The Bodleian First Folio

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Reference: 2A1r - Comedies, p. 277

Left Column


The Winters Tale.
Actus Primus. Scœna Prima. [Act 1, Scene 1] Enter Camillo and Archidamus. Arch.

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.

Cam.
[5]

I thinke, this comming Summer, the King of

Sicilia meanes to pay Bohemia the Visitation, which hee

iustly owes him.

Arch.

Wherein our Entertainment shall shame vs: we

will be iustified in our Loues: for indeed———

Cam.
[10]

'Beseech you———

Arch.

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

[15]

cience) may, though they cannot prayse vs, as little ac­

cuse vs.

Cam.

You pay a great deale to deare, for what’s giuen

freely.

Arch.

'Beleeue me, I speake as my vnderstanding in­

[20]

structs me, and as mine honestie puts it to vtterance.

Cam.

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

[25]

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;

[30]

and embrac’d as it were from the ends of opposed Winds.

The Heauens continue their Loues.

Arch.

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

[35]

greatest Promise, that euer came into my Note.

Cam.

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.

Arch.
[40]

Would they else be content to die?

Cam.

Yes; if there were no other excuse, why they should

desire to liue.

Arch.

If the King had no Sonne, they would desire to

liue on Crutches till he had one.

Exeunt.
Scœna Secunda. [Act 1, Scene 2] Enter Leontes, Hermione, Mamillius, Polixenes, Camillo. Pol.
[45]

Nine Changes of the Watry‑Starre hath been

Right Column


The Shepheards Note, since we haue left our Throne Without a Burthen: Time as long againe Would be fill’d vp (my Brother) with our Thanks, And yet we should, for perpetuitie,
[50]
Goe hence in debt: And therefore, like a Cypher (Yet standing in rich place) I multiply With one we thanke you, many thousands moe, That goe before it.
Leo. Stay your Thanks a while,
[55]
And pay them when you part.
Pol. Sir, that’s to morrow: I am question’d by my feares, of what may chance, Or breed vpon our absence, that may blow No sneaping Winds at home, to make vs say,
[60]
This is put forth too truly: besides, I haue stay’d To tyre your Royaltie.
Leo. We are tougher (Brother) Then you can put vs to’t. Pol.

No longer stay.

Leo.
[65]

One Seue’night longer.

Pol.

Very sooth, to morrow.

Leo.

Wee’le part the time between’s then: and in that

Ile no gaine‑saying.

Pol. Presse me not ('beseech you) so:
[70]
There is no Tongue that moues; none, none i’th’World So soone as yours, could win me: so it should now, Were there necessitie in your request, although 'Twere needfull I deny’d it. My Affaires Doe euen drag me home‑ward: which to hinder,
[75]
Were (in your Loue) a Whip to me; my stay, To you a Charge, and Trouble: to saue both, Farewell (our Brother.)
Leo.

Tongue‑ty’d our Queene? speake you.

Her. I had thought (Sir) to haue held my peace, vntill
[80]
You had drawne Oathes from him, not to stay: you (Sir) Charge him too coldly. Tell him, you are sure All in Bohemia’s well: this satisfaction, The by‑gone‑day proclaim’d, say this to him, He’s beat from his best ward.
Leo.
[85]

Well said, Hermione.

Her. To tell, he longs to see his Sonne, were strong: But let him say so then, and let him goe; But let him sweare so, and he shall not stay, Wee’l thwack him hence with Distaffes.
[90]
Yet of your Royall presence, Ile aduenture The borrow of a Weeke. When at Bohemia You take my Lord, Ile giue him my Commission, To let him there a Moneth, behind the Gest Prefix’d for’s parting: yet (good‑deed) Leontes,
[95]
I loue thee not a Iarre o’th’Clock, behind Aa What

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Scœna Secunda. [Act 1, Scene 2] Enter Leontes, Hermione, Mamillius, Polixenes, Camillo. Pol.
[45]

Nine Changes of the Watry‑Starre hath been

The Shepheards Note, since we haue left our Throne Without a Burthen: Time as long againe Would be fill’d vp (my Brother) with our Thanks, And yet we should, for perpetuitie,
[50]
Goe hence in debt: And therefore, like a Cypher (Yet standing in rich place) I multiply With one we thanke you, many thousands moe, That goe before it.
Leo. Stay your Thanks a while,
[55]
And pay them when you part.
Pol. Sir, that’s to morrow: I am question’d by my feares, of what may chance, Or breed vpon our absence, that may blow No sneaping Winds at home, to make vs say,
[60]
This is put forth too truly: besides, I haue stay’d To tyre your Royaltie.
Leo. We are tougher (Brother) Then you can put vs to’t. Pol.

No longer stay.

Leo.
[65]

One Seue’night longer.

Pol.

Very sooth, to morrow.

Leo.

Wee’le part the time between’s then: and in that

Ile no gaine‑saying.

Pol. Presse me not ('beseech you) so:
[70]
There is no Tongue that moues; none, none i’th’World So soone as yours, could win me: so it should now, Were there necessitie in your request, although 'Twere needfull I deny’d it. My Affaires Doe euen drag me home‑ward: which to hinder,
[75]
Were (in your Loue) a Whip to me; my stay, To you a Charge, and Trouble: to saue both, Farewell (our Brother.)
Leo.

Tongue‑ty’d our Queene? speake you.

Her. I had thought (Sir) to haue held my peace, vntill
[80]
You had drawne Oathes from him, not to stay: you (Sir) Charge him too coldly. Tell him, you are sure All in Bohemia’s well: this satisfaction, The by‑gone‑day proclaim’d, say this to him, He’s beat from his best ward.
Leo.
[85]

Well said, Hermione.

Her. To tell, he longs to see his Sonne, were strong: But let him say so then, and let him goe; But let him sweare so, and he shall not stay, Wee’l thwack him hence with Distaffes.
[90]
Yet of your Royall presence, Ile aduenture The borrow of a Weeke. When at Bohemia You take my Lord, Ile giue him my Commission, To let him there a Moneth, behind the Gest Prefix’d for’s parting: yet (good‑deed) Leontes,
[95]
I loue thee not a Iarre o’th’Clock, behind What Lady she her Lord. You’le stay:
Pol.

No, Madame.

Her.

Nay, but you will?

Pol.

I may not verily.

Her.
[100]

Verely?

You put me off with limber Vowes: but I, Though you would seek t’vnsphere the Stars with Oaths, Should yet say, Sir, no going: Verely You shall not goe; a Ladyes Verely 'is
[105]
As potent as a Lords. Will you goe yet? Force me to keepe you as a Prisoner, Not like a Guest: so you shall pay your Fees When you depart, and saue your Thanks. How say you? My Prisoner? or my Guest? by your dread Verely,
[110]
One of them you shall be.
Pol. Your Guest then, Madame: To be your Prisoner, should import offending; Which is for me, lesse easie to commit, Then you to punish. Her.
[115]
Not your Gaoler then, But your kind Hostesse. Come, Ile question you Of my Lords Tricks, and yours, when you were Boyes: You were pretty Lordings then?
Pol. We were (faire Queene)
[120]
Two Lads, that thought there was no more behind, But such a day to morrow, as to day, And to be Boy eternall.
Her. Was not my Lord The veryer Wag o’th’two? Pol.
[125]
We were as twyn’d Lambs, that did frisk i’th’Sun, And bleat the one at th’other: what we chang’d, Was Innocence, for Innocence: we knew not The Doctrine of ill‑doing, nor dream’d That any did: Had we pursu’d that life,
[130]
And our weake Spirits ne’re been higher rear’d With stronger blood, we should haue answer’d Heauen Boldly, not guilty; the Imposition clear’d, Hereditarie ours.
Her. By this we gather
[135]
You haue tript since.
Pol. O my most sacred Lady, Temptations haue since then been borne to’s: for In those vnfledg’d dayes, was my Wife a Girle; Your precious selfe had then not cross’d the eyes
[140]
Of my young Play‑fellow.
Her. Grace to boot: Of this make no conclusion, least you say Your Queene and I are Deuils: yet goe on, Th’offences we haue made you doe, wee’le answere,
[145]
If you first sinn’d with vs: and that with vs You did continue fault; and that you slipt not With any, but with vs.
Leo.

Is he woon yet?

Her.

Hee’le stay (my Lord.)

Leo.
[150]
At my request, he would not: Hermione (my dearest) thou neuer spoak’st To better purpose.
Her.

Neuer?

Leo.

Neuer, but once.

Her.
[155]
What? haue I twice said well? when was’t before? I prethee tell me: cram’s with prayse, and make’s As fat as tame things: One good deed, dying tonguelesse, Slaughters a thousand, wayting vpon that. Our prayses are our Wages. You may ride’s
[160]
With one soft Kisse a thousand Furlongs, ere With Spur we heat an Acre. But to th’Goale: My last good deed, was to entreat his stay. What was my first: it ha’s an elder Sister, Or I mistake you: O, would her Name were Grace.
[165]
But once before I spoke to th’purpose? when? Nay, let me haue’t: I long.
Leo. Why, that was when Three crabbed Moneths had sowr’d themselues to death, Ere I could make thee open thy white Hand:
[170]
A clap thy selfe, my Loue; then didst thou vtter, I am yours for euer.
Her. 'Tis Grace indeed. Why lo‑you now; I haue spoke to th’purpose twice: The one, for euer earn’d a Royall Husband;
[175]
Th’other, for some while a Friend.
Leo. Too hot, too hot: To mingle friendship farre, is mingling bloods. I haue Tremor Cordis on me: my heart daunces, But not for ioy; not ioy. This Entertainment
[180]
May a free face put on: deriue a Libertie From Heartinesse, from Bountie, fertile Bosome, And well become the Agent: 't may; I graunt: But to be padling Palmes, and pinching Fingers, As now they are, and making practis’d Smiles
[185]
As in a Looking‑Glasse; and then to sigh, as 'twere The Mort o’th’Deere: oh, that is entertainment My Bosome likes not, nor my Browes. Mamillius, Art thou my Boy?
Mam.

I, my good Lord.

Leo.
[190]
I’fecks: Why that’s my Bawcock: what? Has’t smutch’d thy Nose? They say it is a Coppy out of mine. Come Captaine, We must be neat; not neat, but cleanly, Captaine: And yet the Steere, the Heycfer, and the Calfe,
[195]
Are all call’d Neat. Still Virginalling Vpon his Palme? How now (you wanton Calfe) Art thou my Calfe?
Mam.

Yes, if you will (my Lord.)

Leo. Thou want’st a rough pash, & the shoots that I haue
[200]
To be full, like me: yet they say we are Almost as like as Egges; Women say so, (That will say any thing.) But were they false As o’re‑dy’d Blacks, as Wind, as Waters; false As Dice are to be wish’d, by one that fixes
[205]
No borne 'twixt his and mine; yet were it true, To say this Boy were like me. Come (Sir Page) Looke on me with your Welkin eye: sweet Villaine, Most dear’st, my Collop: Can thy Dam, may’t be Affection? thy Intention stabs the Center.
[210]
Thou do’st make possible things not so held, Communicat’st with Dreames (how can this be?) With what’s vnreall: thou coactiue art, And fellow’st nothing. Then 'tis very credent, Thou may’st co‑ioyne with something, and thou do’st,
[215]
(And that beyond Commission) and I find it, (And that to the infection of my Braines, And hardning of my Browes.)
Pol.

What meanes Sicilia?

Her.

He something seemes vnsetled.

Pol.
[220]

How? my Lord?

Leo.

What cheere? how is’t with you, best Brother?

Her.

You look as if you held a Brow of much distraction:

Are you mou’d (my Lord?)

Leo. No, in good earnest.
[225]
How sometimes Nature will betray it’s folly? It’s tendernesse? and make it selfe a Pastime To harder bosomes? Looking on the Lynes Of my Boyes face, me thoughts I did requoyle Twentie three yeeres, and saw my selfe vn‑breech’d,
[230]
In my greene Veluet Coat; my Dagger muzzled, Least it should bite it’s Master, and so proue (As Ornaments oft do’s) too dangerous: How like (me thought) I then was to this Kernell, This Squash, this Gentleman. Mine honest Friend,
[235]
Will you take Egges for Money?
Mam.

No (my Lord) Ile fight.

Leo. You will: why happy man be’s dole. My Brother Are you so fond of your young Prince, as we Doe seeme to be of ours? Pol.
[240]
If at home (Sir) He’s all my Exercise, my Mirth, my Matter; Now my sworne Friend, and then mine Enemy; My Parasite, my Souldier: States‑man; all: He makes a Iulyes day, short as December,
[245]
And with his varying child‑nesse, cures in me Thoughts, that would thick my blood.
Leo. So stands this Squire Offic’d with me: We two will walke (my Lord) And leaue you to your grauer steps. Hermione,
[250]
How thou lou’st vs, shew in our Brothers welcome; Let what is deare in Sicily, be cheape: Next to thy selfe, and my young Rouer, he’s Apparant to my heart.
Her. If you would seeke vs,
[255]
We are yours i’th’Garden: shall’s attend you there?
Leo. To your owne bents dispose you: you’le be found, Be you beneath the Sky: I am angling now, (Though you perceiue me not how I giue Lyne) Goe too, goe too.
[260]
How she holds vp the Neb? the Byll to him? And armes her with the boldnesse of a Wife To her allowing Husband. Gone already, Ynch‑thick, knee‑deepe; ore head and eares a fork’d one. Goe play (Boy) play: thy Mother playes, and I
[265]
Play too; but so disgrac’d a part, whose issue Will hisse me to my Graue: Contempt and Clamor Will be my Knell. Goe play (Boy) play, there haue been (Or I am much deceiu’d) Cuckolds ere now, And many a man there is (euen at this present,
[270]
Now, while I speake this) holds his Wife by th’Arme, That little thinkes she ha’s been sluyc’d in’s absence, And his Pond fish’d by his next Neighbor (by Sir Smile, his Neighbor:) nay, there’s comfort in’t, Whiles other men haue Gates, and those Gates open’d
[275]
(As mine) against their will. Should all despaire That haue reuolted Wiues, the tenth of Mankind Would hang themselues. Physick for’t, there’s none: It is a bawdy Planet, that will strike Where 'tis predominant; and 'tis powrefull: thinke it:
[280]
From East, West, North, and South, be it concluded, No Barricado for a Belly. Know’t, It will let in and out the Enemy, With bag and baggage: many thousand on’s Haue the Disease, and feele’t not. How now Boy?
Mam.
[285]

I am like you say.

Leo. Why, that’s some comfort. What? Camillo there? Cam.

I, my good Lord.

Leo. Goe play ( Mamillius) thou’rt an honest man:
[290]
Camillo, this great Sir will yet stay longer.
Cam. You had much adoe to make his Anchor hold, When you cast out, it still came home. Leo.

Didst note it?

Cam.

He would not stay at your Petitions, made

[295]

His Businesse more materiall.

Leo. Didst perceiue it? They’re here with me already; whisp’ring, rounding: Sicilia is a so‑forth: 'tis farre gone, When I shall gust it last. How cam’t ( Camillo)
[300]
That he did stay?
Cam.

At the good Queenes entreatie.

Leo. At the Queenes be’t: Good should be pertinent, But so it is, it is not. Was this taken By any vnderstanding Pate but thine?
[305]
For thy Conceit is soaking, will draw in More then the common Blocks. Not noted, is’t, But of the finer Natures? by some Seueralls Of Head‑peece extraordinarie? Lower Messes Perchance are to this Businesse purblind? say.
Cam.
[310]

Businesse, my Lord? I thinke most vnderstand

Bohemia stayes here longer.

Leo.

Ha?

Cam.

Stayes here longer.

Leo.

I, but why?

Cam.
[315]

To satisfie your Highnesse, and the Entreaties

Of our most gracious Mistresse.

Leo. Satisfie? Th’entreaties of your Mistresse? Satisfie? Let that suffice. I haue trusted thee ( Camillo)
[320]
With all the neerest things to my heart, as well My Chamber‑Councels, wherein (Priest‑like) thou Hast cleans’d my Bosome: I, from thee departed Thy Penitent reform’d: but we haue been Deceiu’d in thy Integritie, deceiu’d
[325]
In that which seemes so.
Cam.

Be it forbid (my Lord.)

Leo. To bide vpon’t: thou art not honest: or If thou inclin’st that way, thou art a Coward, Which hoxes honestie behind, restrayning
[330]
From Course requir’d: or else thou must be counted A Seruant, grafted in my serious Trust, And therein negligent: or else a Foole, That seest a Game play’d home, the rich Stake drawne, And tak’st it all for ieast.
Cam.
[335]
My gracious Lord, I may be negligent, foolish, and fearefull, In euery one of these, no man is free, But that his negligence, his folly, feare, Among the infinite doings of the World,
[340]
Sometime puts forth in your affaires (my Lord.) If euer I were wilfull‑negligent, It was my folly: if industriously I play’d the Foole, it was my negligence, Not weighing well the end: if euer fearefull
[345]
To doe a thing, where I the issue doubted, Whereof the execution did cry out Against the non‑performance, 'twas a feare Which oft infects the wisest: these (my Lord) Are such allow’d Infirmities, that honestie
[350]
Is neuer free of. But beseech your Grace Be plainer with me, let me know my Trespas By it’s owne visage; if I then deny it, 'Tis none of mine.
Leo.

Ha’ not you seene Camillo?

[355]
(But that’s past doubt: you haue, or your eye‑glasse Is thicker then a Cuckolds Horne) or heard? (For to a Vision so apparant, Rumor Cannot be mute) or thought? (for Cogitation Resides not in that man, that do’s not thinke)
[360]
My Wife is slipperie? If thou wilt confesse, Or else be impudently negatiue, To haue nor Eyes, nor Eares, nor Thought, then say My Wife’s a Holy‑Horse, deserues a Name As ranke as any Flax‑Wench, that puts to
[365]
Before her troth‑plight: say’t, and iustify’t.
Cam. I would not be a stander‑by, to heare My Soueraigne Mistresse clouded so, without My present vengeance taken: 'shrew my heart, You neuer spoke what did become you lesse
[370]
Then this; which to reiterate, were sin As deepe as that, though true.
Leo. Is whispering nothing? Is leaning Cheeke to Cheeke? is meating Noses? Kissing with in‑side Lip? stopping the Cariere
[375]
Of Laughter, with a sigh? (a Note infallible Of breaking Honestie) horsing foot on foot? Skulking in corners? wishing Clocks more swift? Houres, Minutes? Noone, Mid‑night? and all Eyes Blind with the Pin and Web, but theirs; theirs onely,
[380]
That would vnseene be wicked? Is this nothing? Why then the World, and all that’s in’t, is nothing, The couering Skie is nothing, Bohemia nothing, My Wife is nothing, nor Nothing haue these Nothings, If this be nothing.
Cam.
[385]
Good my Lord, be cur’d Of this diseas’d Opinion, and betimes, For 'tis most dangerous.
Leo.

Say it be, 'tis true.

Cam.

No, no, my Lord.

Leo.
[390]
It is: you lye, you lye: I say thou lyest Camillo, and I hate thee, Pronounce thee a grosse Lowt, a mindlesse Slaue, Or else a houering Temporizer, that Canst with thine eyes at once see good and euill,
[395]
Inclining to them both: were my Wiues Liuer Infected (as her life) she would not liue The running of one Glasse.
Cam.

Who do’s infect her?

Leo. Why he that weares her like her Medull, hanging
[400]
About his neck ( Bohemia) who, if I Had Seruants true about me, that bare eyes To see alike mine Honor, as their Profits, (Their owne particular Thrifts) they would doe that Which should vndoe more doing: I, and thou
[405]
His Cup‑bearer, whom I from meaner forme Haue Bench’d, and rear’d to Worship, who may’st see Plainely, as Heauen sees Earth, and Earth sees Heauen, How I am gall’d, might’st be‑spice a Cup, To giue mine Enemy a lasting Winke:
[410]
Which Draught to me, were cordiall.
Cam. Sir (my Lord) I could doe this, and that with no rash Potion, But with a lingring Dram, that should not worke Maliciously, like Poyson: But I cannot
[415]
Beleeue this Crack to be in my dread Mistresse (So soueraignely being Honorable.) I haue lou’d thee,
Leo. Make that thy question, and goe rot: Do’st thinke I am so muddy, so vnsetled,
[420]
To appoint my selfe in this vexation? Sully the puritie and whitenesse of my Sheetes (Which to preserue, is Sleepe; which being spotted, Is Goades, Thornes, Nettles, Tayles of Waspes) Giue scandall to the blood o’th’Prince, my Sonne,
[425]
(Who I doe thinke is mine, and loue as mine) Without ripe mouing to’t? Would I doe this? Could man so blench?
Cam. I must beleeue you (Sir) I doe, and will fetch off Bohemia for’t:
[430]
Prouided, that when hee’s remou’d, your Highnesse Will take againe your Queene, as yours at first, Euen for your Sonnes sake, and thereby for sealing The Iniurie of Tongues, in Courts and Kingdomes Knowne, and ally’d to yours.
Leo.
[435]
Thou do’st aduise me, Euen so as I mine owne course haue set downe: Ile giue no blemish to her Honor, none.
Cam. My Lord, Goe then; and with a countenance as cleare
[440]
As Friendship weares at Feasts, keepe with Bohemia, And with your Queene: I am his Cup‑bearer, If from me he haue wholesome Beueridge, Account me not your Seruant.
Leo. This is all:
[445]
Do’t, and thou hast the one halfe of my heart; Do’t not, thou splitt’st thine owne.
Cam.

Ile do’t, my Lord.

Leo.

I wil seeme friendly, as thou hast aduis’d me.

Exit Cam. O miserable Lady. But for me,
[450]
What case stand I in? I must be the poysoner Of good Polixenes, and my ground to do’t, Is the obedience to a Master; one, Who in Rebellion with himselfe, will haue All that are his, so too. To doe this deed,
[455]
Promotion followes: If I could find example Of thousand’s that had struck anoynted Kings, And flourish’d after, Il’d not do’t: But since Nor Brasse, nor Stone, nor Parchment beares not one, Let Villanie it selfe forswear’t. I must
[460]
Forsake the Court: to do’t, or no, is certaine To me a breake‑neck. Happy Starre raigne now, Here comes Bohemia.
Enter Polixenes. Pol. This is strange: Me thinks My fauor here begins to warpe. Not speake?
[465]
Good day Camillo.
Cam.

Hayle most Royall Sir.

Pol.

What is the Newes i’th’Court?

Cam.

None rare (my Lord.)

Pol. The King hath on him such a countenance,
[470]
As he had lost some Prouince, and a Region Lou’d, as he loues himselfe: euen now I met him With customarie complement, when hee Wafting his eyes to th’contrary, and falling A Lippe of much contempt, speedes from me, and
[475]
So leaues me, to consider what is breeding, That changes thus his Manners.
Cam.

I dare not know (my Lord.)

Pol. How, dare not? doe not? doe you know, and dare not? Be intelligent to me, 'tis thereabouts:
[480]
For to your selfe, what you doe know, you must, And cannot say, you dare not. Good Camillo, Your chang’d complexions are to me a Mirror, Which shewes me mine chang’d too: for I must be A partie in this alteration, finding
[485]
My selfe thus alter’d with’t.
Cam. There is a sicknesse Which puts some of vs in distemper, but I cannot name the Disease, and it is caught Of you, that yet are well. Pol.
[490]
How caught of me? Make me not sighted like the Basilisque. I haue look’d on thousands, who haue sped the better By my regard, but kill’d none so: Camillo, As you are certainely a Gentleman, thereto
[495]
Clerke‑like experienc’d, which no lesse adornes Our Gentry, then our Parents Noble Names, In whose successe we are gentle: I beseech you, If you know ought which do’s behoue my knowledge, Thereof to be inform’d, imprison’t not
[500]
In ignorant concealement.
Cam.

I may not answere.

Pol. A Sicknesse caught of me, and yet I well? I must be answer’d. Do’st thou heare Camillo, I coniure thee, by all the parts of man,
[505]
Which Honor do’s acknowledge, whereof the least Is not this Suit of mine, that thou declare What incidencie thou do’st ghesse of harme Is creeping toward me; how farre off, how neere, Which way to be preuented, if to be:
[510]
If not, how best to beare it.
Cam. Sir, I will tell you, Since I am charg’d in Honor, and by him That I thinke Honorable: therefore marke my counsaile, Which must be eu’n as swiftly followed, as
[515]
I meane to vtter it; or both your selfe, and me, Cry lost, and so good night.
Pol.

On, good Camillo.

Cam.

I am appointed him to murther you.

Pol.

By whom, Camillo?

Cam.
[520]

By the King.

Pol.

For what?

Cam. He thinkes, nay with all confidence he sweares, As he had seen’t, or beene an Instrument To vice you to’t, that you haue toucht his Queene
[525]
Forbiddenly.
Pol. Oh then, my best blood turne To an infected Gelly, and my Name Be yoak’d with his, that did betray the Best: Turne then my freshest Reputation to
[530]
A sauour, that may strike the dullest Nosthrill Where I arriue, and my approch be shun’d, Nay hated too, worse then the great’st Infection That ere was heard, or read.
Cam. Sweare his thought ouer
[535]
By each particular Starre in Heauen, and By all their Influences; you may as well Forbid the Sea for to obey the Moone, As (or by Oath) remoue, or (Counsaile) shake The Fabrick of his Folly, whose foundation
[540]
Is pyl’d vpon his Faith, and will continue The standing of his Body.
Pol.

How should this grow?

Cam. I know not: but I am sure 'tis safer to Auoid what’s growne, then question how 'tis borne.
[545]
If therefore you dare trust my honestie, That lyes enclosed in this Trunke, which you Shall beare along impawnd, away to Night, Your Followers I will whisper to the Businesse, And will by twoes, and threes, at seuerall Posternes,
[550]
Cleare them o’th’Citie: For my selfe, Ile put My fortunes to your seruice (which are here By this discouerie lost.) Be not vncertaine, For by the honor of my Parents, I Haue vttred Truth: which if you seeke to proue,
[555]
I dare not stand by; nor shall you be safer, Then one condemnd by the Kings owne mouth: Thereon his Execution sworne.
Pol. I doe beleeue thee: I saw his heart in’s face. Giue me thy hand,
[560]
Be Pilot to me, and thy places shall Still neighbour mine. My Ships are ready, and My people did expect my hence departure Two dayes agoe. This Iealousie Is for a precious Creature: as shee’s rare,
[565]
Must it be great; and, as his Person’s mightie, Must it be violent: and, as he do’s conceiue, He is dishonor’d by a man, which euer Profess’d to him: why his Reuenges must In that be made more bitter. Feare ore‑shades me:
[570]
Good Expedition be my friend, and comfort The gracious Queene, part of his Theame; but nothing Of his ill‑ta’ne suspition. Come Camillo, I will respect thee as a Father, if Thou bear’st my life off, hence: Let vs auoid.
Cam.
[575]
It is in mine authoritie to command The Keyes of all the Posternes: Please your Highnesse To take the vrgent houre. Come Sir, away.
Exeunt.
 

Download the digital text of the play

                                
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<div type="scene" n="2">
   <head rend="center">Scœna Secunda.</head>
   <head type="supplied">[Act 1, Scene 2]</head>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Leontes, Hermione, Mamillius, Polixenes, Camillo.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="45">Nine Changes of the Watry‑Starre hath been</p>
      <cb n="2"/>
      <l n="46">The Shepheards Note, since we haue left our Throne</l>
      <l n="47">Without a Burthen: Time as long againe</l>
      <l n="48">Would be fill’d vp (my Brother) with our Thanks,</l>
      <l n="49">And yet we should, for perpetuitie,</l>
      <l n="50">Goe hence in debt: And therefore, like a Cypher</l>
      <l n="51">(Yet standing in rich place) I multiply</l>
      <l n="52">With one we thanke you, many thousands moe,</l>
      <l n="53">That goe before it.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="54">Stay your Thanks a while,</l>
      <l n="55">And pay them when you part.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="56">Sir, that’s to morrow:</l>
      <l n="57">I am question’d by my feares, of what may chance,</l>
      <l n="58">Or breed vpon our absence, that may blow</l>
      <l n="59">No sneaping Winds at home, to make vs say,</l>
      <l n="60">This is put forth too truly: besides, I haue stay’d</l>
      <l n="61">To tyre your Royaltie.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="62">We are tougher (Brother)</l>
      <l n="63">Then you can put vs to’t.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="64">No longer stay.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="65">One Seue’night longer.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="66">Very sooth, to morrow.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="67">Wee’le part the time between’s then: and in that
      <lb n="68"/>Ile no gaine‑saying.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="69">Presse me not ('beseech you) so:</l>
      <l n="70">There is no Tongue that moues; none, none i’th’World</l>
      <l n="71">So soone as yours, could win me: so it should now,</l>
      <l n="72">Were there necessitie in your request, although</l>
      <l n="73">'Twere needfull I deny’d it. My Affaires</l>
      <l n="74">Doe euen drag me home‑ward: which to hinder,</l>
      <l n="75">Were (in your Loue) a Whip to me; my stay,</l>
      <l n="76">To you a Charge, and Trouble: to saue both,</l>
      <l n="77">Farewell (our Brother.)</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="78">Tongue‑ty’d our Queene? speake you.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <l n="79">I had thought (Sir) to haue held my peace, vntill</l>
      <l n="80">You had drawne Oathes from him, not to stay: you (Sir)</l>
      <l n="81">Charge him too coldly. Tell him, you are sure</l>
      <l n="82">All in<hi rend="italic">Bohemia’s</hi>well: this satisfaction,</l>
      <l n="83">The by‑gone‑day proclaim’d, say this to him,</l>
      <l n="84">He’s beat from his best ward.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="85">Well said,<hi rend="italic">Hermione</hi>.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <l n="86">To tell, he longs to see his Sonne, were strong:</l>
      <l n="87">But let him say so then, and let him goe;</l>
      <l n="88">But let him sweare so, and he shall not stay,</l>
      <l n="89">Wee’l thwack him hence with Distaffes.</l>
      <l n="90">Yet of your Royall presence, Ile aduenture</l>
      <l n="91">The borrow of a Weeke. When at<hi rend="italic">Bohemia</hi>
      </l>
      <l n="92">You take my Lord, Ile giue him my Commission,</l>
      <l n="93">To let him there a Moneth, behind the Gest</l>
      <l n="94">Prefix’d for’s parting: yet (good‑deed)<hi rend="italic">Leontes</hi>,</l>
      <l n="95">I loue thee not a Iarre o’th’Clock, behind</l>
      <pb facs="FFimg:axc0298-0.jpg" n="278"/>
      <cb n="1"/>
      <l n="96">What Lady she her Lord. You’le stay:</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="97">No, Madame.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <p n="98">Nay, but you will?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="99">I may not verily.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <p n="100">Verely?</p>
      <l n="101">You put me off with limber Vowes: but I,</l>
      <l n="102">Though you would seek t’vnsphere the Stars with Oaths,</l>
      <l n="103">Should yet say, Sir, no going: Verely</l>
      <l n="104">You shall not goe; a Ladyes Verely 'is</l>
      <l n="105">As potent as a Lords. Will you goe yet?</l>
      <l n="106">Force me to keepe you as a Prisoner,</l>
      <l n="107">Not like a Guest: so you shall pay your Fees</l>
      <l n="108">When you depart, and saue your Thanks. How say you?</l>
      <l n="109">My Prisoner? or my Guest? by your dread Verely,</l>
      <l n="110">One of them you shall be.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="111">Your Guest then, Madame:</l>
      <l n="112">To be your Prisoner, should import offending;</l>
      <l n="113">Which is for me, lesse easie to commit,</l>
      <l n="114">Then you to punish.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <l n="115">Not your Gaoler then,</l>
      <l n="116">But your kind Hostesse. Come, Ile question you</l>
      <l n="117">Of my Lords Tricks, and yours, when you were Boyes:</l>
      <l n="118">You were pretty Lordings then?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="119">We were (faire Queene)</l>
      <l n="120">Two Lads, that thought there was no more behind,</l>
      <l n="121">But such a day to morrow, as to day,</l>
      <l n="122">And to be Boy eternall.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <l n="123">Was not my Lord</l>
      <l n="124">The veryer Wag o’th’two?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="125">We were as twyn’d Lambs, that did frisk i’th’Sun,</l>
      <l n="126">And bleat the one at th’other: what we chang’d,</l>
      <l n="127">Was Innocence, for Innocence: we knew not</l>
      <l n="128">The Doctrine of ill‑doing, nor dream’d</l>
      <l n="129">That any did: Had we pursu’d that life,</l>
      <l n="130">And our weake Spirits ne’re been higher rear’d</l>
      <l n="131">With stronger blood, we should haue answer’d Heauen</l>
      <l n="132">Boldly, not guilty; the Imposition clear’d,</l>
      <l n="133">Hereditarie ours.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <l n="134">By this we gather</l>
      <l n="135">You haue tript since.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="136">O my most sacred Lady,</l>
      <l n="137">Temptations haue since then been borne to’s: for</l>
      <l n="138">In those vnfledg’d dayes, was my Wife a Girle;</l>
      <l n="139">Your precious selfe had then not cross’d the eyes</l>
      <l n="140">Of my young Play‑fellow.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <l n="141">Grace to boot:</l>
      <l n="142">Of this make no conclusion, least you say</l>
      <l n="143">Your Queene and I are Deuils: yet goe on,</l>
      <l n="144">Th’offences we haue made you doe, wee’le answere,</l>
      <l n="145">If you first sinn’d with vs: and that with vs</l>
      <l n="146">You did continue fault; and that you slipt not</l>
      <l n="147">With any, but with vs.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="148">Is he woon yet?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <p n="149">Hee’le stay (my Lord.)</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="150">At my request, he would not:</l>
      <l n="151">
         <hi rend="italic">Hermione</hi>(my dearest) thou neuer spoak’st</l>
      <l n="152">To better purpose.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <p n="153">Neuer?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="154">Neuer, but once.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <l n="155">What? haue I twice said well? when was’t before?</l>
      <l n="156">I prethee tell me: cram’s with prayse, and make’s</l>
      <l n="157">As fat as tame things: One good deed, dying tonguelesse,</l>
      <l n="158">Slaughters a thousand, wayting vpon that.</l>
      <l n="159">Our prayses are our Wages. You may ride’s</l>
      <l n="160">With one soft Kisse a thousand Furlongs, ere</l>
      <l n="161">With Spur we heat an Acre. But to th’Goale:</l>
      <cb n="2"/>
      <l n="162">My last good deed, was to entreat his stay.</l>
      <l n="163">What was my first: it ha’s an elder Sister,</l>
      <l n="164">Or I mistake you: O, would her Name were<hi rend="italic">Grace</hi>.</l>
      <l n="165">But once before I spoke to th’purpose? when?</l>
      <l n="166">Nay, let me haue’t: I long.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="167">Why, that was when</l>
      <l n="168">Three crabbed Moneths had sowr’d themselues to death,</l>
      <l n="169">Ere I could make thee open thy white Hand:</l>
      <l n="170">A clap thy selfe, my Loue; then didst thou vtter,</l>
      <l n="171">I am yours for euer.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <l n="172">'Tis Grace indeed.</l>
      <l n="173">Why lo‑you now; I haue spoke to th’purpose twice:</l>
      <l n="174">The one, for euer earn’d a Royall Husband;</l>
      <l n="175">Th’other, for some while a Friend.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="176">Too hot, too hot:</l>
      <l n="177">To mingle friendship farre, is mingling bloods.</l>
      <l n="178">I haue<hi rend="italic">Tremor Cordis</hi>on me: my heart daunces,</l>
      <l n="179">But not for ioy; not ioy. This Entertainment</l>
      <l n="180">May a free face put on: deriue a Libertie</l>
      <l n="181">From Heartinesse, from Bountie, fertile Bosome,</l>
      <l n="182">And well become the Agent: 't may; I graunt:</l>
      <l n="183">But to be padling Palmes, and pinching Fingers,</l>
      <l n="184">As now they are, and making practis’d Smiles</l>
      <l n="185">As in a Looking‑Glasse; and then to sigh, as 'twere</l>
      <l n="186">The Mort o’th’Deere: oh, that is entertainment</l>
      <l n="187">My Bosome likes not, nor my Browes.<hi rend="italic">Mamillius</hi>,</l>
      <l n="188">Art thou my Boy?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-mam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mam.</speaker>
      <p n="189">I, my good Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="190">I’fecks:</l>
      <l n="191">Why that’s my Bawcock: what? Has’t smutch’d thy Nose?</l>
      <l n="192">They say it is a Coppy out of mine. Come Captaine,</l>
      <l n="193">We must be neat; not neat, but cleanly, Captaine:</l>
      <l n="194">And yet the Steere, the Heycfer, and the Calfe,</l>
      <l n="195">Are all call’d Neat. Still Virginalling</l>
      <l n="196">Vpon his Palme? How now (you wanton Calfe)</l>
      <l n="197">Art thou my Calfe?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-mam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mam.</speaker>
      <p n="198">Yes, if you will (my Lord.)</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="199">Thou want’st a rough pash, &amp; the shoots that I haue</l>
      <l n="200">To be full, like me: yet they say we are</l>
      <l n="201">Almost as like as Egges; Women say so,</l>
      <l n="202">(That will say any thing.) But were they false</l>
      <l n="203">As o’re‑dy’d Blacks, as Wind, as Waters; false</l>
      <l n="204">As Dice are to be wish’d, by one that fixes</l>
      <l n="205">No borne 'twixt his and mine; yet were it true,</l>
      <l n="206">To say this Boy were like me. Come (Sir Page)</l>
      <l n="207">Looke on me with your Welkin eye: sweet Villaine,</l>
      <l n="208">Most dear’st, my Collop: Can thy Dam, may’t be</l>
      <l n="209">Affection? thy Intention stabs the Center.</l>
      <l n="210">Thou do’st make possible things not so held,</l>
      <l n="211">Communicat’st with Dreames (how can this be?)</l>
      <l n="212">With what’s vnreall: thou coactiue art,</l>
      <l n="213">And fellow’st nothing. Then 'tis very credent,</l>
      <l n="214">Thou may’st co‑ioyne with something, and thou do’st,</l>
      <l n="215">(And that beyond Commission) and I find it,</l>
      <l n="216">(And that to the infection of my Braines,</l>
      <l n="217">And hardning of my Browes.)</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="218">What meanes<hi rend="italic">Sicilia</hi>?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <p n="219">He something seemes vnsetled.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="220">How? my Lord?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="221">What cheere? how is’t with you, best Brother?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <p n="222">You look as if you held a Brow of much distraction:
      <lb n="223"/>Are you mou’d (my Lord?)</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="224">No, in good earnest.</l>
      <l n="225">How sometimes Nature will betray it’s folly?</l>
      <l n="226">It’s tendernesse? and make it selfe a Pastime</l>
      <l n="227">To harder bosomes? Looking on the Lynes</l>
      <pb facs="FFimg:axc0299-0.jpg" n="279"/>
      <cb n="1"/>
      <l n="228">Of my Boyes face, me thoughts I did requoyle</l>
      <l n="229">Twentie three yeeres, and saw my selfe vn‑breech’d,</l>
      <l n="230">In my greene Veluet Coat; my Dagger muzzled,</l>
      <l n="231">Least it should bite it’s Master, and so proue</l>
      <l n="232">(As Ornaments oft do’s) too dangerous:</l>
      <l n="233">How like (me thought) I then was to this Kernell,</l>
      <l n="234">This Squash, this Gentleman. Mine honest Friend,</l>
      <l n="235">Will you take Egges for Money?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-mam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mam.</speaker>
      <p n="236">No (my Lord) Ile fight.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="237">You will: why happy man be’s dole. My Brother</l>
      <l n="238">Are you so fond of your young Prince, as we</l>
      <l n="239">Doe seeme to be of ours?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="240">If at home (Sir)</l>
      <l n="241">He’s all my Exercise, my Mirth, my Matter;</l>
      <l n="242">Now my sworne Friend, and then mine Enemy;</l>
      <l n="243">My Parasite, my Souldier: States‑man; all:</l>
      <l n="244">He makes a Iulyes day, short as December,</l>
      <l n="245">And with his varying child‑nesse, cures in me</l>
      <l n="246">Thoughts, that would thick my blood.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="247">So stands this Squire</l>
      <l n="248">Offic’d with me: We two will walke (my Lord)</l>
      <l n="249">And leaue you to your grauer steps.<hi rend="italic">Hermione</hi>,</l>
      <l n="250">How thou lou’st vs, shew in our Brothers welcome;</l>
      <l n="251">Let what is deare in Sicily, be cheape:</l>
      <l n="252">Next to thy selfe, and my young Rouer, he’s</l>
      <l n="253">Apparant to my heart.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <l n="254">If you would seeke vs,</l>
      <l n="255">We are yours i’th’Garden: shall’s attend you there?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="256">To your owne bents dispose you: you’le be found,</l>
      <l n="257">Be you beneath the Sky: I am angling now,</l>
      <l n="258">(Though you perceiue me not how I giue Lyne)</l>
      <l n="259">Goe too, goe too.</l>
      <l n="260">How she holds vp the Neb? the Byll to him?</l>
      <l n="261">And armes her with the boldnesse of a Wife</l>
      <l n="262">To her allowing Husband. Gone already,</l>
      <l n="263">Ynch‑thick, knee‑deepe; ore head and eares a fork’d one.</l>
      <l n="264">Goe play (Boy) play: thy Mother playes, and I</l>
      <l n="265">Play too; but so disgrac’d a part, whose issue</l>
      <l n="266">Will hisse me to my Graue: Contempt and Clamor</l>
      <l n="267">Will be my Knell. Goe play (Boy) play, there haue been</l>
      <l n="268">(Or I am much deceiu’d) Cuckolds ere now,</l>
      <l n="269">And many a man there is (euen at this present,</l>
      <l n="270">Now, while I speake this) holds his Wife by th’Arme,</l>
      <l n="271">That little thinkes she ha’s been sluyc’d in’s absence,</l>
      <l n="272">And his Pond fish’d by his next Neighbor (by</l>
      <l n="273">Sir<hi rend="italic">Smile</hi>, his Neighbor:) nay, there’s comfort in’t,</l>
      <l n="274">Whiles other men haue Gates, and those Gates open’d</l>
      <l n="275">(As mine) against their will. Should all despaire</l>
      <l n="276">That haue reuolted Wiues, the tenth of Mankind</l>
      <l n="277">Would hang themselues. Physick for’t, there’s none:</l>
      <l n="278">It is a bawdy Planet, that will strike</l>
      <l n="279">Where 'tis predominant; and 'tis powrefull: thinke it:</l>
      <l n="280">From East, West, North, and South, be it concluded,</l>
      <l n="281">No Barricado for a Belly. Know’t,</l>
      <l n="282">It will let in and out the Enemy,</l>
      <l n="283">With bag and baggage: many thousand on’s</l>
      <l n="284">Haue the Disease, and feele’t not. How now Boy?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-mam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mam.</speaker>
      <p n="285">I am like you say.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="286">Why, that’s some comfort.</l>
      <l n="287">What?<hi rend="italic">Camillo</hi>there?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cam.</speaker>
      <p n="288">I, my good Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="289">Goe play (<hi rend="italic">Mamillius</hi>) thou’rt an honest man:</l>
      <l n="290">
         <hi rend="italic">Camillo</hi>, this great Sir will yet stay longer.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cam.</speaker>
      <l n="291">You had much adoe to make his Anchor hold,</l>
      <l n="292">When you cast out, it still came home.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="293">Didst note it?</p>
   </sp>
   <cb n="2"/>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cam.</speaker>
      <p n="294">He would not stay at your Petitions, made
      <lb n="295"/>His Businesse more materiall.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="296">Didst perceiue it?</l>
      <l n="297">They’re here with me already; whisp’ring, rounding:</l>
      <l n="298">Sicilia is a so‑forth: 'tis farre gone,</l>
      <l n="299">When I shall gust it last. How cam’t (<hi rend="italic">Camillo</hi>)</l>
      <l n="300">That he did stay?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cam.</speaker>
      <p n="301">At the good Queenes entreatie.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="302">At the Queenes be’t: Good should be pertinent,</l>
      <l n="303">But so it is, it is not. Was this taken</l>
      <l n="304">By any vnderstanding Pate but thine?</l>
      <l n="305">For thy Conceit is soaking, will draw in</l>
      <l n="306">More then the common Blocks. Not noted, is’t,</l>
      <l n="307">But of the finer Natures? by some Seueralls</l>
      <l n="308">Of Head‑peece extraordinarie? Lower Messes</l>
      <l n="309">Perchance are to this Businesse purblind? say.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cam.</speaker>
      <p n="310">Businesse, my Lord? I thinke most vnderstand
      <lb n="311"/>
         <hi rend="italic">Bohemia</hi>stayes here longer.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="312">Ha?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cam.</speaker>
      <p n="313">Stayes here longer.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="314">I, but why?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cam.</speaker>
      <p n="315">To satisfie your Highnesse, and the Entreaties
      <lb n="316"/>Of our most gracious Mistresse.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="317">Satisfie?</l>
      <l n="318">Th’entreaties of your Mistresse? Satisfie?</l>
      <l n="319">Let that suffice. I haue trusted thee (<hi rend="italic">Camillo</hi>)</l>
      <l n="320">With all the neerest things to my heart, as well</l>
      <l n="321">My Chamber‑Councels, wherein (Priest‑like) thou</l>
      <l n="322">Hast cleans’d my Bosome: I, from thee departed</l>
      <l n="323">Thy Penitent reform’d: but we haue been</l>
      <l n="324">Deceiu’d in thy Integritie, deceiu’d</l>
      <l n="325">In that which seemes so.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cam.</speaker>
      <p n="326">Be it forbid (my Lord.)</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="327">To bide vpon’t: thou art not honest: or</l>
      <l n="328">If thou inclin’st that way, thou art a Coward,</l>
      <l n="329">Which hoxes honestie behind, restrayning</l>
      <l n="330">From Course requir’d: or else thou must be counted</l>
      <l n="331">A Seruant, grafted in my serious Trust,</l>
      <l n="332">And therein negligent: or else a Foole,</l>
      <l n="333">That seest a Game play’d home, the rich Stake drawne,</l>
      <l n="334">And tak’st it all for ieast.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cam.</speaker>
      <l n="335">My gracious Lord,</l>
      <l n="336">I may be negligent, foolish, and fearefull,</l>
      <l n="337">In euery one of these, no man is free,</l>
      <l n="338">But that his negligence, his folly, feare,</l>
      <l n="339">Among the infinite doings of the World,</l>
      <l n="340">Sometime puts forth in your affaires (my Lord.)</l>
      <l n="341">If euer I were wilfull‑negligent,</l>
      <l n="342">It was my folly: if industriously</l>
      <l n="343">I play’d the Foole, it was my negligence,</l>
      <l n="344">Not weighing well the end: if euer fearefull</l>
      <l n="345">To doe a thing, where I the issue doubted,</l>
      <l n="346">Whereof the execution did cry out</l>
      <l n="347">Against the non‑performance, 'twas a feare</l>
      <l n="348">Which oft infects the wisest: these (my Lord)</l>
      <l n="349">Are such allow’d Infirmities, that honestie</l>
      <l n="350">Is neuer free of. But beseech your Grace</l>
      <l n="351">Be plainer with me, let me know my Trespas</l>
      <l n="352">By it’s owne visage; if I then deny it,</l>
      <l n="353">'Tis none of mine.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="354">Ha’ not you seene<hi rend="italic">Camillo</hi>?</p>
      <l n="355">(But that’s past doubt: you haue, or your eye‑glasse</l>
      <l n="356">Is thicker then a Cuckolds Horne) or heard?</l>
      <l n="357">(For to a Vision so apparant, Rumor</l>
      <l n="358">Cannot be mute) or thought? (for Cogitation</l>
      <l n="359">Resides not in that man, that do’s not thinke)</l>
      <pb facs="FFimg:axc0300-0.jpg" n="280"/>
      <cb n="1"/>
      <l n="360">My Wife is slipperie? If thou wilt confesse,</l>
      <l n="361">Or else be impudently negatiue,</l>
      <l n="362">To haue nor Eyes, nor Eares, nor Thought, then say</l>
      <l n="363">My Wife’s a Holy‑Horse, deserues a Name</l>
      <l n="364">As ranke as any Flax‑Wench, that puts to</l>
      <l n="365">Before her troth‑plight: say’t, and iustify’t.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cam.</speaker>
      <l n="366">I would not be a stander‑by, to heare</l>
      <l n="367">My Soueraigne Mistresse clouded so, without</l>
      <l n="368">My present vengeance taken: 'shrew my heart,</l>
      <l n="369">You neuer spoke what did become you lesse</l>
      <l n="370">Then this; which to reiterate, were sin</l>
      <l n="371">As deepe as that, though true.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="372">Is whispering nothing?</l>
      <l n="373">Is leaning Cheeke to Cheeke? is meating Noses?</l>
      <l n="374">Kissing with in‑side Lip? stopping the Cariere</l>
      <l n="375">Of Laughter, with a sigh? (a Note infallible</l>
      <l n="376">Of breaking Honestie) horsing foot on foot?</l>
      <l n="377">Skulking in corners? wishing Clocks more swift?</l>
      <l n="378">Houres, Minutes? Noone, Mid‑night? and all Eyes</l>
      <l n="379">Blind with the Pin and Web, but theirs; theirs onely,</l>
      <l n="380">That would vnseene be wicked? Is this nothing?</l>
      <l n="381">Why then the World, and all that’s in’t, is nothing,</l>
      <l n="382">The couering Skie is nothing,<hi rend="italic">Bohemia</hi>nothing,</l>
      <l n="383">My Wife is nothing, nor Nothing haue these Nothings,</l>
      <l n="384">If this be nothing.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cam.</speaker>
      <l n="385">Good my Lord, be cur’d</l>
      <l n="386">Of this diseas’d Opinion, and betimes,</l>
      <l n="387">For 'tis most dangerous.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="388">Say it be, 'tis true.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cam.</speaker>
      <p n="389">No, no, my Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="390">It is: you lye, you lye:</l>
      <l n="391">I say thou lyest<hi rend="italic">Camillo</hi>, and I hate thee,</l>
      <l n="392">Pronounce thee a grosse Lowt, a mindlesse Slaue,</l>
      <l n="393">Or else a houering Temporizer, that</l>
      <l n="394">Canst with thine eyes at once see good and euill,</l>
      <l n="395">Inclining to them both: were my Wiues Liuer</l>
      <l n="396">Infected (as her life) she would not liue</l>
      <l n="397">The running of one Glasse.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cam.</speaker>
      <p n="398">Who do’s infect her?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="399">Why he that weares her like her Medull, hanging</l>
      <l n="400">About his neck (<hi rend="italic">Bohemia</hi>) who, if I</l>
      <l n="401">Had Seruants true about me, that bare eyes</l>
      <l n="402">To see alike mine Honor, as their Profits,</l>
      <l n="403">(Their owne particular Thrifts) they would doe that</l>
      <l n="404">Which should vndoe more doing: I, and thou</l>
      <l n="405">His Cup‑bearer, whom I from meaner forme</l>
      <l n="406">Haue Bench’d, and rear’d to Worship, who may’st see</l>
      <l n="407">Plainely, as Heauen sees Earth, and Earth sees Heauen,</l>
      <l n="408">How I am gall’d, might’st be‑spice a Cup,</l>
      <l n="409">To giue mine Enemy a lasting Winke:</l>
      <l n="410">Which Draught to me, were cordiall.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cam.</speaker>
      <l n="411">Sir (my Lord)</l>
      <l n="412">I could doe this, and that with no rash Potion,</l>
      <l n="413">But with a lingring Dram, that should not worke</l>
      <l n="414">Maliciously, like Poyson: But I cannot</l>
      <l n="415">Beleeue this Crack to be in my dread Mistresse</l>
      <l n="416">(So soueraignely being Honorable.)</l>
      <l n="417">I haue lou’d thee,</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="418">Make that thy question, and goe rot:</l>
      <l n="419">Do’st thinke I am so muddy, so vnsetled,</l>
      <l n="420">To appoint my selfe in this vexation?</l>
      <l n="421">Sully the puritie and whitenesse of my Sheetes</l>
      <l n="422">(Which to preserue, is Sleepe; which being spotted,</l>
      <l n="423">Is Goades, Thornes, Nettles, Tayles of Waspes)</l>
      <l n="424">Giue scandall to the blood o’th’Prince, my Sonne,</l>
      <l n="425">(Who I doe thinke is mine, and loue as mine)</l>
      <cb n="2"/>
      <l n="426">Without ripe mouing to’t? Would I doe this?</l>
      <l n="427">Could man so blench?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cam.</speaker>
      <l n="428">I must beleeue you (Sir)</l>
      <l n="429">I doe, and will fetch off<hi rend="italic">Bohemia</hi>for’t:</l>
      <l n="430">Prouided, that when hee’s remou’d, your Highnesse</l>
      <l n="431">Will take againe your Queene, as yours at first,</l>
      <l n="432">Euen for your Sonnes sake, and thereby for sealing</l>
      <l n="433">The Iniurie of Tongues, in Courts and Kingdomes</l>
      <l n="434">Knowne, and ally’d to yours.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="435">Thou do’st aduise me,</l>
      <l n="436">Euen so as I mine owne course haue set downe:</l>
      <l n="437">Ile giue no blemish to her Honor, none.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cam.</speaker>
      <l n="438">My Lord,</l>
      <l n="439">Goe then; and with a countenance as cleare</l>
      <l n="440">As Friendship weares at Feasts, keepe with<hi rend="italic">Bohemia</hi>,</l>
      <l n="441">And with your Queene: I am his Cup‑bearer,</l>
      <l n="442">If from me he haue wholesome Beueridge,</l>
      <l n="443">Account me not your Seruant.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="444">This is all:</l>
      <l n="445">Do’t, and thou hast the one halfe of my heart;</l>
      <l n="446">Do’t not, thou splitt’st thine owne.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cam.</speaker>
      <p n="447">Ile do’t, my Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="448">I wil seeme friendly, as thou hast aduis’d me.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic inline" type="exit">Exit</stage>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cam.</speaker>
      <l n="449">O miserable Lady. But for me,</l>
      <l n="450">What case stand I in? I must be the poysoner</l>
      <l n="451">Of good<hi rend="italic">Polixenes</hi>, and my ground to do’t,</l>
      <l n="452">Is the obedience to a Master; one,</l>
      <l n="453">Who in Rebellion with himselfe, will haue</l>
      <l n="454">All that are his, so too. To doe this deed,</l>
      <l n="455">Promotion followes: If I could find example</l>
      <l n="456">Of thousand’s that had struck anoynted Kings,</l>
      <l n="457">And flourish’d after, Il’d not do’t: But since</l>
      <l n="458">Nor Brasse, nor Stone, nor Parchment beares not one,</l>
      <l n="459">Let Villanie it selfe forswear’t. I must</l>
      <l n="460">Forsake the Court: to do’t, or no, is certaine</l>
      <l n="461">To me a breake‑neck. Happy Starre raigne now,</l>
      <l n="462">Here comes<hi rend="italic">Bohemia</hi>.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Enter Polixenes.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="463">This is strange: Me thinks</l>
      <l n="464">My fauor here begins to warpe. Not speake?</l>
      <l n="465">Good day<hi rend="italic">Camillo</hi>.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cam.</speaker>
      <p n="466">Hayle most Royall Sir.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="467">What is the Newes i’th’Court?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cam.</speaker>
      <p n="468">None rare (my Lord.)</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="469">The King hath on him such a countenance,</l>
      <l n="470">As he had lost some Prouince, and a Region</l>
      <l n="471">Lou’d, as he loues himselfe: euen now I met him</l>
      <l n="472">With customarie complement, when hee</l>
      <l n="473">Wafting his eyes to th’contrary, and falling</l>
      <l n="474">A Lippe of much contempt, speedes from me, and</l>
      <l n="475">So leaues me, to consider what is breeding,</l>
      <l n="476">That changes thus his Manners.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cam.</speaker>
      <p n="477">I dare not know (my Lord.)</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="478">How, dare not? doe not? doe you know, and dare not?</l>
      <l n="479">Be intelligent to me, 'tis thereabouts:</l>
      <l n="480">For to your selfe, what you doe know, you must,</l>
      <l n="481">And cannot say, you dare not. Good<hi rend="italic">Camillo</hi>,</l>
      <l n="482">Your chang’d complexions are to me a Mirror,</l>
      <l n="483">Which shewes me mine chang’d too: for I must be</l>
      <l n="484">A partie in this alteration, finding</l>
      <l n="485">My selfe thus alter’d with’t.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cam.</speaker>
      <l n="486">There is a sicknesse</l>
      <l n="487">Which puts some of vs in distemper, but</l>
      <l n="488">I cannot name the Disease, and it is caught</l>
      <l n="489">Of you, that yet are well.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="490">How caught of me?</l>
      <l n="491">Make me not sighted like the Basilisque.</l>
      <pb facs="FFimg:axc0301-0.jpg" n="281"/>
      <cb n="1"/>
      <l n="492">I haue look’d on thousands, who haue sped the better</l>
      <l n="493">By my regard, but kill’d none so:<hi rend="italic">Camillo</hi>,</l>
      <l n="494">As you are certainely a Gentleman, thereto</l>
      <l n="495">Clerke‑like experienc’d, which no lesse adornes</l>
      <l n="496">Our Gentry, then our Parents Noble Names,</l>
      <l n="497">In whose successe we are gentle: I beseech you,</l>
      <l n="498">If you know ought which do’s behoue my knowledge,</l>
      <l n="499">Thereof to be inform’d, imprison’t not</l>
      <l n="500">In ignorant concealement.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cam.</speaker>
      <p n="501">I may not answere.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="502">A Sicknesse caught of me, and yet I well?</l>
      <l n="503">I must be answer’d. Do’st thou heare<hi rend="italic">Camillo</hi>,</l>
      <l n="504">I coniure thee, by all the parts of man,</l>
      <l n="505">Which Honor do’s acknowledge, whereof the least</l>
      <l n="506">Is not this Suit of mine, that thou declare</l>
      <l n="507">What incidencie thou do’st ghesse of harme</l>
      <l n="508">Is creeping toward me; how farre off, how neere,</l>
      <l n="509">Which way to be preuented, if to be:</l>
      <l n="510">If not, how best to beare it.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cam.</speaker>
      <l n="511">Sir, I will tell you,</l>
      <l n="512">Since I am charg’d in Honor, and by him</l>
      <l n="513">That I thinke Honorable: therefore marke my counsaile,</l>
      <l n="514">Which must be eu’n as swiftly followed, as</l>
      <l n="515">I meane to vtter it; or both your selfe, and me,</l>
      <l n="516">Cry lost, and so good night.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="517">On, good<hi rend="italic">Camillo</hi>.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cam.</speaker>
      <p n="518">I am appointed him to murther you.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="519">By whom,<hi rend="italic">Camillo</hi>?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cam.</speaker>
      <p n="520">By the King.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="521">For what?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cam.</speaker>
      <l n="522">He thinkes, nay with all confidence he sweares,</l>
      <l n="523">As he had seen’t, or beene an Instrument</l>
      <l n="524">To vice you to’t, that you haue toucht his Queene</l>
      <l n="525">Forbiddenly.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="526">Oh then, my best blood turne</l>
      <l n="527">To an infected Gelly, and my Name</l>
      <l n="528">Be yoak’d with his, that did betray the Best:</l>
      <l n="529">Turne then my freshest Reputation to</l>
      <l n="530">A sauour, that may strike the dullest Nosthrill</l>
      <l n="531">Where I arriue, and my approch be shun’d,</l>
      <l n="532">Nay hated too, worse then the great’st Infection</l>
      <l n="533">That ere was heard, or read.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cam.</speaker>
      <l n="534">Sweare his thought ouer</l>
      <l n="535">By each particular Starre in Heauen, and</l>
      <l n="536">By all their Influences; you may as well</l>
      <l n="537">Forbid the Sea for to obey the Moone,</l>
      <l n="538">As (or by Oath) remoue, or (Counsaile) shake</l>
      <l n="539">The Fabrick of his Folly, whose foundation</l>
      <l n="540">Is pyl’d vpon his Faith, and will continue</l>
      <l n="541">The standing of his Body.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="542">How should this grow?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cam.</speaker>
      <l n="543">I know not: but I am sure 'tis safer to</l>
      <l n="544">Auoid what’s growne, then question how 'tis borne.</l>
      <l n="545">If therefore you dare trust my honestie,</l>
      <l n="546">That lyes enclosed in this Trunke, which you</l>
      <l n="547">Shall beare along impawnd, away to Night,</l>
      <l n="548">Your Followers I will whisper to the Businesse,</l>
      <l n="549">And will by twoes, and threes, at seuerall Posternes,</l>
      <l n="550">Cleare them o’th’Citie: For my selfe, Ile put</l>
      <l n="551">My fortunes to your seruice (which are here</l>
      <l n="552">By this discouerie lost.) Be not vncertaine,</l>
      <l n="553">For by the honor of my Parents, I</l>
      <l n="554">Haue vttred Truth: which if you seeke to proue,</l>
      <l n="555">I dare not stand by; nor shall you be safer,</l>
      <l n="556">Then one condemnd by the Kings owne mouth:</l>
      <l n="557">Thereon his Execution sworne.</l>
   </sp>
   <cb n="2"/>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="558">I doe beleeue thee:</l>
      <l n="559">I saw his heart in’s face. Giue me thy hand,</l>
      <l n="560">Be Pilot to me, and thy places shall</l>
      <l n="561">Still neighbour mine. My Ships are ready, and</l>
      <l n="562">My people did expect my hence departure</l>
      <l n="563">Two dayes agoe. This Iealousie</l>
      <l n="564">Is for a precious Creature: as shee’s rare,</l>
      <l n="565">Must it be great; and, as his Person’s mightie,</l>
      <l n="566">Must it be violent: and, as he do’s conceiue,</l>
      <l n="567">He is dishonor’d by a man, which euer</l>
      <l n="568">Profess’d to him: why his Reuenges must</l>
      <l n="569">In that be made more bitter. Feare ore‑shades me:</l>
      <l n="570">Good Expedition be my friend, and comfort</l>
      <l n="571">The gracious Queene, part of his Theame; but nothing</l>
      <l n="572">Of his ill‑ta’ne suspition. Come<hi rend="italic">Camillo</hi>,</l>
      <l n="573">I will respect thee as a Father, if</l>
      <l n="574">Thou bear’st my life off, hence: Let vs auoid.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cam.</speaker>
      <l n="575">It is in mine authoritie to command</l>
      <l n="576">The Keyes of all the Posternes: Please your Highnesse</l>
      <l n="577">To take the vrgent houre. Come Sir, away.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exeunt.</stage>
</div>

                                
                            

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