Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Not Peer Reviewed

Two Noble Kinsmen (Quarto, 1634)

The Two Noble Kinsmen.
Scaena 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.