The Two Noble Kinsmen Part 24

Will you, Arcite, Take these conditions?

PALAMON.

He's a villaine, then.

PERITHOUS.

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 The honour of affection, and dye for her, Make death a Devill.

THESEUS.

What may be done? for now I feele compa.s.sion.

PERITHOUS.

Let it not fall agen, Sir.

THESEUS.

Say, Emilia, If one of them were dead, as one must, 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 n.o.ble As ever fame yet spoke of; looke upon 'em, And if you can love, end this difference.

I give consent; are you content too, Princes?

BOTH.

With all our soules.

THESEUS.

He that she refuses Must dye, then.

BOTH.

Any death thou canst invent, Duke.

PALAMON.

If I fall from that mouth, I fall with favour, And Lovers yet unborne shall blesse my ashes.

ARCITE.

If she refuse me, yet my grave will wed me, And Souldiers sing my Epitaph.

THESEUS.

Make choice, then.

EMILIA.

I cannot, Sir, they are both too excellent: For me, a hayre shall never fall of these men.

HIPPOLITA.

What will become of 'em?

THESEUS.

Thus I ordaine it; And 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, Before 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 all his friends; Nor shall he grudge to fall, Nor thinke he dies with interest in this Lady: Will this content yee?

PALAMON.

Yes: here, Cosen Arcite, I am friends againe, till that howre.

ARCITE.

I embrace ye.

THESEUS.

Are you content, Sister?

EMILIA.

Yes, I must, Sir, Els both miscarry.

THESEUS.

Come, shake hands againe, then; And take heede, as you are Gentlemen, this Quarrell Sleepe till the howre prefixt; and hold your course.

PALAMON.

We dare not faile thee, Theseus.

THESEUS.

Come, Ile give ye Now usage like to Princes, and to Friends: When ye returne, who wins, Ile settle heere; Who looses, yet Ile weepe upon his Beere. [Exeunt.]

Actus Quartus.