Page 146 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

HELICANUS

Peace, peace, and give experience tongue.
They do abuse the king that flatter him,
For flattery is the bellows blows up sin;

The thing the which is flattered, but a spark, [40]
To which that blast gives heat and stronger glowing;
Whereas reproof, obedient and in order,
Fits kings as they are men, for they may err.
When Signor Sooth here does proclaim peace,

He flatters you, makes war upon your life. [45]
Prince, pardon me, or strike me if you please;
I cannot be much lower than my knees.

He kneels.

PERICLES

All leave us else. But let your cares o’erlook
What shipping and what lading’s in our haven,
And then return to us.
Exeunt Lords.

Helicanus, [50]
Thou hast moved us. What seest thou in our looks?

HELICANUS
An angry brow, dread lord.

PERICLES
If there be such a dart in princes’ frowns,
How durst thy tongue move anger to our face?

HELICANUS

How dares the plants look up to heaven, [55]
From whence they have their nourishment?

PERICLES
Thou knowest I have power to take thy life from thee.

HELICANUS