A gentleman of Tyre, Who only by misfortune of the seas Bereft of ships and men, cast on this shore. So, this was well ask'd, 'twas so well perform'd. Here is a lady that wants breathing too : 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 denied Of your fair courtesy. [The Knights and Ladies dance. Unclasp, unclasp: Thanks, gentlemen, to all; all have done well, [To Per.] But you the best. Pages and lights, to conduct These knights unto their several lodgings! [To We have given order to be next our own. Sim. Princes, it is too late to talk of love; 94. address'd, arrayed. 104. measures, slow and solemn dances. Therefore each one betake him to his rest; [Exeunt. SCENE IV. Tyre. A room in the Governor's Enter HELICANUS and ESCANES. Hel. No, Escanes, know this of me, Antiochus from incest lived not free: 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, ΙΟ Their bodies, even to loathing; for they so stunk, 10 Hel. And yet but justice; 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 two or three Lords. First Lord. See, not a man in private confer ence Or council has respect with him but he. Sec. Lord. It shall no longer grieve without reproof. Third Lord. And cursed be he that will not second it. 20 E First Lord. Follow me, then. a word. Lord Helicane, Hel. With me? and welcome: happy day, my lords. First 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 your prince you love. First Lord. Wrong not yourself, then, noble But if the prince do live, let us salute him, Sec. Lord. Whose death indeed's the strongest in our censure: And knowing this kingdom is without a head,— Soon fall to ruin,-your noble self, That best know how to rule and how to reign, All. Live, noble Helicane ! Hel. For honour's cause, forbear your suffrages : If that you love Prince Pericles, forbear. Take I your wish, I leap into the seas, 31. be resolved, obtain assur ance. 34. censure, judgment. 30 40 43. seas, the troubled waters of sovereignty. I shall with aged patience bear your yoke. Go search like nobles, like noble subjects, And in your search spend your adventurous worth; You shall like diamonds sit about his crown. not yield; And since Lord Helicane enjoineth us, We with our travels will endeavour us. 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. First 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 yet from her by no means can I get. Sec. 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 'tis impossible. One twelve moons more she 'll wear Diana's livery; 50 ΤΟ Third Knight. Loath to bid farewell, we take [Exeunt Knights. our leaves. Sim. So, They are well dispatch'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. 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. Sim. Let me ask you one thing: What do you think of my daughter, sir? Sim. And she is fair too, is she not? Per. As a fair day in summer, wondrous fair. Ay, so well, that you must be her master, 20 30 40 |