As boldness from my bosom, let it not be doubted 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, 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 Attendants. Leon. Nor night, nor day, no rest: It is but weakness To bear the matter thus; mere weakness, if The cause were not in being; part o'the cause, [Advancing. 1 Atten. My lord? Leon. How does the boy? 1 Atten. He took good rest to-night; "Tis hop'd, his sickness is discharg'd. Leon. To see His nobleness! Conceiving the dishonour of his mother, He straight declin'd, droop'd, took it deeply; And downright languish'd.-Leave me solely :-go, The very thought of my revenges that way Laugh at me; make their pastime at my sorrow: Enter PAULINA, with a Child. 1 Lord. 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; More free, than he is jealous. Ant. That's enough. 1 Atten. Madam, he hath not slept to-night; com manded 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; 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, She should not visit you. Leon. What, canst not rule her? Paul. From all dishonesty, he can in this, (Unless he take the course that you have done, Commit me, for committing honour,) trust it, He shall not rule me. Ant. Lo you now; you hear! When she will take the rein, I let her run; Paul. Good my liege, I come, And, I beseech you, hear me, who profess From your good queen. Leon. Good queen! Paul. Good queen, my lord, good queen: I say, good queen; And would by combat make her good, so were I Paul. Let him, that makes but trifles of his eyes, First hand me: on mine own accord, I'll off; But, first, I'll do my errand.-The good queen, For she is good, hath brought you forth a daughter; Here 'tis; commends it to your blessing. Leon. Out! [Laying down the child. A mankind witch! hence with her, out o' door : Paul. Not so: I am as ignorant in that, as you In so entitling me: and no less honest Than you are mad; which is enough, I'll warrant, Leon. Traitors! : Will you not push her out? Give her the bastard Paul. For ever Unvenerable be thy hands, if thou Tak'st up the princess, by that forced baseness Which he has put upon't! Leon. He dreads his wife. Paul. So, I would, you did; then, 'twere past all doubt, You'd call your children yours. Leon. A nest of traitors! Ant. I am none, by this good light. Paul. Nor I; nor any, But one, that's here; and that's himself: for he His hopeful son's, his babe's, betrays to slander, Whose sting is sharper than the sword's; and will not Leon. A callat, Of boundless tongue; who late hath beat her husband, And now baits me!-This brat is none of mine; It is the issue of Polixenes: Hence with it; and, together with the dam, Commit them to the fire. And, might we lay the old proverb to your charge, The trick of his frown, his forehead; nay, the valley, The ordering of the mind too, 'mongst all colours Her children not her husband's! Leon. A gross hag! |