Pericles

Pericles prays aloud to the god of the sea, urging him to calm the angry waters, control the wind, and stop the lightning and thunder. He also prays to Lucina, goddess of midwives and childbirth, to help Thaisa during her labor. 

Lychorida enters the stage, holding a baby. Pericles asks her about Thaisa. A dejected Lychorida replies that the infant is all that is left of the mother. Thaisa has died in childbirth, and if the motherless baby were lucky, she should have passed away as well, just as Lychorida herself plans to do. Pericles cries out in shock. Lychorida bids him to contain himself as he must be strong for his little daughter.

Pericles tells the baby he wishes for her a calm life, since her birth has been so chaotic. Since the start is so tumultuous, the baby’s life is bound to be better from this point on. He prays that the gods take note of this fact and bless the princess with stability. Sailors enter the stage, informing Pericles of the worsening storm. They believe that Thaisa’s body being kept on board is creating bad energy. As per the custom of the sailors, the body must be thrown overboard. Pericles reluctantly agrees.

He approaches Thaisa’s body, telling her that he doesn’t even have the time to give her a fit burial. Instead of a magnificent grave lit with torches, Thaisa will only meet whales and simple shells for company. Pericles asks Lychorida to bring him paper and ink, spices, perfumes and the best of his jewels while he says goodbye to his wife.

The sailors tell Pericles that they have a waterproof and sealed casket ready as per his orders. Pericles asks the sailors where they are and is told the nearest port is Tarsus. Pericles orders for the ship’s course to be changed for Tarsus, since the baby needs urgent care. If the wind stops, they may be able to reach Tarsus. Now Pericles must lay Thaisa in the casket and send her to sea.

In Ephesus, Cerimon, a renowned healer, brings home some men who have been shipwrecked. He asks his attendant Philemon to settle the poor men with food and warm clothes. Somone’s attendant visits Cerimon for a remedy for his ailing master, but Cerimon says no earthly cure can help the master, as the raging storm will make it impossible for the servant to return to him in time.

Two gentlemen show up at Cerimon’s house, seeking a remedy. They marvel at Cerimon’s work ethic as he works tirelessly through the night, even though he is wealthy enough to retire. Cerimon replies that he has always believed true wealth lies in virtue rather than riches.

A couple of servants lug in a chest which has been washed ashore. Cerimon bids them to open it, as it may contain treasure. As the servants try to wrench the casket open, a sweet smell rises from within. The coffin’s lid is finally opened to reveal Thaisa’s body inside. Cerimon notes that the body is dressed in regal clothes and packed with spices and jewels, as befits royalty. The casket carries a letter stating that whoever finds the body must give it a proper burial, as this is the wife of King Pericles.

Cerimon observes that Thaisa must have died very recently as she looks almost alive. Suspecting she was declared dead too soon, he asks for a fire to be prepared to warm her and boxes of his remedies to be fetched. He bids the servants to play music as he applies various potions on Thaisa. Thaisa begins to warm up and show signs of life. The amazed gentlemen state that Cerimon has won everlasting fame for his miracle. Cerimon remarks that the heavenly jewels which Pericles lost (Thaisa’s eyes) are now open, visible between the curtains of her golden lashes.

Thaisa bolts up, startled, asking for Pericles. Cerimon tells the servants to take her to a warm room and cover her with sheets as a relapse can still be fatal for her. He asks Aesculapius—the god of medicine—to guide him and help him keep Thaisa alive.

Pericles, who has landed in Tarsus with Lychorida and the baby Marina, tells Cleon that he must rush to Tyre as the one-year period given to Helicanus is nearly up. Since his little daughter cannot withstand the long journey, he requests Cleon and Dionyza to look after her. Pericles has named the babe Marina because she was born at sea. Cleon promises to nurture Marina. When Tarsus was in peril, it was the corn brought by Pericles that sustained its starving people, so Cleon is duty-bound to help the prince. If he fails to be a good guardian to Marina, he asks the gods to punish him and all his following generations.

Pericles assures Cleon that he trusts him; the mayor does not need to make extreme vows to prove himself to Pericles. He asks Dionyza to take care of Marina and bids the child goodbye, promising to cut his hair only when she gets married. Dionyza swears to love Marina like she does her own daughter, Philoten. The group accompanies Pericles to the shore to see him off. Pericles asks Lychorida not to cry for Marina’s sake.

In Ephesus, Cerimon shows the letter in her casket to Thaisa and asks her if she recognizes the handwriting. Thaisa states that the writing is of her husband King Pericles. She remembers being dropped into the sea after she gave birth, but has no memory of how she got to Ephesus. 

Thaisa expects she will never meet Pericles again. Therefore, she wants to take on the garments of a nun. Cerimon suggests that Thaisa can serve as a priestess at the nearby temple of Diana for the rest of her life. Thaisa thanks Cerimon for his kindness.