Hermione (The Winter’s Tale) S ir , spare your threat s : The bug which y ou would fr i ght m e with I s ee k . To m e can l ife be n o commodity: The crown and comfort of my life, your favour ,(1) I do give lost; for I do feel it gone, But know not how it went. My second joy And f irst- f ruits of my body, from his presence (2) I am barr’d , like one infectious . My third comfort (3) Starr’d most unluckily, is from my breast, The i nnocent m ilk in its most i nnocent mouth, Haled out to murder : myself on every post (4) Proclaimed a strum p et : with immodest hatred The child-bed privilege denied , which ‘l ongs (5) To women of all fashion; lastly, hurried Here to this place, i’ the open air , before I have got strength of limit. Now, my l ie ge , Tell m e what blessings I have h ere al i ve , (6) That I should f ear to d ie ? Therefore proceed. (7) But yet hear this: mistake me not; no life , I prize it not a straw, but for mine honour , (8) Which I would free, if I shall be condemned U pon surmises, all proofs slee p ing else But what your jealousies awake, I tell you (9) ‘Tis rigor and not law. Your honors all I do refer me to the oracle: Apollo be my judge!
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Transcript
Hermione (The Winter’s Tale)
S ir , spare your threat s :
The bug which you would fr i ght me with I s ee k .
To me can life be no commodity:
The crown and comfort of my life, your favour,(1)
I do give lost; for I do feel it gone,
But know not how it went. My second joy
And f irst- f ruits of my body, from his presence (2)
I am barr’d, like one infectious. My third comfort (3)
Starr’d most unluckily, is from my breast,
The i nnocent milk in its most i nnocent mouth,
Haled out to murder: myself on every post (4)
Proclaimed a strum p et : with immodest hatred
The child-bed privilege denied, which ‘longs (5)
To women of all fashion; lastly, hurried
Here to this place, i’ the open air, before
I have got strength of limit. Now, my l ie ge ,
Tell me what blessings I have here al i ve , (6)
That I should fear to d ie ? Therefore proceed. (7)