 | The Two Noble Kinsmen |  |
Scæna Secunda.
Enter Theseus, Hippolita, Pirithous, Emilia: Arcite with a Garland, &c.Thes.
You have done worthily, I have not seen
Since Hercules, a man of tougher sinews;
What ere you are, you run the best, and wrestle,
That these times can allow.
434
I'm proud to please you.
Thes.
What Countrie bred you?
Arcite.
This; But far off, Prince.
Thes.
Are you a Gentleman?
Arcite.
My father said so;
And to those gentle uses gave me life.
Thes.
Are you his heir?
Arcite.
His youngest Sir.
Thes.
Your Father
Sure is a happy Suie, then: What proves you?
Arcite.
A little of all noble Qualities:
I could have kept a Hawk, and well have hollow'd
To a deep crie of Dogs; I dare not praise
My seat in horsemanship: yet they that knew me
Would say it was my best peece: last, and greatest,
I would be thought a Soldier.
Thes.
You are perfect.
Pirith.
Upon my soul, a proper man.
Emilia.
He is so.
Per.
How doe you like him Ladie?
Hip.
I admire him,
I have not seen so young a man, so noble
(If he say true,) of his sort.
Emil.
Believe,
His mother was a wondrous handsome woman,
His face me thinks, goes that way.
Hip.
But his Body
And firie mind, illustrate a brave Father.
Per.
Mark how his virtue, like a hidden Sun,
Breaks through his baser garments.
Hip.
He's well got sure.
Thes.
What made you seek this place Sir?
Arc.
Noble Theseus.
To purchase name, and doe my ablest service
To such a well-sound wonder, as thy worth,
For only in thy Court, of all the world
Dwells fair-ey'd honor.
Per.
All his words are worthy.
Thes.
Sir, we are much endebted to your travell,
Nor shall you loose your wish: Perithous
Dispose of this faire Gentleman.
Perith.
Thanks Theseus.
What ere you are y'are mine, and I shall give you
To a most noble service, to this Lady,
This bright young Virgin; Pray observe her goodness;
You have honour'd her fair birth-day, with your virtues,
And as your due y'are hers: kiss her fair hand Sir.
Arc.
Sir, y'are a noble Giver: dearest Beautie,
Thus let me seal my vow'd faith: when your Servant
(Your most unworthie Creature) but offends you,
Command him die, he shall.
Emil.
That were too cruell.
If you deserve well Sir; I shall soon see't:
Y'are mine, and somewhat better than your ranck I'll use you.
Per.
I'll see you furnish'd, and because you say
You are a horseman, I must needs intreat you
This after noon to ride, but 'tis a rough one.
Arc.
I like him better (Prince) I shall not then
Freeze in my Saddle.
Thes.
Sweet, you must be readie,
And you Emilia, and you (Friend) and all
To morrow by the Sun, to doe observance
To flowry May, in Dian's wood: wait well Sir,
Upon your Mistris: Emely, I hope
He shall not goe a foot.
Emil.
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 Mistris.
Arc.
If I doe not,
Let me find that my Father ever hated,
Disgrace, and blows.
Thes.
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.
Florish.
Emil.
I hope too wise for that Sir.
Exeunt omnes.
| The Two Noble Kinsmen | |