And both like serpents are, who though they feed Murder's as near to lust, as flame to smoke. Ay, and the targets, to put off the shame: Re-enter ANTIOCHUS. Ant. He hath found the meaning, for the which we mean To have his head. He must not live to trumpet forth my infamy, And therefore instantly this prince must die; Enter THALIARD. Thal. Doth your highness call? Ant. Thaliard, you're of our chamber, and our mind Partakes her private actions to your secresy: Thal. My lord, 'Tis done. Enter a Messenger. Ant. Enough; Lest your breath cool yourself, telling your haste. Ant. As thou [Exit Messenger. Wilt live, fly after: and as an arrow, shot From a well-experienc'd archer, hits the mark Unless thou say, Prince Pericles is dead. Thal. My lord, if I Can get him once within my pistol's length, I'll make him sure: so farewell to your highness. [Exit. Ant. Thaliard, adieu! till Pericles be dead, My heart can lend no succour to my head. [Exit. SCENE II.-Tyre. A room in the palace. Enter PERICLES, HELICANUS, and other Lords. Per. Let none disturb us: Why this charge of thoughts? The sad companion, dull-ey'd melancholy, By me so us'd a guest is, not an hour, In the day's glorious walk, or peaceful night, (The tomb where grief should sleep,) can breed me quiet! Here pleasures court mine eyes, and mine eyes shun them, And danger, which I feared, is at Antioch, Whose arm seems far too short to hit me here: Have after-nourishment and life by care; And what was first but fear what might be done, If he suspect I may dishonour him : And what may make him blush in being known, (Who am no more but as the tops of trees, Which fence the roots they grow by, and defend them,) Makes both my body pine, and soul to languish, 1 Lord. Joy and all comfort in your sacred breast! us, Peaceful and comfortable! Hel. Peace, peace, my lords, and give experience tongue. They do abuse the king, that flatter him: For flattery is the bellows blows up sin; The thing the which is flatter'd, but a spark, To which that breath gives heat and stronger glowing; Whereas reproof, obedient, and in order, Fits kings, as they are men, for they may err. Prince, pardon me, or strike me, if you please; Per. All leave us else; but let your cares o'erlook Hast moved us: what seest thou in our looks? Per. If there be such a dart in princes' frowns, They have their nourishment? Per. Thou know'st I have power To take thy life. Hel. [Kneeling.] I have ground the axe myself, Do you but strike the blow. Per. Rise, pr'ythee, rise; Sit down, sit down; thou art no flatterer: I thank thee for it; and high heaven forbid, That kings should let their ears hear their faults hid! Who by thy wisdom mak'st a prince thy servant, Hel. With patience bear Such griefs as you do lay upon yourself. Per. Thou speak'st like a physician, Helicanus; Who minister'st a potion unto me, That thou would'st tremble to receive thyself. Where, as thou know'st, against the face of death, Seem'd not to strike, but smooth: but thou know'st this, "Tis time to fear, when tyrants seem to kiss. Who seem'd my good protector; and being here, Must feel war's blow, who spares not innocence: Hel. Alas, sir! Per. Drew sleep out of mine eyes, cheeks, blood from my Musings into my mind, a thousand doubts Freely I'll speak. Antiochus you fear, And justly too, I think, you fear the tyrant, Will take away your life. Therefore, my lord, go travel for a while, Or destinies do cut his thread of life. Day serves not light more faithful than I'll be. |