Page 170 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

Whereby I see that Time’s the king of men; [45]
He’s both their parent and he is their grave,
And gives them what he will, not what they crave.

SIMONIDES
What, are you merry, knights?

KNIGHTS
Who can be other in this royal presence?

SIMONIDES
Here with a cup that’s stored unto the brim, [50]

As you do love, fill to your mistress’ lips.
We drink this health to you.

KNIGHTS
We thank your grace.

SIMONIDES
Yet pause awhile.

Yon knight doth sit too melancholy,
As if the entertainment in our court [55]
Had not a show might countervail his worth.
Note it not you, Thaisa?

THAISA
What is’t to me, my father?

SIMONIDES
O, attend, my daughter:

Princes in this should live like gods above, [60]
Who freely give to everyone that come to honour them.
And princes not doing so are like to gnats,

Which make a sound, but killed are wondered at.
Therefore to make his entrance more sweet,
Here, say we drink this standing-bowl of wine to him. [65]