SCENE II. The same. The outer room of a prison. Enter Paulina and Attendants. Paul. The keeper of the prison,-call to him ; [Exit an attendant. Let him have knowledge who I am.-Good lady! No court in Europe is too good for thee, What dost thou then in prison ?-Now, good sir, Re-enter Attendant, with the Keeper. You know me, do you not? Keep. For a worthy lady, Pray you, then, And one whom much I honour. Paul. Conduct me to the queen. Keep. I may not, madam; to the contrary I have express commandment. Paul. Here's ado, To lock up honesty and honour from The access of gentle visitors !-Is it lawful, Keep. So please you, madam, to put Paul. Keep. I pray now, call her. [Exeunt Attend. And, madam, [Exit Keeper. I must be present at your conference. Paul. Well, be it so, pr'ythee. Here's such ado to make no stain a stain, As passes colouring. Re-enter Keeper, with Emilia. Dear gentlewoman, how fares our gracious lady? Emil. As well as one so great, and so forlorn, A daughter; and a goodly babe, live: the queen receives Much comfort in't: says, My poor prisoner, Lusty, and like to I am innocent as you. Paul. I dare be sworn : These dangerous unsafe lunes* o' the king! beshrew them! He must be told on't, and he shall: the office The trumpet any more :-Pray you, Emilia, Persuades, when speaking fails. Emil. Most worthy madam, Your honour, and your goodness, is so evident, That your free undertaking cannot miss A thriving issue; there is no lady living, So meet for this great errand: Please your ladyship Acquaint the queen of your most noble offer; Paul. Tell her, Emilia, I'll use that tongue I have: if wit flow from it, As boldness from my bosom, let it not be doubted I shall do good. Emil. Now be you blest for it! * Frenzies. I'll to the queen: Please you, come something nearer. Keep. Madam, if't please the queen to send the babe, I know not what I shall incur, to pass it, Having no warrant. Paul. Do not you fear: upon Mine honour, I will stand 'twixt you and danger. [Exeunt. SCENE III. The same. A room in the palace. Enter Leontes, Antigonus, Lords, and other attendants. Leon. Nor night, nor day, no rest: It is but weakness To bear the matter thus; mere weakness, if Leon. How does the boy? 1 Atten. My lord? [Advancing. He took good rest to-night; 'Tis hop'd, his sickness is discharg'd. * Mark and aim. Conceiving the dishonour of his mother, See how he fares. [Exit Attend.]-Fye, fye! no thought of him ;— The very thought of my revenges that way Laugh at me; make their pastime at my sorrow : 1 Lord. Enter Paulina, with a child. You must not enter. Paul. Nay, rather, good my lords, be second to me: Fear you his tyrannous passion more, alas, Ant. That's enough. 1 Atten. Madam, he hath not slept to-night; commanded None should come at him. Paul. Not so hot, good sir; I come to bring him sleep. 'Tis such as you,— That creep like shadows by him, and do sigh At each his needless heavings,-such as you Nourish the cause of his awaking: I Do come with words as med'cinal as true; Honest, as either; to purge him of that humour, That presses him from sleep. Leon. * Alone. What noise there, ho? Paul. No noise, my lord; but needful conference, About some gossips for your highness. Leon. How? Away with that audacious lady: Antigonus, I charg'd thee, that she should not come about me; I knew she would. Ant. I told her so, my lord, On your displeasure's peril, and on mine, Leon. What, canst not rule her? Ant. Paul. Good my liege, I come,— And, I beseech you, hear me, who profess Leon. Good queen! Paul. Good queen, my lord, good queen: I say, good queen; And would by combat make her good, so were I A man, the worst† about you. Leon. Force her hence. Paul. Let him that makes but trifles of his eyes, First band me: on mine own accord, I'll off; But, first, I'll do my errand.-The good queen, For she is good, hath brought you forth a daughter; Here 'tis; commends it to your blessing. [Laying down the child. Out! Leon. A mankind witch! Hence with her, out o' door : |