Pericles
Shakescleare Translation

Pericles Translation Act 3, Scene 3

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Enter PERICLES, CLEON, DIONYZA, and LYCHORIDA with MARINA in her arms

PERICLES

Most honour'd Cleon, I must needs be gone; My twelve months are expired, and Tyrus stands In a litigious peace. You, and your lady, Take from my heart all thankfulness! The gods Make up the rest upon you!

PERICLES

Dear Cleon, I have to go. My year is up and the state of peace in Tyre is fragile. Thanks for everything you and your wife have done for me. May the gods bless you.

CLEON

Your shafts of fortune, though they hurt you mortally,Yet glance full wanderingly on us.

CLEON

Though the bad luck you've experienced has hurt you the most, we feel your pain, too.

DIONYZA

O your sweet queen!That the strict fates had pleased you had brought her hither,To have bless'd mine eyes with her!

DIONYZA

Your poor queen! If only you could have brought her here, so that I could have met her.

PERICLES

We cannot but obey The powers above us. Could I rage and roar As doth the sea she lies in, yet the end Must be as 'tis. My gentle babe Marina, whom, For she was born at sea, I have named so, here I charge your charity withal, leaving her The infant of your care; beseeching you To give her princely training, that she may be Manner'd as she is born.

PERICLES

We have to obey the gods above. I can rage as loud as the sea and it won't bring Thaisa back. I named our daughter Marina because she was born at sea. Please, I'm asking a favor: I'm leaving the baby in your care. Make sure she has an education fit for a princess, so she grows up to be as cultivated as her pedigree.

CLEON

Fear not, my lord, but think Your grace, that fed my country with your corn, For which the people's prayers still fall upon you, Must in your child be thought on. If neglection Should therein make me vile, the common body, By you relieved, would force me to my duty: But if to that my nature need a spur, The gods revenge it upon me and mine, To the end of generation!

CLEON

Don't worry, sir. You provided corn for my country when we were starving. My people still pray for you, and we'll take care of your child, too. If I neglected my duty, the common people (whom you saved) would force me to do my duty. But if I need any punishment, may the gods take revenge on me and my descendants of the next generation!

PERICLES

I believe you; Your honour and your goodness teach me to't, Without your vows. Till she be married, madam, By bright Diana, whom we honour, all Unscissor'd shall this hair of mine remain, Though I show ill in't. So I take my leave. Good madam, make me blessed in your care In bringing up my child.

PERICLES

I believe. Your actions speak louder than your words; you don't have to swear. I won't cut my hair again until she gets married, though it might look strange. Goodbye.

[To DIONYZA]
Ma'am, please take good care of my child.

DIONYZA

I have one myself,Who shall not be more dear to my respectThan yours, my lord.

DIONYZA

I have a daughter, too. I'll love yours like my own.

PERICLES

Madam, my thanks and prayers.

PERICLES

You have my thanks and prayers, ma'am.

CLEON

We'll bring your grace e'en to the edge o' the shore,Then give you up to the mask'd Neptune andThe gentlest winds of heaven.

CLEON

We'll walk you up to the shore, then we'll give you up to Neptune and pray for the gentlest winds from the skies.

PERICLES

I will embrace Your offer. Come, dearest madam. O, no tears, Lychorida, no tears: Look to your little mistress, on whose grace You may depend hereafter. Come, my lord.

PERICLES

I'll accept that offer. 

[To MARINA] Come here, sweetheart. [He holds the baby] Don't cry, Lychorida. Take care of your little mistress; she'll be in charge of you when I'm gone.

[To CLEON]
Let's go, sir.

Exeunt