Those bodies, even to loathing; for they so stunk, Esca. Hel. And yet but just; for though This king were great, his greatness was no guard Esca. Enter Three Lords. 1 Lord. See! not a man, in private conference Or council, has respect with him but he. 2 Lord. 3 Lord. 1 Lord. It shall no longer grieve without reproof. Follow me, then. - Lord Helicane, a word. Hel. With me? and welcome. Happy day, my lords. 1 Lord. Know, that our griefs are risen to the top, And now at length they overflow their banks. Hel. Your griefs! for what? wrong not the prince you love. 1 Lord. Wrong not yourself, then, noble Helicane; But if the prince do live, let us salute him, Or know what ground's made happy by his breath. If in the world he live, we 'll seek him out; 2 Lord. Whose death's, indeed, the strongest in our censure: And knowing this kingdom is without a head, Like goodly buildings left without a roof, Soon fall to ruin, your noble self, That best know'st how to rule, and how to reign, We thus submit unto, our sovereign. All. Live, noble Helicane! Hel. Try honour's cause; forbear your suffrages: If that you love prince Pericles, forbear. Take I your wish, I leap into the seas, Where's hourly trouble for a minute's ease. Go search like nobles, like noble subjects, And in your search spend your adventurous worth; You shall like diamonds sit about his crown. 1 Lord. To wisdom he 's a fool that will not yield: And since lord Helicane enjoineth us, We with our travels will endeavour. Hel. Then, you love us, we you, and we 'll clasp hands: When peers thus knit, a kingdom ever stands. SCENE V. Pentapolis. A Room in the Palace. [Exeunt. Enter SIMONIDES, reading a Letter: the Knights meet him. 1 Knight. Good morrow to the good Simonides. Sim. Knights, from my daughter this I let you know, That for this twelvemonth she 'll not undertake A married life. Her reason to herself is only known, Which yet from her by no means can I get. 2 Knight. May we not get access to her, my lord? Sim. 'Faith, by no means; she hath so strictly tied her To her chamber, that it is impossible. One twelve moons more she 'll wear Diana's livery; This by the eye of Cynthia hath she vow'd, And on her virgin honour will not break it. 3 Knight. Though loath to bid farewell, we take our leaves. Sim. So, They 're well despatch'd; now to my daughter's letter. Or never more to view nor day nor light. [Exeunt. 'Tis well, mistress; your choice agrees with mine; Not minding whether I dislike or no. And will no longer have it be delay'd. Soft! here he comes: I must dissemble it. Enter PERICles. Per. All fortune to the good Simonides! Sim. To you as much, Sir. I am beholding to you, For your sweet music this last night: I do Protest, my ears were never better fed With such delightful pleasing harmony. Per. It is your grace's pleasure to commend, Not my desert. Sim. Sir, you are music's master. Per. The worst of all her scholars, my good lord. What do you think of my daughter, Sir? Per. As of a most virtuous princess. Per. As a fair day in summer; wondrous fair. Sim. She thinks not so; peruse this writing else. A letter, that she loves the knight of Tyre? 'T is the king's subtilty, to have my life. [To him.] O! seek not to entrap me, gracious lord, A stranger and distressed gentleman, That never aim'd so high, to love your daughter, But bent all offices to honour her. Sim. Thou hast bewitch'd my daughter, and thou art A villain. Never did thought of mine levy offence; Nor never did my actions yet commence A deed might gain her love, or your displeasure. Per. Sim. Traitor! Ay, traitor. Per. Even in his throat, unless it be the king, That calls me traitor, I return the lie. Sim. [Aside.] Now, by the gods, I do applaud his courage. Per. My actions are as noble as my thoughts, That never relish'd of a base descent. I came unto your court for honour's cause, And not to be a rebel to her state; And he that otherwise accounts of me, This sword shall prove he 's honour's enemy. Here comes my daughter, she can witness it. Enter THAISA. Per. Then, as you are as virtuous as fair, Who takes offence at that would make me glad? [Aside.] I am glad on 't with all my heart. [To her.] I'll tame you; I'll bring you in subjection. Will you, not having my consent, Bestow your love and your affections Upon a stranger? [Aside.] who, for aught I know, As great in blood as I myself. Therefore, hear you, mistress; either frame -- Nay, come; your hands, And lips must seal it too; And being join'd, I'll thus your hopes destroy; God give you joy! — And for farther grief, Yes, if you love me, Both. Yes, if 't please your majesty. Sir. Sim. It pleaseth me so well, I'll see you wed; [Exeunt. Then, with what haste you can get you to bed. ACT III. Enter GoWER. Gow. Now sleep yslaked hath the rout; No din but snores the house about, And time that is so briefly spent, With your fine fancies quaintly eche; What's dumb in show, I'll plain with speech. Dumb show. Enter PERICLES and SIMONIDES at one door, with Attendants; a Messenger meets them, kneels, and gives PERICLES a Letter. PERICLES shows it to SIMONIDES; the Lords kneel to PERicles. Then, enter THAISA with child, and LYCHORIDA: SIMONIDES shows his Daughter the Letter; she rejoices: she and PERICLES take leave of her Father, and all depart. Gow. By many a dearn and painful perch |