Mr. VVilliam Shakespeares comedies, histories, & tragedies Published according to the true originall copies.
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- Title
- Mr. VVilliam Shakespeares comedies, histories, & tragedies Published according to the true originall copies.
- Author
- Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616.
- Publication
- London :: Printed by Isaac Iaggard, and Ed. Blount [at the charges of W. Iaggard, Ed. Blount, I. Smithweeke, and W. Aspley],
- 1623.
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"Mr. VVilliam Shakespeares comedies, histories, & tragedies Published according to the true originall copies." In the digital collection Early English Books Online. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A11954.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed May 8, 2024.
Pages
Page 277
The Winters Tale.
Actus Primus.
Scoena Prima.
IF you shall chance (Camillo) to visit Bohemia, on the like occasion whereon my seruices are now on-foot, you shall see (as I haue said) great dif∣ference betwixt our Bohemia, and your Sicilia.
I thinke, this comming Summer, the King of Sicilia meanes to pay Bohemia the Visitation, which hee iustly owes him.
Wherein our Entertainment shall shame vs: we will be iustified in our Loues: for indeed—
'Beseech you—
Verely I speake it in the freedome of my know∣ledge: we cannot with such magnificence— in so rare— I know not what to say— Wee will giue you sleepie Drinkes, that your Sences (vn-intelligent of our insuffi∣cience) may, though they cannot prayse vs, as little ac∣cuse vs.
You pay a great deale to deare, for what's giuen freely.
'Beleeue me, I speake as my vnderstanding in∣structs me, and as mine honestie puts it to vtterance.
Sicilia cannot shew himselfe ouer-kind to Bohe∣mia: They were trayn'd together in their Child-hoods; and there rooted betwixt them then such an affection, which cannot chuse but braunch now. Since their more mature Dignities, and Royall Necessities, made seperati∣on of their Societie, their Encounters (though not Perso∣nall) hath been Royally attornyed with enter-change of Gifts, Letters, louing Embassies, that they haue seem'd to be together, though absent: shooke hands, as ouer a Vast; and embrac'd as it were from the ends of opposed Winds. The Heauens continue their Loues.
I thinke there is not in the World, either Malice or Matter, to alter it. You haue an vnspeakable comfort of your young Prince Mamillius: it is a Gentleman of the greatest Promise, that euer came into my Note.
I very well agree with you, in the hopes of him: it is a gallant Child; one, that (indeed) Physicks the Sub∣iect, makes old hearts fresh: they that went on Crutches ere he was borne, desire yet their life, to see him a Man.
Would they else be content to die?
Yes; if there were no other excuse, why they should desire to liue.
If the King had no Sonne, they would desire to liue on Crutches till he had one.
Scoena Secunda.
No longer stay.
One Seue'night longer.
Very sooth, to morrow.
Wee'le part the time betweene's then: and in that Ile no gaine-saying.
Tongue-ty'd our Queene? speake you.
Well said, Hermione.
Page 278
No, Madame.
Nay, but you will?
I may not verely.
Is he woon yet?
Hee'le stay (my Lord.)
Neuer?
Neuer, but once.
I, my good Lord.
Yes, if you will (my Lord.)
What meanes Sicilia?
He something seemes vnsetled.
How? my Lord?
What cheere? how is't with you, best Brother?
Page 279
No (my Lord) Ile fight.
I am like you say.
I, my good Lord.
Didst note it?
At the good Queenes entreatie.
Businesse, my Lord? I thinke most vnderstand Bohemia stayes here longer.
Ha?
Stayes here longer.
I, but why?
Be it forbid (my Lord.)
Page 280
Say it be, 'tis true.
No, no, my Lord.
Who do's infect her?
Ile do't, my Lord.
I wil seeme friendly, as thou hast aduis'd me.
Hayle most Royall Sir.
What is the Newes i' th' Court?
None rare (my Lord.)
I dare not know (my Lord.)
Page 281
I may not answere.
On, good Camillo.
I am appointed him to murther you.
By whom, Camillo?
By the King.
For what?
How should this grow?
Actus Secundus.
Scena Prima.
No, Ile none of you.
Why (my sweet Lord?)
And why so (my Lord?)
Who taught 'this?
Blew (my Lord.)
Merry, or sad, shal't be?
As merry as you will.
Page 282
There was a man.
Nay, come sit downe: then on.
Come on then, and giu't me in mine care.
Was hee met there? his Traine? Camillo with him?
What is this? Sport?
Shall I be heard?
Goe, doe our bidding: hence.
Beseech your Highnesse call the Queene againe.
Hold your peaces.
Good my Lord.
Page 283
What? lacke I credit?
Well done (my Lord.)
Scena Secunda.
A boy?
Page 284
I do beleeue it.
Scaena Tertia.
My Lord.
How do's the boy?
You must not enter.
That's enough.
Who noyse there, hoe?
What? canst not rule her?
Good Queene?
Force her hence.
He dreads his Wife.
A nest of Traitors.
I am none, by this good light.
Page 285
Once more take her hence.
Ile h••' thee burnt.
You're lyers all.
I will (my Lord.)
Page 286
Actus Tertius.
Scena Prima.
Scoena Secunda.
Reade the Indictment.
Hermione, Queene to the worthy Leontes, King of Sicilia, thou art here accused and arraigned of High Trea∣son, in committing Adultery with Polixenes King of Bohemia, and conspiring with Camillo to take away the Life of our Soue∣raigne Lord the King, thy Royall Husband: the pretence whereof being by circumstances partly layd open, thou (Hermione) con∣trary to the Faith and Allegeance of a true Subiect▪ didst coun∣saile and ayde them, for their better safetie, to flye away by Night.
You will not owne it.
Page 287
All this we sweare.
Breake vp the Seales, and read.
Hermione is chast, Polixenes blamelesse, Camillo a true Subiect, Leontes a iealous Tyrant, his innocent Babe truly begotten, and the King shall liue without an Heire, if that which is lost, be not found.
Now blessed be the great Apollo.
Praysed.
Hast thou read truth?
I (my Lord) euen so as it is here set downe.
My Lord the King: the King?
What is the businesse?
How? gone?
Is dead.
What fit is this? good Lady?
Page 288
The higher powres forbid.
Scaena Tertia.
I would there were no age betweene ten and three and twenty, or that youth would sleep out the rest: for there is nothing (in the betweene) but getting wen∣ches with childe, wronging the Auncientry, stealing, fighting, hearke you now: would any but these boylde-braines of nineteene, and two and twenty hunt this wea∣ther? They haue scarr'd away two of my best Sheepe, which I feare the Wolfe will sooner finde then the Mai∣ster; if any where I haue them, 'tis by the sea-side, brou∣zing of Iuy▪ Good-lucke (and't be thy will) what haue we heere? Mercy on's, a Barne? A very pretty barne; A boy, or a Childe I wonder? (A pretty one, a verie prettie one) sure some Scape; Though I am not bookish▪ yet I
Page 289
can reade Waiting-Gentlewoman in the scape: this has beene some staire-worke, some Trunke-worke, some be∣hinde-doore worke: they were warmer that got this, then the poore Thing is heere. Ile take it vp for pity, yet Ile tarry till my sonne come: he hallow'd but euen now. Whoa-ho-hoa.
Hilloa, loa.
What? art so neere? If thou'lt see a thing to talke on, when thou art dead and rotten, come hither: what ayl'st thou, man?
I haue seene two such sights, by Sea & by Land: but I am not to say it is a Sea, for it is now the skie, be∣twixt the Firmament and it, you cannot thrust a bodkins point.
Why boy, how is it?
I would you did but see how it chases, how it ra∣ges, how it takes vp the shore, but that's not to the point: Oh, the most pitteous cry of the poore soules, sometimes to see 'em, and not to see 'em: Now the Shippe boaring the Moone with her maine Mast, and anon swallowed with yest and froth, as you'ld thrust a Corke into a hogs∣head. And then for the Land-seruice, to see how the Beare tore out his shoulder-bone, how he cride to mee for helpe, and said his name was Antigonus, a Nobleman: But to make an end of the Ship, to see how the Sea flap∣dragon'd it: but first, how the poore soules roared, and the sea mock'd them: and how the poore Gentleman roa∣red, and the Beare mock'd him, both roaring lowder then the sea, or weather.
Name of mercy, when was this boy?
Now, now: I haue not wink'd since I saw these sights: the men are not yet cold vnder water, nor the Beare halfe din'd on the Gentleman: he's at it now.
Would I had bin by, to haue help'd the olde man.
I would you had beene by the ship side, to haue help'd her; there your charity would haue lack'd footing.
Heauy matters, heauy matters: but looke thee heere boy. Now blesse thy selfe: thou met'st with things dying, I with things new borne Here's a sight for thee: Looke thee, a bearing-cloath for a Squires childe: looke thee heere, take vp, take vp (Boy:) open't: so, let's see, it was told me I should be rich by the Fairies. This is some Changeling: open't: what's within, boy?
You're a mad olde man: If the sinnes of your youth are forgiuen you, you're well to liue. Golde, all Gold.
This is Faiery Gold boy, and 'twill proue so: vp with't, keepe it close: home, home, the next way. We are luckie (boy) and to bee so still requires nothing but secrecie. Let my sheepe go: Come (good boy) the next way home.
Go you the next way with your Findings, Ile go see if the Beare bee gone from the Gentleman, and how much he hath eaten: they are neuer curst but when they are hungry: if there be any of him left, Ile bury it.
That's a good deed: if thou mayest discerne by that which is left of him, what he is, fetch me to th' sight of him.
'Marry will I: and you shall helpe to put him i' th' ground.
'Tis a lucky day, boy, and wee'l do good deeds on't
Actus Quartus.
Scena Prima.
Scena Secunda.
I pray thee (good Camillo) be no more importu∣nate: 'tis a sicknesse denying thee any thing: a death to grant this.
It is fifteene yeeres since I saw my Countrey: though I haue (for the most part) bin ayred abroad, I de∣sire to lay my bones there. Besides, the penitent King (my Master) hath sent for me, to whose feeling sorrowes I might be some allay, or I oreweene to thinke so) which is another spurre to my departure.
As thou lou'st me (Camillo) wipe not out the rest of thy seruices, by leauing me now: the neede I haue of thee, thine owne•• goodnesse hath made: better not to haue had thee, then thus to want thee, thou hauing made me Businesses, (which none (without thee) can suffici∣ently manage) must either stay to execute them thy selfe, or take away with thee the very seruices thou hast done: which if I haue not enough considered (as too much I cannot) to bee more thankefull to thee, shall bee my stu∣die, and my profite therein, the heaping friendshippes. Of that fatall Countrey Sicillia, prethee speake no more, whose very naming, punnishes me with the remembrance
Page 290
of that penitent (as thou calst him) and reconciled King my brother, whose losse of his most precious Queene & Children, are euen now to be a-fresh lamented. Say to me, when saw'st thou the Prince Florizell my son? Kings are no lesse vnhappy, their issue, not being gracious, then they are in loosing them, when they haue approued their Vertues.
Sir, it is three dayes since I saw the Prince: what his happier affayres may be, are to me vnknowne: but I haue (missingly) noted, he is of late much retyred from Court, and is lesse frequent to his Princely exercises then formerly he hath appeared.
I haue considered so much (Camillo) and with some care, so farre, that I haue eyes vnder my seruice, which looke vpon his remouednesse: from whom I haue this Intelligence, that he is seldome from the house of a most homely shepheard: a man (they say) that from very nothing, and beyond the imagination of his neighbors, is growne into an vnspeakable estate.
I haue heard (sir) of such a man, who hath a daughter of most rare note: the report of her is extended more, then can be thought to begin from such a cottage
That's likewise part of my Intelligence: but (I feare) the Angle that pluckes our sonne thither. Thou shalt accompany vs to the place, where we will (not ap∣pearing what we are) haue some question with the shep∣heard; from whose simplicity, I thinke it not vneasie to get the cause of my sonnes resort thether. 'Prethe be my present partner in this busines, and lay aside the thoughts of Sicillia.
I willingly obey your command.
My best Camillo, we must disguise our selues.
Scena Tertia.
I haue seru'd Prince Florizell, and in my time wore three pile, but now I am out of seruice.
My Trafficke is sheetes: when the Kite builds, looke to lesser Linne••. My Father nam'd me Autolicus, who be∣ing (as I am) lytter'd vnder Mercurie, was likewise a snapper-vp of vnconsidered trifles: With Dye and drab, I purchas'd this Caparison, and my Reuennew is the silly Cheate. Gallowes, and Knocke, are too powerfull on the Highway. Beating and hanging are terrors to mee: For the life to come, I sleepe out the thought of it. A prize, a prize.
Let me see, euery Leauen-weather toddes, euery tod yeeldes pound and odde shilling: fifteene hundred shorne, what comes the wooll too?
If the sprindge hold, the Cocke's mine.
I cannot do't without Compters. Let mee see, what am I to buy for our Sheepe-shearing-Feast? Three pound of Sugar, fiue pound of Currence, Rice: What will this sister of mine do with Rice? But my father hath made her Mistris of the Feast, and she layes it on. Shee hath made-me four and twenty Nose-gayes for the shea∣rers (three-man song-men, all, and very good ones) but they are most of them Meanes and Bases; but one Pur∣itan amongst them, and he sings Psalmes to horne-pipes. I must haue Saffron to colour the Warden Pies, Mace: Dates, none: that's out of my note: Nutmegges, seuen; a Race or two of Ginger, but that I may begge: Foure pound of Prewyns, and as many of Reysons o' th Sun.
Oh, that euer I was borne.
I' th' name of me.
Oh helpe me, helpe mee: plucke but off these ragges: and then, death, death.
Alacke poore soule, thou hast need of more rags to lay on thee, rather then haue these off.
Oh sir, the loathsomnesse of them offend mee, more then the stripes I haue receiued, which are mightie ones and millions.
Alas poore man, a million of beating may come to a great matter.
I am rob'd sir, and beaten: my money, and ap∣parrell tane from me, and these derestable things put vp∣on me.
What, by a horse-man, or a foot-man?
A footman (sweet sir) a footman.
Indeed, he should be a footman, by the garments he has left with thee: If this bee a horsemans Coate, it hath seene very hot seruice. Lend me thy hand, Ile helpe thee. Come, lend me thy hand.
Oh good sir, tenderly, oh.
Alas poore soule.
Oh good sir, softly, good sir: I feare (sir) my shoulder-blade is out.
How now? Canst stand?
Softly, deere sir: good sir, softly: you ha done me a charitable office.
Doest lacke any mony? I haue a little mony for thee.
No, good sweet sir: no, I beseech you sir: I haue a Kinsman not past three quarters of a mile hence, vnto whome I was going: I shall there haue money, or anie thing I want: Offer me no money I pray you, that killes my heart.
What manner of Fellow was hee that robb'd you?
A fellow (sir) that I haue knowne to goe about with Troll-my-dames: I knew him once a seruant of the Prince: I cannot tell good sir, for which of his Ver∣tues it was, but hee was certainely Whipt out of the Court.
Page 291
His vices you would say: there's no vertue whipt out of the Court: they cherish it to make it stay there; and yet it will no more but abide.
Vices I would say (Sir.) I know this man well, he hath bene since an Ape-bearer, then a Processe-seruer (a Bayliffe) then hee compast a Motion of the Prodigall sonne, and married a Tinkers wife, within a Mile where my Land and Liuing lyes; and (hauing flowne ouer ma∣ny knauish professions) he setled onely in Rogue: some call him Autolicus.
Out vpon him: Prig, for my life Prig: he haunts Wakes, Faires, and Beare-baitings.
Very true sir: he sir hee: that's the Rogue that put me into this apparrell.
Not a more cowardly Rogue in all Bohemia; If you had but look'd bigge, and spit at him, hee'ld haue runne.
I must confesse to you (sir) I am no fighter: I am false of heart that way, & that he knew I warrant him.
How do you now?
Sweet sir, much better then I was: I can stand, and walke: I will euen take my leaue of you, & pace soft∣ly towards my Kinsmans.
Shall I bring thee on the way?
No, good fac'd sir, no sweet sir.
Then fartheewell, I must go buy Spices for our sheepe-shearing.
Prosper you sweet sir. Your purse is not hot e∣nough to purchase your Spice: Ile be with you at your sheepe-shearing too: If I make not this Cheat bring out another, and the sheerers proue sheepe, let me be vnrold, and my name put in the booke of Vertue.
Scena Quarta.
Page 292
So it is.
What? like a Coarse?
Ile sweare for 'em.
Come on: strike vp.
Mopsa must be your Mistris: marry Garlick to mend her kissing with.
Now in good time.
She dances fearly.
O Master: if you did but heare the Pedler at the doore, you would neuer dance againe after a Tabor and Pipe: no, the Bag-pipe could not moue you: hee singes seuerall Tunes, faster then you'l tell money: hee vtters them as he had eaten ballads, and all mens eares grew to his Tunes.
He could neuer come better: hee shall come in: I loue a ballad but euen too well, if it be dolefull matter merrily set downe: or a very pleasant thing indeede, and sung lamentably.
Page 293
He hath songs for man, or woman, of all sizes: No Milliner can so fit his customers with Gloues: he has the prettiest Loue-songs for Maids, so without bawdrie (which is strange,) with such delicate burthens of Dil∣do's and Fadings: Iump-her, and thump-her; and where some stretch-mouth'd Rascall, would (as it were) meane mischeefe, and breake a fowle gap into the Matter, hee makes the maid to answere, Whoop, doe me no harme good man: put's him off, slights him, with Whoop, doe mee no harme good man.
This is a braue fellow.
Beleeee mee, thou talkest of an admirable con∣ceited fellow, has he any vnbraided Wares?
Hee hath Ribbons of all the colours i' th Raine∣bow; Points, more then all the Lawyers in Bohemia, can learnedly handle, though they come to him by th' grosse: Inckles, Caddysses, Cambrickes, Lawnes: why he sings em ouer, as they were Gods, or Goddesses: you would thinke a Smocke were a shee-Angell, he so chauntes to the sleeue-hand, and the worke about the square on't:
Pre'thee bring him in, and let him approach sin∣ging.
Forewarne him, that he vse no scurrilous words in's tunes.
You haue of these Pedlers, that haue more in them, then youl'd thinke (Sister.)
I, good brother, or go about to thinke.
If I were not in loue with Mopsa, thou shouldst take no money of me, but being enthrall'd as I am, it will also be the bondage of certaine Ribbons and Gloues.
I was promis'd them against the Feast, but they come not too late now.
He hath promis'd you more then that, or there be lyars.
He hath paid you all he promis'd you: 'May be he has paid you more, which will shame you to giue him againe.
Is there no manners left among maids? Will they weare their plackets, where they should bear their faces? Is there not milking-time? When you are going to bed? Or kill-hole? To whistle of these secrets, but you must be tittle-tatling before all our guests? 'Tis well they are whispring: clamor your tongues, and not a word more.
I haue done; Come you promis'd me a tawdry-lace, and a paire of sweet Gloues.
Haue I not told thee how I was cozen'd by the way, and lost all my money.
And indeed Sir, there are Cozeners abroad, ther∣fore it behooues men to be wary.
Feare not thou man, thou shalt lose nothing here
I hope so sir, for I haue about me many parcels of charge.
What hast heere? Ballads?
Pray now buy some: I loue a ballet in print, a life, for then we are sure they are true.
Here's one, to a very dolefull tune, how a Vsu∣rers wife was brought to bed of twenty money baggs at a burthen, and how she long'd to eate Adders heads, and Toads carbonado'd.
Is it true, thinke you?
Very true, and but a moneth old.
Blesse me from marrying a Vsurer.
Here's the Midwiues name to't: one Mist. Tale-Porter, and fiue or six honest Wiues, that were present. Why should I carry lyes abroad?
'Pray you now buy it.
Come-on, lay it by: and let's first see moe Bal∣lads: Wee'l buy the other things anon.
Here's another ballad of a Fish, that appeared vpon the coast, on wensday the fourescore of April, fortie thousand fadom aboue water, & sung this ballad against the hard hearts of maids: it was thought she was a Wo∣man, and was turn'd into a cold fish, for she wold not ex∣change flesh with one that lou'd her: The Ballad is very pittifull, and as true.
Is it true too, thinke you.
Fiue Iustices hands at it, and witnesses more then my packe will hold.
Lay it by too; another.
This is a merry ballad, but a very pretty one.
Let's haue some merry ones.
Why this is a passing merry one, and goes to the tune of two maids wooing a man: there's scarse a Maide westward but she sings it: 'tis in request, I can tell you.
We can both sing it: if thou'lt beare a part, thou shalt heare, 'tis in three parts.
We had the tune on't, a month agoe.
I can beare my part, you must know 'tis my oc∣cupation: Haue at it with you.
Get you hence, for I must goe
Where it fits not you to know.
Whether?
O Whether?
Whether?
Or thou goest to th' Grange, or Mill,
If to either thou dost ill,
Neither.
What neither?
Neither:
Thou hast sworne my Loue to be,
Wee'l haue this song out anon by our selues: My Father, and the Gent▪ are in sad talke, & wee'll not trouble them: Come bring away thy pack after me, Wenches Ile buy for you both: Pedler let's haue the first choice; folow me girles.
And you shall pay well for 'em.
Mayster, there is three Carters, three Shep∣herds, three Neat-herds, three Swine-herds yt haue made
Page 294
themselues all men of haire, they cal themselues Saltiers, and they haue a Dance, which the Wenches say is a gal∣ly-maufrey of Gambols, because they are not in't: but they themselues are o' th' minde (if it bee not too rough for some, that know little but bowling) it will please plentifully.
Away: Wee'l none on't; heere has beene too much homely foolery already. I know (Sir) wee wea∣rie you.
You wearie those that refresh vs: pray let's see these foure-threes of Heardsmen.
One three of them, by their owne report (Sir,) hath danc'd before the King: and not the worst of the three, but iumpes twelue foote and a halfe by th' squire.
Leaue your prating, since these good men are pleas'd, let them come in: but quickly now.
Why, they stay at doore Sir.
Do, and be witnesse too't.
And this my neighbour too?
Fairely offer'd.
This shewes a sound affection.
I haue: but what of him?
Knowes he of this?
He neither do's, nor shall.
Let him know't.
He shall not.
Prethee let him.
No, he must not.
Oh my heart.
Page 295
Euen he, my Lord.
Be aduis'd.
This is desperate (sir.)
Page 296
Ha, ha, what a Foole Honestie is? and Trust (his sworne brother) a very simple Gentleman. I haue sold all my Tromperie: not a counterfeit Stone, not a Ribbon, Glasse, Pomander, Browch, Table-booke, Ballad, Knife, Tape, Gloue, Shooe-tye, Bracelet, Horne-Ring, to keepe my Pack from fasting: they throng who should buy first, as if my Trinkets had beene hallowed, and brought a be∣nediction to the buyer: by which meanes, I saw whose Purse was best in Picture; and what I saw, to my good vse, I remembred. My Clowne (who wants but some∣thing to be a reasonable man) grew so in loue with the Wenches Song, that hee would not stirre his Petty-toes, till he had both Tune and Words, which so drew the rest of the Heard to me, that all their other Sences stucke in Eares: you might haue pinch'd a Placket, it was sence∣lesse; 'twas nothing to gueld a Cod-peece of a Purse: I would haue fill'd Keyes of that hung in Chaynes: no hearing, no feeling, but my Sirs Song, and admiring the Nothing of it. So that in this time of Lethargie, I pickd and cut most of their Festiuall Purses: And had not the old-man come in with a Whoo-bub against his Daugh∣ter, and the Kings Sonne, and scar'd my Chowghes from the Chaffe, I had not left a Purse aliue in the whole Army.
And those that you'le procure from King Leontes?
Shall satisfie your Father.
If they haue ouer-heard me now: why hanging.
I am a poore Fellow, Sir.
Why, be so still: here's no body will steale that from thee: yet for the out-side of thy pouertie, we must make an exchange; therefore dis-case thee instantly (thou must thinke there's a necessitie in't) and change Garments with this Gentleman: Though the penny-worth (on his side) be the worst, yet hold thee, there's some boot.
I am a poore Fellow, Sir: (I know ye well enough.)
Nay prethee dispatch: the Gentleman is halfe fled already.
Are you in earnest, Sir? (I smell the trick on't.)
Dispatch, I prethee.
Indeed I haue had Earnest, but I cannot with conscience take it.
Adieu, Sir.
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The swifter speed, the better.
I vnderstand the businesse, I heare it: to haue an open eare, a quick eye, and a nimble hand, is necessary for a Cut-purse; a good Nose is requisite also, to smell out worke for th' other Sences. I see this is the time that the vniust man doth thriue. What an exchange had this been, without boot? What a boot is here, with this exchange? Sure the Gods doe this yeere conniue at vs, and we may doe any thing extempore. The Prince himselfe is about a peece of Iniquitie (stealing away from his Father, with his Clog at his heeles:) if I thought it were a peece of ho∣nestie to acquaint the King withall, I would not do't: I hold it the more knauerie to conceale it; and therein am I constant to my Profession.
Aside, aside, here is more matter for a hot braine: Euery Lanes end, euery Shop, Church, Session, Hanging, yeelds a carefull man worke.
See, see: what a man you are now? there is no other way, but to tell the King she's a Changeling, and none of your flesh and blood.
Nay, but heare me.
Nay; but heare me.
Goe too then.
She being none of your flesh and blood, your flesh and blood ha's not offended the King, and so your flesh and blood is not to be punish'd by him. Shew those things you found about her (those secret things, all but what she ha's with her:) This being done, let the Law goe whistle: I warrant you.
I will tell the King all, euery word, yea, and his Sonnes prancks too; who, I may say, is no honest man, neither to his Father, nor to me, to goe about to make me the Kings Brother in Law.
Indeed Brother in Law was the farthest off you could haue beene to him, and then your Blood had beene the dearer, by I know how much an ounce.
Very wisely (Puppies.)
Well: let vs to the King: there is that in this Farthell, will make him scratch his Beard.
I know not what impediment this Complaint may be to the flight of my Master.
'Pray heartily he be at' Pallace.
Though I am not naturally honest, I am so some∣times by chance: Let me pocket vp my Pedlers excre∣ment. How now (Rustiques) whither are you bound?
To th' Pallace (and it like your Worship.)
Your Affaires there? what? with whom? the Condition of that Farthell? the place of your dwelling? your names? your ages? of what hauing? breeding, and any thing that is fitting to be knowne, discouer?
We are but plaine fellowes, Sir.
A Lye; you are rough, and hayrie: Let me haue no lying; it becomes none but Trades-men, and they of∣ten giue vs (Souldiers) the Lye, but wee pay them for it with stamped Coyne, not stabbing Steele, therefore they doe not giue vs the Lye.
Your Worship had like to haue giuen vs one, if you had not taken your selfe with the manner.
Are you a Courtier, and't like you Sir?
Whether it lke me, or no, I am a Courtier. Seest thou not the ayre of the Court, in these enfoldings? Hath not my gate in it, the measure of the Court? Receiues not thy Nose Court-Odour from me? Reflect I not on thy Basenesse, Court-Contempt? Think'st thou, for that I insinuate, at toaze from thee thy Businesse, I am there∣fore no Courtier? I am Courtier Cap-a-pe; and one that will eyther push-on, or pluck-back, thy Businesse there: whereupon I command thee to open thy Affaire.
My Businesse, Sir, is to the King.
What Aduocate ha'st thou to him?
I know not (and't like you.)
Aduocate's the Court-word for a Pheazant: say you haue none.
None, Sir: I haue no Pheazant Cock, nor Hen.
This cannot be but a great Courtier.
His Garments are rich, but he weares them not handsomely.
He seemes to be the more Noble, in being fanta∣sticall: A great man, Ile warrant; I know by the picking on's Teeth.
The Farthell there? What's i' th' Farthell? Wherefore that Box?
Sir, there lyes such Secrets in this Farthell and Box, which none must know but the King, and which hee shall know within this houre, if I may come to th' speech of him.
Age, thou hast lost thy labour.
Why Sir?
The King is not at the Pallace, he is gone aboord a new Ship, to purge Melancholy, and ayre himselfe: for if thou bee'st capable of things serious, thou must know the King is full of griefe.
So 'tis said (Sir:) about his Sonne, that should haue marryed a Shepheards Daughter.
If that Shepheard be not in hand-fast, let him flye; the Curses he shall haue, the Tortures he shall feele, will breake the back of Man, the heart of Monster.
Thinke you so, Sir?
Not hee alone shall suffer what Wit can make heauie, and Vengeance bitter; but those that are Iermaine to him (though remou'd fiftie times) shall all come vnder the Hang-man: which, though it be great pitty, yet it is necessarie. An old Sheepe-whistiing Rogue, a Ram-ten∣der, to offer to haue his Daughter come into grace? Some say hee shall be ston'd: but that death is too soft for him (say I:) Draw our Throne into a Sheep-Coat? all deaths are too few, the sharpest too easie.
Ha's the old-man ere a Sonne Sir (doe you heare) and't like you, Sir?
Hee ha's a Sonne: who shall be flayd aliue, then 'noynted ouer with Honey, set on the head of a Waspes Nest, then stand till he be three quarters and a dram dead: then recouer'd againe with Aquavite, or some other hot Infusion: then, raw as he is (and in the hotest day Progno∣stication proclaymes) shall he be set against a Brick-wall, (the Sunne looking with a South-ward eye vpon him; where hee is to behold him, with Flyes blown to death.) But what talke we of these Traitorly-Rascals, whose mi∣series are to be smil'd at, their offences being so capitall?
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Tell me (for you seeme to be honest plaine men) what you haue to the King: being something gently consider'd, Ile bring you where he is aboord, tender your persons to his presence, whisper him in your behalfes; and if it be in man, besides the King, to effect your Suites, here is man shall doe it.
He seemes to be of great authoritie: close with him, giue him Gold; and though Authoritie be a stub∣borne Be••re, yet hee is oft led by the Nose with Gold: shew the in-side of your Purse to the out-side of his hand, and no more adoe. Remember ••on'd, and stay'd aliue.
And't please you (Sir) to vndertake the Businesse for vs, here is that Gold I haue: Ile make it as much more, and leaue this young man in pawne, till I bring it you.
After I hate done what I promised?
I Sir.
Well, giue me the Mo••: Are you a partie in this Businesse?
In so••e s••rt, Sir: but though my case be a pit∣tifull one, I hope I shall not ••s ••d out o•• it.
Oh, that's the case 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Shepheards Sonne: hang him, hee'le be ma•• a•• ex••le.
Comfort ••ood co••. We must to the King, and she ••our strange sights: •• ••st know 'tis none of your Daugh•• •• my 〈…〉〈…〉 are gone else. Sir, I will giue you as much as this old man do's when the Bu∣sinesse i•• pe••s••ed, and remaine (as he sayes) your pawne till it be brough•• you.
I will trust you. Walke before toward the Sea∣side, goe on the right hand, I will but looke vpon the Hedge, and follow you.
We are bless'd, in this man: as I may say, euen bless'd.
Let's before, as he bids vs: he was prouided to doe vs good.
If I had a mind to be honest, I see Fortune would not suffer m•• ••sh•• d••s 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in my mouth. I am courted now with a double ••sion: (Gold, and a means to doe the Prince my Master ••od▪ which, who knowes how that may turn backe to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••ncement?) I will bring these ••wo M••aie••, t••e ••d-ones, aboord him▪ if he thinke it ••it to shoare th•• againe, and that the Com∣plaint they haue ••o 〈◊〉〈◊〉 King▪ concernes him nothing, let him call me Rog••e, ••o•• being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 farre officious, for I am proofe against that side, and what shame else belongs to't: To him will I present them, there may be matter in it.
Actus Quintus.
Scena Prima.
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Neuer (Paulina) so be bless'd my Spirit.
Then good my Lords, beare witnesse to his Oath.
You tempt him ouer-much.
Good Madame, I haue done.
His Princesse (say you) with him?
How? not women?
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Where's Bohemia? speake:
Who? Camillo?
You are marryed?
Scoena Secunda.
Beseech you (Sir) were you present at this Re∣lation?
I was by at the opening of the Farthell, heard the old Shepheard deliuer the manner how he found it: Whereupon (after a little amazednesse) we were all com∣manded out of the Chamber: onely this (me thought) I heard the Shepheard say, he found the Child.
I would most gladly know the issue of it.
I make a broken deliuerie of the Businesse; but the changes I perceiued in the King, and Camillo, were very Notes of admiration: they seem'd almost, with sta∣ring on one another, to teare the Cases of their Eyes. There was speech in their dumbnesse, Language in their very gesture: they look'd as they had heard of a World ••ansom'd, or one destroyed: a notable passion of Won∣der appeared in them: but the wisest beholder, that knew no more but seeing, could not say, if th' importance were I••y, or Sorrow; but in the extremitie of the one, it must needs be.
Here comes a Gentleman, that happily knowes more: The Newes, Rogero.
Nothing but Bon-fires: the Oracle is fulfill'd: the Kings Daughter is found: such a deale of wonder is broken out within this houre, that Ballad-makers cannot be able to expresse it.
Here comes the Lady Paulina's Steward, hee can deliuer you more. How goes it now (Sir.) This Newes (which is call'd true) is so like an old Tale, that the veritie of it is in strong suspition: Ha's the King found his Heire?
Most true, if euer Truth were pregnant by Circumstance: That which you heare, you'le sweare you see, there is such vnitie in the proofes. The Mantle of Queene Hermiones: her Iewell about the Neck of it: the Letters of Antigonus found with it, which they know to be his Character: the Maiestie of the Creature, in re∣semblance of the Mother: the Affection of Noblenesse, which Nature shewes aboue her Breeding, and many o∣ther Euidences, proclayme her, with all certaintie, to be the Kings Daughter. Did you see the meeting of the two Kings?
No.
Then haue you lost a Sight which was to bee seene, cannot bee spoken of. There might you haue be∣held one Ioy crowne another, so and in such manner, that it seem'd Sorrow wept to take leaue of them: for their Ioy waded in teares. There was casting vp of Eyes, hol∣ding vp of Hands, with Countenance of such distraction, that they were to be knowne by Garment, not by Fauor.
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Our King being ready to leape out of himselfe, for ioy of his found Daughter; as if that Ioy were now become a Losse, cryes, Oh, thy Mother, thy Mother: then askes Bohemia forgiuenesse, then embraces his Sonne-in-Law: then againe worryes he his Daughter, with clipping her. Now he thanks the old Shepheard (which stands by, like a Weather-bitten Conduit, of many Kings Reignes.) I neuer heard of such another Encounter; which lames Re∣port to follow it, and vndo's description to doe it.
What, 'pray you, became of Antigonus, that carryed hence the Child?
Like an old Tale still, which will haue matter to rehearse, though Credit be asleepe, and not an eare o∣pen; he was torne to pieces with a Beare: This auouches the Shepheards Sonne; who ha's not onely his Innocence (which seemes much) to iustifie him, but a Hand-kerchief and Rings of his▪ that Paulina knowes.
What became of his Barke, and his Fol∣lowers?
Wrackt the same instant of their Masters death, and in the view of the Shepheard: so that all the Instruments which ayded to expose the Child, were euen then loft, when it was found. But oh the Noble Combat, that 'twixt Ioy and Sorrow was fought in Paulina. Shee had one Eye declin'd for the losse of her Husband, ano∣ther eleuated, that the Oracle was fulfill'd: Shee lifted the Princesse from the Earth, and so locks her in embracing, as if shee would pin her to her heart, that shee might no more be in danger of loosing.
The Dignitie of this Act was worth the au∣dience of Kings and Princes, for by such was it acted.
One of the prettyest touches of all, and that which angl'd for mine Eyes (caught the Water, though not the Fish) was, when at the Relation of the Queenes death (with the manner how shee came to't brauely con∣fess'd, and lamented by the King) how attentiuenesse wounded his Daughter, till (from one signe of dolour to another) shee did (with an Alas) I would faine say, bleed Teares; for I am sure, my heart wept blood. Who was most Marble, there changed colour: some swownded, all sorrowed: if all the World could haue seen't, the Woe had beene vniuersall.
Are they returned to the Court?
No: The Princesse hearing of her Mothers Statue (which is in the keeping of Paulina) a Peece many yeeres in doing, and now newly perform'd, by that rare Italian Master, Iulio Romaeno, who (had he himselfe Eter∣nitie, and could put Breath into his Worke) would be∣guile Nature of her Custome, so perfectly he is her Ape: He so neere to Hermione, hath done Hermione, that they say one would speake to her, and stand in hope of answer. Thither (with all greedinesse of affection) are they gone, and there they intend to Sup.
I thought she had some great matter there in hand, for shee hath priuately, twice or thrice a day, euer since the death of Hermione, visited that remoued House. Shall wee thither, and with our companie peece the Re∣ioycing?
Who would be thence, that ha's the benefit of Accesse? euery winke of an Eye, some new Grace will be borne: our Absence makes vs vnthriftie to our Knowledge. Let's along.
Now (had I not the dash of my former life in me) would Preferment drop on my head. I brought the old man and his Sonne aboord the Prince; told him, I heard them talke of a Farthell, and I know not what: but he at that time ouer-fond of the Shepheards Daughter (so he then tooke her to be) who began to be much Sea-sick, and himselfe little better, extremitie of Weather conti∣nuing, this Mysterie remained vndiscouer'd. But 'tis all one to me: for had I beene the finder-out of this Secret, it would not haue rellish'd among my other discredits.
Here come those I haue done good to against my will, and alreadie appearing in the blossomes of their For∣tune.
Come Boy, I am past moe Children: but thy Sonnes and Daughters will be all Gentlemen borne.
You are well met (Sir.) you deny'd to fight with mee this other day, because I was no Gentleman borne. See you these Clothes? say you see them not, and thinke me still no Gentleman borne: You were best say these Robes are not Gentlemen borne. Giue me the Lye: doe: and try whether I am not now a Gentleman borne.
I know you are now (Sir) a Gentleman borne.
I, and haue been so any time these foure houres.
And so haue I, Boy.
So you haue: but I was a Gentleman borne be∣fore my Father: for the Kings Sonne tooke me by the hand, and call'd mee Brother: and then the two Kings call'd my Father Brother: and then the Prince (my Bro∣ther) and the Princesse (my Sister) call'd mv Father, Father; and so wee wept: and there was the first Gentleman-like teares that euer we shed.
We may liue (Sonne) to shed many more.
I: or else 'twere hard luck, being in so p••eposte∣rous estate as we are.
I humbly beseech you (Sir) to pardon me all the faults I haue committed to your Worship, and to giue me your good report to the Prince my Master.
'Prethee Sonne doe: for we must be gentle, now we are Gentlemen.
Thou wilt amend thy life?
I, and it like your good Worship.
Giue me thy hand: I will sweare to the Prince, thou art as honest a true Fellow as any is in Bohemia.
You may say it, but not sweare it.
Not sweare it, now I am a Gentleman? Let Boores and Francklins say it, Ile sweare it.
How if it be false (Sonne?)
If it be ne're so false, a true Gentleman may sweare it, in the behalfe of his Friend: And Ile sweare to the Prince▪ thou art a tall Fellow of thy hands, and that thou wilt not be drunke: but I know thou art no tall Fel∣low of thy hands, and that thou wilt be drunke: but Ile sweare it, and I would thou would'st be a tall Fellow of thy hands.
I will proue so (Sir) to my power.
I, by any meanes proue a tall Fellow: if I do not wonder, how thou dar'st venture to be drunke, not being a tall Fellow, trust me not. Harke, the Kings and the Prin∣ces (our Kindred) are going to see the Queenes Picture. Come, follow vs: wee'le be thy good Masters.
Scaena Tertia.
Page 302
Oh, not by much.
Doe not draw the Curtaine.
No: not these twentie yeeres.
Page 303
She embraces him.
The Names of the Actors.
- LEontes, King of Sicillia.
- Mamillus, yong Prince of Sicillia.
- Camillo. Foure Lords of Sicillia.
- Antigonus. Foure Lords of Sicillia.
- Cleomines. Foure Lords of Sicillia.
- Dion. Foure Lords of Sicillia.
- Hermione, Queene to Leontes.
- Perdita, Daughter to Leontes and Hermione.
- Paulina, wife to Antigonus.
- Emilia, a Lady.
- Polixenes, King of Bohemia.
- Florizell, Prince of Bohemia.
- Old Shepheard, reputed Father of Perdita.
- Clowne, his Sonne.
- Autolicus, a Rogue.
- Archidamus, a Lord of Bohemia.
- Other Lords, and Gentlemen, and Seruants.
- Shepheards, and Shephearddesses.