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
Feedback
  Search:   
for:

Amazon Honor System Click Here to Pay Learn More
SCENE V. Pentapolis. A room in the palace.
Enter SIMONIDES, reading a letter, at one door: the Knights meet him
First Knight
      Good morrow to the good Simonides.
SIMONIDES
      Knights, from my daughter this I let you know,
      That for this twelvemonth she'll not undertake
      A married life.
5     Her reason to herself is only known,
      Which yet from her by no means can I get.
Second Knight
      May we not get access to her, my lord?
SIMONIDES
      'Faith, by no means; she has so strictly tied
      Her to her chamber, that 'tis impossible.
10    One twelve moons more she'll wear Diana's livery;
      This by the eye of Cynthia hath she vow'd
      And on her virgin honour will not break it.
Third Knight
      Loath to bid farewell, we take our leaves.
Exeunt Knights
SIMONIDES
      So,
15    They are well dispatch'd; now to my daughter's letter:
      She tells me here, she'd wed the stranger knight,
      Or never more to view nor day nor light.
      'Tis well, mistress; your choice agrees with mine;
      I like that well: nay, how absolute she's in't,
20    Not minding whether I dislike or no!
      Well, I do commend her choice;
      And will no longer have it be delay'd.
      Soft! here he comes: I must dissemble it.
Enter PERICLES
PERICLES
      All fortune to the good Simonides!
SIMONIDES
25    To you as much, sir! I am beholding to you
      For your sweet music this last night: I do
      Protest my ears were never better fed
      With such delightful pleasing harmony.
PERICLES
      It is your grace's pleasure to commend;
30    Not my desert.
SIMONIDES
      Sir, you are music's master.
PERICLES
      The worst of all her scholars, my good lord.
SIMONIDES
      Let me ask you one thing:
      What do you think of my daughter, sir?
PERICLES
35    A most virtuous princess.
SIMONIDES
      And she is fair too, is she not?
PERICLES
      As a fair day in summer, wondrous fair.
SIMONIDES
      Sir, my daughter thinks very well of you;
      Ay, so well, that you must be her master,
40    And she will be your scholar: therefore look to it.
PERICLES
      I am unworthy for her schoolmaster.
SIMONIDES
      She thinks not so; peruse this writing else.
PERICLES
      (Aside) What's here?
      A letter, that she loves the knight of Tyre!
45    'Tis the king's subtlety to have my life.
      O, seek not to entrap me, gracious lord,
      A stranger and distressed gentleman,
      That never aim'd so high to love your daughter,
      But bent all offices to honour her.
SIMONIDES
50    Thou hast bewitch'd my daughter, and thou art
      A villain.
PERICLES
      By the gods, I have not:
      Never did thought of mine levy offence;
      Nor never did my actions yet commence
55    A deed might gain her love or your displeasure.
SIMONIDES
      Traitor, thou liest.
PERICLES
      Traitor!
SIMONIDES
      Ay, traitor.
PERICLES
      Even in his throat--unless it be the king--
60    That calls me traitor, I return the lie.
SIMONIDES
      (Aside) Now, by the gods, I do applaud his courage.
PERICLES
      My actions are as noble as my thoughts,
      That never relish'd of a base descent.
      I came unto your court for honour's cause,
65    And not to be a rebel to her state;
      And he that otherwise accounts of me,
      This sword shall prove he's honour's enemy.
SIMONIDES
      No?
      Here comes my daughter, she can witness it.
Enter THAISA
PERICLES
70    Then, as you are as virtuous as fair,
      Resolve your angry father, if my tongue
      Did ere solicit, or my hand subscribe
      To any syllable that made love to you.
THAISA
      Why, sir, say if you had,
75    Who takes offence at that would make me glad?
SIMONIDES
      Yea, mistress, are you so peremptory?

Aside

      I am glad on't with all my heart.--
      I'll tame you; I'll bring you in subjection.
      Will you, not having my consent,
80    Bestow your love and your affections
      Upon a stranger?

Aside

      who, for aught I know,
      May be, nor can I think the contrary,
      As great in blood as I myself.--
85    Therefore hear you, mistress; either frame
      Your will to mine,--and you, sir, hear you,
      Either be ruled by me, or I will make you--
      Man and wife:
      Nay, come, your hands and lips must seal it too:
90    And being join'd, I'll thus your hopes destroy;
      And for a further grief,--God give you joy!--
      What, are you both pleased?
THAISA
      Yes, if you love me, sir.
PERICLES
      Even as my life, or blood that fosters it.
SIMONIDES
95    What, are you both agreed?
BOTH
      Yes, if it please your majesty.
SIMONIDES
      It pleaseth me so well, that I will see you wed;
      And then with what haste you can get you to bed.
Exeunt
Return to top of page ... or ... Go to next scene