Page 1369 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

PALAMON

Then I shall quit you.

ARCITE
Defy me in these fair terms, and you show [25]
More than a mistress to me; no more anger,
As you love anything that’s honourable!

We were not bred to talk, man; when we are armed,
And both upon our guards, then let our fury,
Like meeting of two tides, fly strongly from us, [30]
And then to whom the birthright of this beauty

Truly pertains − without upbraidings, scorns,
Despisings of our persons, and such poutings
Fitter for girls and schoolboys − will be seen,
And quickly, yours or mine. Will’t please you arm, sir? [35]

Or if you feel yourself not fitting yet
And furnished with your old strength, I’ll stay, cousin,
And every day discourse you into health,
As I am spared. Your person I am friends with,

And I could wish I had not said I loved her, [40]
Though I had died; 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 cousin’s fit to kill thee.
I am well and lusty. Choose your arms.

ARCITE
Choose you, sir. [45]

PALAMON
Wilt thou exceed in all, or dost thou do’t
To make me spare thee?

ARCITE
If you think so, cousin,

You are deceived, for as I am a soldier