Thepirateswhohadtheprinceintheirpowershowedthemselvesgentleenemies，and，knowingwhomtheyhadgotprisoner，inthehopethattheprincemightdothemagoodturnatcourtinrecompenseforanyfavortheymightshowhim，theysetHamletonshoreatthenearestportinDenmark。FromthatplaceHamletwrotetotheking，acquaintinghimwiththestrangechancewhichhadbroughthimbacktohisowncountryandsayingthatonthenextdayheshouldpresenthimselfbeforehisMajesty。Whenhegothomeasadspectacleoffereditselfthefirstthingtohiseyes。
ThiswasthefuneraloftheyoungandbeautifulOphelia，hisoncedearmistress。Thewitsofthisyoungladyhadbeguntoturneversinceherpoorfather”sdeath。Thatheshoulddieaviolentdeath，andbythehandsoftheprincewhomsheloved，soaffectedthistenderyoungmaidthatinalittletimeshegrewperfectlydistracted，andwouldgoaboutgivingflowersawaytotheladiesofthecourt，andsayingthattheywereforherfather”sburial，singingsongsaboutloveandaboutdeath，andsometimessuchashadnomeaningatall，asifshehadnomemoryofwhathappenedtoher。Therewasawillowwhichgrewslantingoverabrook，andreflecteditsleavesonthestream。Tothisbrookshecameonedaywhenshewasunwatched，withgarlandsshehadbeenmaking，mixedupofdaisiesandnettles，flowersandweedstogether，andclamberinguptobanghergarlandupontheboughsofthewillow，aboughbrokeandprecipitatedthisfairyoungmaid，garland，andallthatshehadgathered，intothewater，whereherclothesboreherupforawhile，duringwhichshechantedscrapsofoldtunes，likeoneinsensibletoherowndistress，orasifshewereacreaturenaturaltothatelement；butlongitwasnotbeforehergarments，heavywiththewet，pulledherinfromhermelodioussingingtoamuddyandmiserabledeath。ItwasthefuneralofthisfairmaidwhichherbrotherLaerteswascelebrating，thekingandqueenandwholecourtbeingpresent，whenHamletarrived。Heknewnotwhatallthisshowimported，butstoodononeside，notincliningtointerrupttheceremony。Hesawtheflowersstreweduponhergrave，asthecustomwasinmaidenburials，whichthequeenherselfthrewin；andasshethrewthemshesaid：
“Sweetstothesweet！Ithoughttohavedeckedthybridebed，sweetmaid，nottohavestrewedthygrave。ThoushouldsthavebeenmyHamlet”swife。”
Andheheardherbrotherwishthatvioletsmightspringfromhergrave；andhesawhimleapintothegraveallfranticwithgrief，andbidtheattendantspilemountainsofearthuponhim，thathemightbeburiedwithher。AndHamlet”sloveforthisfairmaidcamebacktohim，andhecouldnotbearthatabrothershouldshowsomuchtransportofgrief，forhethoughtthathelovedOpheliabetterthanfortythousandbrothers。Thendiscoveringhimself，heleapedintothegravewhereLaerteswas，allasfranticormorefranticthanhe，andLaertes，knowinghimtobeHamlet，whohadbeenthecauseofhisfather”sandhissister”sdeath，grappledhimbythethroatasanenemy，tilltheattendantspartedthem；andHamlet，afterthefuneral，excusedhishastyactinthrowinghimselfintothegraveasiftobraveLaertes；buthesaidhecouldnotbearthatanyoneshouldseemtooutgohimingriefforthedeathofthefairOphelia。Andforthetimethesetwonobleyouthsseemedreconciled。
ButoutofthegriefandangerofLaertesforthedeathofhisfatherandOpheliatheking，Hamlet”swickeduncle，contriveddestructionforHamlet。HesetonLaertes，undercoverofpeaceandreconciliation，tochallengeHamlettoafriendlytrialofskillatfencing，whichHamletaccepting，adaywasappointedtotrythematch。Atthismatchallthecourtwaspresent，andLaertes，bydirectionoftheking，preparedapoisonedweapon。
Uponthismatchgreatwagerswerelaidbythecourtiers，asbothHamletandLaerteswereknowntoexcelatthisswordplay；andHamlet，takingupthefoils，choseone，notatallsuspectingthetreacheryofLaertes，orbeingcarefultoexamineLaertes”sweapon，who，insteadofafoilorbluntedsword，whichthelawsoffencingrequire，madeuseofonewithapoint，andpoisoned。
AtfirstLaertesdidbutplaywithHamlet，andsufferedhimtogainsomeadvantages，whichthedissemblingkingmagnifiedandextolledbeyondmeasure，drinkingtoHamlet”ssuccessandwageringrichbetsupontheissue。ButafterafewpausesLaertes，growingwarm，madeadeadlythrustatHamletwithhispoisonedweapon，andgavehimamortalblow。Hamlet，incensed，butnotknowing，thewholeofthetreachery，inthescuffleexchangedhisowninnocentweaponforLaertes”sdeadlyone，andwithathrustofLaertes”sownswordrepaidLaerteshome，whowasthusjustlycaughtinhisowntreachery。Inthisinstantthequeenshriekedoutthatshewaspoisoned。ShehadinadvertentlydrunkoutofabowlwhichthekinghadpreparedforHamlet，incasethat，beingwarminfencing，heshouldcallfordrink；intothisthetreacherouskinghadinfusedadeadlypoison，tomakesureofHamlet，ifLaerteshadfailed。Hehadforgottentowarnthequeenofthebowl，whichshedrankof，andimmediatelydied，exclaimingwithherlastbreaththatshewaspoisoned。Hamlet，suspectingsometreachery，orderedthedoorstobeshutwhilehesoughtitout。Laertestoldhimtoseeknofarther，forhewasthetraitor；andfeelinghislifegoawaywiththewoundwhichHamlethadgivenhim，hemadeconfessionofthetreacheryhehadusedandhowhehadfallenavictimtoit：andhetoldHamletoftheenvenomedpoint，andsaidthatHamlethadnothalfanhourtolive，fornomedicinecouldcurehim；andbeggingforgivenessofHamlet，hedied，withhislastwordsaccusingthekingofbeingthecontriverofthemischief。WhenHamletsawhisenddrawnear，therebeingyetsomevenomleftuponthesword，hesuddenlyturneduponhisfalseuncleandthrustthepointofittohisheart，fulfillingthepromisewhichhehadmadetohisfather”sspirit，whoseinjunctionwasnowaccomplishedandhisfoulmurderrevengeduponthemurderer。ThenHamlet，feelinghisbreathfailandlifedeparting，turnedtohisdearfriendHoratio，whohadbeenspectatorofthisfataltragedy；andwithhisdyingbreathrequestedhimthathewouldlivetotellhisstorytotheworld(forHoratiohadmadeamotionasifhewouldslayhimselftoaccompanytheprinceindeath)，andHoratiopromisedthathewouldmakeatruereportasonethatwasprivytoallthecircumstances。And，thussatisfied，thenobleheartofHamletcracked；andHoratioandthebystanderswithmanytearscommendedthespiritofthissweetprincetotheguardianshipofangels。
ForHamletwasalovingandagentleprinceandgreatlybelovedforhismanynobleandprincelikequalities；andifhehadlived，wouldnodoubthaveprovedamostroyalandcompletekingtoDenmark。
OTHELLO
Brabantio，therichsenatorofVenice，hadafairdaughter，thegentleDesdemona。Shewassoughttobydiverssuitors，bothonaccountofhermanyvirtuousqualitiesandforherrichexpectations。Butamongthesuitorsofherownclimeandcomplexionshesawnonewhomshecouldaffect，forthisnoblelady，whoregardedthemindmorethanthefeaturesofmen，withasingularityrathertobeadmiredthanimitatedhadchosenfortheobjectofheraffectionsaMoor，ablack，whomherfatherlovedandofteninvitedtohishouse。
NeitherisDesdemonatobealtogethercondemnedfortheunsuitablenessofthepersonwhomsheselectedforherlover。
BatingthatOthellowasblack，thenobleMoorwantednothingwhichmightrecommendhimtotheaffectionsofthegreatestlady。
Hewasasoldier，andabraveone；andbyhisconductinbloodywarsagainsttheTurkshadrisentotherankofgeneralintheVenetianservice，andwasesteemedandtrustedbythestate。
Hehadbeenatraveler，andDesdemona(asisthemannerofladies)lovedtohearhimtellthestoryofhisadventures，whichhewouldrunthroughfromhisearliestrecollection；thebattles，sieges，andencounterswhichhehadpassedthrough；theperilshehadbeenexposedtobylandandbywater；hishair-breadthescapes，whenhehadenteredabreachormarcheduptothemouthofacannon；andhowhehadbeentakenprisonerbytheinsolentenemy，andsoldtoslavery；howhedemeanedhimselfinthatstate，andhowheescaped：alltheseaccounts，addedtothenarrationofthestrangethingshehadseeninforeigncountries，thevastwildernessandromanticcaverns，thequarries，therocksandmountainswhoseheadsareintheclouds；ofthesavagenations，thecannibalswhoareman-eaters，andaraceofpeopleinAfricawhoseheadsdogrowbeneaththeirshoulders。Thesetravelers”storieswouldsoenchaintheattentionofDesdemonathatifshewerecalledoffatanytimebyhouseholdaffairsshewoulddespatchwithallhastethatbusiness，andreturn，andwithagreedyeardevourOthello”sdiscourse。Andoncehetookadvantageofaplianthouranddrewfromheraprayerthathewouldtellherthewholestoryofhislifeatlarge，ofwhichshehadheardsomuch，butonlybyparts。Towhichheconsented，andbeguiledherofmanyatearwhenhespokeofsomedistressfulstrokewhichhisyouthhadsuffered。
Hisstorybeingdone，shegavehimforhispainsaworldofsighs。Shesworeaprettyoaththatitwasallpassingstrange，andpitiful，wondrouspitiful。Shewished(shesaid)shehadnotheardit，yetshewishedthatHeavenhadmadehersuchaman；andthenshethankedhim，andtoldhim，ifhehadafriendwholovedher，hehadonlytoteachhimhowtotellhisstoryandthatwouldwooher。Uponthishint，deliverednotwithmorefranknessthanmodesty，accompaniedwithcertainbewitchingprettinessandblushes，whichOthellocouldnotbutunderstand，hespokemoreopenlyofhislove，andinthisgoldenopportunitygainedtheconsentofthegenerousLadyDesdemonaprivatelytomarryhim。
NeitherOthello”scolornorhisfortunewassuchthatitcouldbehopedBrabantiowouldaccepthimforason-in-law。Hehadlefthisdaughterfree；buthedidexpectthat，asthemannerofnobleVenetianladieswas，shewouldchooseerelongahusbandofsenatorialrankorexpectations；butinthishewasdeceived。
DesdemonalovedtheMoor，thoughhewasblack，anddevotedherheartandfortunestohisvaliantpartsandqualities。Sowasherheartsubduedtoanimplicitdevotiontothemanshehadselectedforahusbandthathisverycolor，whichtoallbutthisdiscerningladywouldhaveprovedaninsurmountableobjection，wasbyheresteemedaboveallthewhiteskinsandclearcomplexionsoftheyoungVenetiannobility，hersuitors。
Theirmarriage，which，thoughprivatelycarried，couldnotlongbekeptasecret，cametotheearsoftheoldman，Brabantio，whoappearedinasolemncouncilofthesenateasanaccuseroftheMoorOthello，whobyspellsandwitchcraft(hemaintained)hadseducedtheaffectionsofthefairDesdemonatomarryhim，withouttheconsentofherfather，andagainsttheobligationsofhospitality。
AtthisjunctureoftimeithappenedthatthestateofVenicehadimmediateneedoftheservicesofOthello，newshavingarrivedthattheTurkswithmightypreparationhadfittedoutafleet，whichwasbendingitscoursetotheislandofCyprus，withintenttoregainthatstrongpostfromtheVenetians，whothenheldit；
inthisemergencythestateturneditseyesuponOthello，whoalonewasdeemedadequatetoconductthedefenseofCyprusagainsttheTurks。SothatOthello，nowsummonedbeforethesenate，stoodintheirpresenceatonceasacandidateforagreatstateemploymentandasaculpritchargedwithoffenseswhichbythelawsofVeniceweremadecapital。
TheageandsenatorialcharacterofoldBrabantiocommandedamostpatienthearingfromthatgraveassembly；buttheincensedfatherconductedhisaccusationwithsomuchintemperance，producinglikelihoodsandallegationsforproofs，that，whenOthellowascalleduponforhisdefense，hehadonlytorelateaplaintaleofthecourseofhislove；whichhedidwithsuchanartlesseloquence，recountingthewholestoryofhiswooingaswehaverelateditabove，anddeliveredhisspeechwithsonobleaplainness(theevidenceoftruth)thattheduke，whosataschiefjudge，couldnothelpconfessingthatatalesotoldwouldhavewonhisdaughter，too，andthespellsandconjurationswhichOthellohadusedinhiscourtshipplainlyappearedtohavebeennomorethanthehonestartsofmeninlove，andtheonlywitchcraftwhichhehadusedthefacultyoftellingasofttaletowinalady”sear。
ThisstatementofOthellowasconfirmedbythetestimonyoftheLadyDesdemonaherself，whoappearedincourtand，professingadutytoherfatherforlifeandeducation，challengedleaveofhimtoprofessayethigherdutytoherlordandhusband，evensomuchashermotherhadshowninpreferringhim(Brabantio)aboveHERfather。
Theoldsenator，unabletomaintainhisplea，calledtheMoortohimwithmanyexpressionsofsorrow，and，asanactofnecessity，bestoweduponhimhisdaughter，whom，ifhehadbeenfreetowithholdher(hetoldhim)，hewouldwithallhishearthavekeptfromhim；addingthathewasgladatsoulthathehadnootherchild，forthisbehaviorofDesdemonawouldhavetaughthimtobeatyrantandhangclogsonthemforherdesertion。
Thisdifficultybeinggotover，Othello，towhomcustomhadrenderedthehardshipsofamilitarylifeasnaturalasfoodandrestaretoothermen，readilyundertookthemanagementofthewarsinCyprus；andDesdemona，preferringthehonorofherlord(thoughwithdanger)beforetheindulgenceofthoseidledelightsinwhichnew-marriedpeopleusuallywastetheirtime，cheerfullyconsentedtohisgoing。
NosoonerwereOthelloandhisladylandedinCyprusthannewsarrivedthatadesperatetempesthaddispersedtheTurkishfleet，andthustheislandwassecurefromanyimmediateapprehensionofanattack。ButthewarwhichOthellowastosufferwasnowbeginning；andtheenemieswhichmalicestirredupagainsthisinnocentladyprovedintheirnaturemoredeadlythanstrangersorinfidels。
Amongallthegeneral”sfriendsnoonepossessedtheconfidenceofOthellomoreentirelythanCassio。MichaelCassiowasayoungsoldier，aFlorentine，gay，amorous，andofpleasingaddress，favoritequalitieswithwomen；hewashandsomeandeloquent，andexactlysuchapersonasmightalarmthejealousyofamanadvancedinyears(asOthelloinsomemeasurewas)whohadmarriedayoungandbeautifulwife；butOthellowasasfreefromjealousyashewasnoble，andasincapableofsuspectingasofdoingabaseaction。HehademployedthisCassioinhisloveaffairwithDesdemona，andCassiohadbeenasortofgo-betweeninhissuit；forOthello，fearingthathimselfhadnotthosesoftpartsofconversationwhichpleaseladies，andfindingthesequalitiesinhisfriend，wouldoftendeputeCassiotogo(ashephrasedit)a-courtingforhim，suchinnocentsimplicitybeingratheranhonorthanablemishtothecharacterofthevaliantMoor。Sothatnowonderif，nexttoOthellohimself(butatfardistance，asbeseemsavirtuouswife)，thegentleDesdemonalovedandtrustedCassio。NorhadthemarriageofthiscouplemadeanydifferenceintheirbehaviortoMichaelCassio。Hefrequentedtheirhouse，andhisfreeandrattlingtalkwasnounpleasingvarietytoOthello，whowashimselfofamoreserioustemper；forsuchtempersareobservedoftentodelightintheircontraries，asarelieffromtheoppressiveexcessoftheirown；andDesdemonaandCassiowouldtalkandlaughtogether，asinthedayswhenhewenta-courtingforhisfriend。
OthellohadlatelypromotedCassiotobethelieutenant，aplaceoftrust，andnearesttothegeneral”sperson。ThispromotiongavegreatoffensetoIago，anolderofficerwhothoughthehadabetterclaimthanCassio，andwouldoftenridiculeCassioasafellowfitonlyforthecompanyofladiesandonethatknewnomoreoftheartofwarorhowtosetanarmyinarrayforbattlethanagirl。IagohatedCassio，andhehatedOthelloaswellforfavoringCassioasforanunjustsuspicion，whichhehadlightlytakenupagainstOthello，thattheMoorwastoofondofIago”swifeEmilia。FromtheseimaginaryprovocationstheplottingmindofIagoconceivedahorridschemeofrevenge，whichshouldinvolveCassio，theMoor，andDesdemonainonecommonruin。
Iagowasartful，andhadstudiedhumannaturedeeply，andheknewthatofallthetormentswhichafflictthemindofman(andfarbeyondbodilytorture)thepainsofjealousywerethemostintolerableandhadthesoreststing。IfhecouldsucceedinmakingOthellojealousofCassiohethoughtitwouldbeanexquisiteplotofrevengeandmightendinthedeathofCassioorOthello，orboth；hecarednot。
ThearrivalofthegeneralandhisladyinCyprus，meetingwithnewsofthedispersionoftheenemy”sfleet，madeasortofholidayintheisland。Everybodygavehimselfuptofeastingandmakingmerry。Wineflowedinabundance，andcupswentroundtothehealthoftheblackOthelloandhisladythefairDesdemona。
Cassiohadthedirectionoftheguardthatnight，withachargefromOthellotokeepthesoldiersfromexcessindrinking，thatnobrawlmightarisetofrighttheinhabitantsordisgustthemwiththenew-landedforces。ThatnightIagobeganhisdeep-laidplansofmischief。Undercolorofloyaltyandlovetothegeneral，heenticedCassiotomakerathertoofreewiththebottle(agreatfaultinanofficeruponguard)。Cassioforatimeresisted，buthecouldnotlongholdoutagainstthehonestfreedomwhichIagoknewhowtoputon，butkeptswallowingglassafterglass(asIagostillpliedhimwithdrinkandencouragingsongs)，andCassio”stongueranoverinpraiseoftheLadyDesdemona，whomheagainandagaintoasted，affirmingthatshewasamostexquisitelady。Untilatlasttheenemywhichheputintohismouthstoleawayhisbrains；anduponsomeprovocationgivenhimbyafellowwhomIagohadseton，swordsweredrawn，andMontano，aworthyofficer，whointerferedtoappeasethedispute，waswoundedinthescuffle。Theriotnowbegantobegeneral，andIago，whohadsetonfootthemischief，wasforemostinspreadingthealarm，causingthecastlebelltoberung(asifsomedangerousmutinyinsteadofaslightdrunkenquarrelhadarisen)。Thealarm-bellringingawakenedOthello，who，dressinginahurryandcomingtothesceneofaction，questionedCassioofthecause。
Cassiowasnowcometohimself，theeffectofthewinehavingalittlegoneoff，butwastoomuchashamedtoreply；andIago，pretendingagreatreluctancetoaccuseCassio，but，asitwere，forcedintoitbyOthello，whoinsistedtoknowthetruth，gaveanaccountofthewholematter(leavingouthisownshareinit，whichCassiowastoofargonetoremember)insuchamanneras，whileheseemedtomakeCassio”soffenseless，didindeedmakeitappeargreaterthanitwas。TheresultwasthatOthello，whowasastrictobserverofdiscipline，wascompelledtotakeawayCassio”splaceoflieutenantfromhim。
ThusdidIago”sfirstartificesucceedcompletely；hehadnowunderminedhishatedrivalandthrusthim，outofhisplace；butafurtherusewashereaftertobemadeoftheadventureofthisdisastrousnight。
Cassio，whomthismisfortunehadentirelysobered，nowlamentedtohisseemingfriendIagothatheshouldhavebeensuchafoolastotransformhimselfintoabeast。Hewasundone，forhowcouldheaskthegeneralforhisplaceagain？Hewouldtellhimhewasadrunkard。Hedespisedhimself。Iago，affectingtomakelightofit，saidthathe，oranymanliving，mightbedrunkuponoccasion；itremainednowtomakethebestofabadbargain。Thegeneral”swifewasnowthegeneral，andcoulddoanythingwithOthello；thathewerebesttoapplytotheLadyDesdemonatomediateforhimwithherlord；thatshewasofafrank，obligingdispositionandwouldreadilyundertakeagoodofficeofthissortandsetCassiorightagaininthegeneral”sfavor；andthenthiscrackintheirlovewouldbemadestrongerthanever。AgoodadviceofIago，ifithadnotbeengivenforwickedpurposes，whichwillafterappear。
CassiodidasIagoadvisedhim，andmadeapplicationtotheLadyDesdemona，whowaseasytobewonoverinanyhonestsuit；andshepromisedCassiothatsheshouldbehissolicitorwithherlord，andratherdiethangiveuphiscause。ThissheimmediatelysetaboutinsoearnestandprettyamannerthatOthello，whowasmortallyoffendedwithCassio，couldnotputheroff。Whenhepleadeddelay，andthatitwastoosoontopardonsuchanoffender，shewouldnotbebeatback，butinsistedthatitshouldbethenextnight，orthemorningafter，orthenextmorningtothatatfarthest。ThensheshowedhowpenitentandhumbledpoorCassiowas，andthathisoffensedidnotdeservesosharpacheck。AndwhenOthellostillhungback：
“What！mylord，“saidshe，“thatIshouldhavesomuchtodotopleadforCassio，MichaelCassio，thatcamea-courtingforyou，andoftentimes，whenIhavespokenindispraiseofyouhastakenyourpart！Icountthisbutalittlethingtoaskofyou。WhenI
meantotryyourloveindeedIshallaskaweightymatter。”
Othellocoulddenynothingtosuchapleader，andonlyrequestingthatDesdemonawouldleavethetimetohim，promisedtoreceiveMichaelCassioagaininfavor。
IthappenedthatOthelloandIagohadenteredintotheroomwhereDesdemonawas，justasCassio，whohadbeenimploringherintercession，wasdepartingattheoppositedoor；andIago，whowasfullofart，saidinalowvoice，asiftohimself，“Ilikenotthat。”Othellotooknogreatnoticeofwhathesaid；indeed，theconferencewhichimmediatelytookplacewithhisladyputitoutofhishead；butheremembereditafterward。ForwhenDesdemonawasgone，Iago，asifformeresatisfactionofhisthought，questionedOthellowhetherMichaelCassio，whenOthellowascourtinghislady，knewofhislove。Tothisthegeneralansweringintheaffirmative，andadding，thathehadgonebetweenthemveryoftenduringthecourtship，Iagoknittedhisbrow，asifhehadgotfreshlightonsometerriblematter，andcried，“Indeed！“ThisbroughtintoOthello”smindthewordswhichIagohadletfalluponenteringtheroomandseeingCassiowithDesdemona；andhebegantothinktherewassomemeaninginallthis，forhedeemedIagotobeajustman，andfullofloveandhonesty，andwhatinafalseknavewouldbetricksinhimseemedtobethenaturalworkingsofanhonestmind，bigwithsomethingtoogreatforutterance。AndOthelloprayedIagotospeakwhatheknewandtogivehisworstthoughtswords。
“Andwhat，“saidIago，“ifsomethoughtsveryvileshouldhaveintrudedintomybreast，aswhereisthepalaceintowhichfoulthingsdonotenter？“ThenIagowentontosay，whatapityitwereifanytroubleshouldarisetoOthellooutofhisimperfectobservations；thatitwouldnotbeforOthello”speacetoknowhisthoughts；thatpeople”sgoodnameswerenottobetakenawayforslightsuspicions；andwhenOthello”scuriositywasraisedalmosttodistractionwiththesehintsandscatteredwords，Iago，asifinearnestcareforOthello”speaceofmind，besoughthimtobewareofjealousy。WithsuchartdidthisvillainraisesuspicionsintheunguardedOthello，bytheverycautionwhichhepretendedtogivehimagainstsuspicion。
“Iknow，“saidOthello，“thatmywifeisfair，lovescompanyandfeasting，isfreeofspeech，sings，plays，anddanceswell；butwherevirtueis，thesequalitiesarevirtuous。ImusthaveproofbeforeIthinkherdishonest。”
ThenIago，asifgladthatOthellowasslowtobelieveillofhislady，franklydeclaredthathehadnoproof，butbeggedOthellotoseeherbehaviorwell，whenCassiowasby；nottobejealousnortoosecureneither，forthathe(Iago)knewthedispositionsoftheItalianladies，hiscountry-women，betterthanOthellocoulddo；andthatinVenicethewivesletHeavenseemanyprankstheydarednotshowtheirhusbands。ThenheartfullyinsinuatedthatDesdemonadeceivedherfatherinmarryingwithOthello，andcarrieditsocloselythatthepooroldmanthoughtthatwitchcrafthadbeenused。Othellowasmuchmovedwiththisargument，whichbroughtthematterhometohim，forifshehaddeceivedherfatherwhymightshenotdeceiveherhusband？
Iagobeggedpardonforhavingmovedhim；butOthello，assuminganindifference，whilehewasreallyshakenwithinwardgriefatIago”swords，beggedhimtogoon，whichIagodidwithmanyapologies，asifunwillingtoproduceanythingagainstCassio，whomhecalledhisfriend。HethencamestronglytothepointandremindedOthellohowDesdemonahadrefusedmanysuitablematchesofherownclimeandcomplexion，andhadmarriedhim，aMoor，whichshowedunnaturalinherandprovedhertohaveaheadstrongwill；andwhenherbetterjudgmentreturned，howprobableitwassheshouldfalluponcomparingOthellowiththefineformsandclearwhitecomplexionsoftheyoungItalianshercountrymen。HeconcludedwithadvisingOthellotoputoffhisreconcilementwithCassioalittlelonger，andinthemeanwhiletonotewithwhatearnestnessDesdemonashouldintercedeinhisbehalf；forthatmuchwouldbeseeninthat。Somischievouslydidthisartfulvillainlayhisplotstoturnthegentlequalitiesofthisinnocentladyintoherdestruction，andmakeanetforheroutofherowngoodnesstoentrapher，firstsettingCassioontoentreathermediation，andthenoutofthatverymediationcontrivingstratagemsforherruin。
TheconferenceendedwithIago”sbeggingOthellotoaccounthiswifeinnocentuntilhehadmoredecisiveproof；andOthellopromisedtobepatient；butfromthatmomentthedeceivedOthellonevertastedcontentofmind。Poppy，northejuiceofmandragora，norallthesleepingpotionsintheworld，couldeveragainrestoretohimthatsweetrestwhichhehadenjoyedbutyesterday。Hisoccupationsickeneduponhim。Henolongertookdelightinarms。Hisheart，thatusedtoberousedatthesightoftroopsandbannersandbattlearray，andwouldstirandleapatthesoundofadrumoratrumpetoraneighingwar-horse，seemedtohavelostallthatprideandambitionwhichareasoldier”svirtue；andhismilitaryardorandallhisoldjoysforsookhim。Sometimeshethoughthiswifehonest，andattimeshethoughthernotso；sometimeshethoughtIagojust，andattimeshethoughthimnotso；thenhewouldwishthathehadneverknownofit；hewasnottheworseforherlovingCassio，solongasheknewitnot。Torntopieceswiththesedistractingthoughts，heoncelaidholdonIago”sthroatanddemandedproofofDesdemona”sguilt，orthreatenedinstantdeathforhishavingbeliedher。Iago，feigningindignationthathishonestyshouldbetakenforavice，askedOthelloifhehadnotsometimesseenahandkerchiefspottedwithstrawberriesinhiswife”shand。
Othelloansweredthathehadgivenhersuchaone，andthatitwashisfirstgift。
“Thatsamehandkerchief，“saidIago，“didIseeMichaelCassiothisdaywipehisfacewith。”
“Ifitbeasyousay，“saidOthello，“Iwillnotresttillawiderevengeswallowthemup；andfirst，foratokenofyourfidelity，IexpectthatCassioshallbeputtodeathwithinthreedays；andforthatfairdevil[meaninghislady]Iwillwithdrawanddevisesomeswiftmeansofdeathforher。”
Trifleslightasairaretothejealousproofsasstrongasholywrit。Ahandkerchiefofhiswife”sseeninCassio”shandwasmotiveenoughtothedeludedOthellotopasssentenceofdeathuponthemboth，withoutonceinquiringhowCassiocamebyit。
DesdemonahadnevergivensuchapresenttoCassio，norwouldthisconstantladyhavewrongedherlordwithdoingsonaughtyathingasgivinghispresentstoanotherman；bothCassioand，DesdemonawereinnocentofanyoffenseagainstOthello；butthewickedIago，whosespiritsneversleptincontrivanceofvillainy，hadmadehiswife(agood，butaweakwoman)stealthishandkerchieffromDesdemona，underpretenseofgettingtheworkcopied，butinrealitytodropitinCassio”sway，wherehemightfindit，andgiveahandletoIago”ssuggestionthatitwasDesdemona”spresent。
Othello，soonaftermeetinghiswife，pretendedthathehadaheadache(ashemightindeedwithtruth)，anddesiredhertolendhimherhandkerchieftoholdtohistemples。Shedidso。
“Notthis，“saidOthello，“butthathandkerchiefIgaveyou。”
Desdemonahaditnotabouther(forindeeditwasstolen，aswehaverelated)。
“How？“saidOthello，“thisisafaultindeed。ThathandkerchiefanEgyptianwomangavetomymother；thewomanwasawitchandcouldreadpeople”sthoughts。Shetoldmymotherwhileshekeptititwouldmakeheramiableandmyfatherwouldloveher；butifshelostitorgaveitaway，myfather”sfancywouldturnandhewouldloatheherasmuchashehadlovedher。She，dying，gaveittome，andbademe，ifIevermarried，togiveittomywife。I
didso。Takeheedofit。Makeitadarlingaspreciousasyoureye。”
“Isitpossible？“saidthefrightedlady。
“”Tistrue，“continuedOthello；“itisamagicalhandkerchief；asibylthathadlivedintheworldtwohundredyears，inafitofpropheticfuryworkedit；thesilkwormsthatfurnishedthesilkwerehallowed，anditwasdyedinamummyofmaidens”heartsconserved。”
Desdemona，hearingthewondrousvirtuesofthehandkerchief，wasreadytodiewithfear，forsheplainlyperceivedshehadlostit，andwithit，shefeared，theaffectionsofherhusband。ThenOthellostartedandlookedasifheweregoingtodosomerashthing，andstillhedemandedthehandkerchief，whichwhenshecouldnotproduce，shetriedtodivertherhusbandfromtooseriousthoughts，andcheerfullytoldhimshesawallhistalkaboutthehandkerchiefwasonlytoputherofffromhersuitaboutMichaelCassio，whomshewentontopraise(asIagohadforetold)，tillOthelloinperfectdistractionburstoutoftheroom，andthenDesdemona，thoughunwillingly，begantosuspectthatherlordwasjealous。
Whatcauseshecouldhaveministeredtohimsheknewnot，andthensheaccusedherselfforaccusingthenobleOthello，andthought，tobesure，thatsomeuntowardnewsfromVeniceorsomestatetroubleshadpuddledhisspiritsandmadehistempernotsosweetasformerly。Andshesaid，“Menarenotgods，andwemustnotlookforthatobservancefromthemwhentheyaremarriedwhichtheyshowusonthebridalday。”Andshebeshrewedherselfforsounkindlyjudgingofhisunkindness。
AgainOthelloandDesdemonamet，andheaccusedhermoreplainlyofbeingunfaithfulandoflovinganotherman，buthedidnotnamewhom。AndOthellowept，andDesdemonasaid，“Alas！theheavyday！whydoyouweep？“AndOthellotoldherhecouldhaveborneallsortsofevilswithfortitude——poverty，anddisease，anddisgrace——butherinfidelityhadbrokenhisheart。Andhecalledheraweedthatlookedsofairandsmelledsosweetthatthesenseachedatit；andwishedshehadneverbeenborn。Andwhenhehadleftherthisinnocentladywassostupefiedwithwonderatherlord”suntruesuspicionofherthataweightlikesleepcameoverher，andsheonlydesiredherattendanttomakeherbedandtolayherwedding-sheetsuponit，sayingthatwhenpeopleteachtheirbabestheydoitbygentlemeansandeasytasks，andOthellomighthavechidherso；foringoodfaithshewasbutachildwhenshewaschidden。Andthiswasallthecomplaintwhichthisgentleladymade。
Desdemonabeingretiredtobed，expectingherlordwouldfollowher，soonfellintoaslumber，theeffectofhertroubledspirits，whenOthelloenteredthechamber，fulloftheblackpurposewhichhehadmeditated，ofputtinghisladytodeath。Butwhenhesawherasleephethoughthewouldnotshedherblood，norscarthatwhiteskinofhers，morewhitethanalabaster。Buthewasresolvedsheshoulddie，else(ashesaid)shewouldlivetobetray，moremenasshehaddonehim。Thenhekissedherforthelasttime(ashesaid)，andthatkisswassosweetthathemustneedskissheragain；andhewept，buthesaidtheywerecrueltears。
Desdemonawasawakenedwithhiskisses，andshelookeduponOthello，andshesawhimgnawhisunderlipandrollhiseyes，andsheknewhewasalwaysfatalwhenhelookedso；andhebadeherpreparefordeathandtosayherprayers，forhewouldnotkillhersoul。Andthisinnocentwife，asshelayathismercy，beggedforcompassionandtoknowherfault，andthenhenamedCassio，andthehandkerchiefwhich(hesaid)shehadgivenhim；
andastheguiltlessladywasproceedingtoclearherselfhesuddenlywouldhearnomore，but，coveringherupinthebedclothes，stifledhertillshedied。
InthisinstantoftimewasbroughtintothehouseCassio，woundedandbleeding，whomIagohadsetoneofhiscreaturesontoassassinate；butthefellownotsucceedinginhisattempttokillCassio(whomhewounded，butnotmortally)，andbeinghim-
selfkilledbyIagotopreventdiscovery，inhispocketswerefoundcertainletters，whichmadetheguiltofIago，andtheinnocenceofCassio，clearbeyondalldoubt；andCassionowcametobegpardonofOthello，andtoaskwhereinhehadoffendedhim，thathehademployedIagotomurderhim。
ThisdiscoverywasasathunderstroketoOthello，whonowplainlysawthathewasnobetterthanamurderer，andthathiswife(poorinnocentlady)hadbeeneverfaithfultohim；theextremeanguishofwhichdiscoverymakinglifeinsupportable，hefelluponhissword，andthrowinghimselfuponthebodyofhisdearinjuredlady，expired。
Theserashactsraisedmuchpassionofhorrorandamazementinthebystanders，forOthellohadborneafairreputation，andtillhewaswroughtuponbytheartsofavillain，whichhisownnoblenaturenevergavehimleavetosuspect，hewasalovingandadotinghusband。Hehadlovednotwisely，buttoowell；andhismanlyeyes(whenbelearnedhismistake)，thoughnotusedtoweeponeverysmalloccasion，droppedtearsasfastastheArabiantreestheirgum。Andwhenhewasdeadallhisformermeritsandhisvaliantactswereremembered。NothingnowremainedforhissuccessorbuttoputtheutmostcensureofthelawinforceagainstIago，whowasexecutedwithstricttortures；andtosendwordtothestateofVeniceofthelamentabledeathoftheirrenownedgeneral。
PERICLES，PRINCEOFTYRE
Pericles，PrinceofTyre，becameavoluntaryexilefromhisdominions，toavertthedreadfulcalamitieswhichAntiochus，thewickedemperorofGreece，threatenedtobringuponhissubjectsandcityofTyre，inrevengeforadiscoverywhichtheprincehadmadeofashockingdeedwhichtheemperorhaddoneinsecret；ascommonlyitprovesdangeroustopryintothehiddencrimesofgreatones。Leavingthegovernmentofhispeopleinthehandsofhisableandhonestminister，Helicanus，PericlessetsailfromTyre，thinkingtoabsenthimselftillthewrathofAntiochus，whowasmighty，shouldbeappeased。
ThefirstplacewhichtheprincedirectedhiscoursetowasTarsus，andhearingthatthecityofTarsuswasatthattimesufferingunderaseverefamine，hetookwithhimastoreofprovisionsforitsrelief。Onhisarrivalhefoundthecityreducedtotheutmostdistress；and，hecominglikeamessengerfromheavenwithhisunhoped-forsuccor，Cleon，thegovernorofTarsus，welcomedhimwithboundlessthanks。Pericleshadnotbeenheremanydaysbeforeletterscamefromhisfaithfulminister，warninghimthatitwasnotsafeforhimtostayatTarsus，forAntiochusknewofhisabode，andbysecretemissariesdespatchedforthatpurposesoughthislife。UponreceiptoftheselettersPericlesputouttoseaagain，amidtheblessingsandprayersofawholepeoplewhohadbeenfedbyhisbounty。
Hehadnotsailedfarwhenhisshipwasovertakenbyadreadfulstorm，andeverymanonboardperishedexceptPericles，whowascastbytheseawavesnakedonanunknownshore，wherehehadnotwanderedlongbeforehemetwithsomepoorfishermen，whoinvitedhimtotheirhomes，givinghimclothesandprovisions。ThefishermentoldPericlesthenameoftheircountrywasPentapolis，andthattheirkingwasSimonides，commonlycalledthegoodSimonides，becauseofhispeaceablereignandgoodgovernment。
FromthemhealsolearnedthatKingSimonideshadafairyoungdaughter，andthatthefollowingdaywasherbirthday，whenagrandtournamentwastobeheldatcourt，manyprincesandknightsbeingcomefromallpartstotrytheirskillinarmsfortheloveofThaisa，thisfairprincess。Whiletheprincewaslisteningtothisaccount，andsecretlylamentingthelossofhisgoodarmor，whichdisabledhimfrommakingoneamongthesevaliantknights，anotherfishermanbroughtinacompletesuitofarmorthathehadtakenoutoftheseawithhisfishing-net，whichprovedtobetheveryarmorhehadlost。WhenPericlesbeheldhisownarmorhesaid：“Thanks，Fortune；afterallmycrossesyougivemesomewhattorepairmyselfThisarmorwasbequeathedtomebymydeadfather，forwhosedearsakeIhavesoloveditthatwhithersoeverIwentIstillhavekeptitbyme，andtheroughseathatparteditfromme，havingnowbecomecalm，hathgivenitbackagain，forwhichIthankit，for，sinceIhavemyfather”sgiftagain，Ithinkmyshipwrecknomisfortune。”
ThenextdayPericles，cladinhisbravefather”sarmor，repairedtotheroyalcourtofSimonides，whereheperformedwondersatthetournament，vanquishingwitheaseallthebraveknightsandvaliantprinceswhocontendedwithhiminarmsforthehonorofThaisa”slove。Whenbravewarriorscontendedatcourttournamentsfortheloveofkings”daughters，ifoneprovedsolevictoroveralltherest，itwasusualforthegreatladyforwhosesakethesedeedsofvalorwereundertakentobestowallherrespectupontheconqueror，andThaisadidnotdepartfromthiscustom，forshepresentlydismissedalltheprincesandknightswhomPericleshadvanquished，anddistinguishedhimbyherespecialfavorandregard，crowninghimwiththewreathofvictory，askingofthatday”shappiness；andPericlesbecameamostpassionateloverofthisbeauteousprincessfromthefirstmomenthebeheldher。
ThegoodSimonidessowellapprovedofthevalorandnoblequalitiesofPericles，whowasindeedamostaccomplishedgentlemanandwelllearnedinallexcellentarts，thatthoughheknewnottherankofthisroyalstranger(forPericlesforfearofAntiochusgaveoutthathewasaprivategentlemanofTyre)，yetdidnotSimonidesdisdaintoacceptofthevaliantunknownforason-in-law，whenheperceivedhisdaughter”saffectionswerefirmlyfixeduponhim。
PericleshadnotbeenmanymonthsmarriedtoThaisabeforehereceivedintelligencethathisenemyAntiochuswasdead，andthathissubjectsofTyre，impatientofhislongabsence，threatenedtorevoltandtalkedofplacingHelicanusuponhisvacantthrone。
ThisnewscamefromHelicanushimself，who，beingaloyalsubjecttohisroyalmaster，wouldnotacceptofthehighdignityofferedhim，butsenttoletPericlesknowtheirintentions，thathemightreturnhomeandresumehislawfulright。ItwasmatterofgreatsurpriseandjoytoSimonidestofindthathisson-in-law(theobscureknight)wastherenownedPrinceofTyre；
yetagainheregrettedthathewasnottheprivategentlemanhesupposedhimtobe，seeingthathemustnowpartbothwithhisadmiredson-in-lawandhisbeloveddaughter，whomhefearedtotrusttotheperilsofthesea，becauseThaisawaswithchild；
andPericleshimselfwishedhertoremainwithherfathertillafterherconfinement；butthepoorladysoearnestlydesiredtogowithherhusbandthatatlasttheyconsented，hopingshewouldreachTyrebeforeshewasbroughttobed。
TheseawasnofriendlyelementtounhappyPericles，forlongbeforetheyreachedTyreanotherdreadfultempestarose，whichsoterrifiedThaisathatshewastakenill，andinashortspaceoftimehernurse，Lychorida，cametoPericleswithalittlechildinherarms，totelltheprincethesadtidingsthathiswifediedthemomentherlittlebabewasborn。Sheheldthebabetowarditsfather，saying：
“Hereisathingtooyoungforsuchaplace。Thisisthechildofyourdeadqueen。”
NotonguecantellthedreadfulsufferingsofPericleswhenheheardhiswifewasdead。Assoonashecouldspeakhesaid：
“Oyougods，whydoyoumakeusloveyourgoodlygiftsandthensnatchthosegiftsaway？“
“Patience，goodsir，“saidLychorida，“hereisallthatisleftaliveofourdeadqueen，alittledaughter，andforyourchild”ssakebemoremanly。Patience，goodsir，evenforthesakeofthispreciouscharge。”
Periclestookthenewborninfantinhisarms，andhesaidtothelittlebabe：“Nowmayyourlifebemild，foramoreblusterousbirthhadneverbabe！Mayyourconditionbemildandgentle，foryouhavehadtherudestwelcomethateverprince”schilddidmeetwith！Maythatwhichfollowsbehappy，foryouhavehadaschidinganativityasfire，air，water，earth，andheavencouldmaketoheraldyoufromthewomb！Evenatthefirst，yourloss，“
meaninginthedeathofhermother，“ismorethanallthejoys，whichyoushallfinduponthisearthtowhichyouarecomeanewvisitor，shallbeabletorecompense。”
Thestormstillcontinuingtoragefuriously，andthesailorshavingasuperstitionthatwhileadeadbodyremainedintheshipthestormwouldnevercease，theycametoPericlestodemandthathisqueenshouldbethrownoverboard；andtheysaid：
“Whatcourage，sir？Godsaveyou！“
“Courageenough，“saidthesorrowingprince。“Idonotfearthestorm；ithasdonetomeitsworst；yetfortheloveofthispoorinfant，thisfreshnewseafarer，Iwishthestormwasover。”
“Sir，“saidthesailors，“yourqueenmustoverboard。Theseaworkshigh，thewindisloud，andthestormwillnotabatetilltheshipbeclearedofthedead。”
ThoughPericlesknewhowweakandunfoundedthissuperstitionwas，yethepatientlysubmitted，saying：“Asyouthinkmeet。Thenshemustoverboard，mostwretchedqueen！“
Andnowthisunhappyprincewenttotakealastviewofhisdearwife，andashelookedonhisThaisahesaid：“Aterriblechildbedhastthouhad，mydear；nolight，nofire；theunfriendlyelementsforgettheeutterly，norhaveItimetobringtheehallowedtothygrave，butmustcasttheescarcelycoffinedintothesea，whereforamonumentuponthybonesthehummingwatersmustoverwhelmthycorpse，lyingwithsimpleshells。O
Lychorida，bidNestorbringmespices，ink，andpaper，mycasketandmyjewels，andbidNicandorbringmethesatincoffin。Laythebabeuponthepillow，andgoaboutthissuddenly，Lychorida，whileIsayapriestlyfarewelltomyThaisa。”
TheybroughtPericlesalargechest，inwhich(wrappedinasatinshroud)heplacedhisqueen，andsweet-smellingspiceshestrewedoverher，andbesideherheplacedrichjewels，andawrittenpapertellingwhoshewasandprayingifhaplyanyoneshouldfindthechestwhichcontainedthebodyofhiswifetheywouldgiveherburial；andthenwithhisownhandshecastthechestintothesea。Whenthestormwasover，PericlesorderedthesailorstomakeforTarsus。“For，“saidPericles，“thebabecannotholdouttillwecometoTyre。AtTarsusIwillleaveitatcarefulnursing。”
AfterthattempestuousnightwhenThaisawasthrownintothesea，andwhileitwasyetearlymorning，asCerimon，aworthygentlemanofEphesusandamostskilfulphysician，wasstandingbytheseaside，hisservantsbroughttohimachest，whichtheysaidtheseawaveshadthrownontheland。
“Ineversaw，“saidoneofthem，“sohugeabillowascastitonourshore。”
Cerimonorderedthechesttobeconveyedtohisownhouse，andwhenitwasopenedhebeheldwithwonderthebodyofayoungandlovelylady；andthesweet-smellingspicesandrichcasketofjewelsmadehimconcludeitwassomegreatpersonwhowasthusstrangelyentombed。Searchingfarther，hediscoveredapaper，fromwhichhelearnedthatthecorpsewhichlayasdeadbeforehimhadbeenaqueen，andwifetoPericles，PrinceofTyre；andmuchadmiringatthestrangenessofthataccident，andmorepityingthehusbandwhohadlostthissweetlady，hesaid：
“Ifyouareliving，Pericles，youhaveaheartthatevencrackswithwoe。”Then，observingattentivelyThaisa”sface，hesawhowfreshandunlikedeathherlookswere，andhesaid，“Theyweretoohastythatthrewyouintothesea“；forhedidnotbelievehertobedead。Heorderedafiretobemade，andpropercordialstobebrought，andsoftmusictobeplayed，whichmighthelptocalmheramazedspiritsifsheshouldrevive；andhesaidtothosewhocrowdedroundher，wonderingatwhattheysaw，“O，I
prayyou，gentlemen，giveherair；thisqueenwilllive；shehasnotbeenentrancedabovefivehours；andsee，shebeginstoblowintolifeagain；sheisalive；behold，hereyelidsmove；thisfaircreaturewilllivetomakeusweeptohearherfate。”
Thaisahadneverdied，butafterthebirthofherlittlebabyhadfallenintoadeepswoonwhichmadeallthatsawherconcludehertobedead；andnowbythecareofthiskindgentlemansheoncemorerevivedtolightandlife；and，openinghereyes，shesaid：
“WhereamI？Whereismylord？Whatworldisthis？“
BygentledegreesCerimonletherunderstandwhathadbefallenher；andwhenhethoughtshewasenoughrecoveredtobearthesightheshowedherthepaperwrittenbyherhusband，andthejewels；andshelookedonthepaperandsaid：
“Itismylord”swriting。ThatIwasshippedatseaIwellremember，butwhethertheredeliveredofmybabe，bytheholygodsIcannotrightlysay；butsincemyweddedlordInevershallseeagain，Iwillputonavestalliveryandnevermorehavejoy。”
“Madam，“saidCerimon，“ifyoupurposeasyouspeak，thetempleofDianaisnotfardistantfromhence；thereyoumayabideasavestal。Moreover，ifyouplease，anieceofmineshallthereattendyou。”ThisproposalwasacceptedwiththanksbyThaisa；
andwhenshewasperfectlyrecovered，CerimonplacedherinthetempleofDiana，whereshebecameavestalorpriestessofthatgoddess，andpassedherdaysinsorrowingforherhusband”ssupposedloss，andinthemostdevoutexercisesofthosetimes。
Periclescarriedhisyoungdaughter(whomhenamedMarina，becauseshewasbornatsea)toTarsus，intendingtoleaveherwithCleon，thegovernorofthatcity，andhiswifeDionysia，thinking，forthegoodhehaddonetothematthetimeoftheirfamine，theywouldbekindtohislittlemotherlessdaughter。
WhenCleonsawPrincePericlesandheardofthegreatlosswhichhadbefallenhimhesaid，“Oh，yoursweetqueen，thatithadpleasedHeavenyoucouldhavebroughtherhithertohaveblessedmyeyeswiththesightofher！“
Periclesreplied：“Wemustobeythepowersaboveus。ShouldI
rageandroarastheseadoesinwhichmyThaisahas，yettheendmustbeasitis。Mygentlebabe，Marinahere，Imustchargeyourcharitywithher。Ileavehertheinfantofyourcare，beseechingyoutogiveherprincelytraining。”AndthenturningtoCleon”swife，Dionysia，hesaid，“Goodmadam，makemeblessedinyourtareinbringingupmychild。”
Andsheanswered，“Ihaveachildmyselfwhoshallnotbemoredeartomyrespectthanyours，mylord。”
AndCleonmadethelikepromise，saying：“Yournobleservices，PrincePericles，infeedingmywholepeoplewithyourcorn(forwhichintheirprayerstheydailyrememberyou)mustinyourchildbethoughton。IfIshouldneglectyourchild，mywholepeoplethatwerebyyourelievedwouldforcemetomyduty；butiftothatIneedaspur，thegodsrevengeitonmeandminetotheendofgeneration。”
Pericles，beingthusassuredthathischildwouldbecarefullyattendedto，lefthertotheprotectionofCleonandhiswifeDionysia，andwithherheleftthenurse，Lychorida。WhenhewentawaythelittleMarinaknewnotherloss，butLychoridaweptsadlyatpartingwithherroyalmaster。
“Oh，notears，Lychorida，“saidPericles；“notears；looktoyourlittlemistress，onwhosegraceyoumaydependhereafter。”
PericlesarrivedinsafetyatTyre，andwasoncemoresettledinthequietpossessionofhisthrone，whilehiswoefulqueen，whomhethoughtdead，remainedatEphesus。HerlittlebabeMarina，whomthishaplessmotherhadneverseen，wasbroughtupbyCleoninamannersuitabletoherhighbirth。Hegaveherthemostcarefuleducation，sothatbythetimeMarinaattainedtheageoffourteenyearsthemostdeeplylearnedmenwerenotmorestudiedinthelearningofthosetimesthanwasMarina。Shesanglikeoneimmortal，anddancedasgoddess-like，andwithherneedleshewassoskilfulthatsheseemedtocomposenature”sownshapesinbirds，fruits，orflowers，thenaturalrosesbeingscarcelymoreliketoeachotherthantheyweretoMarina”ssilkenflowers。Butwhenshehadgainedfromeducationallthesegraceswhichmadeherthegeneralwonder，Dionysia，thewifeofCleon，becamehermortalenemyfromjealousy，byreasonthatherowndaughter，fromtheslownessofhermind，wasnotabletoattaintothatperfectionwhereinMarinaexcelled；andfindingthatallpraisewasbestowedonMarina，whileherdaughter，whowasofthesameageandhadbeeneducatedwiththesamecareasMarina，thoughnotwiththesamesuccess，wasincomparisondisregarded，sheformedaprojecttoremoveMarinaoutoftheway，vainlyimaginingthatheruntowarddaughterwouldbemorerespectedwhenMarinawasnomoreseen。ToencompassthissheemployedamantomurderMarina，andshewelltimedherwickeddesign，whenLychorida，thefaithfulnurse，hadjustdied。DionysiawasdiscoursingwiththemanshehadcommandedtocommitthismurderwhentheyoungMarinawasweepingoverthedeadLychorida。
Leonine，themansheemployedtodothisbaddeed，thoughhewasaverywickedman，couldhardlybepersuadedtoundertakeit，sohadMarinawonallheartstoloveher。Hesaid：
“Sheisagoodlycreature！“
“Thefitterthenthegodsshouldhaveher，“repliedhermercilessenemy。“HereshecomesweepingforthedeathofhernurseLychorida。Areyouresolvedtoobeyme？“
Leonine，fearingtodisobeyher，replied，“Iamresolved。”Andso，inthatoneshortsentence，wasthematchlessMarinadoomedtoanuntimelydeath。Shenowapproached，withabasketofflowersinherhand，whichshesaidshewoulddailystrewoverthegraveofgoodLychorida。Thepurplevioletandthemarigoldshouldasacarpethanguponhergrave，whilesummerdaysdidlast。
“Alasformet“shesaid，“poorunhappymaid，borninatempest，whenmymotherdied。Thisworldtomeislikealastingstorm，hurryingmefrommyfriends。”
“Hownow，Marina，“saidthedissemblingDionysia，“doyouweepalone？Howdoesitchancemydaughterisnotwithyou？DonotsorrowforLychorida；youhaveanurseinme。Yourbeautyisquitechangedwiththisunprofitablewoe。Come，givemeyourflowers——theseaairwillspoilthem——andwalkwithLeonine；theairisfine，andwillenlivenyou。Come，Leonine，takeherbythearmandwalkwithher。”
“No，madam，“saidMarina，“Iprayyouletmenotdepriveyouofyourservant“；forLeoninewasoneofDionysia”sattendants。
“Come，come，“saidthisartfulwoman，whowishedforapretensetoleaveheralonewithLeonine，“Ilovetheprince，yourfather，andIloveyou。Weeverydayexpectyourfatherhere；andwhenhecomesandfindsyousochangedbygrieffromtheparagonofbeautywereportedyou，hewillthinkwehavetakennocareofyou。Go，Iprayyou，walk，andbecheerfulonceagain。Becarefulofthatexcellentcomplexionwhichstoletheheartsofoldandyoung。”
Marina，beingthusimportuned，said，“Well，Iwillgo，butyetI
havenodesiretoit。”
AsDionysiawalkedawayshesaidtoLeonine，“RememberwhatI
havesaid！“shockingwords，fortheirmeaningwasthatheshouldremembertokillMarina。
Marinalookedtowardthesea，herbirthplace，andsaid，“Isthewindwesterlythatblows？“
“Southwest，“repliedLeonine。
“WhenIwasbornthewindwasnorth，“saidshe；andthenthestormandtempestandallherfather”ssorrows，andhermother”sdeath，camefullintohermind，andshesaid，“Myfather，asLychoridatoldme，didneverfear，butcried，COURAGE，GOOD
SEAMEN，tothesailors，gallinghisprincelyhandswiththeropes，and，claspingtothemasts，heenduredaseathatalmostsplitthedeck。”
“Whenwasthis？“saidLeonine。
“WhenIwasborn，“repliedMarina。“Neverwerewindandwavesmoreviolent。”Andthenshedescribedthestorm，theactionofthesailors，theboatswain”swhistle，andtheloudcallofthemaster，which，“saidshe，“trebledtheconfusionoftheship。”
LychoridahadsooftenrecountedtoMarinathestoryofherhaplessbirththatthesethingsseemedeverpresenttoherimagination。ButhereLeonineinterruptedherwithdesiringhertosayherprayers。“Whatmeanyou？“saidMarina，whobegantofear，sheknewnotwhy。
“Ifyourequirealittlespaceforprayer，Igrantit，“saidLeonine；“butbenottedious；thegodsarequickofearandIamsworntodomyworkinhaste。”
“Willyoukillme？“saidMarina。“Alas！why？“
“Tosatisfymylady，“repliedLeonine。
“Whywouldshehavemekilled？“saidMarina。“Now，asIcanremember，Ineverhurtherinallmylife。Ineverspakebadwordnordidanyillturntoanylivingcreature。Believemenow，I
neverkilledamousenorhurtafly。Itroduponawormonceagainstmywill，butIweptforit。HowhaveIoffended？“
Themurdererreplied，“Mycommissionisnottoreasononthedeed，buttodoit。”Andhewasjustgoingtokillherwhencertainpirateshappenedtolandatthatverymoment，who，seeingMarina，boreheroffasaprizetotheirship。
ThepiratewhohadmadeMarinahisprizecarriedhertoMityleneandsoldherforaslave，where，thoughinthathumblecondition，MarinasoonbecameknownthroughoutthewholecityofMityleneforherbeautyandhervirtues，andthepersontowhomshewassoldbecamerichbythemoneysheearnedforhim。Shetaughtmusic，dancing，andfineneedleworks，andthemoneyshegotbyherscholarsshegavetohermasterandmistress；andthefameofherlearningandhergreatindustrycametotheknowledgeofLysimachus，ayoungnoblemanwhowasgovernorofMitylene，andLysimachuswenthimselftothehousewhereMarinadwelt，toseethisparagonofexcellencewhomallthecitypraisedsohighly。
HerconversationdelightedLysimachusbeyondmeasure，for，thoughhehadheardmuchofthisadmiredmaiden，hedidnotexpecttofindhersosensiblealady，sovirtuous，andsogood，asheperceivedMarinatobe；andhelefther，sayinghehopedshewouldpersevereinherindustriousandvirtuouscourse，andthatifeversheheardfromhimagainitshouldbeforhergood。
LysimachusthoughtMarinasuchamiracleforsense，finebreeding，andexcellentqualities，aswellasforbeautyandalloutwardgraces，thathewishedtomarryher，and，notwithstandingherhumblesituation，hehopedtofindthatherbirthwasnoble；
butwheneverwhentheyaskedherparentageshewouldsitstillandweep。
Meantime，atTarsus，Leonine，fearingtheangerofDionysia，toldherhehadkilledMarina；andthatwickedwomangaveoutthatshewasdead，andmadeapretendedfuneralforher，anderectedastatelymonument；andshortlyafterPericles，accompaniedbyhisloyalministerHelicanus，madeavoyagefromTyretoTarsus，onpurposetoseehisdaughter，intendingtotakeherhomewithhim。
AndheneverhavingbeheldhersinceheleftheraninfantinthecareofCleonandhiswife，howdidthisgoodprincerejoiceatthethoughtofseeingthisdearchildofhisburiedqueen！ButwhentheytoldhimMarinawasdead，andshowedthemonumenttheyhaderectedforher，greatwasthemiserythismostwretchedfatherendured，and，notbeingabletobearthesightofthatcountrywherehislasthopeandonlymemoryofhisdearThaisawasentombed，hetookshipandhastilydepartedfromTarsus。Fromthedayheenteredtheshipadullandheavymelancholyseizedhim。Heneverspoke，andseemedtotallyinsensibletoeverythingaroundhim。
SailingfromTarsustoTyre，theshipinitscoursepassedbyMitylene，whereMarinadwelt；thegovernorofwhichplace，Lysimachus，observingthisroyalvesselfromtheshore，anddesirousofknowingwhowasonboard，wentinabargetothesideoftheship，tosatisfyhiscuriosity。HelicanusreceivedhimverycourteouslyandtoldhimthattheshipcamefromTyre，andthattheywereconductingthitherPericles，theirprince。“Amansir，“saidHelicanus，“whohasnotspokentoanyonethesethreemonths，nortakenanysustenance，butjusttoprolonghisgrief；
itwouldbetedioustorepeatthewholegroundofhisdistemper，butthemainspringsfromthelossofabeloveddaughterandawife。”
Lysimachusbeggedtoseethisafflictedprince，andwhenhebeheldPericleshesawhehadbeenonceagoodlyperson，andhesaidtohim：“Sirking，allhail！Thegodspreserveyou！Hail，royalsir！“
ButinvainLysimachusspoketohim。Periclesmadenoanswer，nordidheappeartoperceiveanystrangerapproached。AndthenLysimachusbethoughthimofthepeerlessmaidMarina，thathaplywithhersweettongueshemightwinsomeanswerfromthesilentprince；andwiththeconsentofHelicanushesentforMarina，andwhensheenteredtheshipinwhichherownfathersatmotionlesswithgrief，theywelcomedheronboardasiftheyhadknownshewastheirprincess；andtheycried：
“Sheisagallantlady。”
Lysimachuswaswellpleasedtoheartheircommendations，andhesaid：
“Sheissuchaonethat，wereIwellassuredshecameofnoblebirth，Iwouldwishnobetterchoiceandthinkmerarelyblessedinawife。”Andthenheaddressedherincourtlyterms，asifthelowlyseemingmaidhadbeenthehigh-bornladyhewishedtofindher，callingherFAIRANDBEAUTIFULMARINA，tellingheragreatprinceonboardthatshiphadfallenintoasadandmournfulsilence；and，asifMarinahadthepowerofconferringhealthandfelicity，hebeggedshewouldundertaketocuretheroyalstrangerofhismelancholy。
“Sir，“saidMarina，“Iwillusemyutmostskillinhisrecovery，providednonebutIandmymaidbesufferedtocomenearhim。”
She，whoatMitylenehadsocarefullyconcealedherbirth，ashamedtotellthatoneofroyalancestrywasnowaslave，firstbegantospeaktoPericlesofthewaywardchangesinherownfate，tellinghimfromwhatahighestateherselfhadfallen。Asifshehadknownitwasherroyalfathershestoodbefore，allthewordsshespokewereofherownsorrows；butherreasonforsodoingwasthatsheknewnothingmorewinstheattentionoftheunfortunatethantherecitalofsomesadcalamitytomatchtheirown。Thesoundofhersweetvoicearousedthedroopingprince；helifteduphiseyes，whichhadbeensolongfixedandmotionless；
andMarina，whowastheperfectimageofhermother，presentedtohisamazedsightthefeaturesofhisdeadqueen。Thelongsilentprincewasoncemoreheardtospeak。
“Mydearestwife，“saidtheawakenedPericles，“waslikethismaid，andsuchaonemightmydaughterhavebeen。Myqueen”ssquarebrows，herstaturetoaninch，aswand-likestraight，assilver-voiced，hereyesasjewel-like。Wheredoyoulive，youngmaid？Reportyourparentage。Ithinkyousaidyouhadbeentossedfromwrongtoinjury，andthatyouthoughtyourgriefswouldequalmine，ifbothwereopened。”
“SomesuchthingIsaid，“repliedMarina，“andsaidnomorethanwhatmythoughtsdidwarrantmeaslikely。”
“Tellmeyourstory，“answeredPericles。“IfIfindyouhaveknownthethousandthpartofmyenduranceyouhaveborneyoursorrowslikeamanandIhavesufferedlikeagirl；yetyoudolooklikePatiencegazingonkings”gravesandsmilingextremelyoutofact。Howlostyouyourname，mymostkindvirgin？Recountyourstory，Ibeseechyou。Come，sitbyme。”
HowwasPericlessurprisedwhenshesaidhernamewasMARINA，forheknewitwasnousualname，buthadbeeninventedbyhimselfforhisownchildtosignifySEA-BORN。
“Oh，Iammocked，“saidhe，“andyouaresenthitherbysomeincensedgodtomaketheworldlaughatme。”
“Patience，goodsir，“saidMarina，“orImustceasehere。”
“Na@，“saidPericles，“Iwillbepatient。Youlittleknowhowyoudostartleme，tocallyourselfMarina。”
“Thename，“shereplied，“wasgivenmebyonethathadsomepower，myfatherandaking。”
“How，aking”sdaughter！“saidPericles，“andcalledMarina！Butareyoufleshandblood？Areyounofairy？Speakon。Wherewereyouborn，andwhereforecalledMarina？“
Shereplied：“IwascalledMarinabecauseIwasbornatsea。Mymotherwasthedaughterofaking；shediedtheminuteIwasborn，asmygoodnurseLychoridahasoftentoldme，weeping。Theking，myfather，leftmeatTarsustillthecruelwifeofCleonsoughttomurderme。AcrewofpiratescameandrescuedmeandbroughtmeheretoMitylene。But，goodsir，whydoyouweep？Itmaybeyouthinkmeanimpostor。Butindeed，sir，IamthedaughtertoKingPericles，ifgoodKingPericlesbeliving。”
ThenPericles，terrifiedasheseemedathisownsuddenjoy，anddoubtfulifthiscouldbereal，loudlycalledforhisattendants，whorejoicedatthesoundoftheirbelovedking”svoice；andhesaidtoHelicanus：
“OHelicanus，strikeme，givemeagash，putmetopresentpain，lestthisgreatseaofjoysrushinguponmeoverbeartheshoresofmymortality。Oh，comehither，thouthatwastbornatsea，buriedatTarsus，andfoundatseaagain。OHelicanus，downonyourknees，thanktheholygods！ThisisMarina。Nowblessingsonthee，mychild！Givemefreshgarments，mineownHelicanus！SheisnotdeadatTarsusassheshouldhavebeenbythesavageDionysia。Sheshalltellyouall，whenyoushallkneeltoherandcallheryourveryPrincess。Whoisthis？“(observingLysimachusforthefirsttime)。
“Sir，“saidHelicanus，“itisthegovernorofMitylene，who，hearingofyourmelancholy，cametoseeyou。”
“Iembraceyou，sir，“saidPericles。“Givememyrobes！Iamwellwithbeholding。OHeavenblessmygirl！Buthark，whatmusicisthat？“——fornow，eithersentbysomekindgodorbyhisowndelightedfancydeceived，heseemedtohearsoftmusic。
“Mylord，Ihearnone，“repliedHelicanus。
“None？“saidPericles。“Why，itisthemusicofthespheres。”
Astherewasnomusictobeheard，Lysimachusconcludedthatthesuddenjoyhadunsettledtheprince”sunderstanding，andhesaid，“Itisnotgoodtocrosshim；lethimhavehisway。”Andthentheytoldhimtheyheardthemusic；andhenowcomplainingofadrowsyslumbercomingoverhim，Lysimachuspersuadedhimtorestonacouch，and，placingapillowunderhishead，he，quiteoverpoweredwithexcessofjoy，sankintoasoundsleep，andMarinawatchedinsilencebythecouchofhersleepingparent。
Whileheslept，PericlesdreamedadreamwhichmadehimresolvetogotoEphesus。HisdreamwasthatDiana，thegoddessoftheEphesians，appearedtohimandcommandedhimtogotohertempleatEphesus，andtherebeforeheraltartodeclarethestoryofhislifeandmisfortunes；andbyhersilverbowshesworethatifheperformedherinjunctionheshouldmeetwithsomerarefelicity。Whenheawoke，beingmiraculouslyrefreshed，hetoldhisdream，andthathisresolutionwastoobeythebiddingofthegoddess。
ThenLysimachusinvitedPericlestocomeonshoreandrefreshhimselfwithsuchentertainmentasheshouldfindatMitylene，whichcourteousofferPericlesaccepting，agreedtotarrywithhimforthespaceofadayortwo。Duringwhichtimewemaywellsupposewhatfeastings，whatrejoicings，whatcostlyshowsandentertainmentsthegovernormadeinMitylenetogreettheroyalfatherofhisdearMarina，whominherobscurefortuneshehadsorespected。NordidPericlesfrownuponLysimachus”ssuit，whenheunderstoodhowhehadhonoredhischildinthedaysofherlowestate，andthatMarinashowedherselfnotaversetohisproposals；onlyhemadeitacondition，beforehegavehisconsent，thattheyshouldvisitwithhimtheshrineoftheEphesianDiana；towhosetempletheyshortlyafterallthreeundertookavoyage；and，thegoddessherselffillingtheirsailswithprosperouswinds，afterafewweekstheyarrivedinsafetyatEphesus。
Therewasstandingnearthealtarofthegoddess，whenPericleswithhistrainenteredthetemple，thegoodCerimon(nowgrownveryaged)，whohadrestoredThaisa，thewifeofPericles，tolife；andThaisa，nowapriestessofthetemple，wasstandingbeforethealtar；andthoughthemanyyearshehadpassedinsorrowforherlosshadmuchalteredPericles，Thaisathoughtsheknewherhusband”sfeatures，andwhenheapproachedthealtarandbegantospeak，sherememberedhisvoice，andlistenedtohiswordswithwonderandajoyfulamazement。AndthesewerethewordsthatPericlesspokebeforethealtar：
“Hail，Diana！toperformthyjustcommandsIhereconfessmyselfthePrinceofTyre，who，frightedfrommycountry，atPentapolisweddedthefairThaisa。Shediedatseainchildbed，butbroughtforthamaid-childcalledMarina。SheatTarsuswasnursedwithDionysia，whoatfourteenyearsthoughttokillher，butherbetterstarsbroughthertoMitylene，bywhoseshoresasIsailedhergoodfortunesbroughtthismaidonboard，wherebyhermostclearremembranceshemadeherselfknowntobemydaughter。”
Thaisa，unabletobearthetransportswhichhiswordshadraisedinher，criedout，“Youare，youare，OroyalPericles“andfainted。
“Whatmeansthiswoman？“saidPericles。“Shedies！Gentlemen，help。”
“Sir，“saidCerimon，“ifyouhavetoldDiana”saltartrue，thisisyourwife。”
“Reverendgentleman，no，“saidPericles。“Ithrewheroverboardwiththeseveryarms。”
Cerimonthenrecountedhow，earlyonetempestuousmorning，thisladywasthrownupontheEphesianshore；how，openingthecoffin，hefoundthereinrichjewelsandapaper；how，happily，herecoveredherandplacedherhereinDiana”stemple。
AndnowThaisa，beingrestoredfromherswoon，said：“Omylord，areyounotPericles？Likehimyouspeak，likehimyouare。Didyounotnameatempest，abirth，anddeath？“
He，astonished，said，“ThevoiceofdeadThaisa！“
“ThatThaisaamI，“shereplied，“supposeddeadanddrowned。”
“OtrueDiana！“exclaimedPericles，inapassionofdevoutastonishment。
“Andnow，“saidThaisa，“Iknowyoubetter。SucharingasIseeonyourfingerdidthekingmyfathergiveyouwhenwewithtearspartedfromhimatPentapolis。”
“Enough，yougods！“criedPericles。“Yourpresentkindnessmakesmypastmiseriessport。Oh，come，Thaisa，beburiedasecondtimewithinthesearms。”
AndMarinasaid，“Myheartleapstobegoneintomymother”sbosom。”
ThendidPericlesshowhisdaughtertohermother，saying，“Lookwhokneelshere，fleshofthyflesh，thyburthenatsea，andcalledMarinabecauseshewasyieldedthere。”
“Blessedandmyown！“saidThaisa。AndwhileshehunginrapturousjoyoverherchildPericleskneltbeforethealtar，saying：
“PureDiana，blesstheeforthyvision。ForthisIwillofferoblationsnightlytothee。”
AndthenandtheredidPericles，withtheconsentofThaisa，solemnlyaffiancetheirdaughter，thevirtuousMarina，tothewell-deservingLysimachusinmarriage。
ThushaveweseeninPericles，hisqueen，anddaughter，afamousexampleofvirtueassailedbycalamity(throughthesufferanceofHeaven，toteachpatienceandconstancytomen)，underthesameguidancebecomingfinallysuccessfulandtriumphingoverchanceandchange。InHelicanuswehavebeheldanotablepatternoftruth，offaith，andloyalty，who，whenhemighthavesucceededtoathrone，choserathertorecalltherightfulownertohispossessionthantobecomegreatbyanother”swrong。IntheworthyCerimon，whorestoredThaisatolife，weareinstructedhowgoodness，directedbyknowledge，inbestowingbenefitsuponmankindapproachestothenatureofthegods。ItonlyremainstobetoldthatDionysia，thewickedwifeofCleon，metwithanendproportionabletoherdeserts。TheinhabitantsofTarsus，whenhercruelattemptuponMarinawasknown，risinginabodytorevengethedaughteroftheirbenefactor，andsettingfiretothepalaceofCleon，burnedbothhimandherandtheirwholehousehold，thegodsseemingwellpleasedthatsofoulamurder，thoughbutintentionalandnevercarriedintoact，shouldbepunishedinawaybefittingitsenormity。
End
