THESEUS.
Make choice, then.
EMILIA.
I cannot, sir, they are both too excellent;
For me, a hair shall never fall of these men.
HIPPOLYTA.
What will become of ’em?
THESEUS.
Thus I ordain it
And, by mine honour, once again, it stands,
Or both shall die. You shall both to your country,
And each within this month, accompanied
With three fair knights, appear again in this place,
In which I’ll plant a pyramid; and whether,
Before us that are here, can force his cousin
By fair and knightly strength to touch the pillar,
He shall enjoy her; th’ other lose his head,
And all his friends; nor shall he grudge to fall,
Nor think he dies with interest in this lady.
Will this content ye?
PALAMON.
Yes. Here, cousin Arcite,
I am friends again, till that hour.
[He offers his hand.]
ARCITE.
I embrace ye.
THESEUS.
Are you content, sister?
EMILIA.
Yes, I must, sir,
Else both miscarry.
THESEUS.
Come, shake hands again, then;
And take heed, as you are gentlemen, this quarrel
Sleep till the hour prefixed, and hold your course.