Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Tom Bishop
Not Peer Reviewed

Pericles, Prince of Tyre (Quarto)

Pericles Prince of Tyre.

Enter the King and Knights from Tilting.
770King. Knights, to say you're welcome, were superfluous.
I place vpon the volume of your deedes,
As in a Title page, your worth in armes,
Were more then you expect, or more then's fit,
Since euery worth in shew commends it selfe:
775Prepare for mirth, for mirth becomes a Feast.
You are Princes, and my guestes.
Thai. But you my Knight and guest,
To whom this Wreath of victorie I giue,
And crowne you King of this dayes happinesse.
780Peri. Tis more by Fortune (Lady) then my Merit.
King. Call it by what you will, the day is your,
And here (I hope) is none that enuies it:
In framing an Artist, art hath thus decreed,
To make some good, but others to exceed,
785And you are her labourd scholler: come Queene a th'feast,
For (Daughter) so you are; heere take your place:
Martiall the rest, as they deserue their grace.
Knights. We are honour'd much by good Symonides.
King. Your presence glads our dayes, honour we loue,
790For who hates honour, hates the Gods aboue.
Marshal. Sir, yonder is your place.
Peri. Some other is more fit.
1.Knight. Contend not sir, for we are Gentlemen,
Haue neither in our hearts, nor outward eyes,
795Enuies the great, nor shall the low despise.
Peri. You are right courtious Knights.
King. Sit sir, sit.
By Ioue (I wonder) that is King of thoughts,
These Cates resist mee, hee not thought vpon.
800Tha. By Iuno (that is Queene of mariage)
All Viands that I eate do seeme vnsauery,
Wishing him my meat: sure hee's a gallant Gentleman.
Kin. Hee's but a countrie Gentleman: ha's done no more
Then other Knights haue done, ha's broken a Staffe,
Or
D.