Page 1660 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

Or that or any place that harbours men.
But here must end the story of my life,
And happy were I in my timely death
Could all my travels warrant me they live.

DUKE

Hapless Egeon, whom the fates have marked [140]
To bear the extremity of dire mishap!
Now trust me, were it not against our laws,
Against my crown, my oath, my dignity,
Which princes, would they, may not disannul,
My soul should sue as advocate for thee. [145]
But though thou art adjudgèd to the death,
And passèd sentence may not be recalled
But to our honour’s great disparagement,
Yet will I favour thee in what I can.
Therefore, merchant, I’ll limit thee this day [150]
To seek thy health by beneficial help.
Try all the friends thou hast in Ephesus;
Beg thou or borrow to make up the sum,
And live. If no, then thou art doomed to die.
Jailer, take him to thy custody. [155]

JAILER

I will, my lord.

EGEON

Hopeless and helpless doth Egeon wend,
But to procrastinate his lifeless end.

Exeunt.

Scene II IT

Enter Antipholus [of Syracuse, first] merchant, and Dromio [of
Syracuse].

FIRST MERCHANT

Therefore give out you are of Epidamnum
Lest that your goods too soon be confiscate.
This very day a Syracusian merchant