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: 2A5r - Comedies, p. 285

Left Column


The Winters Tale. The sacred Honor of himselfe, his Queenes, His hopefull Sonnes, his Babes, betrayes to Slander, Whose sting is sharper then the Swords; and will not (For as the case now stands, it is a Curse
[995]
He cannot be compell’d too’t) once remoue The Root of his Opinion, which is rotten, As euer Oake, or Stone was sound.
Leo. A Callat Of boundlesse tongue, who late hath beat her Husband,
[1000]
And now bayts me: This Brat is none of mine, It is the Issue of Polixenes. Hence with it, and together with the Dam, Commit them to the fire.
Paul. It is yours:
[1005]
And might we lay th’old Prouerb to your charge, So like you, 'tis the worse. Behold (my Lords) Although the Print be little, the whole Matter And Coppy of the Father: (Eye, Nose, Lippe, The trick of’s Frowne, his Fore‑head, nay, the Valley,
[1010]
The pretty dimples of his Chin, and Cheeke; his Smiles: The very Mold, and frame of Hand, Nayle, Finger.) And thou good Goddesse Nature, which hast made it So like to him that got it, if thou hast The ordering of the Mind too, 'mongst all Colours
[1015]
No Yellow in’t, least she suspect, as he do’s, Her Children, not her Husbands.
Leo. A grosse Hagge: And Lozell, thou art worthy to be hang’d, That wilt not stay her Tongue. Antig.
[1020]
Hang all the Husbands That cannot doe that Feat, you’le leaue your selfe Hardly one Subiect.
Leo.

Once more take her hence.

Paul. A most vnworthy, and vnnaturall Lord
[1025]
Can doe no more.
Leo.

Ile ha’ thee burnt.

Paul. I care not: It is an Heretique that makes the fire, Not she which burnes in’t. Ile not call you Tyrant:
[1030]
But this most cruell vsage of your Queene (Not able to produce more accusation Then your owne weake‑hindg’d Fancy) somthing sauors Of Tyrannie, and will ignoble make you, Yea, scandalous to the World.
Leo.
[1035]
On your Allegeance, Out of the Chamber with her. Were I a Tyrant, Where were her life? she durst not call me so, If she did know me one. Away with her.
Paul. I pray you doe not push me, Ile be gone.
[1040]
Looke to your Babe (my Lord) 'tis yours: Ioue send her A better guiding Spirit. What needs these hands? You that are thus so tender o’re his Follyes, Will neuer doe him good, not one of you. So, so: Farewell, we are gone.
Exit. Leo.
[1045]
Thou (Traytor) hast set on thy Wife to this. My Child? away with’t? euen thou, that hast A heart so tender o’re it, take it hence, And see it instantly consum’d with fire. Euen thou, and none but thou. Take it vp straight:
[1050]
Within this houre bring me word 'tis done, (And by good testimonie) or Ile seize thy life, With what thou else call’st thine: if thou refuse, And wilt encounter with my Wrath, say so; The Bastard‑braynes with these my proper hands
[1055]
Shall I dash out. Goe, take it to the fire, For thou sett’st on thy Wife.

Right Column


Antig. I did not, Sir: These Lords, my Noble Fellowes, if they please, Can cleare me in’t. Lords.
[1060]
We can: my Royall Liege, He is not guiltie of her comming hither.
Leo.

You’re lyers all.

Lord. Beseech your Highnesse, giue vs better credit: We haue alwayes truly seru’d you, and beseech’
[1065]
So to esteeme of vs: and on our knees we begge, (As recompence of our deare seruices Past, and to come) that you doe change this purpose, Which being so horrible, so bloody, must Lead on to some foule Issue. We all kneele.
Leo.
[1070]
I am a Feather for each Wind that blows: Shall I liue on, to see this Bastard kneele, And call me Father? better burne it now, Then curse it then. But be it: let it liue. It shall not neyther. You Sir, come you hither:
[1075]
You that haue beene so tenderly officious With Lady Margerie, your Mid‑wife there, To saue this Bastards life; for 'tis a Bastard, So sure as this Beard’s gray. What will you aduenture, To saue this Brats life?
Antig.
[1080]
Any thing (my Lord) That my abilitie may vndergoe, And Noblenesse impose: at least thus much; Ile pawne the little blood which I haue left, To saue the Innocent: any thing possible.
Leo.
[1085]
It shall be possible: Sweare by this Sword Thou wilt performe my bidding.
Antig.

I will (my Lord.)

Leo. Marke, and performe it: seest thou? for the faile Of any point in’t, shall not onely be
[1090]
Death to thy selfe, but to thy lewd‑tongu’d Wife, (Whom for this time we pardon) We enioyne thee, As thou art Liege‑man to vs, that thou carry This female Bastard hence, and that thou beare it To some remote and desart place, quite out
[1095]
Of our Dominions; and that there thou leaue it (Without more mercy) to it owne protection, And fauour of the Climate: as by strange fortune It came to vs, I doe in Iustice charge thee, On thy Soules perill, and thy Bodyes torture,
[1100]
That thou commend it strangely to some place, Where Chance may nurse, or end it: take it vp.
Antig. I sweare to doe this: though a present death Had beene more mercifull. Come on (poore Babe) Some powerfull Spirit instruct the Kytes and Rauens
[1105]
To be thy Nurs s. Wolues and Beares, they say, (Casting their sauagenesse aside) haue done Like offices of Pitty. Sir, be prosperous In more then this deed do’s require; and Blessing Against this Crueltie, fight on thy side
[1110]
(Poore Thing, condemn’d to losse.)
Exit. Leo. No: Ile not reare Anothers Issue. Enter a Seruant. Seru. Please’ your Highnesse, Posts From those you sent to th’Oracle, are come
[1115]
An houre since: Cleomines and Dion, Being well arriu’d from Delphos, are both landed, Hasting to th’Court.
Lord. So please you (Sir) their speed Hath beene beyond accompt. Leo.
[1120]
Twentie three days They haue beene absent: 'tis good speed: fore‑tells The great Apollo suddenly will haue The

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Scæna Tertia. Enter Leontes, Seruants, Paulina, Antigonus, and Lords. Leo. Nor night, nor day, no rest: It is but weaknesse To beare the matter thus: meere weaknesse, if The cause were not in being: part o’th cause,
[890]
She, th’Adultresse: for the harlot‑King Is quite beyond mine Arme, out of the blanke And leuell of my braine: plot‑proofe: but shee, I can hooke to me: say that she were gone, Giuen to the fire, a moity of my rest
[895]
Might come to me againe. Whose there?
Ser.

My Lord.

Leo.

How do’s the boy?

Ser. He tooke good rest to night: 'tis hop’d His sicknesse is discharg’d. Leo.
[900]
To see his Noblenesse, Conceyuing the dishonour of his Mother. He straight declin’d, droop’d, tooke it deeply, Fasten’d, and fix’d the shame on’t in himselfe: Threw‑off his Spirit, his Appetite, his Sleepe,
[905]
And down‑right languish’d. Leaue me solely: goe, See how he fares: Fie, fie, no thought of him, The very thought of my Reuenges that way Recoyle vpon me: in himselfe too mightie, And in his parties, his Alliance; Let him be,
[910]
Vntill a time may serue. For present vengeance Take it on her: Camillo, and Polixenes Laugh at me: make their pastime at my sorrow: They should not laugh, if I could reach them, nor Shall she, within my powre.
Enter Paulina. Lord.
[915]

You must not enter.

Paul. Nay rather (good my Lords) be second to me: Feare you his tyrannous passion more (alas) Then the Queenes life? A gracious innocent soule, More free, then he is iealous. Antig.
[920]

That’s enough.

Ser.

Madam; he hath not slept to night, commanded

None should come at him.

Pau. Not so hot (good Sir) I come to bring him sleepe. 'Tis such as you
[925]
That creepe like shadowes by him, and do sighe At each his needlesse heauings: such as you Nourish the cause of his awaking. I Do come with words, as medicinall, as true; (Honest, as either;) to purge him of that humor,
[930]
That presses him from sleepe.
Leo.

Who noyse there, hoe?

Pau. No noyse (my Lord) but needfull conference, About some Gossips for your Highnesse. Leo. How?
[935]
Away with that audacious Lady. Antigonus, I charg’d thee that she should not come about me, I knew she would.
Ant. I told her so (my Lord) On your displeasures perill, and on mine,
[940]
She should not visit you.
Leo.

What? canst not rule her?

Paul. From all dishonestie he can: in this (Vnlesse he take the course that you haue done) Commit me, for committing honor, trust it,
[945]
He shall not rule me:
Ant. La‑you now, you heare, When she will take the raine, I let her run, But shee’l not stumble. Paul. Good my Liege, I come:
[950]
And I beseech you heare me, who professes My selfe your loyall Seruant, your Physitian, Your most obedient Counsailor: yet that dares Lesse appeare so, in comforting your Euilles, Then such as most seeme yours. I say, I come
[955]
From your good Queene.
Leo.

Good Queene?

Paul. Good Queene (my Lord) good Queene, I say good Queene, And would by combate, make her good so, were I
[960]
A man, the worst about you.
Leo.

Force her hence.

Pau. Let him that makes but trifles of his eyes First hand me: on mine owne accord, Ile off, B t first, Ile do my errand. The good Queene
[965]
(For she is good) hath brought you forth a daughter, Heere 'tis. Commends it to your blessing.
Leo. Out: A mankinde Witch? Hence with her, out o’dore: A most intelligencing bawd. Paul.
[970]
Not so: I am as ignorant in that, as you, In so entit’ling me: and no lesse honest Then you are mad: which is enough, Ile warrant (As this world goes) to passe for honest:
Leo.
[975]
Traitors; Will you not push her out? Giue her the Bastard, Thou dotard, thou art woman‑tyr’d: vnroosted By thy dame Partlet heere. Take vp the Bastard, Take’t vp, I say: giue’t to thy Croane.
Paul.
[980]
For euer Vnvenerable be thy hands, if thou Tak’st vp the Princesse, by that forced basenesse Which he ha’s put vpon’t.
Leo.

He dreads his Wife.

Paul.
[985]
So I would you did: then 'twere past all doubt Youl’d call your children, yours.
Leo.

A nest of Traitors.

Ant.

I am none, by this good light.

Pau. Nor I: nor any
[990]
But one that’s heere: and that’s himselfe: for he, The sacred Honor of himselfe, his Queenes, His hopefull Sonnes, his Babes, betrayes to Slander, Whose sting is sharper then the Swords; and will not (For as the case now stands, it is a Curse
[995]
He cannot be compell’d too’t) once remoue The Root of his Opinion, which is rotten, As euer Oake, or Stone was sound.
Leo. A Callat Of boundlesse tongue, who late hath beat her Husband,
[1000]
And now bayts me: This Brat is none of mine, It is the Issue of Polixenes. Hence with it, and together with the Dam, Commit them to the fire.
Paul. It is yours:
[1005]
And might we lay th’old Prouerb to your charge, So like you, 'tis the worse. Behold (my Lords) Although the Print be little, the whole Matter And Coppy of the Father: (Eye, Nose, Lippe, The trick of’s Frowne, his Fore‑head, nay, the Valley,
[1010]
The pretty dimples of his Chin, and Cheeke; his Smiles: The very Mold, and frame of Hand, Nayle, Finger.) And thou good Goddesse Nature, which hast made it So like to him that got it, if thou hast The ordering of the Mind too, 'mongst all Colours
[1015]
No Yellow in’t, least she suspect, as he do’s, Her Children, not her Husbands.
Leo. A grosse Hagge: And Lozell, thou art worthy to be hang’d, That wilt not stay her Tongue. Antig.
[1020]
Hang all the Husbands That cannot doe that Feat, you’le leaue your selfe Hardly one Subiect.
Leo.

Once more take her hence.

Paul. A most vnworthy, and vnnaturall Lord
[1025]
Can doe no more.
Leo.

Ile ha’ thee burnt.

Paul. I care not: It is an Heretique that makes the fire, Not she which burnes in’t. Ile not call you Tyrant:
[1030]
But this most cruell vsage of your Queene (Not able to produce more accusation Then your owne weake‑hindg’d Fancy) somthing sauors Of Tyrannie, and will ignoble make you, Yea, scandalous to the World.
Leo.
[1035]
On your Allegeance, Out of the Chamber with her. Were I a Tyrant, Where were her life? she durst not call me so, If she did know me one. Away with her.
Paul. I pray you doe not push me, Ile be gone.
[1040]
Looke to your Babe (my Lord) 'tis yours: Ioue send her A better guiding Spirit. What needs these hands? You that are thus so tender o’re his Follyes, Will neuer doe him good, not one of you. So, so: Farewell, we are gone.
Exit. Leo.
[1045]
Thou (Traytor) hast set on thy Wife to this. My Child? away with’t? euen thou, that hast A heart so tender o’re it, take it hence, And see it instantly consum’d with fire. Euen thou, and none but thou. Take it vp straight:
[1050]
Within this houre bring me word 'tis done, (And by good testimonie) or Ile seize thy life, With what thou else call’st thine: if thou refuse, And wilt encounter with my Wrath, say so; The Bastard‑braynes with these my proper hands
[1055]
Shall I dash out. Goe, take it to the fire, For thou sett’st on thy Wife.
Antig. I did not, Sir: These Lords, my Noble Fellowes, if they please, Can cleare me in’t. Lords.
[1060]
We can: my Royall Liege, He is not guiltie of her comming hither.
Leo.

You’re lyers all.

Lord. Beseech your Highnesse, giue vs better credit: We haue alwayes truly seru’d you, and beseech’
[1065]
So to esteeme of vs: and on our knees we begge, (As recompence of our deare seruices Past, and to come) that you doe change this purpose, Which being so horrible, so bloody, must Lead on to some foule Issue. We all kneele.
Leo.
[1070]
I am a Feather for each Wind that blows: Shall I liue on, to see this Bastard kneele, And call me Father? better burne it now, Then curse it then. But be it: let it liue. It shall not neyther. You Sir, come you hither:
[1075]
You that haue beene so tenderly officious With Lady Margerie, your Mid‑wife there, To saue this Bastards life; for 'tis a Bastard, So sure as this Beard’s gray. What will you aduenture, To saue this Brats life?
Antig.
[1080]
Any thing (my Lord) That my abilitie may vndergoe, And Noblenesse impose: at least thus much; Ile pawne the little blood which I haue left, To saue the Innocent: any thing possible.
Leo.
[1085]
It shall be possible: Sweare by this Sword Thou wilt performe my bidding.
Antig.

I will (my Lord.)

Leo. Marke, and performe it: seest thou? for the faile Of any point in’t, shall not onely be
[1090]
Death to thy selfe, but to thy lewd‑tongu’d Wife, (Whom for this time we pardon) We enioyne thee, As thou art Liege‑man to vs, that thou carry This female Bastard hence, and that thou beare it To some remote and desart place, quite out
[1095]
Of our Dominions; and that there thou leaue it (Without more mercy) to it owne protection, And fauour of the Climate: as by strange fortune It came to vs, I doe in Iustice charge thee, On thy Soules perill, and thy Bodyes torture,
[1100]
That thou commend it strangely to some place, Where Chance may nurse, or end it: take it vp.
Antig. I sweare to doe this: though a present death Had beene more mercifull. Come on (poore Babe) Some powerfull Spirit instruct the Kytes and Rauens
[1105]
To be thy Nurs s. Wolues and Beares, they say, (Casting their sauagenesse aside) haue done Like offices of Pitty. Sir, be prosperous In more then this deed do’s require; and Blessing Against this Crueltie, fight on thy side
[1110]
(Poore Thing, condemn’d to losse.)
Exit. Leo. No: Ile not reare Anothers Issue. Enter a Seruant. Seru. Please’ your Highnesse, Posts From those you sent to th’Oracle, are come
[1115]
An houre since: Cleomines and Dion, Being well arriu’d from Delphos, are both landed, Hasting to th’Court.
Lord. So please you (Sir) their speed Hath beene beyond accompt. Leo.
[1120]
Twentie three days They haue beene absent: 'tis good speed: fore‑tells The great Apollo suddenly will haue 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.
 

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<div type="scene" n="3">
   <head rend="center">Scæna Tertia.</head>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Leontes, Seruants, Paulina, Antigonus, and Lords.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="887">Nor night, nor day, no rest: It is but weaknesse</l>
      <l n="888">To beare the matter thus: meere weaknesse, if</l>
      <l n="889">The cause were not in being: part o’th cause,</l>
      <l n="890">She, th’Adultresse: for the harlot‑King</l>
      <l n="891">Is quite beyond mine Arme, out of the blanke</l>
      <l n="892">And leuell of my braine: plot‑proofe: but shee,</l>
      <l n="893">I can hooke to me: say that she were gone,</l>
      <l n="894">Giuen to the fire, a moity of my rest</l>
      <l n="895">Might come to me againe. Whose there?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-ser">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ser.</speaker>
      <p n="896">My Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="897">How do’s the boy?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-ser">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ser.</speaker>
      <l n="898">He tooke good rest to night: 'tis hop’d</l>
      <l n="899">His sicknesse is discharg’d.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="900">To see his Noblenesse,</l>
      <l n="901">Conceyuing the dishonour of his Mother.</l>
      <l n="902">He straight declin’d, droop’d, tooke it deeply,</l>
      <l n="903">Fasten’d, and fix’d the shame on’t in himselfe:</l>
      <l n="904">Threw‑off his Spirit, his Appetite, his Sleepe,</l>
      <l n="905">And down‑right languish’d. Leaue me solely: goe,</l>
      <l n="906">See how he fares: Fie, fie, no thought of him,</l>
      <l n="907">The very thought of my Reuenges that way</l>
      <l n="908">Recoyle vpon me: in himselfe too mightie,</l>
      <l n="909">And in his parties, his Alliance; Let him be,</l>
      <l n="910">Vntill a time may serue. For present vengeance</l>
      <l n="911">Take it on her:<hi rend="italic">Camillo</hi>, and<hi rend="italic">Polixenes</hi>
      </l>
      <l n="912">Laugh at me: make their pastime at my sorrow:</l>
      <l n="913">They should not laugh, if I could reach them, nor</l>
      <l n="914">Shall she, within my powre.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Paulina.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-wt-lor.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lord.</speaker>
      <p n="915">You must not enter.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pau">
      <speaker rend="italic">Paul.</speaker>
      <l n="916">Nay rather (good my Lords) be second to me:</l>
      <l n="917">Feare you his tyrannous passion more (alas)</l>
      <l n="918">Then the Queenes life? A gracious innocent soule,</l>
      <l n="919">More free, then he is iealous.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Antig.</speaker>
      <p n="920">That’s enough.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-ser">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ser.</speaker>
      <p n="921">Madam; he hath not slept to night, commanded
      <lb n="922"/>None should come at him.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pau">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pau.</speaker>
      <l n="923">Not so hot (good Sir)</l>
      <l n="924">I come to bring him sleepe. 'Tis such as you</l>
      <cb n="2"/>
      <l n="925">That creepe like shadowes by him, and do sighe</l>
      <l n="926">At each his needlesse heauings: such as you</l>
      <l n="927">Nourish the cause of his awaking. I</l>
      <l n="928">Do come with words, as medicinall, as true;</l>
      <l n="929">(Honest, as either;) to purge him of that humor,</l>
      <l n="930">That presses him from sleepe.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="931">Who noyse there, hoe?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pau">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pau.</speaker>
      <l n="932">No noyse (my Lord) but needfull conference,</l>
      <l n="933">About some Gossips for your Highnesse.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="934">How?</l>
      <l n="935">Away with that audacious Lady.<hi rend="italic">Antigonus</hi>,</l>
      <l n="936">I charg’d thee that she should not come about me,</l>
      <l n="937">I knew she would.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ant.</speaker>
      <l n="938">I told her so (my Lord)</l>
      <l n="939">On your displeasures perill, and on mine,</l>
      <l n="940">She should not visit you.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="941">What? canst not rule her?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pau">
      <speaker rend="italic">Paul.</speaker>
      <l n="942">From all dishonestie he can: in this</l>
      <l n="943">(Vnlesse he take the course that you haue done)</l>
      <l n="944">Commit me, for committing honor, trust it,</l>
      <l n="945">He shall not rule me:</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ant.</speaker>
      <l n="946">La‑you now, you heare,</l>
      <l n="947">When she will take the raine, I let her run,</l>
      <l n="948">But shee’l not stumble.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pau">
      <speaker rend="italic">Paul.</speaker>
      <l n="949">Good my Liege, I come:</l>
      <l n="950">And I beseech you heare me, who professes</l>
      <l n="951">My selfe your loyall Seruant, your Physitian,</l>
      <l n="952">Your most obedient Counsailor: yet that dares</l>
      <l n="953">Lesse appeare so, in comforting your Euilles,</l>
      <l n="954">Then such as most seeme yours. I say, I come</l>
      <l n="955">From your good Queene.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="956">Good Queene?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pau">
      <speaker rend="italic">Paul.</speaker>
      <l n="957">Good Queene (my Lord) good Queene,</l>
      <l n="958">I say good Queene,</l>
      <l n="959">And would by combate, make her good so, were I</l>
      <l n="960">A man, the worst about you.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="961">Force her hence.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pau">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pau.</speaker>
      <l n="962">Let him that makes but trifles of his eyes</l>
      <l n="963">First hand me: on mine owne accord, Ile off,</l>
      <l n="964">B<gap extent="1"
              unit="chars"
              reason="illegible"
              agent="uninkedType"
              resp="#LMC"/>t first, Ile do my errand. The good Queene</l>
      <l n="965">(For she is good) hath brought you forth a daughter,</l>
      <l n="966">Heere 'tis. Commends it to your blessing.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="967">Out:</l>
      <l n="968">A mankinde Witch? Hence with her, out o’dore:</l>
      <l n="969">A most intelligencing bawd.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pau">
      <speaker rend="italic">Paul.</speaker>
      <l n="970">Not so:</l>
      <l n="971">I am as ignorant in that, as you,</l>
      <l n="972">In so entit’ling me: and no lesse honest</l>
      <l n="973">Then you are mad: which is enough, Ile warrant</l>
      <l n="974">(As this world goes) to passe for honest:</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="975">Traitors;</l>
      <l n="976">Will you not push her out? Giue her the Bastard,</l>
      <l n="977">Thou dotard, thou art woman‑tyr’d: vnroosted</l>
      <l n="978">By thy dame<hi rend="italic">Partlet</hi>heere. Take vp the Bastard,</l>
      <l n="979">Take’t vp, I say: giue’t to thy Croane.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pau">
      <speaker rend="italic">Paul.</speaker>
      <l n="980">For euer</l>
      <l n="981">Vnvenerable be thy hands, if thou</l>
      <l n="982">Tak’st vp the Princesse, by that forced basenesse</l>
      <l n="983">Which he ha’s put vpon’t.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="984">He dreads his Wife.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pau">
      <speaker rend="italic">Paul.</speaker>
      <l n="985">So I would you did: then 'twere past all doubt</l>
      <l n="986">Youl’d call your children, yours.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="987">A nest of Traitors.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ant.</speaker>
      <p n="988">I am none, by this good light.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pau">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pau.</speaker>
      <l n="989">Nor I: nor any</l>
      <l n="990">But one that’s heere: and that’s himselfe: for he,</l>
      <pb facs="FFimg:axc0305-0.jpg" n="285"/>
      <cb n="1"/>
      <l n="991">The sacred Honor of himselfe, his Queenes,</l>
      <l n="992">His hopefull Sonnes, his Babes, betrayes to Slander,</l>
      <l n="993">Whose sting is sharper then the Swords; and will not</l>
      <l n="994">(For as the case now stands, it is a Curse</l>
      <l n="995">He cannot be compell’d too’t) once remoue</l>
      <l n="996">The Root of his Opinion, which is rotten,</l>
      <l n="997">As euer Oake, or Stone was sound.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="998">A Callat</l>
      <l n="999">Of boundlesse tongue, who late hath beat her Husband,</l>
      <l n="1000">And now bayts me: This Brat is none of mine,</l>
      <l n="1001">It is the Issue of<hi rend="italic">Polixenes</hi>.</l>
      <l n="1002">Hence with it, and together with the Dam,</l>
      <l n="1003">Commit them to the fire.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pau">
      <speaker rend="italic">Paul.</speaker>
      <l n="1004">It is yours:</l>
      <l n="1005">And might we lay th’old Prouerb to your charge,</l>
      <l n="1006">So like you, 'tis the worse. Behold (my Lords)</l>
      <l n="1007">Although the Print be little, the whole Matter</l>
      <l n="1008">And Coppy of the Father: (Eye, Nose, Lippe,</l>
      <l n="1009">The trick of’s Frowne, his Fore‑head, nay, the Valley,</l>
      <l n="1010">The pretty dimples of his Chin, and Cheeke; his Smiles:</l>
      <l n="1011">The very Mold, and frame of Hand, Nayle, Finger.)</l>
      <l n="1012">And thou good Goddesse<hi rend="italic">Nature</hi>, which hast made it</l>
      <l n="1013">So like to him that got it, if thou hast</l>
      <l n="1014">The ordering of the Mind too, 'mongst all Colours</l>
      <l n="1015">No Yellow in’t, least she suspect, as he do’s,</l>
      <l n="1016">Her Children, not her Husbands.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="1017">A grosse Hagge:</l>
      <l n="1018">And Lozell, thou art worthy to be hang’d,</l>
      <l n="1019">That wilt not stay her Tongue.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Antig.</speaker>
      <l n="1020">Hang all the Husbands</l>
      <l n="1021">That cannot doe that Feat, you’le leaue your selfe</l>
      <l n="1022">Hardly one Subiect.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="1023">Once more take her hence.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pau">
      <speaker rend="italic">Paul.</speaker>
      <l n="1024">A most vnworthy, and vnnaturall Lord</l>
      <l n="1025">Can doe no more.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="1026">Ile ha’ thee burnt.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pau">
      <speaker rend="italic">Paul.</speaker>
      <l n="1027">I care not:</l>
      <l n="1028">It is an Heretique that makes the fire,</l>
      <l n="1029">Not she which burnes in’t. Ile not call you Tyrant:</l>
      <l n="1030">But this most cruell vsage of your Queene</l>
      <l n="1031">(Not able to produce more accusation</l>
      <l n="1032">Then your owne weake‑hindg’d Fancy) somthing sauors</l>
      <l n="1033">Of Tyrannie, and will ignoble make you,</l>
      <l n="1034">Yea, scandalous to the World.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="1035">On your Allegeance,</l>
      <l n="1036">Out of the Chamber with her. Were I a Tyrant,</l>
      <l n="1037">Where were her life? she durst not call me so,</l>
      <l n="1038">If she did know me one. Away with her.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-pau">
      <speaker rend="italic">Paul.</speaker>
      <l n="1039">I pray you doe not push me, Ile be gone.</l>
      <l n="1040">Looke to your Babe (my Lord) 'tis yours:<hi rend="italic">Ioue</hi>send her</l>
      <l n="1041">A better guiding Spirit. What needs these hands?</l>
      <l n="1042">You that are thus so tender o’re his Follyes,</l>
      <l n="1043">Will neuer doe him good, not one of you.</l>
      <l n="1044">So, so: Farewell, we are gone.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="1045">Thou (Traytor) hast set on thy Wife to this.</l>
      <l n="1046">My Child? away with’t? euen thou, that hast</l>
      <l n="1047">A heart so tender o’re it, take it hence,</l>
      <l n="1048">And see it instantly consum’d with fire.</l>
      <l n="1049">Euen thou, and none but thou. Take it vp straight:</l>
      <l n="1050">Within this houre bring me word 'tis done,</l>
      <l n="1051">(And by good testimonie) or Ile seize thy life,</l>
      <l n="1052">With what thou else call’st thine: if thou refuse,</l>
      <l n="1053">And wilt encounter with my Wrath, say so;</l>
      <l n="1054">The Bastard‑braynes with these my proper hands</l>
      <l n="1055">Shall I dash out. Goe, take it to the fire,</l>
      <l n="1056">For thou sett’st on thy Wife.</l>
   </sp>
   <cb n="2"/>
   <sp who="#F-wt-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Antig.</speaker>
      <l n="1057">I did not, Sir:</l>
      <l n="1058">These Lords, my Noble Fellowes, if they please,</l>
      <l n="1059">Can cleare me in’t.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-lds">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lords.</speaker>
      <l n="1060">We can: my Royall Liege,</l>
      <l n="1061">He is not guiltie of her comming hither.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <p n="1062">You’re lyers all.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-lor.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lord.</speaker>
      <l n="1063">Beseech your Highnesse, giue vs better credit:</l>
      <l n="1064">We haue alwayes truly seru’d you, and beseech’</l>
      <l n="1065">So to esteeme of vs: and on our knees we begge,</l>
      <l n="1066">(As recompence of our deare seruices</l>
      <l n="1067">Past, and to come) that you doe change this purpose,</l>
      <l n="1068">Which being so horrible, so bloody, must</l>
      <l n="1069">Lead on to some foule Issue. We all kneele.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="1070">I am a Feather for each Wind that blows:</l>
      <l n="1071">Shall I liue on, to see this Bastard kneele,</l>
      <l n="1072">And call me Father? better burne it now,</l>
      <l n="1073">Then curse it then. But be it: let it liue.</l>
      <l n="1074">It shall not neyther. You Sir, come you hither:</l>
      <l n="1075">You that haue beene so tenderly officious</l>
      <l n="1076">With Lady<hi rend="italic">Margerie</hi>, your Mid‑wife there,</l>
      <l n="1077">To saue this Bastards life; for 'tis a Bastard,</l>
      <l n="1078">So sure as this Beard’s gray. What will you aduenture,</l>
      <l n="1079">To saue this Brats life?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Antig.</speaker>
      <l n="1080">Any thing (my Lord)</l>
      <l n="1081">That my abilitie may vndergoe,</l>
      <l n="1082">And Noblenesse impose: at least thus much;</l>
      <l n="1083">Ile pawne the little blood which I haue left,</l>
      <l n="1084">To saue the Innocent: any thing possible.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="1085">It shall be possible: Sweare by this Sword</l>
      <l n="1086">Thou wilt performe my bidding.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Antig.</speaker>
      <p n="1087">I will (my Lord.)</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="1088">Marke, and performe it: seest thou? for the faile</l>
      <l n="1089">Of any point in’t, shall not onely be</l>
      <l n="1090">Death to thy selfe, but to thy lewd‑tongu’d Wife,</l>
      <l n="1091">(Whom for this time we pardon) We enioyne thee,</l>
      <l n="1092">As thou art Liege‑man to vs, that thou carry</l>
      <l n="1093">This female Bastard hence, and that thou beare it</l>
      <l n="1094">To some remote and desart place, quite out</l>
      <l n="1095">Of our Dominions; and that there thou leaue it</l>
      <l n="1096">(Without more mercy) to it owne protection,</l>
      <l n="1097">And fauour of the Climate: as by strange fortune</l>
      <l n="1098">It came to vs, I doe in Iustice charge thee,</l>
      <l n="1099">On thy Soules perill, and thy Bodyes torture,</l>
      <l n="1100">That thou commend it strangely to some place,</l>
      <l n="1101">Where Chance may nurse, or end it: take it vp.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-ant">
      <speaker rend="italic">Antig.</speaker>
      <l n="1102">I sweare to doe this: though a present death</l>
      <l n="1103">Had beene more mercifull. Come on (poore Babe)</l>
      <l n="1104">Some powerfull Spirit instruct the Kytes and Rauens</l>
      <l n="1105">To be thy Nurs<gap extent="1"
              unit="chars"
              reason="illegible"
              agent="partiallyInkedType"
              resp="#LMC"/>s. Wolues and Beares, they say,</l>
      <l n="1106">(Casting their sauagenesse aside) haue done</l>
      <l n="1107">Like offices of Pitty. Sir, be prosperous</l>
      <l n="1108">In more then this deed do’s require; and Blessing</l>
      <l n="1109">Against this Crueltie, fight on thy side</l>
      <l n="1110">(Poore Thing, condemn’d to losse.)</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="1111">No: Ile not reare</l>
      <l n="1112">Anothers Issue.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Enter a Seruant.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-wt-ser">
      <speaker rend="italic">Seru.</speaker>
      <l n="1113">Please’ your Highnesse, Posts</l>
      <l n="1114">From those you sent to th’Oracle, are come</l>
      <l n="1115">An houre since:<hi rend="italic">Cleomines</hi>and<hi rend="italic">Dion</hi>,</l>
      <l n="1116">Being well arriu’d from Delphos, are both landed,</l>
      <l n="1117">Hasting to th’Court.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-lor.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lord.</speaker>
      <l n="1118">So please you (Sir) their speed</l>
      <l n="1119">Hath beene beyond accompt.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-wt-leo">
      <speaker rend="italic">Leo.</speaker>
      <l n="1120">Twentie three days</l>
      <l n="1121">They haue beene absent: 'tis good speed: fore‑tells</l>
      <l n="1122">The great<hi rend="italic">Apollo</hi>suddenly will haue</l>
      <pb facs="FFimg:axc0306-0.jpg" n="286"/>
      <cb n="1"/>
      <l n="1123">The truth of this appeare: Prepare you Lords,</l>
      <l n="1124">Summon a Session, that we may arraigne</l>
      <l n="1125">Our most disloyall Lady: for as she hath</l>
      <l n="1126">Been publikely accus’d, so shall she haue</l>
      <l n="1127">A iust and open Triall. While she liues,</l>
      <l n="1128">My heart will be a burthen to me. Leaue me,</l>
      <l n="1129">And thinke vpon my bidding.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exeunt.</stage>
</div>

                                
                            

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