Pericles

Gower asks the audience to imagine Pericles back in Tyre, settling in as king. His sad queen is in Ephesus, where she quickly becomes the priestess of Diana. In Tarsus, Marina grows up to be a beautiful, accomplished, and virtuous young woman, with Cleon educating her in music and the arts. 

However, as Marina’s accomplishments increase, so does jealousy against her, as is often the case in life. Most jealous of Marina is Philoten, the daughter of Cleon and Dionyza and Marina’s constant companion. By the time Philoten is of marriageable age, Marina excels her in beauty, sewing, and singing. Philoten suffers in comparison before potential suitors, a crow to Marina’s swan. 

Afraid that no one will look at Philoten with Marina around, Dionyza hires an assassin to kill the princess. Around the same time, Lychorida, Marina’s nurse, dies, making it easier for Dionyza to carry out her wrathful plan. Since rhyme cannot convey the next scene, Gower will show it to the audience.