The Works of William Shakespeare

Leon.

wen in these looks I made. your petition

THE WINTER'S TALE.

I thought of her,
[To Florizel.] But
yet unanswer'd. I will to your father:
mur honour not o'erthrown by your desires, 230
an friend to them and you: upon which errand
now go toward him; therefore follow me
nd mark what way I make: come, good my
[Exeunt.
lord.

SCENE II. Before LEONTES' palace.
Enter AUTOLYCUS and a Gentleman.
Aut. Beseech you, sir, were you present at
is relation?

First Gent. I was by at the opening of the
rdel, heard the old shepherd deliver the manner
w be found it: whereupon, after a little amazed-
we were all commanded out of the chamber;
ly this methought I heard the shepherd say, he

Lai the child.

. I would most gladly know the issue of it. I make a broken delivery of the First Gent. sness; but the changes I perceived in the king nd Camillo were very notes of admiration: they emed almost, with staring on one another, to ear the cases of their eyes; there was speech in heir dumbness, language in their very gesture; aey looked as they had heard of a world ransomed, one destroyed: a notable passion of wonder peared in them; but the wisest beholder, that new no more but seeing, could not say if the mportance were joy or sorrow; but in the extrinity of the one, it must needs be.

Enter another Gentleman. "Tere comes a gentleman that haply knows more. The news, Rogero?

Sec. Gent. Nothing but bonfires: the oracle is fulfilled; the king's daughter is found: such a deal of wonder is broken out within this hour that allad-makers cannot be able to express it.

Enter a third Gentleman.

Here comes the Lady Paulina's steward: he can
How goes it now, sir? this
deliver you more.
sews which is called true is so like an old tale,
hat the verity of it is in strong suspicion: has
the king found his heir?

Third Gent. Most true, if ever truth were pregnant by circumstance: that which you hear yl swear you see, there is such unity in the Freefs The mantle of Queen Hermione's, her jewel about the neck of it, the letters of Antigonus frared with it which they know to be his character, the majesty of the creature in resemblance of the nother, the affection of nobleness which nature shows above her breeding, and many other evidences proclaim her with all certainty to be the 1 king's daughter. Did you see the meeting of the two kings?

Sec. Gent.

No.

Third Gent. Then have you lost a sight, which was to be seen, cannot be spoken of. There might you have beheld one joy crown another, so and in such manner that it seemed sorrow wept to take leave of them, for their joy waded in tears. There was casting up of eyes, holding up of hands, with countenances of such distraction that they were to be known by garment, not by favour. Our king,

329

being ready to leap out of himself for joy of his
found daughter, as if that joy were now become a
loss, cries O, thy mother, thy mother!' then asks
Bohemia forgiveness; then embraces his son-in-
law; then again worries he his daughter with
clipping her; now he thanks the old shepherd,
which stands by like a weather-bitten conduit of
many kings' reigns. I never heard of such another
encounter, which lames report to follow it and
undoes description to do it.

Sec. Gent. What, pray you, became of Antigonus, that carried hence the child?

Third Gent. Like an old tale still, which will have matter to rehearse, though credit be asleep He was torn to pieces with and not an ear open. a bear: this avouches the shepherd's son; who has not only his innocence, which seems much, to justify him, but a handkerchief and rings of his that Paulina knows.

First Gent. What became of his bark and his followers?

Third Gent. Wrecked the same instant of their master's death and in the view of the to expose the child were even then lost when it shepherd: so that all the instruments which aided was found. But O, the noble combat that 'twixt one eye declined for the loss of her husband, joy and sorrow was fought in Paulina! She had another elevated that the oracle was fulfilled: she lifted the princess from the earth, and so locks heart that she might no more be in danger of losing. her in embracing, as if she would pin her to her

First Gent. The dignity of this act was worth the audience of kings and princes; for by such was it acted.

Third Gent. One of the prettiest touches of all and that which angled for mine eyes, caught relation of the queen's death, with the manner the water though not the fish, was when, at the by the king, how attentiveness wounded his how she came to 't bravely confessed and lamented daughter; till, from one sign of dolour to another, she did, with an Alas,' I would fain say, bleed tears, for I am sure my heart wept blood. Who was most marble there changed colour; some swooned, all sorrowed: if all the world could have seen 't, the woe had been universal.

100

First Gent. Are they returned to the court? Third Gent. No: the princess hearing of her mother's statue, which is in the keeping of Paulina, a piece many years in doing and now newly performed by that rare Italian master, Julio Romano, who, had he himself eternity and could put breath into his work, would beguile Nature of her custom, so perfectly he is her ape: he so near to Hermione hath done Hermione that they say one would speak to her and stand in hope of answer: thither with all greediness of affection Sec. Gent. I thought she had some great matter are they gone, and there they intend to sup. there in hand; for she hath privately twice or thrice a day, ever since the death of Hermione, visited that removed house. Shall we thither and with our company piece the rejoicing?

First Gent. Who would be thence that has the benefit of access? every wink of an eye some new grace will be born: our absence makes us [Exeunt Gentlemen. unthrifty to our knowledge. Let's along.

121

Aut. Now, had I not the dash of my former life in me, would preferment drop on my head. I brought the old man and his son aboard the prince; told him I heard them talk of a fardel and I know not what: but he at that time, overfond of the shepherd's daughter, so he then took her to be, who began to be much sea-sick, and himself little better, extremity of weather con- | tinuing, this mystery remained undiscovered. But 'tis all one to me; for had I been the finder out of this secret, it would not have relished among my other discredits.

Enter Shepherd and Clown.

Here come those I have done good to against my will, and already appearing in the blossoms of

their fortune.

Shep. Come, boy; I am past moe children, but thy sons and daughters will be all gentlemen born. Clo. You are well met, sir. You denied to fight with me this other day, because I was no gentleman born. See you these clothes? say you see them not and think me still no gentleman born: you were best say these robes are not gentlemen born: give me the lie, do, and try whether I am not now a gentleman born.

Aut. I know you are now, sir, a gentleman born. Clo. Ay, and have been so any time these four hours.

Shep. And so have I, boy.

149 Clo. So you have: but I was a gentleman born before my father; for the king's son took me by the hand, and called me brother; and then the two kings called my father brother; and then the prince my brother and the princess my sister called my father father; and so we wept, and there was the first gentleman-like tears that ever we shed.

Shep. We may live, son, to shed many more. Clo. Ay; or else 'twere hard luck, being in so preposterous estate as we are. 159 Aut. I humbly beseech you, sir, to pardon me all the faults I have committed to your worship and to give me your good report to the prince my master.

Shep. Prithee, son, do; for we must be gentle, now we are gentlemen.

Clo. Thou wilt amend thy life!

Aut. Ay, an it like your good worship.

Clo. Give me thy hand: I will swear to the prince thou art as honest a true fellow as any is in Bohemia.

170

Shep. You may say it, but not swear it. Clo. Not swear it, now I am a gentleman? Let boors and franklins say it, I'll swear it. Shep. How if it be false, son?

Clo. If it be ne'er so false, a true gentleman may swear it in the behalf of his friend: and I'll swear to the prince thou art a tall fellow of thy hands and that thou wilt not be drunk; but I know thou art no tall fellow of thy hands and that thou wilt be drunk: but I'll swear it, and I would thou wouldst be a tall fellow of thy hands. Aut. I will prove so, sir, to my power. Clo. Ay, by any means prove a tall fellow: if I do not wonder how thou darest venture to be drunk, not being a tall fellow, trust me not. Hark! the kings and the princes, our kindred, are going to see the queen's picture. Come, follow us: we'll be thy good masters. [Exeunt.

That I have had of thee!
Paul.

What, sovereign sir. I did not well I meant well. All my service You have paid home: but that you have safed,

With your crown'd brother and these your tracted

Heirs of your kingdoms, my poor house to rat
It is a surplus of your grace, which never
My life may last to answer.
Leon.
O Paulina,
We honour you with trouble: but we came
To see the statue of our queen: your galer
Have we pass'd through, not without much as

tent

Paul.

In many singularities; but we saw not
That which my daughter came to look upon,
The statue of her mother.
As she lived peerless,
So her dead likeness, I do well believe,
Excels whatever yet you look'd upon
Or hand of man hath done; therefore I keep
Lonely, apart. But here it is: prepare
To see the life as lively mock'd as ever
Still sleep mock'd death: behold, and say 'tis "
[Paulina draws a curtain, and discrim
Hermione standing like a sta

Leon.

I like your silence, it the more shows off
Your wonder: but yet speak; first, you, my let
Comes it not something near?
Her natural poster
Chide me, dear stone, that I may say indeed
Thou art Hermione; or rather, thou art she
In thy not chiding, for she was as tender
As infancy and grace. But yet, Paulina,
Hermione was not so much wrinkled, nothing
So aged as this seems.
O, not by much.

Fol.
Paul. So much the more our carver's eve
lence:

Which lets go by some sixteen years and mair

her

As she lived now.

Leon. As now she might have done. So much to my good comfort, as it is Now piercing to my soul. O, thus she strod, Even with such life of majesty, warm life, As now it coldly stands, when first I woo'd her I am ashamed: does not the stone rebuke me For being more stone than it? O royal piece There's magic in thy majesty, which has My evils conjured to remembrance and From thy admiring daughter took the spirits, Standing like stone with thee.

Per. And give me leave And do not say 'tis superstition, that I kneel and then implore her blessing. Lady, Dear queen, that ended when I but began, Give me that hand of yours to kiss.

Paul. O, patience! The statue is but newly fix'd, the colour 's Not dry.

am. My lord, your sorrow was too sore laid on, ch sixteen winters cannot blow away, 50 any summers dry: scarce any joy

I ever so long live; no sorrow

kill'd itself much sooner.

Dear my brother, him that was the cause of this have power take off so much grief from you as he piece up in himself.

Indeed, my lord,

'Tis time; descend; be stone no more; approach;
Strike all that look upon with marvel. Come, 100
I'll fill your grave up: stir, nay, come away,
Bequeath to death your numbness, for from him
Dear life redeems you. You perceive she stirs :
[Hermione comes down.
Start not; her actions shall be holy as
You hear my spell is lawful: do not shun her
Until you see her die again; for then
You kill her double. Nay, present your hand:
When she was young you woo'd her; now in age

I had thought the sight of my poor image
ri'd thus have wrought you,-for the stone is Is she become the suitor?

The ruddiness upon her lip is wet;

Ye'll mar it if you kiss it, stain your own
With ody painting. Shall I draw the curtain?
Lea. No, not these twenty years.

Fer

Stand by, a looker on.

So long could I

Faul
Either forbear,
Qt presently the chapel, or resolve you
more amazement. you can behold it,
I make the statue move indeed, descend
And take you by the hand: but then you'll think-
Which I protest against-I am assisted
by wicked powers.

Leen.

What you can make her do,
I am content to look on: what to speak,
In content to hear; for 'tis as easy
To make her speak as move.

Paul
It is required
You do awake your faith. Then all stand still;
On those that think it is unlawful business

I am about, let them depart.
Leon.

No foot shall stir.

Paul.

Proceed:

Leon.

O, she's warm!
If this be magic, let it be an art
Lawful as eating.

Pol.

She embraces him.

Cam. She hangs about his neck:
If she pertain to life let her speak too.

110

Thy father's court? for thou shalt hear that I,
Knowing by Paulina that the oracle

Gave hope thou wast in being, have preserved
Myself to see the issue.

Paul.
There's time enough for that;
Lest they desire upon this push to trouble
Your joys with like relation. Go together, 130
You precious winners all; your exultation
Partake to every one. I, an old turtle,

Will wing me to some wither'd bough and there
My mate, that's never to be found again,
Lament till I am lost.

Leon.

O, peace, Paulina ! Thou shouldst a husband take by my consent, As I by thine a wife: this is a match,

| And made between's by vows. Thou hast found
mine;

But how, is to be question'd; for I saw her,
As I thought, dead, and have in vain said many 140
A prayer upon her grave. I'll not seek far-
For him, I partly know his mind-to find thee
An honourable husband. Come, Camillo,
And take her by the hand, whose worth and
honesty

Is richly noted and here justified
By us, a pair of kings. Let's from this place.
What! look upon my brother: both your pardons,
That e'er I put between your holy looks
My ill suspicion. This is your son-in-law
And son unto the king, who, heavens directing, 150
Is troth-plight to your daughter. Good Paulina,
Lead us from hence, where we may leisurely
Each one demand and answer to his part
Perform'd in this wide gap of time since first

Music, awake her; strike! [Music. We were dissever'd: hastily lead away. [Exeunt.

Faulconbridge.

PHILIP the BASTARD, his half-brother.

LEWIS, the Dauphin.

LYMOGES, Duke of AUSTRIA.

CARDINAL PANDULPH, the Pope's lega MELUN, a French Lord.

CHATILLON, ambassador from France te John.

QUEEN ELINOR, mother to King John. CONSTANCE, mother to Arthur.

BLANCH of Spain, niece to King John LADY FAULCONBRIDGE.

JAMES GURNEY, servant to Lady Faulcon- Lords, Citizens of Angiers, Sheriff, Herna

bridge.

PETER of Pomfret, a prophet.

PHILIP, King of France.

ACT I.

SCENE I. KING JOHN's palace. Enter KING JOHN, QUEEN ELINOR, PEMBROKE, ESSEX, SALISBURY, and others, with CHATILLON. K. John. Now, say, Chatillon, what would France with us?

Chat. Thus, after greeting, speaks the King of France

In my behaviour to the majesty,
The borrow'd majesty, of England here.

Eli. A strange beginning: 'borrow'd majesty!'

K. John. Silence, good mother; hear the embassy.

Chat. Philip of France, in right and true behalf

Of thy deceased brother Geffrey's son,
Arthur Plantagenet, lays most lawful claim
To this fair island and the territories,

To Ireland, Poitiers, Anjou, Touraine, Maine,
Desiring thee to lay aside the sword
Which sways usurpingly these several titles,
And put the same into young Arthur's hand,
Thy nephew and right royal sovereign.

K. John. What follows if we disallow of this? Chat. The proud control of fierce and bloody

Officers, Soldiers, Messengers, and other

Attendants.

SCENE: Partly in England, and party France.

Be thou as lightning in the eyes of France
For ere thou canst report I will be there,
The thunder of my cannon shall be heard:
So hence! Be thou the trumpet of our wrath
And sullen presage of your own decay.
An honourable conduct let him have:
Pembroke, look to't. Farewell, Chatillon

[Exeunt Chatillon and Pemin
Eli. What now, my son! have I not ever-
How that ambitious Constance would not o
Till she had kindled France and all the war.
Upon the right and party of her son?
This might have been prevented and made w
With very easy arguments of love,
Which now the manage of two kingdoms m
With fearful bloody issue arbitrate.

K. John. Our strong possession and our 75

for us.

Come from the country to be judged by ros
That e'er I heard: shall I produce the men?
K. John. Let them approach.
Our abbeys and our priories shall pay
This expedition's charge.

Enter ROBERT FAULCONBRIDGE, and PHILIP À bastard brother.

What men are you! Bast. Your faithful subject I, a gentlema Born in Northamptonshire and eldest son,

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came not of one mother then, it seems. #st. Most certain of one mother, mighty king; r is well known; and, as I think, one father: for the certain knowledge of that truth 61 t you o'er to heaven and to my mother: hat I doubt, as all men's children may. 4. Out on thee, rude man! thou dost shame thy mother

I wound her honour with this diffidence.

st. I, madam? no, I have no reason for it; it is my brother's plea and none of mine; which if he can prove, a' pops me out east from fair five hundred pound a year: ven guard my mother's honour and my land! T. John. A good blunt fellow. Why, being younger born,

h he lay claim to thine inheritance?
fast. I know not why, except to get the land.
once he slander'd me with bastardy:

t whether I be as true begot or no,
at still I lay upon my mother's head,
that I am as well begot, my liege,

i fall the bones that took the pains for me !--
incare our faces and be judge yourself.
d sir Robert did beget us both

i were our father and this son like him, 4d sir Robert, father, on my knee ive heaven thanks I was not like to thee! K John. Why, what a madcap hath heaven lent us here!

Eli. He hath a trick of Coeur-de-lion's face; Le accent of his tongue affecteth him.

you not read some tokens of my son the large composition of this man?

A. Joka. Mine eye hath well examined his

That this my mother's son was none of his;
And if he were, he came into the world
Full fourteen weeks before the course of time.
Then, good my liege, let me have what is mine,
My father's land, as was my father's will.

K. John. Sirrah, your brother is legitimate;
Your father's wife did after wedlock bear him,
And if she did play false, the fault was hers;
Which fault lies on the hazards of all husbands
That marry wives. Tell me, how if my brother,
Who, as you say, took pains to get this son, 121
Had of your father claim'd this son for his?
In sooth, good friend, your father might have kept
This calf bred from his cow from all the world;
In sooth he might; then, if he were my brother's,
My brother might not claim him; nor your father,
Being none of his, refuse him: this concludes;
My mother's son did get your father's heir;
Your father's heir must have your father's land.
Rob. Shall then my father's will be of no
force

To dispossess that child which is not his?

130

Bast. Of no more force to dispossess me, sir,
Than was his will to get me, as I think.
Eli. Whether hadst thou rather be a Faul-
conbridge

And like thy brother, to enjoy thy land,
Or the reputed son of Coeur-de-lion,
Lord of thy presence and no land beside?

140

Bast. Madam, an if my brother had my shape,
And I had his, sir Robert's his, like him;
And if my legs were two such riding-rods,
My arms such eel-skins stuff'd, my face so thin
That in mine ear I durst not stick a rose
Lest men should say 'Look, where three-farthings
goes!'

And, to his shape, were heir to all this land,
Would I might never stir from off this place,
I would give it every foot to have this face;
I would not be sir Nob in any case.

Eli. I like thee well: wilt thou forsake thy fortune,

Bast. Brother by the mother's side, give me your hand:

My father gave me honour, yours gave land.
Now blessed be the hour, by night or day,
When I was got, sir Robert was away!

Eli. The very spirit of Plantagenet!

I am thy grandam, Richard; call me so. Bast. Madam, by chance but not by truth; what though?

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