Page 813 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

(Shepherd, Clown, Mopsa, Dorcas, and others come forward, with the
disguised Polixenes and Camillo.)

FLORIZEL
See, your guests approach:
Address yourself to entertain them sprightly,
And let’s be red with mirth.

SHEPHERD
Fie, daughter! when my old wife liv’d, upon [55]
This day she was both pantler, butler, cook,
Both dame and servant; welcom’d all, serv’d all;
Would sing her song and dance her turn; now here

At upper end o’ th’ table, now i’ th’ middle;
On his shoulder, and his; her face o’ fire [60]
With labour, and the thing she took to quench it
She would to each one sip. You are retired,

As if you were a feasted one, and not
The hostess of the meeting: pray you, bid
These unknown friends to ’s welcome; for it is [65]
A way to make us better friends, more known.

Come, quench your blushes, and present yourself
That which you are, Mistress o’ th’ Feast. Come on,
And bid us welcome to your sheep-shearing,
As your good flock shall prosper.

PERDITA
(to Polixenes)

Sir, welcome: [70]
It is my father’s will I should take on me
The hostess-ship o’ th’ day. (To Camillo) You’re welcome, sir.

Give me those flowers there, Dorcas. Reverend sirs,
For you, there’s rosemary, and rue; these keep
Seeming and savour all the winter long: [75]
Grace and remembrance be to you both,
And welcome to our shearing!

POLIXENES