That way inclining; harden'd be the hearts Leon. I ne'er heard yet, That any of these bolder vices wanted Her. That's true enough; Though 'tis a saying, Sir, not due to me. Leon. You will not own it. Her. More than mistress of, Which comes to me in name of fault, I must not (With whom I am accus'd,) I do confess, I lov'd him, as in honour he requir'd; With such a kind of love, as might become A lady like me; with a love, even such, So, and no other, as yourself commanded: Which not to have done, I think, had been in me Both disobedience and ingratitude, To you, and toward your friend; whose love had spoke, Even since it could speak, from an infant, freely, I know not how it tastes; though it be dish'd Is, that Camillo was an honest man; And, why he left your court, the gods themselves, Wotting no more than I, are ignorant. Leon. You knew of his departure, as you know What you have underta’en to do in his absence. Her. Sir, : You speak a language that I unterstand not: Leon. Your actions are my dreams; And I but dream'd it: As you were past all shame, Thy brat hath been cast out, like to itself, Her. Sir, spare yours threats; The bug, which you would fright me with, I seek. The crown and comfort of my life, your favour, But know not how it went: My second joy, The innocent milk in its most innocent mouth, I prize it not a straw: - but for mine honour, But what your jealousies awake; I tell you, I do refer me to the oracle; Your honours all, 1. Lord. This your request Is altogether just: therefore, bring forth, [Exeunt certain Officers. Re-enter Officers, with CLEOMENES and DroN. Offi. You here shall swear upon this sword of justice, That you, Cleomenes and Dion, have Been both at Delphos; and from thence have brought Of great Apollo's priest; and that, since then, Cleo. Dion. All this we swear. Leon. Break up the seals, and read. Offi. [reads.] Hermione is chaste, Polixenes. blameless, Camillo a true subject, Leontes a jealous tyrant, his innocent babe truly begotten; and the King shall live without an heir, if that, which is lost, be not found. Lords. Now blessed be the great Apollo! Her. Praised! Leon. Hast thou read truth? Offi. Ay, my Lord; even so As it is here set down. Leon. There is no truth at all i'the oracle: Enter a Servant, hastily. Serv. My Lord the King, the King! Leon. What is the business? Serv. O Sir, I shall be hated to report it: Leon. How! gone? Serv. Is dead. Leon. Apollo's angry; and the heavens themselves Do strike at my injustice. [HERMIONE faints.] How now there? Paul. This news is mortal to the Queen: - Look down, And see what death is doing. Her heart is but o'ercharg'd; she will recover. — I have too much believ'd mine own suspicion:.'Beseech you, tenderly apply to her Some remedies for life. Apollo, pardon [Exeunt PAULINA and ladies, with HERMIONE. My friend Polixenes: which had been done, My swift command, though I with death, and with Not doing it, and being done: he, most humane, And fill'd with honour, to my kingly guest Unclasp'd my practice; quit his fortunes here, Which you knew great; and to the certain hazard Of all incertainties himself commended, No richer than his honour: How he glisters Thorough my rust! and how his piety Re-enter PAULINA. Paul. Woe the while! O, cut my lace; lest my heart, cracking it, 1. Lord. What fit is this, good Lady? Paul. What studied torments, tyrant, hast for me? To taste of thy most worst? Thy tyranny Of the young Prince; whose honourable thoughts Laid to thy answer: But the last, O, Lords, the Queen, the Queen, |