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  • Title: Two Noble Kinsmen (Quarto, 1634)

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    Author: William Shakespeare
    Not Peer Reviewed

    Two Noble Kinsmen (Quarto, 1634)

    The Two Noble Kinsmen.
    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