The Bodleian First Folio

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



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Reference: 52Av - Comedies, p. 286

Left Column


The Winters Tale. The truth of this appeare: Prepare you Lords, Summon a Session, that we may arraigne
[1125]
Our most disloyall Lady: for as she hath Been publikely accus’d, so shall she haue A iust and open Triall. While she liues, My heart will be a burthen to me. Leaue me, And thinke vpon my bidding.
Exeunt.
Actus Tertius. Scena Prima. [Act 3, Scene 1] Enter Cleomines and Dion. Cleo.
[1130]
The Clymat’s delicate, the Ayre most sweet, Fertile the Isle, the Temple much surpassing The common prayse it beares.
Dion. I shall report, For most it caught me, the Celestiall Habits,
[1135]
(Me thinkes I so should terme them) and the reuerence Of the graue Wearers. O, the Sacrifice, How ceremonious, solemne, and vn‑earthly It was i’th’Offring?
Cleo. But of all, the burst
[1140]
And the eare‑deaff’ning Voyce o’th’Oracle, Kin to Ioues Thunder, so surpriz’d my Sence, That I was nothing.
Dio. If th’euent o’th’Iourney Proue as successefull to the Queene (O be’t so)
[1145]
As it hath beene to vs, rare, pleasant, speedie, The time is worth the vse on’t.
Cleo. Great Apollo Turne all to th’best: these Proclamations, So forcing faults vpon Hermione,
[1150]
I little like.
Dio. The violent carriage of it Will cleare, or end the Businesse, when the Oracle (Thus by Apollo’s great Diuine seal’d vp) Shall the Contents discouer: something rare
[1155]
Euen then will rush to knowledge. Goe: fresh Horses, And gracious be the issue.
Exeunt.
Scœna Secunda. [Act 3, Scene 2] Enter Leontes, Lords, Officers: Hermione (as to her Triall) Ladies: Cleomines, Dion. Leo. This Sessions (to our great griefe we pronounce) Euen pushes 'gainst our heart. The partie try’d, The Daughter of a King, our Wife, and one
[1160]
Of vs too much belou’d. Let vs be clear’d Of being tyrannous, since we so openly Proceed in Iustice, which shall haue due course, Euen to the Guilt, or the Purgation: Produce the Prisoner.
Officer.
[1165]
It is his Highnesse pleasure, that the Queene Appeare in person, here in Court.
Silence. Leo.

Reade the Indictment.

Officer.

Hermione, Queene to the worthy Leontes, King

of Sicilia, thou art here accused and arraigned of High Trea­

[1170]

son, in committing Adultery with Polixenes King of Bohemia,

Right Column


and conspiring with Camillo to take away the Life of our Soue­

raigne Lord the King, thy Royall Husband: the pretence whereof

being by circumstances partly layd open, thou ( Hermione) con­

trary to the Faith and Allegeance of a true Subiect, didst coun­

[1175]

saile and ayde them, for their better safetie, to flye away by

Night.

Her. Since what I am to say, must be but that Which contradicts my Accusation, and The testimonie on my part, no other
[1180]
But what comes from my selfe, it shall scarce boot me To say, Not guiltie: mine Integritie Being counted Falsehood, shall (as I expresse it) Be so receiu’d. But thus, if Powres Diuine Behold our humane Actions (as they doe)
[1185]
I doubt not then, but Innocence shall make False Accusation blush, and Tyrannie Tremble at Patience. You (my Lord) best know (Whom least will seeme to doe so) my past life Hath beene as continent, as chaste, as true,
[1190]
As I am now vnhappy; which is more Then Historie can patterne, though deuis’d, And play’d, to take Spectators. For behold me, A Fellow of the Royall Bed, which owe A Moitie of the Throne: a great Kings Daughter,
[1195]
The Mother to a hopefull Prince, here standing To prate and talke for Life, and Honor, fore Who please to come, and heare. For Life, I prize it As I weigh Griefe (which I would spare:) For Honor, 'Tis a deriuatiue from me to mine,
[1200]
And onely that I stand for. I appeale To your owne Conscience (Sir) before Polixenes Came to your Court, how I was in your grace, How merited to be so: Since he came, With what encounter so vncurrant, I
[1205]
Haue strayn’d t’appeare thus; if one iot beyond The bound of Honor, or in act, or will That way enclining, hardned be the hearts Of all that heare me, and my neer’st of Kin Cry fie vpon my Graue.
Leo.
[1210]
I ne’re heard yet, That any of these bolder Vices wanted Lesse Impudence to gaine‑say what they did, Then to performe it first.
Her. That’s true enough,
[1215]
Though 'tis a saying (Sir) not due to me.
Leo.

You will not owne it.

Her. More then Mistresse of, Which comes to me in name of Fault, I must not At all acknowledge. For Polixenes
[1220]
(With whom I am accus’d) I doe confesse I lou’d him, as in Honor he requir’d: With such a kind of Loue, as might become A Lady like me; with a Loue, euen such, So, and no other, as your selfe commanded:
[1225]
Which, not to haue done, I thinke had been in me Both Disobedience, and Ingratitude To you, and toward your Friend, whose Loue had spoke, Euen since it could speake, from an Infant, freely, That it was yours. Now for Conspiracie,
[1230]
I know not how it tastes, though it be dish’d For me to try how: All I know of it, Is, that Camillo was an honest man; And why he left your Court, the Gods themselues (Wotting no more then I) are ignorant.
Leo.
[1235]
You knew of his departure, as you know What you haue vnderta’ne to doe in’s absence.
Her. Sir

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Scœna Secunda. [Act 3, Scene 2] Enter Leontes, Lords, Officers: Hermione (as to her Triall) Ladies: Cleomines, Dion. Leo. This Sessions (to our great griefe we pronounce) Euen pushes 'gainst our heart. The partie try’d, The Daughter of a King, our Wife, and one
[1160]
Of vs too much belou’d. Let vs be clear’d Of being tyrannous, since we so openly Proceed in Iustice, which shall haue due course, Euen to the Guilt, or the Purgation: Produce the Prisoner.
Officer.
[1165]
It is his Highnesse pleasure, that the Queene Appeare in person, here in Court.
Silence. Leo.

Reade the Indictment.

Officer.

Hermione, Queene to the worthy Leontes, King

of Sicilia, thou art here accused and arraigned of High Trea­

[1170]

son, in committing Adultery with Polixenes King of Bohemia,

and conspiring with Camillo to take away the Life of our Soue­

raigne Lord the King, thy Royall Husband: the pretence whereof

being by circumstances partly layd open, thou ( Hermione) con­

trary to the Faith and Allegeance of a true Subiect, didst coun­

[1175]

saile and ayde them, for their better safetie, to flye away by

Night.

Her. Since what I am to say, must be but that Which contradicts my Accusation, and The testimonie on my part, no other
[1180]
But what comes from my selfe, it shall scarce boot me To say, Not guiltie: mine Integritie Being counted Falsehood, shall (as I expresse it) Be so receiu’d. But thus, if Powres Diuine Behold our humane Actions (as they doe)
[1185]
I doubt not then, but Innocence shall make False Accusation blush, and Tyrannie Tremble at Patience. You (my Lord) best know (Whom least will seeme to doe so) my past life Hath beene as continent, as chaste, as true,
[1190]
As I am now vnhappy; which is more Then Historie can patterne, though deuis’d, And play’d, to take Spectators. For behold me, A Fellow of the Royall Bed, which owe A Moitie of the Throne: a great Kings Daughter,
[1195]
The Mother to a hopefull Prince, here standing To prate and talke for Life, and Honor, fore Who please to come, and heare. For Life, I prize it As I weigh Griefe (which I would spare:) For Honor, 'Tis a deriuatiue from me to mine,
[1200]
And onely that I stand for. I appeale To your owne Conscience (Sir) before Polixenes Came to your Court, how I was in your grace, How merited to be so: Since he came, With what encounter so vncurrant, I
[1205]
Haue strayn’d t’appeare thus; if one iot beyond The bound of Honor, or in act, or will That way enclining, hardned be the hearts Of all that heare me, and my neer’st of Kin Cry fie vpon my Graue.
Leo.
[1210]
I ne’re heard yet, That any of these bolder Vices wanted Lesse Impudence to gaine‑say what they did, Then to performe it first.
Her. That’s true enough,
[1215]
Though 'tis a saying (Sir) not due to me.
Leo.

You will not owne it.

Her. More then Mistresse of, Which comes to me in name of Fault, I must not At all acknowledge. For Polixenes
[1220]
(With whom I am accus’d) I doe confesse I lou’d him, as in Honor he requir’d: With such a kind of Loue, as might become A Lady like me; with a Loue, euen such, So, and no other, as your selfe commanded:
[1225]
Which, not to haue done, I thinke had been in me Both Disobedience, and Ingratitude To you, and toward your Friend, whose Loue had spoke, Euen since it could speake, from an Infant, freely, That it was yours. Now for Conspiracie,
[1230]
I know not how it tastes, though it be dish’d For me to try how: All I know of it, Is, that Camillo was an honest man; And why he left your Court, the Gods themselues (Wotting no more then I) are ignorant.
Leo.
[1235]
You knew of his departure, as you know What you haue vnderta’ne to doe in’s absence.
Her.

Sir,

You speake a Language that I vnderstand not: My Life stands in the leuell of your Dreames,
[1240]
Which Ile lay downe.
Leo. Your Actions are my Dreames. You had a Bastard by Polixenes, And I but dream’d it: As you were past all shame, (Those of your Fact are so) so past all truth;
[1245]
Which to deny, concernes more then auailes: for as Thy Brat hath been cast out, like to it selfe, No Father owning it (which is indeed More criminall in thee, then it) so thou Shalt feele our Iustice; in whose easiest passage,
[1250]
Looke for no lesse then death.
Her. Sir, spare your Threats: The Bugge which you would fright me with, I seeke: To me can Life be no commoditie; The crowne and comfort of my Life (your Fauor)
[1255]
I doe giue lost, for I doe feele it gone, But know not how it went. My second Ioy, And first Fruits of my body, from his presence I am bar’d, like one infectious. My third comfort (Star’d most vnluckily) is from my breast
[1260]
(The innocent milke in it most innocent mouth) Hal’d out to murther. My selfe on euery Post Proclaym’d a Strumpet: With immodest hatred The Child‑bed priuiledge deny’d, which longs To Women of all fashion. Lastly, hurried
[1265]
Here, to this place, i’th’open ayre, before I haue got strength of limit. Now (my Liege) Tell me what blessings I haue here aliue, That I should feare to die? Therefore proceed: But yet heare this: mistake me not: no Life,
[1270]
(I prize it not a straw) but for mine Honor, Which I would free: if I shall be condemn’d Vpon surmizes (all proofes sleeping else, But what your Iealousies awake) I tell you 'Tis Rigor, and not Law. Your Honors all,
[1275]
I doe referre me to the Oracle: Apollo be my Iudge.
Lord. This your request Is altogether iust: therefore bring forth (And in Apollo’s Name) his Oracle. Her.
[1280]
The Emperor of Russia was my Father. Oh that he were aliue, and here beholding His Daughters Tryall: that he did but see The flatnesse of my miserie; yet with eyes Of Pitty, not Reuenge.
Officer.
[1285]
You here shal sweare vpon this Sword of Iustice, That you ( Cleomines and Dion) haue Been both at Delphos, and from thence haue brought This seal’d‑vp Oracle, by the Hand deliuer’d Of great Apollo’s Priest; and that since then,
[1290]
You haue not dar’d to breake the holy Seale, Nor read the Secrets in’t.
Cleo.

Dio. All this we sweare.

Leo.

Breake vp the Seales, and read.

Officer.

Hermione is chast, Polixenes blamelesse, Camillo

[1295]

a true Subiect, Leontes a iealous Tyrant, his innocent Babe

truly begotten, and the King shall liue without an Heire, if that

which is lost, be not found.

Lords.

Now blessed be the great Apollo.

Her.

Praysed.

Leo.
[1300]

Hast thou read truth?

Offic.

I (my Lord) euen so as it is here set downe.

Leo. There is no truth at all i’th’Oracle: The Sessions shall proceed: this is meere falsehood. Ser.

My Lord the King: the King?

Leo.
[1305]

What is the businesse?

Ser. O Sir, I shall be hated to report it. The Prince your Sonne, with meere conceit, and feare Of the Queenes speed, is gone. Leo.

How? gone?

Ser.
[1310]

Is dead.

Leo. Apollo’s angry, and the Heauens themselues, Doe strike at my Iniustice. How now there? Paul. This newes is mortall to the Queene: Look downe And see what Death is doing. Leo.
[1315]
Take her hence: Her heart is but o’re‑charg’d: she will recouer. I haue too much beleeu’d mine owne suspition: 'Beseech you tenderly apply to her Some remedies for life. Apollo pardon
[1320]
My great prophanenesse 'gainst thine Oracle. Ile reconcile me to Polixenes, New woe my Queene, recall the good Camillo (Whom I proclaime a man of Truth, of Mercy:) For being transported by my Iealousies
[1325]
To bloody thoughts, and to reuenge, I chose Camillo for the minister, to poison My friend Polixenes: which had been done, But that the good mind of Camillo tardied My swift command: though I with Death, and with
[1330]
Reward, did threaten and encourage him, Not doing it, and being done: he (most humane, And fill’d with Honor) to my Kingly Guest Vnclasp’d my practise, quit his fortunes here (Which you knew great) and to the hazard
[1335]
Of all Incertainties, himselfe commended, No richer then his Honor: How he glisters Through my Rust? and how his Pietie Do’s my deeds make the blacker?
Paul. Woe the while:
[1340]
O cut my Lace, least my heart (cracking it) Breake too.
Lord.

What fit is this? good Lady?

Paul. What studied torments (Tyrant) hast for me? What Wheeles? Racks? Fires? What flaying? boyling?
[1345]
In Leads, or Oyles? What old, or newer Torture Must I receiue? whose euery word deserues To taste of thy most worst. Thy Tyranny (Together working with thy Iealousies, Fancies too weake for Boyes, too greene and idle
[1350]
For Girles of Nine) O thinke what they haue done, And then run mad indeed: starke‑mad: for all Thy by‑gone fooleries were but spices of it. That thou betrayed’st Polixenes, 'twas nothing, (That did but shew thee, of a Foole, inconstant,
[1355]
And damnable ingratefull:) Nor was’t much. Thou would’st haue poyson’d good Camillo’s Honor, To haue him kill a King: poore Trespasses, More monstrous standing by: whereof I reckon The casting forth to Crowes, thy Baby‑daughter,
[1360]
To be or none, or little; though a Deuill Would haue shed water out of fire, ere don’t; Nor is’t directly layd to thee, the death Of the young Prince, whose honorable thoughts (Thoughts high for one so tender) cleft the heart
[1365]
That could conceiue a grosse and foolish Sire Blemish’d his gracious Dam: this is not, no, Layd to thy answere: but the last: O Lords, When I haue said, cry woe: the Queene, the Queene, The sweet’st, deer’st creature’s dead: & vengeance for’t
[1370]
Not drop’d downe yet.
Lord.

The higher powres forbid.

Pau. I say she’s dead: Ile swear’t. If word, nor oath Preuaile not, go and see: if you can bring Tincture, or lustre in her lip, her eye
[1375]
Heate outwardly, or breath within, Ile serue you As I would do the Gods. But, O thou Tyrant, Do not repent these things, for they are heauier Then all thy woes can stirre: therefore betake thee To nothing but dispaire. A thousand knees,
[1380]
Ten thousand yeares together, naked, fasting, Vpon a barren Mountaine, and still Winter In storme perpetuall, could not moue the Gods To looke that way thou wer’t.
Leo. Go on, go on:
[1385]
Thou canst not speake too much, I haue deseru’d All tongues to talke their bittrest.
Lord. Say no more; How ere the businesse goes, you haue made fault I’th boldnesse of your speech. Pau.
[1390]
I am sorry for’t; All faults I make, when I shall come to know them, I do repent: Alas, I haue shew’d too much The rashnesse of a woman: he is toucht To th’Noble heart. What’s gone, and what’s past helpe
[1395]
Should be past greefe: Do not receiue affliction At my petition; I beseech you, rather Let me be punish’d, that haue minded you Of what you should forget. Now (good my Liege) Sir, Royall Sir, forgiue a foolish woman:
[1400]
The loue I bore your Queene (Lo, foole againe) Ile speake of her no more, nor of your Children: Ile not remember you of my owne Lord, (Who is lost too:) take your patience to you, And Ile say nothing.
Leo.
[1405]
Thou didst speake but well, When most the truth: which I receyue much better, Then to be pittied of thee. Prethee bring me To the dead bodies of my Queene, and Sonne, One graue shall be for both: Vpon them shall
[1410]
The causes of their death appeare (vnto Our shame perpetuall) once a day, Ile visit The Chappell where they lye, and teares shed there Shall be my recreation. So long as Nature Will beare vp with this exercise, so long
[1415]
I dayly vow to vse it. Come, and leade me To these sorrowes.
Exeunt
 

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<div type="scene" n="2">
   <head rend="center">Scœna Secunda.</head>
   <head type="supplied">[Act 3, Scene 2]</head>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Leontes, Lords, Officers: Hermione (as to her
      <lb/>Triall) Ladies: Cleomines, Dion.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="1157">This Sessions (to our great griefe we pronounce)</l>
      <l n="1158">Euen pushes 'gainst our heart. The partie try’d,</l>
      <l n="1159">The Daughter of a King, our Wife, and one</l>
      <l n="1160">Of vs too much belou’d. Let vs be clear’d</l>
      <l n="1161">Of being tyrannous, since we so openly</l>
      <l n="1162">Proceed in Iustice, which shall haue due course,</l>
      <l n="1163">Euen to the Guilt, or the Purgation:</l>
      <l n="1164">Produce the Prisoner.</l>
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      <speaker rend="italic">Officer.</speaker>
      <l n="1165">It is his Highnesse pleasure, that the Queene</l>
      <l n="1166">Appeare in person, here in Court.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="business">Silence.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="1167">Reade the Indictment.</p>
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   <sp who="#F-wt-off">
      <speaker rend="italic">Officer.</speaker>
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         <hi rend="roman">Hermione</hi>, Queene to the worthy<hi rend="roman">Leontes</hi>, King
      <lb n="1169"/>of Sicilia, thou art here accused and arraigned of High Trea­
      <lb n="1170"/>son, in committing Adultery with<hi rend="roman">Polixenes</hi>King of Bohemia,<cb n="2"/>
         
      <lb n="1171"/>and conspiring with<hi rend="roman">Camillo</hi>to take away the Life of our Soue­
      <lb n="1172"/>raigne Lord the King, thy Royall Husband: the pretence whereof
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      <lb n="1174"/>trary to the Faith and Allegeance of a true Subiect, didst coun­
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      <lb n="1176"/>Night.</p>
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   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <l n="1177">Since what I am to say, must be but that</l>
      <l n="1178">Which contradicts my Accusation, and</l>
      <l n="1179">The testimonie on my part, no other</l>
      <l n="1180">But what comes from my selfe, it shall scarce boot me</l>
      <l n="1181">To say, Not guiltie: mine Integritie</l>
      <l n="1182">Being counted Falsehood, shall (as I expresse it)</l>
      <l n="1183">Be so receiu’d. But thus, if Powres Diuine</l>
      <l n="1184">Behold our humane Actions (as they doe)</l>
      <l n="1185">I doubt not then, but Innocence shall make</l>
      <l n="1186">False Accusation blush, and Tyrannie</l>
      <l n="1187">Tremble at Patience. You (my Lord) best know</l>
      <l n="1188">(Whom least will seeme to doe so) my past life</l>
      <l n="1189">Hath beene as continent, as chaste, as true,</l>
      <l n="1190">As I am now vnhappy; which is more</l>
      <l n="1191">Then Historie can patterne, though deuis’d,</l>
      <l n="1192">And play’d, to take Spectators. For behold me,</l>
      <l n="1193">A Fellow of the Royall Bed, which owe</l>
      <l n="1194">A Moitie of the Throne: a great Kings Daughter,</l>
      <l n="1195">The Mother to a hopefull Prince, here standing</l>
      <l n="1196">To prate and talke for Life, and Honor, fore</l>
      <l n="1197">Who please to come, and heare. For Life, I prize it</l>
      <l n="1198">As I weigh Griefe (which I would spare:) For Honor,</l>
      <l n="1199">'Tis a deriuatiue from me to mine,</l>
      <l n="1200">And onely that I stand for. I appeale</l>
      <l n="1201">To your owne Conscience (Sir) before<hi rend="italic">Polixenes</hi>
      </l>
      <l n="1202">Came to your Court, how I was in your grace,</l>
      <l n="1203">How merited to be so: Since he came,</l>
      <l n="1204">With what encounter so vncurrant, I</l>
      <l n="1205">Haue strayn’d t’appeare thus; if one iot beyond</l>
      <l n="1206">The bound of Honor, or in act, or will</l>
      <l n="1207">That way enclining, hardned be the hearts</l>
      <l n="1208">Of all that heare me, and my neer’st of Kin</l>
      <l n="1209">Cry fie vpon my Graue.</l>
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   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="1210">I ne’re heard yet,</l>
      <l n="1211">That any of these bolder Vices wanted</l>
      <l n="1212">Lesse Impudence to gaine‑say what they did,</l>
      <l n="1213">Then to performe it first.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <l n="1214">That’s true enough,</l>
      <l n="1215">Though 'tis a saying (Sir) not due to me.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="1216">You will not owne it.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <l n="1217">More then Mistresse of,</l>
      <l n="1218">Which comes to me in name of Fault, I must not</l>
      <l n="1219">At all acknowledge. For<hi rend="italic">Polixenes</hi>
      </l>
      <l n="1220">(With whom I am accus’d) I doe confesse</l>
      <l n="1221">I lou’d him, as in Honor he requir’d:</l>
      <l n="1222">With such a kind of Loue, as might become</l>
      <l n="1223">A Lady like me; with a Loue, euen such,</l>
      <l n="1224">So, and no other, as your selfe commanded:</l>
      <l n="1225">Which, not to haue done, I thinke had been in me</l>
      <l n="1226">Both Disobedience, and Ingratitude</l>
      <l n="1227">To you, and toward your Friend, whose Loue had spoke,</l>
      <l n="1228">Euen since it could speake, from an Infant, freely,</l>
      <l n="1229">That it was yours. Now for Conspiracie,</l>
      <l n="1230">I know not how it tastes, though it be dish’d</l>
      <l n="1231">For me to try how: All I know of it,</l>
      <l n="1232">Is, that<hi rend="italic">Camillo</hi>was an honest man;</l>
      <l n="1233">And why he left your Court, the Gods themselues</l>
      <l n="1234">(Wotting no more then I) are ignorant.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="1235">You knew of his departure, as you know</l>
      <l n="1236">What you haue vnderta’ne to doe in’s absence.</l>
   </sp>
   <pb facs="FFimg:axc0307-0.jpg" n="287"/>
   <cb n="1"/>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <p n="1237">Sir,</p>
      <l n="1238">You speake a Language that I vnderstand not:</l>
      <l n="1239">My Life stands in the leuell of your Dreames,</l>
      <l n="1240">Which Ile lay downe.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="1241">Your Actions are my Dreames.</l>
      <l n="1242">You had a Bastard by<hi rend="italic">Polixenes</hi>,</l>
      <l n="1243">And I but dream’d it: As you were past all shame,</l>
      <l n="1244">(Those of your Fact are so) so past all truth;</l>
      <l n="1245">Which to deny, concernes more then auailes: for as</l>
      <l n="1246">Thy Brat hath been cast out, like to it selfe,</l>
      <l n="1247">No Father owning it (which is indeed</l>
      <l n="1248">More criminall in thee, then it) so thou</l>
      <l n="1249">Shalt feele our Iustice; in whose easiest passage,</l>
      <l n="1250">Looke for no lesse then death.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <l n="1251">Sir, spare your Threats:</l>
      <l n="1252">The Bugge which you would fright me with, I seeke:</l>
      <l n="1253">To me can Life be no commoditie;</l>
      <l n="1254">The crowne and comfort of my Life (your Fauor)</l>
      <l n="1255">I doe giue lost, for I doe feele it gone,</l>
      <l n="1256">But know not how it went. My second Ioy,</l>
      <l n="1257">And first Fruits of my body, from his presence</l>
      <l n="1258">I am bar’d, like one infectious. My third comfort</l>
      <l n="1259">(Star’d most vnluckily) is from my breast</l>
      <l n="1260">(The innocent milke in it most innocent mouth)</l>
      <l n="1261">Hal’d out to murther. My selfe on euery Post</l>
      <l n="1262">Proclaym’d a Strumpet: With immodest hatred</l>
      <l n="1263">The Child‑bed priuiledge deny’d, which longs</l>
      <l n="1264">To Women of all fashion. Lastly, hurried</l>
      <l n="1265">Here, to this place, i’th’open ayre, before</l>
      <l n="1266">I haue got strength of limit. Now (my Liege)</l>
      <l n="1267">Tell me what blessings I haue here aliue,</l>
      <l n="1268">That I should feare to die? Therefore proceed:</l>
      <l n="1269">But yet heare this: mistake me not: no Life,</l>
      <l n="1270">(I prize it not a straw) but for mine Honor,</l>
      <l n="1271">Which I would free: if I shall be condemn’d</l>
      <l n="1272">Vpon surmizes (all proofes sleeping else,</l>
      <l n="1273">But what your Iealousies awake) I tell you</l>
      <l n="1274">'Tis Rigor, and not Law. Your Honors all,</l>
      <l n="1275">I doe referre me to the Oracle:</l>
      <l n="1276">
         <hi rend="italic">Apollo</hi>be my Iudge.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-lor.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lord.</speaker>
      <l n="1277">This your request</l>
      <l n="1278">Is altogether iust: therefore bring forth</l>
      <l n="1279">(And in<hi rend="italic">Apollo’s</hi>Name) his Oracle.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <l n="1280">The Emperor of Russia was my Father.</l>
      <l n="1281">Oh that he were aliue, and here beholding</l>
      <l n="1282">His Daughters Tryall: that he did but see</l>
      <l n="1283">The flatnesse of my miserie; yet with eyes</l>
      <l n="1284">Of Pitty, not Reuenge.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-off">
      <speaker rend="italic">Officer.</speaker>
      <l n="1285">You here shal sweare vpon this Sword of Iustice,</l>
      <l n="1286">That you (<hi rend="italic">Cleomines</hi>and<hi rend="italic">Dion</hi>) haue</l>
      <l n="1287">Been both at Delphos, and from thence haue brought</l>
      <l n="1288">This seal’d‑vp Oracle, by the Hand deliuer’d</l>
      <l n="1289">Of great<hi rend="italic">Apollo’s</hi>Priest; and that since then,</l>
      <l n="1290">You haue not dar’d to breake the holy Seale,</l>
      <l n="1291">Nor read the Secrets in’t.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-cle">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cleo.</speaker>
      <p n="1292">
         <hi rend="italic">Dio</hi>. All this we sweare.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="1293">Breake vp the Seales, and read.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-off">
      <speaker rend="italic">Officer.</speaker>
      <p rend="italic" n="1294">
         <hi rend="roman">Hermione</hi>is chast,<hi rend="roman">Polixenes</hi>blamelesse,<hi rend="roman">Camillo</hi>
         
      <lb n="1295"/>a true Subiect,<hi rend="roman">Leontes</hi>a iealous Tyrant, his innocent Babe
      <lb n="1296"/>truly begotten, and the King shall liue without an Heire, if that
      <lb n="1297"/>which is lost, be not found.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-lds">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lords.</speaker>
      <p n="1298">Now blessed be the great<hi rend="italic">Apollo</hi>.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-her">
      <speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
      <p n="1299">Praysed.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="1300">Hast thou read truth?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-off">
      <speaker rend="italic">Offic.</speaker>
      <p n="1301">I (my Lord) euen so as it is here set downe.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="1302">There is no truth at all i’th’Oracle:</l>
      <cb n="2"/>
      <l n="1303">The Sessions shall proceed: this is meere falsehood.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-ser">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ser.</speaker>
      <p n="1304">My Lord the King: the King?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="1305">What is the businesse?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-ser">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ser.</speaker>
      <l n="1306">O Sir, I shall be hated to report it.</l>
      <l n="1307">The Prince your Sonne, with meere conceit, and feare</l>
      <l n="1308">Of the Queenes speed, is gone.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="1309">How? gone?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-ser">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ser.</speaker>
      <p n="1310">Is dead.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="1311">
         <hi rend="italic">Apollo’s</hi>angry, and the Heauens themselues,</l>
      <l n="1312">Doe strike at my Iniustice. How now there?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pau">
      <speaker rend="italic">Paul.</speaker>
      <l n="1313">This newes is mortall to the Queene: Look downe</l>
      <l n="1314">And see what Death is doing.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="1315">Take her hence:</l>
      <l n="1316">Her heart is but o’re‑charg’d: she will recouer.</l>
      <l n="1317">I haue too much beleeu’d mine owne suspition:</l>
      <l n="1318">'Beseech you tenderly apply to her</l>
      <l n="1319">Some remedies for life.<hi rend="italic">Apollo</hi>pardon</l>
      <l n="1320">My great prophanenesse 'gainst thine Oracle.</l>
      <l n="1321">Ile reconcile me to<hi rend="italic">Polixenes</hi>,</l>
      <l n="1322">New woe my Queene, recall the good<hi rend="italic">Camillo</hi>
      </l>
      <l n="1323">(Whom I proclaime a man of Truth, of Mercy:)</l>
      <l n="1324">For being transported by my Iealousies</l>
      <l n="1325">To bloody thoughts, and to reuenge, I chose</l>
      <l n="1326">
         <hi rend="italic">Camillo</hi>for the minister, to poison</l>
      <l n="1327">My friend<hi rend="italic">Polixenes</hi>: which had been done,</l>
      <l n="1328">But that the good mind of<hi rend="italic">Camillo</hi>tardied</l>
      <l n="1329">My swift command: though I with Death, and with</l>
      <l n="1330">Reward, did threaten and encourage him,</l>
      <l n="1331">Not doing it, and being done: he (most humane,</l>
      <l n="1332">And fill’d with Honor) to my Kingly Guest</l>
      <l n="1333">Vnclasp’d my practise, quit his fortunes here</l>
      <l n="1334">(Which you knew great) and to the hazard</l>
      <l n="1335">Of all Incertainties, himselfe commended,</l>
      <l n="1336">No richer then his Honor: How he glisters</l>
      <l n="1337">Through my Rust? and how his Pietie</l>
      <l n="1338">Do’s my deeds make the blacker?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pau">
      <speaker rend="italic">Paul.</speaker>
      <l n="1339">Woe the while:</l>
      <l n="1340">O cut my Lace, least my heart (cracking it)</l>
      <l n="1341">Breake too.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-lor.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lord.</speaker>
      <p n="1342">What fit is this? good Lady?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pau">
      <speaker rend="italic">Paul.</speaker>
      <l n="1343">What studied torments (Tyrant) hast for me?</l>
      <l n="1344">What Wheeles? Racks? Fires? What flaying? boyling?</l>
      <l n="1345">In Leads, or Oyles? What old, or newer Torture</l>
      <l n="1346">Must I receiue? whose euery word deserues</l>
      <l n="1347">To taste of thy most worst. Thy Tyranny</l>
      <l n="1348">(Together working with thy Iealousies,</l>
      <l n="1349">Fancies too weake for Boyes, too greene and idle</l>
      <l n="1350">For Girles of Nine) O thinke what they haue done,</l>
      <l n="1351">And then run mad indeed: starke‑mad: for all</l>
      <l n="1352">Thy by‑gone fooleries were but spices of it.</l>
      <l n="1353">That thou betrayed’st<hi rend="italic">Polixenes</hi>, 'twas nothing,</l>
      <l n="1354">(That did but shew thee, of a Foole, inconstant,</l>
      <l n="1355">And damnable ingratefull:) Nor was’t much.</l>
      <l n="1356">Thou would’st haue poyson’d good<hi rend="italic">Camillo’s</hi>Honor,</l>
      <l n="1357">To haue him kill a King: poore Trespasses,</l>
      <l n="1358">More monstrous standing by: whereof I reckon</l>
      <l n="1359">The casting forth to Crowes, thy Baby‑daughter,</l>
      <l n="1360">To be or none, or little; though a Deuill</l>
      <l n="1361">Would haue shed water out of fire, ere don’t;</l>
      <l n="1362">Nor is’t directly layd to thee, the death</l>
      <l n="1363">Of the young Prince, whose honorable thoughts</l>
      <l n="1364">(Thoughts high for one so tender) cleft the heart</l>
      <l n="1365">That could conceiue a grosse and foolish Sire</l>
      <l n="1366">Blemish’d his gracious Dam: this is not, no,</l>
      <l n="1367">Layd to thy answere: but the last: O Lords,</l>
      <l n="1368">When I haue said, cry woe: the Queene, the Queene,</l>
      <pb facs="FFimg:axc0308-0.jpg" n="288"/>
      <cb n="1"/>
      <l n="1369">The sweet’st, deer’st creature’s dead: &amp; vengeance for’t</l>
      <l n="1370">Not drop’d downe yet.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-lor.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lord.</speaker>
      <p n="1371">The higher powres forbid.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pau">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pau.</speaker>
      <l n="1372">I say she’s dead: Ile swear’t. If word, nor oath</l>
      <l n="1373">Preuaile not, go and see: if you can bring</l>
      <l n="1374">Tincture, or lustre in her lip, her eye</l>
      <l n="1375">Heate outwardly, or breath within, Ile serue you</l>
      <l n="1376">As I would do the Gods. But, O thou Tyrant,</l>
      <l n="1377">Do not repent these things, for they are heauier</l>
      <l n="1378">Then all thy woes can stirre: therefore betake thee</l>
      <l n="1379">To nothing but dispaire. A thousand knees,</l>
      <l n="1380">Ten thousand yeares together, naked, fasting,</l>
      <l n="1381">Vpon a barren Mountaine, and still Winter</l>
      <l n="1382">In storme perpetuall, could not moue the Gods</l>
      <l n="1383">To looke that way thou wer’t.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="1384">Go on, go on:</l>
      <l n="1385">Thou canst not speake too much, I haue deseru’d</l>
      <l n="1386">All tongues to talke their bittrest.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-lor.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lord.</speaker>
      <l n="1387">Say no more;</l>
      <l n="1388">How ere the businesse goes, you haue made fault</l>
      <l n="1389">I’th boldnesse of your speech.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pau">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pau.</speaker>
      <l n="1390">I am sorry for’t;</l>
      <l n="1391">All faults I make, when I shall come to know them,</l>
      <l n="1392">I do repent: Alas, I haue shew’d too much</l>
      <l n="1393">The rashnesse of a woman: he is toucht</l>
      <l n="1394">To th’Noble heart. What’s gone, and what’s past helpe</l>
      <l n="1395">Should be past greefe: Do not receiue affliction</l>
      <l n="1396">At my petition; I beseech you, rather</l>
      <l n="1397">Let me be punish’d, that haue minded you</l>
      <l n="1398">Of what you should forget. Now (good my Liege)</l>
      <l n="1399">Sir, Royall Sir, forgiue a foolish woman:</l>
      <l n="1400">The loue I bore your Queene (Lo, foole againe)</l>
      <l n="1401">Ile speake of her no more, nor of your Children:</l>
      <l n="1402">Ile not remember you of my owne Lord,</l>
      <l n="1403">(Who is lost too:) take your patience to you,</l>
      <l n="1404">And Ile say nothing.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="1405">Thou didst speake but well,</l>
      <l n="1406">When most the truth: which I receyue much better,</l>
      <l n="1407">Then to be pittied of thee. Prethee bring me</l>
      <l n="1408">To the dead bodies of my Queene, and Sonne,</l>
      <l n="1409">One graue shall be for both: Vpon them shall</l>
      <l n="1410">The causes of their death appeare (vnto</l>
      <l n="1411">Our shame perpetuall) once a day, Ile visit</l>
      <l n="1412">The Chappell where they lye, and teares shed there</l>
      <l n="1413">Shall be my recreation. So long as Nature</l>
      <l n="1414">Will beare vp with this exercise, so long</l>
      <l n="1415">I dayly vow to vse it. Come, and leade me</l>
      <l n="1416">To these sorrowes.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exeunt</stage>
</div>

                                
                            

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