Pericles

Gower returns to tell what has transpired between Acts I and II. Pericles is still at Tarsus, where he has endeared himself to the citizens with his good deeds. So happy are the people of Tarsus with Pericles that they want to erect a statue to honor him. In time, Pericles will become a far mightier king than Antiochus, but for now, Pericles has to undergo more travails. Gower points to a “dumb show,” or a mime, in which a messenger brings a letter to Pericles, who is in conversation with Cleon. After reading the letter, Pericles rewards the messenger. He shows the letter to Cleon and the two depart the stage in opposite directions.

Gower tells the audience the letter is from Helicanus, asking Pericles to leave Tarsus, as Thaliard is on his trail. Pericles leaves shortly after, but meets trouble at sea where “there’s seldom ease” (II.Chor.28). Caught in a terrible thunderstorm, Pericles’s ship splits. Pericles is tossed into the water and washed onto the shores of a strange land. What happens next, Pericles himself will tell the audience.