The Two Noble Kinsmen
Act II, Scene 5
Athens. An open place.
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This short flourish of cornets, and shouts within. Enter
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Theseus, Hippolyta, Pirithous, Emilia, Arcite disguised,
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with a garland, etc.
Theseus
1 - 4
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You have done worthily. I have not seen,
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Since Hercules, a man of tougher sinews.
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What e’er you are, you run the best, and wrestle,
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That these times can allow.
Arcite
5
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I am proud to please you.
Theseus
6
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What country bred you?
Arcite
7
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This; but far off, prince.
Theseus
8
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Are you a gentleman?
Arcite
9 - 10
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My father said so;
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And to those gentle uses gave me life.
Theseus
11
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Are you his heir?
Arcite
12
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His youngest, sir.
Theseus
13 - 14
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Your father
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Sure is a happy sire then. What proves you?
Arcite
15 - 20
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A little of all noble qualities:
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I could have kept a hawk, and well have hollow’d
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To a deep cry of dogs; I dare not praise
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My feat in horsemanship, yet they that knew me
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Would say it was my best piece; last, and greatest,
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I would be thought a soldier.
Theseus
21
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You are perfect.
Pirithous
22
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Upon my soul, a proper man!
Pirithous
24
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How do you like him, lady?
Hippolyta
25 - 27
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I admire him;
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I have not seen so young a man so noble
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(If he say true) of his sort.
Emilia
28 - 30
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Believe
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His mother was a wondrous handsome woman,
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His face, methinks, goes that way.
Hippolyta
31 - 32
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But his body
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And fiery mind illustrate a brave father.
Pirithous
33 - 34
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Mark how his virtue, like a hidden sun,
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Breaks through his baser garments.
Hippolyta
35
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He’s well got sure.
Theseus
36
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What made you seek this place, sir?
Arcite
37 - 41
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Noble Theseus,
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To purchase name, and do my ablest service
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To such a well-found wonder as thy worth,
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For only in thy court, of all the world,
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Dwells fair-ey’d honor.
Pirithous
42
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All his words are worthy.
Theseus
43 - 45
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Sir, we are much indebted to your travel,
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Nor shall you lose your wish. Pirithous,
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Dispose of this fair gentleman.
Pirithous
46 - 51
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Thanks, Theseus.—
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What e’er you are, y’ are mine, and I shall give you
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To a most noble service—to this lady,
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This bright young virgin. Pray observe her goodness.
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You have honor’d her fair birthday with your virtues,
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And as your due y’ are hers. Kiss her fair hand, sir.
Arcite
52 - 56
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Sir, y’ are a noble giver. Dearest beauty,
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Thus let me seal my vow’d faith.
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Kisses Emilia’s hand.
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When your servant
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(Your most unworthy creature) but offends you,
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Command him die, he shall.
Emilia
57 - 59
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That were too cruel.
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If you deserve well, sir, I shall soon see’t.
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Y’ are mine, and somewhat better than your rank I’ll use you.
Pirithous
60 - 62
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I’ll see you furnish’d, and because you say
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You are a horseman, I must needs entreat you
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This afternoon to ride, but ’tis a rough one.
Arcite
63 - 64
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I like him better, prince, I shall not then
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Freeze in my saddle.
Theseus
65 - 70
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Sweet, you must be ready,
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And you, Emilia, and you, friend, and all,
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Tomorrow, by the sun, to do observance
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To flow’ry May, in Dian’s wood. Wait well, sir,
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Upon your mistress. Emily, I hope
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He shall not go afoot.
Emilia
71 - 75
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That were a shame, sir,
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While I have horses.—Take your choice, and what
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You want at any time, let me but know it.
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If you serve faithfully, I dare assure you
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You’ll find a loving mistress.
Arcite
76 - 78
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If I do not,
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Let me find that my father ever hated,
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Disgrace and blows.
Theseus
79 - 84
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Go lead the way; you have won it.
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It shall be so; you shall receive all dues
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Fit for the honor you have won; ’twere wrong else.
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Sister, beshrew my heart, you have a servant
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That if I were a woman, would be master,
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But you are wise.
Emilia
85
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I hope too wise for that, sir.
