Yet, for a greater confirmation, (For, in an act of this importance, 'twere Most piteous to be wild,) I have despatch'd in post, Of stuff'd sufficiency: Now, from the oracle 1 Lord. Well done, my lord. Leon. Though I am satisfied, and need no more Give rest to th' minds of others; such as he, Come up to th' 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? Keep. For a worthy lady, Pray you then. And one whom much I honour. Paul. 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 Th' access of gentle visitors!- -Is it lawful, Keep. So please you, madam, to put 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 colouring. Re-enter Keeper, with EMILIA. Dear gentlewoman, how fares our gracious lady? Emil. Paul. I dare be sworn :· These dangerous unsafe lunes o' th' 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. Emil. Most worthy madam, Your honour, and your goodness, is so evident, 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. Tell her, Emilia, I'll use that tongue I have: if wit flow from it, Emil. Now be you blest for it! I'll to the queen: 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. Paul. Do not you fear: upon Mine honour, I will stand 'twixt you and danger. [Exeun.. SCENE III.-The same. A room in the palace. Enter LEONTES, ANTIGONUS, Lords, and other Attendants. Leen. Nor night, nor day, no rest: It is but weak ness To bear the matter thus; mere weakness, if 1 Atten. Leon. How does the boy? 1 Atten. -Who's there? My lord? [Advancing. He took good rest to-night; To see, 'Tis hop'd, his sickness is discharg'd. Leon. His nobleness! Conceiving the dishonour of his mother, 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; More free, than he is jealous. Ant. That's enough. 1 Atten. Madam, he hath not slept to-night; com That creep like shadows by him, and do sigh |