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, 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. 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. And curs'd 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 Helicane; But if the prince do live, let us salute him, Or know what ground's made happy by his breath. [censure: 2 Lord. Whose death's, indeed, the strongest in our And knowing this kingdom, if without a head That best know'st how to rule, and how to reign, All. Live, noble Helicane! Hel. Try honour's cause, forbear your suffrages: If that you love prince Pericles, forbear. Take I your wish, I leap into the seas, 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? Sim. Faith, by no means; she hath so strictly tied her To her chamber, that it is impossible. One twelve moons more she'll wear Diana's livery; And on her virgin honour will not break it. leaves. 3 Knight. Though loath to bid farewell, we take our [Exeunt. Sim. So They're well despatch'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. Mistress, 'tis well, your choice agrees with mine; I like that well:-nay, how absolute she's in't, Not minding whether I dislike or no! Well, 1 commend her choice; 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 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. 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. Sim. She thinks not so; peruse this writing else. A letter, that she loves the knight of Tyre? [Aside. 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; 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. Sim. Now, by the gods, I do applaud his courage. [Aside. And he that otherwise accounts of me, Here comes my daughter, she can witness it. Per. Then, as you are as virtuous as fair, Who takes offence at that would make me glad? I am glad of it with all my heart. [Aside] I'll tame you; Will you, not having my consent, bestow [Aside. Nay, come; your hands and lips must seal it too. Thai. Yes, if you love me, sir. Both. agreed? es, 'please your majesty. Sim. It pleaseth me so well, I'll see you wed; Then, with what haste you can, get you to bed. [Exeunt. Gow. Now sleep yslaked bath the rout; DUMB SHOW. Enter PERICLES and SIMONIDES at one Door, with Attendants; a Messenger meets them, kneels, and gives PERICLES a Letter. PERICLES shows it to SIMONIDES; the Lords kneel to the former. Then enter THAISA with Child, nd LYCHORIDA. SIMONIDES |