Enter Gower.
Heere haue you seene a mightie King,
His child I'wis to incest bring:
A better Prince, and benigne Lord,
That Will proue awfull both in deed and word:
Be quiet then, as men should bee,
Till he hath past necessitie:
I'le shew you those in troubles raigne;
Loosing a Mite,a Mountaine gaine:
The good in conuersation,
To whom I give my benizon:
Is still at Tharstill, where each man,
Thinkes all is writ, he spoken can:
And to remember what he does,
Build his Statue to make him glorious:
But tidinges to the contrarie,
Are brought your eyes, what need speake I.
His child I'wis to incest bring:
A better Prince, and benigne Lord,
That Will proue awfull both in deed and word:
Be quiet then, as men should bee,
Till he hath past necessitie:
I'le shew you those in troubles raigne;
Loosing a Mite,a Mountaine gaine:
The good in conuersation,
To whom I give my benizon:
Is still at Tharstill, where each man,
Thinkes all is writ, he spoken can:
And to remember what he does,
Build his Statue to make him glorious:
But tidinges to the contrarie,
Are brought your eyes, what need speake I.
Dombe shew.
Enter at one dore Pericles talking with Cleon, all the trains with them: Enter at an other dore, a Gentleman, with a Letter to Pericles, Pericles shewes the Letter to Cleon; Pericles giues the Messenger a reward, and Knights him: Exit Pericles at one dore, and Cleon at an other.
Good Helicon, that stayde at home,
Not to eate Hony like a Drone,
From others labours; for though he striue
To killen bad, keepe good aliue:
And to fulfill his prince desire,
Sau'd one of all, that haps in Tyre:
How Thaliard came full bent with sinne,
And had intent to murder him;
And that in Tharsis was not best,
Longer for him to make his rest:
He doing so, put foorth to Seas;
Where when men been, there’s seldome ease,
For now the Wind begins to blow,
Thunder aboue, and deepes below,
Makes such vnquiet, that the shippe,
Should house him safe; is wrackt and split,
And he (good Prince) hauing all lost,
By Waues, from coast to coast is tost:
All perishen of man, of pelfe,
Ne aught escapend but himselfe;
Till Fortune tir'd with doing bad,
Threw him a shore, to giue him glad:
And here he comes: what shall be next,
Pardon old Gower, this long's the text.
Not to eate Hony like a Drone,
From others labours; for though he striue
To killen bad, keepe good aliue:
And to fulfill his prince desire,
Sau'd one of all, that haps in Tyre:
How Thaliard came full bent with sinne,
And had intent to murder him;
And that in Tharsis was not best,
Longer for him to make his rest:
He doing so, put foorth to Seas;
Where when men been, there’s seldome ease,
For now the Wind begins to blow,
Thunder aboue, and deepes below,
Makes such vnquiet, that the shippe,
Should house him safe; is wrackt and split,
And he (good Prince) hauing all lost,
By Waues, from coast to coast is tost:
All perishen of man, of pelfe,
Ne aught escapend but himselfe;
Till Fortune tir'd with doing bad,
Threw him a shore, to giue him glad:
And here he comes: what shall be next,
Pardon old Gower, this long's the text.
Enter Pericles wette.
Peri.Yet cease your ire you angry Starres of heauen,
Wind, Raine, and Thunder remember earthly man
Is but a substaunce that must yeeld to you:
And I (as fits my nature) do obey you.
Alasse, the Seas hath cast me on the Rocks,
Washt me from shore to shore, and left my breath
Nothing to thinke on, but ensuing death:
Let it suffize the greatnesse of your powers,
To haue bereft a Prince of all his fortunes;
And hauing throwne him from your watry graue,
Heere to haue death in peace, is all hee'le craue.
Wind, Raine, and Thunder remember earthly man
Is but a substaunce that must yeeld to you:
And I (as fits my nature) do obey you.
Alasse, the Seas hath cast me on the Rocks,
Washt me from shore to shore, and left my breath
Nothing to thinke on, but ensuing death:
Let it suffize the greatnesse of your powers,
To haue bereft a Prince of all his fortunes;
And hauing throwne him from your watry graue,
Heere to haue death in peace, is all hee'le craue.
Enter three Fisher-men.
1.What, to pelch?
2.Ha, come and bring away the Nets.
1.What Patch-breech, I say.
3.What say you Maister?
1.Looke how thou stirr'st now:
Come away, or Ile fetch'th with a wanion.
Come away, or Ile fetch'th with a wanion.
3.Fayth Maister, I am thinking of the poore men,
That were cast away before vs euen now.
That were cast away before vs euen now.
1.Alasse poore soules, it grieued my heart to heare,
What pittifull cryes they made to vs, to helpe them,
When (welladay) we could scarce helpe our selues.
What pittifull cryes they made to vs, to helpe them,
When (welladay) we could scarce helpe our selues.
3.Nay Maister, sayd not I as much,
When I saw the Porpas how he bounst and tumbled?
They say they're halfe fish, halfe flesh:
A plague on them, they nere come but I looke to be washt,
Maister I marvell how the Fishes liue in the Sea?
When I saw the Porpas how he bounst and tumbled?
They say they're halfe fish, halfe flesh:
A plague on them, they nere come but I looke to be washt,
Maister I marvell how the Fishes liue in the Sea?
1.Why, as Men doe a-land;
The great ones eate vp the little ones:
I can compare our rich Misers to nothing so fitly,
As to a Whale; a playes and tumbles,
Dryning the poore Fry before him,
And at last, deuowre them all at a monthfull:
Such Whales haue I heard on, a'th land,
Who neuer leaue gaping, till they swallow'd
The whole Parish, Church, Steeple, Belles and all.
The great ones eate vp the little ones:
I can compare our rich Misers to nothing so fitly,
As to a Whale; a playes and tumbles,
Dryning the poore Fry before him,
And at last, deuowre them all at a monthfull:
Such Whales haue I heard on, a'th land,
Who neuer leaue gaping, till they swallow'd
The whole Parish, Church, Steeple, Belles and all.
Peri.A prettie morall.
3.But Maister, if I had been the Sexton,
I would haue been that day in the belfrie.
I would haue been that day in the belfrie.
2.Why, Man?
1.Because he should haue swallowed mee too,
And when I had been in his belly,
I would haue kept such a iangling of the Belles,
That he should neuer haue left,
Till he cast Belles, Steeple, Church, and Parish vp againe:
But if the good King Simonides were of my minde.
And when I had been in his belly,
I would haue kept such a iangling of the Belles,
That he should neuer haue left,
Till he cast Belles, Steeple, Church, and Parish vp againe:
But if the good King Simonides were of my minde.
Per.Simonides?
3.We would purge the land of these Drones,
That robbe the Bee of her Hony.
That robbe the Bee of her Hony.
Per.How from the fenny subiect of the Sea,
These Fishers tell the infirmities of men,
And from their watry empire recollect,
All that may men approue, or men detect.
Peace be at your labour, honest Fisher-men.
These Fishers tell the infirmities of men,
And from their watry empire recollect,
All that may men approue, or men detect.
Peace be at your labour, honest Fisher-men.
2.Honest good fellow what's that, if it be a day fits you
Search out of the Kalendar, and no body looke after it?
Search out of the Kalendar, and no body looke after it?
Peri.May see the Sea hath cast vpon your coast:
2.What a drunken Knaue was the Sea,
To cast thee in our way?
To cast thee in our way?
Per.A man whom both the Waters and the Winde,
In that vast Tennis-court, hath made the Ball
For them to play vpon, intreates you pittie him:
Hee asks of you, that neuer vs'd to begge.
In that vast Tennis-court, hath made the Ball
For them to play vpon, intreates you pittie him:
Hee asks of you, that neuer vs'd to begge.
1.No friend, cannot you begge.
Heer's them in our countrey of Greece,
Gets more with begging, then we can doe with working.
Heer's them in our countrey of Greece,
Gets more with begging, then we can doe with working.
2.Canst thou catch any Fishes then?
Peri.I neuer practizde it.
2.Nay then thou wilt starue sure: for heer's nothing to be got now-adayes, vnlesse thou canst fish for't.
Per.What I haue been I haue forgot to know;
But what I am, want teaches me to thinke on:
A man throng'd vp with cold, my Veines are chill,
And haue no more of life than may suffize,
To giue my tongue that heat to aske your helpe:
Which if you shall refuse, when I am dead,
For that I am a man, pray you see me buried.
But what I am, want teaches me to thinke on:
A man throng'd vp with cold, my Veines are chill,
And haue no more of life than may suffize,
To giue my tongue that heat to aske your helpe:
Which if you shall refuse, when I am dead,
For that I am a man, pray you see me buried.
1.Die, ke-tha; now Gods forbid't, an I haue a Gowne heere, come put it on, keepe thee warme: now afore mee a handsome fellow: Come, thou shalt goe home, and wee'le haue Flesh for all day, Fish for fasting-dayes and more; or Puddinges and Flap-iackes, and thou shalt be welcome.
Per.I thanke you sir.
2.Harke you my friend: You sayd you could not beg?
Per.I did but craue.
2.But craue?
Then Ile turne Crauer too, and so I shall scape whipping.
Then Ile turne Crauer too, and so I shall scape whipping.
Peri.Why, are your Beggers whipt then?
2.Oh not all, my friend, not all: for if all your Beggers were whipt, I would wish no better office, then to be Beadle: But Maister, Ile goe draw vp the Net.
Per.How well this honest mirth becomes their labour?
1.Harke you sir; doe you know where yee are?
Per.Not well.
1.Why Ile tell you, this is cald Pantapolos,
And our King, the good Symonides.
And our King, the good Symonides.
Per.The good Symonides, doe you call him?
1.I sir, and he deserues so to be cal'd,
For his peaceable raigne, and good gouermnent.
For his peaceable raigne, and good gouermnent.
Per.He is a happy King, since he gaines from
His subiects the name of good, by his gouermnent.
How farre is his Court distant from this shore?
His subiects the name of good, by his gouermnent.
How farre is his Court distant from this shore?
1.Mary sir, halfe a dayes iourney: And Ile tell you,
He hath a faire Daughter, and to morrow is her birth-day,
And there are Princes and Knights come from all partes of the World to Iust and Turney for her loue.
He hath a faire Daughter, and to morrow is her birth-day,
And there are Princes and Knights come from all partes of the World to Iust and Turney for her loue.
Per.Were my fortunes equall to my desires,
I could wish to make one there.
I could wish to make one there.
1.O sir, things must be as they may: and what a man can not get, he may lawfully deale for his Wiues soule.
Enter the two Fisher-men, drawing up a Net.
2.Helpe Maister helpe; heere's a Fish hanges in the Net,
Like a poore mans right in the law: t'will hardly come out.
Ha bots on't, tis come at last; & tis turnd to a rusty Armour.
Like a poore mans right in the law: t'will hardly come out.
Ha bots on't, tis come at last; & tis turnd to a rusty Armour.
Per.An Armour friends; I pray you let me see it?
Thankes Fortune, yet that after all crosses,
Thou giuest me somewhat to repaire my selfe:
And though it was mine owne part of my heritage,
Which my dead Father did bequeath to me,
With this strict charge euen as he left his life,
Keepe it my Perycles, it hath been a Shield
Twixt me and death, and poynted to this brayse,
For that it saued me, keepe it in like necessitie:
The which the Gods protect thee, Fame may defend thee:
It kept where I kept, I so dearely lou'd it,
Till the rough Seas, that spares not any man,
Tooke it in rage, though calm'd, haue giuen 't againe:
I thank thee for't; my shipwracke now's no ill,
Since I haue here my Father gaue in his Will.
Thankes Fortune, yet that after all crosses,
Thou giuest me somewhat to repaire my selfe:
And though it was mine owne part of my heritage,
Which my dead Father did bequeath to me,
With this strict charge euen as he left his life,
Keepe it my Perycles, it hath been a Shield
Twixt me and death, and poynted to this brayse,
For that it saued me, keepe it in like necessitie:
The which the Gods protect thee, Fame may defend thee:
It kept where I kept, I so dearely lou'd it,
Till the rough Seas, that spares not any man,
Tooke it in rage, though calm'd, haue giuen 't againe:
I thank thee for't; my shipwracke now's no ill,
Since I haue here my Father gaue in his Will.
1.What meane you sir?
Peri.To begge of you (kind friends) this Coate of worth,
For it was sometime Target to a King;
I know it by this marke: he loued me dearely,
And for his sake, I wish the hauing of it;
And that you'd guide me to your Soueraignes Court,
Where with it, I may appeare a Gentleman:
And if that euer my low fortune's better,
Ile pay your bounties; till then, rest your debter.
For it was sometime Target to a King;
I know it by this marke: he loued me dearely,
And for his sake, I wish the hauing of it;
And that you'd guide me to your Soueraignes Court,
Where with it, I may appeare a Gentleman:
And if that euer my low fortune's better,
Ile pay your bounties; till then, rest your debter.
1.Why wilt thou turney for the Lady?
Peri.Ile shew the vertue I haue borne in Armes.
1.Why do'e take it: and the Gods giue thee good an't.
2.I but harke you my friend, t'was wee that made vp this Garment through the rough seames of the Waters: there are certaine Condolements, certaine Vailes: I hope sir, if you thriue, you'le remember from whence you had them.
Peri.Beleeue't, I will:
By your furtherance I am cloth'd in Steele,
And spight of all the rupture of the Sea,
This Iewel holdes his buylding on my arme:
Vnto thy value I will mount my selfe
Vpon a Courser, whose delight steps,
Shall make the gazer ioy to see him tread;
Onely (my friend) I yet am vnprouided of a paire of Bases.
By your furtherance I am cloth'd in Steele,
And spight of all the rupture of the Sea,
This Iewel holdes his buylding on my arme:
Vnto thy value I will mount my selfe
Vpon a Courser, whose delight steps,
Shall make the gazer ioy to see him tread;
Onely (my friend) I yet am vnprouided of a paire of Bases.
2.Wee'le sure prouide, thou shalt haue
My best Gowne to make thee a paire;
And Ile bring thee to the Court my selfe.
My best Gowne to make thee a paire;
And Ile bring thee to the Court my selfe.
Peri.Then Honour be but a Goale to my Will,
This day Ile rise, or else adde ill to ill.
This day Ile rise, or else adde ill to ill.
Enter Simonydes, with attendaunce, and Thaisa.
KingAre the Knights ready to begin the Tryumph?
1. Lord. They are my Leidge, and stay your comming,
To present themselues.
To present themselues.
King.Returne them, We are ready, & our daughter heere,
In honour of whose Birth, these Triumphs are,
Sits heere like Beauties child, whom Nature gat,
For men to see; and seeing, woonder at.
In honour of whose Birth, these Triumphs are,
Sits heere like Beauties child, whom Nature gat,
For men to see; and seeing, woonder at.
Thai.It pleaseth you (my royal Father) to expresse
My Commendations great, whose merit's lesse.
My Commendations great, whose merit's lesse.
King.It's fit it should be so, for Princes are
A modell which Heauen makes like to it selfe:
As Iewels loose their glory, if neglected,
So Princes their Renownes, if not respected:
T'is now your honour (Daughter) to entertaine
The labour of each Knight, in his deuice.
A modell which Heauen makes like to it selfe:
As Iewels loose their glory, if neglected,
So Princes their Renownes, if not respected:
T'is now your honour (Daughter) to entertaine
The labour of each Knight, in his deuice.
Thai.Which to preserue mine honour, I'le performe.
The first Knight passes by.
King.Who is the first, that doth preferre himselfe?
Thai.A Knight of Sparta (my renowned father)
And the deuice he beares vpon his Shield,
Is a blacke Ethyope reaching at the Sunne:
The word: Lux tua uita mihi.
And the deuice he beares vpon his Shield,
Is a blacke Ethyope reaching at the Sunne:
The word: Lux tua uita mihi.
King.He loues you well, that holdes his life of you.
The second Knight.
Who is the second, that presents himselfe?
The second Knight.
Who is the second, that presents himselfe?
Tha.A Prince of Macedon (my royall father)
And the deuice he beares vpon his Shield,
Is an Armed Knight, that's conquered by a Lady:
The motto thus in Spanish. Pue Per doleera kee per forsa.
And the deuice he beares vpon his Shield,
Is an Armed Knight, that's conquered by a Lady:
The motto thus in Spanish. Pue Per doleera kee per forsa.
3. Knight. Kin.And with the third?
Thai.The third, of Antioch; and his deuice,
A wreath of Chiually: the word: Me Pompey prouexit apex.
A wreath of Chiually: the word: Me Pompey prouexit apex.
4. Knight. Kin.What is the fourth.
Thai.A burning Torch that's turned vpside downe;
The word: Qui me alit me extinguit.
The word: Qui me alit me extinguit.
Kin.Which shewes that Beautie hath his power & will,
Which can as well enflame, as it can kill.
Which can as well enflame, as it can kill.
5. Knight. Thai. The fift, an Hand enuironed with Clouds,
Holding out Gold, that's by the Touch-stone tride:
The motto thus: Sic spectanda fides.
Holding out Gold, that's by the Touch-stone tride:
The motto thus: Sic spectanda fides.
6 Knight. Kin.And what's the sixt, and last; the which,
The knight himself with such a graceful courtesie deliuered?
The knight himself with such a graceful courtesie deliuered?
Thai.Hee seemes to be a Stranger: but his Present is
A withered Branch, that's onely greene at top,
The motto: In hac spe uiuo.
A withered Branch, that's onely greene at top,
The motto: In hac spe uiuo.
Kin. A pretty moralle frō the deiected state wherein he is,
He hopes by you, his fortunes yet may flourish.
He hopes by you, his fortunes yet may flourish.
1. Lord.He had need meane better, than his outward shew
Can any way speake in his iust commend:
For by his rustie outside, he appeares,
To haue practis'd more the Whipstocke, than the Launce.
Can any way speake in his iust commend:
For by his rustie outside, he appeares,
To haue practis'd more the Whipstocke, than the Launce.
2. Lord.He well may be a Stranger, for he comes
To an honour'd tryumph, strangly furnisht.
To an honour'd tryumph, strangly furnisht.
3. Lord.And on set purpose let his Armour rust
Vntill this day, to scowre it in the dust.
Vntill this day, to scowre it in the dust.
Kin.Opinion's but a foole, that makes us scan
The outward habit, by the inward man.
But stay, the Knights are comming,
We will with-draw into the Gallerie.
The outward habit, by the inward man.
But stay, the Knights are comming,
We will with-draw into the Gallerie.
Great shoutes, and all cry, the meane Knight.
Enter the King and Knights from Tilting.
King.Knights, to say you're welcome, were superfluous.
I place vpon the volume of your deedes,
As in a Title page, your worth in armes,
Were more then you expect, or more then's fit,
Since euery worth in shew commends it selfe:
Prepare for mirth, for mirth becomes a Feast.
You are Princes, and my guestes.
I place vpon the volume of your deedes,
As in a Title page, your worth in armes,
Were more then you expect, or more then's fit,
Since euery worth in shew commends it selfe:
Prepare for mirth, for mirth becomes a Feast.
You are Princes, and my guestes.
Thai.But you my Knight and guest,
To whom this Wreath of victorie I giue,
And crowne you King of this dayes happinesse.
To whom this Wreath of victorie I giue,
And crowne you King of this dayes happinesse.
Peri.Tis more by Fortune (Lady) then my Merit.
King.Call it by what you will, the day is your,
And here (I hope) is none that enuies it:
In framing an Artist, art hath thus decreed,
To make some good, but others to exceed,
And you are her labourd scholler: come Queene a th'feast,
For (Daughter) so you are; heere take your place:
Martiall the rest, as they deserue their grace.
And here (I hope) is none that enuies it:
In framing an Artist, art hath thus decreed,
To make some good, but others to exceed,
And you are her labourd scholler: come Queene a th'feast,
For (Daughter) so you are; heere take your place:
Martiall the rest, as they deserue their grace.
Knights.We are honour'd much by good Symonides.
King.Your presence glads our dayes, honour we loue,
For who hates honour, hates the Gods aboue.
For who hates honour, hates the Gods aboue.
Marshal..Sir, yonder is your place.
Peri.Some other is more fit.
1. Knight.Contend not sir, for we are Gentlemen,
Haue neither in our hearts nor outward eyes,
Enuies the great, nor shall the low despise.
Haue neither in our hearts nor outward eyes,
Enuies the great, nor shall the low despise.
Peri.You are right courtious Knights.
King.Sit, sir, sit.
By Ioue (I wonder) that is King of thoughts,
These Cates resist mee, hee not thought vpon.
By Ioue (I wonder) that is King of thoughts,
These Cates resist mee, hee not thought vpon.
Tha.By Iuno (that is Queene of mariage)
All Viands that I eae do seeme vnsauery,
Wishing him my meat: sure, hee's a gallant Gentleman.
All Viands that I eae do seeme vnsauery,
Wishing him my meat: sure, hee's a gallant Gentleman.
King.Hee's but a countrie Gentleman: ha's done no more
Then other Knights haue done, ha's broken a Staffe,
Or so; so let it passe.
Then other Knights haue done, ha's broken a Staffe,
Or so; so let it passe.
Tha.To mee he seemes like Diamond, to Glasse.
Peri.You Kings to mee, like to my fathers picture,
Which tells in that glory once he was,
Had Princes sit like Starres about his Throane,
And hee the Sunne for them to reuerence;
None that beheld him, but like lesser lights,
Did vaile their Crownes to his supremacie;
Where now his sonne like a Glowworme in the night,
The which hath Fire in darknesse, none in light:
Whereby I see that Time's the King of men.
Hee's both their Parent, and he is their Graue,
And giues them what he will, not what they craue.
Which tells in that glory once he was,
Had Princes sit like Starres about his Throane,
And hee the Sunne for them to reuerence;
None that beheld him, but like lesser lights,
Did vaile their Crownes to his supremacie;
Where now his sonne like a Glowworme in the night,
The which hath Fire in darknesse, none in light:
Whereby I see that Time's the King of men.
Hee's both their Parent, and he is their Graue,
And giues them what he will, not what they craue.
King. What, are you merry, Knights?
Knights.Who can be other, in this royall presence.
King.Heere, with a Cup that's stur'd vnto the brim,
As do you loue, fill to your Mistris lippes,
We drinke this health to you.
As do you loue, fill to your Mistris lippes,
We drinke this health to you.
Knights.We thanke your Grace.
King.Yet pause awhile, yon Knight doth sit too melancholy,
As if the entertainement in our Court,
Had not a shew might counteruail his worth:
Note it not you, Thaisa.
As if the entertainement in our Court,
Had not a shew might counteruail his worth:
Note it not you, Thaisa.
Tha.What is't to me, my father?
King.O attend my Daughter,
Princes in this, should liue like Gods aboue,
Who freely giue to euery one that come to honour them:
And Princes not doing so, are like to Gnats,
Which make a sound, but kild, are wondred at:
Therefore to make his entraunce more sweet,
Heere, say wee drinke this standing boule of wine to him.
Princes in this, should liue like Gods aboue,
Who freely giue to euery one that come to honour them:
And Princes not doing so, are like to Gnats,
Which make a sound, but kild, are wondred at:
Therefore to make his entraunce more sweet,
Heere, say wee drinke this standing boule of wine to him.
Tha.Alas my Father, it befits not mee,
Vnto a stranger Knight to be so bold,
He may my profer take for an offence,
Since men take womens giftes for impudence.
Vnto a stranger Knight to be so bold,
He may my profer take for an offence,
Since men take womens giftes for impudence.
king.How? doe as I bid you, or you'le mooue me else.
Thai.Now by the Gods, he could not please me better.
king.And furthermore tell him, we desire to know of him
Of whence he is, his name, and Parentage?
Of whence he is, his name, and Parentage?
Tha.The King my father (sir) has drunke to you.
Peri.I thanke him.
Tha.Wishing it so much blood vnto your life.
Peri.I thanke both him and you, and pledge him freely.
Tha.And further, he desires to know of you,
Of whence you are, your name and parentage?
Of whence you are, your name and parentage?
Peri.A gentleman of Tyre, my name Pericles,
My education beene in Artes and Armies:
Who looking for aduentures in the world,
Was by the rough Seas reft of Ships and men,
and after shipwracke, driuen vpon this shore.
My education beene in Artes and Armies:
Who looking for aduentures in the world,
Was by the rough Seas reft of Ships and men,
and after shipwracke, driuen vpon this shore.
Tha.He thankes your Grace; names himself Pericles,
A Gentleman of Tyre; who onely by misfortune of the seas,
Bereft of Shippes and Men cast on this shore.
A Gentleman of Tyre; who onely by misfortune of the seas,
Bereft of Shippes and Men cast on this shore.
king.Now, by the Gods, I pitty his misfortune,
And will awake him from his melancholy.
Come Gentlemen, we sit too long on trifles,
And waste the time which lookes for other reuels;
Euen in your Armours as you are addrest,
Will well become a Souldiers daunce:
I will not haue excuse with saying this,
Lowd Musicke is too harsh for Ladyes heads,
Since they loue men in armes, as well as beds.
They daunce.
So, this was well askt, t'was so well perform'd.
Come sir, heer's a Lady that wants breathing too,
And I haue heard, you Knights of Tyre,
Are excellent in making Ladyes trippe;
And that their Measures are as excellent.
And will awake him from his melancholy.
Come Gentlemen, we sit too long on trifles,
And waste the time which lookes for other reuels;
Euen in your Armours as you are addrest,
Will well become a Souldiers daunce:
I will not haue excuse with saying this,
Lowd Musicke is too harsh for Ladyes heads,
Since they loue men in armes, as well as beds.
They daunce.
So, this was well askt, t'was so well perform'd.
Come sir, heer's a Lady that wants breathing too,
And I haue heard, you Knights of Tyre,
Are excellent in making Ladyes trippe;
And that their Measures are as excellent.
Peri.In those that practize them, they are (my Lord.)
king.Oh that's as much, as you would be denyed
Of your faire courtesie: vnclaspe, vnclaspe.
They daunce.
Thankes Gentlemen to all, all haue done well;
But you the best: Pages and lights, to conduct
These Knights vnto their seuerall Lodgings:
Yours sir, we haue giuen order be next our owne.
Of your faire courtesie: vnclaspe, vnclaspe.
They daunce.
Thankes Gentlemen to all, all haue done well;
But you the best: Pages and lights, to conduct
These Knights vnto their seuerall Lodgings:
Yours sir, we haue giuen order be next our owne.
Peri.I am at your Graces pleasure.
Princes, it is too late to talke of Loue,
And that's the marke I know, you leuell at:
Therefore each one betake him to his rest,
To morrow all for speeding do their best.
Princes, it is too late to talke of Loue,
And that's the marke I know, you leuell at:
Therefore each one betake him to his rest,
To morrow all for speeding do their best.
Enter Hellicanus and Escanes.
Hell.No Escanes, know this of mee,
Antiochus from incest liued not free:
For which the most high Gods not minding,
Longer to with-hold the vengeance that
They had in store, due to this heynous
Capitall offence, euen in the height and pride
Of all his glory, when he was seated in
A Chariot of an inestimable value, and his daughter
With him; a fire from heauen came and shriuled
Vp those bodyes euen to lothing, for they so stounke,
That all those eyes ador'd them, ere their fall,
Scorne now their hand should giue them buriall.
Antiochus from incest liued not free:
For which the most high Gods not minding,
Longer to with-hold the vengeance that
They had in store, due to this heynous
Capitall offence, euen in the height and pride
Of all his glory, when he was seated in
A Chariot of an inestimable value, and his daughter
With him; a fire from heauen came and shriuled
Vp those bodyes euen to lothing, for they so stounke,
That all those eyes ador'd them, ere their fall,
Scorne now their hand should giue them buriall.
Escanes.T'was very strange.
Hell.And yet but iustice; for though this King were great,
His greatnesse was no gard to barre heauens shaft,
But sinne had his reward.
His greatnesse was no gard to barre heauens shaft,
But sinne had his reward.
Escan.Tis very true.
Enter two or three Lords.
1. Lord.See, not a man in priuate conference,
Or counsaile, ha's respect with him but hee.
Or counsaile, ha's respect with him but hee.
2. Lord.It shall no longer grieue, without reprofe.
3. Lord.And curst be he that will not second it.
1. Lord.Follow me then: Lord Hellicane, a word.
Hell.With mee? and welcome happy day, my Lords.
1. Lord.Know, that our griefes are risen to the top,
And now at length they ouer-flow their bankes.
And now at length they ouer-flow their bankes.
Hell.Your griefes, for what?
Wrong not your Prince, you loue.
Wrong not your Prince, you loue.
1. Lord.Wrong not your selfe then, noble Hellican,
But if the Prince do liue, let vs salute him,
Or know what ground's made happy by his breath:
If in the world he liue, wee'le seeke him out:
If in his Graue he rest, wee'le find him there,
And be resolued he liues to gouerne vs:
Or dead, giue's cause to mourne his funerall,
And leaue vs to our free election.
But if the Prince do liue, let vs salute him,
Or know what ground's made happy by his breath:
If in the world he liue, wee'le seeke him out:
If in his Graue he rest, wee'le find him there,
And be resolued he liues to gouerne vs:
Or dead, giue's cause to mourne his funerall,
And leaue vs to our free election.
2. Lord.Whose death in deed, the strongest in our sensure,
And knowing this Kingdome is without a head,
Like goodly Buyldings left without a Roofe,
Soone fall to ruine: your noble selfe,
That best know how to rule, and how to raigne,
Wee thus submit vnto our Soueraigne.
And knowing this Kingdome is without a head,
Like goodly Buyldings left without a Roofe,
Soone fall to ruine: your noble selfe,
That best know how to rule, and how to raigne,
Wee thus submit vnto our Soueraigne.
Omnes.Liue noble Hellicane.
Hell.Try honours cause; forbeare your suffrages:
If that you loue Prince Pericles, forbeare,
(Take I your wish, I leape into the seas,
Where's howerly trouble, for a minuts ease)
A twelue-month longer, let me intreat you
To forbeare the absence of your King;
If in which time expir'd, he not returne,
I shall with aged patience beare your yoake:
But if I cannot winne you to this loue,
Goe search like nobles, like noble subiects,
And in your search, spend your aduenturous worth,
Whom if you find, and winne vnto returne,
You shall like Diamonds sit about his Crowne.
If that you loue Prince Pericles, forbeare,
(Take I your wish, I leape into the seas,
Where's howerly trouble, for a minuts ease)
A twelue-month longer, let me intreat you
To forbeare the absence of your King;
If in which time expir'd, he not returne,
I shall with aged patience beare your yoake:
But if I cannot winne you to this loue,
Goe search like nobles, like noble subiects,
And in your search, spend your aduenturous worth,
Whom if you find, and winne vnto returne,
You shall like Diamonds sit about his Crowne.
1. Lord.To wisedome, hee's a foole, that will not yeeld:
And since Lord Hellicane enioyneth vs,
We with our trauels will endeauour.
And since Lord Hellicane enioyneth vs,
We with our trauels will endeauour.
Hell.Then you loue vs, we you, & wee'le claspe hands:
When Peeres thus knit, a Kingdom euer stands.
When Peeres thus knit, a Kingdom euer stands.
Enter the King reading of a letter at one doore,
the Knightes meete him.
the Knightes meete him.
1. Knight.Good morrow to the good Simonides.
King.Knights, from my daughter this I let you know,
That for this twelue-month, shee'le not vndertake
A maried life: her reason to her selfe is onely knowne,
Which from her, by no meanes can I get.
That for this twelue-month, shee'le not vndertake
A maried life: her reason to her selfe is onely knowne,
Which from her, by no meanes can I get.
2. Knight.May we not get accesse to her (my Lord?)
king.Fayth, by no meanes, she hath so strictly
Tyed her to her Chamber, that t'is impossible:
One twelue Moones more shee'le weare Dianas liuerie:
This by the eye of Cinthya hath she vowed,
And on her Virgin honour, will not breake it.
Tyed her to her Chamber, that t'is impossible:
One twelue Moones more shee'le weare Dianas liuerie:
This by the eye of Cinthya hath she vowed,
And on her Virgin honour, will not breake it.
3. knight.Loth to bid farewell, we take our leaues.
king.So, they are well dispatcht:
Now to my daughters Letter; she telles me heere,
Shee'le wedde the stranger Knight,
Or neuer more to view nor day nor light.
T'is well Mistris, your choyce agrees with mine:
I like that well: nay how absolute she's in't,
Not minding whether I dislike or no.
Well, I do commend her choyce and will no longer
Haue it be delayed: Soft, heere he comes,
I must dissemble it.
Now to my daughters Letter; she telles me heere,
Shee'le wedde the stranger Knight,
Or neuer more to view nor day nor light.
T'is well Mistris, your choyce agrees with mine:
I like that well: nay how absolute she's in't,
Not minding whether I dislike or no.
Well, I do commend her choyce and will no longer
Haue it be delayed: Soft, heere he comes,
I must dissemble it.
Enter Pericles.
Peri.All fortune to the good Symonides.
King.To you as much: Sir, I am behoulding to you
For your sweet Musicke this last night:
I do protest, my eares were neuer better fedde
With such delightfull pleasing harmonie.
For your sweet Musicke this last night:
I do protest, my eares were neuer better fedde
With such delightfull pleasing harmonie.
Peri.It is your Graces pleasure to commend,
Not my desert.
Not my desert.
king.Sir, you are Musickes maister.
Peri.The worst of all her schollers (my good Lord.)
king.Let me aske you one thing:
What do you thinke of my Daughter, sir?
What do you thinke of my Daughter, sir?
Peri.A most vertuous Princesse.
king.And she is faire too, is she not?
Peri.As a faire day in Sommer: woondrous faire.
king.Sir, my Daughter thinkes very well of you,
I so well, that you must be her Maister,
And she will be your Scholler; therefore looke to it.
I so well, that you must be her Maister,
And she will be your Scholler; therefore looke to it.
Peri.I am vnworthy for her Scholemaister.
king.She thinkes not so: peruse this writing else.
Per.What's here, a letter that she loues the knight of Tyre?
T'is the Kings subtiltie to haue my life:
Oh seeke not to intrappe me, gracious Lord,
A Stranger, and distressed Gentleman,
That neuer aymed so hie, to loue your Daughter,
But bent all offices to honour her.
T'is the Kings subtiltie to haue my life:
Oh seeke not to intrappe me, gracious Lord,
A Stranger, and distressed Gentleman,
That neuer aymed so hie, to loue your Daughter,
But bent all offices to honour her.
king.Thou hast bewitcht my daughter,
And thou art a villaine.
And thou art a villaine.
Peri.By the Gods I haue not; neuer did thought
Of mine leuie offence; nor neuer did my actions
Yet commence a deed might gaine her loue,
Or your displeasure.
Of mine leuie offence; nor neuer did my actions
Yet commence a deed might gaine her loue,
Or your displeasure.
king.Traytor, thou lyest.
Peri.Traytor?
king.I, traytor.
Peri.Euen in his throat, unlesse it be the King,
That cals me Traytor, I returne the lye.
That cals me Traytor, I returne the lye.
king.Now by the Gods, I do applaude his courage.
Peri.My actions are as noble as my thoughts,
That neuer relisht of a base discent:
I came vnto your Court for Honours cause,
And not to be a Rebell to her state:
And he that otherwise accountes of mee,
This Sword shall prooue, hee's Honours enemie.
That neuer relisht of a base discent:
I came vnto your Court for Honours cause,
And not to be a Rebell to her state:
And he that otherwise accountes of mee,
This Sword shall prooue, hee's Honours enemie.
king.No? heere comes my Daughter, she can witnesse it.
Enter Thaisa.
Peri.Then as you are as vertuous, as faire,
Resolue your angry Father, if my tongue
Did ere solicite, or my hand subscribe
To any sillable that made loue to you?
Resolue your angry Father, if my tongue
Did ere solicite, or my hand subscribe
To any sillable that made loue to you?
Thai.Why sir, say if you had, who takes offence?
At that, would make me glad?
At that, would make me glad?
King.Yea Mistris, are you so peremptorie?
I am glad on't with all my heart,
Aside.Ile tame you; Ile bring you in subiection.
Will you not, hauing my consent,
Bestow your loue and your affections,
Vpon a Stranger? who for ought I know,
Aside.May be (nor can I thinke the contrary)
As great in blood as I my selfe:
Therefore heare you Mistris, either frame
Your will to mine: and you sir, heare you;
Either be rul'd by mee, or Ile make you,
Man and wife: nay come, your hands,
And lippes must seale it too: and being ioyned,
Ile thus your hopes destroy, and for further griefe:
God giue you ioy; what are you both pleased?
I am glad on't with all my heart,
Aside.Ile tame you; Ile bring you in subiection.
Will you not, hauing my consent,
Bestow your loue and your affections,
Vpon a Stranger? who for ought I know,
Aside.May be (nor can I thinke the contrary)
As great in blood as I my selfe:
Therefore heare you Mistris, either frame
Your will to mine: and you sir, heare you;
Either be rul'd by mee, or Ile make you,
Man and wife: nay come, your hands,
And lippes must seale it too: and being ioyned,
Ile thus your hopes destroy, and for further griefe:
God giue you ioy; what are you both pleased?
Tha.Yes, if you loue me sir?
Peri.Euen as my life, my blood that fosters it.
King.What are you both agreed?
Ambo.Yes, if't please your Maiestie.
King.It pleaseth me so well, that I will see you wed,
Exeunt.And then with what haste you can, get you to bed.
Exeunt.And then with what haste you can, get you to bed.