And I have often heard, you knights of Tyre And that their measures* are as excellent. Per. In those that practise them, they are, my lord. Sim. O, that's as much, as you would be deny'd [The Knights and ladies dance. Of your fair courtesy.-Unclasp, unclasp; Thanks, gentlemen, to all; all have done well, These knights unto their several lodgings: Yours, sir, 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,Antiochus from incest liv'd not free; 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 shrivel'd up Their bodies, even to loathing; for they so stunk, * Dances. That all those eyes ador'd them, ere their fall, Hel. This king were great, And yet but just; for though 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. 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. 2 Lord. Whose death's, indeed, the strongest in our censure: And knowing this kingdom, if without a head (Like goodly buildings left without a roof), Will soon to ruin fall, 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: * Which adored them. + Satisfied, If that you love prince Pericles, forbear. 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. SCENE V. [Exeunt. 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 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 chamter, 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 [Exeunt. They're well despatch'd; now to my daughter's letter: She tells me here, she'll wed the stranger knight, Mistress, 'tis well, your choice agrees with mine; Well, I commend her choice; 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 musick 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 musick'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. As of a most virtuous princess. Sim. And she is fair too, is she not? Per. As a fair day in summer; wond'rous fair. Sim. My daughter, sir, thinks very well of you; Ay, so well, sir, that you must be her master, And she'll your scholar be; therefore, look to it. Per. Unworthy I to be her schoolmaster. Sim. She thinks not so; peruse this writing else. Per. What's here? A letter, that she loves the knight of Tyre? [Aside. 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. 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. Sim. Traitor! Ay, traitor, sir. Per. Even in his throat (unless it be the king), That calls me traitor, I return the lie. rage. Sim. Now, by the gods, I do applaud his cou[Aside. 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 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? |