Page 139 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

PERICLES

See where she comes, apparelled like the spring,
Graces her subjects, and her thoughts the king
Of every virtue gives renown to men! [15]

Her face the book of praises, where is read
Nothing but curious pleasures, as from thence
Sorrow were ever razed, and testy wrath
Could never be her mild companion.
You gods that made me man, and sway in love, [20]

That have inflamed desire in my breast
To taste the fruit of yon celestial tree
Or die in the adventure, be my helps,

As I am son and servant to your will,
To compass such a boundless happiness! [25]

ANTIOCHUS
Prince Pericles −

PERICLES
That would be son to great Antiochus.

ANTIOCHUS
Before thee stands this fair Hesperides,
With golden fruit, but dangerous to be touched,

For deathlike dragons here affright thee hard. [30]
Her face, like heaven, enticeth thee to view
Her countless glory, which desert must gain;
And which without desert because thine eye

Presumes to reach, all the whole heap must die.
Yon sometimes famous princes, like thyself, [35]
Drawn by report, adventurous by desire,
Tell thee with speechless tongues and semblance pale

That without covering, save yon field of stars,
Here they stand martyrs slain in Cupid’s wars;
And with dead cheeks advise thee to desist [40]
For going on death’s net, whom none resist.

PERICLES