The Winters Tale.I haue look’d on thousands, who haue sped the betterBy my regard, but kill’d none so:
Camillo,
As you are certainely a Gentleman, thereto
[495]
Clerke‑like experienc’d, which no lesse adornesOur 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 leastIs not this Suit of mine, that thou declareWhat incidencie thou do’st ghesse of harmeIs 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 himThat 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 InstrumentTo vice you to’t, that you haue toucht his Queene
[525]
Forbiddenly.Pol.Oh then, my best blood turneTo an infected Gelly, and my NameBe yoak’d with his, that did betray the Best:Turne then my freshest Reputation to
[530]
A sauour, that may strike the dullest NosthrillWhere I arriue, and my approch be shun’d,Nay hated too, worse then the great’st InfectionThat ere was heard, or read.Cam.Sweare his thought ouer
[535]
By each particular Starre in Heauen, andBy all their Influences; you may as wellForbid the Sea for to obey the Moone,As (or by Oath) remoue, or (Counsaile) shakeThe Fabrick of his Folly, whose foundation
[540]
Is pyl’d vpon his Faith, and will continueThe standing of his Body.Pol.
How should this grow?
Cam.I know not: but I am sure 'tis safer toAuoid what’s growne, then question how 'tis borne.
[545]
If therefore you dare trust my honestie,That lyes enclosed in this Trunke, which youShall 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 putMy fortunes to your seruice (which are hereBy this discouerie lost.) Be not vncertaine,For by the honor of my Parents, IHaue 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 shallStill neighbour mine. My Ships are ready, andMy people did expect my hence departureTwo dayes agoe. This IealousieIs 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 euerProfess’d to him: why his Reuenges mustIn that be made more bitter. Feare ore‑shades me:
[570]
Good Expedition be my friend, and comfortThe gracious Queene, part of his Theame; but nothingOf his ill‑ta’ne suspition. Come
Camillo,
I will respect thee as a Father, ifThou bear’st my life off, hence: Let vs auoid.Cam.
[575]
It is in mine authoritie to commandThe Keyes of all the Posternes: Please your HighnesseTo take the vrgent houre. Come Sir, away.Exeunt.
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 becauseYour Browes are blacker (yet black‑browes they sayBecome 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 PrinceOne of these dayes, and then youl’d wanton with vs,If we would haue you.2. Lady.She is spread of lateInto a goodly Bulke (good time encounter her.)Her.
[605]
What wisdome stirs amongst you? Come Sir, nowI 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.Aa3 Mam.
There
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 becauseYour Browes are blacker (yet black‑browes they sayBecome 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 PrinceOne of these dayes, and then youl’d wanton with vs,If we would haue you.2. Lady.She is spread of lateInto a goodly Bulke (good time encounter her.)Her.
[605]
What wisdome stirs amongst you? Come Sir, nowI 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, neuerSaw I men scowre so on their way: I eyed themEuen to their Ships.Leo.
[625]
How blest am IIn my iust Censure? in my true Opinion?Alack, for lesser knowledge, how accurs’d,In being so blest? There may be in the CupA Spider steep’d, and one may drinke; depart,
[630]
And yet partake no venome: (for his knowledgeIs not infected) but if one presentTh’abhor’d Ingredient to his eye, make knowneHow he hath drunke, he cracks his gorge, his sidesWith 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 TrickFor them to play at will: how came the PosternesSo 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 youHaue 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 selfeWith that shee’s big‑with, for 'tis
PolixenesHa’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, andThe 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‑brandsThat Calumnie doth vse; Oh, I am out,That Mercy do’s, for Calumnie will seareVertue 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 saidShee’s an Adultresse, I haue said with whom:
[685]
More; shee’s a Traytor, and
Camillo is
A Federarie with her, and one that knowesWhat she should shame to know her selfe,But with her most vild Principall: that shee’sA Bed‑swaruer, euen as bad as those
[690]
That Vulgars giue bold’st Titles; I, and priuyTo 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 sayYou did mistake.Leo.No: if I mistakeIn those Foundations which I build vpon,
[700]
The Centre is not bigge enough to beareA 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 lookeWith an aspect more fauorable. Good my Lords,I am not prone to weeping (as our SexCommonly are) the want of which vaine dewPerchance shall dry your pitties: but I haue
[710]
That honorable Griefe lodg’d here, which burnesWorse then Teares drowne: 'beseech you all (my Lords)With thoughts so qualified, as your CharitiesShall best instruct you, measure me; and soThe Kings will be perform’d.Leo.
[715]
Shall I be heard?
Her.Who is’t that goes with me? 'beseech your HighnesMy Women may be with me, for you seeMy 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, nowI 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 IusticeProue 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 spotlesseI’th’eyes of Heauen, and to you (I meaneIn this, which you accuse her.)Antig.
[735]
If it proueShee’s otherwise, Ile keepe my Stables whereI 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 HonorIle gell’d em all: fourteene they shall not seeTo bring false generations: they are co‑heyres,And I had rather glib my selfe, then theyShould not produce faire issue.Leo.
[755]
Cease, no more:You smell this businesse with a sence as coldAs is a dead‑mans nose: but I do see’t, and feel’t,As you feele doing thus: and see withallThe 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 sweetenOf 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 meTo haue her Honor true, then your suspitionBe blam’d for’t how you might.Leo.Why what neede we
[770]
Commune with you of this? but rather followOur forcefull instigation? Our prerogatiueCals not your Counsailes, but our naturall goodnesseImparts 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 oursAntig.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 approbationBut onely seeing, all other circumstancesMade vp to’th deed) doth push‑on this proceeding.
[790]
Yet, for a greater confirmation(For in an Acte of this importance, 'twereMost 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 OracleThey will bring all, whose spirituall counsaile hadShall 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 OracleGiue rest to th’mindes of others; such as heWhose ignorant credulitie, will notCome vp to th’truth. So haue we thought it goodFrom 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 businesseWill raise vs all.Antig.To laughter, as I take it,
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<l n="578">Take the Boy to you: he so troubles me,</l>
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<p n="580">Come (my gracious Lord)
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<p n="582">No, Ile none of you.</p>
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<p n="583">Why (my sweet Lord?)</p>
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<speaker rend="italic">Mam.</speaker>
<p n="584">You’le kisse me hard, and speake to me, as if
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<sp who="#F-wt-lad.2">
<speaker rend="italic">2. Lady.</speaker>
<p n="586">And why so (my Lord?)</p>
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<speaker rend="italic">Mam.</speaker>
<l n="587">Not for because</l>
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<l n="589">Become some Women best, so that there be not</l>
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<p n="592">Who taught 'this?</p>
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<speaker rend="italic">Mam.</speaker>
<p n="593">I learn’d it out of Womens faces: pray now,
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<speaker rend="italic">Lady.</speaker>
<p n="595">Blew (my Lord.)</p>
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<speaker rend="italic">Mam.</speaker>
<p n="596">Nay, that’s a mock: I haue seene a Ladies Nose
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<l n="598">Harke ye,</l>
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<gap extent="2"
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<speaker rend="italic">2. Lady.</speaker>
<l n="603">She is spread of late</l>
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<sp who="#F-wt-her">
<speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
<l n="605">What wisdome stirs amongst you? Come Sir, now</l>
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<speaker rend="italic">Mam.</speaker>
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<speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
<l n="609">As merry as you will.</l>
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<sp who="#F-wt-mam">
<speaker rend="italic">Mam.</speaker>
<l n="610">A sad Tale’s best for Winter:</l>
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<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>
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<pb facs="FFimg:axc0302-0.jpg" n="282"/>
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<sp who="#F-wt-mam">
<speaker rend="italic">Mam.</speaker>
<l n="615">There was a man.</l>
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<speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
<l n="616">Nay, come sit downe: then on.</l>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>