ARKCODEX
Act II, Scene 5
1An open place in Athens.
2A short flourish of cornets, and shouts within. Enter Theseus, Hippolyta, Pirithous, Emilia; Arcite, as a Countryman, wearing a garland; and Country-people.
3TheseusYou 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.
4ArciteI’m proud to please you.
5TheseusWhat country bred you?
6ArciteThis; but far off, prince.
7TheseusAre you a gentleman?
8ArciteMy father said so;
And to those gentle uses gave me life.
9TheseusAre you his heir?
10ArciteHis youngest, sir.
11TheseusYour father,
Sure, is a happy sire then. What proves you?
12ArciteA little of all noble qualities:
I could have kept a hawk, and well have holla’d
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.
13TheseusYou are perfect.
14PirithousUpon my soul, a proper man!
15EmiliaHe is so.
16PirithousHow do you like him, lady?
17HippolytaI admire him:
I have not seen so young a man so noble—
If he say true—of his sort.
18EmiliaBelieve,
His mother was a wondrous handsome woman;
His face methinks goes that way.
19HippolytaBut his body
And fiery mind illustrate a brave father.
20PirithousMark how his virtue, like a hidden sun,
Breaks through his baser garments!
21HippolytaHe’s well got, sure.
22TheseusWhat made you seek this place, sir?
23ArciteNoble Theseus,
To purchase a 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-ey’d Honour.
24PirithousAll his words are worthy.
25TheseusSir, we are much indebted to your travel,
Nor shall you lose your wish.—Pirithous,
Dispose of this fair gentleman.
26PirithousThanks, Theseus.—
Whate’re you are, you’re mine; and I shall give you
To a most noble service—to this lady,
This bright young virgin: pray, observe her goodness:
You’ve honour’d her fair birthday with your virtues,
And, as your due, you’re hers; kiss her fair hand, sir.
27ArciteSir, you’re a noble giver.—To Emilia. Dearest beauty,
Thus let me seal my vow’d faith. Kisses her hand. When your servant—
Your most unworthy creature—but offends you,
Command him die, he shall.
28EmiliaThat were too cruel.
If you deserve well, sir, I shall soon see it:
You’re mine; and somewhat better than your rank I’ll use you.
29PirithousI’ll see you furnish’d: and because you say
You are a horseman, I must needs entreat you
This afternoon to ride; but ’tis a rough one.
30ArciteI like him better, prince; I shall not, then,
Freeze in my saddle.
31TheseusSweet, you must be ready—
And you, Emilia—and you, friend—and all—
To-morrow 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.
32EmiliaThat 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.
33ArciteIf I do not,
Let me find that my father ever hated—
Disgrace and blows.
34TheseusGo, lead the way; you’ve won it;
It shall be so: you shall receive all dues
Fit for the honour 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.
35EmiliaI hope too wise for that, sir. Flourish. Exeunt.