Page 1382 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4
P. 1382
PALAMON
He’s a villain, then.
PIRITHOUS
These are men! [265]
ARCITE
No, never, Duke; ’tis worse to me than begging
To take my life so basely. Though I think
I never shall enjoy her, yet I’ll preserve
The honour of affection and die for her,
Make death a devil. [270]
THESEUS
What may be done? For now I feel compassion.
The ladies rise.
PIRITHOUS
Let it not fall again, sir.
THESEUS
Say, Emilia,
If one of them were dead, as one must, are you
Content to take the other to your husband?
They cannot both enjoy you. They are princes [275]
As goodly as your own eyes, and as noble
As ever fame yet spoke of; look upon ’em,
And if you can love, end this difference.
I give consent; are you content too, princes?
PALAMON and ARCITE
With all our souls.
THESEUS
He that she refuses [280]
Must die then.
