2.2.0.1820Enter Paulina, a Gentleman [and attendants] The keeper of the prison, call to him.
2.2.2822Let him have knowledge who I am.
[Exit Gentleman]
Let him have knowledge who I am. Good lady,
2.2.3823No court in Europe is too good for thee.
[Enter Jailer and Gentleman]
What dost thou then in prison? Now, good sir,
You know me, do you not? For a worthy lady,
And one who much I honor. Pray you then,
Conduct me to the queen. I may not, madam.
2.2.8831To the contrary I have express commandment.
Here's ado, to lock up honesty and honor from
2.2.10833Th' access of gentle visitors. Is't lawful pray you
2.2.11834To see her women? Any of them? Emilia?
So please you, madam,
2.2.13836To put apart these your attendants, I
Shall bring Emilia forth. I pray now call her;
[Exeunt Gentleman and attendants]
Withdraw yourselves. And, madam,
2.2.16841I must be present at your conference.
Well, be't so, prithee.
[Exit Jailer]
2.2.18843Here's such ado to make no stain a stain
As passes coloring. Dear gentlewoman,
As well as one so great and so forlorn
2.2.22847May hold together; on her frights and griefs,
2.2.23848Which never tender lady hath borne greater,
2.2.24849She is something before her time delivered.
A boy?
A boy? A daughter, and a goodly babe,
2.2.26852Lusty and like to live; the Queen receives
2.2.27853Much comfort in't, says, "my poor prisoner,
I am innocent as you." I dare be sworn,
2.2.29856These dangerous, unsafe lunes i'th' King, beshrew them!
2.2.30857He must be told on't, and he shall. The office
2.2.31858Becomes a woman best. I'll take't upon me.
2.2.32859If I prove honey-mouthed, let my tongue blister
2.2.34861The trumpet any more. Pray you, Emilia,
2.2.35862Commend my best obedience to the Queen;
2.2.36863If she dares trust me with her little babe,
2.2.37864I'll show't the King and undertake to be
2.2.38865Her advocate to th' loudest. We do not know
2.2.39866How he may soften at the sight o'th'child.
Persuades when speaking fails. Most worthy madam,
2.2.42870Your honor and your goodness is so evident
2.2.43871That your free undertaking cannot miss
2.2.44872A thriving issue; there is no lady living
2.2.45873So meet for this great errand. Please your Ladyship
2.2.46874To visit the next room, I'll presently
2.2.47875Acquaint the Queen of your most noble offer,
2.2.48876Who but today hammered of this design,
2.2.49877But durst not tempt a minister of honor
Lest she should be denied. Tell her, Emilia,
2.2.51880I'll use that tongue I have; if wit flow from't
2.2.52881As boldness from my bosom, le't not be doubted
I shall do good. Now be you blest for it!
2.2.54884I'll to the Queen. Please you come something nearer.
[To Paulina] Madam, if't please the Queen to send the babe,
2.2.56886I know not what I shall incur to pass it,
Having no warrant. You need not fear it, sir,
2.2.58889This child was prisoner to the womb and is
2.2.59890By law and process of great nature thence
2.2.60891Freed and enfranchised, not a party to
2.2.61892The anger of the King, nor guilty of,
2.2.62893If any be, the trespass of the Queen.
I do believe it.
Do not you fear! Upon mine honor, I
Exeunt.