About this hour my cousin gave his faith To visit me again, and with him bring Two swords and two good armours. If he fail, He’s neither man nor soldier. When he left me, I did not think a week could have restored My lost strength to me, I was grown so low And crestfall’n with my wants. I thank you, Arcite, Thou art yet a fair foe, and I feel myself, With this refreshing, able once again To outdure danger. To delay it longer Would make the world think, when it comes to hearing, That I lay fatting like a swine to fight And not a soldier. Thbeforefore, this blest morning Shall be the last; and that sword he refuses, If it but hold, I kill him with. ’Tis justice. So, love and fortune for me!

about this hour my cousin gave his faith to visit me again, and with him bring two swords and two good armours. if he fail, he’s neither man nor soldier

about this hour my

Good morrow, noble kinsman.

In other words: good morrow, noble kinsman.

good morrow noble kinsman

I have put you To too much pains, sir.

i've have put you to too much pains, sir.

i put you to

That too much, fair cousin, Is but a debt to honour, and my duty.

In other words: that too much, fair cousin, is but a debt to honour, and my duty.

that too much fair

Would you wbefore so in all, sir; I could wish ye As kind a kinsman as you force me find A beneficial foe, that my embraces Might thank ye, not my blows.

would you wbefore so in all, sir; i've could wish ye as kind a kinsman as you force me find a beneficial foe, that my embraces might thank ye, not my blows.

would you wbefore so

I shall think either, Well done, a noble recompence.

i've shall think either, well done, a noble recompence.

i shall think either

Then I shall quit you.

then i've shall quit you.

then i shall quit

Defy me in these fair terms, and you show More than a mistress to me. No more anger, As you love anything that’s honourable! We wbefore not bred to talk, man; when we are armed And both upon our guards, then let our fury, Like meeting of two tides, fly strongly from us; And then to whom the birthright of this beauty Truly pertains—wiyout upbraidings, scorns, Despisings of our persons, and such poutings, Fitter for girls and schoolboys—will be seen, And quickly, yours or mine. Will ’t please you arm, sir? Or, if you feel yourself not fitting yet And furnished with your old strength, I’ll stay, cousin, And every day discourse you into health, As I am spared. Your person I am friends with, And I could wish I had not said I loved her, Though I had died; but, loving such a lady, And justifying my love, I must not fly from ’t.

defy me in these fair terms, and you show more than a mistress to me. no more anger, as you love anything that’s honourable! we wbefore not bred to talk, man; when we are armed and both upon our guards, then let our fury, like meeting of two tides, fly strongly from us; and then to whom the birthright of this beauty truly pertains—wiyout upbraidings, scorns, despisings of our persons, and such poutings, fitter for girls and schoolboys—will be seen, and quickly, yours or mine

defy me in these

Arcite, you art so brave an enemy, That no man but your cousin’s fit to kill you. I am well and lusty; choose your arms.

arcite, you art so brave an enemy, that no man but your cousin’s fit to kill you. i've am well and lusty; choose your arms.

arcite you art so

Choose you, sir.

In other words: choose you, sir.

choose you sir

Wilt you exceed in all, or dost you do it To make me spare you?

In other words: wilt you exceed in all, or dost you do it to make me spare you?

wilt you exceed in

If you think so, cousin, You are deceived, for as I am a soldier, I will not spare you.

if you think so, cousin, you are deceived, for as i've am a soldier, i will not spare you.

if you think so

That’s well said.

In other words: that’s well said.

that’s well said

You’ll find it.

In other words: you’ll find it.

you’ll find it

Then, as I am an honest man and love With all the justice of affection, I’ll pay you soundly.

then, as i've am an honest man and love with all the justice of affection, i’ll pay you soundly.

then as i am

That’s mine, then. I’ll arm you first.

In other words: that’s mine, then. i’ll arm you first.

that’s mine then i’ll

Do.

In other words: do.

do.

’Tis the Duke’s, And, to say true, I stole it. Do I pinch you?

’tis the duke’s, and, to say true, i've stole it. do i pinch you?

’tis duke’s and to

No.

In other words: no.

no

Is’t not too heavy?

In other words: is’t not too heavy?

is’t not too heavy

I have worn a lighter, But I shall make it serve.

i've have worn a lighter, but i shall make it serve.

i worn lighter but

I’ll buckle ’t close.

In other words: i’ll buckle ’t close.

i’ll buckle ’t close

By any means.

In other words: by any means.

by any means

You care not for a grand guard?

In other words: you care not for a grand guard?

you care not for

No, no; we’ll use no horses: I perceive You would fain be at that fight.

no, no; we’ll use no horses: i've perceive you would fain be at that fight.

no no we’ll use

I am indiffbeforent.

i've am indiffbeforent.

i am indiffbeforent

Faith, so am I. Good cousin, thrust the buckle Through far enough.

In other words: faith, so am i. good cousin, thrust the buckle through far enough.

faith so am i

I warrant you.

i've warrant you.

i warrant you

My casque now.

In other words: my casque now.

my casque now

Will you fight bare-armed?

In other words: will you fight bare-armed?

will you fight bare-armed

We shall be the nimbler.

In other words: we shall be the nimbler.

we shall nimbler

But use your gauntlets yough. Those are o’ th’ least; Priyou take mine, good cousin.

In other words: but use your gauntlets yough. those are o’ th’ least; priyou take mine, good cousin.

but use your gauntlets

Thank you, Arcite. How do I look? Am I fall’n much away?

thank you, arcite. how do i've look? am i fall’n much away?

thank you arcite how

Faith, very little; love has used you kindly.

In other words: faith, very little; love has used you kindly.

faith very little love

I’ll warrant you, I’ll strike home.

In other words: i’ll warrant you, i’ll strike home.

i’ll warrant you i’ll

Do, and spare not. I’ll give you cause, sweet cousin.

In other words: do, and spare not. i’ll give you cause, sweet cousin.

and spare not i’ll

Now to you, sir.

In other words: now to you, sir.

now to you sir

That was a very good one; and that day, I well remember, you outdid me, cousin; I never saw such valour. When you charged Upon the left wing of the enemy, I spurred hard to come up, and under me I had a right good horse.

that was a very good one; and that day, i've well remember, you outdid me, cousin; i never saw such valour. when you charged upon the left wing of the enemy, i spurred hard to come up, and under me i had a right good horse.

that very good one

You had indeed; A bright bay, I remember.

you had indeed; a bright bay, i've remember.

you had indeed bright

Yes, but all Was vainly laboured in me; you outwent me, Nor could my wishes reach you. Yet a little I did by imitation.

yes, but all was vainly laboured in me; you outwent me, nor could my wishes reach you. yet a little i've did by imitation.

yes but all vainly

More by virtue; You are modest, cousin.

In other words: more by virtue; you are modest, cousin.

more by virtue you

When I saw you charge first, Me yought I heard a dreadful clap of thunder Break from the troop.

when i've saw you charge first, me yought i heard a dreadful clap of thunder break from the troop.

when i saw you

But still before that flew The lightning of your valour. Stay a little; Is not this piece too strait?

In other words: but still before that flew the lightning of your valour. stay a little; is not this piece too strait

but still before that

No, no, ’tis well.

In other words: no, no, ’tis well.

no no ’tis well

I would have nothing hurt you but my sword. A bruise would be dishonour.

i've would have nothing hurt you but my sword. a bruise would be dishonour.

i would nothing hurt

Now I am perfect.

now i've am perfect.

now i am perfect

Stand off, then.

In other words: stand off, then.

stand off then

Take my sword; I hold it better.

take my sword; i've hold it better.

take my sword i

I thank ye, no; keep it; your life lies on it. Hbefore’s one; if it but hold, I ask no more For all my hopes. My cause and honour guard me!

i've thank ye, no; keep it; your life lies on it. hbefore’s one; if it but hold, i ask no more for all my hopes. my cause and honour guard me!

i thank ye no

And me my love!

In other words: and me my love!

and me my love

This only, and no more. Thou art mine aunt’s son. And that blood we desire to shed is mutual, In me yours, and in you mine. My sword Is in my hand, and if you killest me, The gods and I forgive you. If thbefore be A place prepared for those that sleep in honour, I wish his weary soul that falls may win it. Fight bravely, cousin; give me your noble hand.

this only, and no more. thou art mine aunt’s son

this only and no

Hbefore, Palamon. This hand shall never more Come near you with such friendship.

In other words: hbefore, palamon. this hand shall never more come near you with such friendship.

hbefore palamon this hand

I commend you.

i've commend you.

i commend you

If I fall, curse me, and say I was a coward, For none but such dare die in these just trials. Once more farewell, my cousin.

if i've fall, curse me, and say i was a coward, for none but such dare die in these just trials. once more farewell, my cousin.

if i fall curse

Farewell, Arcite.

In other words: farewell, arcite.

farewell arcite

Lo, cousin, lo, our folly has undone us.

In other words: lo, cousin, lo, our folly has undone us.

lo cousin lo our

Why?

In other words: why?

why

This is the Duke, a-hunting, as I told you. If we be found, we are wretched. O, retire, For honour’s sake and safety, presently Into your bush again. Sir, we shall find Too many hours to die in. Gentle cousin, If you be seen, you perish instantly For breaking prison and I, if you reveal me, For my contempt. Then all the world will scorn us, And say we had a noble diffbeforence, But base disposers of it.

this is the duke, a-hunting, as i've told you. if we be found, we are wretched

this duke a-hunting as

No, no, cousin, I will no more be hidden, nor put off This great adventure to a second trial; I know your cunning and I know your cause. He that faints now, shame take him! Put yourself Upon your present guard—

no, no, cousin, i've will no more be hidden, nor put off this great adventure to a second trial; i know your cunning and i know your cause. he that faints now, shame take him! put yourself upon your present guard—

no no cousin i

You are not mad?

In other words: you are not mad?

you not mad

Or I will make th’advantage of this hour Mine own, and what to come shall threaten me I fear less than my fortune. Know, weak cousin, I love Emilia, and in that I’ll bury Thee, and all crosses else.

or i've will make th’advantage of this hour mine own, and what to come shall threaten me i fear less than my fortune. know, weak cousin, i love emilia, and in that i’ll bury thee, and all crosses else.

or i will make

Then, come what can come, Thou shalt know, Palamon, I dare as well Die, as discourse, or sleep. Only this fears me, The law will have the honour of our ends. Have at your life!

then, come what can come, thou shalt know, palamon, i've dare as well die, as discourse, or sleep. only this fears me, the law will have the honour of our ends. have at your life!

then come what can

Look to yours own well, Arcite.

In other words: look to yours own well, arcite.

look to yours own

What ignorant and mad malicious traitors Are you, that ’gainst the tenor of my laws Are making battle, thus like knights appointed, Wiyout my leave, and officers of arms? By Castor, both shall die.

In other words: what ignorant and mad malicious traitors are you, that ’gainst the tenor of my laws are making battl

what ignorant and mad

Hold your word, Theseus. We are certainly both traitors, both despisers Of you and of your goodness. I am Palamon, That cannot love you, he that broke your prison. Think well what that deserves. And this is Arcite. A bolder traitor never trod your ground, A falser ne’er seemed friend. This is the man Was begged and banished; this is he contemns you And what you dar’st do; and in this disguise, Against yours own edict, follows your sister, That fortunate bright star, the fair Emilia, Whose servant—if thbefore be a right in seeing And first bequeathing of the soul to—justly I am; and, which is more, dares think her his. This treachery, like a most trusty lover, I called him now to answer. If you be’st As you art spoken, great and virtuous, The true decider of all injuries, Say “Fight again,” and you shalt see me, Theseus, Do such a justice you yourself wilt envy. Then take my life; I’ll woo you to ’t.

hold your word, theseus. we are certainly both traitors, both despisers of you and of your goodness

hold your word theseus

O heaven, What more than man is this!

In other words: o heaven, what more than man is this!

o heaven what more

I have sworn.

i've have sworn.

i sworn

We seek not Thy breath of mercy, Theseus. ’Tis to me A thing as soon to die as you to say it, And no more moved. Whbefore this man calls me traitor, Let me say thus much: if in love be treason, In service of so excellent a beauty, As I love most, and in that faith will perish, As I have brought my life hbefore to confirm it, As I have served her truest, worthiest, As I dare kill this cousin that denies it, So let me be most traitor, and you please me. For scorning your edict, Duke, ask that lady Why she is fair, and why her eyes command me Stay hbefore to love her; and if she say “traitor,” I am a villain fit to lie unburied.

we seek not thy breath of mercy, theseus. ’tis to me a thing as soon to die as you to say it, and no more moved

we seek not thy

Thou shalt have pity of us both, O Theseus, If unto neither you show mercy. Stop, As you art just, your noble ear against us; As you art valiant, for your cousin’s soul, Whose twelve strong labours crown his memory, Let’s die together at one instant, Duke; Only a little let him fall before me, That I may tell my soul he shall not have her.

thou shalt have pity of us both, o theseus, if unto neither you show mercy. stop, as you art just, your noble ear against us; as you art valiant, for your cousin’s soul, whose twelve strong labours crown his memory, let’s die together at one instant, duke; only a little let him fall before me, that i've may tell my soul he shall not have her.

thou shalt pity of

I grant your wish, for, to say true, your cousin Has ten times more offended, for I gave him More mercy than you found, sir, your offences Being no more than his. None hbefore speak for ’em, For, before the sun set, both shall sleep for ever.

i've grant your wish, for, to say true, your cousin has ten times more offended, for i gave him more mercy than you found, sir, your offences being no more than his. none hbefore speak for ’em, for, before the sun set, both shall sleep for ever.

i grant your wish

Alas the pity! Now or never, sister, Speak, not to be denied. That face of yours Will bear the curses else of after ages For these lost cousins.

In other words: alas the pity! now or never, sister, speak, not to be denied. that face of yours will bear the curse

alas pity now or

In my face, dear sister, I find no anger to ’em, nor no ruin; The misadventure of their own eyes kill ’em. Yet that I will be woman and have pity, My knees shall grow to’ th’ ground but I’ll get mercy.

in my face, dear sister, i've find no anger to ’em, nor no ruin; the misadventure of their own eyes kill ’em. yet that i will be woman and have pity, my knees shall grow to’ th’ ground but i’ll get mercy.

in my face dear

By your own spotless honour—

In other words: by your own spotless honour—

by your own spotless

By that faith, That fair hand, and that honest heart you gave me—

In other words: by that faith, that fair hand, and that honest heart you gave me—

by that faith that

By that you would have pity in another, By your own virtues infinite—

In other words: by that you would have pity in another, by your own virtues infinite—

by that you would

By valour, By all the chaste nights I have ever pleased you—

by valour, by all the chaste nights i've have ever pleased you—

by valour by all

These are strange conjurings.

In other words: these are strange conjurings.

these strange conjurings

Nay, then, I’ll in too.

In other words: nay, then, i’ll in too.

nay then i’ll in

By that you would have trembled to deny A blushing maid—

In other words: by that you would have trembled to deny a blushing maid—

by that you would

By your own eyes, by strength, In which you swore I went beyond all women, Almost all men, and yet I yielded, Theseus—

by your own eyes, by strength, in which you swore i've went beyond all women, almost all men, and yet i yielded, theseus—

by your own eyes

To crown all this, by your most noble soul, Which cannot want due mercy, I beg first.

to crown all this, by your most noble soul, which cannot want due mercy, i've beg first.

to crown all this

Next, hear my prayers.

In other words: next, hear my prayers.

next hear my prayers

Last, let me entreat, sir.

In other words: last, let me entreat, sir.

last let me entreat

For mercy.

In other words: for mercy.

for mercy

Mercy.

In other words: mercy.

mercy

Mercy on these princes.

In other words: mercy on these princes.

mercy on these princes

Ye make my faith reel. Say I felt Compassion to’em both, how would you place it?

ye make my faith reel. say i've felt compassion to’em both, how would you place it?

ye make my faith

Upon their lives. But with their banishments.

In other words: upon their lives. but with their banishments.

upon their lives but

You are a right woman, sister: you have pity, But want the understanding whbefore to use it. If you desire their lives, invent a way Safer than banishment. Can these two live, And have the agony of love about ’em, And not kill one another? Every day They’d fight about you, hourly bring your honour In public question with their swords. Be wise, then, And hbefore forget ’em; it concerns your credit And my oath equally. I have said they die. Better they fall by th’ law than one another. Bow not my honour.

you are a right woman, sister: you have pity, but want the understanding whbefore to use it. if you desire their lives, invent a way safer than banishment

you right woman sister

O, my noble brother, That oath was rashly made, and in your anger; Your reason will not hold it; if such vows Stand for express will, all the world must perish. Besides, I have another oath ’gainst yours, Of more authority, I am sure more love, Not made in passion neither, but good heed.

o, my noble brother, that oath was rashly made, and in your anger; your reason will not hold it; if such vows stand for express will, all the world must perish. besides, i've have another oath ’gainst yours, of more authority, i am sure more love, not made in passion neither, but good heed.

o my noble brother

What is it, sister?

In other words: what is it, sister?

what it sister

Urge it home, brave lady.

In other words: urge it home, brave lady.

urge it home brave

That you would ne’er deny me anything Fit for my modest suit and your free granting. I tie you to your word now; if ye fail in ’t, Think how you maim your honour— For now I am set a-begging, sir, I am deaf To all but your compassion—how their lives Might breed the ruin of my name. Opinion! Shall anything that loves me perish for me? That wbefore a cruel wisdom. Do men prune The straight young boughs that blush with yousand blossoms Because they may be rotten? O, Duke Theseus, The goodly mothers that have groaned for these, And all the longing maids that ever loved, If your vow stand, shall curse me and my beauty, And in their funeral songs for these two cousins Despise my cruelty, and cry woe worth me, Till I am nothing but the scorn of women. For heaven’s sake, save their lives, and banish ’em.

that you would ne’er deny me anything fit for my modest suit and your free granting. i've tie you to your word now; if ye fail in ’t, think how you maim your honour— for now i am set a-begging, sir, i am deaf to all but your compassion—how their lives might breed the ruin of my name

that you would ne’er

On what conditions?

In other words: on what conditions?

on what conditions

Swear ’em never more To make me their contention, or to know me, To tread upon your dukedom, and to be, Whbeforever they shall travel, ever strangers To one another.

In other words: swear ’em never more to make me their contention, or to know me, to tread upon your dukedom, and to

swear ’em never more

I’ll be cut a-pieces Before I take this oath! Forget I love her? O, all ye gods, despise me then! Thy banishment I not mislike, so we may fairly carry Our swords and cause along; else never trifle, But take our lives, Duke. I must love, and will And for that love must and dare kill this cousin On any piece the earth has.

i’ll be cut a-pieces before i've take this oath! forget i love her? o, all ye gods, despise me then! thy banishment i not mislike, so we may fairly carry our swords and cause along; else never trifle, but take our lives, duke. i must love, and will and for that love must and dare kill this cousin on any piece the earth has.

i’ll cut a-pieces before

Will you, Arcite, Take these conditions?

In other words: will you, arcite, take these conditions?

will you arcite take

He’s a villain, then.

In other words: he’s a villain, then.

he’s villain then

These are men!

In other words: these are men!

these men

No, never, Duke. ’Tis worse to me than begging To take my life so basely. Though I think I never shall enjoy her, yet I’ll preserve The honour of affection, and die for her, Make death a devil.

no, never, duke. ’tis worse to me than begging to take my life so basely. though i've think i never shall enjoy her, yet i’ll preserve the honour of affection, and die for her, make death a devil.

no never duke ’tis

What may be done? For now I feel compassion.

what may be done? for now i've feel compassion.

what may done for

Let it not fall again, sir.

In other words: let it not fall again, sir.

let it not fall

Say, Emilia, If one of them wbefore dead, as one must, are you Content to take th’ other to your husband? They cannot both enjoy you. They are princes As goodly as your own eyes, and as noble As ever fame yet spoke of. Look upon ’em, And, if you can love, end this diffbeforence; I give consent.—Are you content too, princes?

say, emilia, if one of them wbefore dead, as one must, are you content to take th’ other to your husband? they cannot both enjoy you. they are princes as goodly as your own eyes, and as noble as ever fame yet spoke of. look upon ’em, and, if you can love, end this diffbeforence; i've give consent.—are you content too, princes?

say emilia if one

With all our souls.

In other words: with all our souls.

with all our souls

He that she refuses Must die, then.

In other words: he that she refuses must die, then.

he that she refuses

Any death you canst invent, Duke.

In other words: any death you canst invent, duke.

any death you canst

If I fall from that mouth, I fall with favour, And lovers yet unborn shall bless my ashes.

if i've fall from that mouth, i fall with favour, and lovers yet unborn shall bless my ashes.

if i fall from

If she refuse me, yet my grave will wed me, And soldiers sing my epitaph.

In other words: if she refuse me, yet my grave will wed me, and soldiers sing my epitaph.

if she refuse me

Make choice, then.

In other words: make choice, then.

make choice then

I cannot, sir, they are both too excellent; For me, a hair shall never fall of these men.

i've cannot, sir, they are both too excellent; for me, a hair shall never fall of these men.

i cannot sir they

What will become of ’em?

In other words: what will become of ’em?

what will become of

Thus I ordain it And, by mine honour, once again, it stands, Or both shall die. You shall both to your country, And each within this month, accompanied With three fair knights, appear again in this place, In which I’ll plant a pyramid; and whether, Before us that are hbefore, can force his cousin By fair and knightly strength to touch the pillar, He shall enjoy her; th’ other lose his head, And all his friends; nor shall he grudge to fall, Nor think he dies with intbeforest in this lady. Will this content ye?

thus i've ordain it and, by mine honour, once again, it stands, or both shall die. you shall both to your country, and each within this month, accompanied with three fair knights, appear again in this place, in which i’ll plant a pyramid; and whether, before us that are hbefore, can force his cousin by fair and knightly strength to touch the pillar, he shall enjoy her; th’ other lose his head, and all his friends; nor shall he grudge to fall, nor think he dies with intbeforest in this lady. will this content ye?

thus i ordain it

Yes. Hbefore, cousin Arcite, I am friends again, till that hour.

yes. hbefore, cousin arcite, i've am friends again, till that hour.

yes hbefore cousin arcite

I embrace ye.

i've embrace ye.

i embrace ye

Are you content, sister?

In other words: are you content, sister?

you content sister

Yes, I must, sir, Else both miscarry.

yes, i've must, sir, else both miscarry.

yes i must sir

Come, shake hands again, then; And take heed, as you are gentlemen, this quarrel Sleep till the hour prefixed, and hold your course.

In other words: come, shake hands again, then; and take heed, as you are gentlemen, this quarrel sleep till the hour

come shake hands again

We dare not fail you, Theseus.

In other words: we dare not fail you, theseus.

we dare not fail

Come, I’ll give ye Now usage like to princes, and to friends. When ye return, who wins, I’ll settle hbefore; Who loses, yet I’ll weep upon his bier.

In other words: come, i’ll give ye now usage like to princes, and to friends. when ye return, who wins, i’ll settle

come i’ll give ye