Commune with you of this? but rather follow Calls not your counsels; but our natural goodness Ant. And I wish, my liege, You had only in your silent judgment tried it, Leon. How could that be? Either thou art most ignorant by age, Or thou wert born a fool. Camillo's flight, (Which was as gross as ever touch'd conjecture, That lack'd sight only, nought for approbation, But only seeing, all other circumstances Made up to the deed,) doth push on this proceeding: Yet, for a greater confirmation, (For, in an act of this importance, 'twere Most piteous to be wild,) I have despatch'd in post, To sacred Delphos, to Apollo's temple, Cleomenes and Dion, whom you know Of stuff'd sufficiency: Now, from the oracle They will bring all; whose spiritual counsel had, Shall stop, or spur me. Have I done well? 1 Lord. Well done, my lord. Leon. Though I am satisfied, and need no more Than what I know, yet shall the oracle Give rest to the minds of others; such as he, Whose ignorant credulity will not Come up to the truth: So have we thought it good, Ant. [Aside.] To laughter, as I take it, If the good truth were known. [Exeunt. SCENE II. THE SAME. THE OUTER ROOM OF A PRISON. Enter Paulina and Attendants. Paul. The keeper of the prison,-call to him; [Erit an Attendant. Let him have knowledge who I am.—Good lady! No court in Europe is too good for thee, Re-enter Attendant, with the Keeper. You know me, do you not? Keep. I may not, madam; to the contrary I have express commandment. Paul. Here's ado, To lock up honesty and honour from The access of gentle visitors!Is it lawful, Keep. So please you, madam, to put [Exit Keeper. I must be present at your conference. Paul. Well, be it so, pr'ythee. Here's such ado to make no stain a stain, As passes colouring. Re-enter Keeper, with Emilia. Dear gentlewoman, how fares our gracious lady? Emil. A daughter; and a goodly babe, Lusty, and like to live: the queen receives Much comfort in't: says, My poor prisoner, I am innocent as you. Paul. I dare be sworn: These dangerous unsafe lunes o'the king! beshrew them! He must be told on't, and he shall: the office If I prove honey-mouth'd, let my tongue blister; And never to my red-look'd anger be Persuades, when speaking fails. Emil. Most worthy madam, Your honour, and your goodness, is so evident, A thriving issue; there is no lady living, So meet for this great errand: Please your ladyship Acquaint the queen of your most noble offer; Paul. Tell her, Emilia, I'll use that tongue I have: if wit flow from it, As boldness from my bosom, let it not be doubted I shall do good. Emil. Now be you blest for it! I'll to the queen: Please you, come something nearer. Keep. Madam, if't please the queen to send the babe, I know not what I shall incur, to pass it, Having no warrant. Paul. You need not fear it, sir: The child was prisoner to the womb; and is, By law and process of great nature, thence Paul. Do not you fear: upon Mine honour, I will stand 'twixt you and danger. SCENE III. [Exeunt. THE SAME. A ROOM IN THE PALACE. Enter Leontes, Antigonus, Lords, and other Leon. Nor night, nor day, no rest: It is but weakness To bear the matter thus; mere weakness, if Might come to me again. 1 Atten. Leon. How does the boy? 1 Atten. -Who's there? He took good rest to-night; |