Page 172 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

Who, looking for adventures in the world,
Was by the rough seas reft of ships and men,
And after shipwreck driven upon this shore. [85]

THAISA
He thanks your grace, names himself Pericles,
A gentleman of Tyre,

Who only by misfortune of the seas,
Bereft of ships and men, cast on this shore.

SIMONIDES
Now, by the gods, I pity his misfortune [90]
And will awake him from his melancholy.

Come, gentlemen, we sit too long on trifles,
And waste the time which looks for other revels.
Even in your armours, as you are addressed,
Will well become a soldiers’ dance. [95]

I will not have excuse with saying this:
Loud music is too harsh for ladies’ heads,
Since they love men in arms as well as beds.
They dance.

So, this was well asked, ’twas so well performed.
Come, sir, here’s a lady that wants breathing too, [100]
And I have heard you knights of Tyre
Are excellent in making ladies trip,

And that their measures are as excellent.

PERICLES
In those that practise them they are, my lord.

SIMONIDES
O, that’s as much as you would be denied [105]
Of your fair courtesy.
They dance.

Unclasp, unclasp!
Thanks, gentlemen, to all. All have done well,
(to Pericles) But you the best. − Pages and lights, to conduct
These knights unto their several lodgings. −