Time.
I, that please some, try all, both joy and terror
Of good and bad, that makes and unfolds ^note error,
Now take upon me, in the name of Time,
To use my wings. Impute it not a crime
To me or my swift passage, that I slide
O'er sixteen years and leave the growth ^note untried
Of that wide gap, since it is in my power
To o'erthrow law and in one self-born hour
To plant and o'erwhelm custom. Let ^note me pass
The same I am, ere ancient'st order was
Or what is now received: I witness ^note to
The times that brought them in; so shall I do
To the freshest things now reigning and make stale
The glistering of this present, as my tale
Now seems to it. Your patience this allowing,
I turn my glass and give my scene such growing
As you had slept between: Leontes leaving,
The ^note effects of his fond jealousies so grieving
That he shuts up himself, imagine ^note me,
Gentle spectators, that I ^note now may be
In fair Bohemia; and remember well,
I mentioned ^note a son o' the king's, which ^note Florizel
I now name to you; and with speed so pace
To speak of Perdita, now grown in grace
Equal with wondering: what of her ensues

I list not prophesy; but let Time's news
Be known when 'tis brought forth. A shepherd's daughter,
And what to her adheres, which follows after,
Is the argument of Time. Of this allow,
If ever you have spent time worse ere now;
If never, yet that Time himself doth say
He wishes earnestly you never may. ^note [Exit. ^note

Previous section

Next section