And that's the mark I know you level at: Scene IV. Tyre. A room in the Governor's house. Enter Helicanus and Escanes. Hel. No, Escanes, know this of me, Antiochus from incest lived not free : [Exeunt. For which, the most high gods not minding longer Even in the height and pride of all his glory, Of an inestimable value, and his daughter with him, Their bodies, even to loathing, for they so stunk, Io Esca. 'Twas very strange. This king were great, his greatness was no guard Esca. 'Tis very true. Enter two or three Lords. First Lord. See, not a man in private conference 20 Hel. With me? and welcome: happy day, my lords. Hel. Your griefs! for what? wrong not your prince you love. First Lord. Wrong not yourself, then, noble Helicane; Or know what ground's made happy by his breath. If in the world he live, we'll seek him out; 30 And be resolved he lives to govern us, Or dead, give's cause to mourn his funeral, Sec. 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 how to rule and how to reign, We thus submit unto, our sovereign. All. Live, noble Helicane! Hel. For honour's cause, forbear your suffrages: 40 If in which time expired he not return, Go search like nobles, like noble subjects, 50 And in your search spend your adventurous worth; Whom if you find and win unto return, First Lord. To wisdom he's a fool that will not yield; Hel. Then you love us, we you, and we'll clasp hands: Scene V Pentapolis. A room in the palace. Enter Simonides, reading a letter, at one door: the Knights meet him. First Knight. Good morrow to the good Simonides. Her reason to herself is only known, Which from her by no means can I get. Sec. Knight. May we not get access to her, my lord? Tied her to her chamber, that 'tis impossible. And on her virgin honour will not break it. Third Knight. Loath to bid farewell, we take our leaves. Sim. So, [Exeunt Knights. They are well dispatch'd; now to my daughter's letter: I like that well: nay, how absolute she's in 't, And will no longer have it be delay'd. Enter Pericles. Per. All fortune to the good Simonides ! Sim. To you as much, sir! I am beholding to you Sim. Sir, you are music's master. Per. The worst of all her scholars, my good lord. 20 30 Sim. Let me ask you one thing: what do you think of my daughter, sir? Per. A most virtuous princess. Sim. And she is fair too, is she not? Per. As a fair day in summer, wondrous fair. Sim. Sir, my daughter thinks very well of you; Ay, so well, that you must be her master, And she will be your scholar: therefore look to it. Per. I am unworthy for her schoolmaster. Sim. She thinks not so; peruse this writing else. A letter, that she loves the knight of Tyre! 40 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: Never did thought of mine levy offence; Nor never did my actions yet commence A deed might gain her love or your displeasure. 50 Sim. Traitor, thou liest. Per. Traitor! Sim. 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 he that otherwise accounts of me, This sword shall prove he's honour's enemy. Sim. No? Here comes my daughter, she can witness it. Enter Thaisa. Per. Then, as you are as virtuous as fair, Thai. Why, sir, say if you had, Who takes offence at that would make me glad? [Aside] I am glad on't with all my heart.- 60 70 |