Beaumont and Fletcher's Works. Volume 9

Scæna Tertia

Enter Arcite

 
Arcite. Banish'd the Kingdom? 'tis a benefit,
A mercy I must thank 'em for, but banish'd
The free enjoying of that face I die for,
Oh 'twas a studdied punishment, a death
Beyond Imagination: Such a vengeance
That were I old and wicked, all my sins
Could never pluck upon me, Palamon;
Thou hast the Start now, thou shalt stay and see
Her bright eyes break each morning 'gainst thy window,
And let in life into thee; Thou shalt feed
Upon the sweetness of a noble beauty,
That nature never exceeded, nor never shall:
Good gods! what happiness has Palamon!
Twenty to one, he'll come to speak to her,
And if she be as gentle, as she's fair,
I know she's his, he has a Tongue will tame
Tempests, and make the wild Rocks wanton. Come what can come,
The worst is death; I will not leave the Kingdom,
I know mine own is but a heap of ruins,
And no redress there, if I go, he has her,
I 'm resolv'd an other shape shall make me,
Or end my fortunes. Either way, I' m happy:
I'll see her, and be near her, or no more.
 

Enter 4. Country people, & one with a garland before them

 
1. My Masters, I'll be there that's certain.
 
 
2. And I'll be there.
 
 
3. And I.
 
 
4. Why then have with ye Boys; 'Tis but [a] chiding,
Let the plough play to day, I'll tick['lt] out
Of the jades tails to morrow.
 
 
1. I 'm sure
To have my wife as jealous as a Turkey:
But that's all one, I'll goe through, let her mumble.
 
 
2. Clap her aboard to morrow night, and stoa her,
And all's made up again.
 
 
3. I, do but put a fesku in her fist, and you shall see her
Take a new lesson out, and be a good wench.
Doe we all hold, against the Maying?
 
 
4. Hold? what should ail us?
 
 
3. Arcas, will be there.
 
 
2. And Sennois.
And Rycas, and 3. Better lads never danc'd under green Tree,
And yet know what wenches: ha?
But will the dainty Domine, the Schoolemaster keep touch
Doe you think: For he do's all ye know.
 
 
3. He'll eat a hornbook ere he fail: goe too, the matter's too far driven between him, and the Tanners daughter, to let slip now, and she must see the Duke, and she must dance too.
 
 
4. Shall we be lusty.
 
 
2. All the Boys in Athens blow wind i'th' breech on's, and here I'll be and there I'll be, for our Town, and here again, and there again: Ha, Boys, heigh for the weavers.
 
 
1. This must be done i'th woods.
 
 
4. O pardon me.
 
 
2. By any means our thing of learning sees so: Where he himself will edifie the Duke most parlously in our behalfs: He's excellent i'th' woods, bring him to'th' plains, his learning makes no cry.
 
 
3. We'll see the sports, then every man to's Tackle: and
Sweet Companions lets rehearse by any means, before
The Ladies see us, and doe sweetly, and God knows what
May come on't.
 
 
4. Content; the sports once ended, we'll perform. Away
Boys and hold.
 
 
Arc. By your leaves honest friends: Pray you w[h]ither goe you.
 
 
4. Whither? Why, what a question's that!
 
 
Arc. Yes, 'tis a question, to me that know not.
 
 
3. To the Games, my Friend.
 
 
2. Where were you bred you know it not?
 
 
Arc. Not far Sir,
Are there such Games, to day?
 
 
1. Yes marry are there:
And such as you never saw; The Duke, himself
Will be in person there.
 
 
Arc. What pastimes are they?
 
 
2. Wrastling, and Running; 'Tis a pretty Fellow.
 
 
3. Thou wilt not goe along.
 
 
Arc. Not yet Sir.
 
 
4. Well Sir
Take your own time, come Boys.
 
 
1. My mind misgives me
This fellow has a veng'ance trick o'th hip,
Marke how his Bodi's made for't.
 
 
2. I'll be hang'd though
If he dare venture, hang him plumb-porredge,
He wrestle? He rost eggs. Come lets be gon Lads.
 

[Exeunt 4.

 
Arc. This is an offer'd oportunity
I durst not wish for. Well, I could have wrestled,
The best men call'd it excellent, and run
Swifter, than wind upon a feild of Corn
(Curling the wealthy ears) never flew: I'll venture,
And in some poor disguize be there, who knows
Whether my brows may not be girt with garlands?
And happiness prefer me to a place,
Where I may ever dwell in sight of her.
 

[Exit Arcite.

Scæena [4]

Enter Jailors Daughter alone

 
Daugh. Why should I love this Gentleman? 'Tis odds
He never will affect me; [I am] base,
My Father the mean Keeper of his Prison,
And he a Prince; To marry him is hopeless;
To be his whore, is witles; Out upon't;
What pushes are we wenches driven to
When fifteen once has found us? First I saw him,
I (seeing) thought he was a goodly man;
He has as much to please a woman in him,
(If he please to bestow it so) as ever
These eyes yet lookt on; Next, I pittied him,
And so would any young wench o'my Conscience
That ever dream'd, or vow'd her Maydenhead
To a young hansom Man; Then I lov'd him,
(Extremely lov'd him) infinitely lov'd him;
And yet he had [a] Cosen, fair as he too.
But in my heart was Palamon, and there
Lord, what a coyl he keepes! To hear him
Sing in an evening, what a Heaven it is!
And yet his Songs are sad-ones; Fairer spoken,
Was never Gentleman. When I come in
To bring him water in a morning, first
He bows his noble body, then salutes me, thus:
Fair, gentle Mayd, good morrow, may thy goodness,
Get thee a happy husband; Once he kist me,
I lov'd my lips the better ten daies after,
Would he would doe so ev'ry day; He greives much,
And me as much to see his misery:
What should I doe, to make him know I love him,
For I would fain enjoy him? Say I ventur'd
To set him free? What saies the Law then? Thus much
For Law, or kindred: I will doe it,
And this night, or to morrow he shall love me.
 

[Exit.

[This short florish of Cornets and Showtes within.

Scæna [5]

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.
 
 
Arcite. 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 S[ir]e, 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 feat 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-found 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.

Scæna 6

Enter Jaylors Daughter alone

 
Daughter. Let all the Dukes, and all the divells rore,
He is at liberty: I have ventur'd for him:
And out I have brought him to a little wood
A mile hence, I have sent him, where a Cedar,
Higher than all the rest, spreads like a plane
Fast by a Brook, and there he shall keep close,
Till I provide him Fyles, and food; for yet
His yron bracelets are not off. O Love
What a stout hearted child thou art! My Father
Durst better have indur'd cold iron, than done it:
I love him beyond love, and beyond reason,
Or wit, or safetie: I have made him know it
I care not, I am desperate: If the Law
Find me, and then condemne me for't; Some wenches,
Some honest hearted Maids, will sing my Dirge.
And tell to memory, my death was noble,
Dying almost a Martyr: That way he takes,
I purpose is my way too: Sure he cannot
Be so unmanly, as to leave me here,
If he doe, Maids will not so easily
Trust men again: And yet he has not thank'd me
For what I have done: no not so much as kist me,
And that (me thinks) is not so well; Nor scarcely
Could I persuade him to become a Freeman,
He made such scruples of the wrong he did
To me, and to my Father. Yet I hope
When he considers more, this love of mine
Will take more root within him: Let him doe
What he will with me, so he use me kindly,
For use me so he shall, or I'll proclaim him,
And to his face, no man: I'll presently
Provide him necessaries, and pack my cloaths up,
And where there is a path of ground I'll venture
So he be with me; By him, like a shadow
I'll ever dwell; Within this hour the whoobub
Will be all o'er the prison: [I am] then
Kissing the man they look for: Farewell Father,
Get many more such prisoners, and such daughters,
And shortly you may keep your self. Now to him:
 

[Cornets in sundry places. Noise and hollowing as people a Maying.

Actus Tertius. Scæna Prima

Enter Arcite alone

 
Arcite.
The Duke has lost Hypolita; Each took
A severall land. This is a solemn Right
They owe bloom'd May, and the Athenians pay it
To 'th' heart of Ceremony: O Queen Emilia
Fresher than May, sweeter
Then her gold Buttons on the bows, or all
Th'enamell'd knacks o'th' Mead, or garden, ye[a]
(We challenge too) the banck of any Nymph
That makes the stream seem flowers; Thou o Jewell
O'th wood, o'th world, hast likewise blest a pace
With thy sole presence, in thy rumination
That I poor man might eftsoones come betwen
And chop on some cold thought, thrice blessed chance
To drop on such a Mistris, expectation
Most guiltless on't: tell me O Lady Fortune
(Next after Emely my Sovereign) how far
I may be proud. She takes strong note of me,
Hath made me near her; and this beauteous Morn
(The prim'st of all the year) presents me with
A brace of horses, two such Steeds might well
Be by a pair of Kings backt, in a Field
That their crowns titles tried: Alas, alas
Poor Cosen Palamon, poor prisoner, thou
So little dream'st upon my fortune, that
Thou thinkst thy self, the happier thing, to be
So near Emilia, me thou deem'st at Thebs,
And therein wretched, although free; But if
Thou knew'st my Mistris breath'd on me, and that
I ear'd her language, liv'd in her eye; O Coz
What passion would enclose thee.
 

Enter Palamon as out of a Bush, with his Shackles: bends his fist at Arcite

 
Palamon. Traytor kinsman,
Thou shouldst perceive my passion, if these signs
Of prisonment were off me, and this hand
But owner of a Sword: By all oaths in one
I, and the justice of my love would make thee
A confest Traytor: O thou most perfidious
That ever gently look'd the voydes of honor.
That ev'r bore gentle Token; falsest Cosen
That ever blood made kin, call'st thou her thine?
I'll prove it in my Shackles, with these hands,
Void of appointment, that thou ly'st, and art
A very theef in love, a Chaffy Lord
Nor worth the name of villain: had I a Sword
And these house cloggs away.
 
 
Arc. Dear Cosin Palamon.
 
 
Pal. Cosoner Arcite, give me language, such
As thou hast shew'd me feat.
 
 
Arc. Not finding in
The circuit of my breast, any gross stuff
To form me like your blazon, holds me to
This gentleness of answer; 'tis your passion
That thus mistakes, the which to you being enemy,
Cannot to me be kind: honor, and honestie
I cherish, and depend on, how so ev'r
You skip them in me, and with them fair Coz
I'll maintain my proceedings; pray be pleas'd
To shew in generous terms, your griefs, since that
Your question's with your equall, who professes
To clear his own way, with the mind and Sword
Of a true Gentleman.
 
 
Pal. That tho[u] durst Arcite.
 
 
Arc. My Coz, my Coz, you have been well advertis'd
How much I dare, y'ave seen me use my Sword
Against th' advice of fear: sure of another
You would not hear me doubted, but your silence
Should break out, though i'th' Sanctuary.
 
 
Pal. Sir,
I have seen you move in such a place, which well
Might justifie your manhood, you were call'd
A good knight and a bold; But the whole week's not fair
If any day it rayn: Their valiant temper
Men loose when they encline to trecherie,
And then they fight like coupel'd Beeres, would fly
Were they not ty'd.
 
 
Arc. Kinsman, you might as well
Speak this, and act it in your Glass, as to
His ear, which now disdains you.
 
 
Pal. Come up to me,
Quit me of these cold Gyves, give me a Sword
Though it be rustie, and the charity
Of one meal lend me; Come before me then,
A good Sword in thy hand, and doe but say
That Emily is thine, I will forgive
The trespass thou hast done [me, yea] my life
If then thou carry't, and brave souls in shades
That have di'd manly, which will seek of me
Some news from earth, they shall get none but this,
That thou art brave, and noble.
 
 
Arc. Be content,
Again betake you to your hawthorn house,
With counsel of the night, I will be here
With wholesome viands; these impediments
Will I file off, you shall have garments, and
Perfumes to kill the smell o'th' prison, after
When you shall stretch your self, and say but Arcite
[I am] in plight, there shall be at your choice
Both Sword, and Armor.
 
 
Pal. Oh you heavens, dare any
So noble bear a guilty business! none
But only Arcite, therefore none but Arcite
In this kind is so bold.
 
 
Arc. Sweet Palamon.
 
 
Pal. I doe embrace you, and your offer, for
Your offer do't I only, Sir your person
Without hypocrisy I may not wish
 

[Wind horns of Cornets.

 
More than my Swords edge ont.
 
 
Arc. You hear the Horns;
Enter your Musick least this match between's
Be crost e'r met, give me your hand, farewell.
I'll bring you every needfull thing: I pray you
Take comfort and be strong.
 
 
Pal. Pray hold your promise;
And doe the deed with a bent brow, most certain
You love me not, be rough with me, and pour
This oil o[u]t of your language; by this ayr
I could for each word, give a Cuff: my stomach
Not reconcil'd by reason.
 
 
Arc. Plainly spoken,
Yet pardon me hard language, when I spur [Wind horns.
My horse, I chide him not; content, and anger
In me have but one face. Hark Sir, they call
The scatter'd to the Banket; you must guess
I have an office there.
 
 
Pal. Sir your attendance
Cannot please heaven, and I know your office
Unjustly is atcheiv'd.
 
 
Arc. If a good title,
I'm persuaded this question sick between's,
By bleeding must be cur'd. I'm a Suitor,
That to your Sword you will bequeath this plea,
And talk of it no more.
 
 
Pal. But this one word:
You are going now to gaze upon my Mistris,
For note you, mine she is.
 
 
Arc. Nay then.
 
 
Pal. Nay pray you,
You talk of feeding me to breed me strength
You are going now to look upon a Sun
That strengthens what it looks on, there
You have a vantage o'er me, but enjoy't till
I may enforce my remedy. Farewell.
 

[Exeunt.

Scæna Secunda

Enter Jaylors daughter alone

 
Daugh. He has mistook; the Beak I meant, is gone
After his fancy, 'Tis now welnigh morning,
No matter, would it were perpetuall night,
And darkness Lord o'th' world, Hark 'tis a wolf:
In me hath grief slain fear, and but for one thing
I care for nothing, and that's Palamon.
I wreak not if the wolves would jaw me, so
He had this Fi[l]e; what if I hollow'd for him?
I cannot hollow: if I whoop'd; what then?
If he not answer'd, I should call a wolf,
And doe him but that service. I have heard
Strange howls this live-long night, why may't not be
They have made prey of him? he has no weapons,
He cannot run, the Jengling of his Gives
Might call fell things to listen, who have in them
A sence to know a man unarm'd, and can
Smell where resistance is. I'll set it down
He's torn to peeces, they howl'd many together
And then they fed on him: So much for that,
Be bold to ring the Bell; How stand I then?
All's char'd when he is gone, No, no I lye,
My Father's to be hang'd for his escape,
My self to beg, if I priz'd life so much
As to deny my act, but that I would not,
Should I try death by dussons: I am mop't,
Food took I non[e] these two daies.
Sipt some water, I have not clos'd mine eyes
Save when my lids scowrd off their bine; alas
Dissolve my life, Let not my sence unsettle
Least I should drown, or stab or hang my self.
O state of Nature, fail together in me,
Since thy best props are warpt: So which way now?
The best way is, the next way to a grave:
Each errant step beside is torment. Loe
The Moon is down, the Cr'ckets chirpe, the Schreich-owl
Calls in the dawn; all offices are done
Save what I fail in: But the point is this
An end, and that is all.
 

[Exit.

Scæna Tertia

Enter Arcite, with Meat, Wine, and Files

 
Arc. I should be near the place, hoa. Cosen Palamon.
 

Enter Palamon

 
Pal. Arcite?
 
 
Arc. The same: I have brought you food and files,
Come forth and fear not, here's no Theseus.
 
 
Pal. Nor none so honest Arcite.
 
 
Arc. That's no matter,
We'll argue that hereafter: Come take courage,
You shall not dye thus beastly, here Sir drink:
I know you're faint, then I'll talk further with you.
 
 
Pal. Arcite, thou mightst now poyson me.
 
 
Arc. I might.
But I must fear you first: Sit down, and good now
No more of these vain parlies; let us not
Having our ancient reputation with us
Make talk for Fools, and Cowards, To your health. &c.
 
 
Pal. Doe.
 
 
Arc. Pray sit dow[n] then, and let me entreat you
By all the honesty and honor in you,
No mention of this woman, 't will disturb us,
We shall have time enough.
 
 
Pal. Well Sir, I'll pledge you.
 
 
Arc. Drinke a good hearty draught, it breeds good blood man.
Doe not you feel it thaw you?
 
 
Pal. Stay, I'll tell you after a draught or two more.
 
 
Arc. Spare it not, the Duke has more Cuz: Eat now.
 
 
Pal. Yes.
 
 
Arc. [I am] glad you have so good a stomach.
 
 
Pal. [I am] gladder I have so good meat to't.
 
 
Arc. Is't not mad lodging here in the wild woods Cosen?
 
 
Pal. Yes, for them that have wild Consciences.
 
 
Arc. How tasts your victuals? your hunger needs no sawce I see.
 
 
Pal. Not much.
But if it did, yours is too tart: sweet Cosen: what is this?
 
 
Arc. Venison.
 
 
Pal. 'Tis a lusty meat:
Give me more wine; here Arcite to the wenches
We have known in our daies. The Lord Stewards daughter.
Doe you remember her?
 
 
Arc. After you Cuz.
 
 
Pal. She lov'd a black-hair'd man.
 
 
Arc. She did so; well Sir.
 
 
Pal. And I have heard some call him Arcite; an.
 
 
Arc. Out with't faith.
 
 
Pal. She met him in an Arbor:
What did she there Cuz? play o'the virginals?
 
 
Arc. Something she did Sir.
 
 
Pal. Made her groan a Month for't; or 2. or 3. or 10.
 
 
Arc. The Marshals Sister,
Had her share too, as I remember Cosen,
Else there be tales abroad, you'll pledge her?
 
 
Pal. Yes.
 
 
Arc. A pretty brown wench 'tis: There was a time
When young men went a hunting, and a wood,
And a broad beech: and thereby hangs a tale: heigh ho.
 
 
Pal. For Emily, upon my life, fool
A way with this strain'd mirth; I say again
That sigh was breath'd for Emily; base Cosen,
Dar'st thou break first?
 
 
Arc. You are wide.
 
 
Pal. By heaven and earth, there's nothing in thee honest.
 
 
Arc. Then I'll leave you: you are a Beast now:
 
 
Pal. As thou mak'st me, Traytor.
 
 
Arc. There's all things needfull, files and shirts, and perfumes.
I'll come again some two hours hence, and bring
That that shall quiet all.
 
 
Pal. A Sword and Armor.
 
 
Arc. Fear me not; you are now too fowl; farewell.
Get off your Trinkets, you shall want nought.
 
 
Pal. Sir ha:
 
 
Arc. I'll here no more.
 

[Exit.

 
Pal. If he keep touch, he dies for't.
 

[Exit.