I know not how it tastes; though it be dish'd Is, that Camillo was an honest man; And, why he left your court, the gods themselves, Leon. You knew of his departure, as you know You speak a language that I understand not: Leon. Your actions are my dreams; You had a bastard by Polixenes, And I but dream'd it:-As you were past all shame, (Those of your fact are so,) so past all truth: Which to deny, concerns more than avails: For as Thy brat hath been cast out, like to itself, Her. Sir, spare your threats; The bug, which you would fright me with, I seek. To me can life be no commodity: The crown and comfort of my life, your favour, I do give lost; for I do feel it gone, But know not how it went: My second joy, I am barr'd, like one infectious: My third comfort, The innocent milk in its most innocent mouth, Proclaim'd a strumpet; With immodest hatred, Apollo be my judge. 1 Lord. : This your request Is altogether just therefore, bring forth, ༢ [Exeunt certain Officers. Her. The emperor of Russia was my father: O, that he were alive, and here beholding His daughter's trial! that he did but see The flatness of my misery; yet with eyes Of pity, not revenge! Re-enter Officers, with CLEOMENES and DION. Offi. You here shall swear upon this sword of justice, That you, Cleomenes and Dion, have Been both at Delphos; and from thence have brought Of great Apollo's priest; and that, since then, D Cleon. Dion. All this we swear. Leon. Break up the seals, and read. Offi. [Reads.] Hermione is chaste, Polixenes blameless, Camillo a true subject, Leontes a jealous tyrant, his innocent babe truly begotten; and the king shall live without an heir, if that, which is lost, be not found. Lords. Now blessed be the great Apollo! Leon. There is no truth at all i' th' oracle: The sessions shall proceed; this is mere falsehood. Enter a Servant, hastily. Serv. My lord the king, the king! Leon. What is the business? Serv. O Sir, I shall be hated to report it: Leon. Serv. How! gone? Is dead. Leon. Apollo's angry; and the heavens themselves Do strike at my injustice. [HERMIONE faints.] How now there? Paul. This news is mortal to the queen:-Look down, And see what death is doing. Leon. Take her hence: Her heart is but o'ercharg'd; she will recover.I have too much believ'd mine own suspicion:'Beseech you, tenderly apply to her Some remedies for life.-Apollo, pardon [Exeunt PAULINA and Ladies, with HERM My great profaneness 'gainst thine oracle!- New woo my queen; recall the good Camillo; My friend Polixenes: which had been done, Not doing it, and being done: he, most humane, No richer than his honour:-How he glisters Paul. Re-enter PAULINA. Woe the while! O, cut my lace; lest my heart, cracking it, 1 Lord. What fit is this, good lady? Paul. What studied torments, tyrant, hast for me? What wheels? racks? fires? What flaying? boiling, In leads, or oils? what old, or newer torture And then run mad, indeed; stark mad! for all Of the young prince; whose honourable thoughts Not dropp'd down yet. 1 Lord. The higher powers forbid! Paul. I say, she's dead; I'll swear't: if word, nor oath, Prevail not, go and see: if you can bring |