Pericles

John Gower, the medieval poet, addresses the audience before the palace of King Antioch. Gower has come to life again to relay an ancient story told at festivals and dinner tables, before cozy fires and over beers, by lords and ladies alike. The story is a “restorative,” meant to teach people morals. If the modern audience, far cleverer than those in Gower’s time, indulges his old-fashioned style, Gower will light up the stage with the candle of his story. 

Antiochus the Great built the city of Antioch, the most beautiful in all of Syria. It is said he wedded a fairy, who died young, leaving him with a baby daughter. The girl was so beautiful it seemed heaven itself had lent her all its grace. As she grew up, the king lusted for her, forcing his own daughter into an act of incest, which is an evil that should never be committed. She was a terrible daughter, and he was a worse father. Over time, the father and daughter sinned so often, they forgot that their actions were sin. 

The beauty of Antiochus’s daughter attracted suitors from all over.