Pericles, Prince of Tyre: Act 3, Scene 4 Translation

A side-by-side translation of Act 3, Scene 4 of Pericles, Prince of Tyre from the original Shakespeare into modern English.

Original Text	Translated Text
Source: Folger Shakespeare Library
Enter Cerimon and Thaisa. CERIMON Madam, this letter and some certain jewels Lay with you in your coffer, which are At your command. Know you the character? He shows her the letter. THAISA It is my lord’s. That I was shipped at sea I well remember, even on my bearing time, 5 But whether there delivered, by the holy gods I cannot rightly say. But since King Pericles, My wedded lord, I ne’er shall see again, A vestal livery will I take me to, And never more have joy. 10	Back in Ephesus, our favorite doctor, Cerimon, has been taking care of Thaisa. Cerimon shows Thaisa the letter and the jewels he found in her coffin, and she verifies her hubby's handwriting. Thaisa says she remembers going into labor on the ship, but she doesn't know if she delivered the baby. In any case, she assumes she'll never see Pericles again and decides to become a nun.
CERIMON Madam, if this You purpose as you speak, Diana’s temple Is not distant far, where you may abide Till your date expire. Moreover, if you Please, a niece of mine shall there attend you. 15 THAISA My recompense is thanks, that’s all; Yet my good will is great, though the gift small. They exit.	Cerimon tells her she should go live in Diana's temple for the rest of her life.

Original Text

Translated Text

Enter Cerimon and Thaisa.

CERIMON
Madam, this letter and some certain jewels
Lay with you in your coffer, which are
At your command. Know you the character?
He shows her the letter.

THAISA
It is my lord’s. That I was shipped at sea
I well remember, even on my bearing time, 5
But whether there delivered, by the holy gods
I cannot rightly say. But since King Pericles,
My wedded lord, I ne’er shall see again,
A vestal livery will I take me to,
And never more have joy. 10

Back in Ephesus, our favorite doctor, Cerimon, has been taking care of Thaisa.

Cerimon shows Thaisa the letter and the jewels he found in her coffin, and she verifies her hubby's handwriting.

Thaisa says she remembers going into labor on the ship, but she doesn't know if she delivered the baby.
In any case, she assumes she'll never see Pericles again and decides to become a nun.

CERIMON Madam, if this
You purpose as you speak, Diana’s temple
Is not distant far, where you may abide
Till your date expire. Moreover, if you
Please, a niece of mine shall there attend you. 15

THAISA
My recompense is thanks, that’s all;
Yet my good will is great, though the gift small.

They exit.

Cerimon tells her she should go live in Diana's temple for the rest of her life.

Pericles, Prince of Tyre: Act 3, Scene 4 Translation

A side-by-side translation of Act 3, Scene 4 of Pericles, Prince of Tyre from the original Shakespeare into modern English.

Original Text

Translated Text

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