PERICLES PRINCE OF TYRE
Page: 16

Where with it I may appear a gentleman;
And if that ever my fortune's better,
I'll pay your bounties; till then rest your debtor.

FIRST FISHERMAN.
Why, wilt thou tourney for the lady?

PERICLES.
I'll show the virtue I have borne in arms.

FIRST FISHERMAN.
Why, do'e take it, and the gods give thee good on 't!

SECOND FISHERMAN.
Ay, but hark you, my friend; 'twas we that made up this garment
through the rough seams of the waters: there are certain
condolements, certain vails. I hope, sir, if you thrive, you'll
remember from whence you had it.

PERICLES.
Believe't I will.
By your furtherance I am clothed in steel;
And, spite of all the rapture of the sea,
This jewel holds his building on my arm:
Unto thy value I will mount myself
Upon a courser, whose delightful steps
Shall make the gazer joy to see him tread.
Only, my friend, I yet am unprovided
Of a pair of bases.

SECOND FISHERMAN.
We'll sure provide: thou shalt have my best gown to make thee a
pair; and I'll bring thee to the court myself.

PERICLES.
Then honour be but a goal to my will,
This day I'll rise, or else add ill to ill.

[Exeunt.]

SCENE II. The same. A public way, or platform leading to the
lists. A pavilion by the side of it for the reception of the
King, Princess, Lords, etc.

[Enter Simonides, Lords and Attendants.]

SIMONIDES.
Are the knights ready to begin the triumph?

FIRST LORD.
They are, my liege;
And stay your coming to present themselves.

SIMONIDES.
Return them, we are ready; and our daughter,
In honour of whose birth these triumphs are,
Sits here, like beauty's child, whom nature gat
For men to see, and seeing wonder at.

[Exit a Lord.]

THALIARD.
It pleaseth you1 my royal father, to express
My commendations great, whose merit's less.

SIMONIDES.
It's fit it should be so; for princes are
A model, which heaven makes like to itself:
As jewels lose their glory if neglected,
So princes their renowns if not respected.
'Tis now your honour, daughter, to explain
The labour of each knight in his device.

THALIARD.
Which, to preserve mine honour, I'll perform.