The Two Noble Kinsmen (1613)

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Online Critical Edition in Progress - Version 1.c.
Date variant: 1612
Shakespeare Network - https://shakespearenetwork.net/

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Act II, Scene 5

Athens. An open place.

THESEUS
[This short flourish of cornets and shouts within.
Enter Theseus, Hippolyta, Pirithous, Emilia, Arcite
in disguise, with a garland, Attendants, and others.]

[to Arcite]
You have done worthily. I have not seen,
Since Hercules, a man of tougher sinews.
Whate'er you are, you run the best and wrestle
That these times can allow.

ARCITE
I am proud to please you.

THESEUS
What country bred you?

ARCITE
This; but far off, prince.

THESEUS
Are you a gentleman?

ARCITE
My father said so,
And to those gentle uses gave me life.

THESEUS
Are you his heir?

ARCITE
His youngest, sir.

THESEUS
Your father,
Sure, is a happy sire, then. What proves you?

ARCITE
A little of all noble qualities.
I could have kept a hawk and well have hallowed
To a deep cry of dogs. I dare not praise
My feat in horsemanship, yet they that knew me
Would say it was my best piece. Last, and greatest,
I would be thought a soldier.

THESEUS
You are perfect.

PIRITHOUS
Upon my soul, a proper man.

EMILIA
He is so.

PIRITHOUS
[to Hippolyta]
How do you like him, lady?

HIPPOLYTA
I admire him.
I have not seen so young a man so noble,
If he say true, of his sort.

EMILIA
Believe,
His mother was a wondrous handsome woman;
His face, methinks, goes that way.

HIPPOLYTA
But his body
And fiery mind illustrate a brave father.

PIRITHOUS
Mark how his virtue, like a hidden sun,
Breaks through his baser garments.

HIPPOLYTA
He's well got, sure.

THESEUS
[to Arcite]
What made you seek this place, sir?

ARCITE
Noble Theseus,
To purchase name and do my ablest service
To such a well-found wonder as thy worth;
For only in thy court, of all the world,
Dwells fair-eyed Honor.

PIRITHOUS
All his words are worthy.

THESEUS
Sir, we are much indebted to your travel,
Nor shall you lose your wish.--Pirithous,
Dispose of this fair gentleman.

PIRITHOUS
Thanks, Theseus.--
Whate'er you are, you're mine, and I shall give you
To a most noble service: to this lady,
This bright young virgin.

[He brings Arcite to Emilia.]

Pray observe her goodness;
You have honored her fair birthday with yourvirtues,
And, as your due, you're hers. Kiss her fair hand, sir.

ARCITE
Sir, you're a noble giver.--Dearest beauty,
Thus let me seal my vowed faith.

[He kisses her hand.]

When your servant,
Your most unworthy creature, but offends you,
Command him die, he shall.

EMILIA
That were too cruel.
If you deserve well, sir, I shall soon see 't.
You're mine, and somewhat better than your rank
I'll use you.

PIRITHOUS
[to Arcite]

I'll see you furnished, and because you say
You are a horseman, I must needs entreat you
This afternoon to ride--but 'tis a rough one.

ARCITE
I like him better, prince; I shall not then
Freeze in my saddle.

THESEUS
[to Hippolyta]
Sweet, you must be ready,--
And you, Emilia,--and you, friend,--and all,
Tomorrow by the sun, to do observance
To flowery May in Dian's wood.--Wait well, sir,
Upon your mistress.--Emily, I hope
He shall not go afoot.

EMILIA
That were a shame, sir,
While I have horses.--Take your choice, and what
You want at any time, let me but know it.
If you serve faithfully, I dare assure you
You'll find a loving mistress.

ARCITE
If I do not,
Let me find that my father ever hated,
Disgrace and blows.

THESEUS
Go lead the way; you have won it.
It shall be so; you shall receive all dues
Fit for the honor you have won. 'Twere wrong else.--
Sister, beshrew my heart, you have a servant
That, if I were a woman, would be master;
But you are wise.

EMILIA
I hope too wise for that, sir.

[Flourish. They all exit.]

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The Two Noble Kinsmen (1613)

Act II, Scene 5

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