ARCITE.
I shall thinke either, well done, A noble recompence.
PALAMON.
Then I shall quit you.
ARCITE.
Defy me in these faire termes, and you show More then a Mistris to me, no more anger As you love any thing that's honourable: We were not bred to talke, man; when we are arm'd 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 Truely pertaines (without obbraidings, scornes, Dispisings of our persons, and such powtings, Fitter for Girles and Schooleboyes) will be seene And quickly, yours, or mine: wilt please you arme, Sir, Or if you feele your selfe not fitting yet And furnishd with your old strength, ile stay, Cosen, And ev'ry day discourse you into health, As I am spard: your person I am friends with, And I could wish I had not saide I lov'd her, Though I had dide; But loving such a Lady And justifying my Love, I must not fly from't.
PALAMON.
Arcite, thou art so brave an enemy, That no man but thy Cosen's fit to kill thee: I am well and lusty, choose your Armes.
ARCITE.
Choose you, Sir.
PALAMON.
Wilt thou exceede in all, or do'st thou doe it To make me spare thee?
ARCITE.
If you thinke so, Cosen, You are deceived, for as I am a Soldier, I will not spare you.
PALAMON.
That's well said.
ARCITE.
You'l finde it.
PALAMON.
Then, as I am an honest man and love With all the justice of affection, Ile pay thee soundly. This ile take.
ARCITE.
That's mine, then; Ile arme you first.
PALAMON.
Do: pray thee, tell me, Cosen, Where gotst thou this good Armour?
ARCITE.
Tis the Dukes, And to say true, I stole it; doe I pinch you?
PALAMON.
Noe.
ARCITE.
Is't not too heavie?
PALAMON.
I have worne a lighter, But I shall make it serve.
ARCITE.
Ile buckl't close.
PALAMON.
By any meanes.
ARCITE.
You care not for a Grand guard?
PALAMON.
No, no; wee'l use no horses: I perceave You would faine be at that Fight.
ARCITE.
I am indifferent.
PALAMON.
Faith, so am I: good Cosen, thrust the buckle Through far enough.
ARCITE.
I warrant you.
PALAMON.
My Caske now.
ARCITE.
Will you fight bare-armd?
PALAMON.
We shall be the nimbler.
ARCITE.
But use your Gauntlets though; those are o'th least, Prethee take mine, good Cosen.
PALAMON.
Thanke you, Arcite. How doe I looke? am I falne much away?
ARCITE.
Faith, very little; love has usd you kindly.
PALAMON.
Ile warrant thee, Ile strike home.
ARCITE.
Doe, and spare not; Ile give you cause, sweet Cosen.
PALAMON.
Now to you, Sir: Me thinkes this Armor's very like that, Arcite, Thou wor'st the day the 3. Kings fell, but lighter.
ARCITE.
That was a very good one; and that day, I well remember, you outdid me, Cosen. I never saw such valour: when you chargd Vpon the left wing of the Enemie, I spurd hard to come up, and under me I had a right good horse.
PALAMON.
You had indeede; a bright Bay, I remember.
ARCITE.
Yes, but all Was vainely labour'd in me; you outwent me, Nor could my wishes reach you; yet a little I did by imitation.
PALAMON.
More by vertue; You are modest, Cosen.
ARCITE.
When I saw you charge first, Me thought I heard a dreadfull clap of Thunder Breake from the Troope.
PALAMON.
But still before that flew The lightning of your valour. Stay a little, Is not this peece too streight?
ARCITE.
No, no, tis well.
PALAMON.
I would have nothing hurt thee but my Sword, A bruise would be dishonour.
ARCITE.
Now I am perfect.
PALAMON.
Stand off, then.
ARCITE.
Take my Sword, I hold it better.
PALAMON.
I thanke ye: No, keepe it; your life lyes on it. Here's one; if it but hold, I aske no more For all my hopes: My Cause and honour guard me! [They bow severall wayes: then advance and stand.]
ARCITE.
And me my love! Is there ought else to say?
PALAMON.
This onely, and no more: Thou art mine Aunts Son, And that blood we desire to shed is mutuall; In me, thine, and in thee, mine.