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So strangely, so unlike a noble kinsman,

To love alone? Speak truly. Do you think me

Unworthy of her sight?

PALAMON No, but unjust

If thou pursue that sight.

ARCITE Because another

First sees the enemy, shall I stand still,

And let mine honor down, and never charge?

PALAMON Yes, if he be but one.

ARCITE But say that one ...

Had rather combat me?

PALAMON Let that one say so,

And use thy freedom; else, if thou pursuest her,

Be as that cursed man that hates his country,

A branded villain.

ARCITE You are mad.

PALAMON I must be.

Till thou art worthy, Arcite, it concerns me,

And in this madness if I hazard thee

And take thy life, I deal but truly.

ARCITE Fie, sir.

You play the child extremely. I will love her,

I must, I ought to do so, and I dare --

And all this justly.

PALAMON O, that now, that now ...

Thy false self and thy friend had but this fortune --

To be one hour at liberty and grasp

Our good swords in our hands! I would quickly teach thee

What t'were to filch affection from another.

Thou art baser in it than a cut-purse.

Put but thy head out of this window more

And, as I have a soul, I'll nail thy life to't.

ARCITE Thou dar'st not, fool; thou canst not; thou art feeble.

Put my head out? I'll throw my body out

And leap the garden when I see her next, [Enter the Jailer, above.] ...

And pitch between her arms to anger thee.

PALAMON No more -- the keeper's coming. I shall live

To knock thy brains out with my shackles.

ARCITE Do.

JAILER By your leave, gentlemen.

PALAMON Now, honest keeper?

JAILER Lord Arcite, you must presently to th' Duke.

The cause I know not yet.

ARCITE I am ready, keeper.

JAILER Prince Palamon, I must a while bereave you

Of your fair cousin's company. [Exeunt Arcite and the Jailer.]

PALAMON And me, too,

Even when you please, of life. Why is he sent for?

It may be he shall marry her -- he's goodly, ...

And like enough the Duke hath taken notice

Both of his blood and body. But his falsehood!

Why should a friend be treacherous? If that

Get him a wife so noble and so fair,

Let honest men ne'er love again. Once more

I would but see this fair one. Blessed garden,

And fruit and flowers more blessed, that still blossom

As her bright eyes shine on ye! Would I were,

For all the fortune of my life hereafter,

Yon little tree, yon blooming apricot -- ...

How I would spread and fling my wanton arms

In at her window! I would bring her fruit

Fit for the gods to feed on; youth and pleasure

Still as she tasted should be doubled on her;

And if she be not heavenly, I would make her

So near the gods in nature they should fear her --

[Enter the Jailer, above.]

And then I am sure she would love me. How now, keeper,

Where's Arcite?

JAILER: ~~~ Banished -- Prince Pirithous

Obtained his liberty; but never more,

Upon his oath and life, must he set foot

Upon this kingdom. ...

PALAMON [aside] He's a blessed man.

He shall see Thebes again, and call to arms

The bold young men that, when he bids 'em charge,

Fall on like fire. Arcite shall have a fortune,

If he dare make himself a worthy lover,

Yet in the field to strike a battle for her;

And if he lose her then, he's a cold coward.

How bravely may he bear himself to win her

If he be noble Arcite; thousand ways!

Were I at liberty I would do things ...

Of such virtuous greatness that this lady,

This blushing virgin, should take manhood to her

And seek to ravish me.

JAILER My lord, for you

I have this charge to --

PALAMON to discharge my life.

JAILER No, but from this place to remove your lordship --

The windows are too open.

PALAMON Devils take 'em

That are so envious to me -- prithee kill me.

JAILER And hang for't afterward?

PALAMON By this good light,

Had I a sword I would kill thee.

JAILER Why, my lord?

PALAMON Thou bring'st such pelting scurvy news continually, ...

Thou art not worthy life. I will not go.

JAILER Indeed you must, my lord.

PALAMON May I see the garden?

JAILER No.

PALAMON Then I am