Page 175 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4
P. 175

SECOND LORD

               Whose death’s indeed the strongest in our censure,
               And knowing this kingdoms without a head − [35]
               Like goodly buildings left without a roof,

               Soon fall to ruin − your noble self,
               That best know how to rule and how to reign,
               We thus submit unto, our sovereign.



              ALL
               Live, noble Helicane! [40]



              HELICANUS
               Try honour’s cause; forbear your suffrages.
               If that you love Prince Pericles, forbear.

               Take I your wish, I leap into the seas,
               Where’s hourly trouble, for a minute’s ease.
               A twelvemonth longer let me entreat you [45]

               Further to bear the absence of your king;
               If in which time expired he not return,
               I shall with agèd patience bear your yoke.
               But if I cannot win you to this love,
               Go search like nobles, like noble subjects, [50]

               And in your search spend your adventurous worth.
               Whom if you find, and win unto return,
               You shall like diamonds sit about his crown.



              FIRST LORD
               To wisdom he’s a fool that will not yield,

               And since Lord Helicane enjoineth us, [55]
               We with our travels will endeavour it.



              HELICANUS
               Then you love us, we you, and we’ll clasp hands.
               When peers thus knit, a kingdom ever stands.
                                                                                                        Exeunt.




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