To lock up honesty and honour from The access of gentle visitors!Is it lawful, [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; But durst not tempt a minister of honour, Paul. Tell her, Emilia, I'll use that tongue I have: if wit flow from it, 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, process of By law and The anger of the king; nor guilty of, Paul. Do not you fear: upon Mine honour, I will stand 'twixt you and danger. [Exeunt. SCENE III. 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; He straight declin'd, droop'd, took it deeply; And down-right languish'd.-Leave me solely: go, See how he fares. [Exit Attend.]—Fie, fie! no thought of him; The very thought of my revenges that way Laugh at me; make their pastime at my sorrow: 1 Lord. Enter Paulina, with a Child. You must not enter. Paul. Nay, rather, good my lords, be second to me: Fear you his tyrannous passion more, alas, Than the queen's life? a gracious innocent soul; Ant. That's enough. 1 Atten. Madam, he hath not slept to-night; commanded None should come at him. Paul. Not so hot, good sir; I come to bring him sleep. 'Tis such as you,— Do come with words as med'cinal as true; Honest, as either; to purge him of that humour, That presses him from sleep. Leon. What noise there, ho? Paul. No noise, my lord; but needful conference, About some gossips for your highness. Leon. How? 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 displeasure's peril, and on mine, Leon. What, canst not rule her? Paul. From all dishonesty, he can: in this, Ant. Lo you now; you hear! When she will take the rein, I let her run; But she'll not stumble. Myself your loyal servant, your physician, Your most obedient counsellor; yet that dare Than such as most seem yours:-I say, I come Leon. Good queen! Paul. Good queen, my lord, good queen: I good queen; say, And would by combat make her good, so were I A man, the worst about you. |