The Two Noble Kinsmen

1 A short flourish of cornets and shouts within. Enter Theseus,
2 Hippolyta, Pirithous, Emilia; Arcite in disguise as a countryman, with
3 a garland, Attendants, and others.
4 THESEUS.
5 You have done worthily. I have not seen,
6 Since Hercules, a man of tougher sinews.
7 Whate’er you are, you run the best and wrestle,
8 That these times can allow.
9 ARCITE.
10 I am proud to please you.
11 THESEUS.
12 What country bred you?
13 ARCITE.
14 This; but far off, Prince.
15 THESEUS.
16 Are you a gentleman?
17 ARCITE.
18 My father said so;
19 And to those gentle uses gave me life.
20 THESEUS.
21 Are you his heir?
22 ARCITE.
23 His youngest, sir.
24 THESEUS.
25 Your father
26 Sure is a happy sire then. What profess you?
27 ARCITE.
28 A little of all noble qualities.
29 I could have kept a hawk and well have hallowed
30 To a deep cry of dogs. I dare not praise
31 My feat in horsemanship, yet they that knew me
32 Would say it was my best piece; last, and greatest,
33 I would be thought a soldier.
34 THESEUS.
35 You are perfect.
36 PIRITHOUS.
37 Upon my soul, a proper man.
38 EMILIA.
39 He is so.
40 PIRITHOUS.
41 How do you like him, lady?
42 HIPPOLYTA.
43 I admire him.
44 I have not seen so young a man so noble,
45 If he say true, of his sort.
46 EMILIA.
47 Believe,
48 His mother was a wondrous handsome woman;
49 His face, methinks, goes that way.
50 HIPPOLYTA.
51 But his body
52 And fiery mind illustrate a brave father.
53 PIRITHOUS.
54 Mark how his virtue, like a hidden sun,
55 Breaks through his baser garments.
56 HIPPOLYTA.
57 He’s well got, sure.
58 THESEUS.
59 What made you seek this place, sir?
60 ARCITE.
61 Noble Theseus,
62 To purchase name and do my ablest service
63 To such a well-found wonder as thy worth;
64 For only in thy court, of all the world,
65 Dwells fair-eyed Honour.
66 PIRITHOUS.
67 All his words are worthy.
68 THESEUS.
69 Sir, we are much indebted to your travel,
70 Nor shall you lose your wish.—Pirithous,
71 Dispose of this fair gentleman.
72 PIRITHOUS.
73 Thanks, Theseus.
74 Whate’er you are, you’re mine, and I shall give you
75 To a most noble service: to this lady,
76 This bright young virgin; pray, observe her goodness.
77 You have honoured her fair birthday with your virtues,
78 And, as your due, you’re hers; kiss her fair hand, sir.
79 ARCITE.
80 Sir, you’re a noble giver.—Dearest beauty,
81 Thus let me seal my vowed faith.
82 [_He kisses her hand._]
83 When your servant,
84 Your most unworthy creature, but offends you,
85 Command him die, he shall.
86 EMILIA.
87 That were too cruel.
88 If you deserve well, sir, I shall soon see ’t.
89 You’re mine, and somewhat better than your rank
90 I’ll use you.
91 PIRITHOUS.
92 I’ll see you furnished, and because you say
93 You are a horseman, I must needs entreat you
94 This afternoon to ride, but ’tis a rough one.
95 ARCITE.
96 I like him better, Prince; I shall not then
97 Freeze in my saddle.
98 THESEUS.
99 Sweet, you must be ready,—
100 And you, Emilia,—and you, friend,—and all,
101 Tomorrow by the sun, to do observance
102 To flowery May, in Dian’s wood.—Wait well, sir,
103 Upon your mistress.—Emily, I hope
104 He shall not go afoot.
105 EMILIA.
106 That were a shame, sir,
107 While I have horses.—Take your choice, and what
108 You want at any time, let me but know it.
109 If you serve faithfully, I dare assure you
110 You’ll find a loving mistress.
111 ARCITE.
112 If I do not,
113 Let me find that my father ever hated,
114 Disgrace and blows.
115 THESEUS.
116 Go lead the way; you have won it.
117 It shall be so; you shall receive all dues
118 Fit for the honour you have won; ’twere wrong else.
119 Sister, beshrew my heart, you have a servant,
120 That, if I were a woman, would be master.
121 But you are wise.
122 EMILIA.
123 I hope too wise for that, sir.
124 [_Flourish. Exeunt._]