Page 1380 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

Upon their lives − but with their banishments.

THESEUS
You are a right woman, sister; you have pity, [215]
But want the understanding where to use it.
If you desire their lives, invent a way
Safer than banishment; can these two live,

And have the agony of love about ’em,
And not kill one another? Every day [220]
They’d fight about you, hourly bring your honour

In public question with their swords. Be wise then,
And here forget ’em; it concerns your credit
And my oath equally; I have said they die.
Better they fall by th’law than one another. [225]
Bow not my honour.

EMILIA
O, my noble brother,
That oath was rashly made, and in your anger;
Your reason will not hold it. If such vows
Stand for express will, all the world must perish.

Beside, I have another oath ’gainst yours, [230]
Of more authority, I am sure more love;
Not made in passion neither, but good heed.

THESEUS
What is it, sister?

PIRITHOUS
Urge it home, brave lady.

EMILIA
That you would ne’er deny me anything

Fit for my modest suit, and your free granting. [235]
I tie you to your word now; if ye fall in’t,
Think how you maim your honour −

For now I am set a-begging, sir, I am deaf