Page 1320 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

Must we behold those comforts, never see
The hardy youths strive for the games of honour,
Hung with the painted favours of their ladies, [65]
Like tall ships under sail; then start amongst ’em

And as an east wind leave ’em all behind us,
Like lazy clouds, whilst Palamon and Arcite,
Even in the wagging of a wanton leg,
Outstripped the people’s praises, won the garlands, [70]

Ere they have time to wish ’em ours. O, never
Shall we two exercise, like twins of honour,
Our arms again, and feel our fiery horses
Like proud seas under us! Our good swords now −

Better the red-eyed god of war ne’er wore − [75]
Ravished our sides, like age must run to rust,
And deck the temples of those gods that hate us;
These hands shall never draw ’em out like lightning

To blast whole armies more.

ARCITE
No, Palamon,
Those hopes are prisoners with us; here we are, [80]
And here the graces of our youths must wither
Like a too timely spring; here age must find us,

And − which is heaviest, Palamon − unmarried.
The sweet embraces of a loving wife,
Loaden with kisses, armed with thousand cupids, [85]

Shall never clasp our necks; no issue know us;
No figures of ourselves shall we e’er see
To glad our age, and like young eagles teach ’em
Boldly to gaze against bright arms, and say
‘Remember what your fathers were, and conquer!’ [90]

The fair-eyed maids shall weep our banishments,
And in their songs curse ever-blinded fortune,
Till she for shame see what a wrong she has done

To youth and nature. This is all our world;
We shall know nothing here but one another, [95]
Hear nothing but the clock that tells our woes.
The vine shall grow, but we shall never see it;