The instruments that feel. Ant. If it be so, We need no grave to bury honesty; There's not a grain of it, the face to sweeten Leon. What! lack I credit? 1 Lord. I had rather you did lack, than I, my lord, Upon this ground: and more it would content me To have her honour true, than your suspicion; Be blam'd for't how you might. Why, what need we Leon. Commune with you of this? but rather follow Our forceful instigation? Our prerogative Calls not your counsels; but our natural goodness Imparts this which,—if you (or stupified, Or seeming so in skill,) cannot, or will not, Relish as truth, like us; inform yourselves, We need no more of your advice: the matter, The loss, the gain, the ordering on't, is all Properly ours. Ant. And I wish, my liege, You had only in your silent judgment tried it, Without more overture. Leon. How could that be? Camillo's flight, Either thou art most ignorant by age, Or thou wert born a fool. Added to their familiarity, (Which was as gross as ever touch'd conjecture, That lack'd sight only, nought for approbation, But only seeing, all other circumstances Made up to the deed,) doth push on this proceeding: Yet, for a greater confirmation, (For, in an act of this importance, 'twere Most piteous to be wild,) I have dispatch'd in post, To sacred Delphos, to Apollo's temple, Cleomenes and Dion, whom you know Of stuff'd sufficiency: Now, from the oracle Leon. Though I am satisfied, and need no more Than what I know, yet shall the oracle Give rest to the minds of others; such as he, Come up to the truth: So have we thought it good, From our free person she should be confin'd; Ant. [Aside.] To laughter, as I take it, [Exeunt. The same. SCENE II. The outer Room of a Prison. Enter PAULINA and Attendants. Paul. The keeper of the prison,-call to him: [Exit an Attendant. Let him have knowledge who I am.-Good lady! Re-enter Attendant, with the Keeper. You know me, do you not? Keep. For a worthy lady, Pray you then, And one whom much I honour. Paul. Conduct me to the queen. Keep. I may not, madam: to the contrary I have express commandment. Paul. Here's ado, To lock up honesty and honour from The access of gentle visitors!Is it lawful, Keep. So please you, madam, to put [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. As well as one so great, and so forlorn, A daughter; and a goodly babe, I am innocent as you. Paul. I dare be sworn: These dangerous unsafe lunes o'the king 20! beshrew them! He must be told on't, and he shall: the office The trumpet any more:-Pray you, Emilia, Persuades, when speaking fails. Emil. Most worthy madam. Your honour, and your goodness, is so evident, That your free undertaking cannot miss A thriving issue; there is no lady living, So meet for this great errand: Please your ladyship To visit the next room, I'll presently Acquaint the queen of your most noble offer; 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, Paul. Do not you fear; upon Mine honour, I will stand 'twixt you and danger. SCENE III. [Exeunt. The same. A Room in the Palace. Enter LEONTES, ANTIGONUS, Lords, and other Attendants. Leon. Nor night, nor day, norest: It is but weakness |