Page 1406 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

ACT V IT

Scene I IT

Flourish. Enter Theseus, Pirithous, Hippolyta, and attendants.

THESEUS
Now let ’em enter, and before the gods
Tender their holy prayers; let the temples
Burn bright with sacred fires, and the altars

In hallowed clouds commend their swelling incense
To those above us. Let no due be wanting; [5]
They have a noble work in hand, will honour
The very powers that love ’em.

PIRITHOUS
Sir, they enter.

Flourish of cornets. Enter Palamon and Arcite and their knights.

THESEUS

You valiant and strong-hearted enemies,
You royal german foes, that this day come
To blow that nearness out that flames between ye, [10]
Lay by your anger for an hour, and dove-like

Before the holy altars of your helpers,
The all-feared gods, bow down your stubborn bodies.
Your ire is more than mortal; so your help be,
And as the gods regard ye, fight with justice. [15]

I’ll leave you to your prayers, and betwixt ye
I part my wishes.

PIRITHOUS