ACT 1
Scene 2
...towards your comforts.
Enter Palamon and Arcite.
...life and weakness.
Your advice
Is cried up with example. What strange ruins,
Since first we went to school, may we perceive
Walking in Thebes! Scars and bare weeds
The gain o’ th’ martialist, who did propound
To his bold ends honor and golden ingots,
Which though he won, he had not, and now flirted
By peace for whom he fought. Who then shall offer
To Mars’s so-scorned altar? I do bleed
When such I meet, and wish great Juno would
Resume her ancient fit of jealousy
To get the soldier work, that peace might purge
For her repletion, and retain anew
Her charitable heart, now hard and harsher
Than strife or war could be.
...th’ unconsidered soldier?
Yes, I pity
Decays where’er I find them, but such most
That, sweating in an honorable toil,
Are paid with ice to cool ’em.
...be, mere monsters.
’Tis in our power—
Unless we fear that apes can tutor ’s—to
Be masters of our manners. What need I
Affect another’s gait, which is not catching
Where there is faith? Or to be fond upon
Another’s way of speech, when by mine own
I may be reasonably conceived—saved too,
Speaking it truly? Why am I bound
By any generous bond to follow him
Follows his tailor, haply so long until
The followed make pursuit? Or let me know
Why mine own barber is unblessed, with him
My poor chin too, for ’tis not scissored just
To such a favorite’s glass? What canon is there
That does command my rapier from my hip
To dangle ’t in my hand, or to go tiptoe
Before the street be foul? Either I am
The forehorse in the team, or I am none
That draw i’ th’ sequent trace. These poor slight sores
Need not a plantain. That which rips my bosom
Almost to th’ heart’s—
...Our Uncle Creon.
He.
A most unbounded tyrant, whose successes
Makes heaven unfeared and villainy assured
Beyond its power there’s nothing; almost puts
Faith in a fever, and deifies alone
Voluble chance; who only attributes
The faculties of other instruments
To his own nerves and act; commands men service,
And what they win in ’t, boot and glory; one
That fears not to do harm; good, dares not. Let
The blood of mine that’s sib to him be sucked
From me with leeches; let them break and fall
Off me with that corruption.
...unless in quality.
Nothing truer.
I think the echoes of his shames have deafed
The ears of heav’nly justice. Widows’ cries
Descend again into their throats and have not
Due audience of the gods.
Enter Valerius.
Valerius.
...of his fury.
Small winds shake him.
But what’s the matter?
...he goes about?
Leave that unreasoned.
Our services stand now for Thebes, not Creon.
Yet to be neutral to him were dishonor,
Rebellious to oppose. Therefore we must
With him stand to the mercy of our fate,
Who hath bounded our last minute.
...With the defier.
Let’s to the King, who, were he
A quarter carrier of that honor which
His enemy come in, the blood we venture
Should be as for our health, which were not spent,
Rather laid out for purchase. But alas,
Our hands advanced before our hearts, what will
The fall o’ th’ stroke do damage?
...of our chance.
They exit.
Scene 4
...look on you.
Enter a Herald and Soldiers bearing Palamon and Arcite on biers.
...’fore our army.
Flourish. They exit.
ACT 2
Scene 1
...so did they.
Enter Palamon and Arcite, in shackles, above.
Scene 2
...diff’rence of men!
Palamon and Arcite remain, above.
How do you, noble cousin?
...do you, sir?
Why, strong enough to laugh at misery
And bear the chance of war; yet we are prisoners
I fear forever, cousin.
...hour to come.
O, cousin Arcite,
Where is Thebes now? Where is our noble country?
Where are our friends and kindreds? Never more
Must we behold those comforts, never see
The hardy youths strive for the games of honor,
Hung with the painted favors of their ladies,
Like tall ships under sail; then start amongst ’em
And as an east wind leave ’em all behind us,
Like lazy clouds, whilst Palamon and Arcite,
Even in the wagging of a wanton leg,
Outstripped the people’s praises, won the garlands
Ere they have time to wish ’em ours. O, never
Shall we two exercise, like twins of honor,
Our arms again, and feel our fiery horses
Like proud seas under us. Our good swords now—
Better the red-eyed god of war ne’er wore—
Ravished our sides, like age must run to rust
And deck the temples of those gods that hate us;
These hands shall never draw ’em out like lightning
To blast whole armies more.
...inhabit here still.
’Tis too true, Arcite. To our Theban hounds
That shook the agèd forest with their echoes
No more now must we halloo; no more shake
Our pointed javelins whilst the angry swine
Flies like a Parthian quiver from our rages,
Struck with our well-steeled darts. All valiant uses,
The food and nourishment of noble minds,
In us two here shall perish; we shall die,
Which is the curse of honor, lastly,
Children of grief and ignorance.
...this our prison!
Certainly
’Tis a main goodness, cousin, that our fortunes
Were twined together. ’Tis most true, two souls
Put in two noble bodies, let ’em suffer
The gall of hazard, so they grow together,
Will never sink; they must not, say they could.
A willing man dies sleeping and all’s done.
...hate so much?
How, gentle cousin?
...would sever us.
You have made me—
I thank you, cousin Arcite—almost wanton
With my captivity. What a misery
It is to live abroad and everywhere!
’Tis like a beast, methinks. I find the court here,
I am sure, a more content; and all those pleasures
That woo the wills of men to vanity
I see through now, and am sufficient
To tell the world ’tis but a gaudy shadow
That old Time as he passes by takes with him.
What had we been, old in the court of Creon,
Where sin is justice, lust and ignorance
The virtues of the great ones? Cousin Arcite,
Had not the loving gods found this place for us,
We had died as they do, ill old men, unwept,
And had their epitaphs, the people’s curses.
Shall I say more?
...hear you still.
You shall.
Is there record of any two that loved
Better than we do, Arcite?
...Sure there cannot.
I do not think it possible our friendship
Should ever leave us.
...that love eternally.
Palamon catches sight of Emilia.
...not maids enough?
who is stunned by the sight of Emilia
... Pray, forward.
Yes.
...sir? Why, Palamon!
Never till now I was in prison, Arcite.
...the matter, man?
Behold, and wonder!
By heaven, she is a goddess.
...seeing Emilia Ha!
Do reverence.
She is a goddess, Arcite.
...is wondrous fair.
She is all the beauty extant.
...Well, agree then.
What think you of this beauty?
...a rare one.
Is ’t but a rare one?
...a matchless beauty.
Might not a man well lose himself and love her?
...feel my shackles.
You love her, then?
...Who would not?
And desire her?
...Before my liberty.
I saw her first.
... That’s nothing.
But it shall be.
...saw her, too.
Yes, but you must not love her.
...both may love.
You shall not love at all.
...shall deny me?
I, that first saw her; I that took possession
First with mine eye of all those beauties
In her revealed to mankind. If thou lov’st her,
Or entertain’st a hope to blast my wishes,
Thou art a traitor, Arcite, and a fellow
False as thy title to her. Friendship, blood,
And all the ties between us I disclaim
If thou once think upon her.
...a man’s son.
Have I called thee friend?
...you were Arcite.
Yes.
...shall suffer?
You may be.
...of her sight?
No, but unjust
If thou pursue that sight.
...and never charge?
Yes, if he be but one.
...rather combat me?
Let that one say so,
And use thy freedom. Else, if thou pursuest her,
Be as that cursèd man that hates his country,
A branded villain.
...You are mad.
I must be.
Till thou art worthy, Arcite, it concerns me.
And in this madness if I hazard thee
And take thy life, I deal but truly.
...all this justly.
O, that now, that now,
Thy false self and thy friend had but this fortune
To be one hour at liberty, and grasp
Our good swords in our hands, I would quickly teach thee
What ’twere to filch affection from another.
Thou art baser in it than a cutpurse.
Put but thy head out of this window more
And, as I have a soul, I’ll nail thy life to ’t.
...Enter Jailer, above.
No more; the keeper’s coming. I shall live
To knock thy brains out with my shackles.
...your leave, gentlemen.
Now, honest keeper?
...fair cousin’s company.
And me too,
Even when you please, of life.—Why is he sent for?
It may be he shall marry her; he’s goodly,
And like enough the Duke hath taken notice
Both of his blood and body. But his falsehood!
Why should a friend be treacherous? If that
Get him a wife so noble and so fair,
Let honest men ne’er love again. Once more
I would but see this fair one. Blessèd garden
And fruit and flowers more blessèd that still blossom
As her bright eyes shine on you, would I were,
For all the fortune of my life hereafter,
Yon little tree, yon blooming apricock!
How I would spread and fling my wanton arms
In at her window; I would bring her fruit
Fit for the gods to feed on; youth and pleasure
Still as she tasted should be doubled on her;
And, if she be not heavenly, I would make her
So near the gods in nature, they should fear her.
Enter Jailer, above.
And then I am sure she would love me.—How now, keeper,
Where’s Arcite?
...Upon this kingdom.
He’s a blessèd man.
He shall see Thebes again, and call to arms
The bold young men that, when he bids ’em charge,
Fall on like fire. Arcite shall have a fortune,
If he dare make himself a worthy lover,
Yet in the field to strike a battle for her,
And, if he lose her then, he’s a cold coward.
How bravely may he bear himself to win her
If he be noble Arcite—thousand ways!
Were I at liberty, I would do things
Of such a virtuous greatness that this lady,
This blushing virgin, should take manhood to her
And seek to ravish me.
...this charge to—
To discharge my life?
...are too open.
Devils take ’em
That are so envious to me! Prithee, kill me.
...for ’t afterward!
By this good light,
Had I a sword I would kill thee.
...Why, my lord?
Thou bringst such pelting, scurvy news continually,
Thou art not worthy life. I will not go.
...must, my lord.
May I see the garden?
... No.
Then I am resolved, I will not go.
...irons on you.
Do, good keeper.
I’ll shake ’em so, you shall not sleep;
I’ll make you a new morris. Must I go?
...is no remedy.
Farewell, kind window.
May rude wind never hurt thee. O, my lady,
If ever thou hast felt what sorrow was,
Dream how I suffer.—Come; now bury me.
Palamon and Jailer exit.
ACT 3
Scene 1
...would enclose thee!
Enter Palamon as out of a bush, with his shackles; he bends his fist at Arcite.
Traitor kinsman,
Thou shouldst perceive my passion if these signs
Of prisonment were off me, and this hand
But owner of a sword. By all oaths in one,
I and the justice of my love would make thee
A confessed traitor, O thou most perfidious
That ever gently looked, the void’st of honor
That e’er bore gentle token, falsest cousin
That ever blood made kin! Call’st thou her thine?
I’ll prove it in my shackles, with these hands,
Void of appointment, that thou liest, and art
A very thief in love, a chaffy lord,
Nor worth the name of villain. Had I a sword,
And these house clogs away—
...Dear cousin Palamon—
Cozener Arcite, give me language such
As thou hast showed me feat.
...a true gentleman.
That thou durst, Arcite!
...i’ th’ sanctuary.
Sir,
I have seen you move in such a place which well
Might justify your manhood; you were called
A good knight and a bold. But the whole week’s not fair
If any day it rain; their valiant temper
Men lose when they incline to treachery,
And then they fight like compelled bears—would fly
Were they not tied.
...now disdains you.
Come up to me;
Quit me of these cold gyves, give me a sword
Though it be rusty, and the charity
Of one meal lend me. Come before me then,
A good sword in thy hand, and do but say
That Emily is thine, I will forgive
The trespass thou hast done me—yea, my life,
If then thou carry ’t; and brave souls in shades
That have died manly, which will seek of me
Some news from Earth, they shall get none but this:
That thou art brave and noble.
...sword and armor.
O you heavens, dares any
So noble bear a guilty business? None
But only Arcite. Therefore none but Arcite
In this kind is so bold.
... Sweet Palamon.
I do embrace you and your offer; for
Your offer do ’t I only. Sir, your person
Without hypocrisy I may not wish
More than my sword’s edge on ’t.
...and be strong.
Pray hold your promise,
And do the deed with a bent brow. Most certain
You love me not; be rough with me, and pour
This oil out of your language. By this air,
I could for each word give a cuff, my stomach
Not reconciled by reason.
...an office there.
Sir, your attendance
Cannot please heaven, and I know your office
Unjustly is achieved.
...it no more.
But this one word:
You are going now to gaze upon my mistress,
For note you, mine she is—
... Nay then,—
Nay, pray you,
You talk of feeding me to breed me strength.
You are going now to look upon a sun
That strengthens what it looks on; there
You have a vantage o’er me, but enjoy ’t till
I may enforce my remedy. Farewell.
They exit.
Scene 3
...place.—Ho! Cousin Palamon!
within
Arcite?
...here’s no Theseus.
Enter Palamon.
Nor none so honest, Arcite.
...further with you.
Arcite, thou mightst now poison me.
...health. He drinks.
Do!
...have time enough.
Well, sir, I’ll pledge you.
He drinks.
...it thaw you?
Stay, I’ll tell you
After a draught or two more.
...coz. Eat now.
Yes.
He eats.
...good a stomach.
I am gladder
I have so good meat to ’t.
...wild woods, cousin?
Yes, for them
That have wild consciences.
...sauce, I see.
Not much.
But if it did, yours is too tart, sweet cousin.
What is this?
... Venison.
’Tis a lusty meat.
Give me more wine. Here, Arcite, to the wenches
We have known in our days! He raises his cup in a toast.
The Lord Steward’s daughter!
Do you remember her?
...After you, coz.
She loved a black-haired man.
...so; well, sir?
And I have heard some call him Arcite, and—
...with ’t, faith.
She met him in an arbor.
What did she there, coz? Play o’ th’ virginals?
...she did, sir.
Made her groan a month for ’t—
Or two, or three, or ten.
...You’ll pledge her?
Yes.
He lifts his cup and then drinks.
...tale. Heigh ho!
For Emily, upon my life! Fool,
Away with this strained mirth. I say again
That sigh was breathed for Emily. Base cousin,
Dar’st thou break first?
...You are wide.
By heaven and Earth,
There’s nothing in thee honest.
...a beast now.
As thou mak’st me, traitor.
...shall quiet all.
A sword and armor.
...shall want naught.
Sirrah—
...hear no more.
If he keep touch, he dies for ’t.
He exits.
Scene 6
...danced rarely, wenches.
Enter Palamon from the bush.
About this hour my cousin gave his faith
To visit me again, and with him bring
Two swords and two good armors. If he fail,
He’s neither man nor soldier. When he left me,
I did not think a week could have restored
My lost strength to me, I was grown so low
And crestfall’n with my wants. I thank thee, Arcite,
Thou art yet a fair foe, and I feel myself,
With this refreshing, able once again
To outdure danger. To delay it longer
Would make the world think, when it comes to hearing,
That I lay fatting like a swine to fight
And not a soldier. Therefore, this blest morning
Shall be the last; and that sword he refuses,
If it but hold, I kill him with. ’Tis justice.
So, love and fortune for me!
Enter Arcite with armors and swords.
O, good morrow.
...morrow, noble kinsman.
I have put you
To too much pains, sir.
...and my duty.
Would you were so in all, sir; I could wish you
As kind a kinsman as you force me find
A beneficial foe, that my embraces
Might thank you, not my blows.
...a noble recompense.
Then I shall quit you.
...fly from ’t.
Arcite, thou art so brave an enemy
That no man but thy cousin’s fit to kill thee.
I am well and lusty. Choose your arms.
...Choose you, sir.
Wilt thou exceed in all, or dost thou do it
To make me spare thee?
...not spare you.
That’s well said.
...You’ll find it.
Then, as I am an honest man and love
With all the justice of affection,
I’ll pay thee soundly.He chooses armor.
This I’ll take.
...arm you first.
Do.Arcite begins arming him.
Pray thee tell me, cousin,
Where got’st thou this good armor?
...I pinch you?
No.
...not too heavy?
I have worn a lighter,
But I shall make it serve.
...buckle ’t close.
By any means.
...a grand guard?
No, no, we’ll use no horses. I perceive
You would fain be at that fight.
...I am indifferent.
Faith, so am I. Good cousin, thrust the buckle
Through far enough.
...I warrant you.
My casque now.
...you fight bare-armed?
We shall be the nimbler.
...mine, good cousin.
Thank you, Arcite.
How do I look? Am I fall’n much away?
...used you kindly.
I’ll warrant thee, I’ll strike home.
...cause, sweet cousin.
Now to you, sir. He begins to arm Arcite.
Methinks this armor’s very like that, Arcite,
Thou wor’st that day the three kings fell, but lighter.
...right good horse.
You had, indeed;
A bright bay, I remember.
...did by imitation.
More by virtue;
You are modest, cousin.
...from the troop.
But still before that flew
The lightning of your valor. Stay a little;
Is not this piece too strait?
...no, ’tis well.
I would have nothing hurt thee but my sword.
A bruise would be dishonor.
...I am perfect.
Stand off, then.
...hold it better.
I thank you, no; keep it; your life lies on it.
Here’s one; if it but hold, I ask no more
For all my hopes. My cause and honor guard me!
...me my love!
They bow several ways, then advance and stand.
...else to say?
This only, and no more: thou art mine aunt’s son.
And that blood we desire to shed is mutual—
In me thine, and in thee mine. My sword
Is in my hand, and if thou kill’st me,
The gods and I forgive thee. If there be
A place prepared for those that sleep in honor,
I wish his weary soul that falls may win it.
Fight bravely, cousin. Give me thy noble hand.
ARCITE, as they shake hands
...with such friendship.
I commend thee.
...farewell, my cousin.
Farewell, Arcite.
Fight.
Horns within. They stand.
...has undone us!
Why?
...disposers of it.
No, no, cousin,
I will no more be hidden, nor put off
This great adventure to a second trial.
I know your cunning, and I know your cause.
He that faints now, shame take him! Put thyself
Upon thy present guard—
...are not mad?
Or I will make th’ advantage of this hour
Mine own, and what to come shall threaten me
I fear less than my fortune. Know, weak cousin,
I love Emilia, and in that I’ll bury
Thee and all crosses else.
...at thy life!
Look to thine own well, Arcite.
Fight again.
...both shall die.
Hold thy word, Theseus.
We are certainly both traitors, both despisers
Of thee and of thy goodness. I am Palamon,
That cannot love thee, he that broke thy prison.
Think well what that deserves. And this is Arcite.
A bolder traitor never trod thy ground,
A falser ne’er seemed friend. This is the man
Was begged and banished; this is he contemns thee
And what thou dar’st do; and in this disguise,
Against thine own edict, follows thy sister,
That fortunate bright star, the fair Emilia,
Whose servant—if there be a right in seeing
And first bequeathing of the soul to—justly
I am; and, which is more, dares think her his.
This treachery, like a most trusty lover,
I called him now to answer. If thou be’st
As thou art spoken, great and virtuous,
The true decider of all injuries,
Say “Fight again,” and thou shalt see me, Theseus,
Do such a justice thou thyself wilt envy.
Then take my life; I’ll woo thee to ’t.
...to lie unburied.
Thou shalt have pity of us both, O Theseus,
If unto neither thou show mercy. Stop,
As thou art just, thy noble ear against us;
As thou art valiant, for thy cousin’s soul,
Whose twelve strong labors crown his memory,
Let’s die together at one instant, duke;
Only a little let him fall before me,
That I may tell my soul he shall not have her.
...To one another.
I’ll be cut a-pieces
Before I take this oath! Forget I love her?
O, all you gods, despise me then! Thy banishment
I not mislike, so we may fairly carry
Our swords and cause along; else never trifle,
But take our lives, duke. I must love, and will,
And for that love must and dare kill this cousin
On any piece the Earth has.
...Take these conditions?
He’s a villain, then.
...content too, princes?
With all our souls.
...Must die then.
Any death thou canst invent, duke.
If I fall from that mouth, I fall with favor,
And lovers yet unborn shall bless my ashes.
...this content you?
Yes.—Here, Cousin Arcite,
I am friends again till that hour.
He offers his hand.
...I embrace you.
They shake hands.
...hold your course.
We dare not fail thee, Theseus.
They shake hands again.
...upon his bier.
They exit.
ACT 5
Scene 1
...Sir, they enter.
Flourish of cornets. Enter Palamon and Arcite and their Knights.
...crown the worthiest!
The glass is running now that cannot finish
Till one of us expire. Think you but thus,
That were there aught in me which strove to show
Mine enemy in this business, were ’t one eye
Against another, arm oppressed by arm,
I would destroy th’ offender, coz—I would
Though parcel of myself. Then from this gather
How I should tender you.
...heavenly Limiter pleases.
You speak well.
Before I turn, let me embrace thee, cousin. They embrace.
This I shall never do again.
... One farewell.
Why, let it be so. Farewell, coz.
... Farewell, sir.
Palamon and his Knights exit.
...boldly.—Let us go.
Enter Palamon and his Knights, with the former observance.
Our stars must glister with new fire, or be
Today extinct. Our argument is love,
Which, if the goddess of it grant, she gives
Victory too. Then blend your spirits with mine,
You whose free nobleness do make my cause
Your personal hazard. To the goddess Venus
Commend we our proceeding, and implore
Her power unto our party. Here they go to Venus’s altar, fall on their faces before it, and then kneel.
Hail, sovereign queen of secrets, who hast power
To call the fiercest tyrant from his rage
And weep unto a girl; that hast the might
Even with an eye-glance to choke Mars’s drum
And turn th’ alarm to whispers; that canst make
A cripple flourish with his crutch, and cure him
Before Apollo; that mayst force the king
To be his subject’s vassal, and induce
Stale gravity to dance. The polled bachelor,
Whose youth, like wanton boys through bonfires,
Have skipped thy flame, at seventy thou canst catch,
And make him, to the scorn of his hoarse throat,
Abuse young lays of love. What godlike power
Hast thou not power upon? To Phoebus thou
Add’st flames hotter than his; the heavenly fires
Did scorch his mortal son, thine him. The huntress,
All moist and cold, some say, began to throw
Her bow away and sigh. Take to thy grace
Me, thy vowed soldier, who do bear thy yoke
As ’twere a wreath of roses, yet is heavier
Than lead itself, stings more than nettles.
I have never been foul-mouthed against thy law,
Ne’er revealed secret, for I knew none—would not,
Had I kenned all that were. I never practiced
Upon man’s wife, nor would the libels read
Of liberal wits. I never at great feasts
Sought to betray a beauty, but have blushed
At simp’ring sirs that did. I have been harsh
To large confessors, and have hotly asked them
If they had mothers—I had one, a woman,
And women ’twere they wronged. I knew a man
Of eighty winters—this I told them—who
A lass of fourteen brided; ’twas thy power
To put life into dust. The agèd cramp
Had screwed his square foot round;
The gout had knit his fingers into knots;
Torturing convulsions from his globy eyes
Had almost drawn their spheres, that what was life
In him seemed torture. This anatomy
Had by his young fair fere a boy, and I
Believed it was his, for she swore it was,
And who would not believe her? Brief, I am
To those that prate and have done, no companion;
To those that boast and have not, a defier;
To those that would and cannot, a rejoicer.
Yea, him I do not love that tells close offices
The foulest way, nor names concealments in
The boldest language. Such a one I am,
And vow that lover never yet made sigh
Truer than I. O, then, most soft sweet goddess,
Give me the victory of this question, which
Is true love’s merit, and bless me with a sign
Of thy great pleasure. Here music is heard; doves are seen to flutter. They fall again upon their faces, then on their knees.
O thou that from eleven to ninety reign’st
In mortal bosoms, whose chase is this world
And we in herds thy game, I give thee thanks
For this fair token, which being laid unto
Mine innocent true heart, arms in assurance
My body to this business.—Let us rise
And bow before the goddess.They rise and bow.
Time comes on.
They exit.
Scene 4
...So it is.
Enter Guard with Palamon and his Knights, pinioned; Jailer, Executioner and Others, carrying a block and an ax.
There’s many a man alive that hath outlived
The love o’ th’ people; yea, i’ th’ selfsame state
Stands many a father with his child. Some comfort
We have by so considering. We expire,
And not without men’s pity. To live still,
Have their good wishes; we prevent
The loathsome misery of age, beguile
The gout and rheum that in lag hours attend
For gray approachers; we come towards the gods
Young and unwappered, not halting under crimes
Many and stale. That sure shall please the gods
Sooner than such, to give us nectar with ’em,
For we are more clear spirits. My dear kinsmen,
Whose lives for this poor comfort are laid down,
You have sold ’em too too cheap.
...Come, who begins?
E’en he that led you to this banquet shall
Taste to you all. To Jailer.
Ah ha, my friend, my friend,
Your gentle daughter gave me freedom once;
You’ll see ’t done now forever. Pray, how does she?
I heard she was not well; her kind of ill
Gave me some sorrow.
...be married shortly.
By my short life,
I am most glad on ’t. ’Tis the latest thing
I shall be glad of; prithee, tell her so.
Commend me to her, and to piece her portion,
Tender her this.
He gives his purse to Jailer.
...it a maid?
Verily, I think so.
A right good creature, more to me deserving
Than I can quit or speak of.
...make her thankful!
Adieu, and let my life be now as short
As my leave-taking.
Lays his head on the block.
...yet to lead.
Can that be,
When Venus, I have said, is false? How do things fare?
...sweet and bitter.
rising
What
Hath waked us from our dream?
...in a chair.
O, miserable end of our alliance!
The gods are mighty, Arcite. If thy heart,
Thy worthy, manly heart, be yet unbroken,
Give me thy last words. I am Palamon,
One that yet loves thee dying.
...I die.He dies.
Thy brave soul seek Elysium!
...give to tears.
And I to honor.
...justice.—Bear this hence.
O cousin,
That we should things desire which do cost us
The loss of our desire, that naught could buy
Dear love but loss of dear love.
...like the time.
Flourish. They exit.