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  • Title: Two Noble Kinsmen (Quarto, 1634)

  • Copyright Internet Shakespeare Editions. This text may be freely used for educational, non-proift purposes; for all other uses contact the Coordinating Editor.
    Author: William Shakespeare
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    Two Noble Kinsmen (Quarto, 1634)

    The Two Noble Kinsmen.
    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.
    H3 Emil.