TPTT Pericles, Prince of Tyre: ACT II
Introduction
ACT I
ACT II
[Prologue]
SCENE I. Pentapolis. An open place by the sea-side.
SCENE II. The same. A public way or platform leading to the lists. A pavilion by the side of it for the reception of King, Princess, Lords, &c.
SCENE III. The same. A hall of state: a banquet prepared.
SCENE IV. Tyre. A room in the Governor's house.
SCENE V. Pentapolis. A room in the palace.
ACT III
ACT IV
ACT V
About the Play
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[Prologue]
Enter GOWER
GOWER
      Here have you seen a mighty king
      His child, I wis, to incest bring;
      A better prince and benign lord,
      That will prove awful both in deed and word.
5     Be quiet then as men should be,
      Till he hath pass'd necessity.
      I'll show you those in troubles reign,
      Losing a mite, a mountain gain.
      The good in conversation,
10    To whom I give my benison,
      Is still at Tarsus, where each man
      Thinks all is writ he speken can;
      And, to remember what he does,
      Build his statue to make him glorious:
15    But tidings to the contrary
      Are brought your eyes; what need speak I?

DUMB SHOW.

Enter at one door PERICLES talking with CLEON; all the train with them. Enter at another door a Gentleman, with a letter to PERICLES; PERICLES shows the letter to CLEON; gives the Messenger a reward, and knights him. Exit PERICLES at one door, and CLEON at another

      Good Helicane, that stay'd at home,
      Not to eat honey like a drone
      From others' labours; for though he strive
20    To killen bad, keep good alive;
      And to fulfil his prince' desire,
      Sends word of all that haps in Tyre:
      How Thaliard came full bent with sin
      And had intent to murder him;
25    And that in Tarsus was not best
      Longer for him to make his rest.
      He, doing so, put forth to seas,
      Where when men been, there's seldom ease;
      For now the wind begins to blow;
30    Thunder above and deeps below
      Make such unquiet, that the ship
      Should house him safe is wreck'd and split;
      And he, good prince, having all lost,
      By waves from coast to coast is tost:
35    All perishen of man, of pelf,
      Ne aught escapen but himself;
      Till fortune, tired with doing bad,
      Threw him ashore, to give him glad:
      And here he comes. What shall be next,
40    Pardon old Gower,--this longs the text.
Exit
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