From a window they see Emilia enter the adjacent garden with her servant. Emi. This garden has a world of pleasure in 't. What flower is this? Serv. 'Tis call'd Narcissus, madam. Emi. That was a fair boy certain, but a fool To love himself: were there not maids enough? Emi. Canst not thou work such flowers in silk, wench? Serv. Emi. I'll have a gown full of them; and of these; Yes. The kinsmen, infatuated with love of Emilia, become jealous of each other, and, while disputing, the jailer appears and summons Arcite to proceed with him to Theseus. Later he returns without Arcite, and Palamon asks in surprise: Gaoler. Banished. Prince Perithous Obtain'd his liberty; but never more, Upon his oath and life, must he set foot The jailer informs Palamon that he is to be conveyed to a dungeon, and despite pleading and resistance forces him away. As he leaves the window from which he has beheld Emilia, he exclaims: Pal. - Farewell, kind window! If ever thou hast felt what sorrow was, Dream how I suffer! Come, now bury me. Arcite, before being banished, is permitted to take part in the athletic games in honor of Emilia's birthday, and winning, is brought wearing the garland of victory before Theseus. Thes. 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, Arc. I am proud to please you. Thes. Are you a gentleman? Arc. This; but far off, prince. My father said so; And to those gentle uses gave me life. Thes. Are you his heir? Arc. Thes. His youngest, sir. Your father Sure is a happy sire then. What prove you? I could have kept a hawk, and well have halloa'd My feat in horsemanship, yet they that knew me Per. How do you like him, lady? Emi. Hip. You are perfect. He is so. I admire him: I have not seen so young a man so noble I believe, His mother was a wondrous handsome woman! But his body, And fiery mind, illustrate a brave father. Per. Mark how his virtue, like a hidden sun, Breaks through his baser garments. Received into favor by Theseus, Emilia giving him the choice of her horses for the continuance of the fête, Theseus pleasantly remarks: Sister, beshrew my heart, you have a servant, In Act III, while the merrymaking is proceeding in "Diana's Wood," Arcite, as his charger enters a thicket, encounters Palamon in shackles, having escaped from prison. Pal. Traitor kinsman! Thou shouldst perceive my passion, if these signs That ever blood made kin! call'st thou her thine? Arcite in vain endeavors to appease him, and urges him to remain in hiding till he returns. Palamon consents, and when night falls Arcite brings him food, wine, and files to remove his fetters. Palamon, mad with jealousy, persists in insulting him, and Arcite finally promises to return and meet him in combat. In Act III, Scene vi, Palamon enters "from the Bush," then Arcite "with armours and swords": Arc. Good morrow, noble kinsman! Pal. I have put you To too much pains, sir. Arc. That too much, fair cousin, Is but a debt to honour, and my duty. Pal. Would you were so in all, sir! I could wish you Arc. As kind a kinsman, as you force me find A beneficial foe, that my embraces Well done, a noble recompense. I shall think either, Palamon asks Arcite where he got so fine a suit of armor for him, and Arcite replies that he had to steal it from the duke. They buckle each other's armor. How do I look? am I fall'n much away? Arc. Do, and spare not! I'll give you cause, sweet cousin. Pal. Now to you, sir! Methinks this armour's very like that, Arcite, Pal. I well remember, you outdid me, cousin; I spurr'd hard to come up, and under me A bright-bay, I remember. You had indeed; While fighting they are surprised by Theseus, Hippolyta, and Emilia, with train. Theseus, furious at this infraction of his laws, condemns both to death, but yields to the pleading of Hippolyta and Emilia to spare them, and offers Emilia her choice of them. If one of them were dead, as one must be, are you I give consent! are you content, too, princes? Emilia refuses to make choice which will condemn one to death, and Theseus orders them to go to their own country, and return within a month, during which time he will plant a pyramid, and if either Can force his cousin. By fair and knightly strength to touch the pillar, he shall wed Emilia, and the other shall be slain. In Act iv, Scene ii, Emilia appears with the pictures of the two kinsmen: — Emi. Yet I may bind those wounds up, that must open And bleed to death for my sake else; I 'll choose, Shall never fall for me: their weeping mothers, Has this young prince! here Love himself sits smiling; Set Jove afire, and enforc'd the god Snatch up the goodly boy, and set him by him Of what a spacious majesty, he carries, Arch'd like the great-ey'd Juno's, but far sweeter, Of all this sprightly sharpness, not a smile. Oh, who can find the bent of woman's fancy? I am a fool, my reason is lost to me! I have no choice, and I have lied so lewdly, That women ought to beat me. On my knees I ask thy pardon, Palamon! Thou art alone, And only beautiful; and these thy eyes, These the bright lamps of beauty, that command Has this brown manly face! Oh, Love, this only A messenger announces the return of Palamon and Arcite. In the battle that ensues Arcite wins. In Scene vi, the execution of Palamon is about to take place when Perithous arrests it with the tidings that Arcite has been thrown from the |