Even in the height and pride of all his glory, A fire from heaven came, and shrivel'd up Their bodies, even to loathing; for they so stunk, Hel. And yet but just; for though This king were great, his greatness was no guard To bar heaven's shaft, but sin had his reward. Esca. 'Tis very true. Enter three Lords. 1 Lord. See, not a man in private conference, Or council, has respect with him but he. 2 Lord. It shall no longer grieve, without reproof. 3 Lord. And curs'd be he that will not second it. 1 Lord. 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 his grave he rest, we'll find him there; [censure: 2 Lord. Whose death's, indeed, the strongest in our And knowing this kingdom, if without a head That best know'st how to rule, and how to reign, Hel. Try honour's cause, forbear your suffrages: Take I your wish, I leap into the seas, Go search like noblemen, like noble subjects, 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 it. Hel. Then you love us, we you, and we'll clasp hands; When peers thus knit, a kingdom ever stands. [Exeunt. SCENE V. PENTAPOLIS. A Room in the Palace. Enter SIMONIDES, reading a Letter; the Knights meet him. 1. Knight. Good morrow to the good Simonides. Sim. Knights, from my daughter this 1 let you know, That for this twelvemonth, she'll not undertake A married life. Her reason to herself is only known, Which from herself 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; And on her virgin honour will not break it. 3 Knight. Though loath to bid farewell, we take our leaves. [Exeunt. Sim. So They're well despatch'd; now to my daughter's letter: She tells me here, she'll wed the stranger knight, Or never more to view nor day nor light. Mistress, 'tis well, your choice agrees with mine; I like that well:-nay, how absolute she's in't, Not minding whether I dislike or no ! Well, I commend her choice; And will no longer have it be delay'd. Enter PERICLES. Per. All fortune to the good Simonides! 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. Sim. Let me ask one thing. What do you think, sir, of My daughter? Per. 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? 'Tis the king's subtilty, to have my life. That never aim'd so high, to love your daughter, [A side. Sim. Thou hast bewitch'd my daughter, and thou art A villain. Per. By the gods, I have not, sir. Never did thought of mine levy offence; Nor never did my actions yet commence A deed might gain her love, or your displeasure. Sim. Traitor, thou liest. Per. Traitor! Ay, traitor, sir. Per. Even in his throat (unless it be the king), That calls me traitor, I return the lie. Sim. Now, by the gods, I do applaud his courage. Per. My actions are as noble as my thoughts," And he that otherwise accounts of me, Here comes my daughter, she can witness it. Per. Then, as you are as virtuous as fair, Who takes offence at that would make me glad? [Aside. I am glad of it with all my heart. [A side] I'll tame you; I'll bring you in subjection. Will you, not having my consent, bestow Your love and your affections on a stranger? [A side. Hear, therefore, mistress; frame your will to mine,- Nay, come; your hands and lips must seal it too.— What, are you both pleas'd? Thai. Yes, if you love me, sir. Both. Yes, 'please your majesty. [Exeunt. Gow. Now sleep yslaked hath the rout; 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 the former. Then enter THAISA with Child, and LYCHORIDA. SIMONIDES |