I lodge my wife; I'll go in couples with her; Good my lord, Ant. It is for you we speak, not for ourselves: You are abus'd, and by some putter-on, Leon. That will be damn'd for't; 'would I knew the villain. Ant. If it be so, We need no grave to bury honesty ; Leon. What! lack I credit? 1 Lord. I had rather you did lack, than I, my lord, Upon this ground: and more it would content me To have her honour true, than your suspicion; Be blam'd for't how you might. Leon. Why, what need we Commune with you of this? but rather follow Our forceful instigation? Our prerogative Calls not your counsels; but our natural goodness Ant. And I wish, my liege, You had only in your silent judgment tried it, Leon. How could that be? Either thou art most ignorant by age, Added to their familiarity, (Which was as gross as ever touch'd conjecture, That lack'd sight only, nought for approbation3, But only seeing, all other circumstances Made up to the deed,) doth push on this proceeding: (For, in an act of this importance, 'twere Of stuff'd sufficiency: Now, from the oracle Leon. Though I am satisfied, and need no more Come up to the truth: So have we thought it good, Ant. [Aside.] To laughter, as I take it, [Exeunt. SCENE II, The outer Room of a Prison. Enter PAULINA and Attendants. Paul. The keeper of the prison, call to him; [Exit an Attendant. Let him have knowledge who I am.- Good lady! 3 Proof. 4 Of abilities more than sufficient. No court in Europe is too good for thee, Now, good sir, Pray you, then, And one whom much I honour. Conduct me to the queen. Keep. I may not, madam; to the contrary I have express commandment. Paul. Here's ado, To lock up honesty and honour from The access of gentle visitors! Is it lawful, Pray you, to see her women? any of them? Keep. So please you, madam, to put Apart these your attendants, I shall bring Emilia forth. Paul. I pray now, call her. Withdraw yourselves. Keep. [Exeunt Attend. And, madam, [Exit Keeper. I must be present at your conference. Here's such ado to make no stain a stain, As passes colouring. Re-enter Keeper, with EMILIA. Dear gentlewoman, how fares our gracious lady? Emil. A daughter; and a goodly babe, Lusty, and like to live: the queen receives Much comfort in't: says, My poor prisoner, I am innocent as you. Paul. I dare be sworn : These dangerous unsafe lunes' o' the king! beshrew them! He must be told on't, and he shall: the office The trumpet any more: Pray you, Emilia, Persuades, when speaking fails. Emil. Most worthy madam, Your honour, and your goodness, is so evident, That your free undertaking cannot miss A thriving issue; there is no lady living, So meet for this great errand: Please your ladyship To visit the next room, I'll presently Acquaint the queen of your most noble offer; Who, but to-day, hammer'd of this design; But durst not tempt a minister of honour, Lest she should be denied. Paul. Tell her, Emilia, I'll use that tongue I have: if wit flow from it, Emil. Now be you blest for it! I'll to the queen: Please you, come something nearer. Keep. Madam, if't please the queen to send the babe, 5 Lunacies, fits of madness. I know not what I shall incur, to pass it, Paul. You need not fear it, sir The child was prisoner to the womb; and is, By law and process of great nature, thence Freed and enfranchis'd: not a party to The anger of the king; nor guilty of, If any be, the trespass of the queen. Keep. I do believe it. Paul. Do not you fear: upon Mine honour, I will stand 'twixt you and danger. [Exeunt. SCENE III. A Room in the Palace. Enter LEONTES, ANTIGONUS, Lords, and other Attendants. Leon. Nor night, nor day, no rest: It is but weak ness To bear the matter thus; mere weakness, if 1 Atten. Who's there? My lord? [Advancing. He took good rest to-night : 'Tis hop'd, his sickness is discharg'd. Leon. His nobleness! To see, Conceiving the dishonour of his mother, |