As if the entertainment in our court Had not a show might countervail his worth. Thai. What is it To me, my father? Sim. O, attend, my daughter; Princes, in this, should live like gods above, Therefore to make his trance more sweet, here say, Thai. Alas, my father, it befits not me Unto a stranger knight to be so bold: He may my proffer take for an offence, Since men take women's gifts for impudence. Sim. How! Do as I bid you, or you'll move me else. Thai. Now, by the gods, he could not please me better. [Aside. Sim. And further tell him, we desire to know, Of whence he is, his name and parentage. Thai. The king, my father, Sir, has drunk to you. Per. I thank him. Thai. Wishing it so much blood unto your life. Per. I thank both him and you, and pledge him freely Thai. And further he desires to know of you, Of whence you are, your name and parentage. Per. A gentleman of Tyre-(my name, Pericles; My education being in arts and arms): Who, looking for adventures in the world, Was by the rough seas reft of ships and men, And, after shipwreck, driven upon this shore. Thai. He thanks your grace; names himself Pericles, A gentleman of Tyre, who only by Misfortune of the seas has been bereft Of ships and men, and cast upon this shore. Sim. Now, by the gods, I pity his misfortune, Come, gentlemen, we sit too long on trifles, [The KNIGHTS dance. So, this was well ask'd, 'twas so well perform❜d. Here is a lady that wants breathing too: * Prepared for combat. Are excellent in making ladies trip; And that their measures are as excellent. Per. In those that practise them, they are, my lord. [The KNIGHTS and LADIES dance. Of your fair courtesy.-Unclasp, unclasp; Thanks, gentlemen, to all; all have done well; But you the best. [To PERICLES.] Pages and lights, conduct Sim. Princes, it is too late to talk of love, [Exeunt. SCENE IV.-Tyre. A Room in the Governor's House. Enter HELICANUS and ESCANES. Hel. No, no, my Escanes; know this of me,- For which, the most high gods not minding longer Even in the height and pride of all his glory, A fire from heaven came, and shrivell❜d up Hel. And yet but just; for though This king were great, his greatness was no guard 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. 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; 2 Lord. Whose death 's, indeed, the strongest in our censure:+ And knowing this kingdom, if without a head That best know'st how to rule, and how to reign, Hel. For honour's cause, forbear your suffrages: Where's hourly trouble for a minute's ease. 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 I 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? 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: [Exeunt. * Satisfied. † Judgment, opinion. PERICLES, PRINCE OF TYRE. She tells me here, she'll wed the stranger knight, 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 beholden to you, For your sweet music this last night: my ears, I do protest, 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. [ACT II. Per. The worst of all her scholars, my good lord. Per. As of a most virtuous princess. Sim. And she is fair too, is she not? 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. O, seek not to entrap, my gracious lord, A stranger and distressed gentleman, That never aim'd so high, to love your daughter, 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! Sim. 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. That never relish'd of a base descent. I came unto your court, for honour's cause, [Aside. [Aside. 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? Sim. Yea, mistress, are you so peremptory ?- I am glad of it with all my heart. [Aside.] I'll tame you; Will you, not having my consent, bestow Your love and your affections on a stranger? (Who, for aught I know to the contrary, Or think, may be as great in blood as I). Hear, therefore, mistress; frame your will to mine, And you, Sir, hear you.-Either be ruled by me, Nay, come; your hands and lips must seal it too. Thai. Yes, if you love me, Sir. Per. Even as my life, or blood that fosters it. Both. Yes, 'please your majesty. Sim. It pleaseth me so well, I'll see you wed; [Aside. Then, with what haste you can, get you to bed. [Exeunt. ACT III. Enter GOWER. Gow. Now sleep yslaked* hath the rout;† * Quenched. + Company. |