ABSTRACT
Emilia is the sister of Hippolyta (Queen of the Amazons, fiancée and later the wife of the Duke of Athens, Theseus). Almost certainly this speech is Shakespeare’s but because parts of the play were probably written by John Fletcher she is a somewhat confusing character. However, she is certainly a warm-hearted, sensitive young woman. The ‘kinsmen’ (Arcite and Palamon) are both in love with Emilia, and after several quarrels, Theseus agrees to arrange a duel to decide who shall have her in marriage. This is about to start; Theseus and Hippolyta have been trying to persuade Emilia to watch but she can’t face it. They leave her on her own and these are her thoughts as she awaits the outcome.
