Act 2 - Scene 3

The same. A hall of state: a banquet prepared.

Enter SIMONIDES, THAISA, Lords, Attendants, and Knights, from tilting

SIMONIDES

Knights,
To say you're welcome were superfluous.
To place upon the volume of your deeds,
As in a title- page, your worth in arms,
Were more than you expect, or more than's fit,
Since every worth in show commends itself.
Prepare for mirth, for mirth becomes a feast:
You are princes and my guests.

THAISA

But you, my knight and guest;
To whom this wreath of victory I give,
And crown you king of this day's happiness.

PERICLES

'Tis more by fortune, lady, than by merit.

SIMONIDES

Call it by what you will, the day is yours;
And here, I hope, is none that envies it.
In framing an artist, art hath thus decreed,
To make some good, but others to exceed;
And you are her labour'd scholar. Come, queen o'
the feast,–
For, daughter, so you are, –here take your place:
Marshal the rest, as they deserve their grace.

KNIGHTS

We are honour'd much by good Simonides.

SIMONIDES

Your presence glads our days: honour we love;
For who hates honour hates the gods above.

Marshal

Sir, yonder is your place.

PERICLES

Some other is more fit.

First Knight

Contend not, sir; for we are gentlemen
That neither in our hearts nor outward eyes
Envy the great nor do the low despise.

PERICLES

You are right courteous knights.

SIMONIDES

Sit, sir, sit.