SCENE I.
Pentapolis.
Enter Pericles wet.
Per.
Yet cease your ire, ye angry stars of heaven6 note
!
Wind, rain, and thunder, remember, earthly man
-- 42 --
Is but a substance, that must yield to you;
And I, as fits my nature, do obey you.
Alas, the sea hath cast me on the rocks,
Wash'd me from shore to shore, and left me breath7 note
,
Nothing to think on, but ensuing death:
Let it suffice the greatness of your powers,
To have bereft a prince of all his fortunes;
-- 43 --
And having thrown him from your watry grave,
Here to have death in peace, is all he'll crave.
Enter three Fishermen8 note
.
1 Fish.
What, ho, Pilche9 note
!
2 Fish.
Ha, come, and bring away the nets.
1 Fish.
What, Patch-breech, I say!
3 Fish.
What say you, master?
-- 44 --
1 Fish.
Look how thou stirrest now: come away,
or I'll fetch thee with a wannion1 note.
3 Fish.
'Faith, master, I am thinking of the poor
men that were cast away before us, even now.
1 Fish.
Alas, poor souls, it griev'd my heart to
hear what pitiful cries they made to us, to help
them2 note, when, well-a-day, we could scarce help ourselves.
3 Fish.
Nay, master, said not I as much, when I
saw the porpus how he bounced and tumbled3 note? they
say, they are half fish, half flesh; a plague on them,
they ne'er come but I look to be wash'd. Master, I
marvel how the fishes live in the sea.
1 Fish.
Why, as men do a-land; the great ones
eat up the little ones: I can compare our rich misers
to nothing so fitly as to a whale; 'a plays and
tumbles, driving the poor fry before him4 note
, and at
last devours them all at a mouthful. Such whales
have I heard on a'the land, who never leave gaping,
till they've swallow'd the whole parish, church,
steeple, bells and all.
Per.
A pretty moral.
-- 45 --
3 Fish.
But, master, if I had been the sexton, I
would have been that day in the belfry.
2 Fish.
Why, man?
3 Fish.
Because he should have swallow'd me too:
and when I had been in his belly, I would have kept
such a jangling of the bells, that he should never have
left, till he cast bells, steeple, church, and parish, up
again. But if the good king Simonides were of my
mind—
Per.
Simonides?
3 Fish.
We would purge the land of these drones,
that rob the bee of her honey.
Per.
How from the finny subject of the sea5 note
These fishers tell the infirmities of men;
And from their watry empire recollect
All that may men approve, or men detect!
Peace be at your labour, honest fishermen.
2 Fish.
Honest, good fellow, what's that, if it be
a day fits you, search out of the kalendar, and no
body look after it6 note
.9Q1313
-- 46 --
Per.
You may see, the sea hath cast me on your coast.
2 Fish.
What a drunken knave was the sea, to cast
thee in our way7 note
!
Per.
A man whom both the waters and the wind,
In that vast tennis-court, hath made the ball
For them to play upon, intreats you pity him;
He asks of you, that never us'd to beg.
1 Fish.
No, friend, cannot you beg? here's them
in our country of Greece, gets more with begging,
than we can do with working.
2 Fish.
Can'st thou catch any fishes then?
Per.
I never practis'd it.
2 Fish.
Nay, then thou wilt starve sure; for here's
nothing to be got now-a-days, unless thou can'st fish
for't.
Per.
What I have been, I have forgot to know;
But what I am, want teaches me to think on;
A man throng'd up with cold8 note
; my veins are chill,
-- 47 --
And have no more of life, than may suffice
To give my tongue that heat to ask your help:
Which if you shall refuse, when I am dead,
For that I am a man, pray see me buried.
1 Fish.
Die quoth-a? Now gods forbid! I have a
gown here9 note; come put it on, keep thee warm. Now,
afore me, a handsome fellow! Come, thou shalt go
home, and we'll have flesh for holydays1 note
, fish for fasting
days, and moreo'er puddings and flap-jacks2 note;
and thou shalt be welcome.
Per.
I thank you, sir.
2 Fish.
Hark you, my friend, you said you could
not beg.
Per.
I did but crave.
2 Fish.
But crave? then I'll turn craver too, and
so I shall scape whipping.
Per.
Why, are all your beggars whip'd then?
2 Fish.
O not at all, my friend, not at all; for if
all your beggars were whip'd, I would wish no better
office, than to be a beadle. But, master, I'll go draw
up the net.
[Exeunt two of the Fishermen.
Per.
How well this honest mirth becomes their labour!
1 Fish.
Hark you, sir, do you know where you are?
Per.
Not well.
1 Fish.
Why I'll tell you; this is called Pentapolis,
and our king, the good Simonides.
Per.
The good king Simonides, do you call him?
1 Fish.
Ay, sir, and he deserves so to be call'd,
for his peaceable reign, and good government.
-- 48 --
Per.
He is a happy king, since he gains from his
subjects, the name of good, by his government. How
far is his court distant from this shore?
1 Fish.
Marry, sir, half a day's journey; and I'll
tell you, he hath a fair daughter, and to-morrow is
her birth-day; and there are princes and knights
come from all parts of the world, to just and turney
for her love.
Per.
Were my fortunes equal to my desires, I
could wish to make one there.
1 Fish.
O sir, things must be as they may; and
what a man cannot get, he may lawfully deal for—
his wife's soul3 note
.
Re-enter the two Fishermen drawing up a net.
2 Fish.
Help, master, help; here's a fish hangs in
the net, like a poor man's right in the law; 'twill
-- 49 --
hardly come out. Ha! bots on't4 note, 'tis come at last,
and 'tis turn'd to a rusty armour.
Per.
An armour, friends! I pray you, let me see it.
Thanks, Fortune, yet, that after all my crosses,
Thou giv'st me somewhat to repair myself;
And, though it was mine own5 note, part of mine heritage,
Which my dead father did bequeath to me,
With this strict charge, (even as he left his life)
“Keep it, my Pericles, it hath been a shield
'Twixt me and death; (and pointed to this brace6 note
)
For that it sav'd me, keep it; in like necessity,
The which the gods protect thee from! 't may defend thee7 note
.”
It kept where I kept, I so dearly lov'd it;
'Till the rough seas, that spare not any man,
Took it in rage, though calm'd they've given it again:
I thank thee for it; my shipwreck now's no ill,
Since I have here my father's gift in his will.
1 Fish.
What mean you, sir?
Per.
To beg of you, kind friends, this coat of worth,
For it was some time target to a king;
I know it by this mark; he lov'd me dearly,
-- 50 --
And for his sake, I wish the having of it;
And that you'd guide me to your sovereign's court,
Where with it I may appear a gentleman;
And if that ever my low fortune's better,
I'll pay your bounties; till then, rest your debtor.
1 Fish.
Why, wilt thou tourney for the lady?
Per.
I'll shew the virtue I have borne in arms.
1 Fish.
Why di'e take it note8 note, and the gods give thee
good on't!
2 Fish.
Ay, but hark you, my friend; 'twas we
that made up this garment through the rough seams
of the waters: there are certain condolements, certain
vails. I hope, sir, if you thrive, you'll remember
from whence you had it.
Per.
Believe it, I will;
By your furtherance I am cloath'd in steel9 note
;
And spight of all the rapture of the sea1 note
,
This jewel holds his gilding on my arm2 note
;
-- 51 --
Unto thy value I will mount myself
Upon a courser, whose delightful steps
Shall make the gazer joy to see him tread.—
Only, my friend, I yet am unprovided
Of a pair of bases3 note
.
2 Fish.
We'll sure provide: thou shalt have my
best gown to make thee a pair; and I'll bring thee to
the court myself.
Per.
Then honour be but a goal to my will,
This day I'll rise, or else add ill to ill.
[Exeunt.
SCENE II.
A publick Way, or Platform, leading to the Lists. A Pavilion
by the side of it, for the reception of the King and
Princess.
Enter Simonides, Thaisa, Lords, and Attendants.
Sim.
Are the knights ready to begin the triumph4 note
?
-- 52 --
1 Lord.
They are, my liege;
And stay your coming, to present themselves.
Sim.
Return them, we are ready9Q1315; and our daughter,
In honour of whose birth these triumphs are,
Sits here, like beauty's child, whom Nature gat
For men to see, and seeing wonder at.
[Exit a Lord.
Thai.
It pleaseth you, my royal father, to express
My commendations great, whose merit's less.
Sim.
'Tis fit it should be so; for princes are
A model which heaven makes like to itself:
As jewels lose their glory, if neglected,
So princes their renown, if not respected.
'Tis now your honour, daughter, to explain5 note
The labour of each knight, in his device.
Thai.
Which, to preserve mine honour, I'll perform.
[Enter a knight; he passes over the stage, and his
squire presents his shield to the princess.
Sim.
Who is the first that doth prefer himself?
Thai.
A knight of Sparta, my renowned father;
And the device he bears upon his shield
Is a black Æthiop reaching at the sun;
The word, Lux tua vita mihi6 note.
-- 53 --
Sim.
He loves you well, that holds his life of you.
[The second knight passes.
Who is the second, that presents himself?
Thai.
A prince of Macedon, my royal father;
And the device he bears upon his shield
Is an arm'd knight, that's conquer'd by a lady:
The motto thus, in Spanish, Piu per dulcura note que per fuerça7 note.
[The third knight passes.
Sim.
And what's the third?
Thai.
The third of Antioch; and his device,
A wreath of chivalry: the word, Me pompæ provexit apex8 note
.
[The fourth knight passes.
Sim.
What is the fourth9 note?
Thai.
A burning torch that's turned upside down;
The word, Quod me alit, me extinguit.
Sim.
Which shews that beauty hath his power and will,
Which can as well enflame, as it can kill.
[The fifth knight passes.
Thai.
The fifth, an hand environed with clouds,
Holding out gold, that's by the touch-stone try'd:
The motto thus, Sic spectanda fides.
[The sixth knight passes.
-- 54 --
Sim.
And what's the sixth and last, which the knight himself
With such a graceful courtesy delivered?
Thai.
He seems to be a stranger; but his present
Is a wither'd branch, that's only green at top;
The motto, In hac spe vivo.
Sim.
A pretty moral;
From the dejected state wherein he is,
He hopes by you his fortunes yet may flourish.
1 Lord.
He had need mean better than his outward shew
Can any way speak in his just commend:
For, by his rusty outside, he appears
To have practis'd more the whipstock, than the lance1 note.
2 Lord.
He well may be a stranger, for he comes
To an honour'd triumph, strangely furnished.
3 Lord.
And on set purpose let his armour rust
Until this day, to scour it in the dust.
Sim.
Opinion's but a fool, that makes us scan
The outward habit by the inward man2 note
.
But stay, the knights are coming; we'll withdraw
Into the gallery.
[Exeunt.
[Great shouts, and all cry, The mean knight.
-- 55 --
SCENE III.
A Hall of State.—A Banquet prepared.
Enter Simonides, Thaisa, Lords, Attendants, and the Knights from tilting.
Sim.
Knights,
To say you are welcome, were superfluous.
To place upon the volume of your deeds3 note,
As in a title-page, your worth in arms,
Were more than you expect, or more than's fit,
Since every worth in shew commends itself.
Prepare for mirth, for mirth becomes a feast4 note
:
You are princes, and my guests.
Thai.
But you, my knight and guest;
To whom this wreath of victory I give,
And crown you king of this day's happiness.
Per.
'Tis more by fortune, lady, than by merit.
Sim.
Call it by what you will, the day is yours;
And here, I hope, is none that envies it.
In framing an artist* note
, art hath thus decreed,
To make some good, but others to exceed;
And you're her labour'd scholar. Come, queen o'the feast5 note
,
(For, daughter, so you are,) here take your place:
Marshal the rest, as they deserve their grace.
Knights.
We are honour'd much by good Simonides.
-- 56 --
Sim.
Your presence glads our days; honour we love,
For who hates honour, hates the gods above.
Marsh.
Sir, yonder is your place.
Per.
Some other is more fit.
1 Knight.
Contend not, sir; for we are gentlemen,
That neither in our hearts, nor outward eyes,
Envy the great, nor do the low despise6 note
.
Per.
You are right courteous knights.
Sim.
Sit, sir, sit.
Per.
By Jove, I wonder, that is king of thoughts,
These cates resist me, she not thought upon7 note
.
-- 57 --
Thai.
By Juno, that is queen of marriage,
All viands that I eat do seem unsavoury,
Wishing him my meat8 note
: sure he's a gallant gentleman.
Sim.
He's but a country gentleman; he has
Done no more than other knights have done;
He has broken a staff, or so; so let it pass.
Thai.
To me he seems like diamond to glass.
Per.
Yon king's to me, like to my father's picture,
Which tells me, in that glory once he was;
Had princes sit like stars about his throne,
And he the sun, for them to reverence.
None that beheld him, but like lesser lights,
Did vail their crowns to his supremacy;
Where now his son's like a glow-worm in the night, note
-- 58 --
The which hath fire in darkness, none in light;
Whereby I see that Time's the king of men,
For he's their parent, and he is their grave1 note
,
And gives them what he will, not what they crave.
Sim.
What, are you merry, knights?
1 Knight.
Who can be other in this royal presence?
Sim.
Here, with a cup that's stor'd unto the brim2 note
,
(As you do love, fill to your mistress' lips,)9Q1317
We drink this health to you.
Knights.
We thank your grace.
Sim.
Yet pause a while;
Yon knight, methinks, doth sit too melancholy,
As if the entertainment in our court
Had not a shew might countervail his worth.
Note it not you, Thaisa?
Thai.
What is it
To me, my father?
Sim.
O, attend, my daughter;
Princes, in this, should live like gods above,
-- 59 --
Who freely give to every one that comes
To honour them: and princes, not doing so,
Are like to gnats, which make a sound, but kill'd
Are wonder'd at* note
.9Q1318
Therefore to make his entrance more sweet3 note
,
Here say, we drink this standing bowl of wine to him.
Thai.
Alas, my father, it befits not me
Unto a stranger knight to be so bold;
He may my proffer take for an offence,
Since men take womens' gifts for impudence.
Sim.
How! do as I bid you, or you'll move me else.
Thai.
Now, by the gods, he could not please me better.
[Aside.
Sim.
And further tell him, we desire to know,
Of whence he is, his name and parentage4 note
.
Thai.
The king my father, sir, hath drunk to you.
Per.
I thank him.
-- 60 --
Thai.
Wishing it so much blood unto your life.
Per.
I thank both him and you, and pledge him freely.
Thai.
And further he desires to know of you,
Of whence you are, your name and parentage.
Per.
A gentleman of Tyre—(my name Pericles;
My education has been in arts and arms;)
Who looking for adventures in the world,
Was by the rough seas reft of ships and men,
And, after shipwreck, driv'n upon this shore.
Thai.
He thanks your grace; names himself Pericles,
A gentleman of Tyre, who only by
Misfortune of the sea has been bereft
Of ships and men, and cast upon this shore.
Sim.
Now, by the gods, I pity his misfortune,
And will awake him from his melancholy.
Come, gentlemen, we sit too long on trifles,
And waste the time, which looks for other revels.
Even in your armours, as you are addrest5 note
,
Will very well become a soldier's dance:
I will not have excuse, with saying, this6 note
note
“Which warlike feats doth try,
“For men in armour gestures made,
“And leapt, that so they might
“When need requires, be more prompt
“In publique weale to fight.”
Malone.
-- 61 --
Loud musick is too harsh for ladies' heads;
Since they love men in arms, as well as beds.
[The Knights dance.
So, this was well ask'd; 'twas so well perform'd.
Come, sir; here's a lady that wants breathing too:
And I have often heard, you knights of Tyre
Are excellent in making ladies trip;
And that their measures are as excellent.
Per.
In those that practise them, they are, my lord.
Sim.
Oh, that's as much, as you would be deny'd
[The Knights and Ladies dance.
Of your fair courtesy.—Unclasp, unclasp;
Thanks, gentlemen, to all; all have done well,
But you the best. [To Pericles.] Pages and lights, to conduct
These knights unto their several lodgings: Yours, sir,
We have given order to be next our own7 note
.
Per.
I am at your grace's pleasure.
Sim.
Princes, it is too late to talk of love,
For that's the mark I know you level at:
Therefore each one betake him to his rest;
To morrow, all for speeding do their best.
[Exeunt.
SCENE IV.
Tyre.9Q1319
Enter Helicanus, and Escanes.
Hel.
No, Escanes, know this of me,
Antiochus from incest liv'd not free;
-- 62 --
For which, the most high gods not minding longer
To with-hold the vengeance that they had in store,
Due to this heinous capital offence;
Even in the height and pride of all his glory,
When he was seated in a chariot of
An inestimable value, and his daughter
With him, a fire from heaven came and shrivel'd up
Those bodies8 note
, even to loathing; for they so stunk,
That all those eyes ador'd them, ere their fall9 note
,
Scorn now their hand should give them burial.
Esca.
'Twas very strange.
Hel.
And yet but justice; for though
This king were great, his greatness was no guard
To bar heav'n's shaft, but sin had his reward1 note.
Esca.
'Tis very true.
Enter three Lords.
1 Lord.
See, not a man in private conference,
Or council, hath respect with him but he.
2 Lord.
It shall no longer grieve without reproof.
3 Lord.
And curst be he that will not second it.
1 Lord.
Follow me then: Lord Helicane a word.
Hel.
With me? and welcome: happy day, my lords.
-- 63 --
1 Lord.
Know that our griefs are risen to the top,
And now at length they overflow their banks.
Hel.
Your griefs, for what? wrong not your prince you love.
1 Lord.
Wrong not yourself then, noble Helicane;
But if the prince do live, let us salute him,
Or know what ground's made happy by his breath.
If in the world he live, we'll seek him out;
If in his grave he rest, we'll find him there;
And be resolv'd, he lives to govern us2 note
,
Or dead, gives cause to mourn his funeral,
And leaves us to our free election.
2 Lord.
Whose death's, indeed, the strongest in our censure3 note
:
And knowing this kingdom, if without a head4 note,
(Like goodly buildings left without a roof5 note
)
Soon will fall to ruin, your noble self,
-- 64 --
That best know'st how to rule, and how to reign,
We thus submit unto,—our sovereign.
Omn.
Live, noble Helicane.
Hel.
Try honour's cause; forbear your suffrages:
If that you love prince Pericles, forbear.
Take I your wish, I leap into the seas,
Where's hourly trouble, for a minute's ease.9Q1320
A twelvemonth longer, let me entreat you
To forbear the absence of your king;
If in which time expir'd, he not return,
I shall with aged patience bear your yoke.
But if I cannot win you to this love,
Go search like nobles, like noble subjects,
And in your search, spend your adventurous worth;
Whom if you find, and win unto return,
You shall like diamonds sit about his crown.
1 Lord.
To wisdom he's a fool that will not yield;
And since lord Helicane enjoineth us,
We with our travels will endeavour it6 note
.
Hel.
Then you love us, we you, and we'll clasp hands;
When peers thus knit, a kingdom ever stands.
[Exeunt.
SCENE V.
Pentapolis.
Enter Simonides reading a Letter7 note; the Knights meet him.
1 Knight.
Good morrow to the good Simonides.
Sim.
Knights, from my daughter this I let you know,
-- 65 --
That for this twelve month, she will not undertake
A married life: her reason to herself
Is only known, which from her 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 ty'd 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'd1 note,
And on her virgin honour will not break.
3 Knight.
Loth to bid farewel, we take our leaves.
[Exeunt.
Sim.
So,
They're well dispatch'd; now to my daughter's letter:
She tells me here, she'll wed the stranger knight,
Or never more to view nor day nor light.
'Tis well, mistress, your choice agrees with mine;
I like that well:—nay, how absolute she's in't,
Not minding whether I dislike or no.
Well, I commend her choice, and will no longer
Have it be delay'd: soft, here he comes;—I
Must dissemble it.
Enter Pericles.
Per.
All fortune to the good Simonides!
Sim.
To you as much! Sir, I am beholden to you,
-- 66 --
For your sweet musick this last night2 note
: I do
Protest, my ears were never better fed
With such delightful pleasing harmony.
Per.
It is your grace's pleasure to commend;
Not my desert.
Sim.
Sir, you are musick's master.
Per.
The worst of all her scholars, my good lord.
Sim.
Let me ask you one thing. What do you think
Of my daughter, sir?
Per.
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, that you must be her master,
And she'll be your scholar; therefore look to it.
Per.
I am unworthy to be her school-master.
Sim.
She thinks not so; peruse this writing else.
-- 67 --
Per.
What's here!
A letter, that she loves the knight of Tyre?
'Tis the king's subtilty to have my life.
[Aside.
Oh seek not to intrap, my gracious lord,
A stranger and distressed gentleman,
That never aim'd so high to love your daughter,
But bent all offices to honour her.
Sim.
Thou hast bewitch'd my daughter, and thou art
A villain.
Per.
By the gods I have not;
Never did thought of mine levy offence;
Nor never did my actions yet commence
A deed might gain her love, or your displeasure.
Sim.
Traitor, thou liest.
Per.
Traitor!
Sim.
Ay, traitor.
Per.
Even in his throat, (unless it be a 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 descent3 note
.
I came unto your court, for honour's cause,
And not to be a rebel to her state;
And he that otherwise accounts of me,
This sword shall prove, he's honour's enemy.
Sim.
No!—
Here comes my daughter, she can witness it4 note
.
-- 68 --
Enter Thaisa.
Per.
Then, as you are as virtuous as fair,
Resolve your angry father, if my tongue
Did e'er solicit, or my hand subscribe
To any syllable that made love to you?
Thai.
Why, sir, say if you had,
Who takes offence at that would make me glad?
Sim.
Yea, mistress, are you so peremptory?
I am glad of it with all my heart.[Aside.] I'll tame you;
I'll bring you in subjection. Will you,
Not having my consent, bestow your love
And your affections on a stranger? (who
For ought I know, may be, nor can I think
The contrary, as great in blood as I myself).
[Aside.
Therefore, hear you, mistress; either frame your will
To mine—and you, sir, hear you, either be
Rul'd by me, or I'll make you—man and wife;
Nay, come, your hands and lips must seal it too:
And being join'd, I'll thus your hopes destroy;—
And for a further grief,—God give you joy!—
What, are you both pleas'd?
Thai.
Yes, if you love me, sir.
Per.
Even as my life, my blood that fosters it5 note
.
Sim.
What, are you both agreed?
Both.
Yes, if it please your majesty.
Sim.
It pleaseth me so well, that I'll see you wed;
Then, with what haste you can, get you to bed.
[Exeunt.
-- 69 --
Edmond Malone [1780], Supplement to the edition of Shakspeare's plays published in 1778 By Samuel Johnson and George Steevens. In two volumes. Containing additional observations by several of the former commentators: to which are subjoined the genuine poems of the same author, and seven plays that have been ascribed to him; with notes By the editor and others (Printed for C. Bathurst [and] W. Strahan [etc.], London) [word count] [S10911].
