Scene + 

V + 

An open place in Athens. + 

A short flourish of cornets, and shouts within. Enter Theseus, Hippolyta, Pirithous, Emilia; Arcite, as a Countryman, wearing a garland; and Country-people. + 

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’m 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 holla’d + 

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. + 

Pirithous + 

Upon my soul, a proper man! + 

Emilia + 

He is so. + 

Pirithous + 

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 + 

What made you seek this place, sir? + 

Arcite + 

Noble Theseus, + 

To purchase a 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-ey’d Honour. + 

Pirithous + 

All his words are worthy. + 

Theseus + 

Sir, we are much indebted to your travel, + 

Nor shall you lose your wish.⁠—Pirithous, + 

Dispose of this fair gentleman. + 

Pirithous + 

Thanks, Theseus.⁠— + 

Whate’re 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’ve honour’d 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 vow’d faith. 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 it: + 

You’re mine; and somewhat better than your rank I’ll use you. + 

Pirithous + 

I’ll see you furnish’d: 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 + 

Sweet, you must be ready⁠— + 

And you, Emilia⁠—and you, friend⁠—and all⁠— + 

To-morrow by the sun, to do observance + 

To flowery May, in Dian’s wood.⁠—Wait well, sir, + 

Upon your mistress.⁠—Emily, I hope + 

He shall not go afoot. + 

Emilia + 

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 mistress. + 

Arcite + 

If I do not, + 

Let me find that my father ever hated⁠— + 

Disgrace and blows. + 

Theseus + 

Go, lead the way; you’ve won it; + 

It shall be so: you shall receive all dues + 

Fit for the honour 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. + 

Emilia + 

I hope too wise for that, sir. Flourish. Exeunt. + 