Page 175 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

SECOND LORD

Whose death’s indeed the strongest in our censure,
And knowing this kingdoms without a head − [35]
Like goodly buildings left without a roof,

Soon fall to ruin − your noble self,
That best know how to rule and how to reign,
We thus submit unto, our sovereign.

ALL
Live, noble Helicane! [40]

HELICANUS
Try honour’s cause; forbear your suffrages.
If that you love Prince Pericles, forbear.

Take I your wish, I leap into the seas,
Where’s hourly trouble, for a minute’s ease.
A twelvemonth longer let me entreat you [45]

Further to bear the absence of your king;
If in which time expired he not return,
I shall with agèd patience bear your yoke.
But if I cannot win you to this love,
Go search like nobles, like noble subjects, [50]

And in your search spend your adventurous worth.
Whom if you find, and win unto return,
You shall like diamonds sit about his crown.

FIRST LORD
To wisdom he’s a fool that will not yield,

And since Lord Helicane enjoineth us, [55]
We with our travels will endeavour it.

HELICANUS
Then you love us, we you, and we’ll clasp hands.
When peers thus knit, a kingdom ever stands.
Exeunt.

Scene V IT