but his foil; to him a mere dull shadow;
He's swart and meagre, 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.
O, 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 gypsy,
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 a Gentleman)
How now, sir?
GENTLEMAN
From the noble Duke your brother,
Madam, I bring you news. The knights are come.
EMILIA
To end the quarrel?
GENTLEMAN
Yes.
EMILIA
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 mothers joy - must be the sacrifice
To my unhappy beauty?
Enter Theseus, Hippolyta, Pirithous, and attendants
THESEUS
Bring 'em in
Quickly, by any means, I long to see 'em.
Exit one or more
(To Emilia) Your two contending lovers are returned,
And with them their fair knights. Now, my fair sister,
You must love one of them.
EMILIA
I had rather both,
So neither for my sake should fall untimely.
Enter a Messenger
THESEUS
Who saw 'em?
PIRITHOUS
I a while.
GENTLEMAN
And I.
THESEUS
(to the Messenger)
From whence come you, sir?
MESSENGER
From the knights.
THESEUS
Pray speak,
You that have seen them, what they are.
MESSENGER
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 fire 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 baldric, when he frowns
To seal his will with. Better, o' my conscience,
Was never soldier's friend.
THESEUS
Thou hast well described him.
PIRITHOUS
Yet a great deal short,
Methinks, of him that's first with Palamon.
THESEUS
Pray speak him, friend.
PIRITHOUS
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 apter
To make this cause his own. In's face appears
All the fair hopes of what he undertakes,
And when he's angry, then 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 twined: like ivy tods,
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 court his valour.
His nose stands high, a character of honour;
His red lips, after fights, are fit for ladies.
EMILIA
Must these men die too?
PIRITHOUS
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-steeled axe, the staff of gold.
His age, some five-and-twenty.
MESSENGER
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.
PIRITHOUS
O, he that's freckle-faced?
MESSENGER
The same, my lord.
Are they not sweet ones?
PIRITHOUS
Yes, they are well.
MESSENGER
Methinks,
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 auburn, tough and nimble set,
Which shows an active soul. His arms are brawny,
Lined with strong sinews - 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 grey-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 winner's 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.
THESEUS
Are they all thus?
PIRITHOUS
They are all the sons of honour.
THESEUS
Now as I have a soul, I long to see 'em.
(To Hippolyta) Lady, you shall see men fight now.
HIPPOLYTA
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.
(To Emilia) O my soft-hearted sister, what think you?
Weep not till they weep blood. Wench, it must be.
THESEUS
(to Emilia)
You have steeled 'em with your beauty.
(To Pirithous) Honoured friend,
To you I give the field: pray order it
Fitting the persons that must use it.
PIRITHOUS
Yes, sir.
THESEUS
Come, I'll go visit 'em - I cannot stay,
Their fame has fired me so. Till they appear,
Good friend, be royal.
PIRITHOUS
There shall want no bravery.
EMILIA
(aside)
Poor wench, go weep - for whosoever wins
Loses a noble cousin for thy sins.
Exeunt
4.3 Scene 3
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Enter the Jailer, the Wooer, and the Doctor
DOCTOR
Her distraction is more at some time of the moon
than at other some, is it not?
JAILER
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 the Jailer's Daughter
withal, fits it to every question. Look where she comes -
you shall perceive her behaviour.
They stand apart
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
I have forgot it quite - the burden on't
was 'Down-a, down-a', and penned by no worse man
than Giraldo, Emilia'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.
DOCTOR
What stuff's here? Poor soul.
JAILER
E'en thus all day long.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
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 are - there's a sight now! We
maids that have our livers perished, cracked to pieces
with love, we shall come there and do nothing all day
long but pick flowers with Proserpine. Then will I make
Palamon a nosegay, then let him mark me, then -
DOCTOR
How prettily she's amiss! Note her a little further.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
Faith, I'll tell you: sometime we go to
barley-break, we of the blessed. Alas, 'tis a sore life
they have i'th' other place - such burning, frying,
boiling, hissing, howling, chattering, cursing - O they
have shrewd 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 usurers' grease, amongst a whole million of
cutpurses, and there boil like a gammon of bacon that
will never be enough.
DOCTOR
How her brain coins!
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
Lords and courtiers that have got
maids with child - they are in this place. They shall
stand in fire up to the navel and in ice up to th' heart,
and there th' offending part burns, and the deceiving
part freezes - in truth 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.
DOCTOR
How she continues this fancy! 'Tis not an
engrafted madness, but a most thick and profound
melancholy.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
To hear there a proud lady and a
proud city wife howl together! I were a beast an I'd
call it good sport. One cries, 'O this smoke!', th' other,
'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 . . .'
Exit Daughter
JAILER
(to the Doctor)
What think you of her, sir?
DOCTOR
I think she has a perturbed mind, which I cannot
minister to.
JAILER
Alas, what then?
DOCTOR
Understand you she ever affected any man ere
she beheld Palamon?
JAILER
I was once, sir, in great hope she had fixed her
liking on this gentleman, my friend.
WOOER
I did think so too, and would account I had a
great penn'orth on't to give half my state that both
she and I, at this present, stood unfeignedly on the
same terms.
DOCTOR
That intemperate surfeit of her eye hath distempered
the other senses. They may return and settle
again to execute their preordained 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 than 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, carve
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 playferes,
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
falsehoods 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
appliance. Let us put it in execution, and hasten the
success, which doubt not will bring forth comfort.
Exeunt
ACT INTERVALL
5.1 Scene 1
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
(An altar prepared.) Flourish. Enter Theseus,
Pirithous, Hippolyta, attendants
THESEUS
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 cornetts
They have a noble work in hand, will honour
The very powers that love 'em.
Enter Palamon with his three Knights (at
one door), and Arcite with his three Knights (at the
other door)
PIRITHOUS
Sir, they enter.
THESEUS
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, dove-like,
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'll leave you to your prayers, and betwixt ye
I part my wishes.
PIRITHOUS
Honour crown the worthiest.
Exit Theseus and his train
PALAMON
(to Arcite)
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 eye
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.
ARCITE
I am in labour
To push your name, your ancient love, our kindred,
Out of my memory, and i'th' selfsame place
To seat something I would confound. So hoist we
The sails that must these vessels port even where
The heavenly limiter pleases.
PALAMON
You speak well.
Before I turn, let me embrace thee, cousin -
This I shall never do again.
ARCITE
One farewell.
PALAMON
Why, let it be so - farewell, coz.
ARCITE
Farewell, sir.
Exeunt Palamon and his three Knights
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 father of 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 me, where she sticks,
The queen of flowers. Our intercession, then,
Must be to him that makes the camp a cistern
Brimmed with the blood of men - give me your aid,
And bend your spirits towards him.
They kneel before the altar, (fall on their faces, then
on their knees again)
(Praying to Mars) Thou mighty one,
That with thy power hast turned green Neptune into purple;
Whose havoc in vast field comets prewarn,
UnearthЉd skulls proclaim; whose breath blows down
The teeming Ceres' foison; who dost pluck
With hand armipotent 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 o'er-rank states, thou grand decider
Of dusty and old titles, that heal'st with blood
The earth when it is sick, and cur'st the world
O'th' plurisy of people, I do take
Thy signs auspiciously, and in thy name,
To my design, march boldly. (To his Knights) Let us go.
Exeunt
5.2 Scene 2
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Enter Palamon and his Knights with the former observance
PALAMON
(to his Knights)
Our stars must glister with new fire, or be
Today 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 before the altar, (fall on their faces
then on their knees again)
(Praying to Venus) Hail, sovereign queen of secrets,
who hast power
To call the fiercest tyrant from his rage
And weep unto a girl; that hast the might,
Even with an eye-glance, to choke Mars's drum
And turn th' alarum to whispers; that canst make
A cripple flourish with his crutch, and cure him
Before Apollo; that mayst force the king
To be his subject's vassal, and induce
Stale gravity to dance; the polled bachelor
Whose youth, like wanton boys through bonfires,
Have skipped thy flame, at seventy 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 kenned all that were. I never practised
Upon man's wife, nor would the libels read
Of liberal wits. I never at great feasts
Sought to betray a beauty, but have blushed
At simp'ring 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 brided - 'twas thy power
To put life into dust. The agЉd cramp
Had screwed his square foot round,
The gout had knit his fingers into knots,
Torturing convulsions from his globy 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 music is heard, doves are seen to flutter. They
fall again upon their faces, then on their knees
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
My body to this business. (To his Knights) Let us rise
And bow before the goddess.
They rise and bow
Time comes on.
Exeunt
5.3 Scene 3
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Still music of recorders. Enter Emilia in white, her
hair about her shoulders, with 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
apart, she sets fire to it. Then they curtsy and kneel
EMILIA
(praying to Diana)
O sacred, shadowy, cold, and constant queen,
Abandoner of revels, mute contemplative,
Sweet, solitary, white as chaste, and pure
As wind-fanned snow, who to thy female knights
Allow'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 scurril 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 garland, or else grant
The file and quality 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
(To her women) 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. (To Diana) O
mistress,
Thou here dischargest me - I shall be gathered.
I think so, but I know not thine own will.
Unclasp thy mystery. (To her women) I hope she's
pleased;
Her signs were gracious.
They curtsy and exeunt
5.4 Scene 4
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Enter the Doctor, the Jailer, and the Wooer in the habit of Palamon
DOCTOR
Has this advice I told you done any good upon
her?
WOOER
O, very much. The maids that kept 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.
DOCTOR
'Twas well done - twenty times had been far better,
For there the cure lies mainly.
WOOER
Then she told me
She would watch with me tonight, for well she knew
What hour my fit would take me.
DOCTOR
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.
DOCTOR
'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 anything -
Lie with her if she ask you.
JAILER
Ho there, Doctor.
DOCTOR
Yes, in the way of cure.
JAILER
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.
JAILER
Thank ye, Doctor.
DOCTOR
Pray bring her in and let's see how she is.
JAILER
I will, and tell her her Palamon stays for her.
But, Doctor, methinks you are i'th' wrong still.
Exit Jailer
DOCTOR
Go, go. You fathers are fine fools - her honesty?
An 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.
Whate'er her father says, if you perceive
Her mood inclining that way that I spoke of,
Videlicet, the way of flesh - you have me?
WOOER
Yes, 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 the Jailer and his Daughter, (mad)
DOCTOR
You'll find it so - she comes: pray humour her.
(The Doctor and the Wooer stand apart)
JAILER
(to his Daughter)
Come, your love Palamon stays for you, child,
And has done this long hour, to visit you.
JAILER'S 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?
JAILER
Yes.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
How do you like him?
JAILER
He's a very fair one.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
You never saw him dance?
JAILER
No.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
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.
JAILER
That's fine, indeed.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
He'll dance the morris twenty mile an hour,
And that will founder the best hobbyhorse,
If I have any skill, in all the parish -
And gallops to the tune of 'Light o' love'.
What think you of this horse?
JAILER
Having these virtues
I think he might be brought to play at tennis.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
Alas, that's nothing.
JAILER
Can he write and read too?
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
A very fair hand, and casts himself th' accounts
Of all his hay and provender. That ostler
Must rise betime that cozens him. You know
The chestnut mare the Duke has?
JAILER
Very well.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
She is horribly in love with him, poor beast,
But he is like his master - coy and scornful.
JAILER
What dowry has she?
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
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!
JAILER
Make curtsy - here your love comes.
WOOER
(coming forward)
Pretty soul,
How do ye?
She curtsies
That's a fine maid, there's a curtsy.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
Yours to command, i'th' way of honesty -
How far is't now to th' end o'th' world, my masters?
DOCTOR
Why, a day's journey, wench.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
(to Wooer)
Will you go with me?
WOOER
What shall we do there, wench?
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
Why, play at stool-ball -
What is there else to do?
WOOER
I am content
If we shall keep our wedding there.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
'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 tomorrow,
And that would be a blot i'th' business.
Are not you Palamon?
WOOER
Do not you know me?
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
Yes, but you care not for me. I have nothing
But this poor petticoat and two coarse smocks.
WOOER
That's all one - I will have you.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
Will you surely?
WOOER
Yes, by this fair hand, will I.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
We'll to bed then.
WOOER
E'en when you will.
He kisses her
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
(rubbing off the kiss)
O, sir, you would fain be nibbling.
WOOER
Why do you rub my kiss off?
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
'Tis a sweet one,
And will perfume me finely against the wedding.
(Indicating the Doctor) Is not this your cousin Arcite?
DOCTOR
Yes, sweetheart,
And I am glad my cousin Palamon
Has made so fair a choice.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
Do you think he'll have me?
DOCTOR
Yes, without doubt.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
(to the Jailer)
Do you think so too?
JAILER
Yes.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
We shall have many children. (To the Doctor) Lord,
how you're 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
MESSENGER
What do you here? You'll lose the noblest sight
That e'er was seen.
JAILER
Are they i'th' field?
MESSENGER
They are -
You bear a charge there too.
JAILER
I'll away straight.
(To the others) I must e'en leave you here.
DOCTOR
Nay, we'll go with you -
I will not lose the sight.
JAILER
How did you like her?
DOCTOR
I'll warrant you, within these three or four days
I'll make her right again.
(Exit the Jailer with the Messenger)
(To the Wooer)
You must not from her,
But still preserve her in this way.
WOOER
I will.
DOCTOR
Let's get her in.
WOOER
(to the Jailer's Daughter)
Come, sweet, we'll go to dinner,
And then we'll play at cards.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
And shall we kiss too?
WOOER
A hundred times.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
And twenty.
WOOER
Ay, and twenty.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
And then we'll sleep together.
DOCTOR
(to the Wooer)
Take her offer.
WOOER
(to the Jailer's Daughter)
Yes, marry, will we.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
But you shall not hurt me.
WOOER
I will not, sweet.
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
If you do, love, I'll cry.
Exeunt
5.5 Scene 5
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Flourish. Enter Theseus, Hippolyta, Emilia, Pirithous,
and some attendants
EMILIA
I'll no step further.
PIRITHOUS
Will you lose this sight?
EMILIA
I had rather see a wren hawk at a fly
Than 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 deafing, but to hear; not taint mine eye
With dread sights it may shun.
PIRITHOUS
(to Theseus)
Sir, my good lord,
Your sister will no further.
THESEUS
O, she must.
She shall see deeds of honour in their kind,
Which sometime show well pencilled. Nature now
Shall make and act the story, the belief
Both sealed with eye and ear. (To Emilia) You must be
present -
You are the victor's meed, the price and garland
To crown the question's title.
EMILIA
Pardon me,
If I were there I'd wink.
THESEUS
You must be there -
This trial is, as 'twere, i'th' night, and you
The only star to shine.
EMILIA
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.
HIPPOLYTA
You must go.
EMILIA
In faith, I will not.
THESEUS
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.
THESEUS
Well, well - then at your pleasure.
Those that remain with you could wish their office
To any of their enemies.
HIPPOLYTA
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 all but Emilia
(Emilia takes out two pictures, one from her right side,
and one from her left)
EMILIA
Arcite is gently visaged, yet
his eyeIs like an engine 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 alters to
The quality of his thoughts. Long time his eye
Will dwell upon his object. Melancholy
Becomes him nobly - so does Arcite's mirth.
But Palamon's 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.
Cornetts. Trumpets sound as to a charge
Hark, how yon 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
Cornetts. A great cry and noise within, crying, 'A
Palamon'
I am not there. O better never born,
Than minister to such harm.
Enter Servant
What is the chance?
SERVANT
The cry's 'A Palamon'.
EMILIA
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 cornetts, crying, 'A Palamon'
SERVANT
Still 'Palamon'.
EMILIA
Run and enquire.
Exit Servant
(She speaks to the picture in her right hand)
Poor servant, thou hast lost.
Upon my right side still I wore thy picture,
Palamon's 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 cornetts
On the sinister side the heart lies - Palamon
Had the best-boding chance. This burst of clamour
Is sure the end o'th' combat.
Enter Servant
SERVANT
They said that Palamon had Arcite's 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 titlers at this instant are
Hand to hand at it.
EMILIA
Were they metamorphosed
Both into one! O why? There were no woman
Worth so composed a man: their single share,
Their nobleness peculiar to them, gives
The prejudice of disparity, value's shortness,
To any lady breathing -
Cornetts. Cry within, 'Arcite, Arcite'
More exulting?
'Palamon' still?
SERVANT
Nay, now the sound is 'Arcite'.
EMILIA
I prithee, lay attention to the cry.
Cornetts. A great shout and cry, 'Arcite, victory!'
Set both thine ears to th' business.
SERVANT
The cry is
'Arcite' and 'Victory' - hark, 'Arcite, victory!'
The combat's consummation is proclaimed
By the wind instruments.
EMILIA
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,
Than 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.
(She puts away the pictures.)
Cornetts. Enter Theseus, Hippolyta, Pirithous,
Arcite as victor, and attendants
THESEUS
Lo, where our sister is in expectation,
Yet quaking and unsettled. Fairest Emily,
The gods by their divine arbitrament
Have given you this knight. He is a good one
As ever struck at head. (To Arcite and Emilia)
Give me your hands.
(To Arcite) Receive you her, (to Emilia) you him:
(to both) be plighted with
A love that grows as you decay.
ARCITE
Emilia,
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.
THESEUS
(to Emilia)
O lovЉd sister,
He speaks now of as brave a knight as e'er
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, methought, Alcides was
To him a sow of lead. If I could praise
Each part of him to th' 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 Philomels 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 out-breasted, that the sense
Could not be judge between 'em - so it fared
Good space between these kinsmen, till heavens did
Make hardly one the winner. (To Arcite) 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. (To Arcite) Arm your
prize;
I know you will not lose her. Hippolyta,
I see one eye of yours conceives a tear,
The which it will deliver.
Flourish
EMILIA
Is this winning?
O all you heavenly powers, where is your 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.
HIPPOLYTA
Infinite pity
That four such eyes should be so fixed on one
That two must needs be blind for't.
THESEUS
So it is.
Exeunt
5.6 Scene 6
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Enter, guarded, Palamon and his three Knights
pinioned; enter with them the Jailer and an
executioner with block and axe
PALAMON
There's many a man alive that hath outlived
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 crimes
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.
FIRST KNIGHT
What ending could be
Of more content? O'er us the victors have
Fortune, whose title is as momentary
As to us death is certain - a grain of honour
They not o'erweigh us.
SECOND KNIGHT
Let us bid farewell,
And with our patience anger tott'ring fortune,
Who at her certain'st reels.
THIRD KNIGHT
Come, who begins?
PALAMON
E'en he that led you to this banquet shall
Taste to you all. (To the Jailer) Aha, 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.
JAILER
Sir, she's well restored
And to be married shortly.
PALAMON
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.
He gives his purse
FIRST KNIGHT
Nay, let's be offerers all.
SECOND KNIGHT
Is it a maid?
PALAMON
Verily, I think so -
A right good creature more to me deserving
Than I can quit or speak of.
ALL THREE KNIGHTS
Commend us to her.
They give their purses
JAILER
The gods requite you all, and make her thankful.
PALAMON
Adieu, and let my life be now as short
As my leave-taking.
He lies on the block
FIRST KNIGHT
Lead, courageous cousin.
SECOND AND THIRD KNIGHTS
We'll follow cheerfully.
A great noise within: crying, 'Run! Save! Hold!'
Enter in haste a Messenger
MESSENGER
Hold! Hold! O, hold! Hold! Hold!
Enter Pirithous in haste
PIRITHOUS
Hold, ho! It is a cursЉd 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.
PALAMON
Can that be,
When Venus, I have said, is false? How do things fare?
PIRITHOUS
Arise, great sir, and give the tidings ear
That are most rarely sweet and bitter.
PALAMON
What
Hath waked us from our dream?
PIRITHOUS
List, then: your cousin,
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
Here finds allowance - on this horse is Arcite
Trotting the stones of Athens, which the calkins
Did rather tell than 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, to th' music
His own hooves made - for, as they say, from iron
Came music's origin - 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 manЉge; pig-like he whines
At the sharp rowel, which he frets at rather
Than any jot obeys; seeks all foul means
Of boist'rous and rough jad'ry to disseat
His lord, that kept it bravely. When naught served,
When neither curb would crack, girth break, nor diff'ring plunges
Disroot his rider whence he grew, but that
He kept him 'tween his legs, on his hind hooves -
On end he stands -
That Arcite's legs, being higher than his head,
Seemed with strange art to hang. His victor's wreath
Even then fell off his head; and presently
Backward the jade comes o'er and his full poise
Becomes the rider's load. Yet is he living;
But such a vessel 'tis that floats but for
The surge that next approaches. He much desires
To have some speech with you - lo, he appears.
Enter Theseus, Hippolyta, Emilia, and Arcite in a chair
borne by attendants
PALAMON
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.
ARCITE
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, cousin -
One kiss from fair Emilia - (they kiss) 'tis done.
Take her; I die.
He dies
PALAMON
Thy brave soul seek Elysium.
EMILIA
(to Arcite's body)
I'll close thine eyes, Prince. BlessЉd souls be with thee.
Thou art a right good man, and, while I live,
This day I give to tears.
PALAMON
And I to honour.
THESEUS
In this place first you fought, e'en 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 arrouse you.
The powerful Venus well hath graced her altar,
And given you your love; our master, Mars,
Hath vouched his oracle, and to Arcite gave
The grace of the contention. So the deities
Have showed due justice. - Bear this hence.
(Exeunt attendants with Arcite's body)
PALAMON
O cousin,
That we should things desire which do cost us
The loss of our desire! That naught could buy
Dear love, but loss of dear love!
THESEUS
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 stol'n 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.
Flourish. Exeunt
Epilogue
Enter Epilogue
EPILOGUE
I would now ask ye how ye like the play,
But, as it is with schoolboys, cannot say.
I am cruel fearful. Pray yet stay awhile,
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.
Flourish. Exit
6.0 Dramatis Personae
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
ALL THREE KNIGHTS
ALL THREE QUEENS
ARCITE
BABION
BOY
DOCTOR
EMILIA
EPILOGUE
FIRST COUNTRYMAN
FIRST FRIEND
FIRST KNIGHT
FIRST QUEEN
FOURTH COUNTRYMAN
FRIEND
GENTLEMAN
HERALD
HIPPOLYTA
JAILER
JAILER'S BROTHER
JAILER'S DAUGHTER
MESSENGER
NELL
PALAMON
PALAMON
AND
ARCITE
PIRITHOUS
PROLOGUE
SCHOOLMASTER
SECOND COUNTRYMAN
SECOND FRIEND
SECOND KNIGHT
SECOND QUEEN
SECOND
AND
THIRD KNIGHTS
SERVANT
TABORER
THESEUS
THIRD COUNTRYMAN
THIRD KNIGHT
THIRD QUEEN
VALERIUS
WOMAN
WOOER
(JAILER'S BROTHER)
a. (as pronoun) familiar, unstressed form of 'he'
abatement. reduction, depreciation
able. to vouch for
about. irregularly, indirectly; be on the move
abroad. away, apart, on foot, current
absolute. complete, certain, positive, beyond doubt
abuse. wrong, ill-usage, deception; to deceive, dishonour
addition. mark of distinction, title
admire. wonder, marvel
advantage. opportunity, interest on money; to profit
adventure. chance, hazard, to risk
advice. consideration, forethought
advised. cautious, aware, carefully considered
Aeneas. a Trojan prince who carried his father, Anchises, from the
blazing city. Dido, Queen of Carthage, received him and his son,
Ascanius. She fell in love with him, but he left Carthage at the gods'
command, and Dido committed suicide.
affect. affection, tendency, disposition; love, like, imitate
affected. disposed, in love
affection. passion, desire, disposition, affectation
after. according to, at the rate of
against. in expectation of, in preparation for the time when, in time for
alarum. call to arms, assault
Alcides. Hercules
allowance. admission of a claim, reputation
an. if, though, whether, as if
anatomy. skeleton
anon. soon, 'coming'
antic. grotesque pageant, clown; fantastic
Apollo. god of the sun, music and poetry. Daphne, escaping from his
pursuit, was changed to a laurel.
appliance. service, remedy, treatment
appointment. equipment, instruction
argue. prove, show
argument. proof, subject of debate, subject-matter, summary
arm. reach, take in one's arms
armipotent. powerful in arms
arras. wall-tapestry
aspect. look, glance, position and influence of a planet, sight
assurance. pledge, deed of conveyance, guarantee
assure. betroth, convey property
aught. anything
aunt. old woman, bawd, girl friend
ЪДДДї
і B і
АДДДЩ
banquet. dessert, light meal of fruit and sweetmeats
bastard. sweet Spanish wine
bate. trouble; beat wings ready for flight, blunt, reduce, grow less,
deduct
bend. look, glance; to turn, incline, direct, strain, submit
bent. inclination, direction, tension, force, range, aim
blazon. coat of arms, description, proclamation; to proclaim, praise
blow. swell, blossom, (of flies) deposit eggs (on), defile
boot. booty, profit, advantage, help, use, avail, addition; to be of use,
profit, present in addition
bottom. ship, valley, bobbin; to wind on a bobbin
brace. suit of armour, readiness
brave. finely dressed, splendid, excellent; bravado or threat; to adorn,
challenge, defy, swagger, taunt
bravery. bravado, finery, splendour, ostentation, defiance
breast. voice
breathe. speak, exercise, rest
breathed. exercised, valiant, inspired
brief. letter, summary
broke. bargain
broken. (of music) in parts, scored for different instruments
burn. infect with venereal disease
ЪДДДї
і C і
АДДДЩ
can. to know, be skilled in
carrack. galleon
carve. cut, shape, invite with look and gesture
case. vagina
cast. throw of dice, tinge, founding; to throw, vomit, reckon, add
centre. centre of the earth or the universe
Ceres. goddess of agriculture
certain. fixed
challenge. claim, accuse
changeling. waverer
character. writing, hand-writing; to write
child. baby girl, youth of noble birth
clip. embrace
clown. rustic, jester
coil. noisy disturbance, fuss, trouble
colour. pretext, excuse
colours. military ensigns
companion. knave
complexion. bodily habit or constitution, temperament, appearance, colour
conscience. knowledge, understanding, scruple
convent. convene, summon
conversation. intercourse, behaviour
cope. sky; have to do with, encounter, recompense
couch. hide, lie hidden, make crouch
counsel. secret, secret purpose or thought
Counter. debtors' prison
cousin. nephew, kinsman, relative
coy. scorn, stroke
credit. credibility, reputation, report
cry. pack of hounds; yelp in following scent
cunning. knowledge, skill; ingenious
curious. anxious, needing care, fastidious, difficult to please,
delicate, beautifully made; delicately
cut. docked or gelded horse; vulva
Cynthia. goddess of the moon
ЪДДДї
і D і
АДДДЩ
Daedalus. with his son Icarus, escaped from imprisonment on home-made
wings. Icarus flew too high, the sun melted the wax, and he was drowned.
Daedalus escaped.
danger. harm, injury, power to harm, range (of a weapon), debt
dare. dazzle
dear. important, energetic, dire
determine. end, settle, decide
Diana. goddess of hunting, the moon, and chastity
Dido. see AENEAS
Dis. god of the underworld
discourse. reasoning, talk, conversational power, familiarity
dispose. disposal, control, disposition, temperament, manner; to control,
direct, incline, come to terms
distemper. ill humour, illness of mind or body, intoxication; disturb,
disorder
do. copulate (with)
dole. portion, share, grief, sorrow
doom. judgement
doubt. suspicion, fear; to suspect, fear
draught. cesspool, privy
draw. withdraw, empty, search for game, track by scent
drift. purpose, plot, shower
ЪДДДї
і E і
АДДДЩ
ear. plough
edge. appetite, desire
eftsoons. soon
embossed. swollen, foaming at the mouth
engine. artifice, plot, mechanical contrivance, rack
enormous. disordered, irregular
entreat. treat, negotiate, intercede
envy. malice, enmity; show malice towards
event. outcome, issue, result
extravagant. straying, vagrant
ЪДДДї
і F і
АДДДЩ
face. appearance, appearance of right; to put on a false appearance,
brave, bully, brazen, trim
fail. failure, fault; to offend, die
fain. glad, obliged
fame. rumour, report, reputation; make famous
fancy. love, whimsicality; to love, fall in love with
favour. leniency, something given as a mark of favour, badge, charm,
appearance, look, face, feature
feat. dexterous, graceful; show to advantage; deed
feed. pasture
fell. fierce, cruel, enraged; skin, covering of hair or wool, fleece
fere. spouse
fight. screen for protection of crew in sea battle
file. catalogue, list, roll, rank, number; to smooth, polish, defile
fine. end; to end, pay, fix as sum payable, punish
flesh. initiate in bloodshed, inflame, gratify
flourish. gloss, embellishment, florid decoration, fanfare of trumpets
foison. harvest, plentiful crop
fond. foolish, silly, trivial, eager, desirous
fool. professional jester, term of endearment or pity, plaything
foot. see FOUTRE
forbid. cursed
former. foremost
forwhy. because
frame. contriving, structure, plan; to prepare, go, bring to pass,
perform
frampold. disagreeable
free. generous, magnanimous, innocent, untroubled; to absolve, banish
friend. lover, mistress
frieze. coarse woollen cloth
fury. rage, passion, poetic passion, goddess of vengeance
ЪДДДї
і G і
АДДДЩ
gall. resentment, bitterness; to rub sore, chafe, graze, wound, harass,
scoff
garland. royal crown, glory
generous. high-born
gentle. of noble birth; to ennoble
George. jewel bearing figure of the saint, part of insignia of Order of
the Garter
glance. (at) hint at, cast a slight on
glass. mirror, sand-glass
go. walk
go to!. expression of disapproval, protest, or disbelief
good. financially sound, rich
gout. drop
grece. step, stair, degree
grow. be or become due
guard. caution, border, trimming; to ornament
ЪДДДї
і H і
АДДДЩ
habit. dress, appearance
hair. kind, character
half. partner
haply. perhaps, by chance
happiness. handsomeness, appropriateness, opportunity
havoc. devastation; cry havoc, give the signal to an army to plunder
hazard. game at dice, chance, venture
head. headland, topic, army
heap. crowd
heavy. important, dull, sluggish, sleepy, grievous
Hercules. as a baby strangled two serpents; performed twelve great
labours, including the obtaining of the golden apples of the Hesperides
and the overcoming of Cerberus, the three-headed dog of the underworld
hilding. contemptible, good-for-nothing, baggage
him. male (dog)
hoar. grow mouldy
holding. consistency, burden of a song
honest. worthy, virtuous, chaste
honesty. honour, decency, chastity
honour. chastity
host. lodge
humour. moisture; bodily fluid supposedly composed of blood, phlegm,
choler, and melancholy, the proportions determining personal temperament;
temperament, mood, whim, caprice, inclination
hurry. commotion, disorder
husband. one who keeps house; to farm, till
Hymen. god of marriage
jade. horse of poor condition or vicious temper, term of contempt; to
wear out, make a fool of
jealous. suspicious, afraid, apprehensive, doubtful
jealousy. suspicion, apprehension, mistrust
jig. quick lively dance, short lively comic entertainment
Jove. poetic form of JUPITER
jump. just, precisely; hazard; to hazard, agree, coincide
Juno. queen of the gods and wife of Jupiter; goddess of marriage
Jupiter. ruler of the gods. He was thought to hurl thunderbolts at
mortals who displeased him, but otherwise was best known for his many
amorous adventures.
just. true, honourable, exact
justify. maintain the innocence of, vindicate, prove, corroborate
justly. with good reason
laboured. worn out, highly finished
lag. last, late
large. generous, lavish, free, improper
laund. glade
lay. wager
learn. teach
let. hindrance; to hinder, forbear, cause
liable. subject, suitable
liberal. accomplished, humane, abundant, free in speech, unrestrained,
gross
lie. to lodge, stay, be still, in prison or in defensive posture
lief. dear
light. frivolous, unchaste, swift, easy, merry, trivial, delirious
like. please, be in good condition
liking. bodily condition
line. rank, Equator, cord for taking measurements; copulate with
list. limit, bound, barriers enclosing tilting ground, desire; to please,
choose
long. belong
lose. to ruin, forget
lover. friend, mistress
luce. pike as heraldic device
lust. pleasure, desire
lusty. merry, lustful
ЪДДДї
і M і
АДДДЩ
maculate. stained, impure
mainly. with force, greatly, perfectly
make. mate, husband or wife
making. form, appearance
mankind. resembling a man, violent, ferocious
marry. (as an exclamation) by (the Virgin) Mary
Mars. god of war and patron of soldiers
meal. spot, stain
mean. something between or intervening, middle, medium position, tenor,
alto; to lament
measure. a stately dance; tune; to measure
meed. reward, gift, merit
memory. memorial, memento, remembrance
mere. sure, absolute, unqualified, only
merit. reward
methinks. it seems to me
mickle. great
mistake. take, undertake or deliver wrongly, misjudge, blunder, feel
misgiving about
mistress. the jack at bowls
modest. moderate, satisfactory, becoming
modestly. without exaggeration
modesty. moderation, avoidance of exaggeration
moiety. half, share, small part
mood. anger, outward appearance, mode
mother. hysteria
motion. motive, puppet show, puppet; to propose
muset. gap
mutual. common, intimate
mystery. trade, profession, skill
ЪДДДї
і N і
АДДДЩ
natural. that is so by birth, related by blood, kind, tender; half-wit
naught. wickedness, wicked, ruined, ruin
Neptune. god of the sea
next. nearest, quickest
nice. wanton, delicate, shy, difficult to please, fastidious, scrupulous,
subtle, needing precision, delicately balanced, intricate, exact, skilful,
trivial
niceness. coyness, fastidiousness
niggard. to act in a miserly way, supply sparingly
noise. rumour, music, band of musicians; clamour, spread by rumour
nothing. vulva
ЪДДДї
і O і
АДДДЩ
observe. humour
offer. act on the offensive, venture
office. function, service
offices. parts of a house devoted to household matters
omit. neglect, disregard, lay aside
opinion. censure, public judgement, self-conceit, self-confidence
owe. own, possess
ЪДДДї
і P і
АДДДЩ
pace. train (a horse) to pace
pack. gang; conspire, shuffle (cards), to cheat, be off
pale. fence, enclosure; enclose, encircle
parcel. part, item, group
part. action, side
passion. suffering, affliction, fit of disease, overpowering emotion,
passionate speech, sorrow; feel deep emotion
patch. fool
patience. permission, leave
pattern. precedent, model; to give an example, be a pattern or precedent
for
peculiar. individual, private, belonging to one person
pelting. paltry, worthless
perfect. fully informed, equipped, ready; accomplish, instruct
Phoebus. Apollo, god of the sun
phoenix. unique Arabian bird which, dying, is recreated from its own
ashes
pie. magpie
piece. cask of liquor, masterpiece; add to, augment
pinch. bite, pang; to bite, harass, distress
plant. sole of the foot
plight. pledge
point. highest point, conclusion, lace with tags (for attaching hose to
doublet, etc.), full stop
port. gate, bearing, style of living
possess. inform, acquaint
post. post set up for notices, etc., doorpost on which tavern reckoning
was kept, courier, messenger, post-horse; to hasten, carry swiftly
power. army
praise. appraise, value
prefer. present, advance, introduce, recommend
prejudice. injury; injure
presence. presence chamber, company, person
present. immediate, instant; ready money, to show, represent, bring a
charge against
presently. immediately
press. crowd, crowding, printing-press, cupboard, authority to enlist men
compulsorily; to crowd, oppress, force into military service
prevent. anticipate, escape, avoid
prick. mark made by pricking, dot, point spot in centre of target,
prickle, penis; to mark by making a dot, etc., pierce fix, point, spur
pride. magnificence, splendid adornment highest state, mettle, sexual
desire
prime. first, chief, sexually excited; springtime
prithee. please
prize. contest; to value, esteem
project. notion, idea; set forth, exhibit
prolong. postpone
prone. ready, eager
proof. test, trial, experience, issue, result
proper. (one's) own, private, peculiar, excellent, handsome
prorogue. prolong, postpone
proud. elated, giving cause for pride, lofty, splendid, spirited,
swollen, over-luxuriant, sexually excited
prove. try, test, find by experience, experience
puissance. strength, armed force
purchase. booty, prize, annual rent from land; to strive, gain, acquire
otherwise than by inheritance
purpose. proposal, conversation
ЪДДДї
і Q і
АДДДЩ
quaint. skilful, clever, dainty, fine, beautiful, elaborate
quality. accomplishment, rank, profession, party, side, manner, cause
quarter. part, watch, relations with and conduct towards another
quick. flowing, fresh, impatient
quit. set free, rid, acquit, acquit oneself of, revenge, repay, requite
ЪДДДї
і R і
АДДДЩ
race. root (of ginger), lineage, breed, natural disposition
rage. madness, angry disposition, sexual passion; to enrage
rank. growing too luxuriantly, swollen grown too fat, rebellious, high,
full, lustful, in heat, coarse, festering; closely
rate. estimate, value, expense
raven. devour greedily
read. teach, discover the meaning of, expound a riddle
reason. speech, remark; to talk, discuss, explain
reck. to care (for), mind
record. witness, memory; to witness, sing
reduce. bring, bring back
reflect. shine
regiment. authority, rule
rehearsal. account
rehearse. describe, tell
remember. mention, commemorate, remind
removed. remote, secluded, separated by time or space
repair. restoring, coming; go, come, return
respect. relationship, discrimination, consideration, esteem; to regard,
care for, esteem
rest. place to rest, restored strength, resolution, stakes kept in
reserve
retire. return
retreat. recall of pursuing force
rheum. mucus from nose or throat, cold in the head, rheumatism
round. plain, plain-spoken, severe; round dance, roundabout way, rung of
a ladder; surround, become round
royal. gold coin of the value of ten shillings (fifty pence)
rub. in bowls an obstacle hindering or turning aside the bowl, obstacle,
hindrance, roughness, unevenness; to turn aside, hinder
rude. ignorant, barbarous, violent, rough
ЪДДДї
і S і
АДДДЩ
sad. steadfast, grave, serious, dismal
sadly. gravely, seriously
sadness. seriousness
safe. make safe
safety. custody, safeguard
sauce. over-charge, rebuke
saw. saying, maxim, proverb
say. finely woven cloth, taste, saying
scape. escapade, transgression; escape
school. university, instruction, learning; reprimand, discipline
scorn. taunt, insult, object of contempt
scurril. coarsely abusive
secure. free from care, confident, unsuspicious; make confident or
overconfident
seeing. appearance
seely. foolish, innocent, harmless
seen. skilled
self. one's own, same
sense. physical feeling, sensuality, sexual desire, mental apprehension,
mind, opinion
sequent. succeeding, following
service. what is placed on the table for a meal
several. distinct, different, individual, respective, various
severally. separately, at different entrance or exits
shadow. shade; to hide, shelter
shame. to be ashamed
shrewd. wicked, mischievous, bad-tempered, dangerous, evil, difficult
sight. visor
single. slight, trivial, sincere, simple
sinister. left (hand), unfavourable, unjust
sink. cause to fall, ruin; sewer, drain
sirrah. form of address used mainly to inferiors
skill. judgement, reason, ability; to make a difference, matter
sod. steeped, boiled
soiled. fed with fresh-cut green fodder
sole. unique, mere, alone
solemnity. ceremony, festivity
solicit. urging, entreaty; move, stir, bring something about
sometime. at some time, sometimes, once, formerly
sore. buck, deer, in its fourth year
sort. lot, rank, company, group, way, state; allot, ordain, come about,
turn out, be suitable, correspond, adapt, fit, classify, choose, contrive,
go in company
sound. utter, proclaim, keep sound
speed. fortune, outcome, protection, assistance; to fare (well or ill),
turn out, be successful, assist, favour
spring. fountain, source, shoot of a plant
spurn. kick, insult, blow; to kick, oppose scornfully
square. fair, just; carpenter's set-square, measure, rule; body of troops
in square formation, square of material in bosom of a dress; to regulate,
quarrel (among), be at variance
staff. shaft of lance, lance, stanza
stale. decoy, bait, prostitute, laughingstock, urine (of horses)
stamp. stamping tool, coin, medal, distinguishing mark, imprint; to
impress, mark with an impression, give approval to
stand. place where one stands in ambush or in hiding; confront, oppose,
stand firm; stand at a guard with, be fully protected against; stand on,
upon, insist on, persist in, depend on, rely on, concern, be the duty or
interest of; stand to, have an erection, support, maintain, be firm in,
persist in; stand to it, maintain a cause, take a stand
start. sudden invasion, sudden flight, impulse ; to startle, rush
state. condition, condition of health or prosperity, rank, dignity, chair
of state throne, nobles, ruling body, government
stay. obstacle; detain, stand, stand firm wait (for), attend on
stead. to be of use to, help
stern. rudder
stick. stab, be fastened or fixed, hesitate
still. always, continually
stomach. appetite, inclination, temper, courage, pride, anger; resent
stone. mirror, thunderbolt, testicle; turn to stone
stop. hole in a wind-instrument, stopped to produce a difference in
pitch, fingering of musical chords, fret of a lute; staunch, heal
store. breeding, increase; to populate
stout. bold, strong, proud
strait. narrow, tight-fitting, strict, niggardly; narrow place,
difficulty
strange. foreign, new, not knowing, unfriendly, cold, shy
strangely. coldly, without greeting, as a stranger, to an extraordinary
degree, in an unusual way
strength. authority, legal power, body troops
strike. to lower (sail), blast, destroy, tap (a cask)
stubborn. inflexible, stiff, rude, harsh, ruthless
stuff. semen
style. title
success. outcome, result, good or bad fortune, succession
sufficient. able, able to meet liabilities, solvent
supply. help, reinforcements
sure. safe, beyond power of doing harm, reliable, united
swart. dark, swarthy
swear. swear out, forswear
sweat. sweating sickness, sweating cure; take a sweating cure
sweet. scented; scent
swim. float
ЪДДДї
і T і
АДДДЩ
tailor. ? sex organ
take. strike, strike with disease or enchantment, catch, take effect,
reckon, measure, write down, accept as true, catch fire, perceive,
understand, esteem, take away, conclude; take head, deviate, run off its
course; take in, capture; take me with you, speak so that I can understand
you; take it on, assume authority; take on, rage, show great distress,
pretend; take out, make a copy of; take up lift, enlist, arrest, buy on
credit, rebuke, reprimand, oppose, encounter, make up (a quarrel)
taking. blasting; state of great excitement or alarm, malignant influence
tale. numbering one after another, talk, story, falsehood
tall. long, lofty, goodly, fine, brave
'tame. broach (a cask)
task. tax, impose a task on, occupy, put a strain on, put to proof
tell. count
temper. disposition, temperament, mental balance, hardness and elasticity
imparted to steel; to compound, mix, persuade
tender. offer, thing offered, care; to exhibit, pay down, care for;
sensitive, compassionate
tent. probe; to probe, cure (a wound), lodge
thankful. deserving thanks
thick. rapid, dim
thing. sexual organ
think. seem
thought. anxiety, sorrow
tickle. unstable, precarious; please, provoke
timely. early, in due season
tis. this (dialectal)
to. in addition to, against, appropriate to, in comparison with, in
respect of, as to
toil. net, snare; to cause to work hard, weary with work
token. spot of infection, plague-spot
tool. weapon, penis
top. head, forelock, highest point; to surpass, copulate with
touch. touchstone, taint; sound, test, wound
trace. follow, pass (through)
trade. coming and going, path, habit, business
train. tail, troop, bait; draw, entice, lead astray
trick. custom, way, knack, touch (of a disease), toy; to adorn, blazon
troth. truth, faith, word of honour
try. test; purify, refine, prove
tyranny. violence, outrage
tyrant. usurper
ЪДДДї
і U і
АДДДЩ
unclasp. reveal
undertaker. one who takes on himself another's quarrel, one who settles
with
unhappy. ill-fated, wretched, mischievous
unkind. unnatural
up. in arms, in rebellion, in prison; up and down, completely, exactly
upon. because of, in consequence of
use. habit, custom, usual experience, advantage, profit, lending at
interest, interest on something lent, need; to be accustomed, continue,
make a practice of, deal with, treat, go often
ЪДДДї
і V і
АДДДЩ
vain. foolish, silly, unreal
value. estimate, be worth
vantage. advantage, gain, superiority, vantage-ground, opportunity
vengeance. harm, injury
Venus. goddess of love and beauty; wife of Vulcan, the smith-god, but
more often associated with her lover Mars
virtue. courage, merit, accomplishment, power, efficacy, essence,
essential characteristic
virtuous. powerful, beneficial
voice. speech, words, common talk, rumour, report, expressed opinion,
judgement, vote, approval, authority to be heard; to acclaim, vote
ЪДДДї
і W і
АДДДЩ
walk. tract of forest
want. lack, miss
wanton. frolicsome, lawless, capricious, luxurious, luxuriant, lustful,
unchaste; spoilt child, pampered darling, roguish, sportful, unruly or
lustful creature
ward. guard, custody, prison-cell, defensive position in fencing; guard,
protect
warrant. guarantee, assure
waste. spend, consume
watch. wakefulness, sleeplessness, watchfulness; be awake, keep from
sleep, catch in the act
water. lustre
wear. fashion; carry, possess, be fashionable, weary
week. to be in by the, be caught, ensnared, deeply in love
where. whereas
whipstock. whip-handle
wide. missing the mark, astray
wild. reckless, distracted, (of sea) open
will. sexual desire, sexual organ (male or female)
wink. sleep, close one's eyes
wit. mental power, mind, sense, wisdom, imagination, one who has such
qualities; know
withal. with this, with it, as well, at the same time, with
without. beyond
wonder. admiration; admire, marvel
wood. mad
world. to go to the, marry; a woman of the, married woman
worn. exhausted, past
worship. dignity, honour, authority; to honour
worthy. excellent, valuable, deserved, well-founded, fitting