Thai. By Juno, that is queen Of marriage, all the viands that I eat Sim. He's but a country gentleman; He has done no more than other knights have done; Broken a staff, or so; so let it pass. Thai. To me he seems like diamond to glass. Per. Yon king's to me like to my father's picture, Which tells me, in that glory once he was; 1 Knight. Who can be other, in this royal presence? Sim. Here, with a cup that's stored unto the brim, (As you do love, fill to your mistress' lips) We drink this health to you. Knights. We thank your grace. 1 Lower. Sim. Yet pause awhile: Yon knight, methinks, doth sit too melancholy, Had not a show might countervail his worth. Note it not you, Thaisa? Thai. To me, my father? Sim. What is it O, attend, my daughter: Princes, in this, should live like gods above, Who freely give to every one that comes To honor them; and princes, not doing so, Are like to gnats, which make a sound, but kill'd Are wonder'd at. Therefore to make his entrance more sweet, Here say, we drink this standing-bowl of wine to him. Thai. Alas, my father, it befits not me 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 farther 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 farther 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. I will not have excuse, with saying, this Since they love men in arms, as well as beds. Here is a lady that wants breathing too; And that their measures are as excelent. Per. In those that practise them, they are, my lord. Sim. O, that's as much, as you would be denied [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 These knights unto their several lodgings: yours, sir, We have given order to be next our own. Sim. Princes, it is too late to talk of love, 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 lived not free; For which, the most high gods, not minding longer To withhold the vengeance that they had in store, Due to this heinous, capital offence, Even in the height and pride of all his glory, When he was seated, and his daughter with him, In a chariot of inestimable value, A fire from heaven came, and shrivel'd up Their bodies, even to loathing; for they so stunk, That all those eyes adored them, ere their fall, Scorn now their hand should give them burial. Esc. 'Twas very strange. 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. Esc. '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 re proof. 3 Lord. And cursed 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 Heli cane ; But if the prince do live, let us salute him, Or know what ground's made happy by his breath. |