第3章

Shesawme,andstraightsoughttheflood;Isav’dher,Andsethersafetoland:whenpresentlyShesliptaway,andtotheCittymade,Withsuchacryandswiftnes,that,beleeveme,Sheeleftmefarrebehindeher;threeorfoureIsawfromfarreoffcrosseher,oneof’emIknewtobeyourbrother;whereshestaid,Andfell,scarcetobegotaway:Ileftthemwithher,[EnterBrother,Daughter,andothers。]

Andhethercametotellyou。Heretheyare。

DAUGHTER。[sings。]

Mayyounevermoreenjoythelight,&c。

IsnotthisafineSong?

BROTHER。

O,averyfineone。

DAUGHTER。

Icansingtwentymore。

BROTHER。

Ithinkeyoucan。

DAUGHTER。

Yes,truely,canI;IcansingtheBroome,AndBonyRobin。Arenotyouatailour?

BROTHER。

Yes。

DAUGHTER。

Wher’smyweddingGowne?

BROTHER。

Ilebringittomorrow。

DAUGHTER。

Doe,veryrarely;ImustbeabroadelseTocalltheMaides,andpaytheMinstrels,ForImustloosemyMaydenheadbycock—light;

Twillneverthriveelse。

[Singes。]Ofaire,ohsweete,&c。

BROTHER。

Youmustev’ntakeitpatiently。

IAILOR。

Tistrue。

DAUGHTER。

Goodev’n,goodmen;pray,didyoueverheareOfoneyongPalamon?

IAILOR。

Yes,wench,weknowhim。

DAUGHTER。

Is’tnotafineyongGentleman?

IAILOR。

TisLove。

BROTHER。

Bynomeanecrosseher;sheisthendistemperdFarworsethennowsheshowes。

1。FRIEND。

Yes,he’safineman。

DAUGHTER。

O,isheso?youhaveaSister?

1。FRIEND。

Yes。

DAUGHTER。

Butsheshallneverhavehim,tellherso,ForatrickethatIknow;y’hadbestlooketoher,Forifsheseehimonce,she’sgone,she’sdone,Andundoninanhowre。AlltheyoungMaydesOfourTowneareinlovewithhim,butIlaughat’emAndlet’emallalone;Is’tnotawisecourse?

1。FRIEND。

Yes。

DAUGHTER。

Thereisatleasttwohundrednowwithchildbyhim——

Theremustbefowre;yetIkeepecloseforallthis,CloseasaCockle;andallthesemustbeBoyes,Hehasthetrickeon’t,andattenyearesoldTheymustbeallgeltforMusitians,AndsingthewarsofTheseus。

2。FRIEND。

Thisisstrange。

DAUGHTER。

Aseveryouheard,butsaynothing。

1。FRIEND。

No。

DAUGHTER。

TheycomefromallpartsoftheDukedometohim;

Ilewarrantye,hehadnotsofewlastnightAstwentytodispatch:hee’ltickl’tupIntwohowres,ifhishandbein。

IAILOR。

She’slostPastallcure。

BROTHER。

Heavenforbid,man。

DAUGHTER。

Comehither,youareawiseman。

1。FRIEND。

Do’ssheknowhim?

2。FRIEND。

No,wouldshedid。

DAUGHTER。

YouaremasterofaShip?

IAILOR。

Yes。

DAUGHTER。

Wher’syourCompasse?

IAILOR。

Heere。

DAUGHTER。

Setittoo’thNorth。

Andnowdirectyourcourseto’thwood,wherPalamonLyeslongingforme;FortheTacklingLetmealone;Come,waygh,myhearts,cheerely!

ALL。

Owgh,owgh,owgh,tisup,thewind’sfaire,ToptheBowling,outwiththemainesaile;

Wher’syourWhistle,Master?

BROTHER。

Letsgetherin。

IAILOR。

Vptothetop,Boy。

BROTHER。

Wher’sthePilot?

1。FRIEND。

Heere。

DAUGHTER。

Whatken’stthou?

2。FRIEND。

Afairewood。

DAUGHTER。

Beareforit,master:takeabout![Singes。]

WhenCinthiawithherborrowedlight,&c。[Exeunt。]

Scaena2。(ARoominthePalace。)

[EnterEmiliaalone,with2。Pictures。]

EMILIA。

YetImaybindethosewoundsup,thatmustopenAndbleedtodeathformysakeelse;Ilechoose,Andendtheirstrife:TwosuchyonghansommenShallneverfallforme,theirweepingMothers,FollowingthedeadcoldashesoftheirSonnes,Shallnevercursemycruelty。Goodheaven,WhatasweetfacehasArcite!ifwisenature,Withallherbestendowments,allthosebeutiesShesowesintothebirthesofnoblebodies,Werehereamortallwoman,andhadinherThecoydeniallsofyongMaydes,yetdoubtles,Shewouldrunmadforthisman:whataneye,Ofwhatafyrysparkle,andquicksweetnes,HasthisyongPrince!HereLovehimselfesitssmyling,IustsuchanotherwantonGanimeadSetJoveafirewith,andenforcdthegodSnatchupthegoodlyBoy,andsethimbyhimAshiningconstellation:Whatabrow,OfwhataspaciousMajesty,hecarries!

Arch’dlikethegreateydIuno’s,butfarsweeter,SmootherthenPelopsShoulder!Fameandhonour,Methinks,fromhence,asfromaPromontoryPointedinheaven,shouldclaptheirwings,andsingToalltheunderworldtheLovesandFightsOfgods,andsuchmenneere’em。PalamonIsbuthisfoyle,tohimameeredullshadow:

Hee’sswarthandmeagre,ofaneyeasheavyAsifhehadlosthismother;astilltemper,Nostirringinhim,noalacrity,Ofallthissprightlysharpenesnotasmile;

Yetthesethatwecounterroursmaybecomehim:

NarcissuswasasadBoy,butaheavenly:——

Ohwhocanfindethebentofwomansfancy?

IamaFoole,myreasonislostinme;

Ihavenochoice,andIhavely’dsolewdlyThatwomenoughttobeateme。OnmykneesIaskethypardon,Palamon;thouartalone,Andonlybeutifull,andthesetheeyes,Thesethebrightlampsofbeauty,thatcommandAndthreatenLove,andwhatyongMayddarecrosse’em?

Whataboldgravity,andyetinviting,Hasthisbrownemanlyface!OLove,thisonlyFromthishowreisComplexion:Lyethere,Arcite,Thouartachanglingtohim,ameereGipsey,AndthisthenobleBodie。Iamsotted,Vtterlylost:MyVirginsfaithhasfledme;

Forifmybrotherbutevennowhadask’dmeWhetherIlov’d,IhadrunmadforArcite;

Now,ifmySister,MoreforPalamon。

Standbothtogether:Now,comeaskeme,Brother。——

Alas,Iknownot!Askemenow,sweetSister;——

Imaygoelooke。WhatameerechildisFancie,That,havingtwofairegawdesofequallsweetnesse,Cannotdistinguish,butmustcrieforboth。

[Enter(a)Gent(leman。)]

EMILIA。

Hownow,Sir?

GENTLEMAN。

FromtheNobleDukeyourBrother,Madam,Ibringyounewes:TheKnightsarecome。

EMILIA。

Toendthequarrell?

GENTLEMAN。

Yes。

EMILIA。

WouldImightendfirst:

WhatsinneshaveIcommitted,chastDiana,ThatmyunspottedyouthmustnowbesoyldWithbloodofPrinces?andmyChastitieBemadetheAltar,wherethelivesofLovers(TwogreaterandtwobetterneveryetMademothersjoy)mustbethesacrificeTomyunhappyBeautie?

[EnterTheseus,Hipolita,Perithousandattendants。]

THESEUS。

Bring’eminQuickly,Byanymeanes;Ilongtosee’em。——

YourtwocontendingLoversarereturn’d,AndwiththemtheirfaireKnights:Now,myfaireSister,Youmustloveoneofthem。

EMILIA。

Ihadratherboth,Soneitherformysakeshouldfalluntimely。

[EnterMessenger。(Curtis。)]

THESEUS。

Whosaw’em?

PERITHOUS。

I,awhile。

GENTLEMAN。

AndI。

THESEUS。

Fromwhencecomeyou,Sir?

MESSENGER。

FromtheKnights。

THESEUS。

Pray,speake,Youthathaveseenethem,whattheyare。

MESSENGER。

Iwill,Sir,AndtrulywhatIthinke:SixbraverspiritsThenthesetheyhavebrought,(ifwejudgebytheoutside)

Ineversaw,norreadof。HethatstandsInthefirstplacewithArcite,byhisseeming,Shouldbeastoutman,byhisfaceaPrince,(Hisverylookessosayhim)hiscomplexion,Nearerabrowne,thanblacke,sterne,andyetnoble,Whichsheweshimhardy,fearelesse,proudofdangers:

Thecirclesofhiseyesshowfirewithinhim,AndasaheatedLyon,sohelookes;

Hishairehangslongbehindhim,blackeandshiningLikeRavenswings:hisshouldersbroadandstrong,Armdlongandround,andonhisThighaSwordHungbyacuriousBauldricke,whenhefrownesTosealehiswillwith:better,o’myconscienceWasneverSouldiersfriend。

THESEUS。

Thouha’stwelldescribdehim。

PERITHOUS。

Yetagreatdealeshort,Methinkes,ofhimthat’sfirstwithPalamon。

THESEUS。

Pray,speakehim,friend。

PERITHOUS。

IghesseheisaPrincetoo,And,ifitmaybe,greater;forhisshowHasalltheornamentofhonourin’t:

Hee’ssomewhatbigger,thentheKnighthespokeof,Butofafacefarsweeter;HiscomplexionIs(asaripegrape)ruddy:hehasfelt,Withoutdoubt,whathefightsfor,andsoapterTomakethiscausehisowne:In’sfaceappearesAllthefairehopesofwhatheundertakes,Andwhenhe’sangry,thenasetledvalour(Nottaintedwithextreames)runsthroughhisbody,Andguideshisarmetobravethings:Fearehecannot,Heshewesnosuchsofttemper;hishead’syellow,Hardhayr’d,andcurld,thicketwindlikeIvytods,Nottoundoewiththunder;InhisfaceTheliverieofthewarlikeMaideappeares,Purered,andwhite,foryetnobeardhasblesthim。

Andinhisrowlingeyessitsvictory,Asifsheevermenttocourthisvalour:

HisNosestandshigh,aCharacterofhonour。

Hisredlips,afterfights,arefitforLadies。

EMILIA。

Mustthesemendietoo?

PERITHOUS。

Whenhespeakes,histongueSoundslikeaTrumpet;AllhislyneamentsAreasamanwouldwish’em,strongandcleane,Hewearesawell—steeldAxe,thestaffeofgold;

Hisagesomefiveandtwenty。

MESSENGER。

Ther’sanother,Alittleman,butofatoughsoule,seemingAsgreatasany:fairerpromisesInsuchaBodyyetIneverlook’don。

PERITHOUS。

O,hethat’sfrecklefac’d?

MESSENGER。

Thesame,myLord;

Aretheynotsweetones?

PERITHOUS。

Yes,theyarewell。

MESSENGER。

Methinkes,Beingsofew,andwelldisposd,theyshowGreat,andfineartinnature:he’swhitehair’d,Notwantonwhite,butsuchamanlycolourNexttoanaborne;tough,andnimbleset,Whichshowesanactivesoule;hisarmesarebrawny,Lindewithstrongsinewes:TotheshoulderpeeceGentlytheyswell,likewomennewconceav’d,Whichspeakeshimpronetolabour,neverfaintingVnderthewaightofArmes;stoutharted,still,Butwhenhestirs,aTiger;he’sgrayeyd,Whichyeeldscompassionwhereheconquers:sharpeTospyadvantages,andwherehefinds’em,He’sswifttomake’emhis:Hedo’snowrongs,Nortakesnone;he’sroundfac’d,andwhenhesmilesHeshowesaLover,whenhefrownes,aSouldier:

Abouthisheadhewearesthewinnersoke,AndinitstuckethefavourofhisLady:

Hisage,somesixandthirtie。InhishandHebearesachargingStaffe,embostwithsilver。

THESEUS。

Aretheyallthus?

PERITHOUS。

Theyareallthesonnesofhonour。

THESEUS。

Now,asIhaveasoule,Ilongtosee’em。

Lady,youshallseemenfightnow。

HIPPOLITA。

Iwishit,Butnotthecause,myLord;TheywouldshowBravelyabouttheTitlesoftwoKingdomes;

TispittyLoveshouldbesotyrannous:

OmysofthartedSister,whatthinkeyou?

Weepenot,tilltheyweepeblood,Wench;itmustbe。

THESEUS。

Youhavesteel’d’emwithyourBeautie。——HonordFriend,ToyouIgivetheFeild;pray,orderitFittingthepersonsthatmustuseit。

PERITHOUS。

Yes,Sir。

THESEUS。

Come,Ilegoevisit’em:Icannotstay,Theirfamehasfir’dmeso;Tilltheyappeare。

GoodFriend,beroyall。

PERITHOUS。

Thereshallwantnobravery。

EMILIA。

Poorewench,goeweepe,forwhosoeverwins,LoosesanobleCosenforthysins。[Exeunt。]

Scaena3。(Aroomintheprison。)

[EnterIailor,Wooer,Doctor。]

DOCTOR。

HerdistractionismoreatsometimeoftheMoone,thenatothersome,isitnot?

IAILOR。

Sheiscontinuallyinaharmelessedistemper,sleepeslittle,altogetherwithoutappetite,saveoftendrinking,dreamingofanotherworld,andabetter;andwhatbrokenpeeceofmatterso’ereshe’sabout,thenamePalamonlardesit,thatshefarcesev’rybusineswithall,fytsittoeveryquestion。——

[EnterDaughter。]

Lookewheresheecomes,youshallperceiveherbehaviour。

DAUGHTER。

Ihaveforgotitquite;Theburdenon’t,wasDOWNEA,DOWNEA,andpendbynoworseman,thenGiraldo,EmiliasSchoolemaster;

he’sasFantasticalltoo,aseverhemaygoeupon’slegs,——forinthenextworldwillDidoseePalamon,andthenwillshebeoutoflovewithEneas。

DOCTOR。

Whatstuff’shere?poresoule!

IAILOR。

Ev’nthusalldaylong。

DAUGHTER。

NowforthisCharme,thatItoldyouof:youmustbringapeeceofsilveronthetipofyourtongue,ornoferry:then,ifitbeyourchancetocomewheretheblessedspirits,asther’sasightnow——wemaidsthathaveourLyversperish’d,crakttopeeceswithLove,weshallcomethere,anddoenothingalldaylongbutpickeflowerswithProserpine;thenwillImakePalamonaNosegay;thenlethimmarkeme,——then——

DOCTOR。

Howprettilyshe’samisse?noteheralittlefurther。

DAUGHTER。

Faith,iletellyou,sometimewegoetoBarlybreake,weoftheblessed;alas,tisasorelifetheyhavei’thotherplace,suchburning,frying,boyling,hissing,howling,chattring,cursing,ohtheyhaveshrowdmeasure!takeheede;ifonebemad,orhangordrownethemselves,thithertheygoe,Iupiterblessevs,andthereshallwebeputinaCaldronoflead,andVsurersgrease,amongstawholemillionofcutpurses,andthereboylelikeaGamonofBaconthatwillneverbeenough。[Exit。]

DOCTOR。

Howherbrainecoynes!

DAUGHTER。

LordsandCourtiers,thathavegotmaidswithChild,theyareinthisplace:theyshallstandinfireuptotheNav’le,andinyceupto’thhart,andthereth’offendingpartburnes,andthedeceavingpartfreezes;introth,averygreevouspunishment,asonewouldthinke,forsuchaTrifle;beleveme,onewouldmarryaleaprouswitch,toberidon’t,Ileassureyou。

DOCTOR。

Howshecontinuesthisfancie!TisnotanengraffedMadnesse,butamostthicke,andprofoundmellencholly。

DAUGHTER。

TohearethereaproudLady,andaproudCittywiffe,howletogether!Iwereabeastandil’dcallitgoodsport:onecries,’Othissmoake!’another,’thisfire!’Onecries,’O,thateverIdiditbehindthearras!’andthenhowles;th’othercursesasuingfellowandhergardenhouse。[Sings]Iwillbetrue,mystars,myfate,&c。[ExitDaugh。]

IAILOR。

Whatthinkeyouofher,Sir?

DOCTOR。

Ithinkeshehasaperturbedminde,whichIcannotministerto。

IAILOR。

Alas,whatthen?

DOCTOR。

Vnderstandyou,sheeveraffectedanyman,ereshebeheldPalamon?

IAILOR。

Iwasonce,Sir,ingreathopeshehadfixdherlikingonthisgentleman,myfriend。

WOOER。

Ididthinkesotoo,andwouldaccountIhadagreatpen—worthon’t,togivehalfemystate,thatbothsheandIatthispresentstoodunfainedlyonthesametearmes。

DOCTOR。

Thatintempratsurfeitofhereyehathdistemperdtheothersences:

theymayreturneandsettleagainetoexecutetheirpreordaindfaculties,buttheyarenowinamostextravagantvagary。Thisyoumustdoe:Confinehertoaplace,wherethelightmayratherseemetostealein,thenbepermitted;takevponyou(yongSir,herfriend)thenameofPalamon;sayyoucometoeatewithher,andtocommuneofLove;thiswillcatchherattention,forthishermindebeatesupon;otherobjectsthatareinsertedtweenehermindeandeyebecometheprankesandfriskinsofhermadnes;SingtohersuchgreenesongsofLove,asshesayesPalamonhathsunginprison;Cometoher,stuckeinassweetflowersastheseasonismistresof,andtheretomakeanadditionofsomothercompoundedodours,whicharegratefultothesence:allthisshallbecomePalamon,forPalamoncansing,andPalamonissweet,andev’rygoodthing:desiretoeatewithher,carveher,drinketoher,andstillamong,intermingleyourpetitionofgraceandacceptanceintoherfavour:LearnewhatMaideshavebeenehercompanionsandplay—pheeres,andletthemrepairetoherwithPalamonintheirmouthes,andappearewithtokens,asiftheysuggestedforhim。

Itisafalsehoodsheisin,whichiswithfalsehoodtobecombated。

Thismaybringhertoeate,tosleepe,andreducewhat’snowoutofsquareinher,intotheirformerlaw,andregiment;Ihaveseeneitapproved,howmanytimesIknownot,buttomakethenumbermore,Ihavegreathopeinthis。Iwill,betweenethepassagesofthisproject,comeinwithmyapplyance:Letusputitinexecution,andhastenthesuccesse,which,doubtnot,willbringforthcomfort。[Florish。Exeunt。]

ActusQuintusScaena1。(BeforetheTemplesofMars,Venus,andDiana。)

[EnterThesius,Perithous,Hipolita,attendants。]

THESEUS。

Nowlet’ementer,andbeforethegodsTendertheirholyprayers:LettheTemplesBurnebrightwithsacredfires,andtheAltarsInhallowedcloudscommendtheirswellingIncenseTothoseaboveus:Letnoduebewanting;[FlorishofCornets。]

Theyhaveanobleworkeinhand,willhonourTheverypowersthatlove’em。

[EnterPalamonandArcite,andtheirKnights。]

PERITHOUS。

Sir,theyenter。

THESEUS。

YouvaliantandstronghartedEnemies,YouroyallGermanfoes,thatthisdaycomeToblowthatfurnesseoutthatflamesbetweeneye:

Laybyyourangerforanhoure,anddove—like,BeforetheholyAltarsofyourhelpers,(Theallfeardgods)bowdowneyourstubbornebodies。

Yourireismorethanmortall;Soyourhelpebe,Andasthegodsregardye,fightwithIustice;

Ileleaveyoutoyourprayers,andbetwixtyeIpartmywishes。

PERITHOUS。

Honourcrownetheworthiest。[ExitTheseus,andhistraine。]

PALAMON。

TheglasseisrunningnowthatcannotfinishTilloneofusexpire:Thinkeyoubutthus,ThatwerethereoughtinmewhichstrovetoshowMineenemyinthisbusinesse,wer’toneeyeAgainstanother,ArmeopprestbyArme,Iwoulddestroyth’offender,Coz,Iwould,Thoughparcellofmyselfe:ThenfromthisgatherHowIshouldtenderyou。

ARCITE。

IaminlabourTopushyourname,yourauncientlove,ourkindredOutofmymemory;andi’thselfesameplaceToseatesomethingIwouldconfound:SohoystweThesayles,thatmustthesevessellsportevenwhereTheheavenlyLymiterpleases。

PALAMON。

Youspeakewell;

BeforeIturne,Letmeembracethee,Cosen:

ThisIshallneverdoeagen。

ARCITE。

Onefarewell。

PALAMON。

Why,letitbeso:Farewell,Coz。[ExeuntPalamonandhisKnights。]

ARCITE。

Farewell,Sir。——

Knights,Kinsemen,Lovers,yea,mySacrifices,TrueworshippersofMars,whosespiritinyouExpellstheseedesoffeare,andth’apprehensionWhichstillisfartheroffit,GoewithmeBeforethegodofourprofession:ThereRequireofhimtheheartsofLyons,andThebreathofTigers,yea,thefearcenessetoo,Yea,thespeedalso,——togoeon,Imeane,ElsewishwetobeSnayles:youknowmyprizeMustbedrag’doutofblood;forceandgreatfeateMustputmyGarlandon,whereshestickesTheQueeneofFlowers:ourintercessionthenMustbetohimthatmakestheCampeaCestronBrymdwiththebloodofmen:givemeyouraideAndbendyourspiritstowardshim。[Theykneele。]

Thoumightyone,thatwiththypowerhastturndGreeneNeptuneintopurple,(whoseApproach)

Cometsprewarne,whosehavockeinvasteFeildVnearthedskullsproclaime,whosebreathblowesdowne,TheteemingCeresfoyzon,whodothpluckeWithhandarmypotentfromforthblewclowdesThemasondTurrets,thatbothmak’standbreak’stThestonygirthesofCitties:methypuple,YongestfollowerofthyDrom,instructthisdayWithmilitaryskill,thattothylawdeImayadvancemyStreamer,andbythee,Bestil’dtheLordo’thday:giveme,greatMars,Sometokenofthypleasure。

[Heretheyfallontheirfacesasformerly,andthereisheardclangingofArmor,withashortThunderastheburstofaBattaile,whereupontheyallriseandbowtotheAltar。]

OGreatCorrectorofenormoustimes,Shakerofore—rankStates,thougranddeciderOfdustieandoldtytles,thathealstwithbloodTheearthwhenitissicke,andcursttheworldO’thpluresieofpeople;IdoetakeThysignesauspiciously,andinthynameTomydesignemarchboldly。Letusgoe。[Exeunt。]

[EnterPalamonandhisKnights,withtheformerobservance。]

PALAMON。

Ourstarsmustglisterwithnewfire,orbeTodaieextinct;ourargumentislove,Whichifthegoddesseofitgrant,shegivesVictorytoo:thenblendyourspiritswithmine,You,whosefreenoblenessedoemakemycauseYourpersonallhazard;tothegoddesseVenusCommendweourproceeding,andimploreHerpoweruntoourpartie。[Heretheykneeleasformerly。]

Haile,SoveraigneQueeneofsecrets,whohastpowerTocallthefeircestTyrantfromhisrage,AndweepeuntoaGirle;thatha’stthemight,Evenwithaney—glance,tochokeMarsisDromAndturneth’allarmetowhispers;thatcanstmakeACripleflorishwithhisCrutch,andcurehimBeforeApollo;thatmay’stforcetheKingTobehissubjectsvassaile,andinduceStalegravitietodaunce;thepouldBachelour——

Whoseyouth,likewontonBoyesthroughBonfyres,Haveskiptthyflame——atseaventythoucanstcatchAndmakehim,tothescorneofhishoarsethroate,Abuseyonglaiesoflove:whatgodlikepowerHastthounotpowerupon?ToPhoebusthouAdd’stflameshotterthenhis;theheavenlyfyresDidscortchhismortallSon,thinehim;thehuntresseAllmoystandcold,somesay,begantothrowHerBowaway,andsigh。TaketothygraceMe,thyvowdSouldier,whodoebearethyyokeAst’werawreathofRoses,yetisheavierThenLeaditselfe,stingsmorethanNettles。

Ihaveneverbeenefoulemouthdagainstthylaw,Nev’rrevealdsecret,forIknewnone——wouldnot,HadIkendallthatwere;IneverpractisedVponmanswife,norwouldtheLibellsreadeOfliberallwits;IneveratgreatfeastesSoughttobetrayaBeautie,buthaveblush’dAtsimpringSirsthatdid;IhavebeeneharshTolargeConfessors,andhavehotlyask’dthemIftheyhadMothers:Ihadone,awoman,Andwoment’wertheywrong’d。IknewamanOfeightiewinters,thisItoldthem,whoALasseoffoureteenebrided;twasthypowerToputlifeintodust;theagedCrampeHadscrew’dhissquarefooteround,TheGouthadknithisfingersintoknots,TorturingConvulsionsfromhisglobieeyes,Hadalmostdrawnetheirspheeres,thatwhatwaslifeInhimseem’dtorture:thisAnatomieHadbyhisyongfairepheareaBoy,andI

Beleev’ditwashim,forshesworeitwas,Andwhowouldnotbeleeveher?briefe,IamTothosethatprateandhavedonenoCompanion;

Tothosethatboastandhavenotadefyer;

TothosethatwouldandcannotaRejoycer。

Yea,himIdoenotlove,thattellscloseofficesThefowlestway,nornamesconcealementsinTheboldestlanguage:suchaoneIam,AndvowthatloverneveryetmadesighTruerthenI。O,then,mostsoft,sweetgoddesse,Givemethevictoryofthisquestion,whichIstruelovesmerit,andblessemewithasigneOfthygreatpleasure。

[HereMusickeisheard,Dovesareseenetoflutter;theyfallagaineupontheirfaces,thenontheirknees。]

PALAMON。

Othou,thatfromeleventoninetieraign’stInmortallbosomes,whosechaseisthisworld,Andweinheardsthygame:IgivetheethankesForthisfaireToken,which,beinglayduntoMineinnocenttrueheart,armesinassurance[Theybow。]

Mybodytothisbusinesse。LetusriseAndbowbeforethegoddesse:Timecomeson。[Exeunt。]

[StillMusickeofRecords。]

[EnterEmiliainwhite,herhaireabouthershoulders,(wearing)awheatenwreath:Oneinwhiteholdinguphertraine,herhairestuckewithflowers:OnebeforehercarryingasilverHynde,inwhichisconveydIncenseandsweetodours,whichbeingsetupontheAltar(ofDiana)hermaidesstandingaloofe,shesetsfiretoit;thentheycurtseyandkneele。]

EMILIA。

Osacred,shadowie,coldandconstantQueene,AbandonerofRevells,mute,contemplative,Sweet,solitary,whiteaschaste,andpureAswindefandSnow,whotothyfemallknightsAlow’stnomorebloodthanwillmakeablush,Whichistheirordersrobe:Iheere,thyPriest,AmhumbledforethineAltar;Ovouchsafe,Withthatthyraregreeneeye,whichneveryetBeheldthingmaculate,lookeonthyvirgin;

And,sacredsilverMistris,lendthineeare(Whichnev’rheardscurrillterme,intowhoseportNe’reentredwantonfound,)tomypetitionSeasondwithholyfeare:ThisismylastOfvestalloffice;Iambridehabited,Butmaydenharted,ahusbandIhavepointed,Butdoenotknowhim;outoftwoIshouldChooseoneandprayforhissuccesse,butI

Amguiltlesseofelection:ofmineeyes,WereItolooseone,theyareequallprecious,Icoulddoombeneither,thatwhichperish’dshouldGoetoo’tunsentenc’d:Therefore,mostmodestQueene,HeofthetwoPretenders,thatbestlovesmeAndhasthetruesttitlein’t,LethimTakeoffmywheatenGerland,orelsegrantThefyleandqualitieIhold,ImayContinueinthyBand。

[HeretheHyndevanishesundertheAltar:andintheplaceascendsaRoseTree,havingoneRoseuponit。]

SeewhatourGenerallofEbbsandFlowesOutfromthebowellsofherholyAltarWithsacredactadvances!ButoneRose:

Ifwellinspird,thisBattaileshalconfoundBoththesebraveKnights,andI,avirginflowreMustgrowaloneunpluck’d。

[HereisheardasodainetwangofInstruments,andtheRosefals\\

fromtheTree(whichvanishesunderthealtar。)]

Theflowreisfalne,theTreedescends:O,Mistris,Thouheredischargestme;Ishallbegather’d:

Ithinkeso,butIknownotthineownewill;

VnclaspethyMisterie。——Ihopeshe’spleas’d,HerSignesweregratious。[TheycurtseyandExeunt。]

Scaena2。(AdarkenedRoominthePrison。)

[EnterDoctor,IaylorandWooer,inhabiteofPalamon。]

DOCTOR。

HasthisadviceItoldyou,doneanygooduponher?

WOOER。

Overymuch;ThemaidsthatkepthercompanyHavehalfeperswadedherthatIamPalamon;

Withinthishalfehoureshecamesmilingtome,AndaskedmewhatIwouldeate,andwhenIwouldkisseher:

Itoldherpresently,andkisthertwice。

DOCTOR。

Twaswelldone;twentietimeshadbinfarbetter,Fortherethecureliesmainely。

WOOER。

ThenshetoldmeShewouldwatchwithmetonight,forwellsheknewWhathouremyfitwouldtakeme。

DOCTOR。

Letherdoeso,Andwhenyourfitcomes,fitherhome,Andpresently。

WOOER。

Shewouldhavemesing。

DOCTOR。

Youdidso?

WOOER。

No。

DOCTOR。

Twasveryilldone,then;

Youshouldobserveherev’ryway。

WOOER。

Alas,Ihavenovoice,Sir,toconfirmeherthatway。

DOCTOR。

That’sallone,ifyeemakeanoyse;

Ifsheintreateagaine,doeanything,——

Lyewithher,ifsheaskeyou。

IAILOR。

Hoa,there,Doctor!

DOCTOR。

Yes,inthewaieofcure。

IAILOR。

Butfirst,byyourleave,I’thwayofhonestie。

DOCTOR。

That’sbutanicenesse,Nev’rcastyourchildawayforhonestie;

Cureherfirstthisway,thenifsheewillbehonest,Shehasthepathbeforeher。

IAILOR。

Thankeyee,Doctor。

DOCTOR。

Pray,bringherin,Andlet’sseehowsheeis。

IAILOR。

Iwill,andtellherHerPalamonstaiesforher:But,Doctor,Methinkesyouarei’thwrongstill。[ExitIaylor。]

DOCTOR。

Goe,goe:

YouFathersarefineFooles:herhonesty?

Andweshouldgiveherphysicketillwefindethat——

WOOER。

Why,doeyouthinkesheisnothonest,Sir?

DOCTOR。

Howoldisshe?

WOOER。

She’seighteene。

DOCTOR。

Shemaybe,Butthat’sallone;tisnothingtoourpurpose。

WhatereherFathersaies,ifyouperceaveHermoodeincliningthatwaythatIspokeof,Videlicet,thewayofflesh——youhaveme?

WOOER。

Yet,verywell,Sir。

DOCTOR。

Pleaseherappetite,Anddoeithome;itcuresher,ipsofacto,Themellenchollyhumourthatinfectsher。

WOOER。

Iamofyourminde,Doctor。

[EnterIaylor,Daughter,Maide。]

DOCTOR。

You’lfindeitso;shecomes,prayhumourher。

IAILOR。

Come,yourLovePalamonstaiesforyou,childe,Andhasdonethislonghoure,tovisiteyou。

DAUGHTER。

Ithankehimforhisgentlepatience;

He’sakindGentleman,andIammuchboundtohim。

Didyounev’rseethehorsehegaveme?

IAILOR。

Yes。

DAUGHTER。

Howdoeyoulikehim?

IAILOR。

He’saveryfaireone。

DAUGHTER。

Youneversawhimdance?

IAILOR。

No。

DAUGHTER。

Ihaveoften。

Hedauncesveryfinely,verycomely,AndforaIigge,comecutandlongtailetohim,HeturnesyelikeaTop。

IAILOR。

That’sfine,indeede。

DAUGHTER。

Hee’ldancetheMorristwentymileanhoure,Andthatwillfounderthebesthobby—horse(IfIhaveanyskill)inalltheparish,AndgallopstotheturneofLIGHTA’LOVE:

Whatthinkeyouofthishorse?

IAILOR。

Havingthesevertues,IthinkehemightbebroghttoplayatTennis。

DAUGHTER。

Alas,that’snothing。

IAILOR。

Canhewriteandreadetoo?

DAUGHTER。

Averyfairehand,andcastshimselfeth’accountsOfallhishayandprovender:ThatHostlerMustrisebetimethatcozenshim。YouknowTheChestnutMaretheDukehas?

IAILOR。

Verywell。

DAUGHTER。

Sheishorriblyinlovewithhim,poorebeast,Butheislikehismaster,coyandscornefull。

IAILOR。

Whatdowryhasshe?

DAUGHTER。

SometwohundredBottles,AndtwentystrikeofOates;buthee’lne’rehaveher;

Helispesin’sneighing,abletoenticeAMillarsMare:Hee’lbethedeathofher。

DOCTOR。

Whatstuffesheutters!

IAILOR。

Makecurtsie;hereyourlovecomes。

WOOER。

Prettysoule,Howdoeye?that’safinemaide,ther’sacurtsie!

DAUGHTER。

Yourstocommandithwayofhonestie。

Howfaris’tnowto’thendo’thworld,myMasters?

DOCTOR。

Why,adaiesIorney,wench。

DAUGHTER。

Willyougoewithme?

WOOER。

Whatshallwedoethere,wench?

DAUGHTER。

Why,playatstooleball:

Whatisthereelsetodoe?

WOOER。

Iamcontent,Ifweshallkeepeourweddingthere。

DAUGHTER。

Tistrue:

Forthere,Iwillassureyou,weshallfindeSomeblindPriestforthepurpose,thatwillventureTomarryus,forheretheyarenice,andfoolish;

Besides,myfathermustbehang’dtomorrowAndthatwouldbeabloti’thbusinesse。

ArenotyouPalamon?

WOOER。

Doenotyouknowme?

DAUGHTER。

Yes,butyoucarenotforme;IhavenothingButthisporepetticoate,andtoocorseSmockes。

WOOER。

That’sallone;Iwillhaveyou。

DAUGHTER。

Willyousurely?

WOOER。

Yes,bythisfairehand,willI。

DAUGHTER。

Wee’ltobed,then。

WOOER。

Ev’nwhenyouwill。[Kissesher。]

DAUGHTER。

OSir,youwouldfainebenibling。

WOOER。

Whydoeyourubmykisseoff?

DAUGHTER。

Tisasweetone,Andwillperfumemefinelyagainstthewedding。

IsnotthisyourCosenArcite?

DOCTOR。

Yes,sweetheart,AndIamgladmyCosenPalamonHasmadesofaireachoice。

DAUGHTER。

Doeyouthinkehee’lhaveme?

DOCTOR。

Yes,withoutdoubt。

DAUGHTER。

Doeyouthinkesotoo?

IAILOR。

Yes。

DAUGHTER。

Weshallhavemanychildren:——Lord,howy’argrowne!

MyPalamon,Ihope,willgrow,too,finely,Nowhe’satliberty:Alas,pooreChicken,Hewaskeptdownewithhardmeateandilllodging,Butilekissehimupagaine。

[EmteraMessenger。]

MESSENGER。

Whatdoeyouhere?you’lloosethenoblestsightThatev’rwasseene。

IAILOR。

Aretheyi’thField?

MESSENGER。

Theyare。

Youbeareachargetheretoo。

IAILOR。

Ileawaystraight。

Imustev’nleaveyouhere。

DOCTOR。

Nay,wee’lgoewithyou;

IwillnotloosetheFight。

IAILOR。

Howdidyoulikeher?

DOCTOR。

Ilewarrantyou,withinthese3。or4。daiesIlemakeherrightagaine。Youmustnotfromher,Butstillpreserveherinthisway。

WOOER。

Iwill。

DOCTOR。

Letsgetherin。

WOOER。

Come,sweete,wee’lgoetodinner;

AndthenweeleplayatCardes。

DAUGHTER。

Andshallwekissetoo?

WOOER。

Ahundredtimes。

DAUGHTER。

Andtwenty。

WOOER。

I,andtwenty。

DAUGHTER。

Andthenwee’lsleepetogether。

DOCTOR。

Takeheroffer。

WOOER。

Yes,marry,willwe。

DAUGHTER。

Butyoushallnothurtme。

WOOER。

Iwillnot,sweete。

DAUGHTER。

Ifyoudoe,Love,ilecry。[Florish。Exeunt]

Scaena3。(APlaceneartheLists。)

[EnterTheseus,Hipolita,Emilia,Perithous:andsomeAttendants,(T。Tucke:Curtis。)]

EMILIA。

Ilenostepfurther。

PERITHOUS。

Willyouloosethissight?

EMILIA。

IhadratherseeawrenhawkeataflyThenthisdecision;ev’ryblowthatfallsThreatsabravelife,eachstroakelamentsTheplacewhereonitfals,andsoundsmorelikeABellthenblade:Iwillstayhere;

ItisenoughmyhearingshallbepunishdWithwhatshallhappen——gainstthewhichthereisNodeaffing,buttoheare——nottaintmineeyeWithdreadsights,itmayshun。

PERITHOUS。

Sir,mygoodLord,YourSisterwillnofurther。

THESEUS。

Oh,shemust。

Sheshallseedeedsofhonourintheirkinde,Whichsometimeshowwell,pencild。NaturenowShallmakeandacttheStory,thebeleifeBothsealdwitheyeandeare;youmustbepresent,Youarethevictoursmeede,theprice,andgarlondTocrownetheQuestionstitle。

EMILIA。

Pardonme;

IfIwerethere,I’ldwinke。

THESEUS。

Youmustbethere;

ThisTryallisast’weri’thnight,andyouTheonelystartoshine。

EMILIA。

Iamextinct;

Thereisbutenvyinthatlight,whichshowesTheonetheother:darkenes,whicheverwasThedamofhorrour,whodo’sstandaccurstOfmanymortallMillions,mayevennow,Bycastingherblackemantleoverboth,Thatneithercouldefindeother,getherselfeSomepartofagoodname,andmanyamurtherSetoffwhertoshe’sguilty。

HIPPOLITA。

Youmustgoe。

EMILIA。

Infaith,Iwillnot。

THESEUS。

Why,theknightsmustkindleTheirvalouratyoureye:know,ofthiswarYouaretheTreasure,andmustneedesbebyTogivetheServicepay。

EMILIA。

Sir,pardonme;

ThetytleofakingdomemaybetrideOutofitselfe。

THESEUS。

Well,well,then,atyourpleasure;

ThosethatremainewithyoucouldwishtheirofficeToanyoftheirEnemies。

HIPPOLITA。

Farewell,Sister;

IamliketoknowyourhusbandforeyourselfeBysomesmallstartoftime:hewhomthegodsDoeofthetwoknowbest,IpraythemheBemadeyourLot。

[ExeuntTheseus,Hipolita,Perithous,&c。]

EMILIA。

Arciteisgentlyvisagd;yethiseyeIslikeanEngynbent,orasharpeweaponInasoftsheath;mercyandmanlycourageArebedfellowesinhisvisage。PalamonHasamostmenacingaspect:hisbrowIsgrav’d,andseemestoburywhatitfrowneson;

Yetsometimetisnotso,butalterstoThequallityofhisthoughts;longtimehiseyeWilldwelluponhisobject。MellenchollyBecomeshimnobly;Sodo’sArcitesmirth,ButPalamonssadnesisakindeofmirth,Somingled,asifmirthdidmakehimsad,Andsadnes,merry;thosedarkerhumoursthatStickemisbecominglyonothers,onthemLiveinfairedwelling。[Cornets。Trompetssoundastoacharge。]

Harke,howyonspurstospiritdoeinciteThePrincestotheirproofe!Arcitemaywinme,AndyetmayPalamonwoundArcitetoThespoylingofhisfigure。O,whatpittyEnoughforsuchachance;ifIwereby,Imightdoehurt,fortheywouldglancetheireiesTowardmySeat,andinthatmotionmightOmitaward,orforfeitanoffenceWhichcrav’dthatverytime:itismuchbetterIamnotthere;ohbetterneverborneThenministertosuchharme。[Cornets。Agreatcryandnoicewithin,crying’aPalamon’。]Whatisthechance?

[EnterServant。]

SERVANT。

TheCrie’s’aPalamon’。

EMILIA。

Thenhehaswon!Twaseverlikely;

Helookdallgraceandsuccesse,andheisDoubtlessetheprim’stofmen:Ipre’thee,runAndtellmehowitgoes。[Showt,andCornets:Crying,’aPalamon。’]

SERVANT。

StillPalamon。

EMILIA。

Runandenquire。PooreServant,thouhastlost;

VponmyrightsidestillIworethypicture,Palamonsontheleft:whyso,Iknownot;

Ihadnoendin’telse,chancewouldhaveitso。

Onthesinistersidetheheartlyes;PalamonHadthebestbodingchance。[Anothercry,andshowtwithin,andCornets。]ThisburstofclamourIssureth’endo’thCombat。

[EnterServant。]

SERVANT。

TheysaidethatPalamonhadArcitesbodyWithinanincho’thPyramid,thatthecryWasgenerall’aPalamon’:But,anon,Th’Assistantsmadeabraveredemption,andThetwoboldTytlers,atthisinstantareHandtohandatit。

EMILIA。

WeretheymetamorphisdBothintoone!ohwhy?therewerenowomanWorthsocomposdaMan:theirsingleshare,Theirnoblenespeculiertothem,givesTheprejudiceofdisparity,valuesshortnes,[Cornets。Crywithin,Arcite,Arcite。]

ToanyLadybreathing——Moreexulting?

Palamonstill?

SERVANT。

Nay,nowthesoundisArcite。

EMILIA。

Ipre’thee,layattentiontotheCry,[Cornets。Agreatshowtandcry,’Arcite,victory!’]

Setboththineearesto’thbusines。

SERVANT。

Thecryis’Arcite’,and’victory’,harke:’Arcite,victory!’

TheCombatsconsummationisproclaim’dBythewindInstruments。

EMILIA。

HalfesightssawThatArcitewasnobabe;god’slyd,hisrichnesAndcostlinesofspiritlook’tthroughhim,itcouldNomorebehidinhimthenfireinflax,Thenhumblebanckescangoetolawwithwaters,Thatdriftwindesforcetoraging:IdidthinkeGoodPalamonwouldmiscarry;yetIknewnotWhyIdidthinkeso;Ourreasonsarenotprophets,Whenoftourfanciesare。Theyarecommingoff:

Alas,poorePalamon![Cornets。]

[EnterTheseus,Hipolita,Pirithous,Arciteasvictor,andattendants,&c。]

THESEUS。

Lo,whereourSisterisinexpectation,Yetquaking,andunsetled。——FairestEmily,ThegodsbytheirdivinearbitramentHavegivenyouthisKnight;heisagoodoneAseverstrookeathead。Givemeyourhands;

Receiveyouher,youhim;beplightedwithAlovethatgrowes,asyoudecay。

ARCITE。

Emily,Tobuyyou,Ihavelostwhat’sdeeresttome,Savewhatisbought,andyetIpurchasecheapely,AsIdoerateyourvalue。

THESEUS。

OlovedSister,HespeakesnowofasbraveaKnightasereDidspuranobleSteed:Surely,thegodsWouldhavehimdieaBatchelour,leasthisraceShouldshewi’thworldtoogodlike:HisbehaviourSocharmedme,thatmethoughtAlcideswasTohimasowoflead:ifIcouldpraiseEachpartofhimto’thallIhavespoke,yourArciteDidnotlooseby’t;ForhethatwasthusgoodEncountredyethisBetter。IhaveheardTwoemulousPhilomelsbeatetheeareo’thnightWiththeircontentiousthroates,nowonethehigher,Anontheother,thenagainethefirst,Andbyandbyoutbreasted,thatthesenceCouldnotbejudgebetweene’em:Soitfar’dGoodspacebetweenethesekinesmen;tillheavensdidMakehardlyonethewinner。WearetheGirlondWithjoythatyouhavewon:Forthesubdude,GivethemourpresentIustice,sinceIknowTheirlivesbutpinch’em;Letitherebedone。

TheSceane’snotforourseeing,goewehence,Rightjoyfull,withsomesorrow。——Armeyourprize,Iknowyouwillnotlooseher。——Hipolita,IseeoneeyeofyoursconceivesateareThewhichitwilldeliver。[Florish。]

EMILIA。

Isthiswynning?

Ohallyouheavenlypowers,whereisyourmercy?

Butthatyourwilshavesaideitmustbeso,Andchargemelivetocomfortthisunfriended,ThismiserablePrince,thatcutsawayAlifemoreworthyfromhimthenallwomen,Ishould,andwould,dietoo。

HIPPOLITA。

Infinitepitty,ThatfowresucheiesshouldbesofixdononeThattwomustneedesbeblindefort。

THESEUS。

Soitis。[Exeunt。]

Scaena4。(Thesame;aBlockprepared。)

[EnterPalamonandhisKnightespyniond:Iaylor,Executioner,&c。Gard。]

(PALAMON。)

Ther’smanyamanalivethathathoutliv’dTheloveo’thpeople;yea,i’thselfesamestateStandsmanyaFatherwithhischilde;somecomfortWehavebysoconsidering:weexpireAndnotwithoutmenspitty。Tolivestill,Havetheirgoodwishes;wepreventTheloathsomemiseryofage,beguileTheGowtandRheume,thatinlaghowresattendForgreyapproachers;wecometowardsthegodsYongandunwapper’d,nothaltingunderCrymesManyandstale:thatsureshallpleasethegods,Soonerthansuch,togiveusNectarwith’em,ForwearemorecleareSpirits。Mydearekinesmen,Whoselives(forthispoorecomfort)arelaiddowne,Youhavesould’emtootoocheape。

1。KNIGHT。

WhatendingcouldbeOfmorecontent?oreusthevictorshaveFortune,whosetitleisasmomentary,Astousdeathiscertaine:AgraineofhonourTheynotore’—weighus。

2。KNIGHT。

Letusbidfarewell;

AndwithourpatienceangertottringFortune,Whoathercertain’streeles。

3。KNIGHT。

Come;whobegins?

PALAMON。

Ev’nhethatledyoutothisBanketshallTastetoyouall。——Ahha,myFriend,myFriend,Yourgentledaughtergavemefreedomeonce;

You’lsee’tdonenowforever:pray,howdo’esshe?

Iheardshewasnotwell;herkindofillGavemesomesorrow。

IAILOR。

Sir,she’swellrestor’d,Andtobemarryedshortly。

PALAMON。

Bymyshortlife,Iammostgladon’t;TisthelatestthingIshallbegladof;pre’theetellherso:

Commendmetoher,andtopeeceherportion,Tenderherthis。[Givespurse。]

1。KNIGHT。

Nayletsbeofferersall。

2。KNIGHT。

Isitamaide?

PALAMON。

Verily,Ithinkeso,Arightgoodcreature,moretomedeservingThenIcanquightorspeakeof。

ALLKNIGHTS。

Commendustoher。[Theygivetheirpurses。]

IAILOR。

Thegodsrequightyouall,Andmakeherthankefull。

PALAMON。

Adiew;andletmylifebenowasshort,Asmyleavetaking。[LiesontheBlocke。]

1。KNIGHT。

Leade,couragiousCosin。

2。KNIGHT。

Wee’lfollowcheerefully。[Agreatnoisewithincrying,’run,save,hold!’]

[EnterinhastaMessenger。]

MESSENGER。

Hold,hold!Ohold,hold,hold!

[EnterPirithousinhaste。]

PERITHOUS。

Hold!hoa!Itisacursedhastyoumade,Ifyouhavedonesoquickly。NoblePalamon,Thegodswillshewtheirgloryinalife,Thatthouartyettoleade。

PALAMON。

Canthatbe,WhenVenus,Ihavesaid,isfalse?Howdoethingsfare?

PERITHOUS。

Arise,greatSir,andgivethetydingseareThataremostdearlysweetandbitter。

PALAMON。

WhatHathwaktusfromourdreame?

PERITHOUS。

Listthen:yourCosen,MounteduponaSteedthatEmilyDidfirstbestowonhim,ablackeone,owingNotahayreworthofwhite——whichsomewillsayWeakenshisprice,andmanywillnotbuyHisgoodnessewiththisnote:WhichsuperstitionHeerefindesallowance——OnthishorseisArciteTrottingthestonesofAthens,whichtheCalkinsDidrathertellthentrample;forthehorseWouldmakehislengthamile,if’tpleas’dhisRiderToputprideinhim:ashethuswentcountingTheflintypavement,dancing,ast’wer,to’thMusickeHisownehoofesmade;(forastheysayfromironCameMusickesorigen)whatenviousFlint,ColdasoldSaturne,andlikehimpossestWithfiremalevolent,dartedaSparke,Orwhatfeircesulphurelse,tothisendmade,Icommentnot;——thehothorse,hotasfire,TookeToyatthis,andfelltowhatdisorderHispowercouldgivehiswill;bounds,comesonend,Forgetsschooledooing,beingthereintraind,Andofkindmannadge;pig—likehewhinesAtthesharpeRowell,whichhefreatsatratherThenanyjotobaies;seekesallfoulemeanesOfboystrousandroughIadrie,todis—seateHisLord,thatkeptitbravely:whennoughtserv’d,WhenneitherCurbwouldcracke,girthbreakenordiffringplungesDis—rootehisRiderwhencehegrew,butthatHekepthimtweenehislegges,onhishindhoofesonendhestands,ThatArcitesleggs,beinghigherthenhishead,Seem’dwithstrangearttohand:HisvictorswreathEventhenfelloffhishead:andpresentlyBackewardtheIadecomesore,andhisfullpoyzeBecomestheRidersloade:yetisheliving,Butsuchavesselltis,thatfloatesbutforThesurgethatnextapproaches:hemuchdesiresTohavesomespeechwithyou:Loeheappeares。

[EnterTheseus,Hipolita,Emilia,Arciteinachaire。]

PALAMON。

Omiserableendofouralliance!

Thegodsaremightie,Arcite:ifthyheart,Thyworthie,manlyheart,beyetunbroken,Givemethylastwords;IamPalamon,Onethatyetlovestheedying。

ARCITE。

TakeEmiliaAndwithheralltheworldsjoy:Reachthyhand:

Farewell:Ihavetoldmylasthoure。Iwasfalse,Yetnevertreacherous:Forgiveme,Cosen:——

OnekissefromfaireEmilia:Tisdone:

Takeher:Idie。

PALAMON。

ThybravesouleseekeElizium。

EMILIA。

Ileclosethineeyes,Prince;blessedsoulesbewiththee!

Thouartarightgoodman,andwhileIlive,ThisdayIgivetoteares。

PALAMON。

AndItohonour。

THESEUS。

Inthisplacefirstyoufought:ev’nveryhereIsundredyou:acknowledgetothegodsOurthankesthatyouareliving。

Hispartisplayd,andthoughitweretooshort,Hediditwell:yourdayislengthned,andTheblissefulldewofheavendo’sarowzeyou。

ThepowerfullVenuswellhathgrac’dherAltar,Andgivenyouyourlove:OurMasterMarsHathvouch’dhisOracle,andtoArcitegaveThegraceoftheContention:SotheDeitiesHaveshewdduejustice:Bearethishence。

PALAMON。

OCosen,Thatweshouldthingsdesire,whichdoecostusThelosseofourdesire!ThatnoughtcouldbuyDearelove,butlosseofdearelove!

THESEUS。

NeverFortuneDidplayasubtlerGame:Theconquerdtriumphes,ThevictorhastheLosse:yetinthepassageThegodshavebeenemostequall:Palamon,Yourkinsemanhathconfesttherighto’thLadyDidlyeinyou,foryoufirstsawher,andEventhenproclaimdyourfancie:HerestordherAsyourstolneIewell,anddesir’dyourspiritTosendhimhenceforgiven;ThegodsmyjusticeTakefrommyhand,andtheythemselvesbecomeTheExecutioners:LeadeyourLadyoff;

AndcallyourLoversfromthestageofdeath,WhomIadoptmyFrinds。AdayortwoLetuslookesadly,andgivegraceuntoTheFunerallofArcite;inwhoseendThevisagesofBridegroomesweeleputonAndsmilewithPalamon;forwhomanhoure,Butonehoure,since,Iwasasdearelysorry,AsgladofArcite:andamnowasglad,Asforhimsorry。OyouheavenlyCharmers,Whatthingsyoumakeofus!ForwhatwelackeWelaugh,forwhatwehave,aresorry:stillArechildreninsomekind。LetusbethankefullForthatwhichis,andwithyouleavedisputeThatareaboveourquestion。Let’sgoeoff,Andbeareuslikethetime。[Florish。Exeunt。]

EPILOGVE

IwouldnowaskeyehowyelikethePlay,But,asitiswithSchooleBoyes,cannotsay,Iamcruellfearefull:pray,yetstayawhile,Andletmelookeuponye:Nomansmile?

Thenitgoeshard,Isee;HethathasLov’dayonghansomewench,then,showhisface——

Tisstrangeifnonebeheere——andifhewillAgainsthisConscience,lethimhisse,andkillOurMarket:Tisinvaine,Isee,tostayyee;

Haveattheworstcancome,then!Nowwhatsayye?

Andyetmistakemenot:Iamnotbold;

Wehavenosuchcause。Ifthetalewehavetold(Fortisnoother)anywaycontentye(Fortothathonestpurposeitwasmentye)

Wehaveourend;andyeshallhaveerelong,Idaresay,manyabetter,toprolongYouroldlovestous:we,andallourmightRestatyourservice。Gentlemen,goodnight。[Florish。]

FINIS