Page 1349 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

I cherish and depend on, howsoe’er
You skip them in me, and with them, fair coz,
I’ll maintain my proceedings. Pray be pleased
To show in generous terms your griefs, since that

Your question’s with your equal, who professes [55]
To clear his own way with the mind and sword
Of a true gentleman.

PALAMON
That thou durst, Arcite!

ARCITE
My coz, my coz, you have been well advertised

How much I dare; you’ve seen me use my sword
Against th’advice of fear. Sure of another [60]
You would not hear me doubted, but your silence
Should break out, though i’th’sanctuary.

PALAMON
Sir,

I have seen you move in such a place which well
Might justify your manhood; you were called
A good knight and a bold. But the whole week’s not fair [65]

If any day it rain; their valiant temper
Men lose when they incline to treachery,
And then they fight like compelled bears, would fly
Were they not tied.

ARCITE
Kinsman, you might as well

Speak this and act it in your glass as to [70]
His ear which now disdains you.

PALAMON
Come up to me,
Quit me of these cold gyves, give me a sword,

Though it be rusty, and the charity