The Bodleian First Folio

A digital facsimile of the First Folio of Shakespeare's plays, Bodleian Arch. G c.7.



Text and Image

Here you can read a digital edition of each play in various views.

Page Image & Text
Digital Text
XML

Reference: 2A3v - Comedies, p. 282

Left Column


The Winters Tale. Mam.
[615]
There was a man.
Her. Nay, come sit downe: then on. Mam. Dwelt by a Church‑yard: I will tell it softly, Yond Crickets shall not heare it. Her.

Come on then, and giu’t me in mine eare.

Leon.
[620]

Was hee met there? his Traine? Camillo with

him?

Lord. Behind the tuft of Pines I met them, neuer Saw I men scowre so on their way: I eyed them Euen to their Ships. Leo.
[625]
How blest am I In my iust Censure? in my true Opinion? Alack, for lesser knowledge, how accurs’d, In being so blest? There may be in the Cup A Spider steep’d, and one may drinke; depart,
[630]
And yet partake no venome: (for his knowledge Is not infected) but if one present Th’abhor’d Ingredient to his eye, make knowne How he hath drunke, he cracks his gorge, his sides With violent Hefts: I haue drunke, and seene the Spider.
[635]
Camillo was his helpe in this, his Pandar: There is a Plot against my Life, my Crowne; All’s true that is mistrusted: that false Villaine, Whom I employ’d, was pre‑employ’d by him: He ha’s discouer’d my Designe, and I
[640]
Remaine a pinch’d Thing; yea, a very Trick For them to play at will: how came the Posternes So easily open?
Lord. By his great authority, Which often hath no lesse preuail’d, then so,
[645]
On your command.
Leo. I know’t too well. Giue me the Boy, I am glad you did not nurse him: Though he do’s beare some signes of me, yet you Haue too much blood in him. Her.
[650]

What is this? Sport?

Leo. Beare the Boy hence, he shall not come about her, Away with him, and let her sport her selfe With that shee’s big‑with, for 'tis Polixenes Ha’s made thee swell thus. Her.
[655]
But Il’d say he had not; And Ile be sworne you would beleeue my saying, How e’re you leane to th’Nay‑ward.
Leo. You (my Lords) Looke on her, marke her well: be but about
[660]
To say she is a goodly Lady, and The iustice of your hearts will thereto adde 'Tis pitty shee’s not honest: Honorable; Prayse her but for this her without‑dore‑Forme, (Which on my faith deserues high speech) and straight
[665]
The Shrug, the Hum, or Ha, (these Petty‑brands That Calumnie doth vse; Oh, I am out, That Mercy do’s, for Calumnie will seare Vertue it selfe) these Shrugs, these Hum’s, and Ha’s, When you haue said shee’s goodly, come betweene,
[670]
Ere you can say shee’s honest: But be’t knowne (From him that ha’s most cause to grieue it should be) Shee’s an Adultresse.
Her. Should a Villaine say so, (The most replenish’d Villaine in the World)
[675]
He were as much more Villaine: you (my Lord) Doe but mistake.
Leo. You haue mistooke (my Lady) Polixenes for Leontes: O thou Thing, (Which Ile not call a Creature of thy place,
[680]
Least Barbarisme (making me the precedent)

Right Column


Should a like Language vse to all degrees, And mannerly distinguishment leaue out, Betwixt the Prince and Begger:) I haue said Shee’s an Adultresse, I haue said with whom:
[685]
More; shee’s a Traytor, and Camillo is A Federarie with her, and one that knowes What she should shame to know her selfe, But with her most vild Principall: that shee’s A Bed‑swaruer, euen as bad as those
[690]
That Vulgars giue bold’st Titles; I, and priuy To this their late escape.
Her. No (by my life) Priuy to none of this: how will this grieue you, When you shall come to clearer knowledge, that
[695]
You thus haue publish’d me? Gentle my Lord, You scarce can right me throughly, then, to say You did mistake.
Leo. No: if I mistake In those Foundations which I build vpon,
[700]
The Centre is not bigge enough to beare A Schoole‑Boyes Top. Away with her, to Prison: He who shall speake for her, is a farre‑off guiltie, But that he speakes.
Her. There’s some ill Planet raignes:
[705]
I must be patient, till the Heauens looke With an aspect more fauorable. Good my Lords, I am not prone to weeping (as our Sex Commonly are) the want of which vaine dew Perchance shall dry your pitties: but I haue
[710]
That honorable Griefe lodg’d here, which burnes Worse then Teares drowne: 'beseech you all (my Lords) With thoughts so qualified, as your Charities Shall best instruct you, measure me; and so The Kings will be perform’d.
Leo.
[715]

Shall I be heard?

Her. Who is’t that goes with me? 'beseech your Highnes My Women may be with me, for you see My plight requires it. Doe not weepe (good Fooles) There is no cause: When you shall know your Mistris
[720]
Ha’s deseru’d Prison, then abound in Teares, As I come out; this Action I now goe on, Is for my better grace. Adieu (my Lord) I neuer wish’d to see you sorry, now I trust I shall: my Women come, you haue leaue.
Leo.
[725]

Goe, doe our bidding: hence.

Lord.

Beseech your Highnesse call the Queene againe.

Antig. Be certaine what you do (Sir) least your Iustice Proue violence, in the which three great ones suffer, Your Selfe, your Queene, your Sonne. Lord.
[730]
For her (my Lord) I dare my life lay downe, and will do’t (Sir) Please you t’accept it, that the Queene is spotlesse I’th’eyes of Heauen, and to you (I meane In this, which you accuse her.)
Antig.
[735]
If it proue Shee’s otherwise, Ile keepe my Stables where I lodge my Wife, Ile goe in couples with her: Then when I feele, and see her, no farther trust her: For euery ynch of Woman in the World,
[740]
I, euery dram of Womans flesh is false, If she be.
Leo.

Hold your peaces.

Lord.

Good my Lord.

Antig. It is for you we speake, not for our selues:
[745]
You are abus’d, and by some putter on, That will be damn’d for’t: would I knew the Villaine, I would

Download the digital text and images of the play



 
Actus Secundus. Scena Prima. [Act 2, Scene 1] Enter Hermione, Mamillius, Ladies: Leontes, Antigonus, Lords. Her. Take the Boy to you: he so troubles me, 'Tis past enduring. Lady.
[580]

Come (my gracious Lord)

Shall I be your play‑fellow?

Mam.

No, Ile none of you.

Lady.

Why (my sweet Lord?)

Mam.

You’le kisse me hard, and speake to me, as if

[585]

I were a Baby still. I loue you better.

2. Lady.

And why so (my Lord?)

Mam. Not for because Your Browes are blacker (yet black‑browes they say Become some Women best, so that there be not
[590]
Too much haire there, but in a Cemicircle, Or a halfe‑Moone, made with a Pen.)
2. Lady.

Who taught 'this?

Mam.

I learn’d it out of Womens faces: pray now,

What colour are your eye‑browes?

Lady.
[595]

Blew (my Lord.)

Mam.

Nay, that’s a mock: I haue seene a Ladies Nose

That ha’s beene blew, but not her eye‑browes.

Lady. Harke ye, e Queene (your Mother) rounds apace: we shall
[600]
Present our seruices to a fine new Prince One of these dayes, and then youl’d wanton with vs, If we would haue you.
2. Lady. She is spread of late Into a goodly Bulke (good time encounter her.) Her.
[605]
What wisdome stirs amongst you? Come Sir, now I am for you againe: 'Pray you sit by vs, And tell’s a Tale.
Mam. Merry, or sad, shal’t be? Her. As merry as you will. Mam.
[610]
A sad Tale’s best for Winter: I haue one of Sprights, and Goblins.
Her. Let’s haue that (good Sir.) Come‑on, sit downe, come‑on, and doe your best, To fright me with your Sprights: you’re powrefull at it. Mam.
[615]
There was a man.
Her. Nay, come sit downe: then on. Mam. Dwelt by a Church‑yard: I will tell it softly, Yond Crickets shall not heare it. Her.

Come on then, and giu’t me in mine eare.

Leon.
[620]

Was hee met there? his Traine? Camillo with

him?

Lord. Behind the tuft of Pines I met them, neuer Saw I men scowre so on their way: I eyed them Euen to their Ships. Leo.
[625]
How blest am I In my iust Censure? in my true Opinion? Alack, for lesser knowledge, how accurs’d, In being so blest? There may be in the Cup A Spider steep’d, and one may drinke; depart,
[630]
And yet partake no venome: (for his knowledge Is not infected) but if one present Th’abhor’d Ingredient to his eye, make knowne How he hath drunke, he cracks his gorge, his sides With violent Hefts: I haue drunke, and seene the Spider.
[635]
Camillo was his helpe in this, his Pandar: There is a Plot against my Life, my Crowne; All’s true that is mistrusted: that false Villaine, Whom I employ’d, was pre‑employ’d by him: He ha’s discouer’d my Designe, and I
[640]
Remaine a pinch’d Thing; yea, a very Trick For them to play at will: how came the Posternes So easily open?
Lord. By his great authority, Which often hath no lesse preuail’d, then so,
[645]
On your command.
Leo. I know’t too well. Giue me the Boy, I am glad you did not nurse him: Though he do’s beare some signes of me, yet you Haue too much blood in him. Her.
[650]

What is this? Sport?

Leo. Beare the Boy hence, he shall not come about her, Away with him, and let her sport her selfe With that shee’s big‑with, for 'tis Polixenes Ha’s made thee swell thus. Her.
[655]
But Il’d say he had not; And Ile be sworne you would beleeue my saying, How e’re you leane to th’Nay‑ward.
Leo. You (my Lords) Looke on her, marke her well: be but about
[660]
To say she is a goodly Lady, and The iustice of your hearts will thereto adde 'Tis pitty shee’s not honest: Honorable; Prayse her but for this her without‑dore‑Forme, (Which on my faith deserues high speech) and straight
[665]
The Shrug, the Hum, or Ha, (these Petty‑brands That Calumnie doth vse; Oh, I am out, That Mercy do’s, for Calumnie will seare Vertue it selfe) these Shrugs, these Hum’s, and Ha’s, When you haue said shee’s goodly, come betweene,
[670]
Ere you can say shee’s honest: But be’t knowne (From him that ha’s most cause to grieue it should be) Shee’s an Adultresse.
Her. Should a Villaine say so, (The most replenish’d Villaine in the World)
[675]
He were as much more Villaine: you (my Lord) Doe but mistake.
Leo. You haue mistooke (my Lady) Polixenes for Leontes: O thou Thing, (Which Ile not call a Creature of thy place,
[680]
Least Barbarisme (making me the precedent) Should a like Language vse to all degrees, And mannerly distinguishment leaue out, Betwixt the Prince and Begger:) I haue said Shee’s an Adultresse, I haue said with whom:
[685]
More; shee’s a Traytor, and Camillo is A Federarie with her, and one that knowes What she should shame to know her selfe, But with her most vild Principall: that shee’s A Bed‑swaruer, euen as bad as those
[690]
That Vulgars giue bold’st Titles; I, and priuy To this their late escape.
Her. No (by my life) Priuy to none of this: how will this grieue you, When you shall come to clearer knowledge, that
[695]
You thus haue publish’d me? Gentle my Lord, You scarce can right me throughly, then, to say You did mistake.
Leo. No: if I mistake In those Foundations which I build vpon,
[700]
The Centre is not bigge enough to beare A Schoole‑Boyes Top. Away with her, to Prison: He who shall speake for her, is a farre‑off guiltie, But that he speakes.
Her. There’s some ill Planet raignes:
[705]
I must be patient, till the Heauens looke With an aspect more fauorable. Good my Lords, I am not prone to weeping (as our Sex Commonly are) the want of which vaine dew Perchance shall dry your pitties: but I haue
[710]
That honorable Griefe lodg’d here, which burnes Worse then Teares drowne: 'beseech you all (my Lords) With thoughts so qualified, as your Charities Shall best instruct you, measure me; and so The Kings will be perform’d.
Leo.
[715]

Shall I be heard?

Her. Who is’t that goes with me? 'beseech your Highnes My Women may be with me, for you see My plight requires it. Doe not weepe (good Fooles) There is no cause: When you shall know your Mistris
[720]
Ha’s deseru’d Prison, then abound in Teares, As I come out; this Action I now goe on, Is for my better grace. Adieu (my Lord) I neuer wish’d to see you sorry, now I trust I shall: my Women come, you haue leaue.
Leo.
[725]

Goe, doe our bidding: hence.

Lord.

Beseech your Highnesse call the Queene againe.

Antig. Be certaine what you do (Sir) least your Iustice Proue violence, in the which three great ones suffer, Your Selfe, your Queene, your Sonne. Lord.
[730]
For her (my Lord) I dare my life lay downe, and will do’t (Sir) Please you t’accept it, that the Queene is spotlesse I’th’eyes of Heauen, and to you (I meane In this, which you accuse her.)
Antig.
[735]
If it proue Shee’s otherwise, Ile keepe my Stables where I lodge my Wife, Ile goe in couples with her: Then when I feele, and see her, no farther trust her: For euery ynch of Woman in the World,
[740]
I, euery dram of Womans flesh is false, If she be.
Leo.

Hold your peaces.

Lord.

Good my Lord.

Antig. It is for you we speake, not for our selues:
[745]
You are abus’d, and by some putter on, That will be damn’d for’t: would I knew the Villaine, I would Land‑damne him: be she honor‑flaw’d, I haue three daughters: the eldest is eleuen; The second, and the third, nine: and some fiue:
[750]
If this proue true, they’l pay for’t. By mine Honor Ile gell’d em all: fourteene they shall not see To bring false generations: they are co‑heyres, And I had rather glib my selfe, then they Should not produce faire issue.
Leo.
[755]
Cease, no more: You smell this businesse with a sence as cold As is a dead‑mans nose: but I do see’t, and feel’t, As you feele doing thus: and see withall The Instruments that feele.
Antig.
[760]
If it be so, We neede no graue to burie honesty, There’s not a graine of it, the face to sweeten Of the whole dungy‑earth.
Leo.

What? lacke I credit?

Lord.
[765]
I had rather you did lacke then I (my Lord) Vpon this ground: and more it would content me To haue her Honor true, then your suspition Be blam’d for’t how you might.
Leo. Why what neede we
[770]
Commune with you of this? but rather follow Our forcefull instigation? Our prerogatiue Cals not your Counsailes, but our naturall goodnesse Imparts this: which, if you, or stupified, Or seeming so, in skill, cannot, or will not
[775]
Rellish a truth, like vs: informe your selues, We neede no more of your aduice: the matter, The losse, the gaine, the ord’ring on’t, Is all properly ours
Antig. And I wish (my Liege)
[780]
You had onely in your silent iudgement tride it, Without more ouerture.
Leo. How could that be? Either thou art most ignorant by age, Or thou wer’t borne a foole: Camillo’s flight
[785]
Added to their Familiarity (Which was as grosse, as euer touch’d coniecture, That lack’d sight onely, nought for approbation But onely seeing, all other circumstances Made vp to’th deed) doth push‑on this proceeding.
[790]
Yet, for a greater confirmation (For in an Acte of this importance, 'twere Most pitteous to be wilde) I hane dispatch’d in post, To sacred Delphos, to Appollo’s Temple, Cleomines and Dion, whom you know
[795]
Of stuff’d‑sufficiency: Now, from the Oracle They will bring all, whose spirituall counsaile had Shall stop, or spurre me. Haue I done well?
Lord.

Well done (my Lord.)

Leo. Though I am satisfide, and neede no more
[800]
Then what I know, yet shall the Oracle Giue rest to th’mindes of others; such as he Whose ignorant credulitie, will not Come vp to th’truth. So haue we thought it good From our free person, she should be confinde,
[805]
Least that the treachery of the two, fled hence, Be left her to performe. Come follow vs, We are to speake in publique: for this businesse Will raise vs all.
Antig. To laughter, as I take it,
[810]
If the good truth, were knowne.
Exeunt
 

Download the digital text of the play

                                
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<div type="scene" n="1">
   <head rend="center">Actus Secundus. Scena Prima.</head>
   <head type="supplied">[Act 2, Scene 1]</head>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Hermione, Mamillius, Ladies: Leontes,
      <lb/>Antigonus, Lords.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <l n="578">Take the Boy to you: he so troubles me,</l>
      <l n="579">'Tis past enduring.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-lad.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lady.</speaker>
      <p n="580">Come (my gracious Lord)
      <lb n="581"/>Shall I be your play‑fellow?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-mam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mam.</speaker>
      <p n="582">No, Ile none of you.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-lad.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lady.</speaker>
      <p n="583">Why (my sweet Lord?)</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-mam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mam.</speaker>
      <p n="584">You’le kisse me hard, and speake to me, as if
      <lb n="585"/>I were a Baby still. I loue you better.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-lad.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2. Lady.</speaker>
      <p n="586">And why so (my Lord?)</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-mam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mam.</speaker>
      <l n="587">Not for because</l>
      <l n="588">Your Browes are blacker (yet black‑browes they say</l>
      <l n="589">Become some Women best, so that there be not</l>
      <l n="590">Too much haire there, but in a Cemicircle,</l>
      <l n="591">Or a halfe‑Moone, made with a Pen.)</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-lad.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2. Lady.</speaker>
      <p n="592">Who taught 'this?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-mam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mam.</speaker>
      <p n="593">I learn’d it out of Womens faces: pray now,
      <lb n="594"/>What colour are your eye‑browes?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-lad.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lady.</speaker>
      <p n="595">Blew (my Lord.)</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-mam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mam.</speaker>
      <p n="596">Nay, that’s a mock: I haue seene a Ladies Nose
      <lb n="597"/>That ha’s beene blew, but not her eye‑browes.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-lad.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lady.</speaker>
      <l n="598">Harke ye,</l>
      <l n="599">
         <gap extent="2"
              unit="chars"
              reason="illegible"
              agent="partiallyInkedType"
              resp="#LMC"/>e Queene (your Mother) rounds apace: we shall</l>
      <l n="600">Present our seruices to a fine new Prince</l>
      <l n="601">One of these dayes, and then youl’d wanton with vs,</l>
      <l n="602">If we would haue you.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-lad.2">
      <speaker rend="italic">2. Lady.</speaker>
      <l n="603">She is spread of late</l>
      <l n="604">Into a goodly Bulke (good time encounter her.)</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <l n="605">What wisdome stirs amongst you? Come Sir, now</l>
      <l n="606">I am for you againe: 'Pray you sit by vs,</l>
      <l n="607">And tell’s a Tale.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-mam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mam.</speaker>
      <l n="608">Merry, or sad, shal’t be?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <l n="609">As merry as you will.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-mam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mam.</speaker>
      <l n="610">A sad Tale’s best for Winter:</l>
      <l n="611">I haue one of Sprights, and Goblins.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <l n="612">Let’s haue that (good Sir.)</l>
      <l n="613">Come‑on, sit downe, come‑on, and doe your best,</l>
      <l n="614">To fright me with your Sprights: you’re powrefull at it.</l>
   </sp>
   <pb facs="FFimg:axc0302-0.jpg" n="282"/>
   <cb n="1"/>
   <sp who="#F-wt-mam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mam.</speaker>
      <l n="615">There was a man.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <l n="616">Nay, come sit downe: then on.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-mam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mam.</speaker>
      <l n="617">Dwelt by a Church‑yard: I will tell it softly,</l>
      <l n="618">Yond Crickets shall not heare it.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <p n="619">Come on then, and giu’t me in mine eare.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leon.</speaker>
      <p n="620">Was hee met there? his Traine?<hi rend="italic">Camillo</hi>with
      <lb n="621"/>him?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-lor.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lord.</speaker>
      <l n="622">Behind the tuft of Pines I met them, neuer</l>
      <l n="623">Saw I men scowre so on their way: I eyed them</l>
      <l n="624">Euen to their Ships.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="625">How blest am I</l>
      <l n="626">In my iust Censure? in my true Opinion?</l>
      <l n="627">Alack, for lesser knowledge, how accurs’d,</l>
      <l n="628">In being so blest? There may be in the Cup</l>
      <l n="629">A Spider steep’d, and one may drinke; depart,</l>
      <l n="630">And yet partake no venome: (for his knowledge</l>
      <l n="631">Is not infected) but if one present</l>
      <l n="632">Th’abhor’d Ingredient to his eye, make knowne</l>
      <l n="633">How he hath drunke, he cracks his gorge, his sides</l>
      <l n="634">With violent Hefts: I haue drunke, and seene the Spider.</l>
      <l n="635">
         <hi rend="italic">Camillo</hi>was his helpe in this, his Pandar:</l>
      <l n="636">There is a Plot against my Life, my Crowne;</l>
      <l n="637">All’s true that is mistrusted: that false Villaine,</l>
      <l n="638">Whom I employ’d, was pre‑employ’d by him:</l>
      <l n="639">He ha’s discouer’d my Designe, and I</l>
      <l n="640">Remaine a pinch’d Thing; yea, a very Trick</l>
      <l n="641">For them to play at will: how came the Posternes</l>
      <l n="642">So easily open?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-lor.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lord.</speaker>
      <l n="643">By his great authority,</l>
      <l n="644">Which often hath no lesse preuail’d, then so,</l>
      <l n="645">On your command.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="646">I know’t too well.</l>
      <l n="647">Giue me the Boy, I am glad you did not nurse him:</l>
      <l n="648">Though he do’s beare some signes of me, yet you</l>
      <l n="649">Haue too much blood in him.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <p n="650">What is this? Sport?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="651">Beare the Boy hence, he shall not come about her,</l>
      <l n="652">Away with him, and let her sport her selfe</l>
      <l n="653">With that shee’s big‑with, for 'tis<hi rend="italic">Polixenes</hi>
      </l>
      <l n="654">Ha’s made thee swell thus.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <l n="655">But Il’d say he had not;</l>
      <l n="656">And Ile be sworne you would beleeue my saying,</l>
      <l n="657">How e’re you leane to th’Nay‑ward.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="658">You (my Lords)</l>
      <l n="659">Looke on her, marke her well: be but about</l>
      <l n="660">To say she is a goodly Lady, and</l>
      <l n="661">The iustice of your hearts will thereto adde</l>
      <l n="662">'Tis pitty shee’s not honest: Honorable;</l>
      <l n="663">Prayse her but for this her without‑dore‑Forme,</l>
      <l n="664">(Which on my faith deserues high speech) and straight</l>
      <l n="665">The Shrug, the Hum, or Ha, (these Petty‑brands</l>
      <l n="666">That Calumnie doth vse; Oh, I am out,</l>
      <l n="667">That Mercy do’s, for Calumnie will seare</l>
      <l n="668">Vertue it selfe) these Shrugs, these Hum’s, and Ha’s,</l>
      <l n="669">When you haue said shee’s goodly, come betweene,</l>
      <l n="670">Ere you can say shee’s honest: But be’t knowne</l>
      <l n="671">(From him that ha’s most cause to grieue it should be)</l>
      <l n="672">Shee’s an Adultresse.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <l n="673">Should a Villaine say so,</l>
      <l n="674">(The most replenish’d Villaine in the World)</l>
      <l n="675">He were as much more Villaine: you (my Lord)</l>
      <l n="676">Doe but mistake.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="677">You haue mistooke (my Lady)</l>
      <l n="678">
         <hi rend="italic">Polixenes</hi>for<hi rend="italic">Leontes</hi>: O thou Thing,</l>
      <l n="679">(Which Ile not call a Creature of thy place,</l>
      <l n="680">Least Barbarisme (making me the precedent)</l>
      <cb n="2"/>
      <l n="681">Should a like Language vse to all degrees,</l>
      <l n="682">And mannerly distinguishment leaue out,</l>
      <l n="683">Betwixt the Prince and Begger:) I haue said</l>
      <l n="684">Shee’s an Adultresse, I haue said with whom:</l>
      <l n="685">More; shee’s a Traytor, and<hi rend="italic">Camillo</hi>is</l>
      <l n="686">A Federarie with her, and one that knowes</l>
      <l n="687">What she should shame to know her selfe,</l>
      <l n="688">But with her most vild Principall: that shee’s</l>
      <l n="689">A Bed‑swaruer, euen as bad as those</l>
      <l n="690">That Vulgars giue bold’st Titles; I, and priuy</l>
      <l n="691">To this their late escape.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <l n="692">No (by my life)</l>
      <l n="693">Priuy to none of this: how will this grieue you,</l>
      <l n="694">When you shall come to clearer knowledge, that</l>
      <l n="695">You thus haue publish’d me? Gentle my Lord,</l>
      <l n="696">You scarce can right me throughly, then, to say</l>
      <l n="697">You did mistake.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="698">No: if I mistake</l>
      <l n="699">In those Foundations which I build vpon,</l>
      <l n="700">The Centre is not bigge enough to beare</l>
      <l n="701">A Schoole‑Boyes Top. Away with her, to Prison:</l>
      <l n="702">He who shall speake for her, is a farre‑off guiltie,</l>
      <l n="703">But that he speakes.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <l n="704">There’s some ill Planet raignes:</l>
      <l n="705">I must be patient, till the Heauens looke</l>
      <l n="706">With an aspect more fauorable. Good my Lords,</l>
      <l n="707">I am not prone to weeping (as our Sex</l>
      <l n="708">Commonly are) the want of which vaine dew</l>
      <l n="709">Perchance shall dry your pitties: but I haue</l>
      <l n="710">That honorable Griefe lodg’d here, which burnes</l>
      <l n="711">Worse then Teares drowne: 'beseech you all (my Lords)</l>
      <l n="712">With thoughts so qualified, as your Charities</l>
      <l n="713">Shall best instruct you, measure me; and so</l>
      <l n="714">The Kings will be perform’d.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="715">Shall I be heard?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <l n="716">Who is’t that goes with me? 'beseech your Highnes</l>
      <l n="717">My Women may be with me, for you see</l>
      <l n="718">My plight requires it. Doe not weepe (good Fooles)</l>
      <l n="719">There is no cause: When you shall know your Mistris</l>
      <l n="720">Ha’s deseru’d Prison, then abound in Teares,</l>
      <l n="721">As I come out; this Action I now goe on,</l>
      <l n="722">Is for my better grace. Adieu (my Lord)</l>
      <l n="723">I neuer wish’d to see you sorry, now</l>
      <l n="724">I trust I shall: my Women come, you haue leaue.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="725">Goe, doe our bidding: hence.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-lor.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lord.</speaker>
      <p n="726">Beseech your Highnesse call the Queene againe.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Antig.</speaker>
      <l n="727">Be certaine what you do (Sir) least your Iustice</l>
      <l n="728">Proue violence, in the which three great ones suffer,</l>
      <l n="729">Your Selfe, your Queene, your Sonne.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-lor.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lord.</speaker>
      <l n="730">For her (my Lord)</l>
      <l n="731">I dare my life lay downe, and will do’t (Sir)</l>
      <l n="732">Please you t’accept it, that the Queene is spotlesse</l>
      <l n="733">I’th’eyes of Heauen, and to you (I meane</l>
      <l n="734">In this, which you accuse her.)</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Antig.</speaker>
      <l n="735">If it proue</l>
      <l n="736">Shee’s otherwise, Ile keepe my Stables where</l>
      <l n="737">I lodge my Wife, Ile goe in couples with her:</l>
      <l n="738">Then when I feele, and see her, no farther trust her:</l>
      <l n="739">For euery ynch of Woman in the World,</l>
      <l n="740">I, euery dram of Womans flesh is false,</l>
      <l n="741">If she be.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="742">Hold your peaces.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-lor.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lord.</speaker>
      <p n="743">Good my Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Antig.</speaker>
      <l n="744">It is for you we speake, not for our selues:</l>
      <l n="745">You are abus’d, and by some putter on,</l>
      <l n="746">That will be damn’d for’t: would I knew the Villaine,</l>
      <pb facs="FFimg:axc0303-0.jpg" n="283"/>
      <cb n="1"/>
      <l n="747">I would Land‑damne him: be she honor‑flaw’d,</l>
      <l n="748">I haue three daughters: the eldest is eleuen;</l>
      <l n="749">The second, and the third, nine: and some fiue:</l>
      <l n="750">If this proue true, they’l pay for’t. By mine Honor</l>
      <l n="751">Ile gell’d em all: fourteene they shall not see</l>
      <l n="752">To bring false generations: they are co‑heyres,</l>
      <l n="753">And I had rather glib my selfe, then they</l>
      <l n="754">Should not produce faire issue.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="755">Cease, no more:</l>
      <l n="756">You smell this businesse with a sence as cold</l>
      <l n="757">As is a dead‑mans nose: but I do see’t, and feel’t,</l>
      <l n="758">As you feele doing thus: and see withall</l>
      <l n="759">The Instruments that feele.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Antig.</speaker>
      <l n="760">If it be so,</l>
      <l n="761">We neede no graue to burie honesty,</l>
      <l n="762">There’s not a graine of it, the face to sweeten</l>
      <l n="763">Of the whole dungy‑earth.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="764">What? lacke I credit?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-lor.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lord.</speaker>
      <l n="765">I had rather you did lacke then I (my Lord)</l>
      <l n="766">Vpon this ground: and more it would content me</l>
      <l n="767">To haue her Honor true, then your suspition</l>
      <l n="768">Be blam’d for’t how you might.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="769">Why what neede we</l>
      <l n="770">Commune with you of this? but rather follow</l>
      <l n="771">Our forcefull instigation? Our prerogatiue</l>
      <l n="772">Cals not your Counsailes, but our naturall goodnesse</l>
      <l n="773">Imparts this: which, if you, or stupified,</l>
      <l n="774">Or seeming so, in skill, cannot, or will not</l>
      <l n="775">Rellish a truth, like vs: informe your selues,</l>
      <l n="776">We neede no more of your aduice: the matter,</l>
      <l n="777">The losse, the gaine, the ord’ring on’t,</l>
      <l n="778">Is all properly ours</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Antig.</speaker>
      <l n="779">And I wish (my Liege)</l>
      <l n="780">You had onely in your silent iudgement tride it,</l>
      <l n="781">Without more ouerture.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="782">How could that be?</l>
      <l n="783">Either thou art most ignorant by age,</l>
      <l n="784">Or thou wer’t borne a foole:<hi rend="italic">Camillo’s</hi>flight</l>
      <l n="785">Added to their Familiarity</l>
      <l n="786">(Which was as grosse, as euer touch’d coniecture,</l>
      <l n="787">That lack’d sight onely, nought for approbation</l>
      <l n="788">But onely seeing, all other circumstances</l>
      <l n="789">Made vp to’th deed) doth push‑on this proceeding.</l>
      <l n="790">Yet, for a greater confirmation</l>
      <l n="791">(For in an Acte of this importance, 'twere</l>
      <l n="792">Most pitteous to be wilde) I hane dispatch’d in post,</l>
      <l n="793">To sacred<hi rend="italic">Delphos</hi>, to<hi rend="italic">Appollo’s</hi>Temple,</l>
      <l n="794">
         <hi rend="italic">Cleomines</hi>and<hi rend="italic">Dion</hi>, whom you know</l>
      <l n="795">Of stuff’d‑sufficiency: Now, from the Oracle</l>
      <l n="796">They will bring all, whose spirituall counsaile had</l>
      <l n="797">Shall stop, or spurre me. Haue I done well?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-lor.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lord.</speaker>
      <p n="798">Well done (my Lord.)</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="799">Though I am satisfide, and neede no more</l>
      <l n="800">Then what I know, yet shall the Oracle</l>
      <l n="801">Giue rest to th’mindes of others; such as he</l>
      <l n="802">Whose ignorant credulitie, will not</l>
      <l n="803">Come vp to th’truth. So haue we thought it good</l>
      <l n="804">From our free person, she should be confinde,</l>
      <l n="805">Least that the treachery of the two, fled hence,</l>
      <l n="806">Be left her to performe. Come follow vs,</l>
      <l n="807">We are to speake in publique: for this businesse</l>
      <l n="808">Will raise vs all.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Antig.</speaker>
      <l n="809">To laughter, as I take it,</l>
      <l n="810">If the good truth, were knowne.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exeunt</stage>
   <cb n="2"/>
</div>

                                
                            

Download the XML