Where I may ever dwell in sight of her? Exit

2.4 Enter the Jailer’s Daughter

JAILER’S DAUGHTER

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 witless. 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 looked on. Next, I pitied him,

And so would any young wench, o‘my conscience,

That ever dreamed or vowed her maidenhead

To a young handsome man. Then, I loved him,

Extremely loved him, infinitely loved him—

And yet he had a cousin fair as he, too.

But in my heart was Palamon, and there,

Lord, what a coil he keeps! 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 maid, good morrow. May thy goodness

Get thee a happy husband.’ Once he kissed me—

I loved my lips the better ten days after.

Would he would do so every day! He grieves much,

And me as much to see his misery.

What should I do to make him know I love him?

For I would fain enjoy him. Say I ventured

To set him free? What says the law then? Thus much

For law or kindred! I will do it,

And this night; ere tomorrow he shall love me. Exit

2.5 Short flourish of cornetts and shouts within. Enter Theseus, Hippolyta, Pirithous, Emilia, Arcite disguised, with a garland, and attendants

THESEUS

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

That these times can allow.

ARCITE I am proud to please you.

THESEUS

What country bred you?

ARCITE

This—but far off, prince.

THESEUS

Are you a gentleman?

ARCITE

My father said so, And to those gentle uses gave me life.

THESEUS

Are you his heir?

ARCITE

His youngest, sir.

THESEUS

Your father Sure is a happy sire, then. What proves you?

ARCITE

A little of all noble qualities.

I could have kept a hawk and well have hollered

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.

THESEUS You are perfect.

PIRITHOIIS

Upon my soul, a proper man.

EMILIA

He is so.

PIRITHOUS (to Hippolyta)

How do you like him, lady?

HIPPOLYTA

I admire him. I have not seen so young a man so noble—

If he say true—of his sort.

EMILIA

Believe His mother was a wondrous handsome woman—

His face methinks goes that way.

HIPPOLYTA

But his body And fiery mind illustrate a brave father.

PIRITHOUS

Mark how his virtue, like a hidden sun,

Breaks through his baser garments.

HIPPOLYTA

He’s well got, sure.

THESEUS (to Arcite)

What made you seek this place, sir?

ARCITE

Noble Theseus, To purchase 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-eyed honour.

PIRITHOUS

All his words are worthy.

THESEUS (to Arcite)

Sir, we are much indebted to your travel,

Nor shall you lose your wish.—Pirithous,

Dispose of this fair gentleman.

PIRITHOUS

Thanks, Theseus. (To Arcite) Whate’er 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 have honoured her fair birthday with your

virtues,

And as your due you’re hers. Kiss her fair hand, sir.

ARCITE

Sir, you’re a noble giver. (To Emilia) Dearest beauty,

Thus let me seal my vowed faith.

He kisses her hand

When your servant,

Your most unworthy creature, but offends you,

Command him die, he shall.

EMILIA

That were too cruel. If you deserve well, sir, I shall soon see’t.

You’re mine, and somewhat better than your rank I’ll

use you.

PIRITHOUS (to Arcite)

I’ll see you furnished, and, because you say

You are a horseman, I must needs entreat you

This afternoon to ride—but ’tis a rough one.

ARCITE

I like him better, prince—I shall not then

Freeze in my saddle.

THESEUS (to Hippolyta)

Sweet, you must be ready—And you, Emilia, ⌈to Pirithous] and you, friend—and

all,

Tomorrow by the sun, to do observance

To flow’ry May in Dian’s wood. (To Arcite) Wait well,

sir,

Upon your mistress.—Emity, I hope

He shall not go afoot.

EMILIA

That were a shame, sir, While I have horses. (To Arcite) Take your choice, and

what

You want, at any time, let me but know it.

If you serve faithfully, I dare assure you,