Internet Shakespeare Editions

About this text

  • 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
    Not Peer Reviewed

    Two Noble Kinsmen (Quarto, 1634)

    The Two Noble Kinsmen.
    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