Page 783 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

LEONTES

I’ll ha’ thee burnt.

PAULINA
I care not:
It is an heretic that makes the fire,
Not she which burns in ’t. I’ll not call you tyrant; [115]

But this most cruel usage of your queen −
Not able to produce more accusation
Than your own weak-hing’d fancy − something savours
Of tyranny, and will ignoble make you,

Yea, scandalous to the world.

LEONTES

On your allegiance, [120]
Out of the chamber with her! Were I a tyrant,
Where were her life? she durst not call me so,

If she did know me one. Away with her!

PAULINA

I pray you, do not push me; I’ll be gone.
Look to your babe, my lord: ’tis yours: Jove send her [125]
A better guiding spirit! What needs these hands?
You, that are thus so tender o’er his follies,

Will never do him good, not one of you.
So, so: farewell; we are gone.
Exit.

LEONTES
Thou, traitor, hast set on thy wife to this. [130]

My child? away with ’t! Even thou, that hast
A heart so tender o’er it, take it hence
And see it instantly consum’d with fire;
Even thou, and none but thou. Take it up straight:
Within this hour bring me word ’tis done, [135]

And by good testimony, or I’ll seize thy life,
With what thou else call’st thine. If thou refuse
And wilt encounter with my wrath, say so;