Leon. Though I am satisfied, and need no more Than what I know, yet shall the oracle Give rest to the minds of others; such as he, Come up to the truth. So have we thought it good, Ant. [Aside.] To laughter, as I take it, [Exeunt. SCENE II. The same. The outer Room of a Prison. Enter PAULINA and Attendants. Paul. The keeper of the prison,—call to him; [Exit an Attendant. Let him have knowledge who I am.-Good lady! No court in Europe is too good for thee; What dost thou then in prison?-Now, good sir, Re-enter Attendant, with the Keeper. You know me, do you not? Keeper. And one whom I much honor. Paul. Conduct me to the queen. For a worthy lady, Pray you, then, Keep. I may not, madam; to the contrary I have express commandment. Paul. Here's ado, To lock up honesty and honor from The access of gentle visitors!Is it lawful, Keep. So please you, madam, to put Apart these your attendants, I shall bring Emilia forth. Paul. I pray now, call her. Withdraw yourselves. Keep. [Exeunt Attend. And, madam, [Exit Keeper. I must be present at your conference. Paul. Well, be it so, pr'ythee. Here's such ado to make no stain a stain, As passes coloring. Re-enter Keeper, with EMILIA. Dear gentlewoman, how fares our gracious lady? Emil. I am innocent as you. Paul. I dare be sworn. These dangerous, unsafe lunes' o' the king! beshrew them! He must be told on't, and he shall; the office The trumpet any more.-Pray you, Emilia, Persuades, when speaking fails. 1 Lunes. This word has not been found in any other English writer; but it is used in old French for frenzy, lunacy, folly. A similar expression occurs in The Revenger's Tragedy, 1608. Emil. Most worthy madam, Your honor, and your goodness, is so evident, That your free undertaking cannot miss A thriving issue; there is no lady living So meet for this great errand. Please your ladyship Acquaint the queen of your most noble offer; Paul. I'll use that tongue I have. Tell her, Emilia, If wit flow from it, As boldness from my bosom, let it not be doubted I shall do good. I'll to the queen. Now be you blest for it! Please you, come something nearer. Keep. Madam, if't please the queen to send the babe, I know not what I shall incur, to pass it, Having no warrant. Paul. You need not fear it, sir. The child was prisoner to the womb; and is, By law and process of great nature, thence Paul. [Exeunt. SCENE III. The same. A Room in the Palace. Enter LEONTES, ANTIGONUS, Lords, and other Attendants. Leon. Nor night, nor day, no rest. It is but weak ness To bear the matter thus; mere weakness, if The cause were not in being;-part o' the cause, She, the adult'ress;-for the harlot king 1 Attend. Leon. How does the boy? 1 Attend. My lord! [Advancing. He took good rest to-night; 'Tis hoped his sickness is discharged. Leon. His nobleness! Conceiving the dishonor of his mother, To see He straight declined, drooped, took it deeply; The very thought of my revenges that way Laugh at me; make their pastime at my sorrow. 1 Lord. Enter PAULINA, with a Child. You must not enter. Paul. Nay, rather, good my lords, be second to me. Fear you his tyrannous passion more, alas, Than the queen's life? a gracious, innocent soul; 1 Blank and level mean mark and aim, or direction. They are terms of gunnery. 2 i. e. leave me alone. 3 Free, i. e. as here used, pure, chaste. Ant. That's enough. 1 Attend. Madam, he hath not slept to-night; com manded None should come at him. Paul. I come to bring him sleep. Not so hot, good sir; 'Tis such as you,- Do come with words as med'cinal as true; Leon. What noise there, ho! Paul. No noise, my lord; but needful conference About some gossips for your highness. Leon. How? Away with that audacious lady. Antigonus, I charged thee, that she should not come about me; I knew she would. Ant. I told her so, my lord, On your displeasure's peril, and on mine, What, canst not rule her? Leon. He shall not rule me. Ant. Paul. Good my liege, I come, And, I beseech you, hear me, who profess1 1 The old copy has professes. 2 "In comforting your evils." To comfort, in old language, is to aid, to encourage. Evils here mean wicked courses. |