Pericles, Prince of Tyre

FIRST FISHERMANWhat, ho, Pilch!SECOND FISHERMANHa, come and bring away the nets!FIRST FISHERMANWhat, Patch-breech, I say!THIRD FISHERMANWhat say you, master?FIRST FISHERMAN. Look how thou stirrest now! come away, or I'll fetch thee with a wanion.THIRD FISHERMAN. 'Faith, master, I am thinking of the poor men that were cast away before us even now.FIRST FISHERMAN. Alas, poor souls, it grieved my heart to hear what pitiful cries they made to us to help them, when, well-a-day, we could scarce help ourselves.THIRD FISHERMAN. Nay, master, said not I as much when I saw the porpus how he bounced and tumbled? they say they're half fish, half flesh: a plague on them, they ne'er come but I look to be washed. Master, I marvel how the fishes live in the sea.FIRST FISHERMAN. Why, as men do a-land; the great ones eat up the little ones: I can compare our rich misers to nothing so fitly as to a whale; a' plays and tumbles, driving the poor fry before him, and at last devours them all at a mouthful. such whales have I heard on o' the land, who never leave gaping till they they've swallowed the whole parish, church, steeple, bells, and all.PERICLES. [Aside.]A pretty moral.THIRD FISHERMAN. But, master, if I had been the sexton, I would have been that day in the belfry.SECOND FISHERMANWhy, man?THIRD FISHERMAN. Because he should have swallowed me too; and when I had been in his belly, I would have kept such a jangling of the bells, that he should never have left, till he cast bells, steeple, church, and parish, up again. But if the good King Simonides were of my mind, —PERICLES. [Aside.]Simonides!THIRD FISHERMAN. We would purge the land of these drones, that rob the bee of her honey.PERICLES. [Aside.]How from the finny subjec of the seaThese fishers tell the infirmities of men;And from their watery empire recollectAll that may men approve or men detect!Peace be at your labour, honest fishermen.SECOND FISHERMAN. Honest! good fellow, what's that; If it be a day fits you, search out of the calendar, and nobody look after it.PERICLESMay see the sea hath cast upon your coast.SECOND FISHERMANWhat a drunken knave was the sea to cast thee in our way!PERICLESA man whom both the waters and the wind,In that vast tennis-court, have made the ballFor them to play upon, entreats you pity him;He asks of you, that never used to beg.FIRST FISHERMAN. No, friend, cannot you beg? Here's them in our country of Greece gets more with begging than we can do with working.SECOND FISHERMANCanst thou catch any fishes, then?PERICLESI never practised it.SECOND FISHERMAN. Nay, then thou wilt starve, sure; for here's nothing to be got now-a-days, unless thou canst fish for 't.PERICLESWhat I have been I have forgot to know;But what I am, want teaches me to think on:A man throng'd up with cold: my veins are chill,And have no more of life than may sufficeTo give my tongue that heat to ask your help;Which if you shall refuse, when I am dead,For that I am a man, pray see me buried.FIRST FISHERMAN. Die quoth-a? Now gods forbid! I have a gown here; come, put it on; keep thee warm. Now, afore me, a handsome fellow! Come, thou shalt go home, and we'll have flesh for holidays, fish for fasting-days, and moreo'er puddings and flap-jacks, and thou shalt be welcome.PERICLESI thank you, sir.SECOND FISHERMANHark you, my friend; you said you could not beg.PERICLESI did but crave.SECOND FISHERMAN. But crave! Then I'll turn craver too, and so I shall 'scape whipping.PERICLESWhy, are your beggars whipped, then?SECOND FISHERMANO, not all, my friend, not all; for if all your beggars werewhipped, I would wish no better office than to be beadle.But, master, I'll go draw up the net.

[Exit with Third Fisherman.]

PERICLES. [Aside.]How well this honest mirth becomes their 1abour!FIRST FISHERMANHark you, sir, do you know where ye are?PERICLESNot well.FIRST FISHERMAN. Why, I'll tell you: this is called Pentapolis, and our king the good Simonides.PERICLESThe good King Simonides, do you call him?FIRST FISHERMAN. Ay, sir; and he deserves so to be called for his peaceable reign and good government.PERICLES. He is a happy king, since he gains from his subjects the name of good government. How far is his court distant from this shore?FIRST FISHERMAN. Marry sir, half a day's journey: and I'll tell you, he hath a fair daughter, and to-morrow is her birth-day; and there are princes and knights come from all parts of the world to just and tourney for her love.PERICLES. Were my fortunes equal to my desires, I could wish to make one there.FIRST FISHERMAN. O, sir, things must be as they may; and what a man cannot get, he may lawfully deal for – his wife' soul.

[Re-enter Second and Third Fishermen, drawing up a net.]

SECOND FISHERMAN. Help, master, help! here's a fish hangs in the net, like a poor man's right in the law; 'twill hardly come out. Ha! bots on't, 'tis come at last, and 'tis turned to a rusty armour.PERICLESAn armour, friends! I pray you, let me see it.Thanks, fortune, yet, that, after all my crosses,Thou givest me somewhat to repair myself,And though it was mine own, part of my heritage,Which my dead father did bequeath to me,With this strict charge, even as he left his life.'Keep it, my Pericles; it hath been a shield'Twixt me and death;' – and pointed to this brace; —For that it saved me, keep it; in like necessity —The which the gods protect thee from! – may defend thee.'It kept where I kept, I so dearly loved it;Till the rough seas, that spare not any man,Took it in rage, though calm'd have given't again:I thank thee for 't: my shipwreck now's no ill,Since I have here my father's gift in's will.FIRST FISHERMANWhat mean you' sir?PERICLESTo beg of you, kind friends, this coat of worth,For it was sometime target to a king;I know it by this mark. He loved me dearly,And for his sake I wish the having of it;And that you'ld guide me to your sovereign court,Where with it I may appear a gentleman;And if that ever my fortune's better,I'll pay your bounties; till then rest your debtor.FIRST FISHERMANWhy, wilt thou tourney for the lady?PERICLESI'll show the virtue I have borne in arms.FIRST FISHERMANWhy, do'e take it, and the gods give thee good on 't!SECOND FISHERMAN. Ay, but hark you, my friend; 'twas we that made up this garment through the rough seams of the waters: there are certain condolements, certain vails. I hope, sir, if you thrive, you'll remember from whence you had it.PERICLESBelieve't I will.By your furtherance I am clothed in steel;And, spite of all the rapture of the sea,This jewel holds his building on my arm:Unto thy value I will mount myselfUpon a courser, whose delightful stepsShall make the gazer joy to see him tread.Only, my friend, I yet am unprovidedOf a pair of bases.SECOND FISHERMAN. We'll sure provide: thou shalt have my best gown to make thee a pair; and I'll bring thee to the court myself.PERICLESThen honour be but a goal to my will,This day I'll rise, or else add ill to ill.

[Exeunt.]

SCENE II. The same. A public way, or platform leading to the lists. A pavilion by the side of it for the reception of the King, Princess, Lords, etc

[Enter Simonides, Lords and Attendants.]

SIMONIDESAre the knights ready to begin the triumph?FIRST LORDThey are, my liege;And stay your coming to present themselves.SIMONIDESReturn them, we are ready; and our daughter,In honour of whose birth these triumphs are,Sits here, like beauty's child, whom nature gatFor men to see, and seeing wonder at.

[Exit a Lord.]

THALIARDIt pleaseth you1 my royal father, to expressMy commendations great, whose merit's less.SIMONIDESIt's fit it should be so; for princes areA model, which heaven makes like to itself:As jewels lose their glory if neglected,So princes their renowns if not respected.'Tis now your honour, daughter, to explainThe labour of each knight in his device.THALIARDWhich, to preserve mine honour, I'll perform.

[Enter a Knight; he passes over, and his Squire presents his shield to the Princess.]

SIMONIDESWho is the first that doth prefer himself?THALIARDA knight of Sparta, my renowned father;And the device he bears upon his shieldIs a black Ethiope reaching at the sun:The word, 'Lux tua vita mihi.'SIMONIDESHe loves you well that holds his life of you.

[The Second Knight passes over.]

Who is the second that presents himself?THALIARDA prince of Macedon, my royal father;And the device he bears upon his shieldIs an arm'd knight that's conquer'd by a lady;The motto thus, in Spanish, 'Piu por dulzura que por fuerza.'

[The Third Knight passes over.]

SIMONIDESAnd what's the third?THALIARDThe third of Antioch;And his device, a wreath of chivalry;The word, 'Me pompae provexit apex.'

[The Fourth Knight passes over.]

SIMONIDESWhat is the fourth?THALIARDA burning torch that's turned upside down;The word, 'Quod me alit, me extinguit.'SIMONIDESWhich shows that beauty hath his power and will,Which can as well inflame as it can kill.

[The Fifth Knight passes over.]

THALIARDThe fifth, an hand environed with clouds,Holding out gold that's by the touchstone tried;The motto thus, 'Sic spectanda fides.'

[The Sixith Knight, Pericles, passes over.]

SIMONIDESAnd what'sThe sixth and last, the which the knight himselfWith such a graceful courtesy deliver'd?THALIARDHe seems to be a stranger; but his present isA wither'd branch, that's only green at top;The motto, 'In hac spe vivo.'SIMONIDESA pretty moral;From the dejected state wherein he is,He hopes by you his fortunes yet may flourish.FIRST LORDHe had need mean better than his outward showCan any way speak in his just commend;For by his rusty outside he appearsTo have practised more the whipstock than the lance.SECOND LORDHe well may be a stranger, for he comesTo an honour'd triumph strangely furnished.THIRD LORDAnd on set purpose let his armour rustUntil this day, to scour it in the dust.SIMONIDESOpinion's but a fool, that makes us scanThe outward habit by the inward man.But stay, the knights are coming: we will withdrawInto the gallery.

[Exeunt.]

[Great shouts within, and all cry 'The mean knight!']

SCENE III. The same. A hall of state: a banquet prepared

[Enter Simonides, Thaisa, Lords, Attendants, and Knights, from tilting.]

SIMONIDESKnights,To say you're welcome were superfluous.To place upon the volume of your deeds,As in a title-page, your worth in arms,Were more than you expect, or more than's fit,Since every worth in show commends itself.Prepare for mirth, for mirth becomes a feast:You are princes and my guests.THAISABut you, my knight and guest;To whom this wreath of victory I give,And crown you king of this day's happiness.PERICLES'Tis more by fortune, lady, than by merit.SIMONIDESCall it by what you will, the day is yours;And here, I hope, is none that envies it.In framing an artist, art hath thus decreed,To make some good, but others to exceed;And you are her labour'd scholar. Come queen of the feast, —For, daughter, so you are, – here take your place:Marshal the rest, as they deserve their grace.KNIGHTSWe are honour'd much by good Simonides.SIMONIDESYour presence glads our days; honour we love;For who hates honour hates the gods above.MARSHALLSir, yonder is your place.PERICLESSome other is more fit.FIRST KNIGHTContend not, sir; for we are gentlemenThat neither in our hearts nor outward eyesEnvy the great nor do the low despise.PERICLESYou are right courteous knights.SIMONIDESSit, sir, sit.PERICLESBy Jove, I wonder, that is king of thoughts,These cates resist me, she but thought upon.THAISABy Juno, that is queen of marriage,All viands that I eat do seem unsavoury,Wishing him my meat. Sure, he's a gallant gentleman.SIMONIDESHe's but a country gentleman;Has done no more than other knights have done;Has broken a staff or so; so let it pass.THAISATo me he seems like diamond to glass.PERICLESYon king's to me like to my father's picture,Which tells me in that glory once he was;Had princes sit, like stars, about his throne,And he the sun, for them to reverence;None that beheld him, but, like lesser lights,Did vail their crowns to his supremacy:Where now his son's like a glow-worm in the night,The which hath fire in darkness, none in light:Whereby I see that Time's the king of men,He's both their parent, and he is their grave,And gives them what he will, not what they crave.SIMONIDESWhat, are you merry, knights?KNIGHTSWho can be other in this royal presence?SIMONIDESHere, with a cup that's stored unto the brim, —As you do love, fill to your mistress' lips, —We drink this health to you.KNIGHTSWe thank your grace.SIMONIDESYet pause awhile:Yon knight doth sit too melancholy,As if the entertainment in our courtHad not a show might countervail his worth.Note it not you, Thaisa?THAISAWhat is itTo me, my father?SIMONIDESO attend, my daughter:Princes in this should live like god's above,Who freely give to every one that comesTo honour them:And princes not doing so are like to gnats,Which make a sound, but kill'd are wonder'd at.Therefore to make his entrance more sweet,Here, say we drink this standing-bowl of wine to him.THAISAAlas, my father, it befits not meUnto a stranger knight to be so bold:He may my proffer take for an offence,Since men take women's gifts for impudence.SIMONIDESHow!Do as I bid you, or you'll move me else.THAISA. [Aside]Now, by the gods, he could not please me better.SIMONIDESAnd furthermore tell him, we desire to know of him,Of whence he is, his name and parentage.THAISAThe king my father, sir, has drunk to you.PERICLESI thank him.THAISAWishing it so much blood unto your life.PERICLESI thank both him and you, and pledge him freely.THAISAAnd further he desires to know of you,Of whence you are, your name and parentage.PERICLESA gentleman of Tyre; my name, Pericles;My education been in arts and arms;Who, looking for adventures in the world,Was by the rough seas reft of ships and men,And after shipwreck driven upon this shore.THAISAHe thanks your grace; names himself Pericles,A gentleman of Tyre,Who only by misfortune of the seasBereft of ships and men, cast on this shore.SIMONIDESNow, by the gods, I pity his misfortune,And will awake him from his melancholy.Come, gentlemen, we sit too long on trifles,And waste the time, which looks for other revels.Even in your armours, as you are address'd,Will very well become a soldier's dance.I will not have excuse, with saying this,Loud music is too harsh for ladies' headsSince they love men in arms as well as beds.

[The Knights dance.]

So, this was well ask'd, 'twas so well perform'd.Come, sir;Here is a lady which wants breathing too:And I have heard you nights of TyreAre excellent in making ladies trip;And that their measures are as exceltent.PERICLESIn those that practise them they are, my lord.SIMONIDESO, that's as much as you would be deniedOf your fair courtesy.

[The Knights and Ladies dance.]

Unclasp, unclasp:Thanks gentlemen, to all; all have done well.

[To Pericles.]

But you the you the best. Pages and lights to conductThese knights unto their several lodging.

[To Pericles.]

Yours, sir,We have given order to be next our own.PERICLESI am at your grace's pleasure.SIMONIDESPrinces, it is too late to talk of love;And that's the mark I know you level at:Therefore each one betake him to his rest;To-morrow all for speeding do their best.

[Exeunt.]

SCENE IV. Tyre. A room in the Govenor's house

[Enter Helicanus and Escanes.]

HELICANUSNo, Escanes, know this of me,Antiochus from incest lived not free:For which, the most high gods not minding longerTo withhold the vengeance that they had in storeDue to this heinous capital offence,Even in the height and pride of all his glory,When he was seated in a chariotOf an inestimable value, and his daughter with him,A fire from heavn came and shrivell'd upTheir bodies, even to loathing; for they so stunk,That all those eyes adored them ere their fallScorn now their hand should give them burial.ESCANES'Twas very strangeHELICANUSAnd yet but justice; for thoughThis king were great; his greatness was no guard.To bar heaven's shaft, but sin had his reward.ESCANES'Tis very true.

[Enter two or three Lords.]

FIRST LORDSee, not a man in private conferenceOr council has respect with him but he.SECOND LORDIt shall no longer grieve with out reproof.THIRD LORDAnd cursed be he that will not second it.FIRST LORDFollow me, then. Lord Helicane, a word.HELICANEWith me? and welcome: happy day, my lords.FIRST LORDKnow that our griefs are risen to the top,And now at length they overflow their banks.HELICANEYour griefs! for what? wrong not your prince your love.FIRST LORDWrong not yourself, then, noble Helicane;But if the prince do live, let us salute him.Or know what ground's made happy by his breath.If in the world he live, we'll seek him there;And be resolved he lives to govern us,Or dead, give's cause to mourn his funeral,And leave us to our free election.SECOND LORDWhose death indeed 's the strongest in our censure:And knowing this kingdom is without a head, —Like goodly buildings left without a roofSoon fall to ruin, – your noble self,That best know how to rulle and how to reign,We thus submit unto, – our sovereign.ALLLive, noble Helicane!HELICANUSFor honour's cause, forbear your suffrages:If that you love Prince Pericles, forbear.Take I your wish, I leap into the seas,Where's hourly trouble for a minute's ease.A twelve month longer, let me entreat you toForbear the absence of your king;If in which time expired, he not return,I shall with aged patience bear your yoke.But if I cannot win you to this love,Go search like nobles, like noble subjects,And in your search spend your adventurous worth;Whom if you find, and win unto return,You shall like diamonds sit about his crown.FIRST LORDTo wisdom he's a fool that will not yield;And since Lord Helicane enjoineth us,We with our travels will endeavour us.HELICANUSThen you love us, we you, and we'll clasp hands:When peers thus knit, a kingdom ever stands.

[Exeunt.]

SCENE V. Pentapolis. A room in the palace

Enter Simonides, reading a letter at one door: the Knights meet him.]FIRST KNIGHT.]Good morrow to the good Simonides.SIMONIDESKnights, from my daughter this I let you know,That for this twelvemonth she'll not undertakeA married life.Her reason to herself is only known,Which yet from her by no means can I get.SECOND KNIGHTMay we not get access to her, my lord?SIMONIDES'Faith, by no means; she hath so strictly tiedHer to her chamber, that 'tis impossible.One twelve moons more she'll wear Diana's livery;This by the eye of Cynthia hath she vow'd,And on her virgin honour will not break it.THIRD KNIGHTLoath to bid farewell, we take our leaves.

[Exeunt Knights.]

SIMONIDESSo,They are well dispatch'd; now to my daughter's letter:She tells me here, she'll wed the stranger knight.Or never more to view nor day nor light.'Tis well, mistress; your choice agrees with mine;I like that well: nay, how absolute she's in it,Not minding whether I dislike or no!Well, I do commend her choice;And will no longer have it delay'd.Soft! here he comes: I must dissemble it.

[Enter Pericles.]

PERICLESAll fortune to the good Simonides!SIMONIDESTo you as much, sir! I am beholding to youFor your sweet music this last night: I doProtest my ears were never better fedWith such delightful pleasing harmony.PERICLESIt is your grace's pleasure to commend;Not my desert.SIMONIDESSir, you are music's master.PERICLESThe worst of all her scholars, my good lord.SIMONIDESLet me ask you one thing:What do you think of my daughter, sir?PERICLESA most virtuous princess.SIMONIDESAnd she is fair too, is she not?PERICLESAs a fair day in summer, wondrous fair.SIMONIDESSir, my daughter thinks very well of you;Ay, so well, that you must be her master,And she will be your scholar: therefore look to it.PERICLESI am unworthy for her schoolmaster.SIMONIDESShe thinks not so; peruse this writing else.PERICLES. [Aside.]A letter, that she loves the knight of Tyre!'Tis the king's subtilty to have my life.O, seek not to entrap me, gracious lord,A stranger and distressed gentleman,That never aim'd so high to love your daughter,But bent all offices to honour her.SIMONIDESThou hast bewitch'd my daughter, and thou artA villain.PERICLESBy the gods, I have not:Never did thought of mine levy offence;Nor never did my actions yet commenceA deed might gain her love or your displeasure.SIMONIDESTraitor, thou liest.PERICLESTraitor!SIMONIDESAy, traitor;PERICLESEven in his throat – unless it be the king —That calls me traitor, I return the lie.SIMONIDES. [Aside.]Now, by the gods, I do applaud his courage.PERICLESMy actions are as noble as my thoughts,That never relish'd of a base descent.I came unto your court for honour's cause,And not to be a rebel to her state;And he that otherwise accounts of me,This sword shall prove he's honour's enemy.SIMONIDESNo?Here comes my daughter, she can witness it.

[Enter Thaisa.]

PERICLESThen, as you are as virtuous as fair,Resolve your angry father, if my tongueDid e'er solicit, or my hand subscribeTo any syllable that made love to you.THAISAWhy, sir, say if you had,Who takes offence at that would make me glad?SIMONIDESYea, mistress, are you so peremptory?

[Aside.]

I am glad on't with all my heart. —I'll tame you; I'll bring you in subjection.Will you, not having my consent,Bestow your love and your affectionsUpon a stranger?

[Aside.]

who, for aught I know,May be, nor can I think the contrary,As great in blood as I myself. —Therefore hear you, mistress; either frameYour will to mine, – and you, sir, hear you,Either be ruled by me, or I will make you —Man and wife:Nay, come, your hands and lips must seal it too:And being join'd, I'll thus your hopes destroy;And for a further grief, – God give you joy! —What, are you both pleased?THAISAYes, if you love me, sir.PERICLESEven as my life my blood that fosters it.SIMONIDESWhat, are you both agreed?BOTHYes, if it please your majesty.SIMONIDESIt pleaseth me so well, that I will see you wed;And then with what haste you can get you to bed.

[Exeunt.]

ACT III

[Enter Gower.]

GOWERNow sleep yslaked hath the rout;No din but snores the house about,Made louder by the o'er-fed breastOf this most pompous marriage-feast.The cat, with eyne of burning coal,Now couches fore the mouse's hole;And crickets sing at the oven's mouth,E'er the blither for their drouth.Hymen hath brought the bride to bed,Where, by the loss of maidenhead,A babe is moulded. Be attent,And time that is so briefly spentWith your fine fancies quaintly eche:What's dumb in show I'll plain with speech.

[Dumb Show.]

[Enter, Pericles and Simonides, at one door, with Attendants; a Messenger meets them, kneels, and gives Pericles a letter: Pericles shows it Simonides; the Lords kneel to him. Then enter Thaisa with child, with Lychorida a nurse. The King shows her the letter; she rejoices: she and Pericles take leave of her father, and depart, with Lychorida and their Attendants. Then exeunt Simonides and the rest.]

By many a dern and painful perchOf Pericles the careful search,By the four opposing coignsWhich the world together joins,Is made with all due diligenceThat horse and sail and high expenseCan stead the quest. At last from Tyre,Fame answering the most strange inquire,To the court of King SimonidesAre letters brought, the tenour these:Antiochus and his daughter dead;The men of Tyrus on the headOf Helicanus would set onThe crown of Tyre, but he will none:The mutiny he there hastes t' oppress;Says to 'em, if King PericlesCome not home in twice six moons,He, obedient to their dooms,Will take the crown. The sum of this,Brought hither to PentapolisY-ravished the regions round,And every one with claps can sound,'Our heir-apparent is a king!Who dream'd, who thought of such a thing?'Brief, he must hence depart to Tyre:His queen with child makes her desire —Which who shall cross? – along to go:Omit we all their dole and woe:Lychorida, her nurse, she takes,And so to sea. Their vessel shakesOn Neptune's billow; half the floodHath their keel cut: but fortune's moodVaries again; the grisled northDisgorges such a tempest forth,That, as a duck for life that dives,So up and down the poor ship drives:The lady shrieks, and well-a-nearDoes fall in travail with her fear:And what ensues in this fell stormShall for itself itself perform.I nill relate, action mayConveniently the rest convey;Which might not what by me is told.In your imagination holdThis stage the ship, upon whose deckThe sea-tost Pericles appears to speak.

[Exit.]

SCENE I

[Enter Pericles, on shipboard.]

PERICLESThou god of this great vast, rebuke these surges,Which wash forth both heaven and hell; and thou that hastUpon the winds command, bind them in brass,Having call'd them from the deep! O, stillThy deafening, dreadful thunders; gently quenchThy nimble, sulphurous flashes! O, how, Lychorida,How does my queen? Thou stormest venomously;Wilt thou spit all thyself? The seaman's whistleIs as a whisper in the ears of death,Unheard. Lychorida! – Lucina, ODivinest patroness, and midwife gentleTo those that cry by night, convey thy deityAboard our dancing boat; make swift the pangsOf my queen's travails!

[Enter Lychorida, with an Infant.]