Paul.
The keeper of the prison,—call to him;
Let him have knowledge who I am.—[Exit an Attendant.] Good lady!
No court in Europe is too good for thee,
What dost thou then in prison?—[Re-enter Attendant, with the Keeper.]—Now, good sir,
You know me, do you not?

Keep.
For a worthy lady,
And one whom much I honour.

Paul.
Pray you then,
Conduct me to the queen.

Keep.
I may not, madam; to the contrary
I have express commandment.

Paul.
Here's ado,
To lock up honesty and honour from
The access of gentle visitors!—Is it lawful,
Pray you, to see her women? any of them?
Emilia?

Keep.
So please you, madam, to put
Apart these your attendants, I shall bring
Emilia forth.

Paul.
I pray you now, call her.
Withdraw yourselves. [Exeunt Attendants.

Keep.
And, madam,
I must be present at your conference.

Paul.
Well, be it so, pr'ythee. [Exit Keeper.
Here's such ado to make no stain a stain,
As passes colouring. [Re-enter Keeper, with Emilia.
Dear gentlewoman, how fares our gracious lady?

Emil.
As well as one so great, and so forlorn,
May hold together: On her frights, and griefs,
(Which never tender lady hath borne greater,)
She is, something before her time, deliver'd.

Paul.
A boy?

Emil.
A daughter; and a goodly babe,
Lusty, and like to live: the queen receives
Much comfort in't: says, My poor prisoner,
I am innocent as you.

Paul.
Pray you, Emilia,
Commend my best obedience to the queen;
If she dares trust me with her little babe,
I'll show't the king, and undertake to be
Her advocate to th' loudest: We do not know
How he may soften at the sight o'the child.

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:
This child, by law and process of great nature, is
Free'd and enfranchis'd: not a party to
The anger of the king; nor guilty of,
If any be, the trespass of the queen.

Paul.
Do not you fear: upon
Mine honour, I will stand 'twixt you and danger. [Exeunt.

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