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No, Escanes, know this of me, Antiochus from incest lived not free: For which, the most high gods not minding longer To withhold the vengeance that they had in store, Due to this heinous capital offence, Even in the height and pride of all his glory, When he was seated in a chariot Of an inestimable value, and his daughter with him, A fire from heaven came and shrivell’d up Their bodies, even to loathing; for they so stunk, That all those eyes adored them ere their fall Scorn now their hand should give them burial.
No, Escanes, hear this from me, Antiochus did not escape the consequences of his incest: For which, the highest gods, no longer willing To hold back the punishment they had ready, Due for this terrible crime, Even at the peak of his power and glory, When he was riding in a chariot Of immense worth, with his daughter beside him, A fire from heaven struck them down And burned their bodies, so horribly that they stank, That all those who had admired them before their fall Now refused to bury them.
’Twas very strange.
It was very strange.
And yet but justice; for though This king were great, his greatness was no guard To bar heaven’s shaft, but sin had his reward.
And yet it was just; for although This king was great, his greatness couldn’t protect him From heaven’s wrath, and sin had its just reward.
’Tis very true.
It’s very true.
See, not a man in private conference Or council has respect with him but he.
Look, not a single man in private talks Or council has respect for him except for he.
It shall no longer grieve without reproof.
It will no longer go unchallenged.
And cursed be he that will not second it.
And cursed be the one who doesn’t support it.
Follow me, then. Lord Helicane, a word.
Follow me, then. Lord Helicane, a word.
With me? and welcome: happy day, my lords.
With me? Welcome! Happy day, my lords.
Know that our griefs are risen to the top, And now at length they overflow their banks.
Know that our troubles have risen to the top, And now, at last, they’ve overflowed their banks.
Your griefs! for what? wrong not your prince you love.
Your troubles? For what? Don’t wrong your prince, whom you love.
Wrong not yourself, then, noble Helicane; But if the prince do live, let us salute him, Or know what ground’s made happy by his breath. If in the world he live, we’ll seek him out; If in his grave he rest, we’ll find him there; And be resolved he lives to govern us, Or dead, give’s cause to mourn his funeral, And leave us to our free election.
Don’t wrong yourself, then, noble Helicane; But if the prince is alive, let’s honor him, Or know what place is made better by his breath. If he’s alive in the world, we’ll search for him; If he’s resting in his grave, we’ll find him there; And we’ll be sure he’s alive to rule us, Or dead, we’ll mourn his funeral, And leave us to choose freely for ourselves.
Whose death indeed’s the strongest in our censure: And knowing this kingdom is without a head,-- 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.
His death, indeed, is the worst thing in our judgment: And knowing this kingdom is without a leader,-- Like great buildings left without a roof, They soon fall apart,--your noble self, Who best knows how to rule and govern, We submit to you,--our ruler.
Live, noble Helicane!
Live, noble Helicane!
For 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 to Forbear the absence of your king: If in which time expired, he not return, I shall with aged patience bear your yoke. But if I cannot win you to this love, Go search like nobles, like noble subjects, And in your search spend your adventurous worth; Whom if you find, and win unto return, You shall like diamonds sit about his crown.
For honor’s sake, hold back your votes: If you love Prince Pericles, hold back. Take my wish, and I’ll leap into the sea, Where there’s constant trouble for a moment’s peace. A year longer, let me ask you to Hold back from the absence of your king: If in that time he doesn’t return, I’ll bear your burden with patience. But if I can’t win you to this cause, Go search like nobles, like loyal subjects, And spend your worth on the journey; If you find him, and bring him back, You’ll sit like diamonds on his crown.
To wisdom he’s a fool that will not yield; And since Lord Helicane enjoineth us, We with our travels will endeavour us.
To wisdom, he’s a fool who won’t give in; And since Lord Helicane advises us, We’ll do our best with our travels.
Then you love us, we you, and we’ll clasp hands: When peers thus knit, a kingdom ever stands.
Then you love us, and we love you, and we’ll shake hands: When peers are united, a kingdom stands forever.