_Thes._ Thus I ordain it, And by mine honor, once again it stands, Or both shall dye. You shall both to your Countrey, 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 Cosen By fair and knightly strength to touch the Pillar, He shall enjoy her: The other loose 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? _Pal._ Yes: Here Cosen _Arcite_ I'm friends again, till that hour. _Arc._ I embrace ye. _Thes._ Are you content Sister? _Emil._ Yes, I must Sir, [Els] both miscarry. _Thes._ Come shake hands again then, And take heed, as you are Gentlemen, this Quarrell Sleep till the hour p[re]fixt, and hold your course. _Pal._ We dare not fail thee _Theseus_. _T[h]es._ Come, I'll give ye Now usage like to Princes, and to Friends: When ye return, who wins, I'll settle here, Who loses, yet I'll weep upon his Beer. [_Exeunt._ _Actus Quartus. Scæna Prima._ _Enter Jailor and his Friend._ _Jail._ Hear you no more? was nothing said of me Concerning the escape of _Palamon_? Good Sir remember. _1 Fr._ Nothing that I heard, For I came home before the business Was fully ended: yet I might perceive E'r I departed, a great likelyhood Of both their pardons: for _Hippolita_, And fair-ey'd _Emilia_, upon their knees, Begg'd with such handsome pitty, that the Duke Methought stood staggering whether he should follow His rash oath, or the sweet compassion Of those two Ladies; and to second them, That truly noble Prince _Perithous_ Half his own heart, set in too, that I hope All shall be well: neither heard I one question Of your name, or his scape. _Enter 2 Friends._ _Jail._ Pray Heaven it hold so. _2 Fr._ Be of good comfort man; I bring you news Good news. _Jail._ They are welcome. _2 Fr. Palamon_ has clear'd you, And got your pardon, and discover'd How, and by whose means he scap'd, which was your Daughter's, Whose pardon is procured too, and the prisoner Not to be held ungrateful to her goodness, Has given a sum of money to her Marriage, A large one I'll assure you. _Jail._ Ye are a good man And ever bring good news. _1 Fr._ How was it ended? _2 Fr._ Why, as it should be; they that ne'er begg'd But they prevail'd, had their suits fairly granted. The prisoners have their lives. _1 Fr._ I knew 'twould be so. _2 Fr._ But there be new conditions, which you'll hear of At better time. _Jail._ I hope they are good. _2 Fr._ They are honourable, How good they'll prove, I know not. _Enter Wooer._