A list of well-known quotes from The Two Noble Kinsmen, listed in order of appearance in the play.

A crowd, all dressed in modern clothing. The man in the middle holds up a sword.
A scene from the 2006 production of The Two Noble Kinsmen, directed by William Oldroyd
Photo by Ellie Kurttz © RSC Browse and license our images

Come all sad and solemn shows,
That are quick-eyed Pleasure's foes:
We convent naught else but woes.
We convent naught else but woes.
(Three Queens, Act 1 Scene 5)

This world's a city full of straying streets, 
And death's the market-place where each one meets.
(Third Queen, Act 1 Scene 5)

Whilst Palamon is with me, let me perish
If I think this our prison.
(Arcite, Act 2 Scene 2)

It is the very emblem of a maid.
For when the west wind courts her gently,
How modestly she blows and paints the sun
With her chaste blushes. When the north comes near her,
Rude and impatient, then, like chastity,
She locks her beauties in her bud again,
And leaves him to base briars.
(Emilia, Act 2 Scene 2)

Fie, sir. You play the child extremely. 
(Arcite, Act 2 Scene 2)

Once he kissed me.
I loved my lips the better ten days after:
Would he would do so every day!
(Jailer’s Daughter, Act 2 Scene 4)

O you heavens, dares any
So nobly bear a guilty business? None
But only Arcite: therefore none but Arcite 
In this kind is so bold.
(Palamon, Act 3 Scene 1)

‘Tis pity love should be so tyrannous.
(Hippolyta, Act 4 scene 2)

I am bride-habited,
But maiden-hearted.
(Emilia, Act 5 Scene 1)

O great corrector of enormous times,
Of dusty and old titles, that heal’st with blood
The earth when it is sick, and cur’st the world
O'th’pleurisy of people.
(Arcite, Act 5 scene 1)

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