Page 792 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

I have got strength of limit. Now, my liege, [105]
Tell me what blessings I have here alive,
That I should fear to die? Therefore proceed.
But yet hear this: mistake me not: no life,

I prize it not a straw, but for mine honour,
Which I would free: if I shall be condemn’d [110]
Upon surmises, all proofs sleeping else
But what your jealousies awake, I tell you

’Tis rigour and not law. Your honours all,
I do refer me to the Oracle:
Apollo be my judge!

A LORD
This your request [115]
Is altogether just: therefore bring forth,

And in Apollo’s name, his Oracle.
(Exeunt certain Officers.)

HERMIONE
The Emperor of Russia was my father:
O that he were alive, and here beholding

His daughter’s trial! that he did but see [120]
The flatness of my misery, yet with eyes
Of pity, not revenge!

(Enter Officers, with Cleomenes and Dion.)

OFFICER
You here shall swear upon this sword of justice,

That you, Cleomenes and Dion, have
Been both at Delphos, and from thence have brought [125]
This seal’d-up Oracle, by the hand deliver’d
Of great Apollo’s priest; and that since then

You have not dared to break the holy seal,
Nor read the secrets in ’t.

CLEOMENES. DION
All this we swear.