Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Not Peer Reviewed

Two Noble Kinsmen (Quarto, 1634)

The Two Noble Kinsmen.
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.
Scaena 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
And