Page 140 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

Antiochus, I thank thee, who hath taught
My frail mortality to know itself,
And by those fearful objects to prepare
This body, like to them, to what I must; [45]

For death remembered should be like a mirror,
Who tells us life’s but breath, to trust it error.
I’ll make my will then, and as sick men do,
Who know the world, see heaven, but feeling woe

Gripe not at earthly joys as erst they did, [50]
So I bequeath a happy peace to you
And all good men, as every prince should do;
My riches to the earth from whence they came,

But my unspotted fire of love to you.
Thus ready for the way of life or death, [55]
I wait the sharpest blow, Antiochus.

ANTIOCHUS
Scorning advice, read the conclusion then,

Which read and not expounded, ’tis decreed,
As these before thee, thou thyself shalt bleed.

DAUGHTER
Of all ’sayed yet, mayst thou prove prosperous! [60]
Of all ’sayed yet, I wish thee happiness.

PERICLES
Like a bold champion I assume the lists,
Nor ask advice of any other thought

But faithfulness and courage.

THE RIDDLE
I am no viper, yet I feed [65]
On mother’s flesh which did me breed.

I sought a husband, in which labour
I found that kindness in a father.
He’s father, son, and husband mild;
I mother, wife, and yet his child. [70]

How they may be, and yet in two,