The loss, the gain, the ordering on't, is all Ant. And I wish, my liege, You had only in your silent judgment tried it, Leo. How could that be? Either thou art most ignorant by age, Or thou wert born a fool. Camillo's flight, (Which was as gross as ever touch'd conjecture, Made up to the deed,) doth push on this proceeding; (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. Leo. Though I am satisfied, and need no more Give rest to the 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, SCENE II. The same. The outer Room of a Prison. and Attendants. [Exeunt Enter PAULINA Paul. The keeper of the prison,-call to him; [Exit an Attendant. Let him have knowledge who I am.-Good lady! Approbation, in this place, is put for proof. JOHNSON. No court in Europe is too good for thee, What dost thou then in prison ?-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 Th' access of gentle visitors!-Is it lawful, Keep. So please you, madam, To put apart these your attendants, I shall bring Paul. I pray now, call her. Withdraw yourselves. Keep. And, madam, I must be present at your conference. Paul. Well, be it so, pr'ythee. [Exeunt Attendants [Exit Keeper Here's such ado to make no stain a stain, Re-enter Keeper, with EMILIA. Dear gentlewoman, how fares our gracious lady? Emil. A daughter, and a goodly babe, Paul. I dare be sworn : These dangerous unsafe lunes o' th' king" beshrew them! [5] I have no where, but in our author, observed this word adopted in our tongue to signify frenzy, lunacy. But it is a mode of expression with the French.-Ilya de la lune: (i. e. he has got the moon in his head; he is frantic.) THEOBALD. He must be told on't, and he shall the office The trumpet any more :-Pray you, Emilia, 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. You need not fear it, sir: The child was prisoner to the womb; and is, By law and process of great nature, thence Freed and enfranchis'd: not a party to The anger of the king; nor guilty of, Paul. Do not you fear: upon Mine honour, I will stand 'twixt you and danger. [Exeunt SCENE III. The same. Enter LEONTES, ANTI A Room in the Palace. Leo. Nor night, nor day, no rest: It is but weakness To bear the matter thus; mere weakness, if The cause were not in being;-part o' th' cause, Leo. How does the boy? 1 Attend. He took good rest to-night; "Tis hop'd, his sickness is discharg'd. Leo. To see, His nobleness! [Advancing Conceiving the dishonour of his mother, of him ; The very thought of my revenges that way And in his parties, his alliance,—Let him be, Laugh at me; make their pastime at my sorrow: Enter PAULINA, with a Child. 1 Lord. 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. [6] Blank and level, mean mark and aim; they are terms of gunnery. DOUCE 1 Atten. Madam, he hath not slept to-night; commanded None should come at him. Paul. Not so hot, good sir; I come to bring him sleep.-'Tis such as you,— Do come with words as med'cinal as true; Leo. What noise there, ho? Paul. No noise, my lord; but needful conference, About some gossips for your highness. Leo. How? Away with that audacious lady: Antigonus, I charg'd thee, that she should not come about me, Ant. I told her so, my lord, On your displeasure's peril, and on mine, Leo. What, canst not rule her? Paul. From all dishonesty, he can in this, Ant. Lo you now; you hear! When she will take the rein, I let her run; Paul. Good my liege, I come, And, I beseech you, hear me, who profess Leo. Good queen! Paul. Good queen, my lord, good queen: I say, good queen; And would by combat make her good, so were I A man, the worst about you. [7] To comfort, in old language, is to aid and encourage. Evils here mean wicked courses. MALONE. VOL. III. 4 |