The Two Noble Kinsmen

blessed, that still blossom
As her bright eyes shine on ye! 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;
And then I’m sure she would love me. Re-enter Gaoler.

How now, keeper!
Where’s Arcite?

Gaoler

Banish’d. Prince Pirithous
Obtain’d his liberty; but never more,
Upon his oath and life, must he set foot
Upon this kingdom.

Palamon

Aside. He’s a blessed 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.

Gaoler

My lord, for you
I have this charge too⁠—

Palamon To discharge my life? Gaoler

No; but from this place to remove your lordship:
The windows are too open.

Palamon

Devils take ’em
That are so envious to me! Pr’ythee, kill me.

Gaoler And hang for’t afterward? Palamon

By this good light,
Had I a sword, I’d kill thee.

Gaoler Why, my lord? Palamon

Thou bring’st such pelting scurvy news continually,
Thou art not worthy life. I will not go.

Gaoler Indeed, you must, my lord. Palamon May I see the garden? Gaoler No. Palamon Then I’m resolved I will not go. Gaoler

I must
Constrain you, then; and, for you’re dangerous,
I’ll clap more irons on you.

Palamon

Do, good keeper:
I’ll shake ’em so, ye shall not sleep;
I’ll make ye a new morris. Must I go?

Gaoler There is no remedy. Palamon

Aside. 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. Exeunt.

Scene III

The country near Athens.

	Enter Arcite.
Arcite	Banish’d the kingdom? ’tis a benefit, A mercy, I must thank ’em for; but banish’d The free enjoying of that face I die for, O, ’twas a studied punishment, a death Beyond imagination! such a vengeance, That, were I old and wicked, all my sins Could never pluck upon me. Palamon, Thou hast the start now; thou shalt stay, and see Her bright eyes break each morning ’gainst thy window, And let in life into thee; thou shalt feed Upon the sweetness of a noble beauty, That nature ne’er exceeded, nor ne’er shall⁠— Good gods, what happiness has Palamon! Twenty to one, he’ll come to speak to her; And, if she be as gentle as she’s fair, I know she’s his; he has a tongue will tame Tempests, and make the wild rocks wanton. Come what can come, The worst is death; I will not leave the kingdom: I know mine own is but a heap of ruins, And no redress there. If I go, he has her. I am resolv’d: another shape shall make me, Or end my fortunes; either way, I’m happy: I’ll see her, and be near her, or no more.
	Enter four Country-people, and one with a garland before them.
First Countryman	My masters, I’ll be there, that’s certain.
Second Countryman	And I’ll be there.
Third Countryman	And I.
Fourth Countryman	Why, then, have with ye, boys! ’tis but a chiding: Let the plough play to-day; I’ll tickle’t out Of the jades’ tails to-morrow.
First Countryman	I am sure To have my wife as jealous as a turkey: But that’s all one: I’ll go through, let her mumble.
Second Countryman	Clap her aboard to-morrow night, and stoa her, And all’s made up again.
Third Countryman	Ay, do but put A feskue in her fist, and you shall see her Take a new lesson out, and be a good wench. Do we all hold against the Maying?
Fourth Countryman	Hold! What should ail us?
Third Countryman	Arcas will be there.
Second Countryman	And Sennois, And Rycas; and three better lads ne’er danc’d Under green tree; and ye know what wenches, ha! But will the dainty domine, the schoolmaster, Keep touch, do you think? for he does all, ye know.
Third Countryman	He’ll eat a hornbook, ere he fail: go to! The matter is too far driven between Him and the tanner’s daughter, to let slip now; And she must see the duke, and she must dance too.
Fourth Countryman	Shall we be lusty?
Second Countryman	All the boys in Athens Blow wind i’ the breech on us: and here I’ll be, And there I’ll be, for our town, and here again, And there again: ha, boys, heigh for the weavers!
First Countryman	This must be done i’ the woods.
Fourth Countryman	O, pardon me!
Second Countryman	By any means; our thing of learning says so; Where he himself will edify the duke Most parlously in our behalfs: he’s excellent i’ the woods; Bring him to the plains, his learning makes no cry.
Third Countryman	We’ll see the sports; then every man to’s tackle! And, sweet companions, let’s rehearse by any means, Before the ladies see us, and do sweetly, And God knows what may come on’t.
Fourth Countryman	Content: the sports Once ended, we’ll perform. Away, boys, and hold!
Arcite	By your leaves, honest friends; pray you, whither go you?
Fourth Countryman	Whither! why, what a question’s that!
Arcite	Yes, ’tis a question To me that know not.
Third Countryman	To the games, my friend.
Second Countryman	Where were you bred, you know it not?
Arcite	Not far, sir. Are there such games to-day?
First Countryman	Yes, marry, are there; And such as you never saw: the duke himself Will be in person there.
Arcite	What pastimes are they?
Second Countryman	Wrestling and running.⁠—’Tis a pretty fellow.
Third Countryman	Thou wilt not go along?
Arcite	Not yet, sir.
Fourth Countryman	Well, sir, Take your own time.⁠—Come, boys.
First Countryman	My mind misgives me This fellow has a vengeance trick o’ the hip; Mark how his body’s made for’t
Second Countryman	I’ll be hang’d though, If he dare venture; hang him, plum-porridge! He wrestle? he