ExitFLORIZELWhylookyousouponme?
  Iambutsorry,notafeard;delay’d,Butnothingalter’d:whatIwas,Iam;
  Morestrainingonforpluckingback,notfollowingMyleashunwillingly。CAMILLOGraciousmylord,Youknowyourfather’stemper:atthistimeHewillallownospeech,whichIdoguessYoudonotpurposetohim;andashardlyWillheendureyoursightasyet,Ifear:
  Then,tillthefuryofhishighnesssettle,Comenotbeforehim。FLORIZELInotpurposeit。
  Ithink,Camillo?CAMILLOEvenhe,mylord。PERDITAHowoftenhaveItoldyou’twouldbethus!
  Howoftensaid,mydignitywouldlastButtill’twereknown!FLORIZELItcannotfailbutbyTheviolationofmyfaith;andthenLetnaturecrushthesideso’theearthtogetherAndmartheseedswithin!Liftupthylooks:
  Frommysuccessionwipeme,father;I
  Amheirtomyaffection。CAMILLOBeadvised。FLORIZELIam,andbymyfancy:ifmyreasonWilltheretobeobedient,Ihavereason;
  Ifnot,mysenses,betterpleasedwithmadness,Dobiditwelcome。CAMILLOThisisdesperate,sir。FLORIZELSocallit:butitdoesfulfilmyvow;
  Ineedsmustthinkithonesty。Camillo,NotforBohemia,northepompthatmayBethereatglean’d,forallthesunseesorThecloseearthwombsortheprofoundseahidesInunknownfathoms,willIbreakmyoathTothismyfairbeloved:therefore,Iprayyou,Asyouhaveeverbeenmyfather’shonour’dfriend,Whenheshallmissme,——as,infaith,ImeannotToseehimanymore,——castyourgoodcounselsUponhispassion;letmyselfandfortuneTugforthetimetocome。ThisyoumayknowAndsodeliver,IamputtoseaWithherwhomhereIcannotholdonshore;
  AndmostopportunetoourneedIhaveAvesselridesfastby,butnotpreparedForthisdesign。WhatcourseImeantoholdShallnothingbenefityourknowledge,norConcernmethereporting。CAMILLOOmylord!
  Iwouldyourspiritwereeasierforadvice,Orstrongerforyourneed。FLORIZELHark,PerditaDrawingherasideI’llhearyoubyandby。CAMILLOHe’sirremoveable,Resolvedforflight。NowwereIhappy,ifHisgoingIcouldframetoservemyturn,Savehimfromdanger,dohimloveandhonour,PurchasethesightagainofdearSiciliaAndthatunhappyking,mymaster,whomIsomuchthirsttosee。FLORIZELNow,goodCamillo;
  IamsofraughtwithcuriousbusinessthatIleaveoutceremony。CAMILLOSir,IthinkYouhaveheardofmypoorservices,i’theloveThatIhaveborneyourfather?FLORIZELVerynoblyHaveyoudeserved:itismyfather’smusicTospeakyourdeeds,notlittleofhiscareTohavethemrecompensedasthoughton。CAMILLOWell,mylord,IfyoumaypleasetothinkIlovethekingAndthroughhimwhatisnearesttohim,whichisYourgraciousself,embracebutmydirection:
  IfyourmoreponderousandsettledprojectMaysufferalteration,onminehonour,I’llpointyouwhereyoushallhavesuchreceivingAsshallbecomeyourhighness;whereyoumayEnjoyyourmistress,fromthewhom,Isee,There’snodisjunctiontobemade,butby——
  Asheavensforefend!——yourruin;marryher,And,withmybestendeavoursinyourabsence,YourdiscontentingfatherstrivetoqualifyAndbringhimuptoliking。FLORIZELHow,Camillo,Maythis,almostamiracle,bedone?
  ThatImaycalltheesomethingmorethanmanAndafterthattrusttothee。CAMILLOHaveyouthoughtonAplacewheretoyou’llgo?FLORIZELNotanyyet:
  Butastheunthought—onaccidentisguiltyTowhatwewildlydo,soweprofessOurselvestobetheslavesofchanceandfliesOfeverywindthatblows。CAMILLOThenlisttome:
  Thisfollows,ifyouwillnotchangeyourpurposeButundergothisflight,makeforSicilia,Andtherepresentyourselfandyourfairprincess,ForsoIseeshemustbe,’foreLeontes:
  SheshallbehabitedasitbecomesThepartnerofyourbed。MethinksIseeLeontesopeninghisfreearmsandweepingHiswelcomesforth;askstheethesonforgiveness,As’twerei’thefather’sperson;kissesthehandsOfyourfreshprincess;o’erando’erdivideshim’Twixthisunkindnessandhiskindness;theoneHechidestohellandbidstheothergrowFasterthanthoughtortime。FLORIZELWorthyCamillo,WhatcolourformyvisitationshallI
  Holdupbeforehim?CAMILLOSentbythekingyourfatherTogreethimandtogivehimcomforts。Sir,Themannerofyourbearingtowardshim,withWhatyouasfromyourfathershalldeliver,Thingsknownbetwixtusthree,I’llwriteyoudown:
  ThewhichshallpointyouforthateverysittingWhatyoumustsay;thatheshallnotperceiveButthatyouhaveyourfather’sbosomthereAndspeakhisveryheart。FLORIZELIamboundtoyou:
  Thereissomesapinthis。CAMILLOAcausemorepromisingThanawilddedicationofyourselvesTounpath’dwaters,undream’dshores,mostcertainTomiseriesenough;nohopetohelpyou,Butasyoushakeoffonetotakeanother;
  Nothingsocertainasyouranchors,whoDotheirbestoffice,iftheycanbutstayyouWhereyou’llbeloathtobe:besidesyouknowProsperity’stheverybondoflove,WhosefreshcomplexionandwhosehearttogetherAfflictionalters。PERDITAOneoftheseistrue:
  Ithinkafflictionmaysubduethecheek,Butnottakeinthemind。CAMILLOYea,sayyouso?
  Thereshallnotatyourfather’shousethesesevenyearsBebornanothersuch。FLORIZELMygoodCamillo,SheisasforwardofherbreedingasSheisi’therearourbirth。CAMILLOIcannotsay’tispityShelacksinstructions,forsheseemsamistressTomostthatteach。PERDITAYourpardon,sir;forthisI’llblushyouthanks。FLORIZELMyprettiestPerdita!
  ButO,thethornswestandupon!Camillo,Preserverofmyfather,nowofme,Themedicineofourhouse,howshallwedo?
  Wearenotfurnish’dlikeBohemia’sson,NorshallappearinSicilia。CAMILLOMylord,Fearnoneofthis:IthinkyouknowmyfortunesDoallliethere:itshallbesomycareTohaveyouroyallyappointedasifThesceneyouplayweremine。Forinstance,sir,Thatyoumayknowyoushallnotwant,oneword。
  TheytalkasideRe—enterAUTOLYCUSAUTOLYCUSHa,ha!whatafoolHonestyis!andTrust,hisswornbrother,averysimplegentleman!Ihavesoldallmytrumpery;notacounterfeitstone,notaribbon,glass,pomander,brooch,table—book,ballad,knife,tape,glove,shoe—tie,bracelet,horn—ring,tokeepmypackfromfasting:theythrongwhoshouldbuyfirst,asifmytrinketshadbeenhallowedandbroughtabenedictiontothebuyer:
  bywhichmeansIsawwhosepursewasbestinpicture;andwhatIsaw,tomygooduseI
  remembered。Myclown,whowantsbutsomethingtobeareasonableman,grewsoinlovewiththewenches’song,thathewouldnotstirhispettitoestillhehadbothtuneandwords;whichsodrewtherestoftheherdtomethatalltheirothersensesstuckinears:youmighthavepinchedaplacket,itwassenseless;’twasnothingtogeldacodpieceofapurse;Icouldhavefiledkeysoffthathunginchains:nohearing,nofeeling,butmysir’ssong,andadmiringthenothingofit。SothatinthistimeoflethargyIpickedandcutmostoftheirfestivalpurses;andhadnottheoldmancomeinwithawhoo—bubagainsthisdaughterandtheking’ssonandscaredmychoughsfromthechaff,Ihadnotleftapursealiveinthewholearmy。
  CAMILLO,FLORIZEL,andPERDITAcomeforwardCAMILLONay,butmyletters,bythismeansbeingthereSosoonasyouarrive,shallclearthatdoubt。FLORIZELAndthosethatyou’llprocurefromKingLeontes——CAMILLOShallsatisfyyourfather。PERDITAHappybeyou!
  Allthatyouspeakshowsfair。CAMILLOWhohavewehere?
  SeeingAUTOLYCUS
  We’llmakeaninstrumentofthis,omitNothingmaygiveusaid。AUTOLYCUSIftheyhaveoverheardmenow,why,hanging。CAMILLOHownow,goodfellow!whyshakestthouso?Fearnot,man;here’snoharmintendedtothee。AUTOLYCUSIamapoorfellow,sir。CAMILLOWhy,besostill;here’snobodywillstealthatfromthee:yetfortheoutsideofthypovertywemustmakeanexchange;thereforediscasetheeinstantly,——thoumustthinkthere’sanecessityin’t,——andchangegarmentswiththisgentleman:thoughthepennyworthonhissidebetheworst,yetholdthee,there’ssomeboot。AUTOLYCUSIamapoorfellow,sir。
  AsideIknowyewellenough。CAMILLONay,prithee,dispatch:thegentlemanishalfflayedalready。AUTOLYCUSAreyouinearnest,sir?
  AsideIsmellthetrickon’t。FLORIZELDispatch,Iprithee。AUTOLYCUSIndeed,Ihavehadearnest:butIcannotwithconsciencetakeit。CAMILLOUnbuckle,unbuckle。
  FLORIZELandAUTOLYCUSexchangegarmentsFortunatemistress,——letmyprophecyComehometoye!——youmustretireyourselfIntosomecovert:takeyoursweetheart’shatAndpluckito’eryourbrows,muffleyourface,Dismantleyou,and,asyoucan,dislikenThetruthofyourownseeming;thatyoumay——
  ForIdofeareyesover——toshipboardGetundescried。PERDITAIseetheplaysoliesThatImustbearapart。CAMILLONoremedy。
  Haveyoudonethere?FLORIZELShouldInowmeetmyfather,Hewouldnotcallmeson。CAMILLONay,youshallhavenohat。
  GivingittoPERDITA
  Come,lady,come。Farewell,myfriend。AUTOLYCUSAdieu,sir。FLORIZELOPerdita,whathavewetwainforgot!
  Prayyou,aword。CAMILLO[Aside]WhatIdonext,shallbetotellthekingOfthisescapeandwhithertheyarebound;
  WhereinmyhopeisIshallsoprevailToforcehimafter:inwhosecompanyIshallreviewSicilia,forwhosesightIhaveawoman’slonging。FLORIZELFortunespeedus!
  Thusweseton,Camillo,tothesea—side。CAMILLOTheswifterspeedthebetter。
  ExeuntFLORIZEL,PERDITA,andCAMILLOAUTOLYCUSIunderstandthebusiness,Ihearit:
  tohaveanopenear,aquickeye,andanimblehand,isnecessaryforacut—purse;agoodnoseisrequisitealso,tosmelloutworkfortheothersenses。
  Iseethisisthetimethattheunjustmandoththrive。
  Whatanexchangehadthisbeenwithoutboot!
  Whatabootisherewiththisexchange!Surethegodsdothisyearconniveatus,andwemaydoanythingextempore。Theprincehimselfisaboutapieceofiniquity,stealingawayfromhisfatherwithhisclogathisheels:ifIthoughtitwereapieceofhonestytoacquaintthekingwithal,Iwouldnotdo’t:Iholditthemoreknaverytoconcealit;
  andthereinamIconstanttomyprofession。
  Re—enterClownandShepherdAside,aside;hereismorematterforahotbrain:
  everylane’send,everyshop,church,session,hanging,yieldsacarefulmanwork。ClownSee,see;whatamanyouarenow!
  Thereisnootherwaybuttotellthekingshe’sachangelingandnoneofyourfleshandblood。ShepherdNay,buthearme。ClownNay,buthearme。ShepherdGoto,then。ClownShebeingnoneofyourfleshandblood,yourfleshandbloodhasnotoffendedtheking;andsoyourfleshandbloodisnottobepunishedbyhim。
  Showthosethingsyoufoundabouther,thosesecretthings,allbutwhatshehaswithher:thisbeingdone,letthelawgowhistle:Iwarrantyou。ShepherdIwilltellthekingall,everyword,yea,andhisson’sprankstoo;who,Imaysay,isnohonestman,neithertohisfathernortome,togoabouttomakemetheking’sbrother—in—law。ClownIndeed,brother—in—lawwasthefarthestoffyoucouldhavebeentohimandthenyourbloodhadbeenthedearerbyIknowhowmuchanounce。AUTOLYCUS[Aside]Verywisely,puppies!ShepherdWell,letustotheking:thereisthatinthisfardelwillmakehimscratchhisbeard。AUTOLYCUS[Aside]Iknownotwhatimpedimentthiscomplaintmaybetotheflightofmymaster。ClownPrayheartilyhebeatpalace。AUTOLYCUS[Aside]ThoughIamnotnaturallyhonest,Iamsosometimesbychance:letmepocketupmypedlar’sexcrement。
  TakesoffhisfalsebeardHownow,rustics!whitherareyoubound?ShepherdTothepalace,anitlikeyourworship。AUTOLYCUSYouraffairsthere,what,withwhom,theconditionofthatfardel,theplaceofyourdwelling,yournames,yourages,ofwhathaving,breeding,andanythingthatisfittingtobeknown,discover。ClownWearebutplainfellows,sir。AUTOLYCUSAlie;youareroughandhairy。Letmehavenolying:itbecomesnonebuttradesmen,andtheyoftengiveussoldiersthelie:butwepaythemforitwithstampedcoin,notstabbingsteel;thereforetheydonotgiveusthelie。ClownYourworshiphadliketohavegivenusone,ifyouhadnottakenyourselfwiththemanner。ShepherdAreyouacourtier,an’tlikeyou,sir?AUTOLYCUSWhetheritlikemeorno,Iamacourtier。
  Seestthounottheairofthecourtintheseenfoldings?
  hathnotmygaitinitthemeasureofthecourt?
  receivesnotthynosecourt—odorfromme?reflectI
  notonthybasenesscourt—contempt?Thinkestthou,forthatIinsinuate,ortoazefromtheethybusiness,Iamthereforenocourtier?Iamcourtiercap—a—pe;andonethatwilleitherpushonorpluckbackthybusinessthere:whereuponIcommandtheetoopenthyaffair。ShepherdMybusiness,sir,istotheking。AUTOLYCUSWhatadvocatehastthoutohim?ShepherdIknownot,an’tlikeyou。ClownAdvocate’sthecourt—wordforapheasant:
  sayyouhavenone。ShepherdNone,sir;Ihavenopheasant,cocknorhen。AUTOLYCUSHowblessedarewethatarenotsimplemen!
  Yetnaturemighthavemademeastheseare,ThereforeIwillnotdisdain。ClownThiscannotbebutagreatcourtier。ShepherdHisgarmentsarerich,buthewearsthemnothandsomely。ClownHeseemstobethemorenobleinbeingfantastical:
  agreatman,I’llwarrant;Iknowbythepickingon’steeth。AUTOLYCUSThefardelthere?what’si’thefardel?
  Whereforethatbox?ShepherdSir,thereliessuchsecretsinthisfardelandbox,whichnonemustknowbuttheking;andwhichheshallknowwithinthishour,ifImaycometothespeechofhim。AUTOLYCUSAge,thouhastlostthylabour。ShepherdWhy,sir?AUTOLYCUSThekingisnotatthepalace;heisgoneaboardanewshiptopurgemelancholyandairhimself:
  for,ifthoubeestcapableofthingsserious,thoumustknowthekingisfullofgrief。ShepardSo’tissaid,sir;abouthisson,thatshouldhavemarriedashepherd’sdaughter。AUTOLYCUSIfthatshepherdbenotinhand—fast,lethimfly:
  thecursesheshallhave,thetorturesheshallfeel,willbreakthebackofman,theheartofmonster。ClownThinkyouso,sir?AUTOLYCUSNothealoneshallsufferwhatwitcanmakeheavyandvengeancebitter;butthosethataregermanetohim,thoughremovedfiftytimes,shallallcomeunderthehangman:whichthoughitbegreatpity,yetitisnecessary。Anoldsheep—whistlingroguearam—tender,tooffertohavehisdaughtercomeintograce!Somesayheshallbestoned;butthatdeathistoosoftforhim,sayIdrawourthroneintoasheep—cote!alldeathsaretoofew,thesharpesttooeasy。ClownHastheoldmane’erason,sir,doyouhear。an’tlikeyou,sir?AUTOLYCUSHehasason,whoshallbeflayedalive;
  then’nointedoverwithhoney,setontheheadofawasp’snest;thenstandtillhebethreequartersandadramdead;thenrecoveredagainwithaqua—vitaeorsomeotherhotinfusion;then,rawasheis,andinthehottestdayprognosticationproclaims,shallbebesetagainstabrick—wall,thesunlookingwithasouthwardeyeuponhim,whereheistobeholdhimwithfliesblowntodeath。Butwhattalkweofthesetraitorlyrascals,whosemiseriesaretobesmiledat,theiroffencesbeingsocapital?Tellme,foryouseemtobehonestplainmen,whatyouhavetotheking:beingsomethinggentlyconsidered,I’llbringyouwhereheisaboard,tenderyourpersonstohispresence,whisperhiminyourbehalfs;andifitbeinmanbesidesthekingtoeffectyoursuits,hereismanshalldoit。ClownHeseemstobeofgreatauthority:closewithhim,givehimgold;andthoughauthoritybeastubbornbear,yetheisoftledbythenosewithgold:
  showtheinsideofyourpursetotheoutsideofhishand,andnomoreado。Remember’stoned,’and’flayedalive。’ShepherdAn’tpleaseyou,sir,toundertakethebusinessforus,hereisthatgoldIhave:I’llmakeitasmuchmoreandleavethisyoungmaninpawntillI
  bringityou。AUTOLYCUSAfterIhavedonewhatIpromised?ShepherdAy,sir。AUTOLYCUSWell,givemethemoiety。Areyouapartyinthisbusiness?ClownInsomesort,sir:butthoughmycasebeapitifulone,IhopeIshallnotbeflayedoutofit。AUTOLYCUSO,that’sthecaseoftheshepherd’sson:hanghim,he’llbemadeanexample。ClownComfort,goodcomfort!Wemusttothekingandshowourstrangesights:hemustknow’tisnoneofyourdaughternormysister;wearegoneelse。Sir,I
  willgiveyouasmuchasthisoldmandoeswhenthebusinessisperformed,andremain,ashesays,yourpawntillitbebroughtyou。AUTOLYCUSIwilltrustyou。Walkbeforetowardthesea—side;
  goontherighthand:Iwillbutlookuponthehedgeandfollowyou。ClownWeareblestinthisman,asImaysay,evenblest。ShepherdLet’sbeforeashebidsus:hewasprovidedtodousgood。
  ExeuntShepherdandClownAUTOLYCUSIfIhadamindtobehonest,IseeFortunewouldnotsufferme:shedropsbootiesinmymouth。
  Iamcourtednowwithadoubleoccasion,goldandameanstodotheprincemymastergood;whichwhoknowshowthatmayturnbacktomyadvancement?Iwillbringthesetwomoles,theseblindones,aboardhim:
  ifhethinkitfittoshorethemagainandthatthecomplainttheyhavetothekingconcernshimnothing,lethimcallmerogueforbeingsofarofficious;forIamproofagainstthattitleandwhatshameelsebelongsto’t。TohimwillIpresentthem:theremaybematterinit。
  ExitACTVSCENEI。AroominLEONTES’palace。EnterLEONTES,CLEOMENES,DION,PAULINA,andServantsCLEOMENESSir,youhavedoneenough,andhaveperform’dAsaint—likesorrow:nofaultcouldyoumake,Whichyouhavenotredeem’d;indeed,paiddownMorepenitencethandonetrespass:atthelast,Doastheheavenshavedone,forgetyourevil;
  Withthemforgiveyourself。LEONTESWhilstIrememberHerandhervirtues,IcannotforgetMyblemishesinthem,andsostillthinkofThewrongIdidmyself;whichwassomuch,ThatheirlessithathmademykingdomandDestroy’dthesweet’stcompanionthate’ermanBredhishopesoutof。PAULINATrue,tootrue,mylord:
  If,onebyone,youweddedalltheworld,Orfromtheallthataretooksomethinggood,Tomakeaperfectwoman,sheyoukill’dWouldbeunparallel’d。LEONTESIthinkso。Kill’d!
  SheIkill’d!Ididso:butthoustrikestmeSorely,tosayIdid;itisasbitterUponthytongueasinmythought:now,goodnow,Saysobutseldom。CLEOMENESNotatall,goodlady:
  YoumighthavespokenathousandthingsthatwouldHavedonethetimemorebenefitandgracedYourkindnessbetter。PAULINAYouareoneofthoseWouldhavehimwedagain。DIONIfyouwouldnotso,Youpitynotthestate,northeremembranceOfhismostsovereignname;considerlittleWhatdangers,byhishighness’failofissue,MaydropuponhiskingdomanddevourIncertainlookerson。WhatweremoreholyThantorejoicetheformerqueeniswell?
  Whatholierthan,forroyalty’srepair,Forpresentcomfortandforfuturegood,ToblessthebedofmajestyagainWithasweetfellowto’t?PAULINAThereisnoneworthy,Respectingherthat’sgone。Besides,thegodsWillhavefulfill’dtheirsecretpurposes;
  ForhasnotthedivineApollosaid,Is’tnotthetenorofhisoracle,ThatKingLeontesshallnothaveanheirTillhislostchildbefound?whichthatitshall,IsallasmonstroustoourhumanreasonAsmyAntigonustobreakhisgraveAndcomeagaintome;who,onmylife,Didperishwiththeinfant。’TisyourcounselMylordshouldtotheheavensbecontrary,Opposeagainsttheirwills。
  ToLEONTES
  Carenotforissue;
  Thecrownwillfindanheir:greatAlexanderLefthistotheworthiest;sohissuccessorWasliketobethebest。LEONTESGoodPaulina,WhohastthememoryofHermione,Iknow,inhonour,O,thateverI
  Hadsquaredmetothycounsel!then,evennow,Imighthavelook’duponmyqueen’sfulleyes,Havetakentreasurefromherlips——PAULINAAndleftthemMorerichforwhattheyyielded。LEONTESThouspeak’sttruth。
  Nomoresuchwives;therefore,nowife:oneworse,Andbetterused,wouldmakehersaintedspiritAgainpossesshercorpse,andonthisstage,Wherewe’reoffendersnow,appearsoul—vex’d,Andbegin,’Whytome?’PAULINAHadshesuchpower,Shehadjustcause。LEONTESShehad;andwouldincensemeTomurderherImarried。PAULINAIshouldso。
  WereItheghostthatwalk’d,I’ldbidyoumarkHereye,andtellmeforwhatdullpartin’tYouchoseher;thenI’ldshriek,thatevenyourearsShouldrifttohearme;andthewordsthatfollow’dShouldbe’Remembermine。’LEONTESStars,stars,Andalleyeselsedeadcoals!Fearthounowife;
  I’llhavenowife,Paulina。PAULINAWillyouswearNevertomarrybutbymyfreeleave?LEONTESNever,Paulina;sobeblestmyspirit!PAULINAThen,goodmylords,bearwitnesstohisoath。CLEOMENESYoutempthimover—much。PAULINAUnlessanother,AslikeHermioneasisherpicture,Affronthiseye。CLEOMENESGoodmadam,——PAULINAIhavedone。
  Yet,ifmylordwillmarry,——ifyouwill,sir,Noremedy,butyouwill,——givemetheofficeTochooseyouaqueen:sheshallnotbesoyoungAswasyourformer;butsheshallbesuchAs,walk’dyourfirstqueen’sghost,itshouldtakejoyToseeherinyourarms。LEONTESMytruePaulina,Weshallnotmarrytillthoubid’stus。PAULINAThatShallbewhenyourfirstqueen’sagaininbreath;
  Nevertillthen。
  EnteraGentlemanGentlemanOnethatgivesouthimselfPrinceFlorizel,SonofPolixenes,withhisprincess,sheThefairestIhaveyetbeheld,desiresaccessToyourhighpresence。LEONTESWhatwithhim?hecomesnotLiketohisfather’sgreatness:hisapproach,Sooutofcircumstanceandsudden,tellsus’Tisnotavisitationframed,butforcedByneedandaccident。Whattrain?GentlemanButfew,Andthosebutmean。LEONTESHisprincess,sayyou,withhim?GentlemanAy,themostpeerlesspieceofearth,Ithink,Thate’erthesunshonebrighton。PAULINAOHermione,AseverypresenttimedothboastitselfAboveabettergone,somustthygraveGivewaytowhat’sseennow!Sir,youyourselfHavesaidandwritso,butyourwritingnowIscolderthanthattheme,’Shehadnotbeen,Norwasnottobeequall’d;’——thusyourverseFlow’dwithherbeautyonce:’tisshrewdlyebb’d,Tosayyouhaveseenabetter。GentlemanPardon,madam:
  TheoneIhavealmostforgot,——yourpardon,——
  Theother,whenshehasobtain’dyoureye,Willhaveyourtonguetoo。Thisisacreature,Wouldshebeginasect,mightquenchthezealOfallprofessorselse,makeproselytesOfwhoshebutbidfollow。PAULINAHow!notwomen?GentlemanWomenwillloveher,thatsheisawomanMoreworththananyman;men,thatsheisTherarestofallwomen。LEONTESGo,Cleomenes;
  Yourself,assistedwithyourhonour’dfriends,Bringthemtoourembracement。Still,’tisstrangeExeuntCLEOMENESandothersHethusshouldstealuponus。PAULINAHadourprince,Jewelofchildren,seenthishour,hehadpair’dWellwiththislord:therewasnotfullamonthBetweentheirbirths。LEONTESPrithee,nomore;cease;thouknow’stHediestomeagainwhentalk’dof:sure,WhenIshallseethisgentleman,thyspeechesWillbringmetoconsiderthatwhichmayUnfurnishmeofreason。Theyarecome。
  Re—enterCLEOMENESandothers,withFLORIZELandPERDITA
  Yourmotherwasmosttruetowedlock,prince;
  Forshedidprintyourroyalfatheroff,Conceivingyou:wereIbuttwenty—one,Yourfather’simageissohitinyou,Hisveryair,thatIshouldcallyoubrother,AsIdidhim,andspeakofsomethingwildlyByusperform’dbefore。Mostdearlywelcome!
  Andyourfairprincess,——goddess!——O,alas!
  Ilostacouple,that’twixtheavenandearthMightthushavestoodbegettingwonderasYou,graciouscouple,do:andthenIlost——
  Allmineownfolly——thesociety,Amitytoo,ofyourbravefather,whom,Thoughbearingmisery,IdesiremylifeOncemoretolookonhim。FLORIZELByhiscommandHaveIheretouch’dSiciliaandfromhimGiveyouallgreetingsthataking,atfriend,Cansendhisbrother:and,butinfirmityWhichwaitsuponworntimeshathsomethingseizedHiswish’dability,hehadhimselfThelandsandwaters’twixtyourthroneandhisMeasuredtolookuponyou;whomheloves——
  Hebademesayso——morethanallthesceptresAndthosethatbearthemliving。LEONTESOmybrother,Goodgentleman!thewrongsIhavedonetheestirAfreshwithinme,andthesethyoffices,Sorarelykind,areasinterpretersOfmybehind—handslackness。Welcomehither,Asisthespringtotheearth。AndhathhetooExposedthisparagontothefearfulusage,Atleastungentle,ofthedreadfulNeptune,Togreetamannotworthherpains,muchlessTheadventureofherperson?FLORIZELGoodmylord,ShecamefromLibya。LEONTESWherethewarlikeSmalus,Thatnoblehonour’dlord,isfear’dandloved?FLORIZELMostroyalsir,fromthence;fromhim,whosedaughterHistearsproclaim’dhis,partingwithher:thence,Aprosperoussouth—windfriendly,wehavecross’d,ToexecutethechargemyfathergavemeForvisitingyourhighness:mybesttrainIhavefromyourSicilianshoresdismiss’d;
  WhoforBohemiabend,tosignifyNotonlymysuccessinLibya,sir,Butmyarrivalandmywife’sinsafetyHerewhereweare。LEONTESTheblessedgodsPurgeallinfectionfromourairwhilstyouDoclimatehere!Youhaveaholyfather,Agracefulgentleman;againstwhoseperson,Sosacredasitis,Ihavedonesin:
  Forwhichtheheavens,takingangrynote,Haveleftmeissueless;andyourfather’sblest,Ashefromheavenmeritsit,withyouWorthyhisgoodness。WhatmightIhavebeen,MightIasonanddaughternowhavelook’don,Suchgoodlythingsasyou!
  EnteraLordLordMostnoblesir,ThatwhichIshallreportwillbearnocredit,Werenottheproofsonigh。Pleaseyou,greatsir,Bohemiagreetsyoufromhimselfbyme;
  Desiresyoutoattachhisson,whohas——
  Hisdignityanddutybothcastoff——
  Fledfromhisfather,fromhishopes,andwithAshepherd’sdaughter。LEONTESWhere’sBohemia?speak。LordHereinyourcity;Inowcamefromhim:
  Ispeakamazedly;anditbecomesMymarvelandmymessage。ToyourcourtWhileshewashastening,inthechase,itseems,Ofthisfaircouple,meetsheonthewayThefatherofthisseemingladyandHerbrother,havingboththeircountryquittedWiththisyoungprince。FLORIZELCamillohasbetray’dme;
  WhosehonourandwhosehonestytillnowEnduredallweathers。LordLay’tsotohischarge:
  He’swiththekingyourfather。LEONTESWho?Camillo?LordCamillo,sir;Ispakewithhim;whonowHasthesepoormeninquestion。NeversawI
  Wretchessoquake:theykneel,theykisstheearth;
  Forswearthemselvesasoftenastheyspeak:
  Bohemiastopshisears,andthreatensthemWithdiversdeathsindeath。PERDITAOmypoorfather!
  Theheavensetsspiesuponus,willnothaveOurcontractcelebrated。LEONTESYouaremarried?FLORIZELWearenot,sir,norareweliketobe;
  Thestars,Isee,willkissthevalleysfirst:
  Theoddsforhighandlow’salike。LEONTESMylord,Isthisthedaughterofaking?FLORIZELSheis,Whenoncesheismywife。LEONTESThat’once’Iseebyyourgoodfather’sspeedWillcomeonveryslowly。Iamsorry,Mostsorry,youhavebrokenfromhislikingWhereyouweretiedinduty,andassorryYourchoiceisnotsorichinworthasbeauty,Thatyoumightwellenjoyher。FLORIZELDear,lookup:
  ThoughFortune,visibleanenemy,Shouldchaseuswithmyfather,powernojotHathshetochangeourloves。Beseechyou,sir,RemembersinceyouowednomoretotimeThanIdonow:withthoughtofsuchaffections,Stepforthmineadvocate;atyourrequestMyfatherwillgrantpreciousthingsastrifles。LEONTESWouldhedoso,I’ldbegyourpreciousmistress,Whichhecountsbutatrifle。PAULINASir,myliege,Youreyehathtoomuchyouthin’t:notamonth’Foreyourqueendied,shewasmoreworthsuchgazesThanwhatyoulookonnow。LEONTESIthoughtofher,EvenintheselooksImade。
  ToFLORIZEL
  ButyourpetitionIsyetunanswer’d。Iwilltoyourfather:
  Yourhonournoto’erthrownbyyourdesires,Iamfriendtothemandyou:uponwhicherrandInowgotowardhim;thereforefollowmeAndmarkwhatwayImake:come,goodmylord。
  ExeuntSCENEII。BeforeLEONTES’palace。EnterAUTOLYCUSandaGentlemanAUTOLYCUSBeseechyou,sir,wereyoupresentatthisrelation?FirstGentlemanIwasbyattheopeningofthefardel,heardtheoldshepherddeliverthemannerhowhefoundit:
  whereupon,afteralittleamazedness,wewereallcommandedoutofthechamber;onlythismethoughtI
  heardtheshepherdsay,hefoundthechild。AUTOLYCUSIwouldmostgladlyknowtheissueofit。FirstGentlemanImakeabrokendeliveryofthebusiness;
  butthechangesIperceivedinthekingandCamillowereverynotesofadmiration:theyseemedalmost,withstaringononeanother,totearthecasesoftheireyes;therewasspeechintheirdumbness,languageintheirverygesture;theylookedastheyhadheardofaworldransomed,oronedestroyed:anotablepassionofwonderappearedinthem;butthewisestbeholder,thatknewnomorebutseeing,couldnotsayiftheimportancewerejoyorsorrow;butintheextremityoftheone,itmustneedsbe。
  EnteranotherGentlemanHerecomesagentlemanthathaplyknowsmore。
  Thenews,Rogero?SecondGentlemanNothingbutbonfires:theoracleisfulfilled;
  theking’sdaughterisfound:suchadealofwonderisbrokenoutwithinthishourthatballad—makerscannotbeabletoexpressit。
  EnterathirdGentlemanHerecomestheLadyPaulina’ssteward:hecandeliveryoumore。Howgoesitnow,sir?thisnewswhichiscalledtrueissolikeanoldtale,thattheverityofitisinstrongsuspicion:hasthekingfoundhisheir?ThirdGentlemanMosttrue,ifevertruthwerepregnantbycircumstance:thatwhichyouhearyou’llswearyousee,thereissuchunityintheproofs。ThemantleofQueenHermione’s,herjewelabouttheneckofit,thelettersofAntigonusfoundwithitwhichtheyknowtobehischaracter,themajestyofthecreatureinresemblanceofthemother,theaffectionofnoblenesswhichnatureshowsaboveherbreeding,andmanyotherevidencesproclaimherwithallcertaintytobetheking’sdaughter。Didyouseethemeetingofthetwokings?SecondGentlemanNo。ThirdGentlemanThenhaveyoulostasight,whichwastobeseen,cannotbespokenof。Theremightyouhavebeheldonejoycrownanother,soandinsuchmannerthatitseemedsorrowwepttotakeleaveofthem,fortheirjoywadedintears。Therewascastingupofeyes,holdingupofhands,withcountenancesofsuchdistractionthattheyweretobeknownbygarment,notbyfavour。Ourking,beingreadytoleapoutofhimselfforjoyofhisfounddaughter,asifthatjoywerenowbecomealoss,cries’O,thymother,thymother!’thenasksBohemiaforgiveness;thenembraceshisson—in—law;thenagainworrieshehisdaughterwithclippingher;nowhethankstheoldshepherd,whichstandsbylikeaweather—bittenconduitofmanykings’reigns。Ineverheardofsuchanotherencounter,whichlamesreporttofollowitandundoesdescriptiontodoit。SecondGentlemanWhat,prayyou,becameofAntigonus,thatcarriedhencethechild?ThirdGentlemanLikeanoldtalestill,whichwillhavemattertorehearse,thoughcreditbeasleepandnotanearopen。Hewastorntopieceswithabear:thisavouchestheshepherd’sson;whohasnotonlyhisinnocence,whichseemsmuch,tojustifyhim,butahandkerchiefandringsofhisthatPaulinaknows。FirstGentlemanWhatbecameofhisbarkandhisfollowers?ThirdGentlemanWreckedthesameinstantoftheirmaster’sdeathandintheviewoftheshepherd:sothatalltheinstrumentswhichaidedtoexposethechildwereeventhenlostwhenitwasfound。ButO,thenoblecombatthat’twixtjoyandsorrowwasfoughtinPaulina!Shehadoneeyedeclinedforthelossofherhusband,anotherelevatedthattheoraclewasfulfilled:sheliftedtheprincessfromtheearth,andsolocksherinembracing,asifshewouldpinhertoherheartthatshemightnomorebeindangeroflosing。FirstGentlemanThedignityofthisactwasworththeaudienceofkingsandprinces;forbysuchwasitacted。ThirdGentlemanOneoftheprettiesttouchesofallandthatwhichangledformineeyes,caughtthewaterthoughnotthefish,waswhen,attherelationofthequeen’sdeath,withthemannerhowshecameto’tbravelyconfessedandlamentedbytheking,howattentivenesswoundedhisdaughter;till,fromonesignofdolourtoanother,shedid,withan’Alas,’
  Iwouldfainsay,bleedtears,forIamsuremyheartweptblood。Whowasmostmarbletherechangedcolour;someswooned,allsorrowed:ifalltheworldcouldhaveseen’t,thewoehadbeenuniversal。FirstGentlemanAretheyreturnedtothecourt?ThirdGentlemanNo:theprincesshearingofhermother’sstatue,whichisinthekeepingofPaulina,——apiecemanyyearsindoingandnownewlyperformedbythatrareItalianmaster,JulioRomano,who,hadhehimselfeternityandcouldputbreathintohiswork,wouldbeguileNatureofhercustom,soperfectlyheisherape:hesoneartoHermionehathdoneHermionethattheysayonewouldspeaktoherandstandinhopeofanswer:thitherwithallgreedinessofaffectionaretheygone,andtheretheyintendtosup。SecondGentlemanIthoughtshehadsomegreatmatterthereinhand;
  forshehathprivatelytwiceorthriceaday,eversincethedeathofHermione,visitedthatremovedhouse。Shallwethitherandwithourcompanypiecetherejoicing?FirstGentlemanWhowouldbethencethathasthebenefitofaccess?
  everywinkofaneyesomenewgracewillbeborn:
  ourabsencemakesusunthriftytoourknowledge。
  Let’salong。
  ExeuntGentlemenAUTOLYCUSNow,hadInotthedashofmyformerlifeinme,wouldprefermentdroponmyhead。Ibroughttheoldmanandhissonaboardtheprince:toldhimI
  heardthemtalkofafardelandIknownotwhat:butheatthattime,overfondoftheshepherd’sdaughter,sohethentookhertobe,whobegantobemuchsea—sick,andhimselflittlebetter,extremityofweathercontinuing,thismysteryremainedundiscovered。But’tisallonetome;forhadI
  beenthefinderoutofthissecret,itwouldnothaverelishedamongmyotherdiscredits。
  EnterShepherdandClownHerecomethoseIhavedonegoodtoagainstmywill,andalreadyappearingintheblossomsoftheirfortune。ShepherdCome,boy;Iampastmoechildren,butthysonsanddaughterswillbeallgentlemenborn。ClownYouarewellmet,sir。Youdeniedtofightwithmethisotherday,becauseIwasnogentlemanborn。
  Seeyoutheseclothes?sayyouseethemnotandthinkmestillnogentlemanborn:youwerebestsaytheserobesarenotgentlemenborn:givemethelie,do,andtrywhetherIamnotnowagentlemanborn。AUTOLYCUSIknowyouarenow,sir,agentlemanborn。ClownAy,andhavebeensoanytimethesefourhours。ShepherdAndsohaveI,boy。ClownSoyouhave:butIwasagentlemanbornbeforemyfather;fortheking’ssontookmebythehand,andcalledmebrother;andthenthetwokingscalledmyfatherbrother;andthentheprincemybrotherandtheprincessmysistercalledmyfatherfather;
  andsowewept,andtherewasthefirstgentleman—liketearsthateverweshed。ShepherdWemaylive,son,toshedmanymore。ClownAy;orelse’twerehardluck,beinginsopreposterousestateasweare。AUTOLYCUSIhumblybeseechyou,sir,topardonmeallthefaultsIhavecommittedtoyourworshipandtogivemeyourgoodreporttotheprincemymaster。ShepherdPrithee,son,do;forwemustbegentle,nowwearegentlemen。ClownThouwiltamendthylife?AUTOLYCUSAy,anitlikeyourgoodworship。ClownGivemethyhand:IwillsweartotheprincethouartashonestatruefellowasanyisinBohemia。ShepherdYoumaysayit,butnotswearit。ClownNotswearit,nowIamagentleman?Letboorsandfranklinssayit,I’llswearit。ShepherdHowifitbefalse,son?ClownIfitbene’ersofalse,atruegentlemanmayswearitinthebehalfofhisfriend:andI’llsweartotheprincethouartatallfellowofthyhandsandthatthouwiltnotbedrunk;butIknowthouartnotallfellowofthyhandsandthatthouwiltbedrunk:butI’llswearit,andIwouldthouwouldstbeatallfellowofthyhands。AUTOLYCUSIwillproveso,sir,tomypower。ClownAy,byanymeansproveatallfellow:
  ifIdonotwonderhowthoudarestventuretobedrunk,notbeingatallfellow,trustmenot。Hark!thekingsandtheprinces,ourkindred,aregoingtoseethequeen’spicture。Come,followus:we’llbethygoodmasters。
  ExeuntSCENEIII。AchapelinPAULINA’Shouse。EnterLEONTES,POLIXENES,FLORIZEL,PERDITA,CAMILLO,PAULINA,Lords,andAttendantsLEONTESOgraveandgoodPaulina,thegreatcomfortThatIhavehadofthee!PAULINAWhat,sovereignsir,IdidnotwellImeantwell。AllmyservicesYouhavepaidhome:butthatyouhavevouchsafed,Withyourcrown’dbrotherandtheseyourcontractedHeirsofyourkingdoms,mypoorhousetovisit,Itisasurplusofyourgrace,whichneverMylifemaylasttoanswer。LEONTESOPaulina,Wehonouryouwithtrouble:butwecameToseethestatueofourqueen:yourgalleryHavewepass’dthrough,notwithoutmuchcontentInmanysingularities;butwesawnotThatwhichmydaughtercametolookupon,Thestatueofhermother。PAULINAAsshelivedpeerless,Soherdeadlikeness,Idowellbelieve,Excelswhateveryetyoulook’duponOrhandofmanhathdone;thereforeIkeepitLonely,apart。Buthereitis:prepareToseethelifeaslivelymock’daseverStillsleepmock’ddeath:behold,andsay’tiswell。
  PAULINAdrawsacurtain,anddiscoversHERMIONEstandinglikeastatueIlikeyoursilence,itthemoreshowsoffYourwonder:butyetspeak;first,you,myliege,Comesitnotsomethingnear?LEONTESHernaturalposture!
  Chideme,dearstone,thatImaysayindeedThouartHermione;orrather,thouartsheInthynotchiding,forshewasastenderAsinfancyandgrace。Butyet,Paulina,Hermionewasnotsomuchwrinkled,nothingSoagedasthisseems。POLIXENESO,notbymuch。PAULINASomuchthemoreourcarver’sexcellence;
  WhichletsgobysomesixteenyearsandmakesherAsshelivednow。LEONTESAsnowshemighthavedone,Somuchtomygoodcomfort,asitisNowpiercingtomysoul。O,thusshestood,Evenwithsuchlifeofmajesty,warmlife,Asnowitcoldlystands,whenfirstIwoo’dher!
  Iamashamed:doesnotthestonerebukemeForbeingmorestonethanit?Oroyalpiece,There’smagicinthymajesty,whichhasMyevilsconjuredtoremembranceandFromthyadmiringdaughtertookthespirits,Standinglikestonewiththee。PERDITAAndgivemeleave,Anddonotsay’tissuperstition,thatIkneelandthenimploreherblessing。Lady,Dearqueen,thatendedwhenIbutbegan,Givemethathandofyourstokiss。PAULINAO,patience!
  Thestatueisbutnewlyfix’d,thecolour’sNotdry。CAMILLOMylord,yoursorrowwastoosorelaidon,Whichsixteenwinterscannotblowaway,Somanysummersdry;scarceanyjoyDideversolonglive;nosorrowButkill’ditselfmuchsooner。POLIXENESDearmybrother,LethimthatwasthecauseofthishavepowerTotakeoffsomuchgrieffromyouasheWillpieceupinhimself。PAULINAIndeed,mylord,IfIhadthoughtthesightofmypoorimageWouldthushavewroughtyou,——forthestoneismine——
  I’ldnothaveshow’dit。LEONTESDonotdrawthecurtain。PAULINANolongershallyougazeon’t,lestyourfancyMaythinkanonitmoves。LEONTESLetbe,letbe。
  WouldIweredead,butthat,methinks,already——
  Whatwashethatdidmakeit?See,mylord,Wouldyounotdeemitbreathed?andthatthoseveinsDidverilybearblood?POLIXENESMasterlydone:
  Theverylifeseemswarmuponherlip。LEONTESThefixtureofhereyehasmotionin’t,Aswearemock’dwithart。PAULINAI’lldrawthecurtain:
  Mylord’salmostsofartransportedthatHe’llthinkanonitlives。LEONTESOsweetPaulina,Makemetothinksotwentyyearstogether!
  NosettledsensesoftheworldcanmatchThepleasureofthatmadness。Let’talone。PAULINAIamsorry,sir,Ihavethusfarstirr’dyou:butIcouldafflictyoufarther。LEONTESDo,Paulina;
  ForthisafflictionhasatasteassweetAsanycordialcomfort。Still,methinks,Thereisanaircomesfromher:whatfinechiselCouldeveryetcutbreath?Letnomanmockme,ForIwillkissher。PAULINAGoodmylord,forbear:
  Theruddinessuponherlipiswet;
  You’llmaritifyoukissit,stainyourownWithoilypainting。ShallIdrawthecurtain?LEONTESNo,notthesetwentyyears。PERDITASolongcouldI
  Standby,alookeron。PAULINAEitherforbear,Quitpresentlythechapel,orresolveyouFormoreamazement。Ifyoucanbeholdit,I’llmakethestatuemoveindeed,descendAndtakeyoubythehand;butthenyou’llthink——
  WhichIprotestagainst——IamassistedBywickedpowers。LEONTESWhatyoucanmakeherdo,Iamcontenttolookon:whattospeak,Iamcontenttohear;for’tisaseasyTomakeherspeakasmove。PAULINAItisrequiredYoudoawakeyourfaith。Thenallstandstill;
  On:thosethatthinkitisunlawfulbusinessIamabout,letthemdepart。LEONTESProceed:
  Nofootshallstir。PAULINAMusic,awakeher;strike!
  Music’Tistime;descend;bestonenomore;approach;
  Strikeallthatlookuponwithmarvel。Come,I’llfillyourgraveup:stir,nay,comeaway,Bequeathtodeathyournumbness,forfromhimDearliferedeemsyou。Youperceiveshestirs:
  HERMIONEcomesdownStartnot;heractionsshallbeholyasYouhearmyspellislawful:donotshunherUntilyouseeherdieagain;forthenYoukillherdouble。Nay,presentyourhand:
  Whenshewasyoungyouwoo’dher;nowinageIsshebecomethesuitor?LEONTESO,she’swarm!
  Ifthisbemagic,letitbeanartLawfulaseating。POLIXENESSheembraceshim。CAMILLOShehangsabouthisneck:
  Ifshepertaintolifeletherspeaktoo。POLIXENESAy,andmake’tmanifestwhereshehaslived,Orhowstolenfromthedead。PAULINAThatsheisliving,Wereitbuttoldyou,shouldbehootedatLikeanoldtale:butitappearsshelives,Thoughyetshespeaknot。Markalittlewhile。
  Pleaseyoutointerpose,fairmadam:kneelAndprayyourmother’sblessing。Turn,goodlady;
  OurPerditaisfound。HERMIONEYougods,lookdownAndfromyoursacredvialspouryourgracesUponmydaughter’shead!Tellme,mineown。
  Wherehastthoubeenpreserved?wherelived?
  howfoundThyfather’scourt?forthoushalthearthatI,KnowingbyPaulinathattheoracleGavehopethouwastinbeing,havepreservedMyselftoseetheissue。PAULINAThere’stimeenoughforthat;
  LesttheydesireuponthispushtotroubleYourjoyswithlikerelation。Gotogether,Youpreciouswinnersall;yourexultationPartaketoeveryone。I,anoldturtle,Willwingmetosomewither’dboughandthereMymate,that’snevertobefoundagain,LamenttillIamlost。LEONTESO,peace,Paulina!
  Thoushouldstahusbandtakebymyconsent,AsIbythineawife:thisisamatch,Andmadebetween’sbyvows。Thouhastfoundmine;
  Buthow,istobequestion’d;forIsawher,AsIthought,dead,andhaveinvainsaidmanyAprayeruponhergrave。I’llnotseekfar——
  Forhim,Ipartlyknowhismind——tofindtheeAnhonourablehusband。Come,Camillo,Andtakeherbythehand,whoseworthandhonestyIsrichlynotedandherejustifiedByus,apairofkings。Let’sfromthisplace。
  What!lookuponmybrother:bothyourpardons,Thate’erIputbetweenyourholylooksMyillsuspicion。Thisisyourson—in—law,Andsonuntotheking,who,heavensdirecting,Istroth—plighttoyourdaughter。GoodPaulina,Leadusfromhence,wherewemayleisurelyEachonedemandananswertohispartPerform’dinthiswidegapoftimesincefirstWeweredissever’d:hastilyleadaway。