The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 3 of 9]Shakespeare, William
General
The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 3 of 9]
Shakespeare, William
English drama
_Paul._ It is yours; 95
And, might we lay the old proverb to your charge,
So like you, 'tis the worse. Behold, my lords,
Although the print be little, the whole matter
And copy of the father, eye, nose, lip;
The trick of's frown; his forehead; nay, the valley, 100
The pretty dimples of his chin and cheek; his smiles;
The very mould and frame of hand, nail, finger:
And thou, good goddess Nature, which hast made it
So like to him that got it, if thou hast
The ordering of the mind too, 'mongst all colours 105
No yellow in't, lest she suspect, as he does,
Her children not her husband's!
_Leon._ A gross hag!
And, lozel, thou art worthy to be hang'd,
That wilt not stay her tongue.
_Ant._ Hang all the husbands
That cannot do that feat, you'll leave yourself 110
Hardly one subject.
_Leon._ Once more, take her hence.
_Paul._ A most unworthy and unnatural lord
Can do no more.
_Leon._ I'll ha' thee burnt.
_Paul._ I care not:
It is an heretic that makes the fire,
Not she which burns in't. I'll not call you tyrant; 115
But this most cruel usage of your queen--
Not able to produce more accusation
Than your own weak-hinged fancy--something savours
Of tyranny and will ignoble make you,
Yea, scandalous to the world.
_Leon._ On your allegiance, 120
Out of the chamber with her! Were I a tyrant,
Where were her life? she durst not call me so,
If she did know me one. Away with her!
_Paul._ I pray you, do not push me; I'll be gone.
Look to your babe, my lord; 'tis yours: Jove send her 125
A better guiding spirit! What needs these hands?
You, that are thus so tender o'er his follies,
Will never do him good, not one of you.
So, so: farewell; we are gone. [_Exit._
_Leon._ Thou, traitor, hast set on thy wife to this. 130
My child? away with't! Even thou, that hast
A heart so tender o'er it, take it hence
And see it instantly consumed with fire;
Even thou and none but thou. Take it up straight:
Within this hour bring me word 'tis done, 135
And by good testimony, or I'll seize thy life,
With what thou else call'st thine. If thou refuse
And wilt encounter with my wrath, say so;
The bastard brains with these my proper hands
Shall I dash out. Go, take it to the fire; 140
For thou set'st on thy wife.
_Ant._ I did not, sir:
These lords, my noble fellows, if they please,
Can clear me in't.
_Lords._ We can: my royal liege,
He is not guilty of her coming hither.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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