# Scene IV: The Relief of Tarsus explained — Pericles

> Chapter companion for Pericles by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Cleon and Dionyza lament the famine that has devastated Tarsus, once a prosperous city. Pericles arrives with ships carrying corn to relieve their hunger, offering aid rather than conquest. Cleon welcomes him, and Pericles accepts their hospitality.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fortune and Divine Justice

Cleon describes how Tarsus fell from plenty to famine, attributing the change to heaven's power, while Pericles' arrival offers a turn of fortune.

### Kingship and Governance

Cleon's leadership is tested by crisis; Pericles demonstrates wise and compassionate governance by aiding a neighboring city.

## Character check-ins

### Cleon

Governor of Tarsus, despairing over the city's famine and initially suspicious of the arriving ships.

### Dionyza

Cleon's wife, who shares his grief and confirms the severity of the famine.

### Pericles

Arrives with ships bearing corn to relieve Tarsus, offering help and friendship.

## Key lines

> Who makes the fairest show means most deceit.

Those who appear most friendly are often the most deceptive.

_Cleon expresses suspicion of the approaching ships, fearing a trick._

> Our ships, you happily may think / Are like the Trojan horse ... / Are stored with corn to make your needy bread.

You might fear our ships are like the Trojan horse, but they are actually filled with grain to feed you.

_Pericles reassures Cleon that his intentions are peaceful and charitable._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pericles_se/chapters/act-i-scene-iv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pericles_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pericles_se/chapters