SCENE V.-Pentapolis. A room in the palace. Enter SIMONIDES, reading a letter, the Knights meet him. 1 Knight. Good-morrow to the good Simonides. Sim. Knights, from my daughter this I let you know, That for this twelvemonth, she'll not undertake Her reason to herself is only known, Which from herself by no means can I get. 2 Knight. May we not get access to her, my lord? Sim. 'Faith, by no means; she hath so strictly tied her To her chamber, that it is 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. 3 Knight. Though loath to bid farewell, we take our leaves. Sim. So, [Exeunt. They're well despatch'd; now to my daughter's letter: Well, I commend her choice; And will no longer have it be delay'd. Enter PERICLES. Per. All fortune to the good Simonides! Sim. To you as much, sir! I am beholden to you For your sweet music this last night: my ears, I do protest, were never better fed Per. It is your grace's pleasure to commend; Sim. Sir, you are music's master. Per. The worst of all her scholars, my good lord. Sim. Let me ask one thing. What do you think, sir, of My daughter? Per. As of a most virtuous princess. Sim. And she is fair too, is she not? Per. As a fair day in summer; wond'rous fair. Sim. My daughter, sir, thinks very well of you; Ay, so well, sir, that you must be her master, And she'll your scholar be; therefore look to it. Per. Unworthy I to be her schoolmaster. Sim. She thinks not so; peruse this writing else. A letter, that she loves the knight of Tyre? [Aside. That never aim'd so high, to love your daughter, Sim. Thou hast bewitch'd my daughter, and thou art A villain. Per. By the gods, I have not, sir. Never did thought of mine lévy offence; A deed might gain her love, or your displeasure. Per. Traitor! Sim. Ay, traitor, sir. Per. Even in his throat, (unless it be the king,) That calls me traitor, I return the lie. Sim. Now, by the gods, I do applaud his courage. [Aside. Per. My actions are as noble as my thoughts, That never relish'd of a base descent. I came unto your court, for honour's cause, Here comes my daughter, she can witness it. Enter THAISA. Per. Then, as you are as virtuous as fair, Who takes offence at that would make me glad? I am glad of it with all my heart. [Aside.] I'll tamè you; I'll bring you in subjection. Will you, not having my consent, bestow Your love and your affections on a stranger? [Aside. Hear therefore, mistress; frame your will to mine,→ Nay, come; your hands and lips must seal it too. Thai. Yes, if you love me, sir. Per. Even as my life, my blood that fosters it. Both. Yes, 'please your majesty. Sim. It pleaseth me so well, I'll see you wed; Then, with what haste you can, get you to bed. [Exeunt. ACT III. Enter Gower. Gow. Now sleep yslaked hath the rout; Dumb show. Enter Pericles and Simonides at one door, with Attendants; a Messenger meets them, kneels, and gives Pericles a letter. Pericles shows it to Simonides; the Lords kneel to the former. Then enter Thaisa with child, and Lychorida. Simonides shows his daughter the letter; she rejoices: she and Pericles take leave of her Father, and depart. Then Simonides, &c. retire. Gow. By many a dearn and painful perch, Of Pericles the careful search By the four opposing coignes, Are letters brought, the tenour these; The crown of Tyre, but he will none: Will take the crown. The sum of this, Y-ravished the regions round, And every one with claps, 'gan sound, Our heir apparent is a king: Who dream'd, who thought of such a thing? |