The Winters Tale
William Shakespeare
Original text: Bodleian Libraries · Shakespeare First Folio (1623), Bodleian Library Arch. G c.7; diplomatic TEI transcription
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The Winters Tale.
Actus Primus. Scœna Prima.
Enter Camillo and Archidamus.
Arch. IF you shall chance (Camillo) to visit Bohemia, on the like occasion whereon my seruices are now…
Cam. I thinke, this comming Summer, the King of Sicilia meanes to pay Bohemia the Visitation, which hee…
Arch. Wherein our Entertainment shall shame vs: we will be iustified in our Loues: for indeed———
Cam. 'Beseech you———
Arch. Verely I speake it in the freedome of my know ledge: we cannot with such magnificence——— in…
Cam. You pay a great deale to deare, for what’s giuen freely.
Arch. 'Beleeue me, I speake as my vnderstanding in structs me, and as mine honestie puts it to…
Cam. Sicilia cannot shew himselfe ouer‑kind to Bohe mia: They were trayn’d together in their Child‑hoods; and there…
Arch. I thinke there is not in the World, either Malice or Matter, to alter it. You haue…
Cam. I very well agree with you, in the hopes of him: it is a gallant Child; one,…
Arch. Would they else be content to die?
Cam. Yes; if there were no other excuse, why they should desire to liue.
Arch. If the King had no Sonne, they would desire to liue on Crutches till he had one.
Exeunt.
Scœna Secunda.
Enter Leontes, Hermione, Mamillius, Polixenes, Camillo.
Pol. Nine Changes of the Watry‑Starre hath been The Shepheards Note, since we haue left our Throne Without…
Leo. Stay your Thanks a while, And pay them when you part.
Pol. Sir, that’s to morrow: I am question’d by my feares, of what may chance, Or breed vpon…
Leo. We are tougher (Brother) Then you can put vs to’t.
Pol. No longer stay.
Leo. One Seue’night longer.
Pol. Very sooth, to morrow.
Leo. Wee’le part the time between’s then: and in that Ile no gaine‑saying.
Pol. Presse me not ('beseech you) so: There is no Tongue that moues; none, none i’th’World So soone…
Leo. Tongue‑ty’d our Queene? speake you.
Her. I had thought (Sir) to haue held my peace, vntill You had drawne Oathes from him, not…
Leo. Well said, Hermione.
Her. To tell, he longs to see his Sonne, were strong: But let him say so then, and…
Pol. No, Madame.
Her. Nay, but you will?
Pol. I may not verily.
Her. Verely? You put me off with limber Vowes: but I, Though you would seek t’vnsphere the Stars…
Pol. Your Guest then, Madame: To be your Prisoner, should import offending; Which is for me, lesse easie…
Her. Not your Gaoler then, But your kind Hostesse. Come, Ile question you Of my Lords Tricks, and…
Pol. We were (faire Queene) Two Lads, that thought there was no more behind, But such a day…
Her. Was not my Lord The veryer Wag o’th’two?
Pol. We were as twyn’d Lambs, that did frisk i’th’Sun, And bleat the one at th’other: what we…
Her. By this we gather You haue tript since.
Pol. O my most sacred Lady, Temptations haue since then been borne to’s: for In those vnfledg’d dayes,…
Her. Grace to boot: Of this make no conclusion, least you say Your Queene and I are Deuils:…
Leo. Is he woon yet?
Her. Hee’le stay (my Lord.)
Leo. At my request, he would not: Hermione (my dearest) thou neuer spoak’st To better purpose.
Her. Neuer?
Leo. Neuer, but once.
Her. What? haue I twice said well? when was’t before? I prethee tell me: cram’s with prayse, and…
Leo. Why, that was when Three crabbed Moneths had sowr’d themselues to death, Ere I could make thee…
Her. 'Tis Grace indeed. Why lo‑you now; I haue spoke to th’purpose twice: The one, for euer earn’d…
Leo. Too hot, too hot: To mingle friendship farre, is mingling bloods. I haue Tremor Cordis on me:…
Mam. I, my good Lord.
Leo. I’fecks: Why that’s my Bawcock: what? Has’t smutch’d thy Nose? They say it is a Coppy out…
Mam. Yes, if you will (my Lord.)
Leo. Thou want’st a rough pash, & the shoots that I haue To be full, like me: yet…
Pol. What meanes Sicilia?
Her. He something seemes vnsetled.
Pol. How? my Lord?
Leo. What cheere? how is’t with you, best Brother?
Her. You look as if you held a Brow of much distraction: Are you mou’d (my Lord?)
Leo. No, in good earnest. How sometimes Nature will betray it’s folly? It’s tendernesse? and make it selfe…
Mam. No (my Lord) Ile fight.
Leo. You will: why happy man be’s dole. My Brother Are you so fond of your young Prince,…
Pol. If at home (Sir) He’s all my Exercise, my Mirth, my Matter; Now my sworne Friend, and…
Leo. So stands this Squire Offic’d with me: We two will walke (my Lord) And leaue you to…
Her. If you would seeke vs, We are yours i’th’Garden: shall’s attend you there?
Leo. To your owne bents dispose you: you’le be found, Be you beneath the Sky: I am angling…
Mam. I am like you say.
Leo. Why, that’s some comfort. What? Camillo there?
Cam. I, my good Lord.
Leo. Goe play (Mamillius) thou’rt an honest man: Camillo, this great Sir will yet stay longer.
Cam. You had much adoe to make his Anchor hold, When you cast out, it still came home.
Leo. Didst note it?
Cam. He would not stay at your Petitions, made His Businesse more materiall.
Leo. Didst perceiue it? They’re here with me already; whisp’ring, rounding: Sicilia is a so‑forth: 'tis farre gone,…
Cam. At the good Queenes entreatie.
Leo. At the Queenes be’t: Good should be pertinent, But so it is, it is not. Was this…
Cam. Businesse, my Lord? I thinke most vnderstand Bohemia stayes here longer.
Leo. Ha?
Cam. Stayes here longer.
Leo. I, but why?
Cam. To satisfie your Highnesse, and the Entreaties Of our most gracious Mistresse.
Leo. Satisfie? Th’entreaties of your Mistresse? Satisfie? Let that suffice. I haue trusted thee (Camillo) With all the…
Cam. Be it forbid (my Lord.)
Leo. To bide vpon’t: thou art not honest: or If thou inclin’st that way, thou art a Coward,…
Cam. My gracious Lord, I may be negligent, foolish, and fearefull, In euery one of these, no man…
Leo. Ha’ not you seene Camillo? (But that’s past doubt: you haue, or your eye‑glasse Is thicker then…
Cam. I would not be a stander‑by, to heare My Soueraigne Mistresse clouded so, without My present vengeance…
Leo. Is whispering nothing? Is leaning Cheeke to Cheeke? is meating Noses? Kissing with in‑side Lip? stopping the…
Cam. Good my Lord, be cur’d Of this diseas’d Opinion, and betimes, For 'tis most dangerous.
Leo. Say it be, 'tis true.
Cam. No, no, my Lord.
Leo. It is: you lye, you lye: I say thou lyest Camillo, and I hate thee, Pronounce thee…
Cam. Who do’s infect her?
Leo. Why he that weares her like her Medull, hanging About his neck (Bohemia) who, if I Had…
Cam. Sir (my Lord) I could doe this, and that with no rash Potion, But with a lingring…
Leo. Make that thy question, and goe rot: Do’st thinke I am so muddy, so vnsetled, To appoint…
Cam. I must beleeue you (Sir) I doe, and will fetch off Bohemia for’t: Prouided, that when hee’s…
Leo. Thou do’st aduise me, Euen so as I mine owne course haue set downe: Ile giue no…
Cam. My Lord, Goe then; and with a countenance as cleare As Friendship weares at Feasts, keepe with…
Leo. This is all: Do’t, and thou hast the one halfe of my heart; Do’t not, thou splitt’st…
Cam. Ile do’t, my Lord.
Leo. I wil seeme friendly, as thou hast aduis’d me.
Exit
Cam. O miserable Lady. But for me, What case stand I in? I must be the poysoner Of…
Enter Polixenes.
Pol. This is strange: Me thinks My fauor here begins to warpe. Not speake? Good day Camillo.
Cam. Hayle most Royall Sir.
Pol. What is the Newes i’th’Court?
Cam. None rare (my Lord.)
Pol. The King hath on him such a countenance, As he had lost some Prouince, and a Region…
Cam. I dare not know (my Lord.)
Pol. How, dare not? doe not? doe you know, and dare not? Be intelligent to me, 'tis thereabouts:…
Cam. There is a sicknesse Which puts some of vs in distemper, but I cannot name the Disease,…
Pol. How caught of me? Make me not sighted like the Basilisque. I haue look’d on thousands, who…
Cam. I may not answere.
Pol. A Sicknesse caught of me, and yet I well? I must be answer’d. Do’st thou heare Camillo,…
Cam. Sir, I will tell you, Since I am charg’d in Honor, and by him That I thinke…
Pol. On, good Camillo.
Cam. I am appointed him to murther you.
Pol. By whom, Camillo?
Cam. By the King.
Pol. For what?
Cam. He thinkes, nay with all confidence he sweares, As he had seen’t, or beene an Instrument To…
Pol. Oh then, my best blood turne To an infected Gelly, and my Name Be yoak’d with his,…
Cam. Sweare his thought ouer By each particular Starre in Heauen, and By all their Influences; you may…
Pol. How should this grow?
Cam. I know not: but I am sure 'tis safer to Auoid what’s growne, then question how 'tis…
Pol. I doe beleeue thee: I saw his heart in’s face. Giue me thy hand, Be Pilot to…
Cam. It is in mine authoritie to command The Keyes of all the Posternes: Please your Highnesse To…
Exeunt.
Actus Secundus. Scena Prima.
Enter Hermione, Mamillius, Ladies: Leontes, Antigonus, Lords.
Her. Take the Boy to you: he so troubles me, 'Tis past enduring.
Lady. Come (my gracious Lord) Shall I be your play‑fellow?
Mam. No, Ile none of you.
Lady. Why (my sweet Lord?)
Mam. You’le kisse me hard, and speake to me, as if I were a Baby still. I loue…
2. Lady. And why so (my Lord?)
Mam. Not for because Your Browes are blacker (yet black‑browes they say Become some Women best, so that…
2. Lady. Who taught 'this?
Mam. I learn’d it out of Womens faces: pray now, What colour are your eye‑browes?
Lady. Blew (my Lord.)
Mam. Nay, that’s a mock: I haue seene a Ladies Nose That ha’s beene blew, but not her…
Lady. Harke ye, □□e Queene (your Mother) rounds apace: we shall Present our seruices to a fine new…
2. Lady. She is spread of late Into a goodly Bulke (good time encounter her.)
Her. What wisdome stirs amongst you? Come Sir, now I am for you againe: 'Pray you sit by…
Mam. Merry, or sad, shal’t be?
Her. As merry as you will.
Mam. A sad Tale’s best for Winter: I haue one of Sprights, and Goblins.
Her. Let’s haue that (good Sir.) Come‑on, sit downe, come‑on, and doe your best, To fright me with…
Mam. There was a man.
Her. Nay, come sit downe: then on.
Mam. Dwelt by a Church‑yard: I will tell it softly, Yond Crickets shall not heare it.
Her. Come on then, and giu’t me in mine eare.
Leon. Was hee met there? his Traine? Camillo with him?
Lord. Behind the tuft of Pines I met them, neuer Saw I men scowre so on their way:…
Leo. How blest am I In my iust Censure? in my true Opinion? Alack, for lesser knowledge, how…
Lord. By his great authority, Which often hath no lesse preuail’d, then so, On your command.
Leo. I know’t too well. Giue me the Boy, I am glad you did not nurse him: Though…
Her. What is this? Sport?
Leo. Beare the Boy hence, he shall not come about her, Away with him, and let her sport…
Her. But Il’d say he had not; And Ile be sworne you would beleeue my saying, How e’re…
Leo. You (my Lords) Looke on her, marke her well: be but about To say she is a…
Her. Should a Villaine say so, (The most replenish’d Villaine in the World) He were as much more…
Leo. You haue mistooke (my Lady) Polixenes for Leontes: O thou Thing, (Which Ile not call a Creature…
Her. No (by my life) Priuy to none of this: how will this grieue you, When you shall…
Leo. No: if I mistake In those Foundations which I build vpon, The Centre is not bigge enough…
Her. There’s some ill Planet raignes: I must be patient, till the Heauens looke With an aspect more…
Leo. Shall I be heard?
Her. Who is’t that goes with me? 'beseech your Highnes My Women may be with me, for you…
Leo. Goe, doe our bidding: hence.
Lord. Beseech your Highnesse call the Queene againe.
Antig. Be certaine what you do (Sir) least your Iustice Proue violence, in the which three great ones…
Lord. For her (my Lord) I dare my life lay downe, and will do’t (Sir) Please you t’accept…
Antig. If it proue Shee’s otherwise, Ile keepe my Stables where I lodge my Wife, Ile goe in…
Leo. Hold your peaces.
Lord. Good my Lord.
Antig. It is for you we speake, not for our selues: You are abus’d, and by some putter…
Leo. Cease, no more: You smell this businesse with a sence as cold As is a dead‑mans nose:…
Antig. If it be so, We neede no graue to burie honesty, There’s not a graine of it,…
Leo. What? lacke I credit?
Lord. I had rather you did lacke then I (my Lord) Vpon this ground: and more it would…
Leo. Why what neede we Commune with you of this? but rather follow Our forcefull instigation? Our prerogatiue…
Antig. And I wish (my Liege) You had onely in your silent iudgement tride it, Without more ouerture.
Leo. How could that be? Either thou art most ignorant by age, Or thou wer’t borne a foole:…
Lord. Well done (my Lord.)
Leo. Though I am satisfide, and neede no more Then what I know, yet shall the Oracle Giue…
Antig. To laughter, as I take it, If the good truth, were knowne.
Exeunt
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,…
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 from Th’accesse of gentle visitors. Is’t lawfull pray you…
Gao. So please you (Madam) To put a‑part these your attendants, I Shall 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…
Emil. As well as one so great, and so forlorne May hold together: On her frights, and greefes…
Pau. A boy?
Emil. A daughter, and a goodly babe, Lusty, and like to liue: the Queene receiues Much comfort in’t:…
Pau. I dare be sworne: These dangerous, vnsafe Lunes i’th’King, beshrew them: He must be told on’t, and…
Emil. Most worthy Madam, Your honor, and your goodnesse is so euident, That your free vndertaking cannot misse…
Paul. Tell her (Emilia) Ile vse that tongue I haue: If wit flow from’t As boldnesse from my…
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…
Pau. You neede not feare it (sir) This Childe was prisoner to the wombe, and is By Law…
Gao. I do beleeue it.
Paul. Do not you feare: vpon mine honor, I Will stand betwixt you, and danger.
Exeunt
Scæna Tertia.
Enter Leontes, Seruants, Paulina, Antigonus, and Lords.
Leo. Nor night, nor day, no rest: It is but weaknesse To beare the matter thus: meere weaknesse,…
Ser. My Lord.
Leo. How do’s the boy?
Ser. He tooke good rest to night: 'tis hop’d His sicknesse is discharg’d.
Leo. To see his Noblenesse, Conceyuing the dishonour of his Mother. He straight declin’d, droop’d, tooke it deeply,…
Enter Paulina.
Lord. You must not enter.
Paul. Nay rather (good my Lords) be second to me: Feare you his tyrannous passion more (alas) Then…
Antig. That’s enough.
Ser. Madam; he hath not slept to night, commanded None should come at him.
Pau. Not so hot (good Sir) I come to bring him sleepe. 'Tis such as you That creepe…
Leo. Who noyse there, hoe?
Pau. No noyse (my Lord) but needfull conference, About some Gossips for your Highnesse.
Leo. How? Away with that audacious Lady. Antigonus, I charg’d thee that she should not come about me,…
Ant. I told her so (my Lord) On your displeasures perill, and on mine, She should not visit…
Leo. What? canst not rule her?
Paul. From all dishonestie he can: in this (Vnlesse he take the course that you haue done) Commit…
Ant. La‑you now, you heare, When she will take the raine, I let her run, But shee’l not…
Paul. Good my Liege, I come: And I beseech you heare me, who professes My selfe your loyall…
Leo. Good Queene?
Paul. Good Queene (my Lord) good Queene, I say good Queene, And would by combate, make her good…
Leo. Force her hence.
Pau. Let him that makes but trifles of his eyes First hand me: on mine owne accord, Ile…
Leo. Out: A mankinde Witch? Hence with her, out o’dore: A most intelligencing bawd.
Paul. Not so: I am as ignorant in that, as you, In so entit’ling me: and no lesse…
Leo. Traitors; Will you not push her out? Giue her the Bastard, Thou dotard, thou art woman‑tyr’d: vnroosted…
Paul. For euer Vnvenerable be thy hands, if thou Tak’st vp the Princesse, by that forced basenesse Which…
Leo. He dreads his Wife.
Paul. So I would you did: then 'twere past all doubt Youl’d call your children, yours.
Leo. A nest of Traitors.
Ant. I am none, by this good light.
Pau. Nor I: nor any But one that’s heere: and that’s himselfe: for he, The sacred Honor of…
Leo. A Callat Of boundlesse tongue, who late hath beat her Husband, And now bayts me: This Brat…
Paul. It is yours: And might we lay th’old Prouerb to your charge, So like you, 'tis the…
Leo. A grosse Hagge: And Lozell, thou art worthy to be hang’d, That wilt not stay her Tongue.
Antig. Hang all the Husbands That cannot doe that Feat, you’le leaue your selfe Hardly one Subiect.
Leo. Once more take her hence.
Paul. A most vnworthy, and vnnaturall Lord Can doe no more.
Leo. Ile ha’ thee burnt.
Paul. I care not: It is an Heretique that makes the fire, Not she which burnes in’t. Ile…
Leo. On your Allegeance, Out of the Chamber with her. Were I a Tyrant, Where were her life?…
Paul. I pray you doe not push me, Ile be gone. Looke to your Babe (my Lord) 'tis…
Exit.
Leo. Thou (Traytor) hast set on thy Wife to this. My Child? away with’t? euen thou, that hast…
Antig. I did not, Sir: These Lords, my Noble Fellowes, if they please, Can cleare me in’t.
Lords. We can: my Royall Liege, He is not guiltie of her comming hither.
Leo. You’re lyers all.
Lord. Beseech your Highnesse, giue vs better credit: We haue alwayes truly seru’d you, and beseech’ So to…
Leo. I am a Feather for each Wind that blows: Shall I liue on, to see this Bastard…
Antig. Any thing (my Lord) That my abilitie may vndergoe, And Noblenesse impose: at least thus much; Ile…
Leo. It shall be possible: Sweare by this Sword Thou wilt performe my bidding.
Antig. I will (my Lord.)
Leo. Marke, and performe it: seest thou? for the faile Of any point in’t, shall not onely be…
Antig. I sweare to doe this: though a present death Had beene more mercifull. Come on (poore Babe)…
Exit.
Leo. No: Ile not reare Anothers Issue.
Enter a Seruant.
Seru. Please’ your Highnesse, Posts From those you sent to th’Oracle, are come An houre since: Cleomines and…
Lord. So please you (Sir) their speed Hath beene beyond accompt.
Leo. Twentie three days They haue beene absent: 'tis good speed: fore‑tells The great Apollo suddenly will haue…
Exeunt.
Actus Tertius. Scena Prima.
Enter Cleomines and Dion.
Cleo. The Clymat’s delicate, the Ayre most sweet, Fertile the Isle, the Temple much surpassing The common prayse…
Dion. I shall report, For most it caught me, the Celestiall Habits, (Me thinkes I so should terme…
Cleo. But of all, the burst And the eare‑deaff’ning Voyce o’th’Oracle, Kin to Ioues Thunder, so surpriz’d my…
Dio. If th’euent o’th’Iourney Proue as successefull to the Queene (O be’t so) As it hath beene to…
Cleo. Great Apollo Turne all to th’best: these Proclamations, So forcing faults vpon Hermione, I little like.
Dio. The violent carriage of it Will cleare, or end the Businesse, when the Oracle (Thus by Apollo’s…
Exeunt.
Scœna Secunda.
Enter Leontes, Lords, Officers: Hermione (as to her Triall) Ladies: Cleomines, Dion.
Leo. This Sessions (to our great griefe we pronounce) Euen pushes 'gainst our heart. The partie try’d, The…
Officer. It is his Highnesse pleasure, that the Queene Appeare in person, here in Court.
Silence.
Leo. Reade the Indictment.
Officer. Hermione, Queene to the worthy Leontes, King of Sicilia, thou art here accused and arraigned of High…
Her. Since what I am to say, must be but that Which contradicts my Accusation, and The testimonie…
Leo. I ne’re heard yet, That any of these bolder Vices wanted Lesse Impudence to gaine‑say what they…
Her. That’s true enough, Though 'tis a saying (Sir) not due to me.
Leo. You will not owne it.
Her. More then Mistresse of, Which comes to me in name of Fault, I must not At all…
Leo. You knew of his departure, as you know What you haue vnderta’ne to doe in’s absence.
Her. Sir, You speake a Language that I vnderstand not: My Life stands in the leuell of your…
Leo. Your Actions are my Dreames. You had a Bastard by Polixenes, And I but dream’d it: As…
Her. Sir, spare your Threats: The Bugge which you would fright me with, I seeke: To me can…
Lord. This your request Is altogether iust: therefore bring forth (And in Apollo’s Name) his Oracle.
Her. The Emperor of Russia was my Father. Oh that he were aliue, and here beholding His Daughters…
Officer. You here shal sweare vpon this Sword of Iustice, That you (Cleomines and Dion) haue Been both…
Cleo. Dio. All this we sweare.
Leo. Breake vp the Seales, and read.
Officer. Hermione is chast, Polixenes blamelesse, Camillo a true Subiect, Leontes a iealous Tyrant, his innocent Babe truly…
Lords. Now blessed be the great Apollo.
Her. Praysed.
Leo. Hast thou read truth?
Offic. I (my Lord) euen so as it is here set downe.
Leo. There is no truth at all i’th’Oracle: The Sessions shall proceed: this is meere falsehood.
Ser. My Lord the King: the King?
Leo. What is the businesse?
Ser. O Sir, I shall be hated to report it. The Prince your Sonne, with meere conceit, and…
Leo. How? gone?
Ser. Is dead.
Leo. Apollo’s angry, and the Heauens themselues, Doe strike at my Iniustice. How now there?
Paul. This newes is mortall to the Queene: Look downe And see what Death is doing.
Leo. Take her hence: Her heart is but o’re‑charg’d: she will recouer. I haue too much beleeu’d mine…
Paul. Woe the while: O cut my Lace, least my heart (cracking it) Breake too.
Lord. What fit is this? good Lady?
Paul. What studied torments (Tyrant) hast for me? What Wheeles? Racks? Fires? What flaying? boyling? In Leads, or…
Lord. The higher powres forbid.
Pau. I say she’s dead: Ile swear’t. If word, nor oath Preuaile not, go and see: if you…
Leo. Go on, go on: Thou canst not speake too much, I haue deseru’d All tongues to talke…
Lord. Say no more; How ere the businesse goes, you haue made fault I’th boldnesse of your speech.
Pau. I am sorry for’t; All faults I make, when I shall come to know them, I do…
Leo. Thou didst speake but well, When most the truth: which I receyue much better, Then to be…
Exeunt
Scæna Tertia.
Enter Antigonus, a Marriner, Babe, Sheepe heard, and Clowne.
Ant. Thou art perfect then, our ship hath toucht vpon, The Desarts of Bohemia.
Mar. I (my Lord) and feare We haue Landed in ill time: the skies looke grimly, And threaten…
Ant. Their sacred wil’s be done: go get a-boord, Looke to thy barke, Ile not be long before…
Mar. Make your best haste, and go not Too‑farre i’th Land: 'tis like to be lowd weather, Besides…
Antig. Go thou away, Ile follow instantly.
Mar. I am glad at heart To be so ridde o’th businesse.
Exit.
Ant. Come, poore babe; I haue heard (but not beleeu’d) the Spirits o’th’dead May walke againe: if such…
The heauens so dim, by day. A sauage clamor? Well may I get a‑boord: This is the Chace,…
Exit pursued by a Beare.
Shep. I would there were no age betweene ten and three and twenty, or that youth would sleep…
Enter Clowne.
Clo. Hilloa, loa.
Shep. What? art so neere? If thou’lt see a thing to talke on, when thou art dead and…
Clo. I haue seene two such sights, by Sea & by Land: but I am not to say…
Shep. Why boy, how is it?
Clo. I would you did but see how it chafes, how it ra ges, how it takes vp…
Shep. Name of mercy, when was this boy?
Clo. Now, now: I haue not wink’d since I saw these sights: the men are not yet cold…
Shep. Would I had bin by, to haue help’d the olde man.
Clo. I would you had beene by the ship side, to haue help’d her; there your charity would…
Shep. Heauy matters, heauy matters: but looke thee heere boy. Now blesse thy selfe: thou met’st with things…
Clo. You’re a mad olde man: If the sinnes of your youth are forgiuen you, you’re well to…
Shep. This is Faiery Gold boy, and 'twill proue so: vp with’t, keepe it close: home, home, the…
Clo. Go you the next way with your Findings, Ile go see if the Beare bee gone from…
Shep. That’s a good deed: if thou mayest discerne by that which is left of him, what he…
Clowne. 'Marry will I: and you shall helpe to put him i’th’ground.
Shep. 'Tis a lucky day, boy, and wee’l do good deeds on’t.
Exeunt
Actus Quartus. Scena Prima.
Enter Time, the Chorus.
Time. I that please some, try all: both ioy and terror Of good, and bad: that makes, and…
Exit.
Scena Secunda.
Enter Polixenes, and Camillo.
Pol. I pray thee (good Camillo) be no more importu nate: 'tis a sicknesse denying thee any thing:…
Cam. It is fifteene yeeres since I saw my Countrey: though I haue (for the most part) bin…
Pol. As thou lou’st me (Camillo) wipe not out the rest of thy seruices, by leauing me now:…
Cam. Sir, it is three dayes since I saw the Prince: what his happier affayres may be, are…
Pol. I haue considered so much (Camillo) and with some care, so farre, that I haue eyes vnder…
Cam. I haue heard (sir) of such a man, who hath a daughter of most rare note: the…
Pol. That’s likewise part of my Intelligence: but (I feare) the Angle that pluckes our sonne thither. Thou…
Cam. I willingly obey your command.
Pol. My best Camillo, we must disguise our selues.
Exit
Scena Tertia.
Enter Autolicus singing.
When Daffadils begin to peere, With heigh the Doxy ouer the dale, Why then comes in the sweet…
Enter Clowne.
Clo. Let me see, euery Leauen‑weather toddes, euery tod yeeldes pound and odde shilling: fifteene hundred shorne, what…
Aut. If the sprindge hold, the Cocke’s mine.
Clo. I cannot do’t without Compters. Let mee see, what am I to buy for our Sheepe‑shearing‑Feast? Three…
Aut. Oh, that euer I was borne.
Clo. I’th’name of me.
Aut. Oh helpe me, helpe mee: plucke but off these ragges: and then, death, death.
Clo. Alacke poore soule, thou hast need of more rags to lay on thee, rather then haue these…
Aut. Oh sir, the loathsomnesse of them offend mee, more then the stripes I haue receiued, which are…
Clo. Alas poore man, a million of beating may come to a great matter.
Aut. I am rob’d sir, and beaten: my money, and ap parrell tane from me, and these detestable…
Clo. What, by a horse‑man, or a foot‑man?
Aut. A footman (sweet sir) a footman.
Clo. Indeed, he should be a footman, by the garments he has left with thee: If this bee…
Aut. Oh good sir, tenderly, oh.
Clo. Alas poore soule.
Aut. Oh good sir, softly, good sir: I feare (sir) my shoulder‑blade is out.
Clo. How now? Canst stand?
Aut. Softly, deere sir: good sir, softly: you ha done me a charitable office.
Clo. Doest lacke any mony? I haue a little mony for thee.
Aut. No, good sweet sir: no, I beseech you sir: I haue a Kinsman not past three quarters…
Clow. What manner of Fellow was hee that robb’d you?
Aut. A fellow (sir) that I haue knowne to goe about with Troll‑my‑dames: I knew him once a…
Clo. His vices you would say: there’s no vertue whipt out of the Court: they cherish it to…
Aut. Vices I would say (Sir.) I know this man well, he hath bene since an Ape‑bearer, then…
Clo. Out vpon him: Prig, for my life Prig: he haunts Wakes, Faires, and Beare‑baitings.
Aut. Very true sir: he sir hee: that’s the Rogue that put me into this apparel.
Clo. Not a more cowardly Rogue in all Bohemia; If you had but look’d bigge, and spit at…
Aut. I must confesse to you (sir) I am no fighter: I am false of heart that way,…
Clo. How do you now?
Aut. Sweet sir, much better then I was: I can stand, and walke: I will euen take my…
Clo. Shall I bring thee on the way?
Aut. No, good fac’d sir, no sweet sir.
Clo. Then fartheewell, I must go buy Spices for our sheepe‑shearing.
Exit.
Aut. Prosper you sweet sir. Your purse is not hot e nough to purchase your Spice: Ile be…
Exit.
Scena Quarta.
Enter Florizell, Perdita, Shepherd, Clowne, Polixenes, Ca millo, Mopsa, Dorcas, Seruants, Autolicus.
Flo. These your vnvsuall weeds, to each part of you Do’s giue a life: no Shepherdesse, but Flora…
Perd. Sir: my gracious Lord, To chide at your extreames, it not becomes me: (Oh pardon, that I…
Flo. I blesse the time When my good Falcon, made her flight a‑crosse Thy Fathers ground.
Perd. Now Ioue affoord you cause: To me the difference forges dread (your Greatnesse Hath not beene vs’d…
Flo. Apprehend Nothing but iollity: the Goddes themselues (Humbling their Deities to loue) haue taken The shapes of…
Perd. O but Sir, Your resolution cannot hold, when 'tis Oppos’d (as it must be) by th’powre of…
Flo. Thou deer’st Perdita, With these forc’d thoughts, I prethee darken not The Mirth o’th’Feast: Or Ile be…
Perd. O Lady Fortune, Stand you auspicious.
Flo. See, your Guests approach, Addresse your selfe to entertaine them sprightly, And let’s be red with mirth.
Shep. Fy (daughter) when my old wife liu’d: vpon This day, she was both Pantler, Butler, Cooke, Both…
Perd. Sir, welcome: It is my Fathers will, I should take on mee The Hostesseship o’th’day: you’re welcome…
Pol. Shepherdesse, (A faire one are you:) well you fit our ages With flowres of Winter.
Perd. Sir, the yeare growing ancient, Not yet on summers death, nor on the birth Of trembling winter,…
Pol. Wherefore (gentle Maiden) Do you neglect them.
Perd. For I haue heard it said, There is an Art, which in their pidenesse shares With great…
Pol. Say there be: Yet Nature is made better by no meane, But Nature makes that Meane: so…
Perd. So it is.
Pol. Then make you Garden rich in Gilly’ vors, And do not call them bastards.
Perd. Ile not put The Dible in earth, to set one slip of them: No more then were…
Cam. I should leaue grasing, were I of your flocke, And onely liue by gazing.
Perd. Out alas: You’ld be so leane, that blasts of Ianuary Would blow you through and through. Now…
Flo. What? like a Coarse?
Perd. No, like a banke, for Loue to lye, and play on: Not like a Coarse: or if:…
Flo. What you do, Still betters what is done. When you speake (Sweet) I’ld haue you do it…
Perd. O Doricles, Your praises are too large: but that your youth And the true blood which peepes…
Flo. I thinke you haue As little skill to feare, as I haue purpose To put you to’t.…
Perd. Ile sweare for 'em.
Pol. This is the prettiest Low‑borne Lasse, that euer Ran on the greene‑sord: Nothing she do’s, or seems…
Cam. He tels her something That makes her blood looke on’t: Good sooth she is The Queene of…
Clo. Come on: strike vp.
Dorcas. Mopsa must be your Mistris: marry Garlick to mend her kissing with.
Mop. Now in good time.
Clo. Not a word, a word, we stand vpon our manners, Come, strike vp.
Heere a Daunce of Shepheards and Shephearddesses.
Pol. Pray good Shepheard, what faire Swaine is this, Which dances with your daughter?
Shep. They call him Doricles, and boasts himselfe To haue a worthy Feeding; but I haue it Vpon…
Pol. She dances featly.
Shep. So she do’s any thing, though I report it That should be silent: If yong Doricles Do…
Enter Seruant.
Ser. O Master: if you did but heare the Pedler at the doore, you would neuer dance againe…
Clo. He could neuer come better: hee shall come in: I loue a ballad but euen too well,…
Ser. He hath songs for man, or woman, of all sizes: No Milliner can so fit his customers…
Pol. This is a braue fellow.
Clo. Beleeue mee, thou talkest of an admirable con ceited fellow, has he any vnbraided Wares?
Ser. Hee hath Ribbons of all the colours i’th Raine bow; Points, more then all the Lawyers in…
Clo. Pre’thee bring him in, and let him approach sin ging.
Perd. Forewarne him, that he vse no scurrilous words in’s tunes.
Clow. You haue of these Pedlers, that haue more in them, then youl’d thinke (Sister.)
Perd. I, good brother, or go about to thinke. Enter Autolicus singing. Lawne as white as driuen Snow,…
Clo. If I were not in loue with Mopsa, thou shouldst take no money of me, but being…
Mop. I was promis’d them against the Feast, but they come not too late now.
Dor. He hath promis’d you more then that, or there be lyars.
Mop. He hath paid you all he promis’d you: 'May be he has paid you more, which will…
Clo. Is there no manners left among maids? Will they weare their plackets, where they should bear their…
Mop. I haue done; Come you promis’d me a tawdry lace, and a paire of sweet Gloues.
Clo. Haue I not told thee how I was cozen’d by the way, and lost all my money.
Aut. And indeed Sir, there are Cozeners abroad, ther fore it behooues men to be wary.
Clo. Feare not thou man, thou shalt lose nothing here
Aut. I hope so sir, for I haue about me many parcels of charge.
Clo. What hast heere? Ballads?
Mop. Pray now buy some: I loue a ballet in print, a life, for then we are sure…
Aut. Here’s one, to a very dolefull tune, how a Vsu rers wife was brought to bed of…
Mop. Is it true, thinke you?
Aut. Very true, and but a moneth old.
Dor. Blesse me from marrying a Vsurer.
Aut. Here’s the Midwiues name to’t: one Mist. Tale‑Porter, and fiue or six honest Wiues, that were present.…
Mop. 'Pray you now buy it.
Clo. Come‑on, lay it by: and let’s first see moe Bal lads: Wee’l buy the other things anon.
Aut. Here’s another ballad of a Fish, that appeared vpon the coast, on wensday the fourescore of April,…
Dor. Is it true too, thinke you.
Autol. Fiue Iustices hands at it, and witnesses more then my packe will hold.
Clo. Lay it by too; another.
Aut. This is a merry ballad, but a very pretty one.
Mop. Let’s haue some merry ones.
Aut. Why this is a passing merry one, and goes to the tune of two maids wooing a…
Mop. We can both sing it: if thou’lt beare a part, thou shalt heare, 'tis in three parts.
Dor. We had the tune on’t, a month agoe.
Aut. I can beare my part, you must know 'tis my oc cupation: Haue at it with you:…
Aut. Where it fits not you to know.
Dor. Whether?
Mop. O whether?
Dor. Whether?
Mop. It becomes thy oath full well, Thou to me thy secrets tell.
Dor: Me too: Let me go thether:
Mop: Or thou goest to th’Grange, or Mill,
Dor: If to either thou dost ill,
Aut: Neither.
Dor: What neither?
Aut: Neither:
Dor: Thou hast sworne my Loue to be,
Mop: Thou hast sworne it more to mee. Then whether goest? Say whether?
Clo. Wee’l haue this song out anon by our selues: My Father, and the Gent. are in sad…
Aut. And you shall pay well for 'em. Song. Will you buy any Tape, or Lace for your…
Exit.
Seruant. Mayster, there is three Carters, three Shep herds, three Neat‑herds, three Swine‑herds yT that haue made themselues…
Shep. Away: Wee’l none on’t; heere has beene too much homely foolery already. I know (Sir) wee wea…
Pol. You wearie those that refresh vs: pray let’s see these foure‑threes of Heardsmen.
Ser. One three of them, by their owne report (Sir,) hath danc’d before the King: and not the…
Shep. Leaue your prating, since these good men are pleas’d, let them come in: but quickly now.
Ser. Why, they stay at doore Sir.
Heere a Dance of twelue Satyres
Pol. O Father, you’l know more of that heereafter: Is it not too farre gone? 'Tis time to…
Flo. Old Sir, I know She prizes not such trifles as these are: The gifts she lookes from…
Pol. What followes this? How prettily th’yong Swaine seemes to wash The hand, was faire before? I haue…
Flo. Do, and be witnesse too’t.
Pol. And this my neighbour too?
Flo. And he, and more Then he, and men: the earth, the heauens, and all; That were I…
Pol. Fairely offer’d.
Cam. This shewes a sound affection.
Shep. But my daughter, Say you the like to him.
Per. I cannot speake So well, (nothing so well) no, nor meane better By th’ patterne of mine…
Shep. Take hands, a bargaine; And friends vnknowne, you shall beare witnesse to’t: I giue my daughter to…
Flo. O, that must bee I’th Vertue of your daughter: One being dead, I shall haue more then…
Shep. Come, your hand: And daughter, yours.
Pol. Soft Swaine a‑while, beseech you, Haue you a Father?
Flo. I haue: but what of him?
Pol. Knowes he of this?
Flo. He neither do’s, nor shall.
Pol. Me‑thinkes a Father, Is at the Nuptiall of his sonne, a guest That best becomes the Table:…
Flo. No good Sir: He has his health, and ampler strength indeed Then most haue of his age.
Pol. By my white beard, You offer him (if this be so) a wrong Something vnfilliall: Reason my…
Flo. I yeeld all this; But for some other reasons (my graue Sir) Which 'tis not fit you…
Pol. Let him know’t.
Flo. He shall not.
Pol. Prethee let him.
Flo. No, he must not.
Shep. Let him (my sonne) he shall not need to greeue At knowing of thy choice.
Flo. Come, come, he must not: Marke our Contract.
Pol. Marke your diuorce (yong sir) Whom sonne I dare not call: Thou art too base To be…
Shep. Oh my heart.
Pol. Ile haue thy beauty scratcht with briers & made More homely then thy state. For thee (fond…
Exit.
Perd. Euen heere vndone: I was not much a‑fear’d: for once, or twice I was about to speake,…
Cam. Why how now Father, Speake ere thou dyest.
Shep. I cannot speake, nor thinke, Nor dare to know, that which I know: O Sir, You haue…
Exit.
Flo. Why looke you so vpon me? I am but sorry, not affear’d: delaid, But nothing altred: What…
Cam. Gracious my Lord, You know my Fathers temper: at this time He will allow no speech: (which…
Flo. I not purpose it: I thinke Camillo.
Cam. Euen he, my Lord.
Per. How often haue I told you 'twould be thus? How often said my dignity would last But…
Flo. It cannot faile, but by The violation of my faith, and then Let Nature crush the sides…
Cam. Be aduis’d.
Flo. I am: and by my fancie, if my Reason Will thereto be obedient: I haue reason: If…
Cam. This is desperate (sir.)
Flo. So call it: but it do’s fulfill my vow: I needs must thinke it honesty. Camillo, Not…
Cam. O my Lord, I would your spirit were easier for aduice, Or stronger for your neede.
Flo. Hearke Perdita, Ile heare you by and by.
Cam. Hee’s irremoueable, Resolu’d for flight: Now were I happy if His going, I could frame to serue…
Flo. Now good Camillo, I am so fraught with curious businesse, that I leaue out ceremony.
Cam. Sir, I thinke You haue heard of my poore seruices, i’th loue That I haue borne your…
Flo. Very nobly Haue you deseru’d: It is my Fathers Musicke To speake your deeds: not little of…
Cam. Well (my Lord) If you may please to thinke I loue the King, And through him, what’s…
Flo. How Camillo May this (almost a miracle) be done? That I may call thee something more then…
Cam. Haue you thought on A place whereto you’l go?
Flo. Not any yet: But as th’vnthought‑on accident is guiltie To what we wildely do, so we professe…
Cam. Then list to me: This followes, if you will not change your purpose But vndergo this flight:…
Flo. Worthy Camillo, What colour for my Visitation, shall I Hold vp before him?
Cam. Sent by the King your Father To greet him, and to giue him comforts. Sir, The manner…
Flo. I am bound to you: There is some sappe in this.
Cam. A Course more promising, Then a wild dedication of your selues To vnpath’d Waters, vndream’d Shores; most…
Perd. One of these is true: I thinke Affliction may subdue the Cheeke, But not take‑in the Mind.
Cam. Yea? say you so? There shall not, at your Fathers House, these seuen yeeres Be borne another…
Flo. My good Camillo, She’s as forward, of her Breeding, as She is i’th’reare’our Birth.
Cam. I cannot say, 'tis pitty She lacks Instructions, for she seemes a Mistresse To most that teach.
Perd. Your pardon Sir, for this, Ile blush you Thanks.
Flo. My prettiest Perdita. But O, the Thornes we stand vpon: (Camillo) Preseruer of my Father, now of…
Cam. My Lord, Feare none of this: I thinke you know my fortunes Doe all lye there: it…
Enter Autolicus.
Aut. Ha, ha, what a Foole Honestie is? and Trust (his sworne brother) a very simple Gentleman. I…
Cam. Nay, but my Letters by this meanes being there So soone as you arriue, shall cleare that…
Flo. And those that you’le procure from King Leontes?
Cam. Shall satisfie your Father.
Perd. Happy be you: All that you speake, shewes faire.
Cam. Who haue we here? Wee’le make an Instrument of this: omit Nothing may giue vs aide.
Aut. If they haue ouer‑heard me now: why hanging.
Cam. How now (good Fellow) Why shak’st thou so? Feare not (man) Here’s no harme intended to thee.
Aut. I am a poore Fellow, Sir.
Cam. Why, be so still: here’s no body will steale that from thee: yet for the out‑side of…
Aut. I am a poore Fellow, Sir: (I know ye well enough.)
Cam. Nay prethee dispatch: the Gentleman is halfe fled already.
Aut. Are you in earnest, Sir? (I smell the trick on’t.)
Flo. Dispatch, I prethee.
Aut. Indeed I haue had Earnest, but I cannot with conscience take it.
Cam. Vnbuckle, vnbuckle. Fortunate Mistresse (let my prophecie Come home to ye:) you must retire your selfe Into…
Perd. I see the Play so lyes, That I must beare a part.
Cam. No remedie: Haue you done there?
Flo. Should I now meet my Father, He would not call me Sonne.
Cam. Nay, you shall haue no Hat: Come Lady, come: Farewell (my friend.)
Aut. Adieu, Sir.
Flo. O Perdita: what haue we twaine forgot? 'Pray you a word.
Cam. What I doe next, shall be to tell the King Of this escape, and whither they are…
Flo. Fortune speed vs: Thus we set on (Camillo) to th’Sea-side.
Cam. The swifter speed, the better.
Exit.
Aut. I vnderstand the businesse, I heare it: to haue an open eare, a quick eye, and a…
Clowne. See, see: what a man you are now? there is no other way, but to □□ll the…
Shep. Nay, but heare me.
Clow. Nay; but heare me.
Shep. Goe too then.
Clow. She being none of your flesh and blood, your flesh and blood ha’s not offended the King,…
Shep. I will tell the King all, euery word, yea, and his Sonnes prancks too; who, I may…
Clow. Indeed Brother in Law was the farthest off you could haue beene to him, and then your…
Aut. Very wisely (Puppies.)
Shep. Well: let vs to the King: there is that in this Farthell, will make him scratch his…
Aut. I know not what impediment this Complaint may be to the flight of my Master.
Clo. 'Pray heartily he be at'Pallace.
Aut. Though I am not naturally honest, I am so some times by chance: Let me pocket vp…
Shep. To th’Pallace (and it like your Worship.)
Aut. Your Affaires there? what? with whom? the Condition of that Farthell? the place of your dwelling? your…
Clo. We are but plaine fellowes, Sir.
Aut. A Lye; you are rough, and hayrie: Let me haue no lying; it becomes none but Trades‑men,…
Clo. Your Worship had like to haue giuen vs one, if you had not taken your selfe with…
Shep. Are you a Courtier, and’t like you Sir?
Aut. Whether it lke me, or no, I am a Courtier. Seest thou not the ayre of the…
Shep. My Businesse, Sir, is to the King.
Aut. What Aduocate ha’st thou to him?
Shep. I know not (and’t like you.)
Clo. Aduocate’s the Court‑word for a Pheazant: say you haue none.
Shep. None, Sir: I haue no Pheazant Cock, nor Hen.
Aut. How blessed are we, that are not simple men? Yet Nature might haue made me as these…
Clo. This cannot be but a great Courtier.
Shep. His Garments are rich, but he weares them not handsomely.
Clo. He seemes to be the more Noble, in being fanta sticall: A great man, Ile warrant; I…
Aut. The Farthell there? What’s i’th’Farthell? Wherefore that Box?
Shep. Sir, there lyes such Secrets in this Farthell and Box, which none must know but the King,…
Aut. Age, thou hast lost thy labour.
Shep. Why Sir?
Aut. The King is not at the Pallace, he is gone aboord a new Ship, to purge Melancholy,…
Shep. So 'tis said (Sir:) about his Sonne, that should haue marryed a Shepheards Daughter.
Aut. If that Shepheard be not in hand‑fast, let him flye; the Curses he shall haue, the Tortures…
Clo. Thinke you so, Sir?
Aut. Not hee alone shall suffer what Wit can make heauie, and Vengeance bitter; but those that are…
Clo. Ha’s the old‑man ere a Sonne Sir (doe you heare) and’t like you, Sir?
Aut. Hee ha’s a Sonne: who shall be flayd aliue, then 'noynted ouer with Honey, set on the…
Clow. He seemes to be of great authoritie: close with him, giue him Gold; and though Authoritie be…
Shep. And’t please you (Sir) to vndertake the Businesse for vs, here is that Gold I haue: Ile…
Aut. After I haue done what I promised?
Shep. I Sir.
Aut. Well, giue me the Moitie: Are you a partie in this Businesse?
Clow. In some sort, Sir: but though my case be a pit tifull one, I hope I shall…
Aut. Oh, that’s the case of the Shepheards Sonne: hang him, hee’le be made an example.
Clow. Comfort, good comfort: We must to the King, and shew our strange sights: he must know 'tis…
Aut. I will trust you. Walke before toward the Sea side, goe on the right hand, I will…
Clow. We are bless’d, in this man: as I may say, euen bless’d.
Shep. Let’s before, as he bids vs: he was prouided to doe vs good.
Aut. If I had a mind to be honest, I see Fortune would not suffer mee: shee drops…
Exeunt.
Actus Quintus. Scena Prima.
Enter Leontes, Cleomines, Dion, Paulina, Seruants: Florizel, Perdita.
Cleo. Sir, you haue done enough, and haue perform’d A Saint‑like Sorrow: No fault could you make, Which…
Leo. Whilest I remember Her, and her Vertues, I cannot forget My blemishes in them, and so still…
Paul. Too true (my Lord:) If one by one, you wedded all the World, Or from the All…
Leo. I thinke so. Kill’d? She I kill’d? I did so: but thou strik’st me Sorely, to say…
Cleo. Not at all, good Lady: You might haue spoken a thousand things, that would Haue done the…
Paul. You are one of those Would haue him wed againe.
Dio. If you would not so, You pitty not the State, nor the Remembrance Of his most Soueraigne…
Paul. There is none worthy, (Respecting her that’s gone:) besides the Gods Will haue fulfill’d their secret purposes:…
Leo. Good Paulina, Who hast the memorie of Hermione I know in honor: O, that euer I Had…
Paul. And left them More rich, for what they yielded.
Leo. Thou speak’st truth: No more such Wiues, therefore no Wife: one worse, And better vs’d, would make…
Paul. Had she such power, She had iust such cause.
Leo. She had, and would incense me To murther her I marryed.
Paul. I should so: Were I the Ghost that walk’d, Il’d bid you marke Her eye, and tell…
Leo. Starres, Starres, And all eyes else, dead coales: feare thou no Wife; Ile haue no Wife, Paulina.
Paul. Will you sweare Neuer to marry, but by my free leaue?
Leo. Neuer (Paulina) so be bless’d my Spirit.
Paul. Then good my Lords, beare witnesse to his Oath.
Cleo. You tempt him ouer‑much.
Paul. Vnlesse another, As like Hermione, as is her Picture, Affront his eye.
Cleo. Good Madame, I haue done.
Paul. Yet if my Lord will marry: if you will, Sir; No remedie but you will: Giue me…
Leo. My true Paulina, We shall not marry, till thou bidst vs.
Paul. That Shall be when your first Queene’s againe in breath: Neuer till then.
Enter a Seruant.
Ser. One that giues out himselfe Prince Florizell, Sonne of Polixenes, with his Princesse (she The fairest I…
Leo. What with him? he comes not Like to his Fathers Greatnesse: his approach (So out of circumstance,…
Ser. But few, And those but meane.
Leo. His Princesse (say you) with him?
Ser. I: the most peerelesse peece of Earth, I thinke, That ere the Sunne shone bright on.
Paul. Oh Hermione, As euery present Time doth boast it selfe Aboue a better, gone; so must thy…
Ser. Pardon, Madame: The one, I haue almost forgot (your pardon:) The other, when she ha’s obtayn’d your…
Paul. How? not women?
Ser. Women will loue her, that she is a Woman More worth then any Man: Men, that she…
Leo. Goe Cleomines, Your selfe (assisted with your honor’d Friends) Bring them to our embracement. Still 'tis strange,…
Exit.
Paul. Had our Prince (Iewell of Children) seene this houre, he had payr’d Well with this Lord; there…
Leo. 'Prethee no more; cease: thou know’st He dyes to me againe, when talk’d‑of: sure When I shall…
Flo. By his command Haue I here touch’d Sicilia, and from him Giue you all greetings, that a…
Leo. Oh my Brother, (Good Gentleman) the wrongs I haue done thee, stire Afresh within me: and these…
Flo. Good my Lord, She came from Libia.
Leo. Where the Warlike Smalus, That Noble honor’d Lord, is fear’d, and lou’d?
Flo. Most Royall Sir, From thence: from him, whose Daughter His Teares proclaym’d his parting with her: thence…
Leo. The blessed Gods Purge all Infection from our Ayre, whilest you Doe Clymate here: you haue a…
Enter a Lord.
Lord. Most Noble Sir, That which I shall report, will beare no credit, Were not the proofe so…
Leo. Where’s Bohemia? speake:
Lord. Here, in your Citie: I now came from him. I speake amazedly, and it becomes My meruaile,…
Flo. Camillo ha’s betray’d me; Whose honor, and whose honestie till now, Endur’d all Weathers.
Lord. Lay’t so to his charge: He’s with the King your Father.
Leo. Who? Camillo?
Lord. Camillo (Sir:) I spake with him: who now Ha’s these poore men in question. Neuer saw I…
Perd. Oh my poore Father: The Heauen sets Spyes vpon vs, will not haue Our Contract celebrated.
Leo. You are marryed?
Flo. We are not (Sir) nor are we like to be: The Starres (I see) will kisse the…
Leo. My Lord, Is this the Daughter of a King?
Flo. She is, When once she is my Wife.
Leo. That once (I see) by your good Fathers speed, Will come‑on very slowly. I am sorry (Most…
Flo. Deare, looke vp: Though Fortune, visible an Enemie, Should chase vs, with my Father; powre no iot…
Leo. Would he doe so, I’ld beg your precious Mistris, Which he counts but a Trifle.
Paul. Sir (my Liege) Your eye hath too much youth in’t: not a moneth 'Fore your Queene dy’d,…
Leo. I thought of her, Euen in these Lookes I made. But your Petition Is yet vn‑answer’d: I…
Exeunt.
Scœna Secunda.
Enter Autolicus, and a Gentleman.
Aut. Beseech you (Sir) were you present at this Re lation?
Gent. 1. I was by at the opening of the Farthell, heard the old Shepheard deliuer the manner…
Aut. I would most gladly know the issue of it.
Gent. 1. I make a broken deliuerie of the Businesse; but the changes I perceiued in the King,…
Gent. 2. Nothing but Bon‑fires: the Oracle is fulfill’d: the Kings Daughter is found: such a deale of…
Gent. 3. Most true, if euer Truth were pregnant by Circumstance: That which you heare, you’le sweare you…
Gent. 2. No.
Gent. 3. Then haue you lost a Sight which was to bee seene, cannot bee spoken of. There…
Gent. 2. What, 'pray you, became of Antigonus, that carryed hence the Child?
Gent. 3. Like an old Tale still, which will haue matter to rehearse, though Credit be asleepe, and…
Gent. 1. What became of his Barke, and his Fol lowers?
Gent. 3. Wrackt the same instant of their Masters death, and in the view of the Shepheard: so…
Gent. 1. The Dignitie of this Act was worth the au dience of Kings and Princes, for by…
Gent. 3. One of the prettyest touches of all, and that which angl’d for mine Eyes (caught the…
Gent. 1. Are they returned to the Court?
Gent. 3. No: The Princesse hearing of her Mothers Statue (which is in the keeping of Paulina) a…
Gent. 2. I thought she had some great matter there in hand, for shee hath priuately, twice or…
Gent. 1. Who would be thence, that ha’s the benefit of Accesse? euery winke of an Eye, some…
Exit.
Aut. Now (had I not the dash of my former life in me) would Preferment drop on my…
Shep. Come Boy, I am past moe Children: but thy Sonnes and Daughters will be all Gentlemen borne.
Clow. You are well met (Sir:) you deny’d to fight with mee this other day, because I was…
Aut. I know you are now (Sir) a Gentleman borne.
Clow. I, and haue been so any time these foure hours.
Shep. And so haue I, Boy.
Clow. So you haue: but I was a Gentleman borne be fore my Father: for the Kings Sonne…
Shep. We may liue (Sonne) to shed many more.
Clow. I: or else 'twere hard luck, being in so preposte rous estate as we are.
Aut. I humbly beseech you (Sir) to pardon me all the faults I haue committed to your Worship,…
Shep. 'Prethee Sonne doe: for we must be gentle, now we are Gentlemen.
Clow. Thou wilt amend thy life?
Aut. I, and it like your good Worship.
Clow. Giue me thy hand: I will sweare to the Prince, thou art as honest a true Fellow…
Shep. You may say it, but not sweare it.
Clow. Not sweare it, now I am a Gentleman? Let Boores and Francklins say it, Ile sweare it.
Shep. How if it be false (Sonne?)
Clow. If it be ne’re so false, a true Gentleman may sweare it, in the behalfe of his…
Aut. I will proue so (Sir) to my power.
Clow. I, by any meanes proue a tall Fellow: if I do not wonder, how thou dar’st venture…
Exeunt.
Scœna Tertia.
Enter Leontes, Polixenes, Florizell, Perdita, Camillo, Paulina: Hermione (like a Statue:) Lords, &c.
Leo. O graue and good Paulina, the great comfort That I haue had of thee?
Paul. What (Soueraigne Sir) I did not well, I meant well: all my Seruices You haue pay’d home.…
Leo. O Paulina, We honor you with trouble: but we came To see the Statue of our Queene.…
Paul. As she liu’d peerelesse, So her dead likenesse I doe well beleeue Excells what euer yet you…
Leo. Her naturall Posture. Chide me (deare Stone) that I may say indeed Thou art Hermione; or rather,…
Pol. Oh, not by much.
Paul. So much the more our Caruers excellence, Which lets goe‑by some sixteene yeeres, and makes her As…
Leo. As now she might haue done, So much to my good comfort, as it is Now piercing…
Perd. And giue me leaue, And doe not say 'tis Superstition, that I kneele, and then implore her…
Paul. O, patience: The Statue is but newly fix’d; the Colour’s Not dry.
Cam. My Lord, your Sorrow was too sore lay’d‑on, Which sixteene Winters cannot blow away, So many Summers…
Pol. Deere my Brother, Let him, that was the cause of this, haue powre To take‑off so much…
Paul. Indeed my Lord, If I had thought the sight of my poore Image Would thus haue wrought…
Leo. Doe not draw the Curtaine.
Paul. No longer shall you gaze on’t, least your Fancie May thinke anon, it moues.
Leo. Let be, let be: Would I were dead, but that me thinkes alreadie. (What was he that…
Pol. 'Masterly done: The very Life seemes warme vpon her Lippe.
Leo. The fixure of her Eye ha’s motion in’t, As we are mock’d with Art.
Paul. Ile draw the Curtaine: My Lord’s almost so farre transported, that Hee’le thinke anon it liues.
Leo. Oh sweet Paulina, Make me to thinke so twentie yeeres together: No setled Sences of the World…
Paul. I am sorry (Sir) I haue thus farre stir’d you: but I could afflict you farther.
Leo. Doe Paulina: For this Affliction ha’s a taste as sweet As any Cordiall comfort. Still me thinks…
Paul. Good my Lord, forbeare: The ruddinesse vpon her Lippe, is wet: You’le marre it, if you kisse…
Leo. No: not these twentie yeeres.
Perd. So long could I Stand‑by, a looker‑on.
Paul. Either forbeare, Quit presently the Chappell, or resolue you For more amazement: if you can behold it,…
Leo. What you can make her doe, I am content to looke on: what to speake, I am…
Paul. It is requir’d You doe awake your Faith: then, all stand still: On: those that thinke it…
Leo. Proceed: No foot shall stire.
Paul. Musick; awake her: Strike: 'Tis time: descend: be Stone no more: approach: Strike all that looke vpon…
Leo. Oh, she’s warme: If this be Magick, let it be an Art Lawfull as Eating.
Pol. She embraces him.
Cam. She hangs about his necke, If she pertaine to life, let her speake too.
Pol. I, and make it manifest where she ha’s liu’d, Or how stolne from the dead?
Paul. That she is liuing, Were it but told you, should be hooted at Like an old Tale:…
Her. You Gods looke downe, And from your sacred Viols poure your graces Vpon my daughters head: Tell…
Paul. There’s time enough for that, Least they desire (vpon this push) to trouble Your ioyes, with like…
Leo. O peace Paulina: Thou shouldst a husband take by my consent, As I by thine a Wife.…
Exeunt.
The Names of the Actors.