Leon. Though I am satisfied, and need no more Than what I know, yet shall the oracle Give rest to the minds of others; such as he, Come up to the 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, Pray you, then, And one whom I much honor. 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 honor from The access of gentle visitors!-Is it lawful, Keep. So please you, madam, to put Apart these your attendants, I shall bring Emilia forth. I pray now, call her. Paul. 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 coloring. Re-enter Keeper, with EMILIA. Dear gentlewoman, how fares our gracious lady? Emil. I am innocent as you. Paul. I dare be sworn. These dangerous, unsafe lunes' o' the king! beshrew them! He must be told on't, and he shall; the office Persuades, when speaking fails. 1 Lunes. This word has not been found in any other English writer; but it is used in old French for frenzy, lunacy, folly. A similar expression occurs in The Revenger's Tragedy, 1608. VOL. III. 5 Emil. Most worthy madam, Your honor, and your goodness, is so evident, That your free undertaking cannot miss 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. I'll use that tongue I have. Tell her, Emilia, If wit flow from it, As boldness from my bosom, let it not be doubted I shall do good. Emil. I'll to the queen. Now be you blest for it! 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, Do not you Paul. fear; upon [Exeunt. SCENE III. The same. A Room in the Palace. Enter LEONTES, ANTIGONUS, Lords, and other Attendants. Leon. Nor night, nor day, no rest. It is but weak ness To bear the matter thus; mere weakness, if The cause were not in being;-part o' the cause, She, the adult'ress;-for the harlot king - Leon. How does the boy? 1 Attend. My lord! [Advancing. He took good rest to-night; 'Tis hoped his sickness is discharged. Leon. His nobleness! Conceiving the dishonor of his mother, To see He straight declined, drooped, took it deeply; 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. you his tyrannous passion more, alas, Fear Than the queen's life? a gracious, innocent soul; 3 1 Blank and level mean mark and aim, or direction. They are terms of gunnery. 2 i. e. leave me alone. 3 Free, i. e. as here used, pure, chaste. Ant. That's enough. 1 Attend. Madam, he hath not slept to-night; com manded 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; Leon. What noise there, ho! your highness. How? Paul. No noise, my lord; but needful conference About some gossips for Leon. Away with that audacious lady. Antigonus, I charged thee, that she should not come about me; I knew she would. Ant. I told her so, my lord, On your displeasure's peril, and on mine, Leon. Ant. Paul. Good my liege, I come, And, I beseech you, hear me, who profess1 1 The old copy has professes. 2 "In comforting your evils." To comfort, in old language, is to aid, to encourage. Evils here mean wicked courses. |