[Exeunt.]
SCENE III. A part of the Forest near Athens, and near the Place appointed for the Combat
Flourish. Enter Theseus, Hippolyta, Emilia, Pirithous and some Attendants.
EMILIA.
I’ll no step further.
PIRITHOUS.
Will you lose this sight?
EMILIA.
I had rather see a wren hawk at a fly
Than this decision. Every blow that falls
Threats a brave life; each stroke laments
The place whereon it falls, and sounds more like
A bell than blade. I will stay here.
It is enough my hearing shall be punished
With what shall happen, ’gainst the which there is
No deafing, but to hear; not taint mine eye
With dread sights it may shun.
PIRITHOUS.
Sir, my good lord,
Your sister will no further.
THESEUS.
O, she must.
She shall see deeds of honour in their kind,
Which sometime show well, penciled. Nature now
Shall make and act the story, the belief
Both sealed with eye and ear. You must be present;
You are the victor’s meed, the price and garland
To crown the question’s title.
EMILIA.
Pardon me;
If I were there, I’d wink.
THESEUS.
You must be there;
This trial is as ’twere i’ th’ night, and you
The only star to shine.