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Contents
From the Director of the Folger Shakespeare

Library
Front
Textual Introduction
Matter Synopsis
Characters in the Play
Chorus
Scene 1
ACT 1 Scene 2
Scene 3
Scene 4
Chorus
Scene 1
Scene 2
ACT 2 Scene 3
Scene 4
Scene 5
Chorus
Scene 1
ACT 3 Scene 2
Scene 3
Scene 4
Chorus
Scene 1
Scene 2
ACT 4 Scene 3
Scene 4
Scene 5
Scene 6
Chorus
Scene 1
ACT 5 Scene 2
Scene 3
Epilogue
From the Director of the Folger Shakespeare
Library
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Director, Folger Shakespeare Library
Textual Introduction
By Barbara Mowat and Paul Werstine
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Synopsis
The nautical tale of a wandering prince, Pericles is narrated by John

Gower, a poet from the English past. Gower explains that Pericles,
Prince of Tyre, hopes to win the hand of a princess in Antioch. When
Pericles learns that she and the king, her father, are lovers, he flees
for his life.
Pericles brings grain to Tarsus during a famine, but loses his ships
and men in a storm. In Pentapolis, Pericles wins a tournament and
marries the king’s daughter, Thaisa. With Thaisa pregnant, she and
Pericles sail for Tyre. Thaisa bears a daughter, Marina, at sea, but
apparently dies. Her coffin drifts ashore at Ephesus, where she is
revived and becomes a priestess of Diana.
Pericles leaves the baby Marina with the king and queen of Tarsus.
Fourteen years later, Marina, kidnapped by pirates, is sold to a
brothel, but her eloquence protects her. Told that she has died, a
grief-stricken Pericles rediscovers her. Guided by a vision from the
goddess Diana, Pericles and Marina reunite with Thaisa.
Characters in the Play
GOWER, fourteenth-century poet and Chorus of the play

PERICLES, prince of Tyre
THAISA, princess of Pentapolis and wife to Pericles
MARINA, daughter of Pericles and Thaisa
HELICANUS
lords of Tyre
ESCANES
Three other LORDS of Tyre
ANTIOCHUS, king of Antioch
DAUGHTER, princess of Antioch
THALIARD, nobleman of Antioch
MESSENGER
CLEON, governor of Tarsus

DIONYZA, wife to Cleon
LEONINE, servant to Dionyza
A LORD of Tarsus
Three PIRATES
SIMONIDES, king of Pentapolis
Three FISHERMEN
MARSHAL
Five KNIGHTS, suitors for the hand of Thaisa
LORDS of Pentapolis
LYCHORIDA, attendant to Thaisa and, later, to Marina
Two SAILORS, mariners onboard ship from Pentapolis
LORD CERIMON, a wiseman/physician in Ephesus
PHILEMON, servant to Cerimon
Two SUPPLIANTS
Two GENTLEMEN of Ephesus
SERVANT
DIANA, goddess of chastity

LYSIMACHUS, governor of Mytilene
PANDER, owner of brothel
BAWD, mistress of brothel and wife to Pander
BOLT, servant to Pander and Bawd
Two GENTLEMEN, visitors to brothel
Tyrian SAILOR
SAILOR from Mytilene
GENTLEMAN of Tyre
LORD of Mytilene
Followers of Antiochus, Attendants to Pericles, Attendants to
Simonides, Squires to the five Knights, Tyrian gentlemen, Citizens
of Tarsus, Ladies of Pentapolis, Servants to Cerimon, Companion to
Marina, Priestesses in Diana’s temple, Messenger from Tyre
ACT 1
1 Chorus
Enter Gower.
GOWER
FTLN 0001 To sing a song that old was sung,
FTLN 0002 From ashes ancient Gower is come,
FTLN 0003 Assuming man’s infirmities
FTLN 0004 To glad your ear and please your eyes.
FTLN 0005 It hath been sung at festivals, 5
FTLN 0006 On ember eves and holy days,
FTLN 0007 And lords and ladies in their lives
FTLN 0008 Have read it for restoratives.
FTLN 0009 The purchase is to make men glorious,
FTLN 0010 Et bonum quo antiquius, eo melius. 10
FTLN 0011 If you, born in these latter times
FTLN 0012 When wit’s more ripe, accept my rhymes,
FTLN 0013 And that to hear an old man sing
FTLN 0014 May to your wishes pleasure bring,
FTLN 0015 I life would wish, and that I might 15
FTLN 0016 Waste it for you like taper light.
FTLN 0017 This Antioch, then: Antiochus the Great
FTLN 0018 Built up this city for his chiefest seat,
FTLN 0019 The fairest in all Syria.
FTLN 0020 I tell you what mine authors say. 20
FTLN 0021 This king unto him took a peer,
FTLN 0022 Who died and left a female heir
7
ACT 1. SC. 1
9 Pericles, Prince of Tyre
FTLN 0023 So buxom, blithe, and full of face

FTLN 0024 As heaven had lent her all his grace;
FTLN 0025 With whom the father liking took 25
FTLN 0026 And her to incest did provoke.
FTLN 0027 Bad child, worse father! To entice his own
FTLN 0028 To evil should be done by none.
FTLN 0029 But custom what they did begin
FTLN 0030 Was with long use accounted no sin. 30
FTLN 0031 The beauty of this sinful dame
FTLN 0032 Made many princes thither frame
FTLN 0033 To seek her as a bedfellow,
FTLN 0034 In marriage pleasures playfellow;
FTLN 0035 Which to prevent he made a law 35
FTLN 0036 To keep her still, and men in awe,
FTLN 0037 That whoso asked her for his wife,
FTLN 0038 His riddle told not, lost his life.
FTLN 0039 So for her many a wight did die,
FTLN 0040 As yon grim looks do testify. 40
He indicates heads above the stage.
FTLN 0041 What now ensues, to the judgment of your eye
FTLN 0042 I give my cause, who best can justify.
He exits.
Scene 1
Enter Antiochus, Prince Pericles, and followers.
ANTIOCHUS
FTLN 0043 Young Prince of Tyre, you have at large received
FTLN 0044 The danger of the task you undertake.
PERICLES
FTLN 0045 I have, Antiochus, and with a soul
FTLN 0046 Emboldened with the glory of her praise
FTLN 0047 Think death no hazard in this enterprise. 5
ACT 1. SC. 1
ANTIOCHUS
FTLN 0048 Music! Music sounds offstage.
FTLN 0049 Bring in our daughter, clothèd like a bride
FTLN 0050 For embracements even of Jove himself,
FTLN 0051 At whose conception, till Lucina reigned,
FTLN 0052 Nature this dowry gave: to glad her presence, 10
FTLN 0053 The senate house of planets all did sit
FTLN 0054 To knit in her their best perfections.
Enter Antiochus’ daughter.
PERICLES
FTLN 0055 See where she comes, appareled like the spring,
FTLN 0056 Graces her subjects, and her thoughts the king
FTLN 0057 Of every virtue gives renown to men! 15
FTLN 0058 Her face the book of praises, where is read
FTLN 0059 Nothing but curious pleasures, as from thence
FTLN 0060 Sorrow were ever razed, and testy wrath
FTLN 0061 Could never be her mild companion.
FTLN 0062 You gods that made me man, and sway in love, 20
FTLN 0063 That have inflamed desire in my breast
FTLN 0064 To taste the fruit of yon celestial tree
FTLN 0065 Or die in th’ adventure, be my helps,
FTLN 0066 As I am son and servant to your will,
FTLN 0067 To compass such a boundless happiness. 25
ANTIOCHUS
FTLN 0068 Prince Pericles—
PERICLES
FTLN 0069 That would be son to great Antiochus.
ANTIOCHUS
FTLN 0070 Before thee stands this fair Hesperides,
FTLN 0071 With golden fruit, but dangerous to be touched;
FTLN 0072 For deathlike dragons here affright thee hard. 30
FTLN 0073 Her face, like heaven, enticeth thee to view
FTLN 0074 Her countless glory, which desert must gain;
FTLN 0075 And which without desert, because thine eye
FTLN 0076 Presumes to reach, all the whole heap must die.
ACT 1. SC. 1
He points to the heads.

FTLN 0077 Yon sometimes famous princes, like thyself, 35
FTLN 0078 Drawn by report, advent’rous by desire,
FTLN 0079 Tell thee with speechless tongues and semblance pale
FTLN 0080 That, without covering save yon field of stars,
FTLN 0081 Here they stand martyrs slain in Cupid’s wars,
FTLN 0082 And with dead cheeks advise thee to desist 40
FTLN 0083 For going on death’s net, whom none resist.
PERICLES
FTLN 0084 Antiochus, I thank thee, who hath taught
FTLN 0085 My frail mortality to know itself,
FTLN 0086 And by those fearful objects to prepare
FTLN 0087 This body, like to them, to what I must. 45
FTLN 0088 For death remembered should be like a mirror
FTLN 0089 Who tells us life’s but breath, to trust it error.
FTLN 0090 I’ll make my will, then, and as sick men do
FTLN 0091 Who know the world, see heaven but, feeling woe,
FTLN 0092 Gripe not at earthly joys as erst they did; 50
FTLN 0093 So I bequeath a happy peace to you
FTLN 0094 And all good men, as every prince should do;
FTLN 0095 My riches to the earth from whence they came,
FTLN 0096 To the Daughter. But my unspotted fire of love to
FTLN 0097 you.— 55
FTLN 0098 Thus ready for the way of life or death,
FTLN 0099 I wait the sharpest blow.
ANTIOCHUS
FTLN 0100 Scorning advice, read the conclusion, then:
FTLN 0101 Which read and not expounded, ’tis decreed,
FTLN 0102 As these before thee, thou thyself shalt bleed. 60
DAUGHTER
FTLN 0103 Of all ’sayed yet, mayst thou prove prosperous;
FTLN 0104 Of all ’sayed yet, I wish thee happiness.
PERICLES
FTLN 0105 Like a bold champion I assume the lists,
FTLN 0106 Nor ask advice of any other thought
FTLN 0107 But faithfulness and courage. 65
ACT 1. SC. 1
He reads the Riddle:

FTLN 0108 I am no viper, yet I feed
FTLN 0109 On mother’s flesh which did me breed.
FTLN 0110 I sought a husband, in which labor
FTLN 0111 I found that kindness in a father.
FTLN 0112 He’s father, son, and husband mild; 70
FTLN 0113 I mother, wife, and yet his child.
FTLN 0114 How they may be, and yet in two,
FTLN 0115 As you will live resolve it you.
FTLN 0116 Aside. Sharp physic is the last! But, O you powers
FTLN 0117 That gives heaven countless eyes to view men’s acts, 75
FTLN 0118 Why cloud they not their sights perpetually
FTLN 0119 If this be true which makes me pale to read it?
FTLN 0120 Fair glass of light, I loved you, and could still
FTLN 0121 Were not this glorious casket stored with ill.
FTLN 0122 But I must tell you now my thoughts revolt; 80
FTLN 0123 For he’s no man on whom perfections wait
FTLN 0124 That, knowing sin within, will touch the gate.
FTLN 0125 You are a fair viol, and your sense the strings
FTLN 0126 Who, fingered to make man his lawful music,
FTLN 0127 Would draw heaven down and all the gods to 85
FTLN 0128 hearken;
FTLN 0129 But, being played upon before your time,
FTLN 0130 Hell only danceth at so harsh a chime.
FTLN 0131 Good sooth, I care not for you.
ANTIOCHUS
FTLN 0132 Prince Pericles, touch not, upon thy life, 90
FTLN 0133 For that’s an article within our law
FTLN 0134 As dangerous as the rest. Your time’s expired.
FTLN 0135 Either expound now or receive your sentence.
FTLN 0136 PERICLES Great king,
FTLN 0137 Few love to hear the sins they love to act. 95
FTLN 0138 ’Twould braid yourself too near for me to tell it.
FTLN 0139 Who has a book of all that monarchs do,
FTLN 0140 He’s more secure to keep it shut than shown.
FTLN 0141 For vice repeated is like the wand’ring wind,
FTLN 0142 Blows dust in others’ eyes to spread itself; 100
ACT 1. SC. 1
FTLN 0143 And yet the end of all is bought thus dear:
FTLN 0144 The breath is gone, and the sore eyes see clear
FTLN 0145 To stop the air would hurt them. The blind mole casts
FTLN 0146 Copped hills towards heaven, to tell the Earth is
FTLN 0147 thronged 105
FTLN 0148 By man’s oppression, and the poor worm doth die
FTLN 0149 for ’t.
FTLN 0150 Kings are Earth’s gods; in vice their law’s their will;
FTLN 0151 And if Jove stray, who dares say Jove doth ill?
FTLN 0152 It is enough you know; and it is fit, 110
FTLN 0153 What being more known grows worse, to smother it.
FTLN 0154 All love the womb that their first being bred;
FTLN 0155 Then give my tongue like leave to love my head.
ANTIOCHUS, aside
FTLN 0156 Heaven, that I had thy head! He has found the
FTLN 0157 meaning. 115
FTLN 0158 But I will gloze with him.—Young Prince of Tyre,
FTLN 0159 Though by the tenor of our strict edict,
FTLN 0160 Your exposition misinterpreting,
FTLN 0161 We might proceed to cancel of your days,
FTLN 0162 Yet hope, succeeding from so fair a tree 120
FTLN 0163 As your fair self, doth tune us otherwise.
FTLN 0164 Forty days longer we do respite you,
FTLN 0165 If by which time our secret be undone,
FTLN 0166 This mercy shows we’ll joy in such a son.
FTLN 0167 And until then, your entertain shall be 125
FTLN 0168 As doth befit our honor and your worth.
All except Pericles exit.
PERICLES
FTLN 0169 How courtesy would seem to cover sin
FTLN 0170 When what is done is like an hypocrite,
FTLN 0171 The which is good in nothing but in sight.
FTLN 0172 If it be true that I interpret false, 130
FTLN 0173 Then were it certain you were not so bad
FTLN 0174 As with foul incest to abuse your soul;
FTLN 0175 Where now you’re both a father and a son
ACT 1. SC. 1
FTLN 0176 By your untimely claspings with your child,

FTLN 0177 Which pleasures fits a husband, not a father, 135
FTLN 0178 And she an eater of her mother’s flesh
FTLN 0179 By the defiling of her parents’ bed;
FTLN 0180 And both like serpents are, who, though they feed
FTLN 0181 On sweetest flowers, yet they poison breed.
FTLN 0182 Antioch, farewell, for wisdom sees those men 140
FTLN 0183 Blush not in actions blacker than the night
FTLN 0184 Will ’schew no course to keep them from the light.
FTLN 0185 One sin, I know, another doth provoke;
FTLN 0186 Murder’s as near to lust as flame to smoke.
FTLN 0187 Poison and treason are the hands of sin, 145
FTLN 0188 Ay, and the targets to put off the shame.
FTLN 0189 Then, lest my life be cropped to keep you clear,
FTLN 0190 By flight I’ll shun the danger which I fear. He exits.
Enter Antiochus.
FTLN 0191 ANTIOCHUS He hath found the meaning,

FTLN 0192 For which we mean to have his head. 150
FTLN 0193 He must not live to trumpet forth my infamy,
FTLN 0194 Nor tell the world Antiochus doth sin
FTLN 0195 In such a loathèd manner.
FTLN 0196 And therefore instantly this prince must die,
FTLN 0197 For by his fall my honor must keep high.— 155
FTLN 0198 Who attends us there?
Enter Thaliard.
FTLN 0199 THALIARD Doth your Highness call?

ANTIOCHUS
FTLN 0200 Thaliard, you are of our chamber, Thaliard,
FTLN 0201 And our mind partakes her private actions
FTLN 0202 To your secrecy; and for your faithfulness 160
FTLN 0203 We will advance you, Thaliard. Behold,
FTLN 0204 Here’s poison, and here’s gold. He gives poison and
FTLN 0205 money. We hate the Prince
FTLN 0206 Of Tyre, and thou must kill him. It fits thee not
ACT 1. SC. 2
FTLN 0207 To ask the reason why: because we bid it. 165
FTLN 0208 Say, is it done?
FTLN 0209 THALIARD My lord, ’tis done.
FTLN 0210 ANTIOCHUS Enough.
Enter a Messenger.
FTLN 0211 Let your breath cool yourself, telling your haste.
FTLN 0212 MESSENGER My lord, Prince Pericles is fled. He exits. 170
FTLN 0213 ANTIOCHUS, to Thaliard As thou wilt live, fly after,
FTLN 0214 and like an arrow shot from a well-experienced
FTLN 0215 archer hits the mark his eye doth level at, so thou
FTLN 0216 never return unless thou say Prince Pericles is
FTLN 0217 dead. 175
FTLN 0218 THALIARD My lord, if I can get him within my pistol’s
FTLN 0219 length, I’ll make him sure enough. So, farewell to
FTLN 0220 your Highness.
ANTIOCHUS
FTLN 0221 Thaliard, adieu. Till Pericles be dead,
FTLN 0222 My heart can lend no succor to my head. 180
They exit.
Scene 2
Enter Pericles with an Attendant.
PERICLES
FTLN 0223 Let none disturb us. ( Attendant exits. ) Why should
FTLN 0224 this change of thoughts,
FTLN 0225 The sad companion dull-eyed Melancholy,
FTLN 0226 Be my so used a guest as not an hour
FTLN 0227 In the day’s glorious walk or peaceful night, 5
FTLN 0228 The tomb where grief should sleep, can breed me
FTLN 0229 quiet?
FTLN 0230 Here pleasures court mine eyes, and mine eyes shun
FTLN 0231 them;
FTLN 0232 And danger, which I feared, is at Antioch, 10
ACT 1. SC. 2
FTLN 0233 Whose arm seems far too short to hit me here.
FTLN 0234 Yet neither pleasure’s art can joy my spirits,
FTLN 0235 Nor yet the other’s distance comfort me.
FTLN 0236 Then it is thus: the passions of the mind
FTLN 0237 That have their first conception by misdread 15
FTLN 0238 Have after-nourishment and life by care;
FTLN 0239 And what was first but fear what might be done
FTLN 0240 Grows elder now, and cares it be not done.
FTLN 0241 And so with me. The great Antiochus,
FTLN 0242 ’Gainst whom I am too little to contend, 20
FTLN 0243 Since he’s so great can make his will his act,
FTLN 0244 Will think me speaking though I swear to silence;
FTLN 0245 Nor boots it me to say I honor him
FTLN 0246 If he suspect I may dishonor him.
FTLN 0247 And what may make him blush in being known, 25
FTLN 0248 He’ll stop the course by which it might be known.
FTLN 0249 With hostile forces he’ll o’er-spread the land,
FTLN 0250 And with th’ ostent of war will look so huge
FTLN 0251 Amazement shall drive courage from the state,
FTLN 0252 Our men be vanquished ere they do resist, 30
FTLN 0253 And subjects punished that ne’er thought offense;
FTLN 0254 Which care of them, not pity of myself,
FTLN 0255 Who am no more but as the tops of trees
FTLN 0256 Which fence the roots they grow by and defend them,
FTLN 0257 Makes both my body pine and soul to languish 35
FTLN 0258 And punish that before that he would punish.
Enter Helicanus and all the Lords to Pericles.
FIRST LORD
FTLN 0259 Joy and all comfort in your sacred breast.
SECOND LORD
FTLN 0260 And keep your mind till you return to us
FTLN 0261 Peaceful and comfortable.
HELICANUS
FTLN 0262 Peace, peace, and give experience tongue. 40
FTLN 0263 They do abuse the King that flatter him,
ACT 1. SC. 2
FTLN 0264 For flattery is the bellows blows up sin;

FTLN 0265 The thing the which is flattered, but a spark
FTLN 0266 To which that wind gives heat and stronger glowing;
FTLN 0267 Whereas reproof, obedient and in order, 45
FTLN 0268 Fits kings as they are men, for they may err.
FTLN 0269 When Signior Sooth here does proclaim peace,
FTLN 0270 He flatters you, makes war upon your life.
He kneels.
FTLN 0271 Prince, pardon me, or strike me, if you please.
FTLN 0272 I cannot be much lower than my knees. 50
PERICLES
FTLN 0273 All leave us else; but let your cares o’erlook
FTLN 0274 What shipping and what lading’s in our haven,
FTLN 0275 And then return to us. The Lords exit.
FTLN 0276 Helicanus,
FTLN 0277 Thou hast moved us. What seest thou in our looks? 55
FTLN 0278 HELICANUS An angry brow, dread lord.
PERICLES
FTLN 0279 If there be such a dart in princes’ frowns,
FTLN 0280 How durst thy tongue move anger to our face?
HELICANUS
FTLN 0281 How dares the plants look up to heaven,
FTLN 0282 From whence they have their nourishment? 60
PERICLES
FTLN 0283 Thou knowest I have power to take thy life from thee.
FTLN 0284 HELICANUS I have ground the ax myself;
FTLN 0285 Do but you strike the blow.
PERICLES
FTLN 0286 Rise, prithee rise. Helicanus rises.
FTLN 0287 Sit down. Thou art no flatterer. 65
FTLN 0288 I thank thee for ’t; and heaven forbid
FTLN 0289 That kings should let their ears hear their faults hid.
FTLN 0290 Fit counselor and servant for a prince,
FTLN 0291 Who by thy wisdom makes a prince thy servant,
FTLN 0292 What wouldst thou have me do? 70
FTLN 0293 HELICANUS To bear with patience such griefs
FTLN 0294 As you yourself do lay upon yourself.
ACT 1. SC. 2
PERICLES
FTLN 0295 Thou speak’st like a physician, Helicanus,
FTLN 0296 That ministers a potion unto me
FTLN 0297 That thou wouldst tremble to receive thyself. 75
FTLN 0298 Attend me, then: I went to Antioch,
FTLN 0299 Where, as thou know’st, against the face of death
FTLN 0300 I sought the purchase of a glorious beauty
FTLN 0301 From whence an issue I might propagate,
FTLN 0302 Are arms to princes and bring joys to subjects. 80
FTLN 0303 Her face was to mine eye beyond all wonder,
FTLN 0304 The rest—hark in thine ear—as black as incest,
FTLN 0305 Which by my knowledge found, the sinful father
FTLN 0306 Seemed not to strike, but smooth. But thou know’st
FTLN 0307 this: 85
FTLN 0308 ’Tis time to fear when tyrants seems to kiss;
FTLN 0309 Which fear so grew in me I hither fled
FTLN 0310 Under the covering of a careful night,
FTLN 0311 Who seemed my good protector; and, being here,
FTLN 0312 Bethought me what was past, what might succeed. 90
FTLN 0313 I knew him tyrannous, and tyrants’ fears
FTLN 0314 Decrease not but grow faster than the years;
FTLN 0315 And should he doubt, as no doubt he doth,
FTLN 0316 That I should open to the list’ning air
FTLN 0317 How many worthy princes’ bloods were shed 95
FTLN 0318 To keep his bed of blackness unlaid ope,
FTLN 0319 To lop that doubt he’ll fill this land with arms,
FTLN 0320 And make pretense of wrong that I have done him;
FTLN 0321 When all, for mine—if I may call ’t —offense,
FTLN 0322 Must feel war’s blow, who spares not innocence; 100
FTLN 0323 Which love to all—of which thyself art one,
FTLN 0324 Who now reproved’st me for ’t—
FTLN 0325 HELICANUS Alas, sir!
PERICLES
FTLN 0326 Drew sleep out of mine eyes, blood from my cheeks,
FTLN 0327 Musings into my mind, with thousand doubts 105
FTLN 0328 How I might stop this tempest ere it came;
FTLN 0329 And finding little comfort to relieve them,
ACT 1. SC. 3
FTLN 0330 I thought it princely charity to grieve for them.

HELICANUS
FTLN 0331 Well, my lord, since you have given me leave to speak,
FTLN 0332 Freely will I speak. Antiochus you fear, 110
FTLN 0333 And justly too, I think, you fear the tyrant,
FTLN 0334 Who either by public war or private treason
FTLN 0335 Will take away your life.
FTLN 0336 Therefore, my lord, go travel for a while,
FTLN 0337 Till that his rage and anger be forgot, 115
FTLN 0338 Or till the Destinies do cut his thread of life.
FTLN 0339 Your rule direct to any. If to me,
FTLN 0340 Day serves not light more faithful than I’ll be.
FTLN 0341 PERICLES I do not doubt thy faith.
FTLN 0342 But should he wrong my liberties in my absence? 120
HELICANUS
FTLN 0343 We’ll mingle our bloods together in the earth,
FTLN 0344 From whence we had our being and our birth.
PERICLES
FTLN 0345 Tyre, I now look from thee, then, and to Tarsus
FTLN 0346 Intend my travel, where I’ll hear from thee,
FTLN 0347 And by whose letters I’ll dispose myself. 125
FTLN 0348 The care I had and have of subjects’ good
FTLN 0349 On thee I lay, whose wisdom’s strength can bear it.
FTLN 0350 I’ll take thy word for faith, not ask thine oath.
FTLN 0351 Who shuns not to break one will crack both.
FTLN 0352 But in our orbs we’ll live so round and safe 130
FTLN 0353 That time of both this truth shall ne’er convince.
FTLN 0354 Thou showed’st a subject’s shine, I a true prince.
They exit.
Scene 3
Enter Thaliard alone.
FTLN 0355 THALIARD So this is Tyre, and this the court. Here
FTLN 0356 must I kill King Pericles; and if I do it not, I am
ACT 1. SC. 3
FTLN 0357 sure to be hanged at home. ’Tis dangerous. Well, I

FTLN 0358 perceive he was a wise fellow and had good discretion
FTLN 0359 that, being bid to ask what he would of the 5
FTLN 0360 king, desired he might know none of his secrets.
FTLN 0361 Now do I see he had some reason for ’t, for if a
FTLN 0362 king bid a man be a villain, he’s bound by the
FTLN 0363 indenture of his oath to be one. Husht! Here
FTLN 0364 comes the lords of Tyre. He steps aside. 10
Enter Helicanus and Escanes, with other Lords.
HELICANUS
FTLN 0365 You shall not need, my fellow peers of Tyre,
FTLN 0366 Further to question me of your king’s departure.
FTLN 0367 His sealed commission left in trust with me
FTLN 0368 Does speak sufficiently he’s gone to travel.
FTLN 0369 THALIARD, aside How? The King gone? 15
HELICANUS
FTLN 0370 If further yet you will be satisfied
FTLN 0371 Why, as it were, unlicensed of your loves
FTLN 0372 He would depart, I’ll give some light unto you.
FTLN 0373 Being at Antioch—
FTLN 0374 THALIARD, aside What from Antioch? 20
HELICANUS
FTLN 0375 Royal Antiochus, on what cause I know not,
FTLN 0376 Took some displeasure at him—at least he judged so;
FTLN 0377 And doubting lest he had erred or sinned,
FTLN 0378 To show his sorrow, he’d correct himself;
FTLN 0379 So puts himself unto the shipman’s toil, 25
FTLN 0380 With whom each minute threatens life or death.
FTLN 0381 THALIARD, aside Well, I perceive I shall not be hanged
FTLN 0382 now, although I would; but since he’s gone, the
FTLN 0383 King’s ears it must please. He ’scaped the land to
FTLN 0384 perish at the sea. I’ll present myself.—Peace to the 30
FTLN 0385 lords of Tyre!
HELICANUS
FTLN 0386 Lord Thaliard from Antiochus is welcome.
ACT 1. SC. 4
FTLN 0387 THALIARD From him I come with message unto princely
FTLN 0388 Pericles, but since my landing I have understood
FTLN 0389 your lord has betook himself to unknown travels. 35
FTLN 0390 Now message must return from whence it came.
FTLN 0391 HELICANUS We have no reason to desire it,
FTLN 0392 Commended to our master, not to us.
FTLN 0393 Yet ere you shall depart, this we desire:
FTLN 0394 As friends to Antioch, we may feast in Tyre. 40
They exit.
Scene 4
Enter Cleon the Governor of Tarsus, with his wife
Dionyza and others.
CLEON
FTLN 0395 My Dionyza, shall we rest us here
FTLN 0396 And, by relating tales of others’ griefs,
FTLN 0397 See if ’twill teach us to forget our own?
DIONYZA
FTLN 0398 That were to blow at fire in hope to quench it;
FTLN 0399 For who digs hills because they do aspire 5
FTLN 0400 Throws down one mountain to cast up a higher.
FTLN 0401 O, my distressèd lord, even such our griefs are.
FTLN 0402 Here they are but felt, and seen with mischief’s eyes,
FTLN 0403 But like to groves, being topped, they higher rise.
FTLN 0404 CLEON O Dionyza, 10
FTLN 0405 Who wanteth food, and will not say he wants it,
FTLN 0406 Or can conceal his hunger till he famish?
FTLN 0407 Our tongues and sorrows do sound deep our woes
FTLN 0408 Into the air, our eyes do weep till lungs
FTLN 0409 Fetch breath that may proclaim them louder, that 15
FTLN 0410 If heaven slumber while their creatures want,
FTLN 0411 They may awake their helpers to comfort them.
FTLN 0412 I’ll then discourse our woes, felt several years,
FTLN 0413 And, wanting breath to speak, help me with tears.
ACT 1. SC. 4
FTLN 0414 DIONYZA I’ll do my best, sir. 20

CLEON
FTLN 0415 This Tarsus, o’er which I have the government,
FTLN 0416 A city on whom Plenty held full hand,
FTLN 0417 For Riches strewed herself even in her streets;
FTLN 0418 Whose towers bore heads so high they kissed the
FTLN 0419 clouds, 25
FTLN 0420 And strangers ne’er beheld but wondered at;
FTLN 0421 Whose men and dames so jetted and adorned,
FTLN 0422 Like one another’s glass to trim them by;
FTLN 0423 Their tables were stored full to glad the sight,
FTLN 0424 And not so much to feed on as delight; 30
FTLN 0425 All poverty was scorned, and pride so great,
FTLN 0426 The name of help grew odious to repeat.
FTLN 0427 DIONYZA O, ’tis too true.
CLEON
FTLN 0428 But see what heaven can do by this our change:
FTLN 0429 These mouths who but of late earth, sea, and air 35
FTLN 0430 Were all too little to content and please,
FTLN 0431 Although they gave their creatures in abundance,
FTLN 0432 As houses are defiled for want of use,
FTLN 0433 They are now starved for want of exercise.
FTLN 0434 Those palates who not yet two savors younger 40
FTLN 0435 Must have inventions to delight the taste,
FTLN 0436 Would now be glad of bread and beg for it.
FTLN 0437 Those mothers who, to nuzzle up their babes,
FTLN 0438 Thought naught too curious, are ready now
FTLN 0439 To eat those little darlings whom they loved. 45
FTLN 0440 So sharp are hunger’s teeth that man and wife
FTLN 0441 Draw lots who first shall die to lengthen life.
FTLN 0442 Here stands a lord and there a lady weeping;
FTLN 0443 Here many sink, yet those which see them fall
FTLN 0444 Have scarce strength left to give them burial. 50
FTLN 0445 Is not this true?
DIONYZA
FTLN 0446 Our cheeks and hollow eyes do witness it.
ACT 1. SC. 4
CLEON
FTLN 0447 O, let those cities that of Plenty’s cup
FTLN 0448 And her prosperities so largely taste,
FTLN 0449 With their superfluous riots, hear these tears. 55
FTLN 0450 The misery of Tarsus may be theirs.
Enter a Lord.
FTLN 0451 LORD Where’s the Lord Governor?

FTLN 0452 CLEON Here.
FTLN 0453 Speak out thy sorrows, which thee bring’st in haste,
FTLN 0454 For comfort is too far for us to expect. 60
LORD
FTLN 0455 We have descried upon our neighboring shore
FTLN 0456 A portly sail of ships make hitherward.
FTLN 0457 CLEON I thought as much.
FTLN 0458 One sorrow never comes but brings an heir
FTLN 0459 That may succeed as his inheritor; 65
FTLN 0460 And so in ours. Some neighboring nation,
FTLN 0461 Taking advantage of our misery,
FTLN 0462 Hath stuffed the hollow vessels with their power
FTLN 0463 To beat us down, the which are down already,
FTLN 0464 And make a conquest of unhappy men, 70
FTLN 0465 Whereas no glory’s got to overcome.
LORD
FTLN 0466 That’s the least fear, for, by the semblance
FTLN 0467 Of their white flags displayed, they bring us peace
FTLN 0468 And come to us as favorers, not as foes.
CLEON
FTLN 0469 Thou speak’st like him’s untutored to repeat 75
FTLN 0470 “Who makes the fairest show means most deceit.”
FTLN 0471 But bring they what they will and what they can,
FTLN 0472 What need we fear?
FTLN 0473 The ground’s the lowest, and we are halfway there.
FTLN 0474 Go tell their general we attend him here, 80
FTLN 0475 To know for what he comes and whence he comes
FTLN 0476 And what he craves.
ACT 1. SC. 4
FTLN 0477 LORD I go, my lord. He exits.

CLEON
FTLN 0478 Welcome is peace, if he on peace consist;
FTLN 0479 If wars, we are unable to resist. 85
Enter Pericles with Attendants.
PERICLES
FTLN 0480 Lord Governor, for so we hear you are,
FTLN 0481 Let not our ships and number of our men
FTLN 0482 Be like a beacon fired t’ amaze your eyes.
FTLN 0483 We have heard your miseries as far as Tyre
FTLN 0484 And seen the desolation of your streets; 90
FTLN 0485 Nor come we to add sorrow to your tears,
FTLN 0486 But to relieve them of their heavy load;
FTLN 0487 And these our ships, you happily may think
FTLN 0488 Are like the Trojan horse was stuffed within
FTLN 0489 With bloody veins expecting overthrow, 95
FTLN 0490 Are stored with corn to make your needy bread
FTLN 0491 And give them life whom hunger starved half dead.
ALL, kneeling
FTLN 0492 The gods of Greece protect you, and we’ll pray for
FTLN 0493 you.
FTLN 0494 PERICLES Arise, I pray you, rise. 100
FTLN 0495 We do not look for reverence, but for love,
FTLN 0496 And harborage for ourself, our ships, and men.
CLEON, rising, with the others
FTLN 0497 The which when any shall not gratify
FTLN 0498 Or pay you with unthankfulness in thought,
FTLN 0499 Be it our wives, our children, or ourselves, 105
FTLN 0500 The curse of heaven and men succeed their evils!
FTLN 0501 Till when—the which I hope shall ne’er be seen—
FTLN 0502 Your Grace is welcome to our town and us.
PERICLES
FTLN 0503 Which welcome we’ll accept, feast here awhile,
FTLN 0504 Until our stars that frown lend us a smile. 110
They exit.
ACT 2
2 Chorus
Enter Gower.
GOWER
FTLN 0505 Here have you seen a mighty king
FTLN 0506 His child, iwis, to incest bring;
FTLN 0507 A better prince and benign lord
FTLN 0508 That will prove awful both in deed and word.
FTLN 0509 Be quiet, then, as men should be, 5
FTLN 0510 Till he hath passed necessity.
FTLN 0511 I’ll show you those in troubles reign,
FTLN 0512 Losing a mite, a mountain gain.
FTLN 0513 The good in conversation,
FTLN 0514 To whom I give my benison, 10
FTLN 0515 Is still at Tarsus, where each man
FTLN 0516 Thinks all is Writ he speken can,
FTLN 0517 And, to remember what he does,
FTLN 0518 Build his statue to make him glorious.
FTLN 0519 But tidings to the contrary 15
FTLN 0520 Are brought your eyes. What need speak I?
Dumb Show.
Enter at one door Pericles talking with Cleon, all the

train with them. Enter at another door a Gentleman,
with a letter to Pericles. Pericles shows the letter to
Cleon. Pericles gives the Messenger a reward and knights
him. Pericles exits at one door, and Cleon at another.
43
ACT 2. SC. 1
FTLN 0521 Good Helicane, that stayed at home—

FTLN 0522 Not to eat honey like a drone
FTLN 0523 From others’ labors, for though he strive
FTLN 0524 To killen bad, keep good alive, 20
FTLN 0525 And to fulfill his prince’ desire—
FTLN 0526 Sends word of all that haps in Tyre:
FTLN 0527 How Thaliard came full bent with sin,
FTLN 0528 And had intent to murder him;
FTLN 0529 And that in Tarsus was not best 25
FTLN 0530 Longer for him to make his rest.
FTLN 0531 He, doing so, put forth to seas,
FTLN 0532 Where when men been there’s seldom ease;
FTLN 0533 For now the wind begins to blow;
FTLN 0534 Thunder above and deeps below 30
FTLN 0535 Makes such unquiet that the ship
FTLN 0536 Should house him safe is wracked and split,
FTLN 0537 And he, good prince, having all lost,
FTLN 0538 By waves from coast to coast is tossed.
FTLN 0539 All perishen of man, of pelf, 35
FTLN 0540 Ne aught escapend but himself;
FTLN 0541 Till Fortune, tired with doing bad,
FTLN 0542 Threw him ashore to give him glad.
FTLN 0543 And here he comes. What shall be next,
FTLN 0544 Pardon old Gower—this ’longs the text. 40
He exits.
Scene 1
Enter Pericles, wet.
PERICLES
FTLN 0545 Yet cease your ire, you angry stars of heaven!
FTLN 0546 Wind, rain, and thunder, remember earthly man
FTLN 0547 Is but a substance that must yield to you,
FTLN 0548 And I, as fits my nature, do obey you.
FTLN 0549 Alas, the seas hath cast me on the rocks, 5
ACT 2. SC. 1
FTLN 0550 Washed me from shore to shore, and left my breath

FTLN 0551 Nothing to think on but ensuing death.
FTLN 0552 Let it suffice the greatness of your powers
FTLN 0553 To have bereft a prince of all his fortunes;
FTLN 0554 And, having thrown him from your wat’ry grave, 10
FTLN 0555 Here to have death in peace is all he’ll crave.
Enter three Fishermen.
FTLN 0556 FIRST FISHERMAN What ho, Pilch!

FTLN 0557 SECOND FISHERMAN Ha, come and bring away the nets!
FTLN 0558 FIRST FISHERMAN What, Patchbreech, I say!
FTLN 0559 THIRD FISHERMAN What say you, master? 15
FTLN 0560 FIRST FISHERMAN Look how thou stirr’st now! Come
FTLN 0561 away, or I’ll fetch thee with a wanion.
FTLN 0562 THIRD FISHERMAN Faith, master, I am thinking of the
FTLN 0563 poor men that were cast away before us even now.
FTLN 0564 FIRST FISHERMAN Alas, poor souls, it grieved my heart 20
FTLN 0565 to hear what pitiful cries they made to us to help
FTLN 0566 them, when, welladay, we could scarce help
FTLN 0567 ourselves!
FTLN 0568 THIRD FISHERMAN Nay, master, said not I as much
FTLN 0569 when I saw the porpoise how he bounced and tumbled? 25
FTLN 0570 They say they’re half fish, half flesh. A plague
FTLN 0571 on them! They ne’er come but I look to be washed.
FTLN 0572 Master, I marvel how the fishes live in the sea.
FTLN 0573 FIRST FISHERMAN Why, as men do a-land: the great
FTLN 0574 ones eat up the little ones. I can compare our rich 30
FTLN 0575 misers to nothing so fitly as to a whale: he plays
FTLN 0576 and tumbles, driving the poor fry before him and
FTLN 0577 at last devours them all at a mouthful. Such
FTLN 0578 whales have I heard on a’ the land, who never leave
FTLN 0579 gaping till they swallowed the whole parish— 35
FTLN 0580 church, steeple, bells and all.
FTLN 0581 PERICLES, aside A pretty moral.
FTLN 0582 THIRD FISHERMAN But, master, if I had been the sexton,
FTLN 0583 I would have been that day in the belfry.
ACT 2. SC. 1
FTLN 0584 SECOND FISHERMAN Why, man? 40

FTLN 0585 THIRD FISHERMAN Because he should have swallowed
FTLN 0586 me too. And when I had been in his belly, I would
FTLN 0587 have kept such a jangling of the bells that he should
FTLN 0588 never have left till he cast bells, steeple, church, and
FTLN 0589 parish up again. But if the good King Simonides 45
FTLN 0590 were of my mind—
FTLN 0591 PERICLES, aside Simonides?
FTLN 0592 THIRD FISHERMAN We would purge the land of these
FTLN 0593 drones that rob the bee of her honey.
PERICLES, aside
FTLN 0594 How from the finny subject of the sea 50
FTLN 0595 These fishers tell the infirmities of men,
FTLN 0596 And from their wat’ry empire recollect
FTLN 0597 All that may men approve or men detect!—
FTLN 0598 Peace be at your labor, honest fishermen.
FTLN 0599 SECOND FISHERMAN Honest good fellow, what’s that? If 55
FTLN 0600 it be a day fits you, search out of the calendar, and
FTLN 0601 nobody look after it!
PERICLES
FTLN 0602 May see the sea hath cast upon your coast—
FTLN 0603 SECOND FISHERMAN What a drunken knave was the sea
FTLN 0604 to cast thee in our way! 60
PERICLES
FTLN 0605 A man whom both the waters and the wind
FTLN 0606 In that vast tennis court hath made the ball
FTLN 0607 For them to play upon entreats you pity him.
FTLN 0608 He asks of you that never used to beg.
FTLN 0609 FIRST FISHERMAN No, friend, cannot you beg? Here’s 65
FTLN 0610 them in our country of Greece gets more with begging
FTLN 0611 than we can do with working.
FTLN 0612 SECOND FISHERMAN, to Pericles Canst thou catch any
FTLN 0613 fishes, then?
FTLN 0614 PERICLES I never practiced it. 70
FTLN 0615 SECOND FISHERMAN Nay, then, thou wilt starve sure,
FTLN 0616 for here’s nothing to be got nowadays unless thou
FTLN 0617 canst fish for ’t.
ACT 2. SC. 1
PERICLES
FTLN 0618 What I have been I have forgot to know,
FTLN 0619 But what I am want teaches me to think on: 75
FTLN 0620 A man thronged up with cold. My veins are chill
FTLN 0621 And have no more of life than may suffice
FTLN 0622 To give my tongue that heat to ask your help—
FTLN 0623 Which, if you shall refuse, when I am dead,
FTLN 0624 For that I am a man, pray you see me buried. 80
FTLN 0625 FIRST FISHERMAN Die, quotha? Now gods forbid ’t, an I
FTLN 0626 have a gown. Here, come, put it on; keep thee
FTLN 0627 warm. Pericles puts on the garment. Now, afore
FTLN 0628 me, a handsome fellow! Come, thou shalt go home,
FTLN 0629 and we’ll have flesh for holidays, fish for fasting 85
FTLN 0630 days, and, moreo’er, puddings and flapjacks, and
FTLN 0631 thou shalt be welcome.
FTLN 0632 PERICLES I thank you, sir.
FTLN 0633 SECOND FISHERMAN Hark you, my friend. You said you
FTLN 0634 could not beg? 90
FTLN 0635 PERICLES I did but crave.
FTLN 0636 SECOND FISHERMAN But crave? Then I’ll turn craver
FTLN 0637 too, and so I shall ’scape whipping.
FTLN 0638 PERICLES Why, are your beggars whipped, then?
FTLN 0639 SECOND FISHERMAN O, not all, my friend, not all; for if 95
FTLN 0640 all your beggars were whipped, I would wish no
FTLN 0641 better office than to be beadle.—But, master, I’ll go
FTLN 0642 draw up the net. He exits with Third Fisherman.
PERICLES, aside
FTLN 0643 How well this honest mirth becomes their labor!
FTLN 0644 FIRST FISHERMAN Hark you, sir, do you know where 100
FTLN 0645 you are?
FTLN 0646 PERICLES Not well.
FTLN 0647 FIRST FISHERMAN Why, I’ll tell you. This is called Pentapolis,
FTLN 0648 and our king the good Simonides.
FTLN 0649 PERICLES “The good Simonides” do you call him? 105
FTLN 0650 FIRST FISHERMAN Ay, sir, and he deserves so to be called
FTLN 0651 for his peaceable reign and good government.
ACT 2. SC. 1
FTLN 0652 PERICLES He is a happy king, since he gains from his

FTLN 0653 subjects the name of “good” by his government.
FTLN 0654 How far is his court distant from this shore? 110
FTLN 0655 FIRST FISHERMAN Marry, sir, half a day’s journey. And
FTLN 0656 I’ll tell you, he hath a fair daughter, and tomorrow
FTLN 0657 is her birthday; and there are princes and knights
FTLN 0658 come from all parts of the world to joust and tourney
FTLN 0659 for her love. 115
FTLN 0660 PERICLES Were my fortunes equal to my desires, I
FTLN 0661 could wish to make one there.
FTLN 0662 FIRST FISHERMAN O, sir, things must be as they may;
FTLN 0663 and what a man cannot get he may lawfully deal
FTLN 0664 for his wife’s soul. 120
Enter the two other Fishermen, drawing up a net.
FTLN 0665 SECOND FISHERMAN Help, master, help! Here’s a fish

FTLN 0666 hangs in the net like a poor man’s right in the law:
FTLN 0667 ’twill hardly come out. Ha! Bots on ’t, ’tis come at
FTLN 0668 last, and ’tis turned to a rusty armor.
PERICLES
FTLN 0669 An armor, friends? I pray you let me see it. 125
They pull out the armor.
FTLN 0670 Thanks, Fortune, yet, that after all thy crosses
FTLN 0671 Thou givest me somewhat to repair myself;
FTLN 0672 And though it was mine own, part of my heritage
FTLN 0673 Which my dead father did bequeath to me
FTLN 0674 With this strict charge even as he left his life, 130
FTLN 0675 “Keep it, my Pericles; it hath been a shield
FTLN 0676 ’Twixt me and death,” and pointed to this brace,
FTLN 0677 “For that it saved me, keep it. In like necessity—
FTLN 0678 The which the gods protect thee from — may ’t
FTLN 0679 defend thee.” 135
FTLN 0680 It kept where I kept, I so dearly loved it,
FTLN 0681 Till the rough seas, that spares not any man,
FTLN 0682 Took it in rage, though calmed have given ’t again.
FTLN 0683 I thank thee for ’t; my shipwrack now’s no ill
FTLN 0684 Since I have here my father gave in his will. 140
ACT 2. SC. 1
FTLN 0685 FIRST FISHERMAN What mean you, sir?

PERICLES
FTLN 0686 To beg of you, kind friends, this coat of worth,
FTLN 0687 For it was sometime target to a king;
FTLN 0688 I know it by this mark. He loved me dearly,
FTLN 0689 And for his sake I wish the having of it, 145
FTLN 0690 And that you’d guide me to your sovereign’s court,
FTLN 0691 Where with it I may appear a gentleman.
FTLN 0692 And if that ever my low fortune’s better,
FTLN 0693 I’ll pay your bounties; till then, rest your debtor.
FTLN 0694 FIRST FISHERMAN Why, wilt thou tourney for the lady? 150
PERICLES
FTLN 0695 I’ll show the virtue I have borne in arms.
FTLN 0696 FIRST FISHERMAN Why, do ’ee take it, and the gods give
FTLN 0697 thee good on ’t.
FTLN 0698 SECOND FISHERMAN Ay, but hark you, my friend, ’twas
FTLN 0699 we that made up this garment through the rough 155
FTLN 0700 seams of the waters. There are certain condolements,
FTLN 0701 certain vails. I hope, sir, if you thrive, you’ll
FTLN 0702 remember from whence you had them.
FTLN 0703 PERICLES Believe ’t, I will. He puts on the armor.
FTLN 0704 By your furtherance I am clothed in steel, 160
FTLN 0705 And spite of all the rupture of the sea,
FTLN 0706 This jewel holds his biding on my arm.
FTLN 0707 Unto thy value I will mount myself
FTLN 0708 Upon a courser, whose delightful steps
FTLN 0709 Shall make the gazer joy to see him tread. 165
FTLN 0710 Only, my friend, I yet am unprovided
FTLN 0711 Of a pair of bases.
FTLN 0712 SECOND FISHERMAN We’ll sure provide. Thou shalt have
FTLN 0713 my best gown to make thee a pair; and I’ll bring
FTLN 0714 thee to the court myself. 170
PERICLES
FTLN 0715 Then honor be but a goal to my will;
FTLN 0716 This day I’ll rise or else add ill to ill.
They exit.
ACT 2. SC. 2
Scene 2
Enter King Simonides, with Lords, Attendants,
and Thaisa.
SIMONIDES
FTLN 0717 Are the knights ready to begin the triumph?
FTLN 0718 FIRST LORD They are, my liege,
FTLN 0719 And stay your coming to present themselves.
SIMONIDES
FTLN 0720 Return them we are ready, and our daughter here,
FTLN 0721 In honor of whose birth these triumphs are, 5
FTLN 0722 Sits here like Beauty’s child, whom Nature gat
FTLN 0723 For men to see and, seeing, wonder at.
An Attendant exits.
THAISA
FTLN 0724 It pleaseth you, my royal father, to express
FTLN 0725 My commendations great, whose merit’s less.
SIMONIDES
FTLN 0726 It’s fit it should be so, for princes are 10
FTLN 0727 A model which heaven makes like to itself.
FTLN 0728 As jewels lose their glory if neglected,
FTLN 0729 So princes their renowns if not respected.
FTLN 0730 ’Tis now your honor, daughter, to entertain
FTLN 0731 The labor of each knight in his device. 15
THAISA
FTLN 0732 Which to preserve mine honor, I’ll perform.
The first Knight passes by. His Squire presents a shield

to Thaisa.
SIMONIDES
FTLN 0733 Who is the first that doth prefer himself?
THAISA
FTLN 0734 A knight of Sparta, my renownèd father,
FTLN 0735 And the device he bears upon his shield
FTLN 0736 Is a black Ethiop reaching at the sun; 20
FTLN 0737 The word: Lux tua vita mihi.
ACT 2. SC. 2
SIMONIDES
FTLN 0738 He loves you well that holds his life of you.
The second Knight passes by. His Squire presents a

shield to Thaisa.
FTLN 0739 Who is the second that presents himself?

THAISA
FTLN 0740 A prince of Macedon, my royal father,
FTLN 0741 And the device he bears upon his shield 25
FTLN 0742 Is an armed knight that’s conquered by a lady.
FTLN 0743 The motto thus, in Spanish: Pue per doleera kee per
FTLN 0744 forsa.
The third Knight passes by. His Squire presents a shield

to Thaisa.
SIMONIDES
FTLN 0745 And what’s the third?
FTLN 0746 THAISA The third, of Antioch; 30
FTLN 0747 And his device a wreath of chivalry;
FTLN 0748 The word: Me pompae provexit apex.
The fourth Knight passes by. His Squire presents a

shield to Thaisa.
FTLN 0749 SIMONIDES What is the fourth?

THAISA
FTLN 0750 A burning torch that’s turnèd upside down;
FTLN 0751 The word: Qui me alit me extinguit. 35
SIMONIDES
FTLN 0752 Which shows that beauty hath his power and will,
FTLN 0753 Which can as well inflame as it can kill.
The fifth Knight passes by. His Squire presents a shield

to Thaisa.
THAISA
FTLN 0754 The fifth, an hand environèd with clouds,
FTLN 0755 Holding out gold that’s by the touchstone tried;
FTLN 0756 The motto thus: Sic spectanda fides. 40
ACT 2. SC. 2
The sixth Knight, Pericles, passes by. He presents a

shield to Thaisa.
SIMONIDES
FTLN 0757 And what’s the sixth and last, the which the knight
FTLN 0758 himself
FTLN 0759 With such a graceful courtesy delivered?
THAISA
FTLN 0760 He seems to be a stranger; but his present is
FTLN 0761 A withered branch that’s only green at top, 45
FTLN 0762 The motto: In hac spe vivo.
FTLN 0763 SIMONIDES A pretty moral.
FTLN 0764 From the dejected state wherein he is,
FTLN 0765 He hopes by you his fortunes yet may flourish.
FIRST LORD
FTLN 0766 He had need mean better than his outward show 50
FTLN 0767 Can any way speak in his just commend,
FTLN 0768 For by his rusty outside he appears
FTLN 0769 To have practiced more the whipstock than the lance.
SECOND LORD
FTLN 0770 He well may be a stranger, for he comes
FTLN 0771 To an honored triumph strangely furnishèd. 55
THIRD LORD
FTLN 0772 And on set purpose let his armor rust
FTLN 0773 Until this day, to scour it in the dust.
SIMONIDES
FTLN 0774 Opinion’s but a fool that makes us scan
FTLN 0775 The outward habit by the inward man.
FTLN 0776 But stay, the knights are coming. 60
FTLN 0777 We will withdraw into the gallery.
They exit.
Great shouts offstage, and all cry, “The mean knight.”

ACT 2. SC. 3
Scene 3
Enter the King Simonides, Thaisa, Marshal, Ladies,
Lords, Attendants, and Knights in armor, from tilting.
FTLN 0778 SIMONIDES Knights,

FTLN 0779 To say you’re welcome were superfluous.
FTLN 0780 To place upon the volume of your deeds,
FTLN 0781 As in a title page, your worth in arms
FTLN 0782 Were more than you expect or more than ’s fit, 5
FTLN 0783 Since every worth in show commends itself.
FTLN 0784 Prepare for mirth, for mirth becomes a feast.
FTLN 0785 You are princes and my guests.
FTLN 0786 THAISA, to Pericles But you my knight and guest,
FTLN 0787 To whom this wreath of victory I give 10
FTLN 0788 And crown you king of this day’s happiness.
She places a wreath on Pericles’ head.
PERICLES
FTLN 0789 ’Tis more by fortune, lady, than my merit.
SIMONIDES
FTLN 0790 Call it by what you will, the day is yours,
FTLN 0791 And here, I hope, is none that envies it.
FTLN 0792 In framing an artist, Art hath thus decreed, 15
FTLN 0793 To make some good but others to exceed,
FTLN 0794 And you are her labored scholar.—Come, queen o’
FTLN 0795 the feast,
FTLN 0796 For, daughter, so you are; here, take your place.—
FTLN 0797 Marshal, the rest as they deserve their grace. 20
KNIGHTS
FTLN 0798 We are honored much by good Simonides.
SIMONIDES
FTLN 0799 Your presence glads our days. Honor we love,
FTLN 0800 For who hates honor hates the gods above.
FTLN 0801 MARSHAL, to Pericles Sir, yonder is your place.
FTLN 0802 PERICLES Some other is more fit. 25
FIRST KNIGHT
FTLN 0803 Contend not, sir, for we are gentlemen
ACT 2. SC. 3
FTLN 0804 Have neither in our hearts nor outward eyes

FTLN 0805 Envies the great, nor shall the low despise.
PERICLES
FTLN 0806 You are right courteous knights.
FTLN 0807 SIMONIDES Sit, sir, sit. They sit. 30
FTLN 0808 Aside. By Jove I wonder, that is king of thoughts,
FTLN 0809 These cates resist me, he not thought upon.
THAISA, aside
FTLN 0810 By Juno, that is queen of marriage,
FTLN 0811 All viands that I eat do seem unsavory,
FTLN 0812 Wishing him my meat.—Sure, he’s a gallant 35
FTLN 0813 gentleman.
SIMONIDES
FTLN 0814 He’s but a country gentleman;
FTLN 0815 Has done no more than other knights have done;
FTLN 0816 Has broken a staff or so. So let it pass.
THAISA, aside
FTLN 0817 To me he seems like diamond to glass. 40
PERICLES, aside
FTLN 0818 Yon king’s to me like to my father’s picture,
FTLN 0819 Which tells in that glory once he was—
FTLN 0820 Had princes sit like stars about his throne,
FTLN 0821 And he the sun for them to reverence.
FTLN 0822 None that beheld him but like lesser lights 45
FTLN 0823 Did vail their crowns to his supremacy;
FTLN 0824 Where now his son’s like a glowworm in the night,
FTLN 0825 The which hath fire in darkness, none in light;
FTLN 0826 Whereby I see that Time’s the king of men.
FTLN 0827 He’s both their parent, and he is their grave, 50
FTLN 0828 And gives them what he will, not what they crave.
FTLN 0829 SIMONIDES What, are you merry, knights?
KNIGHTS
FTLN 0830 Who can be other in this royal presence?
SIMONIDES
FTLN 0831 Here, with a cup that’s stored unto the brim,
FTLN 0832 As do you love, fill to your mistress’ lips. 55
ACT 2. SC. 3
FTLN 0833 We drink this health to you. He drinks.

FTLN 0834 KNIGHTS We thank your Grace.
SIMONIDES
FTLN 0835 Yet pause awhile. Yon knight doth sit too melancholy,
FTLN 0836 As if the entertainment in our court
FTLN 0837 Had not a show might countervail his worth.— 60
FTLN 0838 Note it not you, Thaisa?
FTLN 0839 THAISA What is ’t to me, my father?
SIMONIDES
FTLN 0840 O, attend, my daughter. Princes in this
FTLN 0841 Should live like gods above, who freely give
FTLN 0842 To everyone that come to honor them. 65
FTLN 0843 And princes not doing so are like to gnats,
FTLN 0844 Which make a sound but, killed, are wondered at.
FTLN 0845 Therefore, to make his entrance more sweet,
FTLN 0846 Here, say we drink this standing-bowl of wine to him.
He drinks.
THAISA
FTLN 0847 Alas, my father, it befits not me 70
FTLN 0848 Unto a stranger knight to be so bold.
FTLN 0849 He may my proffer take for an offense,
FTLN 0850 Since men take women’s gifts for impudence.
FTLN 0851 SIMONIDES How?
FTLN 0852 Do as I bid you, or you’ll move me else. 75
THAISA, aside
FTLN 0853 Now, by the gods, he could not please me better.
SIMONIDES
FTLN 0854 And furthermore tell him we desire to know of him
FTLN 0855 Of whence he is, his name and parentage.
THAISA, going to Pericles
FTLN 0856 The King, my father, sir, has drunk to you.
FTLN 0857 PERICLES I thank him. 80
THAISA
FTLN 0858 Wishing it so much blood unto your life.
PERICLES
FTLN 0859 I thank both him and you, and pledge him freely.
He drinks to Simonides.
ACT 2. SC. 3
THAISA
FTLN 0860 And further, he desires to know of you
FTLN 0861 Of whence you are, your name and parentage.
PERICLES
FTLN 0862 A gentleman of Tyre, my name Pericles. 85
FTLN 0863 My education been in arts and arms,
FTLN 0864 Who, looking for adventures in the world,
FTLN 0865 Was by the rough seas reft of ships and men,
FTLN 0866 And after shipwrack driven upon this shore.
THAISA, returning to her place
FTLN 0867 He thanks your Grace; names himself Pericles, 90
FTLN 0868 A gentleman of Tyre,
FTLN 0869 Who only by misfortune of the seas,
FTLN 0870 Bereft of ships and men, cast on this shore.
SIMONIDES
FTLN 0871 Now, by the gods, I pity his misfortune,
FTLN 0872 And will awake him from his melancholy.— 95
FTLN 0873 Come, gentlemen, we sit too long on trifles
FTLN 0874 And waste the time which looks for other revels.
FTLN 0875 Even in your armors, as you are addressed,
FTLN 0876 Will well become a soldiers’ dance.
FTLN 0877 I will not have excuse with saying this: 100
FTLN 0878 “Loud music is too harsh for ladies’ heads,”
FTLN 0879 Since they love men in arms as well as beds.
They dance.
FTLN 0880 So, this was well asked, ’twas so well performed.
FTLN 0881 Come, sir. He presents Pericles to Thaisa.
FTLN 0882 Here’s a lady that wants breathing too, 105
FTLN 0883 And I have heard you knights of Tyre
FTLN 0884 Are excellent in making ladies trip,
FTLN 0885 And that their measures are as excellent.
PERICLES
FTLN 0886 In those that practice them they are, my lord.
SIMONIDES
FTLN 0887 O, that’s as much as you would be denied 110
FTLN 0888 Of your fair courtesy. They dance.
FTLN 0889 Unclasp, unclasp!
ACT 2. SC. 4
FTLN 0890 Thanks, gentlemen, to all; all have done well;

FTLN 0891 To Pericles. But you the best.—Pages and lights, to
FTLN 0892 conduct 115
FTLN 0893 These knights unto their several lodgings. To
FTLN 0894 Pericles. Yours, sir,
FTLN 0895 We have given order be next our own.
FTLN 0896 PERICLES I am at your Grace’s pleasure.
SIMONIDES
FTLN 0897 Princes, it is too late to talk of love, 120
FTLN 0898 And that’s the mark I know you level at.
FTLN 0899 Therefore each one betake him to his rest,
FTLN 0900 Tomorrow all for speeding do their best.
They exit.
Scene 4
Enter Helicanus and Escanes.
HELICANUS
FTLN 0901 No, Escanes, know this of me:
FTLN 0902 Antiochus from incest lived not free,
FTLN 0903 For which the most high gods not minding longer
FTLN 0904 To withhold the vengeance that they had in store
FTLN 0905 Due to this heinous capital offense, 5
FTLN 0906 Even in the height and pride of all his glory,
FTLN 0907 When he was seated in a chariot of
FTLN 0908 An inestimable value, and his daughter with him,
FTLN 0909 A fire from heaven came and shriveled up
FTLN 0910 Those bodies even to loathing, for they so stunk 10
FTLN 0911 That all those eyes adored them, ere their fall,
FTLN 0912 Scorn now their hand should give them burial.
FTLN 0913 ESCANES ’Twas very strange.
HELICANUS
FTLN 0914 And yet but justice; for though this king were great,
FTLN 0915 His greatness was no guard to bar heaven’s shaft, 15
FTLN 0916 But sin had his reward.
ACT 2. SC. 4
FTLN 0917 ESCANES ’Tis very true.
Enter two or three Lords.
FIRST LORD
FTLN 0918 See, not a man in private conference
FTLN 0919 Or counsel has respect with him but he.
SECOND LORD
FTLN 0920 It shall no longer grieve without reproof. 20
THIRD LORD
FTLN 0921 And cursed be he that will not second it.
FIRST LORD
FTLN 0922 Follow me, then.—Lord Helicane, a word.
HELICANUS
FTLN 0923 With me? And welcome. Happy day, my lords.
FIRST LORD
FTLN 0924 Know that our griefs are risen to the top,
FTLN 0925 And now at length they overflow their banks. 25
HELICANUS
FTLN 0926 Your griefs? For what? Wrong not your prince you
FTLN 0927 love.
FIRST LORD
FTLN 0928 Wrong not yourself, then, noble Helicane.
FTLN 0929 But if the Prince do live, let us salute him,
FTLN 0930 Or know what ground’s made happy by his breath. 30
FTLN 0931 If in the world he live, we’ll seek him out;
FTLN 0932 If in his grave he rest, we’ll find him there,
FTLN 0933 And be resolved he lives to govern us,
FTLN 0934 Or dead, give ’s cause to mourn his funeral
FTLN 0935 And leave us to our free election. 35
SECOND LORD
FTLN 0936 Whose death’s indeed the strongest in our censure;
FTLN 0937 And knowing this kingdom is without a head—
FTLN 0938 Like goodly buildings left without a roof
FTLN 0939 Soon fall to ruin—your noble self,
FTLN 0940 That best know how to rule and how to reign, 40
FTLN 0941 We thus submit unto, our sovereign.
ACT 2. SC. 5
FTLN 0942 ALL Live, noble Helicane!

HELICANUS
FTLN 0943 Try honor’s cause; forbear your suffrages.
FTLN 0944 If that you love Prince Pericles, forbear.
FTLN 0945 Take I your wish, I leap into the seas, 45
FTLN 0946 Where’s hourly trouble for a minute’s ease.
FTLN 0947 A twelve-month longer let me entreat you
FTLN 0948 To forbear the absence of your king;
FTLN 0949 If in which time expired, he not return,
FTLN 0950 I shall with agèd patience bear your yoke. 50
FTLN 0951 But if I cannot win you to this love,
FTLN 0952 Go search like nobles, like noble subjects,
FTLN 0953 And in your search spend your adventurous worth,
FTLN 0954 Whom if you find and win unto return,
FTLN 0955 You shall like diamonds sit about his crown. 55
FIRST LORD
FTLN 0956 To wisdom he’s a fool that will not yield.
FTLN 0957 And since Lord Helicane enjoineth us,
FTLN 0958 We with our travels will endeavor.
HELICANUS
FTLN 0959 Then you love us, we you, and we’ll clasp hands.
FTLN 0960 When peers thus knit, a kingdom ever stands. 60
They exit.
Scene 5
Enter the King, Simonides, reading of a letter at one
door; the Knights meet him.
FIRST KNIGHT
FTLN 0961 Good morrow to the good Simonides.
SIMONIDES
FTLN 0962 Knights, from my daughter this I let you know,
FTLN 0963 That for this twelvemonth she’ll not undertake
FTLN 0964 A married life. Her reason to herself is only known,
FTLN 0965 Which from her by no means can I get. 5
ACT 2. SC. 5
SECOND KNIGHT
FTLN 0966 May we not get access to her, my lord?
SIMONIDES
FTLN 0967 Faith, by no means; she hath so strictly tied her
FTLN 0968 To her chamber that ’tis impossible.
FTLN 0969 One twelve moons more she’ll wear Diana’s livery.
FTLN 0970 This by the eye of Cynthia hath she vowed, 10
FTLN 0971 And on her virgin honor will not break it.
THIRD KNIGHT
FTLN 0972 Loath to bid farewell, we take our leaves.
The Knights exit.
FTLN 0973 SIMONIDES So,
FTLN 0974 They are well dispatched. Now to my daughter’s letter.
FTLN 0975 She tells me here she’ll wed the stranger knight 15
FTLN 0976 Or never more to view nor day nor light.
FTLN 0977 ’Tis well, mistress, your choice agrees with mine.
FTLN 0978 I like that well. Nay, how absolute she’s in ’t,
FTLN 0979 Not minding whether I dislike or no!
FTLN 0980 Well, I do commend her choice, and will no longer 20
FTLN 0981 Have it be delayed. Soft, here he comes.
FTLN 0982 I must dissemble it.
Enter Pericles.
PERICLES
FTLN 0983 All fortune to the good Simonides.
SIMONIDES
FTLN 0984 To you as much. Sir, I am beholding to you
FTLN 0985 For your sweet music this last night. I do 25
FTLN 0986 Protest, my ears were never better fed
FTLN 0987 With such delightful pleasing harmony.
PERICLES
FTLN 0988 It is your Grace’s pleasure to commend,
FTLN 0989 Not my desert.
FTLN 0990 SIMONIDES Sir, you are music’s master. 30
PERICLES
FTLN 0991 The worst of all her scholars, my good lord.
ACT 2. SC. 5
FTLN 0992 SIMONIDES Let me ask you one thing:

FTLN 0993 What do you think of my daughter, sir?
FTLN 0994 PERICLES A most virtuous princess.
FTLN 0995 SIMONIDES And she is fair too, is she not? 35
PERICLES
FTLN 0996 As a fair day in summer, wondrous fair.
SIMONIDES
FTLN 0997 Sir, my daughter thinks very well of you,
FTLN 0998 Ay, so well that you must be her master,
FTLN 0999 And she will be your scholar. Therefore, look to it.
PERICLES
FTLN 1000 I am unworthy for her schoolmaster. 40
SIMONIDES
FTLN 1001 She thinks not so. Peruse this writing else.
FTLN 1002 PERICLES, aside What’s here?
FTLN 1003 A letter that she loves the knight of Tyre?
FTLN 1004 ’Tis the King’s subtlety to have my life.—
FTLN 1005 O, seek not to entrap me, gracious lord, 45
FTLN 1006 A stranger and distressèd gentleman
FTLN 1007 That never aimed so high to love your daughter,
FTLN 1008 But bent all offices to honor her.
SIMONIDES
FTLN 1009 Thou hast bewitched my daughter, and thou art
FTLN 1010 A villain. 50
FTLN 1011 PERICLES By the gods, I have not!
FTLN 1012 Never did thought of mine levy offense;
FTLN 1013 Nor never did my actions yet commence
FTLN 1014 A deed might gain her love or your displeasure.
SIMONIDES
FTLN 1015 Traitor, thou liest! 55
FTLN 1016 PERICLES Traitor?
FTLN 1017 SIMONIDES Ay, traitor.
PERICLES
FTLN 1018 Even in his throat, unless it be the King
FTLN 1019 That calls me traitor, I return the lie.
ACT 2. SC. 5
SIMONIDES, aside
FTLN 1020 Now, by the gods, I do applaud his courage. 60
PERICLES
FTLN 1021 My actions are as noble as my thoughts,
FTLN 1022 That never relished of a base descent.
FTLN 1023 I came unto your court for honor’s cause,
FTLN 1024 And not to be a rebel to her state,
FTLN 1025 And he that otherwise accounts of me, 65
FTLN 1026 This sword shall prove he’s honor’s enemy.
FTLN 1027 SIMONIDES No?
FTLN 1028 Here comes my daughter. She can witness it.
Enter Thaisa.
PERICLES
FTLN 1029 Then as you are as virtuous as fair,
FTLN 1030 Resolve your angry father if my tongue 70
FTLN 1031 Did e’er solicit or my hand subscribe
FTLN 1032 To any syllable that made love to you.
THAISA
FTLN 1033 Why, sir, say if you had, who takes offense
FTLN 1034 At that would make me glad?
SIMONIDES
FTLN 1035 Yea, mistress, are you so peremptory? 75
FTLN 1036 (Aside.) I am glad on ’t with all my heart.—
FTLN 1037 I’ll tame you! I’ll bring you in subjection.
FTLN 1038 Will you, not having my consent,
FTLN 1039 Bestow your love and your affections
FTLN 1040 Upon a stranger? (Aside.) Who, for aught I know, 80
FTLN 1041 May be—nor can I think the contrary—
FTLN 1042 As great in blood as I myself.—
FTLN 1043 Therefore, hear you, mistress: either frame
FTLN 1044 Your will to mine—and you, sir, hear you:
FTLN 1045 Either be ruled by me—or I’ll make you 85
FTLN 1046 Man and wife.
FTLN 1047 Nay, come, your hands and lips must seal it too.
FTLN 1048 And being joined, I’ll thus your hopes destroy.
ACT 2. SC. 5
FTLN 1049 And for further grief—God give you joy!

FTLN 1050 What, are you both pleased? 90
FTLN 1051 THAISA Yes, ( to Pericles ) if you love me, sir.
PERICLES
FTLN 1052 Even as my life my blood that fosters it.
FTLN 1053 SIMONIDES What, are you both agreed?
FTLN 1054 BOTH Yes, if ’t please your Majesty.
SIMONIDES
FTLN 1055 It pleaseth me so well that I will see you wed, 95
FTLN 1056 And then with what haste you can, get you to bed.
They exit.
ACT 3
3 Chorus
Enter Gower.
GOWER
FTLN 1057 Now sleep yslackèd hath the rout;
FTLN 1058 No din but snores about the house,
FTLN 1059 Made louder by the o’erfed breast
FTLN 1060 Of this most pompous marriage feast.
FTLN 1061 The cat with eyne of burning coal 5
FTLN 1062 Now couches from the mouse’s hole,
FTLN 1063 And crickets sing at the oven’s mouth
FTLN 1064 Are the blither for their drouth.
FTLN 1065 Hymen hath brought the bride to bed,
FTLN 1066 Where, by the loss of maidenhead, 10
FTLN 1067 A babe is molded. Be attent,
FTLN 1068 And time that is so briefly spent
FTLN 1069 With your fine fancies quaintly eche.
FTLN 1070 What’s dumb in show I’ll plain with speech.
Dumb Show.
Enter Pericles and Simonides at one door with

Attendants. A Messenger meets them, kneels, and gives
Pericles a letter. Pericles shows it Simonides. The Lords
kneel to him; then enter Thaisa with child, with
Lychorida, a nurse. The King shows her the letter. She
rejoices. She and Pericles take leave of her father, and
depart with Lychorida and their Attendants. Then
Simonides and the others exit.
87
ACT 3. CHOR.
FTLN 1071 By many a dern and painful perch 15

FTLN 1072 Of Pericles the careful search,
FTLN 1073 By the four opposing coigns
FTLN 1074 Which the world together joins,
FTLN 1075 Is made with all due diligence
FTLN 1076 That horse and sail and high expense 20
FTLN 1077 Can stead the quest. At last from Tyre,
FTLN 1078 Fame answering the most strange enquire,
FTLN 1079 To th’ court of King Simonides
FTLN 1080 Are letters brought, the tenor these:
FTLN 1081 Antiochus and his daughter dead, 25
FTLN 1082 The men of Tyrus on the head
FTLN 1083 Of Helicanus would set on
FTLN 1084 The crown of Tyre, but he will none.
FTLN 1085 The mutiny he there hastes t’ oppress,
FTLN 1086 Says to ’em, if King Pericles 30
FTLN 1087 Come not home in twice six moons,
FTLN 1088 He, obedient to their dooms,
FTLN 1089 Will take the crown. The sum of this,
FTLN 1090 Brought hither to Pentapolis,
FTLN 1091 Y-ravishèd the regions round, 35
FTLN 1092 And everyone with claps can sound,
FTLN 1093 “Our heir apparent is a king!
FTLN 1094 Who dreamt, who thought of such a thing?”
FTLN 1095 Brief, he must hence depart to Tyre.
FTLN 1096 His queen, with child, makes her desire— 40
FTLN 1097 Which who shall cross?—along to go.
FTLN 1098 Omit we all their dole and woe.
FTLN 1099 Lychorida, her nurse, she takes,
FTLN 1100 And so to sea. Their vessel shakes
FTLN 1101 On Neptune’s billow. Half the flood 45
FTLN 1102 Hath their keel cut. But Fortune, moved,
FTLN 1103 Varies again. The grizzled North
FTLN 1104 Disgorges such a tempest forth
FTLN 1105 That, as a duck for life that dives,
FTLN 1106 So up and down the poor ship drives. 50
ACT 3. SC. 1
FTLN 1107 The lady shrieks and, well-anear,

FTLN 1108 Does fall in travail with her fear.
FTLN 1109 And what ensues in this fell storm
FTLN 1110 Shall for itself itself perform.
FTLN 1111 I nill relate; action may 55
FTLN 1112 Conveniently the rest convey,
FTLN 1113 Which might not what by me is told.
FTLN 1114 In your imagination hold
FTLN 1115 This stage the ship upon whose deck
FTLN 1116 The sea-tossed Pericles appears to speak. 60
He exits.
Scene 1
Enter Pericles, a-shipboard.
PERICLES
FTLN 1117 The god of this great vast, rebuke these surges,
FTLN 1118 Which wash both heaven and hell! And thou that hast
FTLN 1119 Upon the winds command, bind them in brass,
FTLN 1120 Having called them from the deep! O, still
FTLN 1121 Thy deaf’ning dreadful thunders, gently quench 5
FTLN 1122 Thy nimble sulfurous flashes.—O, how, Lychorida,
FTLN 1123 How does my queen?—Then, storm, venomously
FTLN 1124 Wilt thou spit all thyself? The seaman’s whistle
FTLN 1125 Is as a whisper in the ears of death,
FTLN 1126 Unheard.—Lychorida!—Lucina, O 10
FTLN 1127 Divinest patroness and midwife gentle
FTLN 1128 To those that cry by night, convey thy deity
FTLN 1129 Aboard our dancing boat, make swift the pangs
FTLN 1130 Of my queen’s travails!—Now, Lychorida!
Enter Lychorida, carrying an infant.
LYCHORIDA
FTLN 1131 Here is a thing too young for such a place, 15
FTLN 1132 Who, if it had conceit, would die, as I
ACT 3. SC. 1
FTLN 1133 Am like to do. Take in your arms this piece

FTLN 1134 Of your dead queen.
FTLN 1135 PERICLES How? How, Lychorida?
LYCHORIDA
FTLN 1136 Patience, good sir. Do not assist the storm. 20
FTLN 1137 Here’s all that is left living of your queen,
FTLN 1138 A little daughter. For the sake of it,
FTLN 1139 Be manly and take comfort.
FTLN 1140 PERICLES O you gods!
FTLN 1141 Why do you make us love your goodly gifts 25
FTLN 1142 And snatch them straight away? We here below
FTLN 1143 Recall not what we give, and therein may
FTLN 1144 Use honor with you.
FTLN 1145 LYCHORIDA Patience, good sir,
FTLN 1146 Even for this charge. She hands him the infant. 30
FTLN 1147 PERICLES, to the infant Now mild may be thy life,
FTLN 1148 For a more blusterous birth had never babe.
FTLN 1149 Quiet and gentle thy conditions, for
FTLN 1150 Thou art the rudeliest welcome to this world
FTLN 1151 That ever was prince’s child. Happy what follows! 35
FTLN 1152 Thou hast as chiding a nativity
FTLN 1153 As fire, air, water, earth, and heaven can make
FTLN 1154 To herald thee from the womb.
FTLN 1155 Even at the first, thy loss is more than can
FTLN 1156 Thy portage quit, with all thou canst find here. 40
FTLN 1157 Now the good gods throw their best eyes upon ’t.
Enter two Sailors.
FTLN 1158 FIRST SAILOR What courage, sir? God save you.
PERICLES
FTLN 1159 Courage enough. I do not fear the flaw.
FTLN 1160 It hath done to me the worst. Yet for the love
FTLN 1161 Of this poor infant, this fresh new seafarer, 45
FTLN 1162 I would it would be quiet.
FTLN 1163 FIRST SAILOR Slack the bowlines there!—Thou wilt not,
FTLN 1164 wilt thou? Blow, and split thyself!
ACT 3. SC. 1
FTLN 1165 SECOND SAILOR But searoom, an the brine and cloudy
FTLN 1166 billow kiss the moon, I care not. 50
FTLN 1167 FIRST SAILOR Sir, your queen must overboard. The sea
FTLN 1168 works high, the wind is loud, and will not lie till
FTLN 1169 the ship be cleared of the dead.
FTLN 1170 PERICLES That’s your superstition.
FTLN 1171 FIRST SAILOR Pardon us, sir; with us at sea it hath been 55
FTLN 1172 still observed, and we are strong in custom.
FTLN 1173 Therefore briefly yield ’er, for she must overboard
FTLN 1174 straight.
FTLN 1175 PERICLES As you think meet.—Most wretched queen!
FTLN 1176 LYCHORIDA Here she lies, sir. 60
PERICLES
FTLN 1177 A terrible childbed hast thou had, my dear,
FTLN 1178 No light, no fire. Th’ unfriendly elements
FTLN 1179 Forgot thee utterly. Nor have I time
FTLN 1180 To give thee hallowed to thy grave, but straight
FTLN 1181 Must cast thee, scarcely coffined, in the ooze, 65
FTLN 1182 Where, for a monument upon thy bones
FTLN 1183 And e’er-remaining lamps, the belching whale
FTLN 1184 And humming water must o’erwhelm thy corpse,
FTLN 1185 Lying with simple shells.—O, Lychorida,
FTLN 1186 Bid Nestor bring me spices, ink, and paper, 70
FTLN 1187 My casket and my jewels; and bid Nicander
FTLN 1188 Bring me the satin coffin. Lay the babe
FTLN 1189 Upon the pillow. Hie thee, whiles I say
FTLN 1190 A priestly farewell to her. Suddenly, woman!
Lychorida exits.
FTLN 1191 SECOND SAILOR Sir, we have a chest beneath the hatches, 75
FTLN 1192 caulked and bitumed ready.
PERICLES
FTLN 1193 I thank thee, mariner. Say, what coast is this?
FTLN 1194 SECOND SAILOR We are near Tarsus.
FTLN 1195 PERICLES Thither, gentle mariner.
FTLN 1196 Alter thy course for Tyre. When canst thou reach it? 80
FTLN 1197 SECOND SAILOR By break of day if the wind cease.
ACT 3. SC. 2
FTLN 1198 PERICLES O, make for Tarsus!

FTLN 1199 There will I visit Cleon, for the babe
FTLN 1200 Cannot hold out to Tyrus. There I’ll leave it
FTLN 1201 At careful nursing. Go thy ways, good mariner. 85
FTLN 1202 I’ll bring the body presently.
They exit.
Scene 2
Enter Lord Cerimon with two Suppliants.
FTLN 1203 CERIMON Philemon, ho!
Enter Philemon.
FTLN 1204 PHILEMON Doth my lord call?

FTLN 1205 CERIMON Get fire and meat for these poor men.
FTLN 1206 ’T has been a turbulent and stormy night.
Philemon exits.
FIRST SUPPLIANT
FTLN 1207 I have been in many; but such a night as this, 5
FTLN 1208 Till now, I ne’er endured.
CERIMON
FTLN 1209 Your master will be dead ere you return.
FTLN 1210 There’s nothing can be ministered to nature
FTLN 1211 That can recover him. To Second Suppliant. Give
FTLN 1212 this to the ’pothecary, 10
FTLN 1213 And tell me how it works. Suppliants exit.
Enter two Gentlemen.
FTLN 1214 FIRST GENTLEMAN Good morrow.

FTLN 1215 SECOND GENTLEMAN Good morrow to your Lordship.
CERIMON
FTLN 1216 Gentlemen, why do you stir so early?
FTLN 1217 FIRST GENTLEMAN Sir, 15
FTLN 1218 Our lodgings, standing bleak upon the sea,
FTLN 1219 Shook as the earth did quake.
ACT 3. SC. 2
FTLN 1220 The very principals did seem to rend

FTLN 1221 And all to topple. Pure surprise and fear
FTLN 1222 Made me to quit the house. 20
SECOND GENTLEMAN
FTLN 1223 That is the cause we trouble you so early.
FTLN 1224 ’Tis not our husbandry.
FTLN 1225 CERIMON O, you say well.
FIRST GENTLEMAN
FTLN 1226 But I much marvel that your Lordship, having
FTLN 1227 Rich tire about you, should at these early hours 25
FTLN 1228 Shake off the golden slumber of repose.
FTLN 1229 ’Tis most strange
FTLN 1230 Nature should be so conversant with pain,
FTLN 1231 Being thereto not compelled.
FTLN 1232 CERIMON I hold it ever 30
FTLN 1233 Virtue and cunning were endowments greater
FTLN 1234 Than nobleness and riches. Careless heirs
FTLN 1235 May the two latter darken and expend,
FTLN 1236 But immortality attends the former,
FTLN 1237 Making a man a god. ’Tis known I ever 35
FTLN 1238 Have studied physic, through which secret art,
FTLN 1239 By turning o’er authorities, I have,
FTLN 1240 Together with my practice, made familiar
FTLN 1241 To me and to my aid the blessed infusions
FTLN 1242 That dwells in vegetives, in metals, stones; 40
FTLN 1243 And can speak of the disturbances
FTLN 1244 That Nature works, and of her cures; which doth
FTLN 1245 give me
FTLN 1246 A more content in course of true delight
FTLN 1247 Than to be thirsty after tottering honor, 45
FTLN 1248 Or tie my pleasure up in silken bags
FTLN 1249 To please the fool and death.
SECOND GENTLEMAN
FTLN 1250 Your Honor has through Ephesus poured forth
FTLN 1251 Your charity, and hundreds call themselves
FTLN 1252 Your creatures, who by you have been restored; 50
ACT 3. SC. 2
FTLN 1253 And not your knowledge, your personal pain, but even
FTLN 1254 Your purse, still open, hath built Lord Cerimon
FTLN 1255 Such strong renown, as time shall never—
Enter two or three Servants with a chest.
SERVANT
FTLN 1256 So, lift there.
FTLN 1257 CERIMON What’s that? 55
FTLN 1258 SERVANT Sir, even now
FTLN 1259 Did the sea toss up upon our shore this chest.
FTLN 1260 ’Tis of some wrack.
FTLN 1261 CERIMON Set ’t down. Let’s look upon ’t.
SECOND GENTLEMAN
FTLN 1262 ’Tis like a coffin, sir. 60
FTLN 1263 CERIMON What e’er it be,
FTLN 1264 ’Tis wondrous heavy. Wrench it open straight.
FTLN 1265 If the sea’s stomach be o’ercharged with gold,
FTLN 1266 ’Tis a good constraint of Fortune it belches upon us.
SECOND GENTLEMAN
FTLN 1267 ’Tis so, my lord. 65
FTLN 1268 CERIMON How close ’tis caulked and bitumed!
FTLN 1269 Did the sea cast it up?
SERVANT
FTLN 1270 I never saw so huge a billow, sir,
FTLN 1271 As tossed it upon shore.
FTLN 1272 CERIMON Wrench it open. 70
FTLN 1273 Soft! It smells most sweetly in my sense.
FTLN 1274 SECOND GENTLEMAN A delicate odor.
CERIMON
FTLN 1275 As ever hit my nostril. So, up with it.
They open the chest.
FTLN 1276 O, you most potent gods! What’s here? A corse?
FTLN 1277 SECOND GENTLEMAN Most strange! 75
CERIMON
FTLN 1278 Shrouded in cloth of state, balmed and entreasured
FTLN 1279 With full bags of spices. A passport too!
ACT 3. SC. 2
FTLN 1280 Apollo, perfect me in the characters.

He reads.
FTLN 1281 Here I give to understand,
FTLN 1282 If e’er this coffin drives aland, 80
FTLN 1283 I, King Pericles, have lost
FTLN 1284 This queen, worth all our mundane cost.
FTLN 1285 Who finds her, give her burying.
FTLN 1286 She was the daughter of a king.
FTLN 1287 Besides this treasure for a fee, 85
FTLN 1288 The gods requite his charity.
FTLN 1289 If thou livest, Pericles, thou hast a heart
FTLN 1290 That ever cracks for woe. This chanced tonight.
SECOND GENTLEMAN
FTLN 1291 Most likely, sir.
FTLN 1292 CERIMON Nay, certainly tonight, 90
FTLN 1293 For look how fresh she looks. They were too rough
FTLN 1294 That threw her in the sea.—Make a fire within;
FTLN 1295 Fetch hither all my boxes in my closet.
A servant exits.
FTLN 1296 Death may usurp on nature many hours,
FTLN 1297 And yet the fire of life kindle again 95
FTLN 1298 The o’erpressed spirits. I heard of an Egyptian
FTLN 1299 That had nine hours lain dead,
FTLN 1300 Who was by good appliance recoverèd.
Enter one with boxes, napkins, and fire.
FTLN 1301 Well said, well said! The fire and cloths.
FTLN 1302 The rough and woeful music that we have, 100
FTLN 1303 Cause it to sound, beseech you. Music sounds. The
FTLN 1304 viol once more!
FTLN 1305 How thou stirr’st, thou block! The music there.
Music sounds.
FTLN 1306 I pray you, give her air. Gentlemen,
FTLN 1307 This queen will live. Nature awakes a warm breath 105
FTLN 1308 Out of her. She hath not been entranced
ACT 3. SC. 3
FTLN 1309 Above five hours. See how she gins to blow
FTLN 1310 Into life’s flower again.
FTLN 1311 FIRST GENTLEMAN The heavens, through you,
FTLN 1312 Increase our wonder, and sets up your fame 110
FTLN 1313 Forever.
FTLN 1314 CERIMON She is alive. Behold her eyelids—
FTLN 1315 Cases to those heavenly jewels which Pericles hath
FTLN 1316 lost—
FTLN 1317 Begin to part their fringes of bright gold. 115
FTLN 1318 The diamonds of a most praised water doth
FTLN 1319 Appear to make the world twice rich.—Live,
FTLN 1320 And make us weep to hear your fate, fair creature,
FTLN 1321 Rare as you seem to be.
She moves.
FTLN 1322 THAISA O dear Diana, 120
FTLN 1323 Where am I? Where’s my lord? What world is this?
FTLN 1324 SECOND GENTLEMAN Is not this strange?
FTLN 1325 FIRST GENTLEMAN Most rare!
FTLN 1326 CERIMON Hush, my gentle neighbors!
FTLN 1327 Lend me your hands. To the next chamber bear her. 125
FTLN 1328 Get linen. Now this matter must be looked to,
FTLN 1329 For her relapse is mortal. Come, come;
FTLN 1330 And Aesculapius guide us.
They carry her away as they all exit.
Scene 3
Enter Pericles, at Tarsus, with Cleon and Dionyza, and
Lychorida with the child.
PERICLES
FTLN 1331 Most honored Cleon, I must needs be gone.
FTLN 1332 My twelve months are expired, and Tyrus stands
FTLN 1333 In a litigious peace. You and your lady
FTLN 1334 Take from my heart all thankfulness. The gods
FTLN 1335 Make up the rest upon you. 5
ACT 3. SC. 3
CLEON
FTLN 1336 Your shakes of fortune, though they haunt you
FTLN 1337 mortally,
FTLN 1338 Yet glance full wond’ringly on us.
DIONYZA
FTLN 1339 O, your sweet queen! That the strict Fates had pleased
FTLN 1340 You had brought her hither to have blessed mine 10
FTLN 1341 eyes with her!
PERICLES
FTLN 1342 We cannot but obey the powers above us.
FTLN 1343 Could I rage and roar as doth the sea
FTLN 1344 She lies in, yet the end must be as ’tis.
FTLN 1345 My gentle babe Marina, 15
FTLN 1346 Whom, for she was born at sea, I have named so,
FTLN 1347 Here I charge your charity withal,
FTLN 1348 Leaving her the infant of your care,
FTLN 1349 Beseeching you to give her princely training,
FTLN 1350 That she may be mannered as she is born. 20
FTLN 1351 CLEON Fear not, my lord, but think
FTLN 1352 Your Grace, that fed my country with your corn,
FTLN 1353 For which the people’s prayers still fall upon you,
FTLN 1354 Must in your child be thought on. If neglection
FTLN 1355 Should therein make me vile, the common body, 25
FTLN 1356 By you relieved, would force me to my duty.
FTLN 1357 But if to that my nature need a spur,
FTLN 1358 The gods revenge it upon me and mine,
FTLN 1359 To the end of generation!
FTLN 1360 PERICLES I believe you. 30
FTLN 1361 Your honor and your goodness teach me to ’t
FTLN 1362 Without your vows.—Till she be married, madam,
FTLN 1363 By bright Diana, whom we honor, all
FTLN 1364 Unscissored shall this hair of mine remain,
FTLN 1365 Though I show ill in ’t. So I take my leave. 35
FTLN 1366 Good madam, make me blessèd in your care
FTLN 1367 In bringing up my child.
ACT 3. SC. 4
FTLN 1368 DIONYZA I have one myself,

FTLN 1369 Who shall not be more dear to my respect
FTLN 1370 Than yours, my lord. 40
FTLN 1371 PERICLES Madam, my thanks and prayers.
CLEON
FTLN 1372 We’ll bring your Grace e’en to the edge o’ th’ shore,
FTLN 1373 Then give you up to the maskèd Neptune
FTLN 1374 And the gentlest winds of heaven.
PERICLES
FTLN 1375 I will embrace your offer.—Come, dearest madam.— 45
FTLN 1376 O, no tears, Lychorida, no tears!
FTLN 1377 Look to your little mistress, on whose grace
FTLN 1378 You may depend hereafter.—Come, my lord.
They exit.
Scene 4
Enter Cerimon and Thaisa.
CERIMON
FTLN 1379 Madam, this letter and some certain jewels
FTLN 1380 Lay with you in your coffer, which are
FTLN 1381 At your command. Know you the character?
He shows her the letter.
THAISA
FTLN 1382 It is my lord’s. That I was shipped at sea
FTLN 1383 I well remember, even on my bearing time, 5
FTLN 1384 But whether there delivered, by the holy gods
FTLN 1385 I cannot rightly say. But since King Pericles,
FTLN 1386 My wedded lord, I ne’er shall see again,
FTLN 1387 A vestal livery will I take me to,
FTLN 1388 And never more have joy. 10
FTLN 1389 CERIMON Madam, if this
FTLN 1390 You purpose as you speak, Diana’s temple
FTLN 1391 Is not distant far, where you may abide
ACT 3. SC. 4
FTLN 1392 Till your date expire. Moreover, if you

FTLN 1393 Please, a niece of mine shall there attend you. 15
THAISA
FTLN 1394 My recompense is thanks, that’s all;
FTLN 1395 Yet my good will is great, though the gift small.
They exit.
ACT 4
4 Chorus
Enter Gower.
GOWER
FTLN 1396 Imagine Pericles arrived at Tyre,
FTLN 1397 Welcomed and settled to his own desire.
FTLN 1398 His woeful queen we leave at Ephesus,
FTLN 1399 Unto Diana there ’s a votaress.
FTLN 1400 Now to Marina bend your mind, 5
FTLN 1401 Whom our fast-growing scene must find
FTLN 1402 At Tarsus, and by Cleon trained
FTLN 1403 In music, letters; who hath gained
FTLN 1404 Of education all the grace
FTLN 1405 Which makes high both the art and place 10
FTLN 1406 Of general wonder. But, alack,
FTLN 1407 That monster envy, oft the wrack
FTLN 1408 Of earnèd praise, Marina’s life
FTLN 1409 Seeks to take off by treason’s knife.
FTLN 1410 And in this kind our Cleon hath 15
FTLN 1411 One daughter and a full grown wench,
FTLN 1412 Even ripe for marriage rite. This maid
FTLN 1413 Hight Philoten, and it is said
FTLN 1414 For certain in our story she
FTLN 1415 Would ever with Marina be. 20
FTLN 1416 Be ’t when they weaved the sleided silk
FTLN 1417 With fingers long, small, white as milk;
FTLN 1418 Or when she would with sharp needle wound
FTLN 1419 The cambric, which she made more sound
115
ACT 4. SC. 1
FTLN 1420 By hurting it; or when to the lute 25

FTLN 1421 She sung, and made the night bird mute,
FTLN 1422 That still records with moan; or when
FTLN 1423 She would with rich and constant pen
FTLN 1424 Vail to her mistress Dian, still
FTLN 1425 This Philoten contends in skill 30
FTLN 1426 With absolute Marina. So
FTLN 1427 With the dove of Paphos might the crow
FTLN 1428 Vie feathers white. Marina gets
FTLN 1429 All praises, which are paid as debts
FTLN 1430 And not as given. This so darks 35
FTLN 1431 In Philoten all graceful marks
FTLN 1432 That Cleon’s wife, with envy rare,
FTLN 1433 A present murderer does prepare
FTLN 1434 For good Marina, that her daughter
FTLN 1435 Might stand peerless by this slaughter. 40
FTLN 1436 The sooner her vile thoughts to stead,
FTLN 1437 Lychorida, our nurse, is dead,
FTLN 1438 And cursèd Dionyza hath
FTLN 1439 The pregnant instrument of wrath
FTLN 1440 Prest for this blow. The unborn event 45
FTLN 1441 I do commend to your content.
FTLN 1442 Only I carry wingèd Time
FTLN 1443 Post on the lame feet of my rhyme,
FTLN 1444 Which never could I so convey
FTLN 1445 Unless your thoughts went on my way. 50
FTLN 1446 Dionyza does appear,
FTLN 1447 With Leonine, a murderer.
He exits.
Scene 1
Enter Dionyza with Leonine.
DIONYZA
FTLN 1448 Thy oath remember. Thou hast sworn to do ’t.
FTLN 1449 ’Tis but a blow which never shall be known.
ACT 4. SC. 1
FTLN 1450 Thou canst not do a thing in the world so soon

FTLN 1451 To yield thee so much profit. Let not conscience,
FTLN 1452 Which is but cold in flaming, thy bosom inflame 5
FTLN 1453 Too nicely. Nor let pity, which even women
FTLN 1454 Have cast off, melt thee; but be a soldier
FTLN 1455 To thy purpose.
FTLN 1456 LEONINE I will do ’t; but yet
FTLN 1457 She is a goodly creature. 10
FTLN 1458 DIONYZA The fitter, then,
FTLN 1459 The gods should have her. Here she comes weeping
FTLN 1460 For her only mistress’ death. Thou art resolved?
FTLN 1461 LEONINE I am resolved.
Enter Marina with a basket of flowers.
MARINA
FTLN 1462 No, I will rob Tellus of her weed 15
FTLN 1463 To strew thy green with flowers. The yellows, blues,
FTLN 1464 The purple violets and marigolds
FTLN 1465 Shall as a carpet hang upon thy grave
FTLN 1466 While summer days doth last. Ay me, poor maid,
FTLN 1467 Born in a tempest when my mother died, 20
FTLN 1468 This world to me is as a lasting storm,
FTLN 1469 Whirring me from my friends.
DIONYZA
FTLN 1470 How now, Marina? Why do you keep alone?
FTLN 1471 How chance my daughter is not with you?
FTLN 1472 Do not consume your blood with sorrowing. 25
FTLN 1473 Have you a nurse of me! Lord, how your favor ’s
FTLN 1474 Changed with this unprofitable woe.
FTLN 1475 Come, give me your flowers. O’er the sea marge
FTLN 1476 Walk with Leonine. The air is quick there,
FTLN 1477 And it pierces and sharpens the stomach.—Come, 30
FTLN 1478 Leonine,
FTLN 1479 Take her by the arm. Walk with her.
FTLN 1480 MARINA No,
FTLN 1481 I pray you, I’ll not bereave you of your servant.
ACT 4. SC. 1
FTLN 1482 DIONYZA Come, come. 35

FTLN 1483 I love the king your father and yourself
FTLN 1484 With more than foreign heart. We every day
FTLN 1485 Expect him here. When he shall come and find
FTLN 1486 Our paragon to all reports thus blasted,
FTLN 1487 He will repent the breadth of his great voyage, 40
FTLN 1488 Blame both my lord and me that we have taken
FTLN 1489 No care to your best courses. Go, I pray you,
FTLN 1490 Walk, and be cheerful once again. Reserve
FTLN 1491 That excellent complexion, which did steal
FTLN 1492 The eyes of young and old. Care not for me. 45
FTLN 1493 I can go home alone.
FTLN 1494 MARINA Well, I will go,
FTLN 1495 But yet I have no desire to it.
FTLN 1496 DIONYZA Come, come,
FTLN 1497 I know ’tis good for you.—Walk half an hour, 50
FTLN 1498 Leonine, at the least. Remember
FTLN 1499 What I have said.
FTLN 1500 LEONINE I warrant you, madam.
DIONYZA
FTLN 1501 I’ll leave you, my sweet lady, for a while.
FTLN 1502 Pray walk softly; do not heat your blood. 55
FTLN 1503 What, I must have care of you.
FTLN 1504 MARINA My thanks, sweet madam. Dionyza exits.
FTLN 1505 Is this wind westerly that blows?
FTLN 1506 LEONINE Southwest.
MARINA
FTLN 1507 When I was born, the wind was north. 60
FTLN 1508 LEONINE Was ’t so?
MARINA
FTLN 1509 My father, as nurse says, did never fear,
FTLN 1510 But cried “Good seamen!” to the sailors,
FTLN 1511 Galling his kingly hands haling ropes,
FTLN 1512 And, clasping to the mast, endured a sea 65
FTLN 1513 That almost burst the deck.
FTLN 1514 LEONINE When was this?
ACT 4. SC. 1
FTLN 1515 MARINA When I was born.

FTLN 1516 Never was waves nor wind more violent,
FTLN 1517 And from the ladder-tackle washes off 70
FTLN 1518 A canvas-climber. “Ha!” says one, “Wolt out?”
FTLN 1519 And with a dropping industry they skip
FTLN 1520 From stern to stern. The Boatswain whistles, and
FTLN 1521 The Master calls and trebles their confusion.
FTLN 1522 LEONINE Come, say your prayers. 75
He draws his sword.
FTLN 1523 MARINA What mean you?
LEONINE
FTLN 1524 If you require a little space for prayer,
FTLN 1525 I grant it. Pray, but be not tedious, for
FTLN 1526 The gods are quick of ear, and I am sworn
FTLN 1527 To do my work with haste. 80
FTLN 1528 MARINA Why will you kill me?
FTLN 1529 LEONINE To satisfy my lady.
FTLN 1530 MARINA Why would she have me killed?
FTLN 1531 Now, as I can remember, by my troth,
FTLN 1532 I never did her hurt in all my life. 85
FTLN 1533 I never spake bad word, nor did ill turn
FTLN 1534 To any living creature. Believe me, la,
FTLN 1535 I never killed a mouse, nor hurt a fly.
FTLN 1536 I trod upon a worm against my will,
FTLN 1537 But I wept for ’t. How have I offended 90
FTLN 1538 Wherein my death might yield her any profit
FTLN 1539 Or my life imply her any danger?
FTLN 1540 LEONINE My commission
FTLN 1541 Is not to reason of the deed, but do ’t.
MARINA
FTLN 1542 You will not do ’t for all the world, I hope. 95
FTLN 1543 You are well-favored, and your looks foreshow
FTLN 1544 You have a gentle heart. I saw you lately
FTLN 1545 When you caught hurt in parting two that fought.
FTLN 1546 Good sooth, it showed well in you. Do so now.
ACT 4. SC. 2
FTLN 1547 Your lady seeks my life. Come you between, 100
FTLN 1548 And save poor me, the weaker.
FTLN 1549 LEONINE I am sworn
FTLN 1550 And will dispatch. He seizes her.
Enter Pirates.
FTLN 1551 FIRST PIRATE Hold, villain! Leonine runs offstage.

FTLN 1552 SECOND PIRATE A prize, a prize! He seizes Marina. 105
FTLN 1553 THIRD PIRATE Half-part, mates, half-part. Come, let’s
FTLN 1554 have her aboard suddenly.
They exit, carrying Marina.
Enter Leonine.
LEONINE
FTLN 1555 These roguing thieves serve the great pirate Valdes,
FTLN 1556 And they have seized Marina. Let her go.
FTLN 1557 There’s no hope she will return. I’ll swear she’s dead, 110
FTLN 1558 And thrown into the sea. But I’ll see further.
FTLN 1559 Perhaps they will but please themselves upon her,
FTLN 1560 Not carry her aboard. If she remain,
FTLN 1561 Whom they have ravished must by me be slain.
He exits.
Scene 2
Enter Pander, Bawd, and Bolt.
FTLN 1562 PANDER Bolt!

FTLN 1563 BOLT Sir?
FTLN 1564 PANDER Search the market narrowly. Mytilene is full
FTLN 1565 of gallants. We lost too much money this mart by
FTLN 1566 being too wenchless. 5
FTLN 1567 BAWD We were never so much out of creatures. We
FTLN 1568 have but poor three, and they can do no more than
FTLN 1569 they can do; and they with continual action are
FTLN 1570 even as good as rotten.
ACT 4. SC. 2
FTLN 1571 PANDER Therefore let’s have fresh ones, whate’er we 10

FTLN 1572 pay for them. If there be not a conscience to be
FTLN 1573 used in every trade, we shall never prosper.
FTLN 1574 BAWD Thou sayst true. ’Tis not our bringing up of poor
FTLN 1575 bastards—as I think I have brought up some
FTLN 1576 eleven— 15
FTLN 1577 BOLT Ay, to eleven, and brought them down again. But
FTLN 1578 shall I search the market?
FTLN 1579 BAWD What else, man? The stuff we have, a strong
FTLN 1580 wind will blow it to pieces, they are so pitifully
FTLN 1581 sodden. 20
FTLN 1582 PANDER Thou sayst true. There’s two unwholesome, a’
FTLN 1583 conscience. The poor Transylvanian is dead that
FTLN 1584 lay with the little baggage.
FTLN 1585 BOLT Ay, she quickly pooped him. She made him
FTLN 1586 roast-meat for worms. But I’ll go search the 25
FTLN 1587 market. He exits.
FTLN 1588 PANDER Three or four thousand chequins were as
FTLN 1589 pretty a proportion to live quietly, and so give over.
FTLN 1590 BAWD Why to give over, I pray you? Is it a shame to get
FTLN 1591 when we are old? 30
FTLN 1592 PANDER O, our credit comes not in like the commodity,
FTLN 1593 nor the commodity wages not with the danger.
FTLN 1594 Therefore, if in our youths we could pick up some
FTLN 1595 pretty estate, ’twere not amiss to keep our door
FTLN 1596 hatched. Besides, the sore terms we stand upon 35
FTLN 1597 with the gods will be strong with us for giving o’er.
FTLN 1598 BAWD Come, other sorts offend as well as we.
FTLN 1599 PANDER As well as we? Ay, and better too; we offend
FTLN 1600 worse. Neither is our profession any trade; it’s no
FTLN 1601 calling. But here comes Bolt. 40
Enter Bolt with the Pirates and Marina.
FTLN 1602 BOLT Come your ways, my masters. You say she’s a
FTLN 1603 virgin?
FTLN 1604 PIRATE O, sir, we doubt it not.
ACT 4. SC. 2
FTLN 1605 BOLT Master, I have gone through for this piece you
FTLN 1606 see. If you like her, so; if not, I have lost my 45
FTLN 1607 earnest.
FTLN 1608 BAWD Bolt, has she any qualities?
FTLN 1609 BOLT She has a good face, speaks well, and has excellent
FTLN 1610 good clothes. There’s no farther necessity of
FTLN 1611 qualities can make her be refused. 50
FTLN 1612 BAWD What’s her price, Bolt?
FTLN 1613 BOLT I cannot be bated one doit of a thousand pieces.
FTLN 1614 PANDER Well, follow me, my masters; you shall have
FTLN 1615 your money presently.—Wife, take her in. Instruct
FTLN 1616 her what she has to do, that she may not be raw in 55
FTLN 1617 her entertainment. He exits with Pirates.
FTLN 1618 BAWD Bolt, take you the marks of her: the color of her
FTLN 1619 hair, complexion, height, her age, with warrant of
FTLN 1620 her virginity, and cry “He that will give most shall
FTLN 1621 have her first.” Such a maidenhead were no cheap 60
FTLN 1622 thing, if men were as they have been. Get this done
FTLN 1623 as I command you.
FTLN 1624 BOLT Performance shall follow. He exits.
MARINA
FTLN 1625 Alack that Leonine was so slack, so slow!
FTLN 1626 He should have struck, not spoke. Or that these 65
FTLN 1627 pirates,
FTLN 1628 Not enough barbarous, had but o’erboard thrown me
FTLN 1629 For to seek my mother.
FTLN 1630 BAWD Why lament you, pretty one?
FTLN 1631 MARINA That I am pretty. 70
FTLN 1632 BAWD Come, the gods have done their part in you.
FTLN 1633 MARINA I accuse them not.
FTLN 1634 BAWD You are light into my hands, where you are like
FTLN 1635 to live.
FTLN 1636 MARINA The more my fault, to ’scape his hands where 75
FTLN 1637 I was to die.
FTLN 1638 BAWD Ay, and you shall live in pleasure.
FTLN 1639 MARINA No.
ACT 4. SC. 2
FTLN 1640 BAWD Yes, indeed shall you, and taste gentlemen of all
FTLN 1641 fashions. You shall fare well; you shall have the 80
FTLN 1642 difference of all complexions. What, do you stop
FTLN 1643 your ears?
FTLN 1644 MARINA Are you a woman?
FTLN 1645 BAWD What would you have me be, an I be not a
FTLN 1646 woman? 85
FTLN 1647 MARINA An honest woman, or not a woman.
FTLN 1648 BAWD Marry, whip the gosling! I think I shall have
FTLN 1649 something to do with you. Come, you’re a young
FTLN 1650 foolish sapling, and must be bowed as I would
FTLN 1651 have you. 90
FTLN 1652 MARINA The gods defend me!
FTLN 1653 BAWD If it please the gods to defend you by men, then
FTLN 1654 men must comfort you, men must feed you, men
FTLN 1655 stir you up. Bolt’s returned.
Enter Bolt.
FTLN 1656 Now, sir, hast thou cried her through the market? 95
FTLN 1657 BOLT I have cried her almost to the number of her
FTLN 1658 hairs. I have drawn her picture with my voice.
FTLN 1659 BAWD And I prithee tell me, how dost thou find the inclination
FTLN 1660 of the people, especially of the younger
FTLN 1661 sort? 100
FTLN 1662 BOLT Faith, they listened to me as they would have
FTLN 1663 hearkened to their father’s testament. There was a
FTLN 1664 Spaniard’s mouth watered an he went to bed to her
FTLN 1665 very description.
FTLN 1666 BAWD We shall have him here tomorrow with his best 105
FTLN 1667 ruff on.
FTLN 1668 BOLT Tonight, tonight! But, mistress, do you know the
FTLN 1669 French knight that cowers i’ the hams?
FTLN 1670 BAWD Who? Monsieur Verolles?
FTLN 1671 BOLT Ay, he. He offered to cut a caper at the proclamation, 110
FTLN 1672 but he made a groan at it and swore he would
FTLN 1673 see her tomorrow.
ACT 4. SC. 2
FTLN 1674 BAWD Well, well, as for him, he brought his disease
FTLN 1675 hither; here he does but repair it. I know he will
FTLN 1676 come in our shadow, to scatter his crowns in the 115
FTLN 1677 sun.
FTLN 1678 BOLT Well, if we had of every nation a traveler, we
FTLN 1679 should lodge them with this sign.
FTLN 1680 BAWD, to Marina Pray you, come hither awhile. You
FTLN 1681 have fortunes coming upon you. Mark me: you 120
FTLN 1682 must seem to do that fearfully which you commit
FTLN 1683 willingly, despise profit where you have most gain.
FTLN 1684 To weep that you live as you do makes pity in your
FTLN 1685 lovers. Seldom but that pity begets you a good
FTLN 1686 opinion, and that opinion a mere profit. 125
FTLN 1687 MARINA I understand you not.
FTLN 1688 BOLT O, take her home, mistress, take her home!
FTLN 1689 These blushes of hers must be quenched with
FTLN 1690 some present practice.
FTLN 1691 BAWD Thou sayst true, i’ faith, so they must, for your 130
FTLN 1692 bride goes to that with shame which is her way to
FTLN 1693 go with warrant.
FTLN 1694 BOLT Faith, some do and some do not. But, mistress,
FTLN 1695 if I have bargained for the joint—
FTLN 1696 BAWD Thou mayst cut a morsel off the spit. 135
FTLN 1697 BOLT I may so.
FTLN 1698 BAWD Who should deny it? Come, young one, I like
FTLN 1699 the manner of your garments well.
FTLN 1700 BOLT Ay, by my faith, they shall not be changed yet.
FTLN 1701 BAWD Bolt, spend thou that in the town. ( She gives him 140
FTLN 1702 money. ) Report what a sojourner we have. You’ll
FTLN 1703 lose nothing by custom. When Nature framed this
FTLN 1704 piece, she meant thee a good turn. Therefore say
FTLN 1705 what a paragon she is, and thou hast the harvest
FTLN 1706 out of thine own report. 145
FTLN 1707 BOLT I warrant you, mistress, thunder shall not so
FTLN 1708 awake the beds of eels as my giving out her beauty
FTLN 1709 stirs up the lewdly inclined. I’ll bring home some
FTLN 1710 tonight.
ACT 4. SC. 3
FTLN 1711 BAWD, to Marina Come your ways. Follow me. 150
MARINA
FTLN 1712 If fires be hot, knives sharp, or waters deep,
FTLN 1713 Untied I still my virgin knot will keep.
FTLN 1714 Diana aid my purpose!
FTLN 1715 BAWD What have we to do with Diana, pray you? Will
FTLN 1716 you go with us? 155
They exit.
Scene 3
Enter Cleon and Dionyza.
DIONYZA
FTLN 1717 Why, are you foolish? Can it be undone?
CLEON
FTLN 1718 O Dionyza, such a piece of slaughter
FTLN 1719 The sun and moon ne’er looked upon!
FTLN 1720 DIONYZA I think you’ll turn a child again.
CLEON
FTLN 1721 Were I chief lord of all this spacious world, 5
FTLN 1722 I’d give it to undo the deed. A lady
FTLN 1723 Much less in blood than virtue, yet a princess
FTLN 1724 To equal any single crown o’ th’ Earth
FTLN 1725 I’ the justice of compare. O villain Leonine,
FTLN 1726 Whom thou hast poisoned too! 10
FTLN 1727 If thou hadst drunk to him, ’t had been a kindness
FTLN 1728 Becoming well thy face. What canst thou say
FTLN 1729 When noble Pericles shall demand his child?
DIONYZA
FTLN 1730 That she is dead. Nurses are not the Fates.
FTLN 1731 To foster is not ever to preserve. 15
FTLN 1732 She died at night; I’ll say so. Who can cross it
FTLN 1733 Unless you play the impious innocent
FTLN 1734 And, for an honest attribute, cry out
FTLN 1735 “She died by foul play!”
ACT 4. SC. 3
FTLN 1736 CLEON O, go to. Well, well, 20

FTLN 1737 Of all the faults beneath the heavens, the gods
FTLN 1738 Do like this worst.
FTLN 1739 DIONYZA Be one of those that thinks
FTLN 1740 The petty wrens of Tarsus will fly hence
FTLN 1741 And open this to Pericles. I do shame 25
FTLN 1742 To think of what a noble strain you are,
FTLN 1743 And of how coward a spirit.
FTLN 1744 CLEON To such proceeding
FTLN 1745 Whoever but his approbation added,
FTLN 1746 Though not his prime consent, he did not flow 30
FTLN 1747 From honorable courses.
FTLN 1748 DIONYZA Be it so, then.
FTLN 1749 Yet none does know but you how she came dead,
FTLN 1750 Nor none can know, Leonine being gone.
FTLN 1751 She did distain my child and stood between 35
FTLN 1752 Her and her fortunes. None would look on her,
FTLN 1753 But cast their gazes on Marina’s face,
FTLN 1754 Whilst ours was blurted at and held a malkin
FTLN 1755 Not worth the time of day. It pierced me through,
FTLN 1756 And though you call my course unnatural, 40
FTLN 1757 You not your child well loving, yet I find
FTLN 1758 It greets me as an enterprise of kindness
FTLN 1759 Performed to your sole daughter.
FTLN 1760 CLEON Heavens forgive it.
FTLN 1761 DIONYZA And as for Pericles, 45
FTLN 1762 What should he say? We wept after her hearse,
FTLN 1763 And yet we mourn. Her monument is
FTLN 1764 Almost finished, and her epitaphs
FTLN 1765 In glitt’ring golden characters express
FTLN 1766 A general praise to her, and care in us 50
FTLN 1767 At whose expense ’tis done.
FTLN 1768 CLEON Thou art like the Harpy,
FTLN 1769 Which, to betray, dost with thine angel’s face
FTLN 1770 Seize with thine eagle’s talons.
ACT 4. SC. 4
DIONYZA
FTLN 1771 You’re like one that superstitiously 55
FTLN 1772 Do swear to the gods that winter kills the flies.
FTLN 1773 But yet I know you’ll do as I advise.
They exit.
Scene 4
Enter Gower.
GOWER
FTLN 1774 Thus time we waste, and long leagues make short,
FTLN 1775 Sail seas in cockles, have and wish but for ’t,
FTLN 1776 Making to take our imagination
FTLN 1777 From bourn to bourn, region to region.
FTLN 1778 By you being pardoned, we commit no crime 5
FTLN 1779 To use one language in each several clime
FTLN 1780 Where our scenes seems to live. I do beseech you
FTLN 1781 To learn of me, who stand in the gaps to teach you
FTLN 1782 The stages of our story. Pericles
FTLN 1783 Is now again thwarting the wayward seas, 10
FTLN 1784 Attended on by many a lord and knight,
FTLN 1785 To see his daughter, all his life’s delight.
FTLN 1786 Old Helicanus goes along. Behind
FTLN 1787 Is left to govern it, you bear in mind,
FTLN 1788 Old Escanes, whom Helicanus late 15
FTLN 1789 Advanced in time to great and high estate.
FTLN 1790 Well-sailing ships and bounteous winds have brought
FTLN 1791 This king to Tarsus—think his pilot thought;
FTLN 1792 So with his steerage shall your thoughts go on —
FTLN 1793 To fetch his daughter home, who first is gone. 20
FTLN 1794 Like motes and shadows see them move awhile;
FTLN 1795 Your ears unto your eyes I’ll reconcile.
Dumb Show.
Enter Pericles at one door, with all his train, Cleon and
Dionyza at the other. Cleon shows Pericles the tomb,
ACT 4. SC. 4
whereat Pericles makes lamentation, puts on sackcloth,

and in a mighty passion departs. Cleon and Dionyza exit.
FTLN 1796 See how belief may suffer by foul show!

FTLN 1797 This borrowed passion stands for true old woe.
FTLN 1798 And Pericles, in sorrow all devoured, 25
FTLN 1799 With sighs shot through and biggest tears
FTLN 1800 o’ershowered,
FTLN 1801 Leaves Tarsus and again embarks. He swears
FTLN 1802 Never to wash his face nor cut his hairs.
FTLN 1803 He puts on sackcloth, and to sea. He bears 30
FTLN 1804 A tempest which his mortal vessel tears,
FTLN 1805 And yet he rides it out. Now please you wit
FTLN 1806 The epitaph is for Marina writ
FTLN 1807 By wicked Dionyza:
FTLN 1808 The fairest, sweetest, and best lies here, 35

FTLN 1809 Who withered in her spring of year.
FTLN 1810 She was of Tyrus, the King’s daughter,
FTLN 1811 On whom foul death hath made this slaughter.
FTLN 1812 Marina was she called, and at her birth,
FTLN 1813 Thetis, being proud, swallowed some part o’ th’ earth. 40
FTLN 1814 Therefore the Earth, fearing to be o’erflowed,
FTLN 1815 Hath Thetis’ birth-child on the heavens bestowed.
FTLN 1816 Wherefore she does—and swears she’ll never stint—
FTLN 1817 Make raging battery upon shores of flint.
FTLN 1818 No visor does become black villainy 45

FTLN 1819 So well as soft and tender flattery.
FTLN 1820 Let Pericles believe his daughter’s dead,
FTLN 1821 And bear his courses to be orderèd
FTLN 1822 By Lady Fortune, while our scene must play
FTLN 1823 His daughter’s woe and heavy welladay 50
FTLN 1824 In her unholy service. Patience, then,
FTLN 1825 And think you now are all in Mytilene. He exits.
ACT 4. SC. 6
Scene 5
Enter two Gentlemen.
FTLN 1826 FIRST GENTLEMAN Did you ever hear the like?
FTLN 1827 SECOND GENTLEMAN No, nor never shall do in such a
FTLN 1828 place as this, she being once gone.
FTLN 1829 FIRST GENTLEMAN But to have divinity preached there!
FTLN 1830 Did you ever dream of such a thing? 5
FTLN 1831 SECOND GENTLEMAN No, no. Come, I am for no more
FTLN 1832 bawdy houses. Shall ’s go hear the vestals sing?
FTLN 1833 FIRST GENTLEMAN I’ll do anything now that is virtuous,
FTLN 1834 but I am out of the road of rutting forever.
They exit.
Scene 6
Enter Bawd, Pander, and Bolt.
FTLN 1835 PANDER Well, I had rather than twice the worth of her
FTLN 1836 she had ne’er come here.
FTLN 1837 BAWD Fie, fie upon her! She’s able to freeze the god
FTLN 1838 Priapus and undo a whole generation. We must
FTLN 1839 either get her ravished or be rid of her. When she 5
FTLN 1840 should do for clients her fitment and do me the
FTLN 1841 kindness of our profession, she has me her quirks,
FTLN 1842 her reasons, her master reasons, her prayers, her
FTLN 1843 knees, that she would make a puritan of the devil if
FTLN 1844 he should cheapen a kiss of her. 10
FTLN 1845 BOLT Faith, I must ravish her, or she’ll disfurnish us of
FTLN 1846 all our cavalleria, and make our swearers priests.
FTLN 1847 PANDER Now the pox upon her greensickness for me!
FTLN 1848 BAWD Faith, there’s no way to be rid on ’t but by the
FTLN 1849 way to the pox. 15
Enter Lysimachus.
FTLN 1850 Here comes the Lord Lysimachus disguised.

ACT 4. SC. 6
FTLN 1851 BOLT We should have both lord and lown, if the peevish
FTLN 1852 baggage would but give way to customers.
FTLN 1853 LYSIMACHUS, removing his disguise How now! How a
FTLN 1854 dozen of virginities? 20
FTLN 1855 BAWD Now the gods to-bless your Honor!
FTLN 1856 BOLT I am glad to see your Honor in good health.
FTLN 1857 LYSIMACHUS You may so. ’Tis the better for you that
FTLN 1858 your resorters stand upon sound legs. How now?
FTLN 1859 Wholesome iniquity have you that a man may deal 25
FTLN 1860 withal and defy the surgeon?
FTLN 1861 BAWD We have here one, sir, if she would—but there
FTLN 1862 never came her like in Mytilene.
FTLN 1863 LYSIMACHUS If she’d do the deeds of darkness, thou
FTLN 1864 wouldst say? 30
FTLN 1865 BAWD Your Honor knows what ’tis to say, well enough.
FTLN 1866 LYSIMACHUS Well, call forth, call forth. Pander exits.
FTLN 1867 BOLT For flesh and blood, sir, white and red, you shall
FTLN 1868 see a rose; and she were a rose indeed, if she had
FTLN 1869 but— 35
FTLN 1870 LYSIMACHUS What, prithee?
FTLN 1871 BOLT O, sir, I can be modest.
FTLN 1872 LYSIMACHUS That dignifies the renown of a bawd no
FTLN 1873 less than it gives a good report to a number to be
FTLN 1874 chaste. 40
Enter Pander with Marina.
FTLN 1875 BAWD Here comes that which grows to the stalk, never
FTLN 1876 plucked yet, I can assure you. Is she not a fair
FTLN 1877 creature?
FTLN 1878 LYSIMACHUS Faith, she would serve after a long voyage
FTLN 1879 at sea. Well, there’s for you. He gives money. 45
FTLN 1880 Leave us.
FTLN 1881 BAWD I beseech your Honor, give me leave a word, and
FTLN 1882 I’ll have done presently.
FTLN 1883 LYSIMACHUS I beseech you, do. He moves aside.
FTLN 1884 BAWD, to Marina First, I would have you note this is 50
FTLN 1885 an honorable man.
ACT 4. SC. 6
FTLN 1886 MARINA I desire to find him so, that I may worthily
FTLN 1887 note him.
FTLN 1888 BAWD Next, he’s the governor of this country and a
FTLN 1889 man whom I am bound to. 55
FTLN 1890 MARINA If he govern the country, you are bound to him
FTLN 1891 indeed, but how honorable he is in that I know
FTLN 1892 not.
FTLN 1893 BAWD Pray you, without any more virginal fencing,
FTLN 1894 will you use him kindly? He will line your apron 60
FTLN 1895 with gold.
FTLN 1896 MARINA What he will do graciously, I will thankfully
FTLN 1897 receive.
FTLN 1898 LYSIMACHUS, coming forward Ha’ you done?
FTLN 1899 BAWD My lord, she’s not paced yet. You must take some 65
FTLN 1900 pains to work her to your manage.—Come, we will
FTLN 1901 leave his Honor and her together. Go thy ways.
Bawd, Pander, and Bolt exit.
FTLN 1902 LYSIMACHUS Now, pretty one, how long have you been
FTLN 1903 at this trade?
FTLN 1904 MARINA What trade, sir? 70
FTLN 1905 LYSIMACHUS Why, I cannot name ’t but I shall offend.
FTLN 1906 MARINA I cannot be offended with my trade. Please
FTLN 1907 you to name it.
FTLN 1908 LYSIMACHUS How long have you been of this profession?
FTLN 1909 MARINA E’er since I can remember. 75
FTLN 1910 LYSIMACHUS Did you go to ’t so young? Were you a
FTLN 1911 gamester at five or at seven?
FTLN 1912 MARINA Earlier too, sir, if now I be one.
FTLN 1913 LYSIMACHUS Why, the house you dwell in proclaims
FTLN 1914 you to be a creature of sale. 80
FTLN 1915 MARINA Do you know this house to be a place of such
FTLN 1916 resort, and will come into ’t? I hear say you’re of
FTLN 1917 honorable parts and are the governor of this place.
FTLN 1918 LYSIMACHUS Why, hath your principal made known
FTLN 1919 unto you who I am? 85
FTLN 1920 MARINA Who is my principal?
ACT 4. SC. 6
FTLN 1921 LYSIMACHUS Why, your herbwoman, she that sets

FTLN 1922 seeds and roots of shame and iniquity. O, you have
FTLN 1923 heard something of my power, and so stand aloof
FTLN 1924 for more serious wooing. But I protest to thee, 90
FTLN 1925 pretty one, my authority shall not see thee, or else
FTLN 1926 look friendly upon thee. Come, bring me to some
FTLN 1927 private place. Come, come.
MARINA
FTLN 1928 If you were born to honor, show it now;
FTLN 1929 If put upon you, make the judgment good 95
FTLN 1930 That thought you worthy of it.
LYSIMACHUS
FTLN 1931 How’s this? How’s this? Some more. Be sage.
FTLN 1932 MARINA For me
FTLN 1933 That am a maid, though most ungentle Fortune
FTLN 1934 Have placed me in this sty, where, since I came, 100
FTLN 1935 Diseases have been sold dearer than physic—
FTLN 1936 That the gods
FTLN 1937 Would set me free from this unhallowed place,
FTLN 1938 Though they did change me to the meanest bird
FTLN 1939 That flies i’ the purer air! 105
FTLN 1940 LYSIMACHUS I did not think
FTLN 1941 Thou couldst have spoke so well, ne’er dreamt thou
FTLN 1942 couldst.
FTLN 1943 Had I brought hither a corrupted mind,
FTLN 1944 Thy speech had altered it. Hold, here’s gold for thee. 110
FTLN 1945 Persevere in that clear way thou goest
FTLN 1946 And the gods strengthen thee! He gives her money.
FTLN 1947 MARINA The good gods preserve you.
FTLN 1948 LYSIMACHUS For me, be you thoughten
FTLN 1949 That I came with no ill intent, for to me 115
FTLN 1950 The very doors and windows savor vilely.
FTLN 1951 Fare thee well. Thou art a piece of virtue,
FTLN 1952 And I doubt not but thy training hath been noble.
FTLN 1953 Hold, here’s more gold for thee. He gives her money.
FTLN 1954 A curse upon him, die he like a thief, 120
ACT 4. SC. 6
FTLN 1955 That robs thee of thy goodness! If thou dost

FTLN 1956 Hear from me, it shall be for thy good.
He begins to exit.
FTLN 1957 BOLT, at the door I beseech your Honor, one piece
FTLN 1958 for me.
FTLN 1959 LYSIMACHUS Avaunt, thou damnèd doorkeeper! 125
FTLN 1960 Your house, but for this virgin that doth prop it,
FTLN 1961 Would sink and overwhelm you. Away! He exits.
FTLN 1962 BOLT How’s this? We must take another course with
FTLN 1963 you! If your peevish chastity, which is not worth a
FTLN 1964 breakfast in the cheapest country under the cope, 130
FTLN 1965 shall undo a whole household, let me be gelded
FTLN 1966 like a spaniel. Come your ways.
FTLN 1967 MARINA Whither would you have me?
FTLN 1968 BOLT I must have your maidenhead taken off, or the
FTLN 1969 common hangman shall execute it. Come your 135
FTLN 1970 way. We’ll have no more gentlemen driven away.
FTLN 1971 Come your ways, I say.
Enter Bawd and Pander.
FTLN 1972 BAWD How now, what’s the matter?

FTLN 1973 BOLT Worse and worse, mistress. She has here spoken
FTLN 1974 holy words to the Lord Lysimachus! 140
FTLN 1975 BAWD O, abominable!
FTLN 1976 BOLT He makes our profession as it were to stink afore
FTLN 1977 the face of the gods.
FTLN 1978 BAWD Marry, hang her up forever.
FTLN 1979 BOLT The nobleman would have dealt with her like a 145
FTLN 1980 nobleman, and she sent him away as cold as a
FTLN 1981 snowball, saying his prayers too.
FTLN 1982 BAWD Bolt, take her away, use her at thy pleasure,
FTLN 1983 crack the glass of her virginity, and make the rest
FTLN 1984 malleable. 150
FTLN 1985 BOLT An if she were a thornier piece of ground than
FTLN 1986 she is, she shall be plowed.
FTLN 1987 MARINA Hark, hark, you gods!
ACT 4. SC. 6
FTLN 1988 BAWD She conjures. Away with her! Would she had
FTLN 1989 never come within my doors.—Marry, hang you!— 155
FTLN 1990 She’s born to undo us.—Will you not go the way of
FTLN 1991 womenkind? Marry come up, my dish of chastity
FTLN 1992 with rosemary and bays! Bawd and Pander exit.
FTLN 1993 BOLT Come, mistress, come your way with me.
FTLN 1994 MARINA Whither wilt thou have me? 160
FTLN 1995 BOLT To take from you the jewel you hold so dear.
FTLN 1996 MARINA Prithee, tell me one thing first.
FTLN 1997 BOLT Come, now, your one thing.
MARINA
FTLN 1998 What canst thou wish thine enemy to be?
FTLN 1999 BOLT Why, I could wish him to be my master, or 165
FTLN 2000 rather, my mistress.
MARINA
FTLN 2001 Neither of these are so bad as thou art,
FTLN 2002 Since they do better thee in their command.
FTLN 2003 Thou hold’st a place for which the pained’st fiend
FTLN 2004 Of hell would not in reputation change. 170
FTLN 2005 Thou art the damnèd doorkeeper to every
FTLN 2006 Coistrel that comes enquiring for his Tib.
FTLN 2007 To the choleric fisting of every rogue
FTLN 2008 Thy ear is liable. Thy food is such
FTLN 2009 As hath been belched on by infected lungs. 175
FTLN 2010 BOLT What would you have me do? Go to the wars,
FTLN 2011 would you, where a man may serve seven years for
FTLN 2012 the loss of a leg, and have not money enough in the
FTLN 2013 end to buy him a wooden one?
MARINA
FTLN 2014 Do anything but this thou dost. Empty 180
FTLN 2015 Old receptacles, or common shores, of filth;
FTLN 2016 Serve by indenture to the common hangman.
FTLN 2017 Any of these ways are yet better than this.
FTLN 2018 For what thou professest, a baboon, could he speak,
FTLN 2019 Would own a name too dear. That the gods 185
FTLN 2020 Would safely deliver me from this place!
ACT 4. SC. 6
FTLN 2021 Here, here’s gold for thee. She gives him money.
FTLN 2022 If that thy master would gain by me,
FTLN 2023 Proclaim that I can sing, weave, sew, and dance,
FTLN 2024 With other virtues which I’ll keep from boast, 190
FTLN 2025 And will undertake all these to teach.
FTLN 2026 I doubt not but this populous city
FTLN 2027 Will yield many scholars.
FTLN 2028 BOLT But can you teach all this you speak of?
MARINA
FTLN 2029 Prove that I cannot, take me home again 195
FTLN 2030 And prostitute me to the basest groom
FTLN 2031 That doth frequent your house.
FTLN 2032 BOLT Well, I will see what I can do for thee. If I can
FTLN 2033 place thee, I will.
FTLN 2034 MARINA But amongst honest women. 200
FTLN 2035 BOLT Faith, my acquaintance lies little amongst them.
FTLN 2036 But since my master and mistress hath bought
FTLN 2037 you, there’s no going but by their consent. Therefore
FTLN 2038 I will make them acquainted with your
FTLN 2039 purpose, and I doubt not but I shall find them 205
FTLN 2040 tractable enough. Come, I’ll do for thee what I can.
FTLN 2041 Come your ways.
They exit.
ACT 5
Enter Gower.
GOWER
FTLN 2042 Marina thus the brothel ’scapes, and chances
FTLN 2043 Into an honest house, our story says.
FTLN 2044 She sings like one immortal, and she dances
FTLN 2045 As goddesslike to her admirèd lays.
FTLN 2046 Deep clerks she dumbs, and with her neele composes 5
FTLN 2047 Nature’s own shape, of bud, bird, branch, or berry,
FTLN 2048 That even her art sisters the natural roses.
FTLN 2049 Her inkle, silk, twin with the rubied cherry,
FTLN 2050 That pupils lacks she none of noble race,
FTLN 2051 Who pour their bounty on her, and her gain 10
FTLN 2052 She gives the cursèd bawd. Here we her place,
FTLN 2053 And to her father turn our thoughts again,
FTLN 2054 Where we left him, on the sea. We there him lost,
FTLN 2055 Where, driven before the winds, he is arrived
FTLN 2056 Here where his daughter dwells; and on this coast 15
FTLN 2057 Suppose him now at anchor. The city strived
FTLN 2058 God Neptune’s annual feast to keep, from whence
FTLN 2059 Lysimachus our Tyrian ship espies,
FTLN 2060 His banners sable, trimmed with rich expense,
FTLN 2061 And to him in his barge with fervor hies. 20
FTLN 2062 In your supposing once more put your sight
FTLN 2063 Of heavy Pericles. Think this his bark,
FTLN 2064 Where what is done in action—more, if might—
FTLN 2065 Shall be discovered. Please you sit and hark.
He exits.
159
ACT 5. SC. 1
Scene 1
Enter Helicanus, to him two Sailors, one from the
Tyrian ship and one from Mytilene.
TYRIAN SAILOR, (to Sailor from Mytilene)

FTLN 2066 Where is Lord Helicanus? He can resolve you.
FTLN 2067 O, here he is.—
FTLN 2068 Sir, there is a barge put off from Mytilene,
FTLN 2069 And in it is Lysimachus, the Governor,
FTLN 2070 Who craves to come aboard. What is your will? 5
HELICANUS
FTLN 2071 That he have his. Sailor from Mytilene exits.
FTLN 2072 Call up some gentlemen.
FTLN 2073 TYRIAN SAILOR Ho, gentlemen, my lord calls.
Enter two or three Gentlemen.
GENTLEMAN
FTLN 2074 Doth your Lordship call?
FTLN 2075 HELICANUS Gentlemen, 10
FTLN 2076 There is some of worth would come aboard.
FTLN 2077 I pray, greet him fairly.
Enter Lysimachus, with Lords and Sailor from Mytilene.
FTLN 2078 SAILOR FROM MYTILENE, to Lysimachus Sir,

FTLN 2079 This is the man that can, in aught you would,
FTLN 2080 Resolve you. 15
LYSIMACHUS, to Helicanus
FTLN 2081 Hail, reverend sir. The gods preserve you.
FTLN 2082 HELICANUS And you, to outlive the age I am,
FTLN 2083 And die as I would do.
FTLN 2084 LYSIMACHUS You wish me well.
FTLN 2085 Being on shore, honoring of Neptune’s triumphs, 20
FTLN 2086 Seeing this goodly vessel ride before us,
FTLN 2087 I made to it to know of whence you are.
FTLN 2088 HELICANUS First, what is your place?
LYSIMACHUS
FTLN 2089 I am the governor of this place you lie before.
ACT 5. SC. 1
FTLN 2090 HELICANUS Sir, 25

FTLN 2091 Our vessel is of Tyre, in it the King,
FTLN 2092 A man who for this three months hath not spoken
FTLN 2093 To anyone, nor taken sustenance
FTLN 2094 But to prorogue his grief.
LYSIMACHUS
FTLN 2095 Upon what ground is his distemperature? 30
FTLN 2096 HELICANUS ’Twould be too tedious to repeat,
FTLN 2097 But the main grief springs from the loss
FTLN 2098 Of a belovèd daughter and a wife.
FTLN 2099 LYSIMACHUS May we not see him?
FTLN 2100 HELICANUS You may, 35
FTLN 2101 But bootless is your sight. He will not speak
FTLN 2102 To any.
FTLN 2103 LYSIMACHUS Yet let me obtain my wish.
HELICANUS
FTLN 2104 Behold him. Pericles is revealed. This was a goodly
FTLN 2105 person, 40
FTLN 2106 Till the disaster that one mortal night
FTLN 2107 Drove him to this.
LYSIMACHUS
FTLN 2108 Sir king, all hail! The gods preserve you. Hail,
FTLN 2109 Royal sir!
HELICANUS
FTLN 2110 It is in vain; he will not speak to you. 45
LORD
FTLN 2111 Sir, we have a maid in Mytilene,
FTLN 2112 I durst wager would win some words of him.
FTLN 2113 LYSIMACHUS ’Tis well bethought.
FTLN 2114 She, questionless, with her sweet harmony
FTLN 2115 And other chosen attractions, would allure 50
FTLN 2116 And make a batt’ry through his defended ports,
FTLN 2117 Which now are midway stopped.
FTLN 2118 She is all happy as the fairest of all,
FTLN 2119 And, with her fellow maid, is now upon
FTLN 2120 The leafy shelter that abuts against 55
FTLN 2121 The island’s side.
ACT 5. SC. 1
HELICANUS
FTLN 2122 Sure, all effectless; yet nothing we’ll omit
FTLN 2123 That bears recovery’s name.
Lysimachus signals to a Lord, who exits.
FTLN 2124 But since your kindness
FTLN 2125 We have stretched thus far, let us beseech you 60
FTLN 2126 That for our gold we may provision have,
FTLN 2127 Wherein we are not destitute for want,
FTLN 2128 But weary for the staleness.
FTLN 2129 LYSIMACHUS O, sir, a courtesy
FTLN 2130 Which, if we should deny, the most just God 65
FTLN 2131 For every graft would send a caterpillar,
FTLN 2132 And so inflict our province. Yet once more
FTLN 2133 Let me entreat to know at large the cause
FTLN 2134 Of your king’s sorrow.
HELICANUS
FTLN 2135 Sit, sir, I will recount it to you. But see, 70
FTLN 2136 I am prevented.
Enter Lord with Marina and her companion.
FTLN 2137 LYSIMACHUS O, here’s the lady that I sent for.—

FTLN 2138 Welcome, fair one.—Is ’t not a goodly presence?
FTLN 2139 HELICANUS She’s a gallant lady.
LYSIMACHUS
FTLN 2140 She’s such a one that, were I well assured 75
FTLN 2141 Came of a gentle kind and noble stock,
FTLN 2142 I’d wish no better choice, and think me rarely wed.—
FTLN 2143 Fair one, all goodness that consists in beauty:
FTLN 2144 Expect even here, where is a kingly patient,
FTLN 2145 If that thy prosperous and artificial feat 80
FTLN 2146 Can draw him but to answer thee in aught,
FTLN 2147 Thy sacred physic shall receive such pay
FTLN 2148 As thy desires can wish.
FTLN 2149 MARINA Sir, I will use
FTLN 2150 My utmost skill in his recovery, provided 85
FTLN 2151 That none but I and my companion maid
FTLN 2152 Be suffered to come near him.
ACT 5. SC. 1
FTLN 2153 LYSIMACHUS Come, let us

FTLN 2154 Leave her, and the gods make her prosperous.
Lysimachus, Helicanus and others move aside.
MARINA sings
The Song.
LYSIMACHUS,coming forward
FTLN 2155 Marked he your music? 90
FTLN 2156 MARINA No, nor looked on us.
LYSIMACHUS, moving aside
FTLN 2157 See, she will speak to him.
FTLN 2158 MARINA, to Pericles Hail, sir! My lord, lend ear.
FTLN 2159 PERICLES Hum, ha! He pushes her away.
FTLN 2160 MARINA I am a maid, my lord, 95
FTLN 2161 That ne’er before invited eyes, but have
FTLN 2162 Been gazed on like a comet. She speaks,
FTLN 2163 My lord, that may be hath endured a grief
FTLN 2164 Might equal yours, if both were justly weighed.
FTLN 2165 Though wayward Fortune did malign my state, 100
FTLN 2166 My derivation was from ancestors
FTLN 2167 Who stood equivalent with mighty kings.
FTLN 2168 But time hath rooted out my parentage,
FTLN 2169 And to the world and awkward casualties
FTLN 2170 Bound me in servitude. Aside. I will desist, 105
FTLN 2171 But there is something glows upon my cheek,
FTLN 2172 And whispers in mine ear “Go not till he speak.”
PERICLES
FTLN 2173 My fortunes—parentage—good parentage,
FTLN 2174 To equal mine! Was it not thus? What say you?
MARINA
FTLN 2175 I said, my lord, if you did know my parentage, 110
FTLN 2176 You would not do me violence.
FTLN 2177 PERICLES I do think so.
FTLN 2178 Pray you turn your eyes upon me.
FTLN 2179 You’re like something that—What
FTLN 2180 countrywoman? 115
FTLN 2181 Here of these shores?
ACT 5. SC. 1
FTLN 2182 MARINA No, nor of any shores.

FTLN 2183 Yet I was mortally brought forth, and am
FTLN 2184 No other than I appear.
PERICLES
FTLN 2185 I am great with woe, and shall deliver weeping. 120
FTLN 2186 My dearest wife was like this maid, and such
FTLN 2187 A one my daughter might have been: my queen’s
FTLN 2188 Square brows, her stature to an inch;
FTLN 2189 As wandlike straight, as silver-voiced; her eyes
FTLN 2190 As jewel-like, and cased as richly; in pace 125
FTLN 2191 Another Juno; who starves the ears she feeds
FTLN 2192 And makes them hungry the more she gives them
FTLN 2193 speech.—
FTLN 2194 Where do you live?
FTLN 2195 MARINA Where I am but a stranger. 130
FTLN 2196 From the deck you may discern the place.
PERICLES
FTLN 2197 Where were you bred? And how achieved you these
FTLN 2198 Endowments which you make more rich to owe?
MARINA
FTLN 2199 If I should tell my history, it would seem
FTLN 2200 Like lies disdained in the reporting. 135
FTLN 2201 PERICLES Prithee, speak.
FTLN 2202 Falseness cannot come from thee, for thou lookest
FTLN 2203 Modest as Justice, and thou seemest a palace
FTLN 2204 For the crownèd Truth to dwell in. I will believe thee
FTLN 2205 And make my senses credit thy relation 140
FTLN 2206 To points that seem impossible, for thou lookest
FTLN 2207 Like one I loved indeed. What were thy friends?
FTLN 2208 Didst thou not say, when I did push thee back—
FTLN 2209 Which was when I perceived thee—that thou cam’st
FTLN 2210 From good descending? 145
FTLN 2211 MARINA So indeed I did.
PERICLES
FTLN 2212 Report thy parentage. I think thou said’st
FTLN 2213 Thou hadst been tossed from wrong to injury,
ACT 5. SC. 1
FTLN 2214 And that thou thought’st thy griefs might equal mine,
FTLN 2215 If both were opened. 150
FTLN 2216 MARINA Some such thing I said,
FTLN 2217 And said no more but what my thoughts
FTLN 2218 Did warrant me was likely.
FTLN 2219 PERICLES Tell thy story.
FTLN 2220 If thine considered prove the thousand part 155
FTLN 2221 Of my endurance, thou art a man, and I
FTLN 2222 Have suffered like a girl. Yet thou dost look
FTLN 2223 Like Patience gazing on kings’ graves and smiling
FTLN 2224 Extremity out of act. What were thy friends?
FTLN 2225 How lost thou them? Thy name, my most kind 160
FTLN 2226 virgin,
FTLN 2227 Recount, I do beseech thee. Come, sit by me.
She sits.
MARINA
FTLN 2228 My name is Marina.
FTLN 2229 PERICLES O, I am mocked,
FTLN 2230 And thou by some incensèd god sent hither 165
FTLN 2231 To make the world to laugh at me!
FTLN 2232 MARINA Patience, good sir,
FTLN 2233 Or here I’ll cease.
FTLN 2234 PERICLES Nay, I’ll be patient.
FTLN 2235 Thou little know’st how thou dost startle me 170
FTLN 2236 To call thyself Marina.
FTLN 2237 MARINA The name
FTLN 2238 Was given me by one that had some power—
FTLN 2239 My father, and a king.
FTLN 2240 PERICLES How, a king’s daughter? 175
FTLN 2241 And called Marina?
FTLN 2242 MARINA You said you would believe me.
FTLN 2243 But not to be a troubler of your peace,
FTLN 2244 I will end here.
FTLN 2245 PERICLES But are you flesh and blood? 180
FTLN 2246 Have you a working pulse, and are no fairy
FTLN 2247 Motion? Well, speak on. Where were you born?
FTLN 2248 And wherefore called Marina?
ACT 5. SC. 1
FTLN 2249 MARINA Called Marina

FTLN 2250 For I was born at sea. 185
FTLN 2251 PERICLES At sea? What mother?
MARINA
FTLN 2252 My mother was the daughter of a king,
FTLN 2253 Who died the minute I was born,
FTLN 2254 As my good nurse Lychorida hath oft
FTLN 2255 Delivered weeping. 190
FTLN 2256 PERICLES O, stop there a little!
FTLN 2257 Aside. This is the rarest dream that e’er dull sleep
FTLN 2258 Did mock sad fools withal. This cannot be
FTLN 2259 My daughter, buried.—Well, where were you bred?
FTLN 2260 I’ll hear you more, to the bottom of your story, 195
FTLN 2261 And never interrupt you.
MARINA
FTLN 2262 You scorn. Believe me, ’twere best I did give o’er.
PERICLES
FTLN 2263 I will believe you by the syllable
FTLN 2264 Of what you shall deliver. Yet give me leave:
FTLN 2265 How came you in these parts? Where were you bred? 200
MARINA
FTLN 2266 The King my father did in Tarsus leave me,
FTLN 2267 Till cruel Cleon with his wicked wife
FTLN 2268 Did seek to murder me; and having wooed a villain
FTLN 2269 To attempt it, who, having drawn to do ’t,
FTLN 2270 A crew of pirates came and rescued me, 205
FTLN 2271 Brought me to Mytilene—But, good sir,
FTLN 2272 Whither will you have me? Why do you weep?
FTLN 2273 It may be you think me an impostor.
FTLN 2274 No, good faith.
FTLN 2275 I am the daughter to King Pericles, 210
FTLN 2276 If good King Pericles be.
FTLN 2277 PERICLES Ho, Helicanus!
FTLN 2278 HELICANUS Calls my lord?
PERICLES
FTLN 2279 Thou art a grave and noble counselor,
ACT 5. SC. 1
FTLN 2280 Most wise in general. Tell me, if thou canst, 215
FTLN 2281 What this maid is, or what is like to be,
FTLN 2282 That thus hath made me weep.
FTLN 2283 HELICANUS I know not;
FTLN 2284 But here’s the regent, sir, of Mytilene
FTLN 2285 Speaks nobly of her. 220
FTLN 2286 LYSIMACHUS She never would tell
FTLN 2287 Her parentage. Being demanded that,
FTLN 2288 She would sit still and weep.
PERICLES
FTLN 2289 O, Helicanus! Strike me, honored sir.
FTLN 2290 Give me a gash, put me to present pain, 225
FTLN 2291 Lest this great sea of joys rushing upon me
FTLN 2292 O’erbear the shores of my mortality
FTLN 2293 And drown me with their sweetness.—O, come hither,
FTLN 2294 Thou that beget’st him that did thee beget,
FTLN 2295 Thou that wast born at sea, buried at Tarsus, 230
FTLN 2296 And found at sea again!—O, Helicanus,
FTLN 2297 Down on thy knees! Thank the holy gods as loud
FTLN 2298 As thunder threatens us. This is Marina.—
FTLN 2299 What was thy mother’s name? Tell me but that,
FTLN 2300 For truth can never be confirmed enough, 235
FTLN 2301 Though doubts did ever sleep.
MARINA
FTLN 2302 First, sir, I pray, what is your title?
PERICLES
FTLN 2303 I am Pericles of Tyre. But tell me now
FTLN 2304 My drowned queen’s name, as in the rest you said
FTLN 2305 Thou hast been godlike perfect, the heir of kingdoms, 240
FTLN 2306 And another life to Pericles thy father.
MARINA
FTLN 2307 Is it no more to be your daughter than
FTLN 2308 To say my mother’s name was Thaisa?
FTLN 2309 Thaisa was my mother, who did end
FTLN 2310 The minute I began. 245
ACT 5. SC. 1
PERICLES
FTLN 2311 Now, blessing on thee! Rise. Thou ’rt my child.—
FTLN 2312 Give me fresh garments.—Mine own Helicanus,
FTLN 2313 She is not dead at Tarsus, as she should
FTLN 2314 Have been, by savage Cleon. She shall tell thee all,
FTLN 2315 When thou shalt kneel, and justify in knowledge 250
FTLN 2316 She is thy very princess. Who is this?
HELICANUS
FTLN 2317 Sir, ’tis the Governor of Mytilene,
FTLN 2318 Who, hearing of your melancholy state,
FTLN 2319 Did come to see you.
FTLN 2320 PERICLES, to Lysimachus I embrace you.— 255
FTLN 2321 Give me my robes.—I am wild in my beholding.
They put fresh garments on him.
FTLN 2322 O heavens bless my girl! But hark, what music?
FTLN 2323 Tell Helicanus, my Marina, tell him o’er
FTLN 2324 Point by point, for yet he seems to doubt,
FTLN 2325 How sure you are my daughter.—But what music? 260
FTLN 2326 HELICANUS My lord, I hear none.
FTLN 2327 PERICLES None?
FTLN 2328 The music of the spheres!—List, my Marina.
LYSIMACHUS
FTLN 2329 It is not good to cross him. Give him way.
FTLN 2330 PERICLES Rarest sounds! Do you not hear? 265
LYSIMACHUS
FTLN 2331 Music, my lord? I hear—
FTLN 2332 PERICLES Most heavenly music.
FTLN 2333 It nips me unto list’ning, and thick slumber
FTLN 2334 Hangs upon mine eyes. Let me rest. He sleeps.
LYSIMACHUS
FTLN 2335 A pillow for his head. So, leave him all. 270
Lysimachus and others begin to exit.
FTLN 2336 Well, my companion friends, if this but answer
FTLN 2337 To my just belief, I’ll well remember you.
All but Pericles exit.
ACT 5. SC. 1
Diana descends.
DIANA
FTLN 2338 My temple stands in Ephesus. Hie thee thither
FTLN 2339 And do upon mine altar sacrifice.
FTLN 2340 There, when my maiden priests are met together, 275
FTLN 2341 Before the people all,
FTLN 2342 Reveal how thou at sea didst lose thy wife.
FTLN 2343 To mourn thy crosses, with thy daughter’s, call,
FTLN 2344 And give them repetition to the life.
FTLN 2345 Or perform my bidding, or thou livest in woe; 280
FTLN 2346 Do ’t, and happy, by my silver bow.
FTLN 2347 Awake, and tell thy dream. She ascends.
FTLN 2348 PERICLES Celestial Dian,
FTLN 2349 Goddess argentine, I will obey thee.—
FTLN 2350 Helicanus! 285
Enter Helicanus, Lysimachus, Marina, and

Attendants.
FTLN 2351 HELICANUS Sir.

PERICLES
FTLN 2352 My purpose was for Tarsus, there to strike
FTLN 2353 The inhospitable Cleon, but I am
FTLN 2354 For other service first. Toward Ephesus
FTLN 2355 Turn our blown sails. Eftsoons I’ll tell thee why.— 290
FTLN 2356 Shall we refresh us, sir, upon your shore,
FTLN 2357 And give you gold for such provision
FTLN 2358 As our intents will need?
FTLN 2359 LYSIMACHUS Sir,
FTLN 2360 With all my heart. And when you come ashore, 295
FTLN 2361 I have another suit.
FTLN 2362 PERICLES You shall prevail
FTLN 2363 Were it to woo my daughter, for it seems
FTLN 2364 You have been noble towards her.
LYSIMACHUS
FTLN 2365 Sir, lend me your arm. 300
FTLN 2366 PERICLES Come, my Marina.
They exit.
ACT 5. SC. 3
Scene 2
Enter Gower.
GOWER
FTLN 2367 Now our sands are almost run,
FTLN 2368 More a little, and then dumb.
FTLN 2369 This my last boon give me—
FTLN 2370 For such kindness must relieve me—
FTLN 2371 That you aptly will suppose 5
FTLN 2372 What pageantry, what feats, what shows,
FTLN 2373 What minstrelsy and pretty din
FTLN 2374 The regent made in Mytilene
FTLN 2375 To greet the King. So he thrived
FTLN 2376 That he is promised to be wived 10
FTLN 2377 To fair Marina, but in no wise
FTLN 2378 Till he had done his sacrifice
FTLN 2379 As Dian bade, whereto being bound,
FTLN 2380 The interim, pray you, all confound.
FTLN 2381 In feathered briefness sails are filled, 15
FTLN 2382 And wishes fall out as they’re willed.
FTLN 2383 At Ephesus the temple see
FTLN 2384 Our king and all his company.
FTLN 2385 That he can hither come so soon
FTLN 2386 Is by your fancies’ thankful doom. 20
He exits.
Scene 3
Enter Cerimon and Diana’s Priestesses, including
Thaisa; at another door enter Pericles, Marina,
Helicanus, Lysimachus, and Attendants.
PERICLES
FTLN 2387 Hail, Dian! To perform thy just command,
FTLN 2388 I here confess myself the King of Tyre,
FTLN 2389 Who, frighted from my country, did wed
ACT 5. SC. 3
FTLN 2390 At Pentapolis the fair Thaisa.

FTLN 2391 At sea in childbed died she, but brought forth 5
FTLN 2392 A maid child called Marina, whom, O goddess,
FTLN 2393 Wears yet thy silver livery. She at Tarsus
FTLN 2394 Was nursed with Cleon, who at fourteen years
FTLN 2395 He sought to murder. But her better stars
FTLN 2396 Brought her to Mytilene, ’gainst whose shore riding, 10
FTLN 2397 Her fortunes brought the maid aboard us, where,
FTLN 2398 By her own most clear remembrance, she made known
FTLN 2399 Herself my daughter.
FTLN 2400 THAISA Voice and favor!
FTLN 2401 You are, you are—O royal Pericles! 15
She falls in a faint.
PERICLES
FTLN 2402 What means the nun? She dies! Help, gentlemen!
FTLN 2403 CERIMON Noble sir,
FTLN 2404 If you have told Diana’s altar true,
FTLN 2405 This is your wife.
FTLN 2406 PERICLES Reverend appearer, no. 20
FTLN 2407 I threw her overboard with these very arms.
CERIMON
FTLN 2408 Upon this coast, I warrant you.
FTLN 2409 PERICLES ’Tis most certain.
CERIMON
FTLN 2410 Look to the lady. O, she’s but overjoyed.
FTLN 2411 Early one blustering morn this lady was 25
FTLN 2412 Thrown upon this shore. I oped the coffin,
FTLN 2413 Found there rich jewels, recovered her, and placed her
FTLN 2414 Here in Diana’s temple.
FTLN 2415 PERICLES May we see them?
CERIMON
FTLN 2416 Great sir, they shall be brought you to my house, 30
FTLN 2417 Whither I invite you. Look, Thaisa
FTLN 2418 Is recoverèd. Thaisa rises.
FTLN 2419 THAISA O, let me look!
FTLN 2420 If he be none of mine, my sanctity
ACT 5. SC. 3
FTLN 2421 Will to my sense bend no licentious ear, 35

FTLN 2422 But curb it, spite of seeing.—O, my lord,
FTLN 2423 Are you not Pericles? Like him you spake,
FTLN 2424 Like him you are. Did you not name a tempest,
FTLN 2425 A birth and death?
FTLN 2426 PERICLES The voice of dead Thaisa! 40
THAISA
FTLN 2427 That Thaisa am I, supposèd dead
FTLN 2428 And drowned.
PERICLES
FTLN 2429 Immortal Dian!
FTLN 2430 THAISA Now I know you better.
She points to the ring on his hand.
FTLN 2431 When we with tears parted Pentapolis, 45
FTLN 2432 The king my father gave you such a ring.
PERICLES
FTLN 2433 This, this! No more, you gods! Your present kindness
FTLN 2434 Makes my past miseries sports. You shall do well
FTLN 2435 That on the touching of her lips I may
FTLN 2436 Melt and no more be seen.—O, come, be buried 50
FTLN 2437 A second time within these arms! They embrace.
FTLN 2438 MARINA, kneeling My heart
FTLN 2439 Leaps to be gone into my mother’s bosom.
PERICLES
FTLN 2440 Look who kneels here, flesh of thy flesh, Thaisa,
FTLN 2441 Thy burden at the sea, and called Marina 55
FTLN 2442 For she was yielded there.
FTLN 2443 THAISA, embracing Marina Blessed, and mine own!
HELICANUS
FTLN 2444 Hail, madam, and my queen.
FTLN 2445 THAISA I know you not.
PERICLES
FTLN 2446 You have heard me say, when I did fly from Tyre 60
FTLN 2447 I left behind an ancient substitute.
FTLN 2448 Can you remember what I called the man?
FTLN 2449 I have named him oft.
FTLN 2450 THAISA ’Twas Helicanus then.
ACT 5. SC. 3
FTLN 2451 PERICLES Still confirmation! 65

FTLN 2452 Embrace him, dear Thaisa. This is he.
They embrace.
FTLN 2453 Now do I long to hear how you were found,
FTLN 2454 How possibly preserved, and who to thank,
FTLN 2455 Besides the gods, for this great miracle.
FTLN 2456 THAISA Lord Cerimon, my lord, this man 70
FTLN 2457 Through whom the gods have shown their power,
FTLN 2458 that can
FTLN 2459 From first to last resolve you.
FTLN 2460 PERICLES Reverend sir,
FTLN 2461 The gods can have no mortal officer 75
FTLN 2462 More like a god than you. Will you deliver
FTLN 2463 How this dead queen relives?
FTLN 2464 CERIMON I will, my lord.
FTLN 2465 Beseech you, first go with me to my house,
FTLN 2466 Where shall be shown you all was found with her, 80
FTLN 2467 How she came placed here in the temple,
FTLN 2468 No needful thing omitted.
PERICLES
FTLN 2469 Pure Dian, I bless thee for thy vision, and
FTLN 2470 Will offer night oblations to thee.—Thaisa,
FTLN 2471 This prince, the fair betrothèd of your daughter, 85
FTLN 2472 Shall marry her at Pentapolis.—And now this
FTLN 2473 ornament
FTLN 2474 Makes me look dismal will I clip to form,
FTLN 2475 And what this fourteen years no razor touched,
FTLN 2476 To grace thy marriage day I’ll beautify. 90
THAISA
FTLN 2477 Lord Cerimon hath letters of good credit, sir,
FTLN 2478 My father’s dead.
PERICLES
FTLN 2479 Heavens make a star of him! Yet there, my queen,
FTLN 2480 We’ll celebrate their nuptials, and ourselves
FTLN 2481 Will in that kingdom spend our following days. 95
FTLN 2482 Our son and daughter shall in Tyrus reign.—
EPILOGUE
FTLN 2483 Lord Cerimon, we do our longing stay

FTLN 2484 To hear the rest untold. Sir, lead ’s the way.
They exit.
EPILOGUE
Enter Gower.
GOWER
FTLN 2485 In Antiochus and his daughter you have heard
FTLN 2486 Of monstrous lust the due and just reward.
FTLN 2487 In Pericles, his queen, and daughter seen,
FTLN 2488 Although assailed with fortune fierce and keen,
FTLN 2489 Virtue preserved from fell destruction’s blast, 5
FTLN 2490 Led on by heaven, and crowned with joy at last.
FTLN 2491 In Helicanus may you well descry
FTLN 2492 A figure of truth, of faith, of loyalty.
FTLN 2493 In reverend Cerimon there well appears
FTLN 2494 The worth that learnèd charity aye wears. 10
FTLN 2495 For wicked Cleon and his wife, when fame
FTLN 2496 Had spread his cursèd deed to the honored name
FTLN 2497 Of Pericles, to rage the city turn,
FTLN 2498 That him and his they in his palace burn.
FTLN 2499 The gods for murder seemèd so content 15
FTLN 2500 To punish, although not done, but meant.
FTLN 2501 So on your patience evermore attending,
FTLN 2502 New joy wait on you. Here our play has ending.
He exits.

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From the Director of the Folger Shakespeare

It is hard to imagine a world without Shakespeare. Since their

I want to express my deep thanks to editors Barbara Mowat and Paul

Until now, with the release of The Folger Shakespeare (formerly

Other editorial decisions involve choices about whether an

The editors of the Moby™ Shakespeare produced their text long

Because the Folger Shakespeare texts are edited in accord with

The nautical tale of a wandering prince, Pericles is narrated by John

GOWER, fourteenth-century poet and Chorus of the play

CLEON, governor of Tarsus

DIANA, goddess of chastity

FTLN 0023 So buxom, blithe, and full of face

Enter Antiochus’ daughter.

He points to the heads.

He reads the Riddle:

FTLN 0176 By your untimely claspings with your child,

FTLN 0191 ANTIOCHUS He hath found the meaning,

FTLN 0199 THALIARD Doth your Highness call?

Enter Helicanus and all the Lords to Pericles.

FTLN 0264 For flattery is the bellows blows up sin;

FTLN 0330 I thought it princely charity to grieve for them.

FTLN 0357 sure to be hanged at home. ’Tis dangerous. Well, I

Enter Helicanus and Escanes, with other Lords.

FTLN 0414 DIONYZA I’ll do my best, sir. 20

FTLN 0451 LORD Where’s the Lord Governor?

FTLN 0477 LORD I go, my lord. He exits.

Enter Pericles with Attendants.

Enter at one door Pericles talking with Cleon, all the

FTLN 0521 Good Helicane, that stayed at home—

FTLN 0550 Washed me from shore to shore, and left my breath

Enter three Fishermen.

FTLN 0556 FIRST FISHERMAN What ho, Pilch!

FTLN 0584 SECOND FISHERMAN Why, man? 40

FTLN 0652 PERICLES He is a happy king, since he gains from his

Enter the two other Fishermen, drawing up a net.

FTLN 0665 SECOND FISHERMAN Help, master, help! Here’s a fish

FTLN 0685 FIRST FISHERMAN What mean you, sir?

The first Knight passes by. His Squire presents a shield

The second Knight passes by. His Squire presents a

FTLN 0739 Who is the second that presents himself?

The third Knight passes by. His Squire presents a shield

The fourth Knight passes by. His Squire presents a

FTLN 0749 SIMONIDES What is the fourth?

The fifth Knight passes by. His Squire presents a shield

The sixth Knight, Pericles, passes by. He presents a

Great shouts offstage, and all cry, “The mean knight.”

FTLN 0778 SIMONIDES Knights,

FTLN 0804 Have neither in our hearts nor outward eyes

FTLN 0833 We drink this health to you. He drinks.

FTLN 0890 Thanks, gentlemen, to all; all have done well;

FTLN 0917 ESCANES ’Tis very true.

Enter two or three Lords.

FTLN 0942 ALL Live, noble Helicane!

FTLN 0992 SIMONIDES Let me ask you one thing:

FTLN 1049 And for further grief—God give you joy!

Enter Pericles and Simonides at one door with

FTLN 1071 By many a dern and painful perch 15