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Two Noble Kinsmen (Quarto, 1634)

Author: William Shakespeare
Not Peer Reviewed
THE
TWO
NOBLE
KINSMEN
Presented at the Blackfriers
by the Kings Maiesties servants,
with great applause:
Written by the Worthies
of their time;
Mr. John Fletcher, and
Mr. William Shakspeare. Gent.
Printed at London by Tho. Cotes, for Iohn Waterson:
and ate to be sold at the signe of the Crowne
in Pauls Church-yard. 1634.
1
PROLOGVE.
Florish.
NEw Playes, and Maydenheads, are neare a kin,
Much follow'd both, for both much mony g'yn,
5If they stand sound, and well: And a good Play
(Whose modest Sceanes blush on his marriage day,
And shake to loose his honour) is like hir
That after holy Tye, and first nights stir
Yet still is Modestie, and still retaines
10More of the maid to sight, than Husbands paines;
We pray our Play may be so; For I am sure
It has a noble Breeder, and a pure,
A learned, and a Poet never went
More famous yet twixt Po and silver Trent.
15Chaucer (of all admir'd) the Story gives,
There constant to Eternity it lives;
If we let fall the Noblenesse of this,
And the first sound this child heare, be a hisse,
How will it shake the bones of that good man,
20And make him cry from under ground, O fan
From me the witles chaffe of such a wrighter
That blastes my Bayes, and my fam'd workes makes
Then Robin Hood? This is the feare we bring;
For to say Truth, it were an endlesse thing,
25And too ambitious to aspire to him;
Weake as we are, and almost breathlesse swim
In this deepe water. Do but you hold out
Your helping hands, and we shall take about,
And something doe to save us: You shall heare
30Sceanes though below his Art, may yet appeare
Worth two houres travell. To his bones sweet sleepe:
Content to you. If this play doe not keepe,
A little dull time from us, we perceave
Our losses fall so thicke, we must needs leave.
35
Florish.
The Two Noble
Kinsmen.
Actus Primus.
Enter Hymen with a Torch burning: a Boy, in a white
Robe before singing, and strewing Flowres: After Hymen,
a Nimph, encompast in her Tresses, bearing a wheaten Gar-
40land. Then Theseus betweene two other Nimphs with
wheaten Chaplets on their heades. Then Hipolita the Bride,
lead by Theseus, and another holding a Garland over her
head (her Tresses likewise hanging.) After her Emilia hol-
ding up her Traine.
45
The Song,
Musike.
ROses their sharpe spines being gon,
Not royall in their smels alone,
But in their hew.
Maiden Pinckes, of odour faint,
50Dazies smel-lesse, yet most quaint
And sweet Time true.
Prim-rose first borne, child of Ver,
Merry Spring times Herbinger,
With her bels dimme.
55Oxlips, in their Cradles growing,
Mary-golds, on death beds blowing,
Larkes-heeles trymme.
All deere natures children: sweete-
Ly fore Bride and Bridegroomes feete
Strew
60Blessing their sence.
Not an angle of the aire,
Bird melodious, or bird faire,
Is absent hence.
The Crow, the slaundrous Cuckoe, nor
65The boding Raven, nor Clough hee
Nor chattring Pie,
May on our Bridehouse pearch or sing,
Or with them any discord bring
But from it fly.
70
Enter 3. Queenes in Blacke, with vailes staind, with impe-
riall Crownes. The 1. Queene fals downe at the foote of
Theseus; The 2. fals downe at the foote of Hypolita. The
3. before Emilia.
1. Qu. For pitties sake and true gentilities,
75Heare, and respect me.
2. Qu. For your Mothers sake,
And as you wish your womb may thrive with faire ones,
Heare and respect me,
3. Qu. Now for the love of him whom Iove hath markd
80The honour of your Bed, and for the sake
Of cleere virginity, be Advocate
For us, and our distresses: This good deede
Shall raze you out o'th Booke of Trespasses
All you are set downe there.
85Theseus. Sad Lady rise.
Hypol. Stand up.
Emil. No knees to me.
What woman I may steed that is distrest,
Does bind me to her.
90Thes. What's your request? Deliver you for all.
1. Qu. We are 3. Queenes, whose Soveraignes fel before
The wrath of cruell Creon; who endured
The Beakes of Ravens, Tallents of the Kights,
And pecks of Crowes, in the fowle feilds of Thebs.
95He will not suffer us to burne their bones,
To urne their ashes, nor to take th' offence
Of mortall loathsomenes from the blest eye
Of holy Phæbus, but infects the windes
With stench of our slaine Lords. O pitty Duke,
100Thou purger of the earth, draw thy feard Sword
That does good turnes to'th world; give us the Bones
Of our dead Kings, that we may Chappell them;
And of thy boundles goodnes take some note
That for our crowned heades we have no roofe,
105Save this which is the Lyons, and the Beares,
And vault to every thing.
Thes. Pray you kneele not,
I was transported with your Speech, and suffer'd
Your knees to wrong themselves; I have heard the fortunes
110Of 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 Groome,
115By Marsis Altar, you were that time faire;
Not Iunos Mantle fairer then your Tresses,
Nor in more bounty spread her. Your wheaten wreathe
Was then nor threashd, nor blasted; Fortune at you
Dimpled her Cheeke with smiles: Hercules our kinesman
120(Then weaker than your eies) laide by his Club,
He tumbled downe upon his Nenuan hide
And swore his sinews thawd: O greife, and time,
Fearefull consumers, you will all devoure.
1, Qu. O I hope some God,
125Some God hath put his mercy in your manhood
Whereto heel infuse powre, and presse you forth
Our undertaker.
Thes. O no knees, none Widdow,
Vnto the Helmeted-Belona use them,
130And pray for me your Souldier.
Troubled I am.
turnes away.
2. Qu. Honoured Hypolita
Most dreaded Amazonian, that ha'st slaine
The Sith-tuskd-Bore; that with thy Arme as strong
135As it is white, wast neere to make the male
To thy Sex captive; but that this thy Lord
Borne to uphold Creation, in that honour
First nature stilde it in, shrunke thee into
The bownd thou wast ore-flowing; at once subduing
140Thy force, and thy affection: Soldiresse
That equally canst poize sternenes with pitty,
Whom now I know hast much more power on him
Then ever he had on thee, who ow'st his strength,
And his, Love too: who is a Servant for
145The Tenour of the Speech. Deere Glasse of Ladies
Bid him that we whom flaming war doth scortch,
Vnder the shaddow of his Sword, may coole us:
Require him he advance it ore our heades;
Speak't in a womans key: like such a woman
150As any of us three; weepe ere you faile; lend us a knee;
But touch the ground for us no longer time
Then a Doves motion, when the head's pluckt off:
Tell him if he i'th blood cizd field, lay swolne
Showing the Sun his Teeth; grinning at the Moone
155What you would doe.
Hip. Poore Lady, say no more:
I had as leife trace this good action with you
As that whereto I am going, and never yet
Went I so willing, way. My Lord is taken
160Hart deepe with your distresse: Let him consider:
Ile speake anon.
3. Qu. O my petition was
kneele to Emilia.
Set downe in yce, which by hot greefe uncandied
Melts into drops, so sorrow wanting forme
165Is prest with deeper matter.
Emilia. Pray stand up,
Your greefe is written in your cheeke.
3. Qu. O woe,
You cannot reade it there; there through my teares,
170Like wrinckled peobles in a glasse streame
You may behold 'em (Lady, Lady, alacke)
He that will all the Treasure know o'th earth
Must know the Center too; he that will fish
For my least minnow, let him lead his line
175To catch one at my heart. O pardon me,
Extremity that sharpens sundry wits
Makes me a Foole.
Emili. Pray you say nothing, pray you,
Who cannot feele, nor see the raine being in't,
180Knowes neither wet, nor dry, if that you were
The ground-peece of some Painter, I would buy you
T'instruct me gainst a Capitall greefe indeed
Such heart peirc'd demonstration; but alas
Being a naturall Sister of our Sex
185Your sorrow beates so ardently upon me,
That it shall make a counter reflect gainst
My Brothers heart, and warme it to some pitty
Though it were made of stone: pray have good comfort.
Thes. Forward to'th Temple, leave not out a Iot
190O'th sacred Ceremony.
1. Qu. O This Celebration
Will long last, and be more costly then,
Your Suppliants war: Remember that your Fame
Knowles in the care, o'th world: what you doe quickly,
195Is not done rashly; your first thought is more.
Then others laboured meditance: your premeditating
More then their actions: But oh Iove, your actions
Soone as they mooves as Asprayes doe the fish,
Subdue before they touch, thinke, deere Duke thinke
200What beds our slaine Kings have.
2. Qu. What greifes our beds
That our deere Lords have none.
3, Qu. None fit for'th dead:
Those that with Cordes, Knives, drams precipitance,
205Weary of this worlds light, have to themselves
Beene deathes most horrid Agents, humaine grace
Affords them dust and shaddow.
1. Qu. But our Lords
6]
Ly blistring fore the visitating Sunne,
210And were good Kings, when living.
Thes. It is true. and I will give you comfort,
To give your dead Lords graves:
The which to doe, must make some worke with Creou;
1. Qu. And that worke presents it selfe to'th doing:
215Now twill take forme, the heates are gone to morrow.
Then, booteles toyle must recompence it selfe,
With it's owne sweat; Now he's secure,
Not dreames, we stand before your puisiance
Wrinching our holy begging in our eyes
220To make petition cleere.
2. Qu. Now you may take him,
Drunke with his victory.
3. Qu. And his Army full
Of Bread, and sloth.
225Thes. Artesuis that best knowest
How to draw out fit to this enterpise,
The prim'st for this proceeding, and the number
To carry such a businesse, forth and levy
Our worthiest Instruments, whilst we despatch
230This grand act of our life, this daring deede
Of Fate in wedlocke.
1. Qu. Dowagers, take hands
Let us be Widdowes to our woes, delay
Commends us to a famishing hope.
235All. Farewell.
2. Qu. We come unseasonably: But when could greefe
Cull forth as unpanged judgement can, fit'st time
For best solicitation.
Thes. Why good Ladies,
240This is a service, whereto I am going,
Greater then any was; it more imports me
Then all the actions that I have foregone,
Or futurely can cope.
1. Qu. The more proclaiming
245Our suit shall be neglected, when her Armes
Able to locke Iove from a Synod, shall
By warranting Moone-light corslet thee, oh when
Her twyning Cherries shall their sweetnes fall
Vpon thy tastefull lips, what wilt thou thinke
250Of rotten Kings or blubberd Queenes, what care
For what thou feelst not? what thou feelst being able
To make Mars spurne his Drom. O if thou couch
But one night with her, every howre in't will
Take hostage of thee for a hundred, and
255Thou shalt remember nothing more, then what
That Banket bids thee too.
Hip. Though much unlike
You should be so transported, as much sorry
I should be such a Suitour; yet I thinke
260Did I not by th'abstayning of my joy
Which breeds a deeper longing, cure their surfeit
That craves a present medcine, I should plucke
All Ladies scandall on me. Therefore Sir
As I shall here make tryall of my prayres,
265Either presuming them to have some force,
Or sentencing for ay their vigour dombe,
Prorogue this busines, we are going about, and hang
Your Sheild afore your Heart, about that necke
Which is my ffee, and which I freely lend
270To doe these poore Queenes service.
All Queens. Oh helpe now
Our Cause cries for your knee.
Emil. If you grant not
My Sister her petition in that force,
275With that Celerity, and nature which
Shee makes it in: from henceforth ile not dare
To aske you any thing, nor be so hardy
Ever to take a Husband.
Thes. Pray stand up.
280I am entreating of my selfe to doe
That which you kneele to have me; Pyrithous
Leade on the Bride; get you and pray the Gods
For successe, and returne, omit not any thing
In the pretended Celebration: Queenes
285Follow your Soldier (as before) hence you
And at the banckes of Anly meete us with
The forces you can raise, where we shall finde
The moytie of a number, for a busines,
More bigger look't; since that our Theame is haste
290I stamp this kisse upon thy currant lippe,
Sweete keepe it as my Token; Set you forward
For I will see you gone.
Exeunt towards the Temple.
Farewell my beauteous Sister: Pyrithous
Keepe the feast full, bate not an howre on't.
295Pirithous. Sir
Ile follow you at heeles; The Feasts solempnity
Shall want till your returne.
Thes. Cosen I charge you
Boudge not from Athens; We shall be returning
300Ere you can end this Feast; of which I pray you
Make no abatement; once more farewell all.
1. Qu. Thus do'st thou still make good the tongue o'th
2. Qu. And earnst a Deity equal with Mars,
3. Qu. If not above him, for
305Thou being but mortall makest affections bend
To Godlike honours; they themselves some say
Grone under such a Mastry.
Thes. As we are men
Thus should we doe, being sensually subdude
310We loose our humane tytle; good cheere Ladies.
Florish.
Now turne we towards your Comforts.
Exeunt.
Scæna 2.
Enter Palamon, and Arcite.
Arcite. Deere Palamon, deerer in love then Blood
And our prime Cosen, yet unhardned in
315The Crimes of nature; Let us leave the Citty
Thebs, and the temptings in't, before we further
Sully our glosse of youth,
And here to keepe in abstinence we shame
As in Incontinence; for not to swim
320I'th aide o'th Current, were almost to sincke,
At least to frustrate striving, and to follow
The common Streame, twold bring us to an Edy
Where we should turne or drowne; if labour through,
Our gaine but life, and weakenes.
325Pal. Your advice
Is cride up with example: what strange ruins
Since first we went to Schoole, may we perceive
Walking in Thebs? Skars, and bare weedes
The gaine o'th Martialist, who did propound
330To his bold ends, honour, and golden Ingots,
Which though he won, he had not, and now flurted
By peace for whom he fought, who then shall offer
To Marsis so scornd Altar? I doe bleede
When such I meete, and wish great Iuno would
335Resume her ancient fit of Ielouzie
To get the Soldier worke, that peace might purge
For her repletion, and retaine anew
Her charitable heart now hard, and harsher
Then strife, or war could be.
340Arcite, Are you not out?
Meete you no ruine, but the Soldier in
The Cranckes, and turnes of Thebs? you did begin
As if you met decaies of many kindes:
Perceive you none, that doe arowse your pitty
345But th'un-considerd Soldier?
Pal. Yes, I pitty
Decaies where ere I finde them, but such most
That sweating in an honourable Toyle
Are paide with yce to coole 'em.
350Arcite, Tis not this
I did begin to speake of: This is vertue
Of no respect in Thebs, I spake of Thebs
How dangerous if we will keepe our Honours,
It is for our resyding, where every evill
355Hath a good cullor; where eve'ry seeming good's
A certaine evill, where not to be ev'n Iumpe
As they are, here were to be strangers, and
Such things to be meere Monsters.
Pal. Tis in our power,
360(Vnlesse we feare that Apes can Tutor's) to
Be Masters of our manners: what neede I
Affect anothers gate, which is not catching
Where there is faith, or to be fond upon
Anothers way of speech, when by mine owne
365I may be reasonably conceiv'd; sav'd too,
Speaking it truly; why am I bound
By any generous bond to follow him
Followes his Taylor, haply so long untill
The follow'd, make pursuit? or let me know,
370Why mine owne Barber is unblest, with him
My poore Chinne too, for tis not Cizard iust
To such a Favorites glasse: What Cannon is there
That does command my Rapier from my hip
To dangle't in my hand, or to go tip toe
375Before the streete be foule? Either I am
The fore-horse in the Teame, or I am none
That draw i'th sequent trace: these poore sleight sores,
Neede not a plantin; That which rips my bosome
Almost to'th heart's,
380Arcite. Our Vncle Creon.
Pal. He,
A most unbounded Tyrant, whose successes
Makes heaven unfeard, and villany assured
Beyond its power: there's nothing, almost puts
385Faith in a feavour, and deifies alone
Voluble chance, who onely attributes
The faculties of other Instruments
To his owne Nerves and act; Commands men service,
And what they winne in't, boot and glory on;
390That feares not to do harm; good, dares not; Let
The blood of mine that's sibbe to him, be suckt
From me with Leeches, Let them breake and fall
Off me with that corruption.
Arc. Cleere spirited Cozen
395Lets leave his Court, that we may nothing share,
Of his lowd infamy: for our milke,
Will relish of the pasture, and we must
Be vile, or disobedient, not his kinesmen
In blood, unlesse in quality.
400Pal. Nothing truer:
I thinke the Ecchoes of his shames have dea'ft
The eares of heav'nly Iustice: widdows cryes
Descend againe into their throates, and have not:
Enter Va-
Due audience of the Gods: Valerius
405Val. The King cals for you; yet be leaden footed
Till his great rage be off him. Phebus when
He broke his whipstocke and exclaimd against
The Horses of the Sun, but whisperd too
The lowdenesse of his Fury.
410Pal. Small windes shake him,
But whats the matter?
Val. Theseus (who where he threates appals,) hath sent
Deadly defyance to him, and pronounces
Ruine to Thebs, who is at hand to seale
415The promise of his wrath.
Arc. Let him approach;
But that we feare the Gods in him, he brings not
A jot of terrour to us; Yet what man
Thirds his owne worth (the case is each of ours)
420When that his actions dregd, with minde assurd
Tis bad he goes about.
Pal. Leave that unreasond.
Our services stand now for Thebs, not Creon,
Yet to be neutrall to him, were dishonour;
425Rebellious to oppose: therefore we must
With him stand to the mercy of our Fate,
Who hath bounded our last minute.
Arc. So we must;
Ist sed this warres a foote? or it shall be
430On faile of some condition.
Val. Tis in motion
The intelligence of state came in the instant
With the defier.
Pal. Lets to the king, who, were he
435A 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 laide out for purchase: but alas
Our hands advanc'd before our hearts, what will
440The fall o'th stroke doe damage?
Arci. Let th'event,
That never erring Arbitratour, tell us
When we know all our selves, and let us follow
The becking of our chance.
Exeunt.
445
Scæna 3.
Enter Pirithous, Hipolita, Emilia.
Pir. No further.
Hip. Sir farewell; repeat my wishes
To our great Lord, of whose succes I dare not
Make any timerous question, yet I wish him
450Exces, and overflow of power, and't might be
To dure ill-dealing fortune; speede to him,
Store never hurtes good Gouernours.
Pir. Though I know
His Ocean needes not my poore drops, yet they
455Must yeild their tribute there: My precious Maide,
Those best affections, that the heavens infuse
In their best temperd peices, keepe enthroand
In your deare heart.
Emil. Thanckes Sir; Remember me
460To our all royall Brother, for whose speede
The great Bellona ile sollicite; and
Since in our terrene State petitions are not
Without giftes understood: Ile offer to her
What I shall be advised she likes; our hearts
465Are in his Army, in his Tent.
Hip. In's bosome:
We have bin Soldiers, and wee cannot weepe
When our Friends don their helmes, or put to sea,
Or tell of Babes broachd on the Launce, or women
470That have sod their Infants in (and after eate them)
The brine, they wept at killing 'em; Then if
You stay to see of us such Spincsters, we
Should hold you here for ever.
Pir. Peace be to you
475As I pursue this war, which shall be then
Beyond further requiring.
Exit Pir.
Emil. How his longing
Followes his Friend; since his depart, his sportes
Though craving seriousnes, and skill, past slightly
480His careles execution, where nor gaine
Made him regard, or losse consider, but
Playing ore busines in his hand, another
Directing in his head, his minde, nurse equall
To these so diffring Twyns; have you observ'd him,
485Since our great Lord departed?
Hip. With much labour:
And I did love him fort, they two have Cabind
In many as dangerous, as poore a Corner,
Perill and want contending, they have skift
490Torrents whose roring tyranny and power
I'th least of these was dreadfull, and they have
Fought out together, where Deaths-selfe was lodgd,
Yet fate hath brought them off: Their knot of love
Tide, weau'd, intangled, with so true, so long,
495And with a finger of so deepe a cunning
May be out worne, never undone. I thinke
Theseus cannot be umpire to himselfe
Cleaving his conscience into twaine, and doing
Each side like Iustice, which he loves best.
500Emil. Doubtlesse
There is a best, and reason has no manners
To say it is not you: I was acquainted
Once with a time, when I enjoyd a Play-fellow;
You were at wars, when she the grave enrichd,
505Who made too proud the Bed, tooke leave o'th Moone
(which then lookt pale at parting) when our count
Was each a eleven.
Hip. Twas Flauia.
Emil. Yes
510You talke of Pirithous and Theseus love;
Theirs has more ground, is more maturely seasond,
More buckled with strong Iudgement. and their needes
The one of th'other may be said to water
2. Hearses rea-dy with Pala-mon: and Arci{_}te: the 3. Queenes. Thes{e}us: and his Lordes ready.
Their intertangled rootes of love, but I
515And shee (I sigh and spoke of) were things innocent,
Lou'd for we did, and like the Elements
That know not what, nor why, yet doe effect
Rare issues by their operance; our soules
Did so to one another; what she lik'd,
520Was then of me approov'd, what not condemd
No more arraignement, the flowre that I would plncke
And put betweene my breasts, oh (then but beginning
To swell about the blossome) she would long
Till shee had such another, and commit it
525To the like innocent Cradle, where Phenix like
They dide in perfume: on my head no toy
But was her patterne, her affections (pretty
Though happely, her careles, were, I followed
For my most serious decking, had mine eare
530Stolne some new aire, or at adventure humd on
From misicall Coynadge, why it was a note
Whereon her spirits would sojourne (rather dwell on)
And sing it in her slumbers; This rehearsall
(Which fury-innocent wots well) comes in
535Like old importments bastard, has this end,
That the true love tweene Mayde, and mayde, may be
More then in sex individuall.
Hip. Y'are ont of breath
And this high speeded-pace, is but to say
540That you shall never (like the Maide Flavina)
Love any that's calld Man.
Emil. I am sure I shall not.
Hip. Now alacke weake Sister,
I must no more beleeve thee in this point
545(Though, in't I know thou dost beleeve thy selfe,)
Then I will trust a sickely appetite,
That loathes even as it longs; but sure my Sister
If I were ripe for your perswasion, you
Have saide enough to shake me from the Arme
550Of the all noble Theseus, for whose fortunes,
I will now in, and kneele with great assurance,
That we, more then his Pirothous, possesse
The high throne in his heart.
Emil. I am not against your faith,
555Yet I continew mine.
Exeunt.
Cornets.
Scæna 4.
A Battaile strooke withim: Then a Retrait: Florish.
Then Enter Theseus (victor) the three Queenes meete him,
and fall on their faces before him.
5601. Qu. To thee no starre be darke.
2. Qu. Both heaven and earth
Friend thee for ever.
3. Qu. All the good that may
Be wishd upon thy head, I cry Amen too't.
565Thes. Th'imparciall Gods, who from the mounted hea-
View us their mortall Heard, behold who erre,
And in their time chastice: goe and finde out
The bones of your dead Lords, and honour them
With treble Ceremonie, rather then a gap
570Should be in their deere rights, we would suppl'it.
But those we will depute, which shall invest
You in your dignities, and even each thing
Our hast does leave imperfect; So adiew
And heavens good eyes looke on you, what are those?
575
Exeunt Queenes.
Herald. Men of great quality, as may be judgd
By their appointment; Some of Thebs have told's
They are Sisters children, Nephewes to the King.
Thes. By'th Helme of Mars, I saw them in the war,
580Like to a paire of Lions, succard with prey,
Make lanes in troopes agast. I fixt my note
Constantly on them; for they were a marke
Worth a god's view: what prisoner was't that told me
When I enquired their names?
585Herald. We leave, they'r called
Arcite and Palamon,
Thes. Tis right, those, those
They are not dead?
Her. Nor in a state of life, had they bin taken
590When their last hurts were given, twas possible
3. Hearses rea-dy.
They might have bin recovered; Yet they breathe
And haue the name of men.
Thes. Then like men use'em
The very lees of such (millions of rates)
595Exceede the wine of others: all our Surgions
Convent in their behoofe, our richest balmes
Rather then niggard wast, their lives concerne us,
Much more then Thebs is worth, rather then have 'em
Freed of this plight, and in their morning state
600(Sound and at liberty) I would 'em dead,
But forty thousand fold, we had rather have 'em
Prisoners to us, then death; Beare 'em speedily
From our kinde aire, to them unkinde, and minister
What man to man may doe for our sake more,
605Since I have knowne frights, fury, friends, beheastes,
Loves, provocations, zeale, a mistris Taske,
Desire of liberty, a feavour, madnes,
Hath set a marke which nature could not reach too
Without some imposition, sicknes in will
610Or wrastling strength in reason, for our Love
And great Appollos mercy, all our best,
Their best skill tender. Leade into the Citty,
Where having bound things scatterd, we will post
Florish.
To Athens for our Army.
Exeunt.
615
Musicke.
Scæna 5.
Enter the Queenes with the Hearses of their
Knightes, in a Funerall Solempnity, &c.
Vrnes, aud odours, bring away,
Vapours, sighes, darken the day;
620
Our dole more deadly lookes than dying
Balmes, and Gummes, and heavy cheeres,
Sacred vials fill'd with teares,
And clamors through the wild ayre flying.
Come all sad, and solempne Showes,
625That are quick-eyd pleasures foes;
We convent nought else but woes.
We convent, &c.
3. Qu. This funeral path, brings to your housholds grave:
Ioy ceaze on you againe: peace sleepe with him.
2. Qu. And this to yours.
6301. Qu. Yours this way: Heavens lend
A thousand differing waies, to one sure end.
3. Qu. This world's a Citty full of straying Streetes,
And Death's the market place, where each one meetes.
Exeunt severally.
635
Actus Secundus.
Scæna 1.
Enter Iailor, and Wooer.
Iailor. I may depart with little, while I live, some thing I
May cast to you, not much: Alas the Prison I
Keepe, though it be for great ones, yet they seldome
640Come; Before one Salmon, you shall take a number
Of Minnowes: I am given out to be better lyn'd
Then it can appeare, to me report is a true
Speaker: I would I were really, that I am
Deliverd to be: Marry, what I have (be it what
645it will) I will assure upon my daughter at
The day of my death.
Wooer. Sir I demaund no more then your owne offer,
And I will estate your Daughter in what I
Have promised,
650Iailor. Wel, we will talke more of this, when the solemnity
Is past; But have you a full promise of her?
Enter Daughter.
When that shall be seene, I tender my consent.
Wooer. I have Sir; here shee comes.
655Iailor. Your Friend and I have chanced to name
You here, upon the old busines: But no more of that.
Now, so soone as the Court hurry is over, we will
Have an end of it: I'th meane time looke tenderly
To the two Prisoners. I can tell you they are princes.
660Daug. These strewings are for their Chamber; tis pitty they
Are in prison, and twer pitty they should be out: I
Doe thinke they have patience to make any adversity
Asham'd; the prison it selfe is proud of 'em; and
They have all the world in their Chamber.
665Iailor. They are fam'd to be a paire of absolute men.
Daugh. By my troth, I think Fame but stammers 'em, they
Stand a greise above the reach of report.
Iai. I heard them reported in the Battaile, to be the only
Daugh. Nay most likely, for they are noble suffrers; I
670Mervaile how they would have lookd had they beene
Victors, that with such a constant Nobility, enforce
A freedome out of Bondage, making misery their
Mirth, and affliction, a toy to jest at.
Iailor. Doe they so?
675Daug. It seemes to me they have no more sence of their
Captivity, then I of ruling Athens: they eate
Well, looke merrily, discourse of many things,
But nothing of their owne restraint, and disasters:
Yet sometime a devided sigh, martyrd as twer
680I'th deliverance, will breake from one of them.
When the other presently gives it so sweete a rebuke,
That I could wish my selfe a Sigh to be so chid,
Or at least a Sigher to be comforted.
Wooer. I never saw'em.
685Iailor. The Duke himselfe came privately in the night,
Enter Palamon, and Arcite, above.
And so did they, what the reason of it is, I
Know not: Looke yonder they are; that's
Arcite lookes out.
690Daugh. No Sir, no, that's Palamon: Arcite is the
Lower of the twaine; you may perceive a part
Of him.
Iai. Goe too, leave your pointing; they would not
Make us their object; out of their sight.
695Daugh. It is a holliday to looke on them: Lord, the
Diffrence of men.
Exeunt,
Scæna 2.
Enter Palamon, and Arcite in prison.
Pal. How doe you Noble Cosen?
Arcite. How doe you Sir?
700Pal. Why strong inough to laugh at misery,
And beare the chance of warre yet, we are prisoners
I feare for ever Cosen.
Arcite. I beleeve it,
And to that destiny have patiently
705Laide up my houre to come.
Pal. Oh Cosen Arcite,
Where is Thebs now? where is our noble Country?
Where are our friends, and kindreds? never more
Must we behold those comforts, never see
710The hardy youthes strive for the Games of honour
(Hung with the painted favours of their Ladies)
Like tall Ships under saile: then start among'st 'em
And as an Eastwind leave 'em all behinde us,
Like lazy Clowdes, whilst Palamon and Arcite,
715Even in the wagging of a wanton leg
Out-stript the peoples praises, won the Garlands,
Ere they have time to wish 'em ours. O never
Shall we two exercise, like Twyns of honour,
Our Armes againe, and feele our fyry horses
720Like proud Seas under us, our good Swords, now
(Better the red-eyd god of war nev'r were)
Bravishd our sides, like age must run to rust,
And decke the Temples of those gods that hate us,
These hands shall never draw'em out like lightning
725To blast whole Armies more.
Arcite. No Palamon,
Those hopes are Prisoners with us, here we are
And here the graces of our youthes must wither
Like a too-timely Spring; here age must finde us,
730And which is heaviest (Palamon) unmarried,
The sweete embraces of a loving wife
Loden with kisses, armd with thousand Cupids
Shall never claspe our neckes, no issue know us,
No figures of our selves shall we ev'r see,
735To glad our age, and like young Eagles teach'em
Boldly to gaze against bright armes, and say
Remember what your fathers were, and conquer.
The faire-eyd Maides, shall weepe our Banishments,
And in their Songs, curse ever-blinded fortune
740Till shee 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,
Heare nothing but the Clocke that tels our woes.
The Vine shall grow, but we shall never see it:
745Sommer shall come, and with her all delights;
But dead-cold winter must inhabite here still.
Pal. Tis too true Arcite. To our Theban houndes,
That shooke the aged Forrest with their ecchoes,
No more now must we halloa, no more shake
750Our pointed Iavelyns, whilst the angry Swine
Flyes like a parthian quiver from our rages,
Strucke with our well-steeld Darts: All valiant uses,
(The foode, and nourishment of noble mindes,)
In us two here shall perish; we shall die
755(which is the curse of honour) lastly,
Children of greife, and Ignorance.
Arc. Yet Cosen,
Even from the bottom of these miseries
From all that fortune can inflict upon us,
760I see two comforts rysing, two meere blessings,
If the gods please, to hold here abrave patience,
And the enjoying of our greefes together.
Whilst Palamon is with me, let me perish
If I thinke this our prison.
765Pala. Certeinly,
Tis a maine goodnes Cosen, that our fortunes
Were twyn'd together; tis most true, two soules
Put in two noble Bodies, let'em suffer
The gaule of hazard, so they grow together,
770Will never sincke, they must not, say they could,
A willing man dies sleeping, and all's done.
Arc. Shall we make worthy uses of this place
That all men hate so much?
Pal. How gentle Cosen?
775Arc. Let's thinke this prison, holy sanctuary,
To keepe us from corruption of worse men,
We are young and yet desire the waies of honour,
That liberty and common Conversation
The poyson of pure spirits; might like women
780Wooe us to wander from. What worthy blessing
Can be but our Imaginations
May make it ours? And heere being thus together,
We are an endles mine to one another;
We are one anothers wife, ever begetting
785New birthes of love; we are father, friends, acquaintance,
We are in one another, Families,
I am your heire, and you are mine: This place
Is our Inheritance: no hard Oppressour
Dare take this from us; here with a little patience
790We shall live long, and loving: No surfeits seeke 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 busines,
Quarrels consume us, Envy of ill men
795Crave our acquaintance, I might sicken Cosen,
Where you should never know it, and so perish
Without your noble hand to close mine eies,
Or praiers to the gods; a thousand chaunces
Were we from hence, would seaver us.
800Pal. You have made me
(I thanke you Cosen Arcite) almost wanton
With my Captivity: what a misery
It is to live abroade? and every where:
Tis like a Beast me thinkes: I finde the Court here,
805I am sure a more content, and all those pleasures
That wooe the wils of men to vanity,
I see through now, and am sufficient
To tell the world, tis but a gaudy shaddow,
That old Time, as he passes by takes with him,
810What had we bin old in the Court of Creon,
Where sin is Iustice, lust, and ignorance,
The vertues of the great ones: Cosen Arcite,
Had not the loving gods found this place for us
We had died as they doe, ill old men, unwept,
815And had their Epitaphes, the peoples Curses,
Shall I say more?
Arc. I would heare you still.
Pal. Ye shall.
Is there record of any two that lov'd
820Better then we doe Arcite?
Arc. Sure there cannot.
Pal. I doe not thinke it possible our friendship
Should ever leave us.
Arc. Till our deathes it cannot
825
Enter Emilia and her woman.
And after death our spirits shall be led
To those that love eternally. Speake on Sir.
This garden has a world of pleasures in't.
Emil. What Flowre is this?
830Wom. Tis calld Narcissus Madam.
Emil. That was a faire Boy certaine, but a foole,
To love himselfe, were there not maides enough?
Arc. Pray forward.
Pal. Yes.
835Emil. Or were they all hard hearted?
Wom. They could not be to one so faire.
Emil. Thou wouldst not.
Wom. I thinke I should not, Madam.
Emil. That's a good wench:
840But take heede to your kindnes though.
Wom. Why Madam?
Emil. Men are mad things.
Arcite. Will ye goe forward Cosen?
Emil. Canst not thou work: such flowers in silke wench?
845Wom. Yes.
Emil. Ile have a gowne full of 'em and of these,
This is a pretty colour, wilt not doe
Rarely upon a Skirt wench?
Wom. Deinty Madam.
850Arc. Gosen, Cosen, how doe you Sir? Why Palamon?
Pal. Never till now I was in prison Arcite.
Arc. Why whats the matter Man?
Pal. Behold, and wonder.
By heaven shee is a Goddesse.
855Arcite. Ha.
Pal. Doe reverence.
She is a Goddesse Arcite.
Emil. Of all Flowres.
Me thinkes a Rose is best.
860Wom. Why gentle Madam?
Emil. It is the very Embleme of a Maide.
For when the west wind courts her gently
How modestly she blowes, and paints the Sun,
With her chaste blushes? When the North comes neere her,
865Rude and impatient, then, like Chastity
Shee lockes her beauties in her bud againe,
And leaves him to base briers.
Wom. Yet good Madam,
Sometimes her modesty will blow so far
870She fals for't: a Mayde
If shee have any honour, would be loth
To take example by her.
Emil. Thou art wanton.
Arc. She is wondrous faire.
875Pal. She is all the beauty extant.
Emil. The Sun grows high, lets walk in, keep these flowers,
Weele see how neere Art can come neere their colours;
I am wondrous merry hearted, I could laugh now.
Wom. I could lie downe I am sure.
880Emil. And take one with you?
Wom. That's as we bargaine Madam,
Emil. Well, agree then.
Exeunt Emilia and woman.
Pal. What thinke you of this beauty?
885Arc. Tis a rare one.
Pal. Is't but a rare one?
Arc. Yes a matchles beauty.
Pal. Might not a man well lose himselfe and love her?
Arc. I cannot tell what you have done, I have,
890Beshrew mine eyes for't, now I feele my Shackles.
Pal. You love her then?
Arc. Who would not?
Pal. And desire her?
Arc. Before my liberty.
895Pal. I saw her first.
Arc. That's nothing
Pal. But it shall be.
Arc. I saw her too.
Pal. Yes, but you must not love her.
900Arc. I will not as you doe; to worship her;
As she is heavenly, and a blessed Goddes;
(I love her as a woman, to enjoy her)
So both may love.
Pal. You shall not love at all.
905Arc. Not love at all.
Who shall deny me?
Pal. I that first saw her; I that tooke possession
First with mine eye of all those beauties
In her reveald to mankinde: if thou lou'st her.
910Or entertain'st a hope to blast my wishes,
Thou art a Traytour Arcite and a fellow
False as thy Title to her: friendship, blood
And all the tyes betweene us I disclaime
If thou once thinke upon her.
915Arc, Yes I love her,
And if the lives of all my name lay on it,
I must doe so, I love her with my soule,
If that will lose ye, farewell Palamon,
I say againe, I love, and in loving her maintaine
920I 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 mans Sonne.
Pal. Have I cald thee friend?
925Arc. Yes, and have found me so; why are you mov'd thus?
Let me deale coldly with you, am not I
Part of you blood, part of your soule? you have told me
That I was Palamon, and you were Arcite.
Pal. Yes.
930Arc. Am not I liable to those affections,
Those joyes, greifes, angers, feares, my friend shall suffer?
Pal. Ye may be.
Arc. Why then would you deale so cunningly,
So strangely, so vnlike a noble kinesman
935To love alone? speake truely, doe you thinke me
Vnworthy of her sight?
Pal. No, but unjust,
If thou pursue that sight.
Arc. Because an other
940First sees the Enemy, shall I stand still
And let mine honour downe, and never charge?
Pal. Yes, if he be but one.
Arc. But say that one
Had rather combat me?
945Pal. Let that one say so,
And use thy freedome: els if thou pursuest her,
Be as that cursed man that hates his Country,
A branded villaine.
Arc. You are mad.
950Pal. I must be.
Till thou art worthy, Arcite, it concernes me,
And in this madnes, if I hazard thee
And take thy life, I deale but truely.
Arc. Fie Sir.
955You play the Childe extreamely: I will love her,
I must, I ought to doe so, and I dare,
And all this justly.
Pal. O that now, that now
Thy false-selfe and thy friend, had but this fortune
960To be one howre at liberty, and graspe
Our good Swords in our hands, I would quickly teach thee
What tw'er to filch affection from another:
Thou art baser in it then a Cutpurse;
Put but thy head out of this window more,
965And as I have a soule, Ile naile thy life too't.
Arc. Thou dar'st not foole, thou canst not, thou art feeble.
Put my head out? Ile throw my Body out,
And leape the garden, when I see her next
Enter Keeper.
970And pitch between her armes to anger thee.
Pal. No more; the keeper's comming; I shall live
To knocke thy braines out with my Shackles.
Arc. Doe.
Keeper. By your leave Gentlemen.
975Pala. Now honest keeper?
Keeper. Lord Arcite, you must presently to'th Duke;
The cause I know not yet.
Arc. I am ready keeper.
Keeper, Prince Palamon, I must awhile bereave you
980Of your faire Cosens Company.
Exeunt Arcite, and Keeper.
Pal. And me too,
Even when you please of life; why is he sent for?
It may be he shall marry her, he's goodly,
985And 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 faire;
Let honest men ne're love againe. Once more
990I would but see this faire One: Blessed Garden,
And fruite, and flowers more blessed that still blossom
As her bright eies shine on ye. would I were
For all the fortune of my life hereafter
Yon little Tree, yon blooming Apricocke;
995How I would spread, and fling my wanton armes
In at her window; I would bring her fruite
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
1000So neere the Gods in nature, they should feare her.
Enter Keeper.
And then I am sure she would love me: how now keeper
Wher's Arcite,
Keeper, Banish'd: Prince Pirithous
1005Obtained his liberty; but never more
Vpon his oth and life must he set foote
Vpon this Kingdome.
Pal. Hees a blessed man,
He shall see Thebs againe, and call to Armes
1010The bold yong men, that when he bids 'em charge,
Fall on like fire: Arcite shall have a Fortune,
If he dare make himselfe a worthy Lover,
Yet in the Feild to strike a battle for her;
And if he lose her then, he's a cold Coward;
1015How bravely may he beare himselfe to win her
If he be noble Arcite; thousand waies.
Were I at liberty, I would doe things
Of such a vertuous greatnes, that this Lady,
This blushing virgine should take manhood to her
1020And seeke to ravish me.
Keeper, My Lord for you
I have this charge too.
Pal. To discharge my life.
Keep. No, but from this place to remoove your Lordship,
1025The windowes are too open.
Pal. Devils take 'em
That are so envious to me; pre'thee kill me.
Keep. And hang for't afterward.
Pal. By this good light
1030Had I a sword I would kill thee.
Keep, Why my Lord?
Pal. Thou bringst such pelting scuruy news continually
Thou art not worthy life; I will not goe.
Keep. Indeede yon must my Lord.
1035Pal. May I see the garden?
Keep. Noe.
Pal. Then I am resolud, I will not goe.
Keep. I must constraine you then: and for you are dange-
Ile clap more yrons on you.
1040Pal. Doe good keeper.
Ile shake 'em so, ye shall not sleepe,
Ile make ye a new Morrisse, must I goe?
Keep. There is no remedy.
Pal. Farewell kinde window.
1045May rude winde never hurt thee. O my Lady
If ever thou hast felt what sorrow was,
Dreame how I suffer. Come; now bury me.
Exeunt Palamon, and Keeper
Scæna 3.
Enter Arcite.
1050Arcite. Banishd the kingdome? tis a benefit,
A mercy I must thanke 'em for, but banishd
The free enjoying of that face I die for,
Oh twas a studdied punishment, a death
Beyond Imagination: Such a vengeance
1055That were I old and wicked, all my sins
Could never plucke upon me. Palamon;
Thou ha'st the Start now, thou shalt stay and see
Her bright eyes breake each morning gainst thy window,
And let in life into thee; thou shalt feede
1060Vpon the sweetenes of a noble beauty,
That nature nev'r exceeded, nor nev'r shall:
Good gods? what happines has Palamon?
Twenty to one, hee'le come to speake to her,
And if she be as gentle, as she's faire,
1065I know she's his, he has a Tongue will tame
Tempests, and make the wild Rockes wanton. Come what
The worst is death; I will not leave the Kingdome,
I know mine owne, is but a heape of ruins,
And no redresse there, if I goe, he has her.
1070I am resolu'd an other shape shall make me,
Or end my fortunes. Either way, I am happy:
Ile see her, and be neere her, or no more.
Enter 4. Country people, & one with a garlond before them.
1, My Masters, ile be there that's certaine.
10752. And Ile be there.
3. And I.
4. Why then have with ye Boyes; Tis but a chiding,
Let the plough play to day, ile tick'lt out
Of the Iades tailes to morrow.
10801. I am sure
To have my wife as jealous as a Turkey:
But that's all one, ile goe through, let her mumble.
2. Clap her aboard to morrow night, and stoa her,
And all's made up againe.
10853. I, doe but put a feskne in her fist, and you shall see her
Take a new lesson out, and be a good wench.
Doe we all hold, against the Maying?
4. Hold? what should aile us?
3. Arcas will be there.
10902. And Sennois.
And Rycas, and 3. better lads nev'r dancd under green Tree,
And yet know what wenches: ha?
But will the dainty Domine, the Schoolemaster keep touch
Doe you thinke: for he do's all ye know.
10953. Hee'l eate a hornebooke ere he faile: goe too, the mat-
ter's too farre driven betweene him, and the Tanners daugh-
ter, to let slip now, and she must see the Duke, and she must
daunce too.
4. Shall we be lusty.
11002. All the Boyes in Athens blow wind i'th breech on's,
and heere ile be and there ile be, for our Towne, and here
againe, and there againe: ha, Boyes, heigh for the wea-
vers.
1. This must be done i'th woods.
11054. O pardon me.
2. By any meanes our thing of learning sees so: where he
himselfe will edifie the Duke most parlously in our behalfes:
hees excellent i'th woods, bring him to'th plaines, his lear-
ning makes no cry.
11103. Weele see the sports, then every man to's Tackle: and
Sweete Companions lets rehearse by any meanes, before
The Ladies see us, and doe sweetly, and God knows what
May come on't.
4. Content; the sports once ended, wee'l performe. Away
1115Boyes and hold.
Arc. By your leaves honest friends: pray you whither
goe you.
4. Whither? why, what a question's that?
Arc. Yes, tis a question, to me that know not.
11203. To the Games my Friend.
2. Where were you bred you know it not?
Arc. Not farre Sir,
Are there such Games to day?
1. Yes marry are there:
1125And such as you neuer saw; The Duke himselfe
Will be in person there.
Arc. What pastimes are they?
2, Wrastling, and Running; Tis a pretty Fellow.
3. Thou wilt not goe along.
1130Arc. Not yet Sir.
4. Well Sir
Take your owne time, come Boyes
1. My minde misgives me
This fellow has a veng'ance tricke o'th hip,
1135Marke how his Bodi's made for't
2. Ile be hangd though
If he dare venture, hang him plumb porredge,
He wrastle? he rost eggs. Come lets be gon Lads.
Exeunt 4.
Arc. This is an offerd oportunity
1140I durst not wish for. Well, I could have wrestled,
The best men calld it excellent, and run
Swifter, then winde upon a feild of Corne
(Curling the wealthy eares) never flew: Ile venture,
And in some poore disguize be there, who knowes
1145Whether my browes may not be girt with garlands?
And happines preferre me to a place,
Where I may ever dwell in sight of her.
Exit Arcite,
Scæna 4.
Enter Iailors Daughter alone.
Daugh. Why should I love this Gentleman? Tis odds
1150He never will affect me; I am base,
My Father the meane Keeper of his Prison,
And he a prince; To marry him is hopelesse;
To be his whore, is witles; Out upon't;
What pushes are we wenches driven to
1155When fifteene 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 lookt on; Next, I pittied him,
1160And so would any young wench o' my Conscience
That ever dream'd, or vow'd her Maydenhead
To a yong hansom Man; Then I lov'd him,
(Extreamely lov'd him) infinitely lov'd him;
And yet he had a Cosen, faire as he too.
1165But in my heart was Palamon, and there
Lord, what a coyle he keepes? To heare 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
1170To bring him water in a morning, first
He bowes his noble body, then salutes me, thus:
Faire, gentle Mayde, good morrow, may thy goodnes,
Get thee a happy husband; Once he kist me,
I lov'd my lips the better ten daies after,
1175Would he would doe so ev'ry day; He greives much,
And me as much to see his misery.
What should I doe, to make him know I love him,
For I would faine enjoy him? Say I ventur'd
To set him free? what saies the law then? Thus much
1180For Law, or kindred: I will doe it,
And this night, or to morrow he shall love me.
Exit.
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.
Scæna 6.
Enter Iaylors Daughter alone.
Daughter. Let all the Dukes, and all the divells rore,
1270He is at liberty: I have venturd 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 Brooke, and there he shall keepe close,
1275Till I provide him Fyles, and foode, for yet
His yron bracelets are not off. O Love
What a stout hearted child thou art! My Father
Durst better have indur'd cold yron, than done it:
I love him, beyond love, and beyond reason,
1280Or wit, or safetie: I have made him know it
I care not, I am desperate, If the law
Finde me, and then condemne me for't; some wenches,
Some honest harted Maides, will sing my Dirge.
And tell to memory, my death was noble,
1285Dying 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 doe, Maides will not so easily
Trust men againe: And yet he has not thank'd me
1290For what I have done: no not so much as kist me,
And that (me thinkes) is not so well; nor scarcely
Could I perswade him to become a Freeman,
He made such scruples of the wrong he did
To me, and to my Father. Yet I hope
1295When he considers more, this love of mine
Will take more root within him: Let him doe
What he will with me, so he use me kindly,
For use me so he shall, or ile proclaime him
And to his face, no-man: Ile presently
1300Provide him necessaries, and packe my cloathes up.
And where there is a path of ground Ile venture
So hee be with me; By him, like a shadow
Ile ever dwell; within this houre the whoobub
Will be all ore the prison: I am then
1305Kissing the man they looke for: farewell Father,
Get many more such prisoners, and such daughters,
And shortly you may keepe your selfe. Now to him.
Actus Tertius.
Cornets in sundry places, Noise and hallowing as people a May-ing.
Scæna 1.
Enter Arcite alone.
1310Arcite. The Duke has lost Hypolita; each tooke
A severall land. This is a solemne Right
They owe bloomd May, and the Athenians pay it
To'th heart of Ceremony: O Queene Emilia
Fresher then May, sweeter
1315Then hir gold Buttons on the bowes, or all
Th'enamelld knackes o'th Meade, or garden, yea
(We challenge too) the bancke of any Nymph
That makes the streame seeme flowers; thou o Iewell
O'th wood, o'th world, hast likewise blest a pace
1320With thy sole presence, in thy rumination
That I poore man might eftsoones come betweene
And chop on some cold thought, thrice blessed chance
To drop on such a Mistris, expectation
most giltlesse on't: tell me O Lady Fortune
1325(Next after Emely my Soveraigne) how far
I may be prowd. She takes strong note of me,
Hath made me neere her; and this beuteous Morne
(The prim'st of all the yeare) presents me with
A brace of horses, two such Steeds might well
1330Be by a paire of Kings backt, in a Field
That their crownes titles tride: Alas, alas
Poore Cosen Palamon, poore prisoner, thou
So little dream'st upon my fortune, that
Thou thinkst thy selfe, the happier thing, to be
1335So neare Emilia, me thou deem'st at Thebs,
And therein wretched, although free; But if
Thou knew'st my Mistris breathd on me, and that
I ear'd her language, livde in her eye; O Coz
What passion would enclose thee.
1340
Enter Palamon as out of a Bush, with his Shackles: bends
his fist at Arcite.
Palamon. Traytor kinseman,
Thou shouldst perceive my passion, if these signes
Of prisonment were off me, and this hand
1345But owner of a Sword: By all othes in one
I, and the iustice of my love would make thee
A confest Traytor, o thou most persidious
That ever gently lookd the voydes of honour.
That eu'r bore gentle Token; falsest Cosen
1350That ever blood made kin, call'st thou hir thine?
Ile prove it in my Shackles, with these hands,
Void of appointment, that thou ly'st, and art
A very theefe in love, a Chaffy Lord
Nor worth the name of villaine: had I a Sword
1355And these house clogges away.
Arc. Deere Cosin Palamon,
Pal. Cosoner Arcite, give me language, such
As thou hast shewd me feate.
Arc. Not finding in
1360The circuit of my breast, any grosse stuffe
To forme me like your blazon, holds me to
This gentlenesse of answer; tis your passion
That thus mistakes, the which to you being enemy,
Cannot to me be kind: honor, and honestie
1365I cherish, and depend on, howsoev'r
You skip them in me, and with them faire Coz
Ile maintaine my proceedings; pray be pleas'd
To shew in generous termes, your griefes, since that
Your question's with your equall, who professes
1370To cleare his owne way, with the minde and Sword
Of a true Gentleman.
Pal. That thou durst Arcite.
Arc. My Coz, my Coz, you have beene well advertis'd
How much I dare, y'ave seene me use my Sword
1375Against th' advice of feare: sure of another
You would not heare me doubted, but your silence
Should breake out, though i'th Sanctuary.
Pal. Sir,
I have seene you move in such a place, which well
1380Might justifie your manhood, you were calld
A good knight and a bold; But the whole weeke's not
If any day it rayne: Their valiant temper
Men loose when they encline to trecherie,
And then they fight like compelld Beares, would fly
1385Were they not tyde.
Arc. Kinsman; you might as well
Speake this, and act it in your Glasse, as to
His eare, which now disdaines you.
Pal. Come up to me,
1390Quit me of these cold Gyves, give me a Sword
Though it be rustie, and the charity
Of one meale lend me; Come before me then
A good Sword in thy hand, and doe but say
That Emily is thine, I will forgive
1395The trespasse thou hast done me, yea my life
If then thou carry't, and brave soules in shades
That have dyde manly, which will seeke of me
Some newes from earth, they shall get none but this
That thou art brave, and noble.
1400Arc. Be content,
Againe betake you to your hawthorne house,
With counsaile of the night, I will be here
With wholesome viands; these impediments
Will I file off, you shall have garments, and
1405Perfumes to kill the smell o'th prison, after
When you shall stretch your selfe, and say but Arcite
I am in plight, there shall be at your choyce
Both Sword, and Armour.
Pal. Oh you heavens, dares any
1410So noble beare a guilty busines! none
But onely Arcite, therefore none but Arcite
In this kinde is so bold.
Arc. Sweete Palamon.
Pal. I doe embrace you, and your offer, for
1415Your offer doo't I onely, Sir your person
Without hipocrisy I may not wish
Winde hornes of Cornets.
More then my Swords edge ont.
Arc. You heare the Hornes;
1420Enter your Musicke least this match between's
Be crost, er met, give me your hand, farewell.
Ile bring you every needfull thing: I pray you
Take comfort and be strong.
Pal. Pray hold your promise;
1425And doe the deede with a bent brow, most crtaine
You love me not, be rough with me, and powre
This oile out of your language; by this ayre
I could for each word, give a Cuffe: my stomach
not reconcild by reason,
1430Arc. Plainely spoken,
Yet pardon me hard language, when I spur
Winde hornes.
My horse, I chide him not; content, and anger
In me have but one face. Harke Sir, they call
1435The scatterd to the Banket; you must guesse
I have an office there.
Pal. Sir your attendance
Cannot please heaven, and I know your office
Vnjustly is atcheev'd.
1440Arc. If a good title,
I am perswaded this question sicke between's,
By bleeding must be cur'd. I am a Suitour,
That to your Sword you will bequeath this plea,
And talke of it no more.
1445Pal. But this one word:
You are going now to gaze upon my Mistris,
For note you, mine she is.
Arc, Nay then.
Pal. Nay pray you,
1450You talke of feeding me to breed me strength
You are going now to looke upon a Sun
That strengthens what it lookes on, there
You have a vantage ore me, but enjoy't till
I may enforce my remedy. Farewell.
Exeunt.
1455
Scæna 2.
Enter Iaylors daughter alone.
Daugh. He has mistooke; the Beake I meant, is gone
After his fancy, Tis now welnigh morning,
No matter, would it were perpetuall night,
And darkenes Lord o'th world, Harke tis a woolfe:
1460In me hath greife slaine feare, and but for one thing
I care for nothing, and that's Palamon.
I wreake not if the wolves would jaw me, so
He had this File; what if I hallowd for him?
I cannot hallow: if I whoop'd; what then?
1465If he not answeard, I should call a wolfe,
And doe him but that service. I have heard
Strange howles this live-long night, why may't not be
They have made prey of him? he has no weapons,
He cannot run, the Iengling of his Gives
1470Might call fell things to listen, who have in them
A sence to know a man unarmd, and can
Smell where resistance is. Ile set it downe
He's torne to peeces, they howld many together
And then they feed on him: So much for that,
1475Be bold to ring the Bell; how stand I then?
All's char'd when he is gone, No, no I lye,
My Father's to be hang'd for his escape,
My selfe to beg, if I prizd life so much
As to deny my act, but that I would not,
1480Should I try death by dussons: I am mop't,
Food tooke I none these two daies.
Sipt some water. I have not closd mine eyes
Save when my lids scowrd off their bine; alas
Dissolue my life, Let not my sence unsettle
1485Least I should drowne, or stab, or hang my selfe.
O state of Nature, faile together in me,
Since thy best props are warpt: So which way now?
The best way is, the next way to a grave:
Each errant step beside is torment. Loe
1490The Moone is down, the Cryckets chirpe, the Schreichowle
Calls in the dawne; all offices are done
Save what I faile in: But the point is this
An end, and that is all.
Exit.
Scæna 3.
1495
Enter Arcite, with Meate, Wine, and Files.
Arc. I should be neere the place, hoa. Cosen Palamon.
Enter Palamon.
Pal. Arcite.
Arc. The same: I have brought you foode and files,
1500Come forth and feare not, her'es no Theseus.
Pal. Not none so honest Arcite.
Arc. That's no matter,
Wee'l argue that hereafter: Come take courage,
You shall not dye thus beastly, here Sir drinke
1505I know you are faint, then ile talke further with you.
Pal. Arcite, thou mightst now poyson me.
Arc. I might.
But I must feare you first: Sit downe, and good now
No more of these vaine parlies; let us not
1510Having our ancient reputation with us
Make talke for Fooles, and Cowards, To your health, &c.
Pal. Doe.
Arc. Pray sit downe then, and let me entreate you
By all the honesty and honour in you,
1515No mention of this woman,t' will disturbe us,
We shall have time enough.
Pal. Well Sir, Ile pledge you.
Arc. Drinke a good hearty draught, it breeds good
Doe not you feele it thaw you?
1520Pal. Stay, Ile tell you after a draught or two more.
Arc. Spare it not, the Duke has more Cuz: Eate now.
Pal. Yes.
Arc. I am glad you have so good a stomach.
Pal. I am gladder I have so good meate too't.
1525Arc. Is't not mad lodging, here in the wild woods Cosen
Pal. Yes, for then that have wilde Consciences.
Arc. How tasts your vittails? your hunger needs no sawce
Pal. Not much.
But if it did, yours is too tart: sweete Cosen: what is this?
1530Arc. Venison.
Pal. Tis a lusty meate:
Giue me more wine; here Arcite to the wenches
We have known in our daies. The Lord Stewards daughter.
Doe you remember her?
1535Arc. After you Cuz.
Pal. She lov'd a black-haird man.
Arc. She did so; well Sir.
Pal. And I have heard some call him Arcite. and
Arc. Out with't faith.
1540Pal. She met him in an Arbour:
What did she there Cuz? play o'th virginals?
Arc. Something she did Sir.
Pal. Made her groane a moneth for't; or 2. or 3. or 10.
Arc. The Marshals Sister,
1545Had her share too, as I remember Cosen,
Else there be tales abroade, you'l pledge her?
Pal. Yes.
Arc. A pretty broune wench t'is-There was a time
When yong men went a hunting, and a wood,
1550And a broade Beech: and thereby hangs a tale: heigh ho.
Pal. For Emily, upon my life; Foole
Away with this straind mirth; I say againe
That sigh was breathd for Emily; base Cosen,
Dar'st thou breake first?
1555Arc. you are wide.
Pal. By heaven and earth, ther's nothing in thee honest.
Arc, Then Ile leave you: you are a Beast now:
Pal. As thou makst me, Traytour.
Arc. Ther's all things needfull, files and shirts, and, per-
1560Ile come againe some two howres hence, and bring
That that shall quiet all,
Pal. A Sword and Armour.
Arc. Feare me not; you are now too fowle; farewell.
Get off your Trinkets, you shall want nought;
1565Pal. Sir ha:
Arc. Ile heare no more.
Exit.
Pal. If he keepe touch, he dies for't.
Exit.
Scæna 4.
Enter Iaylors daughter.
Daugh. I am very cold, and all the Stars are out too,
1570The little Stars, and all, that looke like aglets:
The Sun has seene my Folly: Palamon;
Alas no; hees in heaven; where am I now?
Yonder's the sea, and ther's a Ship; how't tumbles
And ther's a Rocke lies watching under water;
1575Now, now, it beates upon it; now, now, now,
Ther's a leak sprung, a sound one, how they cry?
Vpon her before the winde, you'l loose all els:
Vp with a course or two, and take about Boyes.
Good night, good night, y'ar gone; I am very hungry,
1580Would I could finde a fine Frog; he would tell me
Newes from all parts o'th world, then would I make
A Carecke of a Cockle shell, and sayle
By east and North East to the King of Pigmes,
For he tels fortunes rarely. Now my Father
1585Twenty to one is trust up in a trice
To morrow morning, Ile say never a word.
Sing.
For ile cut my greene coat, afoote above my knee,
And ile clip my yellow lockes; an inch below mine eie.
1590
hey, nonny, nonny, nonny,
He's buy me a white Cut, forth for to ride
And ile goe seeke him, throw the world that is so wide
hey nonny, nonny, nonny.
O for a pricke now like a Nightingale, to put my breast
1595Against. I shall sleepe like a Top else.
Exit.
Scæna 6.
Enter a Schoole master 4. Countrymen: and
Baum. 2. or 3 wenches, with a Taborer.
Sch Fy, fy, what tediosity, & disensanity is here among ye?
have my Rudiments bin labourd so long with ye? milkd unto
1600ye, and by a figure even the very plumbroth & marrow of
my understanding laid upon ye? and do you still cry where,
and how, & wherfore? you most course freeze capacities, ye
jave Iudgements, have I saide thus let be, and there let be,
and then let be, and no man understand mee, proh deum,
1605medius fidius, ye are all dunces: For why here stand I.
Here the Duke comes, there are you close in the Thicket; the
Duke appeares, I meete him and unto him I utter learned
things, and many figures, he heares, and nods, and hums, and
then cries rare, and I goe forward, at length I fling my Cap
1610up; marke there; then do you as once did Meleager, and the
Bore break comly out before him: like true lovers, cast your
selves in a Body decently, and sweetly, by a figure trace, and
turne Boyes.
1. And sweetly we will doe it Master Gerrold.
16152. Draw up the Company, Where's the Taborour.
3. Why Timothy.
Tab. Here my mad boyes, have at ye.
Sch. But I say where's their women?
4. Here's Friz and Maudline.
16202. And little Luce with the white legs, and bouncing
1. And freckeled Nel; that never faild her Master.
Sch. Wher be your Ribands maids? swym with your Bodies
And carry it sweetly, and deliverly
And now and then a fauour, and a friske.
1625Nel. Let us alone Sir.
Sch. Wher's the rest o'th Musicke.
3. Dispersd as you commanded.
Sch. Couple then
And see what's wanting; wher's the Bavian?
1630My friend, carry your taile without offence
Or scandall to the Ladies; and be sure
You tumble with audacity, and manhood,
And when you barke doe it with judgement.
Bau. Yes Sir.
1635Sch. Quo usque taudem. Here is a woman wanting
4. We may goe whistle: all the fat's i'th fire.
Sch. We have,
As learned Authours utter, washd a Tile,
We have beene fatuus, and laboured vainely.
16402. This is that scornefull peece, that scurvy hilding
That gave her promise faithfully, she would be here,
Cicely the Sempsters daughter:
The next gloves that I give her shall be dog skin;
Nay and she faile me once, you can tell Arcas
1645She swore by wine, and bread, she would not breake.
Sch. An Eele and woman,
A learned Poet sayes: unles by'th taile
And with thy teeth thou hold, will either faile,
In manners this was false position
16501. A fire ill take her; do's she flinch now?
3. What
Shall we determine Sir?
Sch. Nothing,
Our busines is become a nullity
1655Yea, and a woefull, and a pittious nullity.
4. Now when the credite of our Towne lay on it,
Now to be frampall, now to pisse o'th nettle,
Goe thy waies, ile remember thee, ile fit thee,
Enter Iaylors daughter.
1660
The George alow, came from the South, from
Daughter.The coast of Barbary a.
And there he met with brave gallants of war
By one, by two, by three, a
1665
Well haild, well haild, you jolly gallants,
Chaire and stooles out.
And whither now are you bound a
O let me have your company till come to the sound a
There was three fooles, fell out about an howlet
The one sed it was an owle
1670
The other he sed nay,
The third he sed it was a hawke, and her bels wer cut away.
3. Ther's a dainty mad woman Mr. comes i'th Nick as
mad as a march hare: if wee can get her daunce, wee are
made againe: I warrant her, shee'l doe the rarest gambols.
16751. A mad woman? we are made Boyes.
Sch. And are you mad good woman?
Daugh. I would be sorry else,
Give me your hand.
Sch. Why?
1680Daugh. I can tell your fortune.
You are a foole: tell ten, I have pozd him: Buz
Friend you must eate no white bread, if you doe
Your teeth will bleede extreamely, shall we dance ho?
I know you, y'ar a Tinker: Sirha Tinker
1685Stop no more holes, but what you should.
Sch. Dij boni. A Tinker Damzell?
Daug, Or a Conjurer: raise me a devill now, and let him
Quipassa, o'th bels and bones.
Sch, Goe take her, aud fluently perswade her to a peace:
1690Et opus exegi, quod nec Iouis ira, nec ignis.
Strike up, and leade her in.
2, Come Laste, lets trip it.
Daugh. Ile leade.
(Winde Hornes:
3. Doe, doe.
1695Sch. Perswasively, and cunningly: away boyes,
Ex. all but Schoolemaster.
I heare the hornes: give me some
Meditation, and marke your Cue;
Pallas inspire me.
1700
Enter Thes. Pir. Hip. Emil. Arcite: and traine.
Thes. This way the Stag tooke.
Sch. Stay, and edifie.
Thes. What have we here?
Per. Some Countrey sport, upon my life Sir.
1705Per. Well Sir, goe forward, we will edifie.
Ladies sit downe, wee'l stay it.
Sch. Thou doughtie Duke all haile: all haile sweet
Thes. This is a cold beginning.
Sch. If you but favour; our Country pastime made is,
1710We are a few of those collected here
That ruder Tongues distinguish villager,
And to say veritie, and not to fable;
We are a merry rout, or else a rable
Or company, or by a figure, Choris
1715That fore thy dignitie 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,
1720Doe here present this Machine, or this frame,
And daintie Duke, whose doughtie dismall fame
From Dis to Dedalus, from post to pillar
Is blowne abroad; helpe me thy poore well willer,
And with thy twinckling eyes, looke right and straight
1725Vpon this mighty Morr---of mickle waight
Is---now comes in, which being glewd together
Makes Morris, and the cause that we came hether.
The body of our sport of no small study
I first appeare, though rude, and raw, and muddy,
1730To speake before thy noble grace, this tenner:
At whose great feete I offer up my penner.
The next the Lord of May, and Lady bright,
The Chambermaid, and Servingman by night
That seeke out silent hanging: Then mine Host
1735And his fat Spowse, that welcomes to their cost
The gauled Traveller, and with a beckning
Informes the Tapster to inflame the reckning:
Then the beast eating Clowne, and next the foole,
The Bavian with long tayle, and eke long toole,
1740Cum multis aliijs that make a dance,
Say I, and all shall presently advance.
Thes. I, I by any meanes, deere Domine.
Per. Produce.
Musicke Dance.
Intrate filij, Come forth, and foot it,
Knocke for Schoole. Enter The Dance.
1745Ladies, if we have beene merry
And have pleasd thee with a derry,
And a derry, and a downe
Say the Schoolemaster's no Clowne:
Duke, if we have pleasd three too
1750And have done as good Boyes should doe,
Give us but a tree or twaine
For a Maypole, and againe
Ere another yeare run out,
Wee'l make thee laugh and all this rout.
1755Thes. Take 20. Domine; how does my sweet heart.
Hip. Never so pleasd Sir.
Emil. Twas an excellent dance, and for a preface
I never heard a better.
Thes. Schoolemaster, I thanke yon, One see'em all re-
1760Per. And heer's something to paint your Pole withall.
Thes. Now to our sports againe.
Sch. May the Stag thou huntst stand long,
And thy dogs be swift and strong:
May they kill him without lets,
1765And the Ladies eate his dowsets: Come we are all made.
Winde Hornes.
Dij Deæq; omnes, ye have danc'd rarely wenches.
Exeunt.
Scæna 7.
Enter Palamon from the Bush.
Pal. About this houre my Cosen gave his faith
1770To visit me againe, and with him bring
Two Swords, and two good Armors; if he faile
He's neither man, nor Souldier; when he left me
I did not thinke a weeke could have restord
My lost strength to me, I was growne so low,
1775And Crest-falne with my wants; I thanke thee Arcite,
Thou art yet a faire Foe; and I feele my selfe
With this refreshing, able once againe
To out dure danger: To delay it longer
Would make the world think when it comes to hearing,
1780That I lay fatting like a Swine, to fight
And not a Souldier: Therefore this blest morning
Shall be the last; and that Sword he refutes,
If it but hold, I kill him with; tis Iustice:
So love, and Fortune for me: O good morrow.
1785
Enter Arcite with Armors and Swords.
Arc. Good morrow noble kinesman,
Pal. I have put you
To too much paines Sir.
Arc. That too much faire Cosen,
1790Is but a debt to honour, and my duty.
Pal. Would you were so in all Sir; I could wish ye
As kinde a kinsman, as you force me finde
A beneficiall foe, that my embraces
Might thanke ye, not my blowes.
1795Arc. I shall thinke either
Well done, a noble recompence.
Pal. Then I shall quit you.
Arc. Defy me in these faire termes, and you show
More then a Mistris to me, no more anger
1800As you love any thing that's honourable;
We were not bred to talke man, when we are arm'd
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
1805Truely pertaines (without obbraidings, scornes,
Dispisings of our persons, and such powtings
Fitter for Girles and Schooleboyes) will be seene
And quickly, yours, or mine: wilt please you arme Sir,
Or if you feele your selfe not fitting yet
1810And furnishd with your old strength, ile stay Cosen
And ev'ry day discourse you into health,
As I am spard, your person I am friends with,
And I could wish I had not saide I lov'd her
Though I had dide; But loving such a Lady
1815And justifying my Love, I must not fly from't.
Pal. Arcite, thou art so brave an enemy
That no man but thy Cosen's fit to kill thee,
I am well, and lusty, choose your Armes.
Arc. Choose you Sir.
1820Pal. Wilt thou exceede in all, or do'st thou doe it
To make me spare thee?
Arc. If you thinke so Cosen,
You are deceived, for as I am a Soldier.
I will not spare you.
1825Pal. That's well said.
Arc. You'l finde it.
Pal. Then as I am an honest man and love,
With all the justice of affection
Ile pay thee soundly: This ile take.
1830Arc. That's mine then,
Ile arme you first.
Pal. Do: pray thee tell me Cosen,
Where gotst thou this good Armour.
Arc. Tis the Dukes,
1835And to say true, I stole it; doe I pinch you?
Pal. Noe.
Arc. Is't not too heavie?
Pal. I have worne a lighter,
But I shall make it serve.
1840Arc. Ile buckl't close.
Pal. By any meanes.
Arc. You care not for a Grand guard?
Pal. No, no, wee'l use no horses, I perceave
You would faine be at that Fight.
1845Arc. I am indifferent.
Pal. Faith so am I: good Cosen, thrust the buckle
Through far enough.
Arc. I warrant you.
Pal. My Caske now.
1850Arc. Will you fight bare-armd?
Pal. We shall be the nimbler.
Arc. But use your Gauntlets though; those are o'th least,
Prethee take mine good Cosen.
Pal. Thanke you Arcite.
1855How doe I looke, am I falne much away?
Arc. Faith very little; love has usd you kindly.
Pal. Ile warrant thee, Ile strike home.
Arc. Doe, and spare not;
Ile give you cause sweet Cosen.
1860Pal. Now to you Sir,
Me thinkes this Armo'rs very like that, Arcite,
Thou wor'st that day the 3. Kings fell, but lighter.
Arc. That was a very good one, and that day
I well remember, you outdid me Cosen,
1865I never saw such valour: when you chargd
Vpon the left wing of the Enemie,
I spurd hard to come up, and under me
I had a right good horse.
Pal. You had indeede
1870A bright Bay I remember.
Arc. Yes but all
Was vainely labour'd in me, you outwent me,
Nor could my wishes reach you; yet a little
I did by imitation.
1875Pal. More by vertue,
You are modest Cosen.
Arc. When I saw you charge first,
Me thought I heard a dreadfull clap of Thunder
Breake from the Troope.
1880Pal. But still before that flew
The lightning of your valour: Stay a little,
Is not this peece too streight?
Arc. No, no, tis well.
Pal. I would have nothing hurt thee but my Sword,
1885A bruise would be dishonour.
Arc. Now I am perfect.
Pal. Stand off then.
Arc. Take my Sword, I hold it better.
Pal. I thanke ye: No, keepe it, your life lyes on it,
1890Here's one, if it but hold, I aske no more,
For all my hopes: My Cause and honour guard me.
Arc. And me my love:* Is there ought else to say?
They bow se-verall wayes:then advance and stand.
Pal. This onely, and no more: Thou art mine Aunts Son.
And that blood we desire to shed is mutuall,
1895In me, thine, and in thee, mine: My Sword
Is in my hand, and if thou killst me
The gods, and I forgive thee; If there be
A place prepar'd for those that sleepe in honour,
I wish his wearie soule, that falls may win it:
1900Fight bravely Cosen, give me thy noble hand.
Arc. Here Palamon: This hand shall never more
Come neare thee with such friendship.
Pal. I commend thee.
Arc. If I fall, curse me, and say I was a coward,
1905For none but such, dare die in these just Tryalls,
Once more farewell my Cosen,
Pal. Farewell Arcite.
Fight.
Hornes within: they stand.
Arc. Loe Cosen, loe, our Folly has undon us.
1910Pal. Why?
Arc. This is the Duke, a hunting as I told you,
If we be found, we are wretched, O retire
For honours sake, and safely presently
Into your Bush agen; Sir we shall finde
1915Too many howres to dye in, gentle Cosen:
If you be seene you perish instantly
For breaking prison, and I, if you reveale me,
For my contempt; Then all the world will scorne us,
And say we had a noble difference,
1920But base disposers of it.
Pal. No, no, Cosen
I will no more be hidden, nor put off
This great adventure to a second Tryall:
I know your cunning, and I know your cause,
1925He that faints now, shame take him, put thy selfe
Vpon thy present guard.
Arc. You are not mad?
Pal. Or I will make th' advantage of this howre
Mine owne, and what to come shall threaten me,
1930I feare lesse then my fortune: know weake Cosen
I love Emilia, and in that ile bury
Thee, and all crosses else.
Arc. Then come, what can come
Thou shalt know Palamon, I dare as well
1935Die, as discourse, or sleepe: Onely this feares me,
The law will have the honour of our ends.
Have at thy life.
Pal. Looke to thine owne well Arcite.
Fight againe. Hornes.
1940
Enter Theseus, Hipolita, Emilia, Perithous and traine.
Theseus. What ignorant and mad malicious Traitors,
Are you? That gainst the tenor of my Lawes
Are making Battaile, thus like Knights appointed,
Without my leave, and Officers of Armes?
1945By Castor both shall dye.
Pal. Hold thy word Theseus,
We are certainly both Traitors, both despisers
Of thee, and of thy goodnesse: I am Palamon
That cannot love thee, he that broke thy Prison,
1950Thinke well, what that deserves; and this is Arcite
A bolder Traytor never trod thy ground
A Falser neu'r seem'd friend: This is the man
Was begd and banish'd, this is he contemnes thee
And what thou dar'st doe; and in this disguise
1955Against this owne Edict followes thy Sister,
That fortunate bright Star, the faire Emilia
Whose servant, (if there be a right in seeing,
And first bequeathing of the soule to) justly
I am, and which is more, dares thinke her his.
1960This treacherie like a most trusty Lover,
I call'd him now to answer; if thou bee'st
As thou art spoken, great and vertuous,
The true descider of all injuries,
Say, Fight againe, and thou shalt see me Theseus
1965Doe such a Iustice, thou thy selfe wilt envie,
Then take my life, Ile wooe thee too't.
Per. O heaven,
What more then man is this!
Thes. I have sworne.
1970Arc. We seeke not
Thy breath of mercy Theseus, Tis to me
A thing as soone to dye, as thee to say it,
And no more mov'd: where this man calls me Traitor,
Let me say thus much; if in love be Treason,
1975In service of so excellent a Beutie,
As I love most, and in that faith will perish,
As I have brought my life here to confirme it,
As I have serv'd her truest, worthiest,
As I dare kill this Cosen, that denies it,
1980So let me be most Traitor, and ye please me:
For scorning thy Edict Duke, aske that Lady
Why she is faire, and why her eyes command me
Stay here to love her; and if she say Traytor,
I am a villaine fit to lye unburied.
1985Pal. Thou shalt have pitty of us both, o Theseus,
If unto neither thou shew mercy, stop,
(As thou art just) thy noble eare against us,
As thou art valiant; for thy Cosens soule
Whose 12. strong labours crowne his memory,
1990Lets die together, at one instant Duke,
Onely a little let him fall before me,
That I may tell my Soule he shall not have her.
Thes. I grant your wish, for to say true, your Cosen
Has ten times more offended, for I gave him
1995More mercy then you found, Sir, your offenses
Being no more then his: None here speake for 'em
For ere the Sun set, both shall sleepe for ever.
Hipol. Alas the pitty, now or never Sister
Speake not to be denide; That face of yours
2000Will beare the curses else of after ages
For these lost Cosens.
Emil. In my face deare Sister
I finde no anger to 'em; nor no ruyn,
The misadventure of their owne eyes kill 'em;
2005Yet that I will be woman, and have pitty,
My knees shall grow to 'th ground but Ile get mercie.
Helpe me deare Sister, in a deede so vertuous,
The powers of all women will be with us,
Most royall Brother.
2010Hipol. Sir by our tye of Marriage.
Emil. By your owne spotlesse honour.
Hip. By that faith,
That faire hand, and that honest heart you gave me.
Emil. By that you would have pitty in another,
2015By your owne vertues infinite.
Hip. By valour,
By all the chaste nights I have ever pleasd you.
Thes. These are strange Conjurings.
Per. Nay then Ile in too: By all our friendship Sir, by all
2020By all you love most, warres; and this sweet Lady.
Emil. By that you would have trembled to deny
A blushing Maide.
Hip. By your owne eyes: By strength
In which you swore I went beyond all women,
2025Almost all men, and yet I yeelded Theseus.
Per. To crowne all this; By your most noble soule
Which cannot want due mercie, I beg first.
Hip. Next heare my prayers.
Emil. Last let me intreate Sir.
2030Per. For mercy.
Hip. Mercy.
Emil. Mercy on these Princes.
Thes. Ye make my faith reele: Say I felt
Compassion to 'em both, how would you place it?
2035Emil. Vpon their lives: But with their banishments.
Thes. You are a right woman, Sister; you have pitty,
But want the vnderstanding where to use it.
If you desire their lives, invent a way
Safer then banishment: Can these two live
2040And have the agony of love about 'em,
And not kill one another? Every day
The'yld fight about yov; howrely bring your honour
In publique question with their Swords; Be wise then
And here forget 'em; it concernes your credit,
2045And my oth equally: I have said they die,
Better they fall by 'th law, then one another.
Bow not my honor.
Emil. O my noble Brother,
That oth was rashly made, and in your anger,
2050Your reason will not hold it, if such vowes
Stand for expresse will, all the world must perish.
Beside, I have another oth, gainst yours
Of more authority, I am sure more love,
Not made in passion neither, but good heede.
2055Thes. What is it Sister?
Per. Vrge it home brave Lady.
Emil. That you would nev'r deny me any thing
Fit for my modest suit, and your free granting:
I tye you to your word now, if ye fall in't,
2060Thinke how you maime your honour;
(For now I am set a begging Sir, I am deafe
To all but your compassion) how their lives
Might breed the ruine of my name; Opinion,
Shall any thing that loves me perish for me?
2065That were a cruell wisedome, doe men proyne
The straight yong Bowes that blush with thousand Blossoms
Because they may be rotten? O Duke Theseus
The goodly Mothers that have groand for these,
And all the longing Maides that ever lov'd,
2070If your vow stand, shall curse me and my Beauty,
And in their funerall songs, for these two Cosens
Despise my crueltie, and cry woe worth me,
Till I am nothing but the scorne of women;
For heavens sake save their lives, and banish 'em.
2075Thes. On what conditions?
Emil. Sweare 'em never more
To make me their Contention, or to know me,
To tread upon thy Dukedome, and to be
Where ever they shall travel, ever strangers to one another.
2080Pal. Ile be cut a peeces
Before I take this oth, forget I love her?
O all ye gods dispise me then: Thy Banishment
I not mislike, so we may fairely carry
Our Swords, aud cause along: else never trifle,
2085But take our lives Duke, I must love and will,
And for that love, must and dare kill this Cosen
On any peece the earth has.
Thes. Will you Arcite
Take these conditions?
2090Pal. H'es a villaine then.
Per. These are men.
Arcite. No, never Duke: Tis worse to me than begging
To take my life so basely, though I thinke
I never shall enjoy her, yet ile preserve
2095The honour of affection, and dye for her,
Make death a Devill.
Thes. What may be done? for now I feele compassion.
Per. Let it not fall agen Sir.
Thes. Say Emilia
2100If one of them were dead, as one muss, are you
Content to take th' other to your husband?
They cannot both enjoy you; They are Princes
As goodly as your owne eyes, and as noble
As ever fame yet spoke of; looke upon 'em,
2105And if you can love, end this difference,
I give consent, are you content too Princes?
Both. With all our soules.
Thes. He that she refuses
Must dye then.
2110Both. Any death thou canst invent Duke.
Pal. If I fall from that mouth, I fall with favour,
And Lovers yet unborne shall blesse my ashes.
Arc. If she refuse me, yet my grave will wed me,
And Souldiers sing my Epitaph.
2115Thes. Make choice then.
Emil. I cannot Sir, they are both too excellent
For me, a hayre shall never fall of these men.
Hip. What will become of 'em?
Thes. Thus I ordaine it,
2120And by mine honor, once againe it stands,
Or both shall dye. You shall both to your Countrey,
And each within this moneth accompanied
With three faire Knights, appeare againe in this place,
In which Ile plant a Pyramid; and whether
2125Before us that are here, can force his Cosen
By fayre and knightly strength to touch the Pillar,
He shall enjoy her: the other loose his head,
And all his friends; Nor shall he grudge to fall,
Nor thinke he dies with interest in this Lady:
2130Will this content yee?
Pal. Yes: here Cosen Arcite
I am friends againe, till that howre.
Arc. I embrace ye.
Thes. Are you content Sister?
2135Emil, Yes, I must Sir,
Els both miscarry.
Thes. Come shake hands againe then,
And take heede, as you are Gentlemen, this Quarrell
Sleepe till the howre prefixt, and hold your course.
2140Pal. We dare not faile thee Theseus.
Thes. Come, Ile give ye
Now usage like to Princes, and to Friends:
When ye returne, who wins, Ile settle heere,
Who looses, yet Ile weepe upon his Beere.
Exeunt.
2145
Actus Quartus.
Scæna 1.
Enter Iailor, and his friend.
Iailor. Heare you no more, was nothing saide of me
Concerning the escape of Palamon?
Good Sir remember.
21501. Fr. Nothing that I heard,
For I came home before the busines
Was fully ended: Yet I might perceive
Ere I departed, a great likelihood
Of both their pardons: For Hipolita,
2155And faire-eyd Emilie, upon their knees
Begd with such hansom pitty, that the Duke
Me thought stood staggering, whether he should follow
His rash o'th, or the sweet compassion
Of those two Ladies; and to second them,
2160That truely noble Prince Perithous
Halfe his owne heart, set in too, that I hope
All shall be well: Neither heard I one question
Of your name, or his scape.
Enter 2. Friend.
Iay. Pray heaven it hold so.
21652. Fr: Be of good comfort man; I bring you newes,
Good newes.
Iay. They are welcome,
2. Fr. Palamon has cleerd you,
And got your pardon, and discoverd
2170How, and by whose meanes he escapt, which was your
Whose pardon is procurd too, and the Prisoner
Not to be held ungratefull to her goodnes,
Has given a summe of money to her Marriage,
A large one ile assure you.
2175Iay. Ye are a good man
And ever bring good newes.
1. Fr. How was it ended?
2. Fr. Why, as it should be; they that nev'r begd
But they prevaild, had their suites fairely granted,
2180The prisoners have their lives.
1. Fr. I knew t'would be so.
2. Fr. But there be new conditions, which you'l heare of
At better time.
Iay. I hope they are good.
21852. Fr. They are honourable,
How good they'l prove, I know not.
Enter Wooer.
1. Fr. T'will be knowne.
Woo. Alas Sir, wher's your Daughter?
2190Iay. Why doe you aske?
Woo. O Sir when did you see her?
2. Fr. How he lookes?
Iay. This morning.
Woo. Was she well? was she in health? Sir, when did
21951. Fr. These are strange Questions.
Iay, I doe not thinke she was very well, for now
You make me minde her, but this very day
I ask'd her questions, and she answered me
So farre from what she was, so childishly.
2200So sillily, as if she were a foole,
An Inocent, and I was very angry.
But what of her Sir?
Woo. Nothing but my pitty; but you must know it, and
As by an other that lesse loves her:
2205Iay. Well Sir.
1. Fr. Not right?
2. Fr. Not well?---Wooer, No Sir not well.
Woo. Tis too true, she is mad.
1. Fr. It cannot be.
2210Woo. Beleeve you'l finde it so.
Iay. I halfe suspected
What you told me: the gods comfort her:
Either this was her love to Palamon,
Or feare of my miscarrying on his scape,
2215Or both.
Woo. Tis likely.
Iay. But why all this haste Sir?
Woo. Ile tell you quickly. As I late was angling
In the great Lake that lies behind the Pallace,
2220From the far shore, thicke set with reedes, and Sedges,
As patiently I was attending sport,
I heard a voyce, a shrill one, and attentive
I gave my eare, when I might well perceive
T'was one that sung, and by the smallnesse of it
2225A boy or woman. I then left my angle
To his owne skill, came neere, but yet perceivd not
Who made the sound; the rushes, and the Reeds
Had so encompast it: I laide me downe
And listned to the words she song, for then
2230Through a small glade cut by the Fisher men,
I saw it was your Daughter.
Iay. Pray goe on Sir?
Woo. She sung much, but no sence; onely I heard her
Repeat this often. Palamon is gone,
2235Is gone to 'th wood to gather Mulberies,
Ile finde him out to morrow.
1. Fr. Pretty soule.
Woo. His shackles will betray him, hee'l be taken,
And what shall I doe then? Ile bring a beavy,
2240A hundred blacke eyd Maides, that love as I doe
With Chaplets on their heads of Daffadillies,
With cherry-lips, and cheekes of Damaske Roses,
And all wee'l daunce an Antique fore the Duke,
And beg his pardon; Then she talk'd of you Sir;
2245That you must loose your head to morrow morning,
And she must gather flowers to bury you,
And see the house made handsome, then she sung
Nothing but Willow, willow, willow, and betweene
Ever was, Palamon, faire Palamon,
2250And Palamon, was a tall yong man. The place
Was knee deepe where she sat; her careles Tresses,
A wreake of bull-rush rounded; about her stucke
Thousand fresh water flowers of severall cullors.
That me thought she appeard like the faire Nimph
2255That feedes the lake with waters, or as Iris
Newly dropt downe from heaven; Rings she made
Of rushes that grew by, and to 'em spoke
The prettiest posies: Thus our true love's tide,
This you may loose, not me, and many a one:
2260And then she wept, and sung againe, and sigh'd,
And with the same breath smil'd, and kist her hand.
2. Fr. Alas what pitty it is?
Wooer. I made in to her.
She saw me, and straight sought the flood, I sav'd her,
2265And set her safe to land: when presently
She slipt away, and to the Citty made,
With such a cry, and swiftnes, that beleeve me
Shee left me farre behinde her; three, or foure,
I saw from farre off crosse her, one of 'em
2270I knew to be your brother, where she staid,
And fell, scarce to be got away: I left them with her.
Enter Brother, Daughter, and others.
And hether came to tell you: Here they are.
Daugh. May you never more enjoy the light, &c.
2275Is not this a fine Song?
Bro. O a very fine one.
Daugh. I can sing twenty more.
Bro. I thinke you can,
Daugh. Yes truely can I, I can sing the Broome,
2280And Bony Robin. Are not you a tailour?
Bro. Yes,
Daugh. Wher's my wedding Gowne?
Bro. Ile bring it to morrow.
Daugh. Doe, very rarely, I must be abroad else
2285To call the Maides, and pay the Minstrels
For I must loose my Maydenhead by cocklight
Twill never thrive else.
O faire, oh sweete, &c.
Singes.
Bro. You must ev'n take it patiently.
2290Iay. Tis true,
Daugh. Good'ev'n, good men, pray did you ever heare
Of one yong Palamon?
Iay. Yes wench we know him.
Daugh. Is't not a fine yong Gentleman?
2295Iay. Tis, Love.
Bro. By no meane crosse her, she is then distemperd
For worse then now she showes.
1. Fr. Yes, he's a fine man.
Daugh. O, is he so? you have a Sister.
23001. Fr. Yes.
Daugh. But she shall never have him, tell her so,
For a tricke that I know, y'had best looke to her,
For if she see him once, she's gone, she's done,
And undon in an howre. All the young Maydes
2305Of our Towne are in love with him, but I laugh at 'em
And let 'em all alone, Is't not a wise course?
1. Fr. Yes.
Daugh. There is at least two hundred now with child
There must be fowre; yet I keepe close for all this,
2310Close as a Cockle; and all these must be Boyes,
He has the tricke on't, and at ten yeares old
They must be all gelt for Musitians,
And sing the wars of Theseus.
2. Fr. This is strange.
2315Daugh. As ever you heard, but say nothing.
1. Fr. No.
Daugh. They come from all parts of the Dukedome to him,
Ile warrant ye, he had not so few last night
As twenty to dispatch, hee'l tickl't up
2320In two howres, if his hand be in.
Iay. She's lost
Past all cure.
Bro. Heaven forbid man.
Daugh. Come hither, you are a wise man.
23251. Fr. Do's she know him?
1. Fr. No, would she did.
Daugh. You are master of a Ship?
Iay. Yes.
Daugh. Wher's your Compasse?
2330Iay. Heere.
Daugh. Set it too'th North.
And now direct your conrse to'th wood, wher Palamon
Lyes longing for me; For the Tackling
Let me alone; Come waygh my hearts, cheerely.
2335All. Owgh, owgh, owgh, tis up, the wind's faire, top the
Bowling, out with the maine saile, wher's your
Whistle Master?
Bro. Lets get her in.
Iay. Vp to the top Boy.
2340Bro. Wher's the Pilot?
1. Fr. Heere,
Daugh. What ken'st thou?
2. Fr. A faire wood.
Daugh. Beare for it master: take about:
Singes.
2345When Cinthia with her borrowed light, &c.
Exeunt.
Scæna 2.
Enter Emilia alone, with 2. Pictures.
Emilia. Yet I may binde those wounds up, that must
And bleed to death for my sake else; Ile choose,
And end their strife: Two such yong hansom men
2350Shall never fall for me, their weeping Mothers,
Following the dead cold ashes of their Sonnes
Shall never curse my cruelty: Good heaven,
What a sweet face has Arcite? if wise nature
With all her best endowments, all those beuties
2355She sowes into the birthes of noble bodies,
Were here a mortall woman, and had in her
The coy denialls of yong Maydes, yet doubtles,
She would run mad for this man: what an eye?
Of what a fyry sparkle, and quick sweetnes,
2360Has this yong Prince? Here Love himselfe sits smyling,
Iust such another wanton Ganimead,
Set Love a fire with, and enforcd the god
Snatch up the goodly Boy, and set him by him
A shining constellation: What a brow,
2365Of what a spacious Majesty he carries?
Arch'd like the great eyd Iuno's, but far sweeter,
Smoother then Pelops Shoulder? Fame and honour
Me thinks from hence, as from a Promontory
Pointed in heaven, should clap their wings, and sing
2370To all the under world, the Loves, and Fights
Of gods, and such men neere 'em. Palamon,
Is but his foyle, to him, a meere dull shadow,
Hee's swarth, and meagre, of an eye as heavy
As if he had lost his mother; a still temper,
2375No stirring in him, no alacrity,
Of all this sprightly sharpenes, not a smile;
Yet these that we count errours may become him:
Narcissus was a sad Boy, but a heavenly:
Oh who can finde the bent of womans fancy?
2380I am a Foole, my reason is lost in me,
I have no choice, and I have ly'd so lewdly
That women ought to beate me. On my knees
I aske thy pardon: Palamon, thou art alone,
And only beutifull, and these the eyes,
2385These the bright lamps of beauty, that command
And threaten Love, and what yong Mayd dare crosse 'em
What a bold gravity, and yet inviting
Has this browne manly face? O Love, this only
From this howre is Complexion: Lye there Arcite,
2390Thou art a changling to him, a meere Gipsey.
And this the noble Bodie: I am sotted,
Vtterly lost: My Virgins faith has fled me.
For if my brother but even now had ask'd me
Whether I lov'd, I had run mad for Arcite,
2395Now if my Sister; More for Palamon,
Stand both together: Now, come aske me Brother,
Alas, I know not: aske me now sweet Sister,
I may goe looke; What a meere child is Fancie,
That having two faire gawdes of equall sweetnesse,
2400Cannot distinguish, but must crie for both.
Enter Emil. and Gent:
Emil. How now Sir?
Gent. From the Noble Duke your Brother
Madam, I bring you newes: The Knights are come.
2405Emil. To end the quarrell?
Gent. Yes.
Emil. Would I might end first:
What sinnes have I committed, chast Diana,
That my unspotted youth must now be soyld
2410With blood of Princes? and my Chastitie
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 Beautie?
2415
Enter Theseus, Hipolita, Perithous and attendants.
Theseus. Bring 'em in quickly,
By any meanes, I long to see 'em.
Your two contending Lovers are return'd,
And with them their faire Knights: Now my faire Sister,
2420You must love one of them.
Emil. I had rather both,
So neither for my sake should fall untimely
Enter Messengers. Curtis.
Thes. Who saw 'em?
2425Per. I a while.
Gent. And I.
Thes. From whence come you Sir?
Mess. From the Knights.
Thes. Pray speake
2430You that have seene them, what they are.
Mess. I will Sir,
And truly what I thinke: Six braver spirits
Then these they have brought, (if we judge by the outside)
I never saw, nor read of: He that stands
2435In the first place with Arcite, by his seeming
Should be a stout man, by his face a Prince,
(His very lookes so say him) his complexion,
Nearer a browne, than blacke; sterne, and yet noble,
Which shewes him hardy, fearelesse, proud of dangers:
2440The circles of his eyes show faire within him,
And as a heated Lyon, so he lookes;
His haire hangs long behind him, blacke and shining
Like Ravens wings: his shoulders broad, and strong,
Armd long and round, and on his Thigh a Sword
2445Hung by a curious Bauldricke; when he frownes
To seale his will with, better o' my conscience
Was never Souldiers friend.
Thes. Thou ha'st well describde him,
Per. Yet a great deale short
2450Me thinkes, of him that's first with Palamon.
Thes. Pray speake him friend.
Per. I ghesse he is a Prince too,
And if it may be, greater; for his show
Has all the ornament of honour in't:
2455Hee's somewhat bigger, then 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 owne: In's face appeares
2460All the faire hopes of what he undertakes,
And when he's angry, then a setled valour
(Not tainted with extreames) runs through his body,
And guides his arme to brave things: Feare he cannot,
He shewes no such soft temper, his head's yellow,
2465Hard hayr'd, and curld, thicke twind like Ivy tops,
Not to undoe with thunder; In his face
The liverie of the warlike Maide appeares,
Pure red, and white, for yet no beard has blest him.
And in his rowling eyes, sits victory,
2470As if she ever ment to corect his valour:
His Nose stands high, a Character of honour.
His red lips, after fights, are fit for Ladies.
Emil. Must these men die too?
Per. When he speakes, his tongue
2475Sounds like a Trumpet; All his lyneaments
Are as a man would wish 'em, strong, and cleane,
He weares a well-steeld Axe, the staffe of gold,
His age some five and twenty.
Mess. Ther's another,
2480A little man, but of a tough soule, seeming
As great as any: fairer promises
In such a Body, yet I never look'd on.
Per. O, he that's freckle fac'd?
Mess. The same my Lord,
2485Are they not sweet ones?
Per. Yes they are well.
Mess. Me thinkes,
Being so few, and well disposd, they show
Great, and fine art in nature, he's white hair'd,
2490Not wanton white, but such a manly colour
Next to an aborne, tough, and nimble set,
Which showes an active soule; his armes are brawny
Linde with strong sinewes: To the shoulder peece,
Gently they swell, like women new conceav'd,
2495Which speakes him prone to labour, never fainting
Vnder the waight of Armes; stout harted, still,
But when he stirs, a Tiger; he's gray eyd,
Which yeelds compassion where he conquers: sharpe
To spy advantages, and where he finds 'em,
2500He's swift to make 'em his: He do's no wrongs,
Nor takes none; he's round fac'd, and when he smiles
He showes a Lover, when he frownes, a Souldier:
About his head he weares the winners oke,
And in it stucke the favour of his Lady:
2505His age, some six and thirtie. In his hand
He beares a charging Staffe, embost with silver.
Thes. Are they all thus?
Per. They are all the sonnes of honour.
Thes. Now as I have a soule I long to see 'em,
2510Lady you shall see men fight now.
Hip. I wish it,
But not the cause my Lord; They would show
Bravely about the Titles of two Kingdomes;
Tis pitty Love should be so tyrannous:
2515O my soft harted Sister, what thinke you?
Weepe not, till they weepe blood; Wench it must be.
Thes. You have steel'd 'em with your Beautie: honord
To you I give the Feild; pray order it,
Fitting the persons that must use it.
2520Per. Yes Sir.
Thes. Come, Ile goe visit 'em: I cannot stay.
Their fame has fir'd me so; Till they appeare,
Good Friend be royall.
Per. There shall want no bravery.
2525Emilia. Poore wench goe weepe, for whosoever wins,
Looses a noble Cosen, for thy sins.
Exeunt.
Scæna 3.
Enter Iailor, Wooer, Doctor.
Doct. Her distraction is more at some time of the Moone,
Then at other some, is it not?
2530Iay. She is continually in a harmelesse distemper, sleepes
Little, altogether without appetite, save often drinking,
Dreaming of another world, and a better; and what
Broken peece of matter so'ere she's about, the name
Palamon lardes it, that she farces ev'ry busines
2535
Enter Daughter.
Withall, fyts it to every question; Looke where
Shee comes, you shall perceive her behaviour.
Daugh. I have forgot it quite; The burden o'nt, was downe
A downe a, and pend by no worse man, then
2540Giraldo, Emilias Schoolemaster; he's as
Fantasticall too, as ever he may goe upon's legs,
For in the next world will Dido see Palamon, and
Then will she be out of love with Eneas.
Doct. What stuff's here? pore soule.
2545Ioy. Ev'n thus all day long.
Daugh. Now for this Charme, that I told you of, you must
Bring a peece of silver on the tip of your tongue,
Or no ferry: then if it be your chance to come where
The blessed spirits, as the'rs a sight now; we maids
2550That have our Lyvers, perish'd, crakt to peeces with
Love, we shall come there, and doe nothing all day long
But picke flowers with Proserpine, then will I make
Palamon a Nosegay, then let him marke me,---then.
Doct. How prettily she's amisse? note her a little further.
2555Dau. Faith ile tell you, sometime we goe to Barly breake,
We of the blessed; alas, tis a sore life they have i'th
Thother place, such burning, frying, boyling, hissing,
Howling, chattring, cursing, oh they have shrowd
Measure, take heede; if one be mad, or hang or
2560Drowne themselves, thither they goe, Iupiter blesse
Vs, and there shall we be put in a Caldron of
Lead, and Vsurers grease, amongst a whole million of
Cutpurses, and there boyle like a Gamon of Bacon
That will never be enough.
Exit.
2565Doct. How her braine coynes?
Daugh. Lords and Courtiers, that have got maids with
Child, they are in this place, they shall stand in fire up to the
Nav'le, and in yce up to 'th hart, and there th' offending part
burnes, and the deceaving part freezes; in troth a very gree-
2570vous punishment, as one would thinke, for such a Trifle, be-
leve me one would marry a leaprous witch, to be rid on't
Ile assure you.
Doct. How she continues this fancie? Tis not an engraffed
Madnesse, but a most thicke, and profound mellencholly.
2575Daugh. To heare there a proud Lady, and a proud Citty
wiffe, howle together: I were a beast and il'd call it good
sport: one cries, o this smoake, another this fire; One cries, o,
that ever I did it behind the arras, and then howles; th' other
curses a suing fellow and her garden house.
2580Sings. I will be true, my stars, my fate, &c.
Exit. Daugh.
Iay. What thinke you of her Sir?
Doct. I think she has a perturbed minde, which I
Iay. Alas, what then?
Doct. Vnderstand you, she ever affected any man, ere
2585She beheld Palamon?
Iay. I was once Sir, in great hope, she had fixd her
Liking on this gentleman my friend.
Woo. I did thinke so too, and would account I had a
Pen-worth on't, to give halfe my state, that both
2590She and I at this present stood unfainedly on the
Same tearmes.
Do. That intemprat surfeit of her eye, hath distemperd
Other sences, they may returne and settle againe to
Execute their preordaind faculties, but they are
2595Now in a most extravagant vagary. This you
Must doe, Confine her to a place, where the light
May rather seeme to steale in, then be permitted; take
Vpon you (yong Sir her friend) the name of
Palamon, say you come to eate with her, and to
2600Commune of Love; this will catch her attention, for
This her minde beates upon; other objects that are
Inserted tweene her minde and eye, become the prankes
And friskins of her madnes; Sing to her, such greene
Songs of Love, as she sayes Palamon hath sung in
2605Prison; Come to her, stucke in as sweet flowers, as the
Season is mistres of, and thereto make an addition of
Som other compounded odours, which are grateful to the
Sence: all this shall become Palamon, for Palamon can
Sing, and Palamon is sweet, and ev'ry good thing, desire
2610To eate with her, crave her, drinke to her, and still
Among, intermingle your petition of grace and acceptance
Into her favour: Learne what Maides have beene her
Companions, and play-pheeres, and let them repaire to
Her with Palamon in their mouthes, and appeare with
2615Tokens, as if they suggested for him, It is a falsehood
She is in, which is with fasehoods to be combated.
This may bring her to eate, to sleepe, and reduce what's
Now out of square in her, into their former law, and
Regiment; I have seene it approved, how many times
2620I know not, but to make the number more, I have
Great hope in this. I will betweene the passages of
This project, come in with my applyance: Let us
Put it in execution; and hasten the successe, which doubt not
Will bring forth comfort.
Florish. Exeunt.
2625
Actus Quintus.
Scæna 1.
Enter Thesius, Perithous, Hipolita, attendants.
Thes. Now let 'em enter, and before the gods
Tender their holy prayers: Let the Temples
Burne bright with sacred fires, and the Altars
2630In hallowed clouds commend their swelling Incense
To those above us: Let no due be wanting,
Florish of Cornets.
They have a noble worke in hand, will honour
The very powers that love 'em.
2635
Enter Palamon and Arcite, and their Knights.
Per. Sir they enter.
Thes. You valiant and strong harted Enemies
You royall German foes, that this day come
To blow that nearenesse out that flames betweene ye;
2640Lay by your anger for an houre, and dove-like
Before the holy Altars of your helpers
(The all feard gods) bow downe your stubborne bodies,
Your ire is more than mortall; So your helpe be,
And as the gods regard ye, fight with Iustice,
2645Ile leave you to your prayers, and betwixt ye
I part my wishes.
Per. Honour crowne the worthiest.
Exit Theseus, and his traine.
Pal. The glasse is running now that cannot finish
2650Till one of us expire: Thinke you but thus,
That were there ought in me which strove to show
Mine enemy in this businesse, wer't one eye
Against another: Arme opprest by Arme:
I would destroy th' offender, Coz, I would
2655Though parcell of my selfe: Then from this gather
How I should tender you.
Arc. I am in labour
To push your name, your auncient love, our kindred
Out of my memory; and i'th selfe same place
2660To seate something I would confound: So hoyst we
The sayles, that must these vessells port even where
The heavenly Lymiter pleases.
Pal. You speake well;
Before I turne, Let me embrace thee Cosen
2665This I shall never doe agen.
Arc. One farewell.
Pal. Why let it be so: Farewell Coz.
Exeunt Palamon and his Knights.
Arc. Farewell Sir;
2670Knights, Kinsemen, Lovers, yea my Sacrifices
True worshippers of Mars, whose spirit in you
Expells the seedes of feare, and th' apprehension
Which still is farther off it, Goe with me
Before the god of our profession: There
2675Require of him the hearts of Lyons, and
The breath of Tigers, yea the fearcenesse too,
Yea the speed also, to goe on, I meane:
Else wish we to be Snayles; you know my prize
Must be drag'd out of blood, force and great feate
2680Must put my Garland on, where she stickes
The Queene of Flowers: our intercession then
Must be to him that makes the Campe, a Cestron
Brymd with the blood of men: give me your aide
And bend your spirits towards him.
They kneele.
2685Thou mighty one, that with thy power hast turnd
Greene Nepture into purple.
Comets prewarne, whose havocke in vaste Feild
Vnearthed skulls proclaime, whose breath blowes downe,
The teeming Ceres foyzon, who dost plucke
2690With hand armenypotent from forth blew clowdes,
The masond Turrets, that both mak'st, and break'st
The stony girthes of Citties: me thy puple,
Yongest follower of thy Drom, instruct this day
With military skill, that to thy lawde
2695I may advance my Streamer, and by thee,
Be stil'd 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 Armor, with a short Thunder as the burst of
2700a Battaile, whereupon they all rise and bow to the Altar.
O Great Corrector of enormous times,
Shaker of ore-rank States, thou grand decider
Of dustie, and old tytles, that healst with blood
The earth when it is sicke, and curst the world
2705O'th pluresie of people; I doe take
Thy signes auspiciously, and in thy name
To my designe; march boldly, let us goe.
Exeunt.
Enter Palamon and his Knights, with the former obser-
vance.
2710Pal. Our stars must glister with new fire, or be
To daie extinct; our argument is love,
Which if the goddesse of it grant, she gives
Victory too, then blend your spirits with mine,
You, whose free noblenesse doe make my cause
2715Your personall hazard; to the goddesse Venus
Commend we our proceeding, and implore
Her power unto our partie.
Here they kneele as formerly.
Haile Soveraigne Queene of secrets, who hast power
To call the feircest Tyrant from his rage;
2720And weepe unto a Girle; that ha'st the might
Even with an ey-glance, to choke Marsis Drom
And turne th'allarme to whispers, that canst make
A Criple florish with his Crutch, and cure him
Before Apollo; that may'st force the King
2725To be his subjects vassaile, and induce
Stale gravitie to daunce, the pould Bachelour
Whose youth like wanton Boyes through Bonfyres
Have skipt thy flame, at seaventy, thou canst catch
And make him to the scorne of his hoarse throate
2730Abuse yong laies of love; what godlike power
Hast thou not power upon? To Phæbus thou
Add'st flames, hotter then his the heavenly fyres
Did scortch his mortall Son, thine him; the huntresse
All moyst and cold, some say began to throw
2735Her Bow away, and sigh: take to thy grace
Me thy vowd Souldier, who doe beare thy yoke
As t'wer a wreath of Roses, yet is heavier
Then Lead it selfe, stings more than Nettles;
I have never beene foule mouthd against thy law,
2740Nev'r reveald secret, for I knew none; would not
Had I kend all that were; I never practised
Vpon mans wife, nor would the Libells reade
Of liberall wits: I never at great feastes
Sought to betray a Beautie, but have blush'd
2745At simpring Sirs that did: I have beene harsh
To large Confessors, and have hotly ask'd them
If they had Mothers, I had one, a woman,
And women t'wer they wrong'd. I knew a man
Of eightie winters, this I told them, who
2750A Lasse of foureteene brided, twas thy power
To put life into dust, the aged Crampe
Had screw'd his square foote round,
The Gout had knit his fingers into knots,
Torturing Convulsions from his globie eyes,
2755Had almost drawne their spheeres, that what was life
In him seem'd torture: this Anatomie
Had by his yong faire pheare a Boy, and I
Beleev'd it was his, for she swore it was,
And who would not beleeve her? briefe I am
2760To those that prate and have done; no Companion
To those that boast and have not; a defyer
To those that would and cannot; a Rejoycer,
Yea him I doe not love, that tells close offices
The fowlest way, nor names concealements in
2765The boldest language, such a one I am,
And vow that lover never yet made sigh
Truer then I. O then most soft sweet goddesse
Give me the victory of this question, which
Is true loves merit, and blesse me with a signe
2770Of thy great pleasure.
Here Musicke is heard, Doves are seene to flutter, they
fall againe upon their faces, then on their knees.
Pal. O thou that from eleven, to ninetie raign'st
In mortall bosomes, whose chase is this world
2775And we in heards thy game; I give thee thankes
For this faire Token, which being layd unto
Mine innocent true heart, armes in assurance
They bow.
My body to this businesse: Let us rise
And bow before the goddesse: Time comes on.
Exeunt.
2780
Still Musicke of Records.
Enter Emilia in white, her haire about her shoulders, a whea-
ten wreath: One in white holding up her traine, her haire
stucke with flowers: One before her carrying a silver
Hynde, in whic his conveyd Incense and sweet odours,
2785which being set upon the Altar her maides standing a
loofe, she sets fire to it, then they curtsey and kneele.
Emilia. O sacred, shadowie, cold and constant Queene,
Abandoner of Revells, mate contemplative,
Sweet, solitary, white as chaste, and pure
2790As windefand Snow, who to thy femall knights
Alow'st no more blood than will make a blush,
Which is their orders robe. I heere thy Priest
Am humbled fore thine Altar, O vouchsafe
With that thy rare greene eye, which never yet
2795Beheld thing maculate, looke on thy virgin,
And sacred silver Mistris, lend thine eare
(Which nev'r heard scurrill terme, into whose port
Ne're entred wanton sound,) to my petition
Seasond with holy feare; This is my last
2800Of vestall office, I am bride habited,
But mayden harted, a husband I have pointed,
But doe not know him out of two, I should
Choose one, and pray for his successe, but I
Am guiltlesse of election of mine eyes,
2805Were I to loose one, they are equall precious,
I could doombe neither, that which perish'd should
Goe too't unsentenc'd: Therefore most modest Queene,
He of the two Pretenders, that best loves me
And has the truest title in't, Let him
2810Take off my wheaten Gerland, or else grant
The fyle and qualitie I hold, I may
Continue in thy Band.
Here the Hynde vanishes under the Altar: and in the
place ascends a Rose Tree, having one Rose upon it.
2815See what our Generall of Ebbs and Flowes
Out from the bowells of her holy Altar
With sacred act advances: But one Rose,
If well inspird, this Battaile shal confound
Both these brave Knights, and I a virgin flowre
2820Must grow alone unpluck'd.
Here is heard a sodaine twang of Instruments, and the
Rose fals from the Tree.
The flowre is falne, the Tree descends: O Mistris
Thou here dischargest me, I shall be gather'd,
2825I thinke so, but I know not thine owne will;
Vnclaspe thy Misterie: I hope she's pleas'd,
Her Signes were gratious.
They curtsey and Exeunt.
Scæna 2.
Enter Doctor, Iaylor and Wooer, in habite of
2830
Palamon.
Doct. Has this advice I told you, done any good upon her?
Wooer. O very much; The maids that hept her company
Have halfe perswaded her that I am Palamon; within this
Halfe houre she came smiling to me, and asked me what I
2835Would eate, and when I would kisse her: I told her
Presently, and kist her twice.
Doct. Twas well done; twentie times had bin far better,
For there the cure lies mainely.
Wooer. Then she told me
2840She would watch with me to night, for well she knew
What houre my fit would take me.
Doct. Let her doe so,
And when your fit comes, fit her home,
And presently.
2845Wooer. She would have me sing.
Doctor. You did so?
Wooer. No.
Doct. Twas very ill done then,
You should observe her ev'ry way.
2850Wooer. Alas
I have no voice Sir, to confirme her that way.
Doctor. That's all one, if yee make a noyse,
If she intreate againe, doe any thing,
Lye with her if she aske you.
2855Iaylor. Hoa there Doctor.
Doctor. Yes in the waie of cure.
Iaylor But first by your leave
I'th way of honestie.
Doctor. That's but a nicenesse,
2860Nev'r cast your child away for honestie;
Cure her first this way, then if shee will be honest,
She has the path before her.
Iaylor. Thanke yee Doctor.
Doctor. Pray bring her in
2865And let's see how shee is.
Iaylor. I will, and tell her
Her Palamon staies for her: But Doctor,
Me thinkes you are i'th wrong still.
Exit Iaylor.
Doct. Goe, goe: you Fathers are fine Fooles: her honesty?
2870And we should give her physicke till we finde that:
Wooer. Why, doe you thinke she is not honest Sir?
Doctor. How old is she?
Wooer. She's eighteene.
Doctor. She may be,
2875But that's all one, tis nothing to our purpose,
What ere her Father saies, if you perceave
Her moode inclining that way that I spoke of
Videlicet, the way of flesh, you have me.
Wooer. Yet very well Sir.
2880Doctor. Please her appetite
And doe it home, it cures her ipso facto,
The mellencholly humour that infects her.
Wooer. I am of your minde Doctor.
Enter Iaylor, Daughter, Maide.
2885Doctor. You'l finde it so; she comes, pray honour her.
Iaylor. Come, your Love Palamon staies for you childe,
And has done this long houre, to visite you.
Daughter. I thanke him for his gentle patience,
He's a kind Gentleman, and I am much bound to him,
2890Did you nev'r see the horse he gave me?
Iaylor. Yes.
Daugh. How doe you like him?
Iaylor. He's a very faire one.
Daugh. You never saw him dance?
2895Iaylor. No.
Daugh. I have often.
He daunces very finely, very comely,
And for a Iigge, come cut and long taile to him,
He turnes ye like a Top.
2900Iaylor. That's fine indeede.
Daugh. Hee'l dance the Morris twenty mile an houre,
And that will founder the best hobby-horse
(If I have any skill) in all the parish,
And gallops to the turne of Light a'love,
2905What thinke you of this horse?
Iaylor. Having these vertues
I thinke he might be broght to play at Tennis.
Daugh. Alas that's nothing.
Iaylor. Can he write and reade too.
2910Daugh. A very faire hand, and casts himselfe th' accounts
Of all his hay and provender: That Hostler
Must rise betime that cozens him; you know
The Chestnut Mare the Duke has?
Iaylor. Very well.
2915Daugh. She is horribly in love with him, poore beast,
But he is like his master coy and scornefull.
Iaylor. What dowry has she?
Daugh. Some two hundred Bottles,
And twenty strike of Oates, but hee'l ne're have her;
2920He lispes in's neighing able to entice
A Millars Mare,
Hee'l be the death of her.
Doctor. What stuffe she utters?
Iaylor. Make curtsie, here your love comes.
2925Wooer. Pretty soule
How doe ye? that's a fine maide, ther's a curtsie.
Daugh. Yours to command ith way of honestie;
How far is't now to'th end o'th world my Masters?
Doctor. Why a daies Iorney wench.
2930Daugh. Will you goe with me?
Wooer. What shall we doe there wench?
Daugh. Why play at stoole ball,
What is there else to doe?
Wooer. I am content
2935If we shall keepe our wedding there.
Daugh. Tis true
For there I will assure you, we shall finde
Some blind Priest for the purpose, that will venture
To marry us, for here they are nice, and foolish;
2940Besides my father must be hang'd to morrow
And that would be a blot i'th businesse
Are not you Palamon?
Wooer. Doe not you know me?
Daugh. Yes, but you care not for me; I have nothing
2945But this pore petticoate, and too corse Smockes.
Wooer. That's all one, I will have you.
Daugh. Will you surely?
Wooer. Yes by this faire hand will I.
Daugh. Wee'l to bed then.
2950Wooer. Ev'n when you will.
Daugh. O Sir, you would faine be nibling.
Wooer. Why doe you rub my kisse off?
Daugh. Tis a sweet one,
And will perfume me finely against the wedding.
2955Is not this your Cosen Arcite?
Doctor. Yes sweetheart,
And I am glad my Cosen Palamon
Has made so faire a choice.
Daugh. Doe you thinke hee'l have me?
2960Doctor. Yes without doubt.
Daugh. Doe you thinke so too?
Iaylor. Yes.
Daugh. We shall have many children: Lord, how y'ar
My Palamon I hope will grow too finely
2965Now he's at liberty: Alas poore Chicken
He was kept downe with hard meate, and ill lodging
But ile kisse him up againe.
Enter a Messenger.
Mess. What doe you here, you'l loose the noblest sight
2970That ev'r was seene.
Iaylor. Are they i'th Field?
Mess. They are
You beare a charge there too.
Iaylor. Ile away straight
2975I must ev'n leave you here.
Doctor. Nay wee'l goe with you,
I will not loose the Fight.
Iaylor. How did you like her?
Doctor. Ile warrant you within these 3. or 4 daies
2980Ile make her right againe. You must not from her
But still preserve her in this way.
Wooer. I will
Doc. Lets get her in.
Wooer. Come sweete wee'l goe to dinner
2985And then weele play at Cardes.
Daugh. And shall we kisse too?
Wooer. A hundred times
Daugh. And twenty.
Wooer. I and twenty.
2990Daugh. And then wee'l sleepe together.
Doc. Take her offer.
Wooer. Yes marry will we.
Daugh. But you shall not hurt me.
Wooer. I will not sweete.
2995Daugh. If you doe (Love) ile cry.
Florish Exeunt.
Scæna 3.
Enter Theseus, Hipolita, Emilia, Perithous: and
some Attendants, T. Tucke: Curtis.
Emil. Ile no step further.
Per. Will you loose this sight?
3000Emil. I had rather see a wren hawke at a fly
Then this decision ev'ry; blow that falls
Threats a brave life, each stroake laments
The place whereon it fals, and sounds more like
A Bell, then blade: I will stay here,
3005It is enough my hearing shall be punishd,
With what shall happen, gainst the which there is
No deaffing, but to heare; not taint mine eye
With dread sights, it may shun.
Pir. Sir, my good Lord
3010Your Sister will no further.
Thes. Oh she must.
She shall see deeds of honour in their kinde,
Which sometime show well pencild. Nature now
Shall make, and act the Story, the beleife
3015Both seald with eye, and eare; you must be present,
You are the victours meede, the price, and garlond
To crowne the Questions title.
Emil. Pardon me,
If I were there, I'ld winke
3020Thes. You must be there;
This Tryall is as t'wer i'th night, and you
The onely star to shine.
Emil. I am extinct,
There is but envy in that light, which showes
3025The one the other: darkenes which ever was
The dam of horrour, who do's stand accurst
Of many mortall Millions, may even now
By casting her blacke mantle over both
That neither could finde other, get her selfe
3030Some part of a good name, and many a murther
Set off wherto she's guilty.
Hip. You must goe.
Emil, In faith I will not.
Thes. Why the knights must kindle
3035Their valour at your eye: know of this war
You are the Treasure, and must needes be by
To give the Service pay.
Emil, Sir pardon me,
The tytle of a kingdome may be tride
3040Out of it selfe.
Thes. Well, well then, at your pleasure,
Those that remaine with you, could wish their office
To any of their Enemies.
Hip. Farewell Sister,
3045I am like to know your husband fore your selfe
By some small start of time, he whom the gods
Doe of the two know best, I pray them he
Be made your Lot.
Exeunt Theseus, Hipolita, Perithous, &c.
3050Emil. Arcite is gently visagd; yet his eye
Is like an Engyn bent, or a sharpe weapon
In a soft sheath; mercy, and manly courage
Are bedfellowes in his visage: Palamon
Has a most menacing aspect, his brow
3055Is grav'd, and seemes to bury what it frownes on,
Yet sometime tis not so, but alters to
The quallity of his thoughts; long time his eye
Will dwell upon his object. Mellencholly
Becomes him nobly; So do's Arcites mirth,
3060But Palamons sadnes is a kinde of mirth,
So mingled, as if mirth did make him sad,
And sadnes, merry; those darker humours that
Sticke misbecomingly on others, on them
Live in faire dwelling.
3065
Cornets. Trompets sound as to a charge.
Harke how yon spurs to spirit doe incite
The Princes to their proofe, Arcite may win me,
And yet may Palamon wound Arcite to
The spoyling of his figure. O what pitty
3070Enough for such a chance; if I were by
I might doe hurt, for they would glance their eies
Toward my Seat, and in that motion might
Omit a ward, or forfeit an offence
Which crav'd that very time: it is much better
3075
(Cornets. a great cry and noice within crying a Palamon.)
I am not there, oh better never borne
Then minister to such harme, what is the chance?
Enter Servant.
Ser. The Crie's a Palamon.
3080Emil. Then he has won: Twas ever likely,
He lookd all grace and successe, and he is
Doubtlesse the prim'st of men: I pre' thee run
And tell me how it goes.
Showt, and Cornets: Crying a Palamon.
3085Ser. Still Palamon.
Emil. Run and enquire, poore Servant thou hast lost,
Vpon my right side still I wore thy picture,
Palamons on the leff, why so, I know not,
I had no end in't; else chance would have it so.
3090
Another cry, and showt within, and Cornets.
On the sinister side, the heart lyes; Palamon
Had the best boding chance: This burst of clamour
Is sure th' end o'th Combat.
Enter Servant.
Ser. They saide that Palamon had Arcites body
3095Within an inch o'th Pyramid, that the cry
Was generall a Palamon: But anon,
Th' Assistants made a brave redemption, and
The two bold Tytlers, at this instant are
Hand to hand at it.
3100Emil. Were they metamorphisd
Both into one; oh why? there were no woman
Worth so composd a Man: their single share,
Their noblenes peculier to them, gives
The prejudice of disparity values shortnes
3105
Cornets. Cry within, Arcite, Arcite.
To any Lady breathing---More exulting?
Palamon still?
Ser. Nay, now the sound is Arcite.
Emil. I pre' thee lay attention to the Cry.
3110
Cornets. a great showt and cry, Arcite, victory.
Set both thine eares to'th busines.
Ser. The cry is
Arcite, and victory, harke Arcite, victory,
The Combats consummation is proclaim'd
3115By the wind Instruments.
Emil. Halfe sights saw
That Arcite was no babe: god's lyd, his richnes
And costlines of spirit look't through him, it could
No more be hid in him, then fire in flax,
3120Then humble banckes can goe to law with waters,
That drift windes, force to raging: I did thinke
Good Palamon would miscarry, yet I knew not
Why I did thinke so; Our reasons are not prophets
When oft our fancies are: They are comming off:
3125Alas poore Palamon.
Cornets.
Enter Theseus, Hipolita, Pirithous, Arcite as victor, and
attendants, &c.
Thes. Lo, where our Sister is in expectation,
Yet quaking, and unsetled: Fairest Emily,
3130The gods by their divine arbitrament
Have given you this Knight, he is a good one
As ever strooke at head: Give me your hands;
Receive you her, you him, be plighted with
A love that growes, as you decay;
3135Arcite. Emily,
To buy you, I have lost what's deerest to me,
Save what is bought, and yet I purchase cheapely,
As I doe rate your value.
Thes. O loved Sister,
3140He speakes now of as brave a Knight as ere
Did spur a noble Steed: Surely the gods
Would have him die a Batchelour, least his race
Should shew i'th world too godlike: His behaviour
So charmd me, that me thought Alcides was
3145To him a sow of lead: if I could praise
Each part of him to'th all; I have spoke, your Arcite
Did not loose by't; For he that was thus good
Encountred yet his Better, I have heard
Two emulous Philomels, beate the eare o'th night
3150With their contentious throates, now one the higher,
Anon the other, then againe the first,
And by and by out breasted, that the sence
Could not be judge betweene 'em: So it far'd
Good space betweene these kinesmen; till heavens did
3155Make hardly one the winner: weare the Girlond
With joy that you have won: For the subdude,
Give them our present Iustice, since I know
Their lives but pinch 'em; Let it here be done:
The Sceane's not for our seeing, goe we hence,
3160Right joyfull, with some sorrow. Arme your prize,
I know you will not loose her: Hipolita
I see one eye of yours conceives a teare
The which it will deliver.
Florish.
Emil. Is this wynning?
3165Oh all you heavenly powers where is you mercy?
But that your wils have saide it must be so,
And charge me live to comfort this unfriended,
This miserable Prince, that cuts away
A life more worthy from him, then all women;
3170I should, and would die too.
Hip. Infinite pitty
That fowre such eies should be so fixd on one
That two must needes be blinde fort.
Thes. So it is.
Exeunt.
3175
Scæna 4.
Enter Palamon and his Knightes pyniond; Iaylor,
Executioner &c. Gard.
Ther's many a man alive, that hath out liv'd
The love o'th people, yea i'th selfesame state
Stands many a Father with his childe; some comfort
3180We have by so considering: we expire
And not without mens pitty. To live still,
Have their good wishes, we prevent
The loathsome misery of age, beguile
The Gowt and Rheume, that in lag howres attend
3185For grey approachers; we come towards the gods
Yong, and unwapper'd not, halting under Crymes
Many and stale: that sure shall please the gods
Sooner than such, to give us Nectar with 'em,
For we are more cleare Spirits. My deare kinsemen.
3190Whose lives (for this poore comfort) are laid downe,
You have sould 'em too too cheape.
1. K. What ending could be
Of more content? ore us the victors have
Fortune, whose title is as momentary,
3195As to us death is certaine: A graine of honour
They not ore'-weigh us.
2. K. Let us bid farewell;
And with our patience, anger tottring Fortune,
Who at her certain'st reeles.
32003. K. Come? who begins?
Pal. Ev'n he that led you to this Banket, shall
Taste to you all: ah ha my Friend, my Friend,
Your gentle daughter gave me freedome once;
You'l see't done now for ever: pray how do'es she?
3205I heard she was not well; her kind of ill
gave me some sorrow.
Iaylor. Sir she's well restor'd,
And to be marryed shortly.
Pal. By my short life
3210I am most glad on't; Tis the latest thing
I shall be glad of, pre'thee tell her so:
Commend me to her, and to peece her portion
Tender her this.
1. K. Nay lets be offerers all.
32152. K. Is it a maide?
Pal. Verily I thinke so,
A right good creature, more to me deserving
Then I can quight or speake of.
All K. Commend us to her.
They give their purses,
3220Iaylor. The gods requight you all,
And make her thankefull.
Pal. Adiew; and let my life be now as short,
As my leave taking.
Lies on the Blocke.
1. K. Leade couragiour Cosin.
32251. 2. K. Wee'l follow cheerefully.
A great noise within crying, run, save hold:
Enter in hast a Messenger.
Mess. Hold, Hold, O hold, hold, hold.
Enter Pirithous in haste.
3230Pir. Hold hoa: It is a cursed hast you made
If you have done so quickly: noble Palamon,
The gods will shew their glory in a life.
That thou art yet to leade.
Pal. Can that be,
3235When Venus I have said is false? How doe things fare?
Pir. Arise great Sir, and give the tydings eare
That are most early sweet, and bitter.
Pal. What
Hath wakt us from our dreame?
3240Pir. List then: your Cosen
Mounted upon a Steed that Emily
Did first bestow on him, a blacke one, owing
Not a hayre worth of white, which some will say
Weakens his price, and many will not buy
3245His goodnesse with this note: Which superstition
Heere findes allowance: On this horse is Arcite
Trotting the stones of Athens, which the Calkins
Did rather tell, then trample; for the horse
Would make his length a mile, if't pleas'd his Rider
3250To put pride in him: as he thus went counting
The flinty pavement, dancing as t'wer to'th Musicke
His owne hoofes made; (for as they say from iron
Came Musickes origen) what envious Flint,
Cold as old Saturne, and like him possest
3255With fire malevolent, darted a Sparke
Or what feirce sulphur else, to this end made,
I comment not; the hot horse, hot as fire
Tooke Toy at this, and fell to what disorder
His power could give his will, bounds, comes on end,
3260Forgets schoole dooing, being therein traind,
And of kind mannadge, pig-like he whines
At the sharpe Rowell, which he freats at rather
Then any jot obaies; seekes all foule meanes
Of boystrous and rough Iadrie, to dis-seate
3265His Lord, that kept it bravely: when nought serv'd,
When neither Curb would cracke, girth breake nor diffring
Dis-roote his Rider whence he grew, but that
He kept him tweene his legges, on his hind hoofes
on end he stands
3270That Arcites leggs being higher then his head
Seem'd with strange art to hang: His victors wreath
Even then fell off his head: and presently
Backeward the Iade comes ore, and his full poyze
Becomes the Riders loade: yet is he living,
3275But such a vessell tis, that floates but for
The surge that next approaches: he much desires
To have some speech with you: Loe he appeares.
Enter Theseus, Hipolita, Emilia, Arcite, in a chaire.
Pal. O miserable end of our alliance
3280The gods are mightie Arcite, if thy heart,
Thy worthie, manly heart be yet unbroken:
Give me thy last words, I am Palamon,
One that yet loves thee dying.
Arc. Take Emilia
3285And with her, all the worlds joy: Reach thy hand,
Farewell: I have told my last houre; I was false,
Yet never treacherous: Forgive me Cosen:
One kisse from faire Emilia: Tis done:
Take her: I die.
3290Pal. Thy brave soule seeke Elizium.
Emil. Ile close thine eyes Prince; blessed soules be with
Thou art a right good man, and while I live,
This day I give to teares.
Pal. And I to honour.
3295Thes. In this place first you fought: ev'n very here
I sundred you, acknowledge to the gods
Our thankes that you are living:
His part is playd, and though it were too short
He did it well: your day is lengthned, and,
3300The blissefull dew of heaven do's arowze you.
The powerfull Venus, well hath grac'd her Altar,
And given you your love: Our Master Mars
Hast vouch'd his Oracle, and to Arcite gave
The grace of the Contention: So the Deities
3305Have shewd due justice: Beare this hence.
Pal. O Cosen,
That we should things desire, which doe cost us
The losse of our desire; That nought could buy
Deare love, but losse of deare love.
3310Thes. Never Fortune
Did play a subtler Game: The conquerd triumphes,
The victor has the Losse: yet in the passage,
The gods have beene most equall: Palamon,
Your kinseman hath confest the right o'th Lady
3315Did lye in you, for you first saw her, and
Even then proclaimd your fancie: He restord her
As your stolne Iewell, and desir'd your spirit
To send him hence forgiven; The gods my justice
Take from my hand, and they themselves become
3320The Executioners: Leade your Lady off;
And call your Lovers from the stage of death,
Whom I adopt my Frinds. A day or two
Let us looke sadly, and give grace unto
The Funerall of Arcite, in whose end
3325The visages of Bridegroomes weele put on
And smile with Palamon; for whom an houre,
But one houre since, I was as dearely sorry,
As glad of Arcite: and am now as glad,
As for him sorry. O you heavenly Charmers,
3330What things you make of us? For what we lacke
We laugh, for what we have, are sorry still,
Are children in some kind. Let us be thankefull
For that which is, and with you leave dispute
That are above our question: Let's goe off,
3335And beare us like the time.
Florish. Exeunt.
EPILOGVE.
I would now aske ye how ye like the Play,
But as it is with Schoole Boyes, cannot say,
I am cruell fearefull: pray yet stay a while,
3340And let me looke upon ye: No man smile?
Then it goes hard I see; He that has
Lov'd a yong hansome wench then, show his face:
Tis strange if none be heere, and if he will
Against his Conscience let him hisse, and kill
3345Our Market: Tis in vaine, I see to stay yee,
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)
3350(For to that honest purpose it was ment 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.
3355
Florish.
FINIS.