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Shakespeare on Stage
American Shakespeare Center, The Duchess of Malfi. To Jun. 15, 2013.
American Shakespeare Center, Return to the Forbidden Planet. To Dec. 1, 2013.
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Two Noble Kinsmen (Quarto, 1634)

Author: William Shakespeare
Not Peer Reviewed
Scæna 4.
Enter Theseus, Hipolita, Pirithous,
Emilia: Arcite with a Garland, &c.
This short flo-rish of Cor-nets and Showtes with-in.
Thes. You have done worthily; I have not seene
1185Since Hercules, a man of tougher synewes;
What ere you are, you run the best, and wrastle,
That these times can allow.
Arcite. I am proud to please you.
Thes. What Countrie bred you?
1190Arcite. This; but far off, Prince.
Thes. Are you a Gentleman?
Arcite. My father said so;
And to those gentle uses gave me life.
Thes. Are you his heire?
1195Arcite. His yongest Sir.
Thes. Your Father
Sure is a happy Sire then: what prooves you?
Arcite. A little of all noble Quallities:
I could have kept a Hawke, and well have holloa'd
1200To a deepe crie of Dogges; I dare not praise
My feat in horsemanship: yet they that knew me
Would say it was my best peece: last, and greatest,
I would be thought a Souldier.
Thes. You are perfect.
1205Pirith. Vpon my soule, a proper man.
Emilia. He is so.
Per. How doe you like him Ladie?
Hip. I admire him,
I have not seene so yong a man, so noble
1210(If he say true,) of his sort.
Emil. Beleeve,
His mother was a wondrous handsome woman,
His face me thinkes, goes that way.
Hyp. But his Body
1215And firie minde, illustrate a brave Father.
Per. Marke how his vertue, like a hidden Sun
Breakes through his baser garments.
Hyp. Hee's well got sure.
Thes. What made you seeke this place Sir?
1220Arc. Noble Theseus.
To purchase name, and doe my ablest service
To such a well-found wonder, as thy worth,
Fo onely in thy Court, of all the world
dwells faire-eyd honor.
1225Per. All his words are worthy.
Thes. Sir, we are much endebted to your travell,
Nor shall you loose your wish: Perithous
Dispose of this faire Gentleman.
Perith. Thankes Theseus.
1230What ere you are y'ar mine, and I shall give you
To a most noble service, to this Lady,
This bright yong Virgin; pray observe her goodnesse;
You have honourd hir faire birth-day, with your vertues,
And as your due y'ar hirs: kisse her faire hand Sir.
1235Arc. Sir, y'ar a noble Giver: dearest Bewtie,
Thus let me seale my vowd faith: when your Servant
(Your most unworthie Creature) but offends you,
Command him die, he shall.
Emil. That were too cruell.
1240If you deserve well Sir; I shall soone see't:
Y'ar mine, aud somewhat better than your rancke Ile use
Per. Ile see you furnish'd, and because you say
You are a horseman, I must needs intreat you
This after noone to ride, but tis a rough one.
1245Arc. I like him better (Prince) I shall not then
Freeze in my Saddle.
Thes. Sweet, you must be readie,
And you Emilia, and you (Friend) and all
To morrow by the Sun, to doe observance
1250To flowry May, in Dians wood: waite well Sir
Vpon your Mistris: Emely, I hope
He shall not goe a foote.
Emil. That were a shame Sir,
While I have horses: take your choice, and what
1255You want at any time, let me but know it;
If you serve faithfully, I dare assure you
You'l finde a loving Mistris.
Arc. If I doe not,
Let me finde that my Father ever hated,
1260Disgrace, and blowes.
Thes. Go leade the way; you have won it:
It shall be so; you shall receave all dues
Fit for the honour you have won; Twer wrong else,
Sister, beshrew my heart, you have a Servant,
1265That if I were a woman, would be Master,
But you are wise.
Florish.
Emil. I hope too wise for that Sir.
Exeunt omnes.