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
_Flo._ So call it: but it does fulfil my vow; 475
I needs must think it honesty. Camillo,
Not for Bohemia, nor the pomp that may
Be thereat glean'd; for all the sun sees, or
The close earth wombs, or the profound sea hides
In unknown fathoms, will I break my oath 480
To this my fair beloved: therefore, I pray you,
As you have ever been my father's honour'd friend,
When he shall miss me,--as, in faith, I mean not
To see him any more,--cast your good counsels
Upon his passion: let myself and fortune 485
Tug for the time to come. This you may know
And so deliver, I am put to sea
With her whom here I cannot hold on shore;
And most opportune to our need I have
A vessel rides fast by, but not prepared 490
For this design. What course I mean to hold
Shall nothing benefit your knowledge, nor
Concern me the reporting.
_Cam._ O my lord!
I would your spirit were easier for advice,
Or stronger for your need.
_Flo._ Hark, Perdita. 495
[_Drawing her aside._
I'll hear you by and by.
_Cam._ He's irremoveable,
Resolved for flight. Now were I happy, if
His going I could frame to serve my turn,
Save him from danger, do him love and honour,
Purchase the sight again of dear Sicilia 500
And that unhappy king, my master, whom
I so much thirst to see.
_Flo._ Now, good Camillo;
I am so fraught with curious business that
I leave out ceremony.
_Cam._ Sir, I think
You have heard of my poor services, i' the love 505
That I have borne your father?
_Flo._ Very nobly
Have you deserved: it is my father's music
To speak your deeds, not little of his care
To have them recompensed as thought on.
_Cam._ Well, my lord,
If you may please to think I love the king, 510
And through him what is nearest to him, which is
Your gracious self, embrace but my direction,
If your more ponderous and settled project
May suffer alteration, on mine honour
I'll point you where you shall have such receiving 515
As shall become your highness; where you may
Enjoy your mistress, from the whom, I see,
There's no disjunction to be made, but by
As heavens forefend! your ruin; marry her,
And, with my best endeavours in your absence, 520
Your discontenting father strive to qualify
And bring him up to liking.
_Flo._ How, Camillo,
May this, almost a miracle, be done?
That I may call thee something more than man
And after that trust to thee.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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