Page 1332 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

Lord Arcite, you must presently to th’Duke.
The cause I know not yet.

ARCITE
I am ready, keeper.

GAOLER
Prince Palamon, I must awhile bereave you
Of your fair cousin’s company.

Exeunt Arcite and Gaoler.

PALAMON
And me too, [280]
Even when you please, of life. Why is he sent for?
It may be he shall marry her; he’s goodly,

And like enough the Duke hath taken notice
Both of his blood and body. But his falsehood!
Why should a friend be treacherous? If that [285]
Get him a wife so noble and so fair,
Let honest men ne’er love again. Once more

I would but see this fair one; blessèd garden,
And fruit, and flowers more blessèd that still blossom
As her bright eyes shine on ye! Would I were [290]

For all the fortune of my life hereafter
You little tree, yon blooming apricot;
How I would spread, and fling my wanton arms
In at her window! I would bring her fruit
Fit for the gods to feed on; youth and pleasure [295]

Still as she tasted should be doubled on her,
And if she be not heavenly, I would make her
So near the gods in nature, they should fear her;

And then I am sure she would love me.
Enter Gaoler.
How now, keeper?
Where’s Arcite?

GAOLER
Banished. Prince Pirithous [300]