Shakespeare - First Folio facsimile (1910)/The Winters Tale/Act 2 Scene 2
Scena Secunda.
Enter Paulina, a Gentleman, Gaoler, Emilia.
Paul. The Keeper of the prison, call to him:Let him haue knowledge who I am. Good Lady,No Court in Europe is too good for thee,What dost thou then in prison? Now good Sir,You know me, do you not?
Gao. For a worthy Lady,And one, who much I honour.
Pau. Pray you then,Conduct me to the Queene.
Gao. I may not (Madam)To the contrary I haue expresse commandment.
Pau. Here's a-do, to locke vp honesty & honour fromTh' accesse of gentle visitors. Is't lawfull pray youTo see her Women? Any of them? Emilia?
Gao. So please you (Madam)To put a-part these your attendants, IShall bring Emilia forth.
Pau. I pray now call her:With-draw your selues.
Gao. And Madam,I must be present at your Conference.
Pau. Well: be't so: prethee.Heere's such a-doe, to make no staine, a staine,As passes colouring. Deare Gentlewoman,How fares our gracious Lady?
Emil. As well as one so great, and so forlorneMay hold together: On her frights, and greefes(Which neuer tender Lady hath borne greater)She is, something before her time, deliuer'd.
Pau. A boy?
Emil. A daughter, and a goodly babe,Lusty, and like to liue: the Queene receiuesMuch comfort in't: Sayes, my poore prisoner,I am innocent as you,
Pau. I dare be sworne:These dangerous, vnsafe Lunes i'th' King, beshrew them:He must be told on't, and he shall: the officeBecomes a woman best. Ile take't vpon me,If I proue hony-mouth'd, let my tongue blister.And neuer to my red-look'd Anger beeThe Trumpet any more: pray you (Emilia)Commend my best obedience to the Queene,If she dares trust me with her little babe,I'le shew't the King, and vndertake to beeHer Aduocate to th' lowd'st. We do not knowHow he may soften at the sight o'th' Childe:The silence often of pure innocencePerswades, when speaking failes.
Emil. Most worthy Madam,Your honor, and your goodnesse is so euident,That your free vndertaking cannot misseA thriuing yssue: there is no Lady liuingSo meete for this great errand; please your LadishipTo visit the next roome, Ile presentlyAcquaint the Queene of your most noble offer,Who, but to day hammered of this designe,But durst not tempt a minister of honourLeast she should be deny'd.
Paul. Tell her (Emilia)Ile vse that tongue I haue: If wit flow from'tAs boldnesse from my bosome, le't not be doubtedI shall do good.
Emil. Now be you blest for it.Ile to the Queene: please you come something neerer.
Gao. Madam, if't please the Queene to send the babe,I know not what I shall incurre, to passe it,Hauing no warrant.
Pau. You neede not feare it (sir)This Childe was prisoner to the wombe, and isBy Law and processe of great Nature, thenceFree'd, and enfranchis'd, not a partie toThe anger of the King, nor guilty of(If any be) the trespasse of the Queene.
Gao. I do beleeue it.
Paul. Do not you feare: vpon mine honor, IExeunt.Will stand betwixt you, and danger.