Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616. Cymbeline (1623 First Folio Edition)
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About the electronic version
Cymbeline (1623 First Folio Edition)
Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616
Creation of machine-readable version: Hugh Craig, University of Newcastle
Conversion to TEI.2-conformant markup: University of Virginia Library Electronic Text Center. ca. 245 kilobytes
This version available from the University of Virginia Library.
Charlottesville, Va.
Available from: Oxford Text Archive
http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/modeng/modeng0.browse.html
1992
About the print version
Cymbeline
The First Folio of Shakespeare
William Shakespeare Editor Charlton Hinman The Norton Facsimile
W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.
New York
1968 Prepared for the University of Virginia Library Electronic Text Center.
Published: 1623
1607-1608
English drama LCSH
Revisions to the electronic version
July 1996 corrector Catherine Tousignant, Electronic Text Center, University of Virginia Added TEI header; updated tagging to conform to local practices
etextcenter@virginia.edu. Commercial use prohibited; all usage governed by our Conditions of Use: http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/conditions.html
Act I
Scene i
1: Actus Primus. Scoena Prima.
2: [ Enter two Gentlemen.]
3:
1.Gent.
4: You do not meet a man but Frownes.
5: Our bloods no more obey the Heauens
6: Then our Courtiers:
7: Still seeme, as do's the Kings.
8:
2 Gent.
But what's the matter?
9:
1.
His daughter, and the heire of's kingdome (whom
10: He purpos'd to his wiues sole Sonne, a Widdow
11: That late he married) hath referr'd her selfe
12: Vnto a poore, but worthy Gentleman. She's wedded,
13: Her Husband banish'd; she imprison'd, all
14: Is outward sorrow, though I thinke the King
15: Be touch'd at very heart.
16:
2
None but the King?
17:
1
He that hath lost her too: so is the Queene,
18: That most desir'd the Match. But not a Courtier,
19: Although they weare their faces to the bent
20: Of the Kings lookes, hath a heart that is not
21: Glad at the thing they scowle at.
22:
2
And why so?
23:
1
He that hath miss'd the Princesse, is a thing
24: Too bad, for bad report: and he that hath her,
25: (I meane, that married her, alacke good man,
26: And therefore banish'd) is a Creature, such,
27: As to seeke through the Regions of the Earth
28: For one, his like; there would be something failing
29: In him, that should compare. I do not thinke,
30: So faire an Outward, and such stuffe Within
31: Endowes a man, but hee.
32:
2
You speake him farre.
33:
1
I do extend him (Sir) within himselfe,
34: Crush him together, rather then vnfold
35: His measure duly.
36:
2
What's his name, and Birth?
37:
1
I cannot delue him to the roote: His Father
38: Was call'd Sicillius, who did ioyne his Honor
39: Against the Romanes, with Cassibulan,
40: But had his Titles by Tenantius, whom
41: He seru'd with Glory, and admir'd Successe:
42: So gain'd the Sur-addition, Leonatus.
43: And had (besides this Gentleman in question)
44: Two other Sonnes, who in the Warres o'th' time
45: Dy'de with their Swords in hand. For which, their Father
46: Then old, and fond of yssue, tooke such sorrow
47: That he quit Being; and his gentle Lady
48: Bigge of this Gentleman (our Theame) deceast
49: As he was borne. The King he takes the Babe
50: To his protection, cals him Posthumus Leonatus,
51: Breedes him, and makes him of his Bed-chamber,
52: Puts to him all the Learnings that his time
53: Could make him the receiuer of, which he tooke
54: As we do ayre, fast as 'twas ministred,
55: And in's Spring, became a Haruest: Liu'd in Court
56: (Which rare it is to do) most prais'd, most lou'd,
57: A sample to the yongest: to th' more Mature,
58: A glasse that feated them: and to the grauer,
59: A Childe that guided Dotards. To his Mistris,
60: (For whom he now is banish'd) her owne price
61: Proclaimes how she esteem'd him; and his Vertue
62: By her electio[n] may be truly read, what kind of man he is.
63:
2
I honor him, euen out of your report.
64: But pray you tell me, is she sole childe to'th' King?
65:
1
His onely childe:
66: He had two Sonnes (if this be worth your hearing,
67: Marke it) the eldest of them, at three yeares old
68: I'th' swathing cloathes, the other from their Nursery
69: Were stolne, and to this houre, no ghesse in knowledge
70: Which way they went.
71:
2
How long is this ago?
72:
1
Some twenty yeares.
73:
2
That a Kings Children should be so conuey'd,
74: So slackely guarded, and the search so slow
75: That could not trace them.
76:
1
Howsoere, 'tis strange,
77: Or that the negligence may well be laugh'd at:
78: Yet is it true Sir.
79:
2
I do well beleeue you.
80:
1
We must forbeare. Heere comes the Gentleman,
81: The Queene, and Princesse. [ Exeunt]
Scene ii
82: Scena Secunda.
83: [ Enter the Queene, Posthumus, and Imogen.]
84:
Qu.
No, be assur'd you shall not finde me (Daughter)
85: After the slander of most Step-Mothers,
86: Euill-ey'd vnto you. You're my Prisoner, but
87: Your Gaoler shall deliuer you the keyes
88: That locke vp your restraint. For you Posthumus,
89: So soone as I can win th' offended King,
90: I will be knowne your Aduocate: marry yet
91: The fire of Rage is in him, and 'twere good
92: You lean'd vnto his Sentence, with what patience
93: Your wisedome may informe you.
94:
Post.
'Please your Highnesse,
95: I will from hence to day.
96:
Qu.
You know the perill:
97: Ile fetch a turne about the Garden, pittying
98: The pangs of barr'd Affections, though the King
99: Hath charg'd you should not speake together. [ Exit]
100:
Imo.
O dissembling Curtesie! How fine this Tyrant
101: Can tickle where she wounds? My deerest Husband,
102: I something feare my Fathers wrath, but nothing
103: (Alwayes reseru'd my holy duty) what
104: His rage can do on me. You must be gone,
105: And I shall heere abide the hourely shot
106: Of angry eyes: not comforted to liue,
107: But that there is this Iewell in the world,
108: That I may see againe.
109:
Post.
My Queene, my Mistris:
110: O Lady, weepe no more, least I giue cause
111: To be suspected of more tendernesse
112: Then doth become a man. I will remaine
113: The loyall'st husband, that did ere plight troth.
114: My residence in Rome, at one Filorio's,
115: Who, to my Father was a Friend, to me
116: Knowne but by Letter; thither write (my Queene)
117: And with mine eyes, Ile drinke the words you send,
118: Though Inke be made of Gall.
119: [ Enter Queene.]
120:
Qu.
Be briefe, I pray you:
121: If the King come, I shall incurre, I know not
122: How much of his displeasure: yet Ile moue him
123: To walke this way: I neuer do him wrong,
124: But he do's buy my Iniuries, to be Friends:
125: Payes deere for my offences.
126:
Post.
Should we be taking leaue
127: As long a terme as yet we haue to liue,
128: The loathnesse to depart, would grow: Adieu.
129:
Imo.
Nay, stay a little:
130: Were you but riding forth to ayre your selfe,
131: Such parting were too petty. Looke heere (Loue)
132: This Diamond was my Mothers; take it (Heart)
133: But keepe it till you woo another Wife,
134: When Imogen is dead.
135:
Post.
How, how? Another?
136: You gentle Gods, giue me but this I haue,
137: And seare vp my embracements from a next,
138: With bonds of death. Remaine, remaine thou heere,
139: While sense can keepe it on: And sweetest, fairest,
140: As I (my poore selfe) did exchange for you
141: To your so infinite losse; so in our trifles
142: I still winne of you. For my sake weare this,
143: It is a Manacle of Loue, Ile place it
144: Vpon this fayrest Prisoner.
145:
Imo.
O the Gods!
146: When shall we see againe?
147: [ Enter Cymbeline, and Lords.]
148:
Post.
Alacke, the King.
149:
Cym.
Thou basest thing, auoyd hence, from my sight:
150: If after this command thou fraught the Court
151: With thy vnworthinesse, thou dyest. Away,
152: Thou'rt poyson to my blood.
153:
Post.
The Gods protect you,
154: And blesse the good Remainders of the Court:
155: I am gone.
156:
Imo.
There cannot be a pinch in death
157: More sharpe then this is.
158:
Cym.
O disloyall thing,
159: That should'st repayre my youth, thou heap'st
160: A yeares age on mee.
161:
Imo.
I beseech you Sir,
162: Harme not your selfe with your vexation,
163: I am senselesse of your Wrath; a Touch more rare
164: Subdues all pangs, all feares.
165:
Cym.
Past Grace? Obedience?
166:
Imo.
Past hope, and in dispaire, that way past Grace.
167:
Cym.
That might'st haue had
168: The sole Sonne of my Queene.
169:
Imo.
O blessed, that I might not: I chose an Eagle,
170: And did auoyd a Puttocke.
171:
Cym.
Thou took'st a Begger, would'st haue made my
172: Throne, a Seate for basenesse.
173:
Imo.
No, I rather added a lustre to it.
174:
Cym.
O thou vilde one!
175:
Imo.
Sir,
176: It is your fault that I haue lou'd Posthumus:
177: You bred him as my Play-fellow, and he is
178: A man, worth any woman: Ouer-buyes mee
179: Almost the summe he payes.
180:
Cym.
What? art thou mad?
181:
Imo.
Almost Sir: Heauen restore me: would I were
182: A Neat-heards Daughter, and my Leonatus
183: Our Neighbour-Shepheards Sonne.
184: [ Enter Queene.]
185:
Cym.
Thou foolish thing;
186: They were againe together: you haue done
187: Not after our command. Away with her,
188: And pen her vp.
189:
Qu.
Beseech your patience: Peace
190: Deere Lady daughter, peace. Sweet Soueraigne,
191: Leaue vs to our selues, and make your self some comfort
192: Out of your best aduice.
193:
Cym.
Nay, let her languish
194: A drop of blood a day, and being aged
195: Dye of this Folly. [ Exit.]
196: [ Enter Pisanio.]
197:
Qu.
Fye, you must giue way:
198: Heere is your Seruant. How now Sir? What newes?
199:
Pisa.
My Lord your Sonne, drew on my Master.
200:
Qu.
Hah?
201: No harme I trust is done?
202:
Pisa.
There might haue beene,
203: But that my Master rather plaid, then fought,
204: And had no helpe of Anger: they were parted
205: By Gentlemen, at hand.
206:
Qu.
I am very glad on't.
207:
Imo.
Your Son's my Fathers friend, he takes his part
208: To draw vpon an Exile. O braue Sir,
209: I would they were in Affricke both together,
210: My selfe by with a Needle, that I might pricke
211: The goer backe. Why came you from your Master?
212:
Pisa.
On his command: he would not suffer mee
213: To bring him to the Hauen: left these Notes
214: Of what commands I should be subiect too,
215: When't pleas'd you to employ me.
216:
Qu.
This hath beene
217: Your faithfull Seruant: I dare lay mine Honour
218: He will remaine so.
219:
Pisa.
I humbly thanke your Highnesse.
220:
Qu.
Pray walke a-while.
221:
Imo.
About some halfe houre hence,
222: Pray you speake with me;
223: You shall (at least) go see my Lord aboord.
224: For this time leaue me. [ Exeunt.]
Scene iii
225: Scena Tertia.
226: [ Enter Clotten, and two Lords.]
227:
1.
Sir, I would aduise you to shift a Shirt; the Vio-lence
228: of Action hath made you reek as a Sacrifice: where
229: ayre comes out, ayre comes in: There's none abroad so
230: wholesome as that you vent.
231:
Clot.
If my Shirt were bloody, then to shift it.
232: Haue I hurt him?
233:
2
No faith: not so much as his patience.
234:
1
Hurt him? His bodie's a passable Carkasse if he bee
235: not hurt. It is a through-fare for Steele if it be not hurt.
236:
2
His Steele was in debt, it went o'th' Backe-side the
237: Towne.
238:
Clot.
The Villaine would not stand me.
239:
2
No, but he fled forward still, toward your face.
240:
1
Stand you? you haue Land enough of your owne:
241: But he added to your hauing, gaue you some ground.
242:
2
As many Inches, as you haue Oceans (Puppies.)
243:
Clot.
I would they had not come betweene vs.
244:
2
So would I, till you had measur'd how long a Foole
245: you were vpon the ground.
246:
Clot.
And that shee should loue this Fellow, and re-fuse
247: mee.
248:
2
If it be a sin to make a true election, she is damn'd.
249:
1
Sir, as I told you alwayes: her Beauty & her Braine
250: go not together. Shee's a good signe, but I haue seene
251: small reflection of her wit.
252:
2
She shines not vpon Fooles, least the reflection
253: Should hurt her.
254:
Clot.
Come, Ile to my Chamber: would there had
255: beene some hurt done.
256:
2
I wish not so, vnlesse it had bin the fall of an Asse,
257: which is no great hurt.
258:
Clot.
You'l go with vs?
259:
1
Ile attend your Lordship.
260:
Clot.
Nay come, let's go together.
261:
2 Well my Lord.
[ Exeunt.]
Scene iv
262: Scena Quarta.
263: [ Enter Imogen, and Pisanio.]
264:
Imo.
I would thou grew'st vnto the shores o'th' Hauen,
265: And questioned'st euery Saile: if he should write,
266: And I not haue it, 'twere a Paper lost
267: As offer'd mercy is: What was the last
268: That he spake to thee?
269:
Pisa.
It was his Queene, his Queene.
270:
Imo.
Then wau'd his Handkerchiefe?
271:
Pisa.
And kist it, Madam.
272:
Imo.
Senselesse Linnen, happier therein then I:
273: And that was all?
274:
Pisa.
No Madam: for so long
275: As he could make me with his eye, or eare,
276: Distinguish him from others, he did keepe
277: The Decke, with Gloue, or Hat, or Handkerchife,
278: Still wauing, as the fits and stirres of's mind
279: Could best expresse how slow his Soule sayl'd on,
280: How swift his Ship.
281:
Imo.
Thou should'st haue made him
282: As little as a Crow, or lesse, ere left
283: To after-eye him.
284:
Pisa.
Madam, so I did.
285:
Imo.
I would haue broke mine eye-strings;
286: Crack'd them, but to looke vpon him, till the diminution
287: Of space, had pointed him sharpe as my Needle:
288: Nay, followed him, till he had melted from
289: The smalnesse of a Gnat, to ayre: and then
290: Haue turn'd mine eye, and wept. But good Pisanio,
291: When shall we heare from him.
292:
Pisa.
Be assur'd Madam,
293: With his next vantage.
294:
Imo.
I did not take my leaue of him, but had
295: Most pretty things to say: Ere I could tell him
296: How I would thinke on him at certaine houres,
297: Such thoughts, and such: Or I could make him sweare,
298: The Shees of Italy should not betray
299: Mine Interest, and his Honour: or haue charg'd him
300: At the sixt houre of Morne, at Noone, at Midnight,
301: T' encounter me with Orisons, for then
302: I am in Heauen for him: Or ere I could,
303: Giue him that parting kisse, which I had set
304: Betwixt two charming words, comes in my Father,
305: And like the Tyrannous breathing of the North,
306: Shakes all our buddes from growing.
307: [ Enter a Lady.]
308:
La.
The Queene (Madam)
309: Desires your Highnesse Company.
310:
Imo.
Those things I bid you do, get them dispatch'd,
311: I will attend the Queene.
312:
Pisa
Madam, I shall. [ Exeunt.]
Scene v
313: Scena Quinta.
314: [ Enter Philario, Iachimo: a Frenchman, a Dutch-man,
and a Spaniard]
316:
Iach.
Beleeue it Sir, I haue seene him in Britaine; hee
317: was then of a Cressent note, expected to proue so woor-thy,
318: as since he hath beene allowed the name of. But I
319: could then haue look'd on him, without the help of Ad-miration,
320: though the Catalogue of his endowments had
321: bin tabled by his side, and I to peruse him by Items.
322:
Phil.
You speake of him when he was lesse furnish'd,
323: then now hee is, with that which makes him both with-out,
324: and within.
325:
French.
I haue seene him in France: wee had very ma-ny
326: there, could behold the Sunne, with as firme eyes as
327: hee.
328:
Iach.
This matter of marrying his Kings Daughter,
329: wherein he must be weighed rather by her valew, then
330: his owne, words him (I doubt not) a great deale from the
331: matter.
332:
French.
And then his banishment.
333:
Iach.
I, and the approbation of those that weepe this
334: lamentable diuorce vnder her colours, are wonderfully
335: to extend him, be it but to fortifie her iudgement, which
336: else an easie battery might lay flat, for taking a Begger
337: without lesse quality. But how comes it, he is to soiourne
338: with you? How creepes acquaintance?
339:
Phil.
His Father and I were Souldiers together, to
340: whom I haue bin often bound for no lesse then my life.
341: [ Enter Posthumus.]
342: Heere comes the Britaine. Let him be so entertained a-mong'st
343: you, as suites with Gentlemen of your knowing,
344: to a Stranger of his quality. I beseech you all be better
345: knowne to this Gentleman, whom I commend to you,
346: as a Noble Friend of mine. How Worthy he is, I will
347: leaue to appeare hereafter, rather then story him in his
348: owne hearing.
349:
French.
Sir, we haue knowne togither in Orleance.
350:
Post.
Since when, I haue bin debtor to you for courte-sies,
351: which I will be euer to pay, and yet pay still.
352:
French.
Sir, you o're-rate my poore kindnesse, I was
353: glad I did attone my Countryman and you: it had beene
354: pitty you should haue beene put together, with so mor-tall
355: a purpose, as then each bore, vpon importance of so
356: slight and triuiall a nature.
357:
Post.
By your pardon Sir, I was then a young Trauel-ler,
358: rather shun'd to go euen with what I heard, then in
359: my euery action to be guided by others experiences: but
360: vpon my mended iudgement (if I offend to say it is men-ded)
361: my Quarrell was not altogether slight.
362:
French.
Faith yes, to be put to the arbiterment of
363: Swords, and by such two, that would by all likelyhood
364: haue confounded one the other, or haue falne both.
365:
Iach.
Can we with manners, aske what was the dif-ference?
366: _
367:
French.
Safely, I thinke, 'twas a contention in pub-licke,
368: which may (without contradiction) suffer the re-port.
369: It was much like an argument that fell out last
370: night, where each of vs fell in praise of our Country-Mistresses.
371: This Gentleman, at that time vouching (and
372: vpon warrant of bloody affirmation) his to be more
373: Faire, Vertuous, Wise, Chaste, Constant, Qualified, and
374: lesse attemptible then any, the rarest of our Ladies in
375: Fraunce.
376:
Iach.
That Lady is not now liuing; or this Gentle-mans
377: opinion by this, worne out.
378:
Post.
She holds her Vertue still, and I my mind.
379:
Iach.
You must not so farre preferre her, 'fore ours of
380: Italy.
381:
Posth.
Being so farre prouok'd as I was in France: I
382: would abate her nothing, though I professe my selfe her
383: Adorer, not her Friend.
384:
Iach.
As faire, and as good: a kind of hand in hand
385: comparison, had beene something too faire, and too
386: good for any Lady in Britanie; if she went before others.
387: I haue seene as that Diamond of yours out-lusters many
388: I haue beheld, I could not beleeue she excelled many:
389: but I haue not seene the most pretious Diamond that is,
390: nor you the Lady.
391:
Post.
I prais'd her, as I rated her: so do I my Stone.
392:
Iach.
What do you esteeme it at?
393:
Post.
More then the world enioyes.
394:
Iach.
Either your vnparagon'd Mistris is dead, or
395: she's out-priz'd by a trifle.
396:
Post.
You are mistaken: the one may be solde or gi-uen,
397: or if there were wealth enough for the purchases, or
398: merite for the guift. The other is not a thing for sale,
399: and onely the guift of the Gods.
400:
Iach.
Which the Gods haue giuen you?
401:
Post.
Which by their Graces I will keepe.
402:
Iach.
You may weare her in title yours: but you
403: know strange Fowle light vpon neighbouring Ponds.
404: Your Ring may be stolne too, so your brace of vnprizea-ble
405: Estimations, the one is but fraile, and the other Casu-all;
406: A cunning Thiefe, or a (that way) accomplish'd
407: Courtier, would hazzard the winning both of first and
408: last.
409:
Post.
Your Italy, containes none so accomplish'd a
410: Courtier to conuince the Honour of my Mistris: if in the
411: holding or losse of that, you terme her fraile, I do no-thing
412: doubt you haue store of Theeues, notwithstanding
413: I feare not my Ring.
414:
Phil.
Let vs leaue heere, Gentlemen?
415:
Post.
Sir, with all my heart. This worthy Signior I
416: thanke him, makes no stranger of me, we are familiar at
417: first.
418:
Iach.
With fiue times so much conuersation, I should
419: get ground of your faire Mistris; make her go backe, e-uen
420: to the yeilding, had I admittance, and opportunitie
421: to friend.
422:
Post.
No, no.
423:
Iach.
I dare thereupon pawne the moytie of my E-state,
424: to your Ring, which in my opinion o're-values it
425: something: but I make my wager rather against your
426: Confidence, then her Reputation. And to barre your of-fence
427: heerein to, I durst attempt it against any Lady in
428: the world.
429:
Post.
You are a great deale abus'd in too bold a per-swasion,
430: and I doubt not you sustaine what y'are worthy
431: of, by your Attempt.
432:
Iach.
What's that?
433:
Posth.
A Repulse though your Attempt (as you call
434: it) deserue more; a punishment too.
435:
Phi.
Gentlemen enough of this, it came in too so-dainely,
436: let it dye as it was borne, and I pray you be bet-ter
437: acquainted.
438:
Iach.
Would I had put my Estate, and my Neighbors
439: on th' approbation of what I haue spoke.
440:
Post.
What Lady would you chuse to assaile?
441:
Iach.
Yours, whom in constancie you thinke stands
442: so safe. I will lay you ten thousands Duckets to your
443: Ring, that commend me to the Court where your La-dy
444: is, with no more aduantage then the opportunitie of a
445: second conference, and I will bring from thence, that
446: Honor of hers, which you imagine so reseru'd.
447:
Posthmus.
I will wage against your Gold, Gold to
448: it: My Ring I holde deere as my finger, 'tis part of
449: it.
450:
Iach.
You are a Friend, and there in the wiser: if you
451: buy Ladies flesh at a Million a Dram, you cannot pre-serue
452: it from tainting; but I see you haue some Religion
453: in you, that you feare.
454:
Posthu.
This is but a custome in your tongue: you
455: beare a grauer purpose I hope.
456:
Iach.
I am the Master of my speeches, and would vn-der-go
457: what's spoken, I sweare.
458:
Posthu.
Will you? I shall but lend my Diamond till
459: your returne: let there be Couenants drawne between's.
460: My Mistris exceedes in goodnesse, the hugenesse of your
461: vnworthy thinking. I dare you to this match: heere's my
462: Ring.
463:
Phil.
I will haue it no lay.
464:
Iach.
By the Gods it is one: if I bring you no suffi-cient
465: testimony that I haue enioy'd the deerest bodily
466: part of your Mistris: my ten thousand Duckets are yours,
467: so is your Diamond too: if I come off, and leaue her in
468: such honour as you haue trust in; Shee your Iewell, this
469: your Iewell, and my Gold are yours: prouided, I haue
470: your commendation, for my more free entertainment.
471:
Post.
I embrace these Conditions, let vs haue Articles
472: betwixt vs: onely thus farre you shall answere, if you
473: make your voyage vpon her, and giue me directly to vn-derstand,
474: you haue preuayl'd, I am no further your Ene-my,
475: shee is not worth our debate. If shee remaine vnse-duc'd,
476: you not making it appeare otherwise: for your ill
477: opinion, and th' assault you haue made to her chastity, you
478: shall answer me with your Sword.
479:
Iach.
Your hand, a Couenant: wee will haue these
480: things set downe by lawfull Counsell, and straight away
481: for Britaine, least the Bargaine should catch colde, and
482: sterue: I will fetch my Gold, and haue our two Wagers
483: recorded.
484:
Post.
Agreed.
485:
French.
Will this hold, thinke you.
486:
Phil.
Signior Iachimo will not from it.
487: Pray let vs follow 'em. [ Exeunt]
Scene vi
488: Scena Sexta.
489: [ Enter Queene, Ladies, and Cornelius.]
490:
Qu.
Whiles yet the dewe's on ground,
491: Gather those Flowers,
492: Make haste. Who ha's the note of them?
493:
Lady.
I Madam.
494:
Queen
Dispatch. [ Exit Ladies.]
495: Now Master Doctor, haue you brought those drugges?
496:
Cor.
Pleaseth your Highnes, I: here they are, Madam:
497: But I beseech your Grace, without offence
498: (My Conscience bids me aske) wherefore you haue
499: Commanded of me these most poysonous Compounds,
500: Which are the moouers of a languishing death:
501: But though slow, deadly.
502:
Qu.
I wonder, Doctor,
503: Thou ask'st me such a Question: Haue I not bene
504: Thy Pupill long? Hast thou not learn'd me how
505: To make Perfumes? Distill? Preserue? Yea so,
506: That our great King himselfe doth woo me oft
507: For my Confections? Hauing thus farre proceeded,
508: (Vnlesse thou think'st me diuellish) is't not meete
509: That I did amplifie my iudgement in
510: Other Conclusions? I will try the forces
511: Of these thy Compounds, on such Creatures as
512: We count not worth the hanging (but none humane)
513: To try the vigour of them, and apply
514: Allayments to their Act, and by them gather
515: Their seuerall vertues, and effects.
516:
Cor.
Your Highnesse
517: Shall from this practise, but make hard your heart:
518: Besides, the seeing these effects will be
519: Both noysome, and infectious.
520:
Qu.
O content thee.
521: [ Enter Pisanio.]
522: Heere comes a flattering Rascall, vpon him
523: Will I first worke: Hee's for his Master,
524: And enemy to my Sonne. How now Pisanio?
525: Doctor, your seruice for this time is ended,
526: Take your owne way.
527:
Cor.
I do suspect you, Madam,
528: But you shall do no harme.
529:
Qu.
Hearke thee, a word.
530:
Cor.
I do not like her. She doth thinke she ha's
531: Strange ling'ring poysons: I do know her spirit,
532: And will not trust one of her malice, with
533: A drugge of such damn'd Nature. Those she ha's,
534: Will stupifie and dull the Sense a-while,
535: Which first (perchance) shee'l proue on Cats and Dogs,
536: Then afterward vp higher: but there is
537: No danger in what shew of death it makes,
538: More then the locking vp the Spirits a time,
539: To be more fresh, reuiuing. She is fool'd
540: With a most false effect: and I, the truer,
541: So to be false with her.
542:
Qu.
No further seruice, Doctor,
543: Vntill I send for thee.
544:
Cor
I humbly take my leaue. [ Exit.]
545:
Qu.
Weepes she still (saist thou?)
546: Dost thou thinke in time
547: She will not quench, and let instructions enter
548: Where Folly now possesses? Do thou worke:
549: When thou shalt bring me word she loues my Sonne,
550: Ile tell thee on the instant, thou art then
551: As great as is thy Master: Greater, for
552: His Fortunes all lye speechlesse, and his name
553: Is at last gaspe. Returne he cannot, nor
554: Continue where he is: To shift his being,
555: Is to exchange one misery with another,
556: And euery day that comes, comes to decay
557: A dayes worke in him. What shalt thou expect
558: To be depender on a thing that leanes?
559: Who cannot be new built, nor ha's no Friends
560: So much, as but to prop him? Thou tak'st vp
561: Thou know'st not what: But take it for thy labour,
562: It is a thing I made, which hath the King
563: Fiue times redeem'd from death. I do not know
564: What is more Cordiall. Nay, I prythee take it,
565: It is an earnest of a farther good
566: That I meane to thee. Tell thy Mistris how
567: The case stands with her: doo't, as from thy selfe;
568: Thinke what a chance thou changest on, but thinke
569: Thou hast thy Mistris still, to boote, my Sonne,
570: Who shall take notice of thee. Ile moue the King
571: To any shape of thy Preferment, such
572: As thou'lt desire: and then my selfe, I cheefely,
573: That set thee on to this desert, am bound
574: To loade thy merit richly. Call my women. [ Exit Pisa.]
575: Thinke on my words. A slye, and constant knaue,
576: Not to be shak'd: the Agent for his Master,
577: And the Remembrancer of her, to hold
578: The hand-fast to her Lord. I haue giuen him that,
579: Which if he take, shall quite vnpeople her
580: Of Leidgers for her Sweete: and which, she after
581: Except she bend her humor, shall be assur'd
582: To taste of too.
583: [ Enter Pisanio, and Ladies.]
584: So, so: Well done, well done:
585: The Violets, Cowslippes, and the Prime-Roses
586: Beare to my Closset: Fare thee well, Pisanio.
587: Thinke on my words. [ Exit Qu. and Ladies]
588:
Pisa.
And shall do:
589: But when to my good Lord, I proue vntrue,
590: Ile choake my selfe: there's all Ile do for you. [ Exit.]
Scene vii
591: Scena Septima.
592: [ Enter Imogen alone.]
593:
Imo.
A Father cruell, and a Stepdame false,
594: A Foolish Suitor to a Wedded-Lady,
595: That hath her Husband banish'd: O, that Husband,
596: My supreame Crowne of griefe, and those repeated
597: Vexations of it. Had I bin Theefe-stolne,
598: As my two Brothers, happy: but most miserable
599: Is the desires that's glorious. Blessed be those
600: How meane so ere, that haue their honest wills,
601: Which seasons comfort. Who may this be? Fye.
602: [ Enter Pisanio, and Iachimo.]
603:
Pisa.
Madam, a Noble Gentleman of Rome,
604: Comes from my Lord with Letters.
605:
Iach.
Change you, Madam:
606: The Worthy Leonatus is in safety,
607: And greetes your Highnesse deerely.
608:
Imo.
Thanks good Sir,
609: You're kindly welcome.
610:
Iach.
All of her, that is out of doore, most rich:
611: If she be furnish'd with a mind so rare
612: She is alone th' Arabian-Bird; and I
613: Haue lost the wager. Boldnesse be my Friend:
614: Arme me Audacitie from head to foote,
615: Or like the Parthian I shall flying fight,
616: Rather directly fly.
617:
Imogen reads.
618: He is one of the Noblest note, to whose kindnesses I am most in-finitely
619: tied. Reflect vpon him accordingly, as you value your
620: trust. Leonatus.
621: So farre I reade aloud.
622: But euen the very middle of my heart
623: Is warm'd by'th' rest, and take it thankefully.
624: You are as welcome (worthy Sir) as I
625: Haue words to bid you, and shall finde it so
626: In all that I can do.
627:
Iach.
Thankes fairest Lady:
628: What are men mad? Hath Nature giuen them eyes
629: To see this vaulted Arch, and the rich Crop
630: Of Sea and Land, which can distinguish 'twixt
631: The firie Orbes aboue, and the twinn'd Stones
632: Vpon the number'd Beach, and can we not
633: Partition make with Spectacles so pretious
634: Twixt faire, and foule?
635:
Imo.
What makes your admiration?
636:
Iach.
It cannot be i'th' eye: for Apes, and Monkeys
637: 'Twixt two such She's, would chatter this way, and
638: Contemne with mowes the other. Nor i'th' iudgment:
639: For Idiots in this case of fauour, would
640: Be wisely definit: Nor i'th' Appetite.
641: Sluttery to such neate Excellence, oppos'd
642: Should make desire vomit emptinesse,
643: Not so allur'd to feed.
644:
Imo.
What is the matter trow?
645:
Iach.
The Cloyed will:
646: That satiate yet vnsatisfi'd desire, that Tub
647: Both fill'd and running: Rauening first the Lambe,
648: Longs after for the Garbage.
649:
Imo.
What, deere Sir,
650: Thus rap's you? Are you well?
651:
Iach.
Thanks Madam well: Beseech you Sir,
652: Desire my Man's abode, where I did leaue him:
653: He's strange and peeuish.
654:
Pisa.
I was going Sir,
655: To giue him welcome. [ Exit.]
656:
Imo.
Continues well my Lord?
657: His health beseech you?
658:
Iach.
Well, Madam.
659:
Imo.
Is he dispos'd to mirth? I hope he is.
660:
Iach.
Exceeding pleasant: none a stranger there,
661: So merry, and so gamesome: he is call'd
662: The Britaine Reueller.
663:
Imo.
When he was heere
664: He did incline to sadnesse, and oft times
665: Not knowing why.
666:
Iach.
I neuer saw him sad.
667: There is a Frenchman his Companion, one
668: An eminent Monsieur, that it seemes much loues
669: A Gallian-Girle at home. He furnaces
670: The thicke sighes from him; whiles the iolly Britaine,
671: (Your Lord I meane) laughes from's free lungs: cries oh,
672: Can my sides hold, to think that man who knowes
673: By History, Report, or his owne proofe
674: What woman is, yea what she cannot choose
675: But must be: will's free houres languish:
676: For assured bondage?
677:
Imo.
Will my Lord say so?
678:
Iach.
I Madam, with his eyes in flood with laughter,
679: It is a Recreation to be by
680: And heare him mocke the Frenchman:
681: But Heauen's know some men are much too blame.
682:
Imo.
Not he I hope.
683:
Iach.
Not he:
684: But yet Heauen's bounty towards him, might
685: Be vs'd more thankfully. In himselfe 'tis much;
686: In you, which I account his beyond all Talents.
687: Whil'st I am bound to wonder, I am bound
688: To pitty too.
689:
Imo.
What do you pitty Sir?
690:
Iach.
Two Creatures heartyly.
691:
Imo.
Am I one Sir?
692: You looke on me: what wrack discerne you in me
693: Deserues your pitty?
694:
Iach.
Lamentable: what
695: To hide me from the radiant Sun, and solace
696: I'th' Dungeon by a Snuffe.
697:
Imo.
I pray you Sir,
698: Deliuer with more opennesse your answeres
699: To my demands. Why do you pitty me?
700:
Iach.
That others do,
701: (I was about to say) enioy your=== but
702: It is an office of the Gods to venge it,
703: Not mine to speake on't.
704:
Imo.
You do seeme to know
705: Something of me, or what concernes me; pray you
706: Since doubting things go ill, often hurts more
707: Then to be sure they do. For Certainties
708: Either are past remedies; or timely knowing,
709: The remedy then borne. Discouer to me
710: What both you spur and stop.
711:
Iach.
Had I this cheeke
712: To bathe my lips vpon: this hand, whose touch,
713: (Whose euery touch) would force the Feelers soule
714: To'th' oath of loyalty. This obiect, which
715: Takes prisoner the wild motion of mine eye,
716: Fiering it onely heere, should I (damn'd then)
717: Slauuer with lippes as common as the stayres
718: That mount the Capitoll: Ioyne gripes, with hands
719: Made hard with hourely falshood (falshood as
720: With labour:) then by peeping in an eye
721: Base and illustrious as the smoakie light
722: That's fed with stinking Tallow: it were fit
723: That all the plagues of Hell should at one time
724: Encounter such reuolt.
725:
Imo.
My Lord, I feare
726: Has forgot Brittaine.
727:
Iach.
And himselfe, not I
728: Inclin'd to this intelligence, pronounce
729: The Beggery of his change: but 'tis your Graces
730: That from my mutest Conscience, to my tongue,
731: Charmes this report out.
732:
Imo.
Let me heare no more.
733:
Iach.
O deerest Soule: your Cause doth strike my hart
734: With pitty, that doth make me sicke. A Lady
735: So faire, and fasten'd to an Emperie
736: Would make the great'st King double, to be partner'd
737: With Tomboyes hyr'd, with that selfe exhibition
738: Which your owne Coffers yeeld: with diseas'd ventures
739: That play with all Infirmities for Gold,
740: Which rottennesse can lend Nature. Such boyl'd stuffe
741: As well might poyson Poyson. Be reueng'd,
742: Or she that bore you, was no Queene, and you
743: Recoyle from your great Stocke.
744:
Imo.
Reueng'd:
745: How should I be reueng'd? If this be true,
746: (As I haue such a Heart, that both mine eares
747: Must not in haste abuse) if it be true,
748: How should I be reueng'd?
749:
Iach.
Should he make me
750: Liue like Diana's Priest, betwixt cold sheets,
751: Whiles he is vaulting variable Rampes
752: In your despight, vpon your purse: reuenge it.
753: I dedicate my selfe to your sweet pleasure,
754: More Noble then that runnagate to your bed,
755: And will continue fast to your Affection,
756: Still close, as sure.
757:
Imo.
What hoa, Pisanio?
758:
Iach.
Let me my seruice tender on your lippes.
759:
Imo.
Away, I do condemne mine eares, that haue
760: So long attended thee. If thou wert Honourable
761: Thou would'st haue told this tale for Vertue, not
762: For such an end thou seek'st, as base, as strange:
763: Thou wrong'st a Gentleman, who is as farre
764: From thy report, as thou from Honor: and
765: Solicites heere a Lady, that disdaines
766: Thee, and the Diuell alike. What hoa, Pisanio?
767: The King my Father shall be made acquainted
768: Of thy Assault: if he shall thinke it fit,
769: A sawcy Stranger in his Court, to Mart
770: As in a Romish Stew, and to expound
771: His beastly minde to vs; he hath a Court
772: He little cares for, and a Daughter, who
773: He not respects at all. What hoa, Pisanio?
774:
Iach.
O happy Leonatus I may say,
775: The credit that thy Lady hath of thee
776: Deserues thy trust, and thy most perfect goodnesse
777: Her assur'd credit. Blessed liue you long,
778: A Lady to the worthiest Sir, that euer
779: Country call'd his; and you his Mistris, onely
780: For the most worthiest fit. Giue me your pardon,
781: I haue spoke this to know if your Affiance
782: Were deeply rooted, and shall make your Lord,
783: That which he is, new o're: And he is one
784: The truest manner'd: such a holy Witch,
785: That he enchants Societies into him:
786: Halfe all men hearts are his.
787:
Imo.
You make amends.
788:
Iach.
He sits 'mongst men, like a defended God;
789: He hath a kinde of Honor sets him off,
790: More then a mortall seeming. Be not angrie
791: (Most mighty Princesse) that I haue aduentur'd
792: To try your taking of a false report, which hath
793: Honour'd with confirmation your great Iudgement,
794: In the election of a Sir, so rare,
795: Which you know, cannot erre. The loue I beare him,
796: Made me to fan you thus, but the Gods made you
797: (Vnlike all others) chaffelesse. Pray your pardon.
798:
Imo.
All's well Sir:
799: Take my powre i'th' Court for yours.
800:
Iach.
My humble thankes: I had almost forgot
801: T' intreat your Grace, but in a small request,
802: And yet of moment too, for it concernes:
803: Your Lord, my selfe, and other Noble Friends
804: Are partners in the businesse.
805:
Imo.
Pray what is't?
806:
Iach.
Some dozen Romanes of vs, and your Lord
807: (The best Feather of our wing) haue mingled summes
808: To buy a Present for the Emperor:
809: Which I (the Factor for the rest) haue done
810: In France: 'tis Plate of rare deuice, and Iewels
811: Of rich, and exquisite forme, their valewes great,
812: And I am something curious, being strange
813: To haue them in safe stowage: May it please you
814: To take them in protection.
815:
Imo.
Willingly:
816: And pawne mine Honor for their safety, since
817: My Lord hath interest in them, I will keepe them
818: In my Bed-chamber.
819:
Iach.
They are in a Trunke
820: Attended by my men: I will make bold
821: To send them to you, onely for this night:
822: I must aboord to morrow.
823:
Imo.
O no, no.
824:
Iach.
Yes I beseech: or I shall short my word
825: By length'ning my returne. From Gallia,
826: I crost the Seas on purpose, and on promise
827: To see your Grace.
828:
Imo.
I thanke you for your paines:
829: But not away to morrow.
830:
Iach.
O I must Madam.
831: Therefore I shall beseech you, if you please
832: To greet your Lord with writing, doo't to night,
833: I haue out-stood my time, which is materiall
834: To'th' tender of our Present.
835:
Imo.
I will write:
836: Send your Trunke to me, it shall safe be kept,
837: And truely yeelded you: you're very welcome. [ Exeunt.]
Act II
Scene i
838: Actus Secundus. Scena Prima.
839: [ Enter Clotten, and the two Lords.]
840:
Clot.
Was there euer man had such lucke? when I kist
841: the Iacke vpon an vp-cast, to be hit away? I had a hun-dred
842: pound on't: and then a whorson Iacke-an-Apes,
843: must take me vp for swearing, as if I borrowed mine
844: oathes of him, and might not spend them at my pleasure.
845:
1.
What got he by that? you haue broke his pate
846: with your Bowle.
847:
2.
If his wit had bin like him that broke it: it would
848: haue run all out.
849:
Clot.
When a Gentleman is dispos'd to sweare: it is
850: not for any standers by to curtall his oathes. Ha?
851:
2.
No my Lord; nor crop the eares of them.
852:
Clot.
Whorson dog: I gaue him satisfaction? would
853: he had bin one of my Ranke.
854:
2.
To haue smell'd like a Foole.
855:
Clot.
I am not vext more at any thing in th' earth: a
856: pox on't I had rather not be so Noble as I am: they dare
857: not fight with me, because of the Queene my Mo-ther:
858: euery Iacke-Slaue hath his belly full of Fighting,
859: and I must go vp and downe like a Cock, that no body
860: can match.
861:
2.
You are Cocke and Capon too, and you crow
862: Cock, with your combe on.
863:
Clot.
Sayest thou?
864:
2.
It is not fit your Lordship should vndertake euery
865: Companion, that you giue offence too.
866:
Clot.
No, I know that: but it is fit I should commit
867: offence to my inferiors.
868:
2.
I, it is fit for your Lordship onely.
869:
Clot.
Why so I say.
870:
1.
Did you heere of a Stranger that's come to Court
871: night?
872:
Clot.
A Stranger, and I not know on't?
873:
2.
He's a strange Fellow himselfe, and knowes it not.
874:
1.
There's an Italian come, and 'tis thought one of
875: Leonatus Friends.
876:
Clot.
Leonatus? A banisht Rascall; and he's another,
877: whatsoeuer he be. Who told you of this Stranger?
878:
1.
One of your Lordships Pages.
879:
Clot.
Is it fit I went to looke vpon him? Is there no
880: derogation in't?
881:
2.
You cannot derogate my Lord.
882:
Clot.
Not easily I thinke.
883:
2.
You are a Foole graunted, therefore your Issues
884: being foolish do not derogate.
885:
Clot.
Come, Ile go see this Italian: what I haue lost
886: to day at Bowles, Ile winne to night of him. Come: go.
887:
2
Ile attend your Lordship. [ Exit.]
888: That such a craftie Diuell as is his Mother
889: Should yeild the world this Asse: A woman, that
890: Beares all downe with her Braine, and this her Sonne,
891: Cannot take two from twenty for his heart,
892: And leaue eighteene. Alas poore Princesse,
893: Thou diuine Imogen, what thou endur'st,
894: Betwixt a Father by thy Step-dame gouern'd,
895: A Mother hourely coyning plots: A Wooer,
896: More hatefull then the foule expulsion is
897: Of thy deere Husband. Then that horrid Act
898: Of the diuorce, heel'd make the Heauens hold firme
899: The walls of thy deere Honour. Keepe vnshak'd
900: That Temple thy faire mind, that thou maist stand
901: T' enioy thy banish'd Lord: and this great Land. [ Exeunt.]
Scene ii
902: Scena Secunda.
903: [ Enter Imogen, in her Bed, and a Lady.]
904:
Imo.
Who's there? My woman: Helene?
905:
La.
Please you Madam.
906:
Imo.
What houre is it?
907:
Lady.
Almost midnight, Madam.
908:
Imo.
I haue read three houres then:
909: Mine eyes are weake,
910: Fold downe the leafe where I haue left: to bed.
911: Take not away the Taper, leaue it burning:
912: And if thou canst awake by foure o'th' clock,
913: I prythee call me: Sleepe hath ceiz'd me wholly.
914: To your protection I commend me, Gods,
915: From Fayries, and the Tempters of the night,
916: Guard me beseech yee. [ Sleepes.]
917: [ Iachimo from the Trunke.]
918:
Iach.
The Crickets sing, and mans ore-labor'd sense
919: Repaires it selfe by rest: Our Tarquine thus
920: Did softly presse the Rushes, ere he waken'd
921: The Chastitie he wounded. Cytherea,
922: How brauely thou becom'st thy Bed; fresh Lilly,
923: And whiter then the Sheetes: that I might touch,
924: But kisse, one kisse. Rubies vnparagon'd,
925: How deerely they doo't: 'Tis her breathing that
926: Perfumes the Chamber thus: the Flame o'th' Taper
927: Bowes toward her, and would vnder-peepe her lids.
928: To see th' inclosed Lights, now Canopied
929: Vnder these windowes, White and Azure lac'd
930: With Blew of Heauens owne tinct. But my designe.
931: To note the Chamber, I will write all downe,
932: Such, and such pictures: There the window, such
933: Th' adornement of her Bed; the Arras, Figures,
934: Why such, and such: and the Contents o'th' Story.
935: Ah, but some naturall notes about her Body,
936: Aboue ten thousand meaner Moueables
937: Would testifie, t' enrich mine Inuentorie.
938: O sleepe, thou Ape of death, lye dull vpon her,
939: And be her Sense but as a Monument,
940: Thus in a Chappell lying. Come off, come off;
941: As slippery as the Gordian-knot was hard.
942: 'Tis mine, and this will witnesse outwardly,
943: As strongly as the Conscience do's within:
944: To'th' madding of her Lord. On her left brest
945: A mole Cinque-spotted: Like the Crimson drops
946: I'th' bottome of a Cowslippe. Heere's a Voucher,
947: Stronger then euer Law could make; this Secret
948: Will force him thinke I haue pick'd the lock, and t'ane
949: The treasure of her Honour. No more: to what end?
950: Why should I write this downe, that's riueted,
951: Screw'd to my memorie. She hath bin reading late,
952: The Tale of Tereus, heere the leaffe's turn'd downe
953: Where Philomele gaue vp. I haue enough,
954: To'th' Truncke againe, and shut the spring of it.
955: Swift, swift, you Dragons of the night, that dawning
956: May beare the Rauens eye: I lodge in feare,
957: Though this a heauenly Angell: hell is heere.
958: [ Clocke strikes]
959: One, two, three: time, time. [ Exit.]
Scene iii
960: Scena Tertia.
961: [ Enter Clotten, and Lords.]
962:
1.
Your Lordship is the most patient man in losse, the
963: most coldest that euer turn'd vp Ace.
964:
Clot.
It would make any man cold to loose.
965:
1.
But not euery man patient after the noble temper
966: of your Lordship; You are most hot, and furious when
967: you winne.
968: Winning will put any man into courage: if I could get
969: this foolish Imogen, I should haue Gold enough: it's al-most
970: morning, is't not?
971:
1
Day, my Lord.
972:
Clot.
I would this Musicke would come: I am adui-sed
973: to giue her Musicke a mornings, they say it will pene-trate.
974: [ Enter Musitians.]
975: Come on, tune: If you can penetrate her with your fin-gering,
976: so: wee'l try with tongue too: if none will do, let
977: her remaine: but Ile neuer giue o're. First, a very excel-lent
978: good conceyted thing; after a wonderful sweet aire,
979: with admirable rich words to it, and then let her consi-der.
980: _
981: [ SONG.]
982: Hearke, hearke, the Larke at Heauens gate sings,
983: and Phoebus gins arise,
984: His Steeds to water at those Springs
985: on chalic'd Flowres that lyes:
986: And winking Mary-buds begin to ope their Golden eyes
987: With euery thing that pretty is, my Lady sweet arise:
988: Arise, arise.
989: So, get you gone: if this penetrate, I will consider your
990: Musicke the better: if it do not, it is a voyce in her eares
991: which Horse-haires, and Calues-guts, nor the voyce of
992: vnpaued Eunuch to boot, can neuer amend.
993: [ Enter Cymbaline, and Queene.]
994:
2
Heere comes the King.
995:
Clot.
I am glad I was vp so late, for that's the reason
996: I was vp so earely: he cannot choose but take this Ser-uice
997: I haue done, fatherly. Good morrow to your Ma-iesty,
998: and to my gracious Mother.
999:
Cym.
Attend you here the doore of our stern daughter
1000: Will she not forth?
1001:
Clot.
I haue assayl'd her with Musickes, but she vouch-safes
1002: no notice.
1003:
Cym.
The Exile of her Minion is too new,
1004: She hath not yet forgot him, some more time
1005: Must weare the print of his remembrance on't,
1006: And then she's yours.
1007:
Qu.
You are most bound to'th' King,
1008: Who let's go by no vantages, that may
1009: Preferre you to his daughter: Frame your selfe
1010: To orderly solicity, and be friended
1011: With aptnesse of the season: make denials
1012: Encrease your Seruices: so seeme, as if
1013: You were inspir'd to do those duties which
1014: You tender to her: that you in all obey her,
1015: Saue when command to your dismission tends,
1016: And therein you are senselesse.
1017:
Clot.
Senselesse? Not so.
1018:
Mes.
So like you (Sir) Ambassadors from Rome;
1019: The one is Caius Lucius.
1020:
Cym.
A worthy Fellow,
1021: Albeit he comes on angry purpose now;
1022: But that's no fault of his: we must receyue him
1023: According to the Honor of his Sender,
1024: And towards himselfe, his goodnesse fore-spent on vs
1025: We must extend our notice: Our deere Sonne,
1026: When you haue giuen good morning to your Mistris,
1027: Attend the Queene, and vs, we shall haue neede
1028: T' employ you towards this Romane.
1029: Come our Queene. [ Exeunt.]
1030:
Clot.
If she be vp, Ile speake with her: if not
1031: Let her lye still, and dreame: by your leaue hoa,
1032: I know her women are about her: what
1033: If I do line one of their hands, 'tis Gold
1034: Which buyes admittance (oft it doth) yea, and makes
1035: Diana's Rangers false themselues, yeeld vp
1036: Their Deere to'th' stand o'th' Stealer: and 'tis Gold
1037: Which makes the True-man kill'd, and saues the Theefe:
1038: Nay, sometime hangs both Theefe, and True-man: what
1039: Can it not do, and vndoo? I will make
1040: One of her women Lawyer to me, for
1041: I yet not vnderstand the case my selfe.
1042: By your leaue. [ Knockes.]
1043: [ Enter a Lady.]
1044:
La.
Who's there that knockes?
1045:
Clot.
A Gentleman.
1046:
La.
No more.
1047:
Clot.
Yes, and a Gentlewomans Sonne.
1048:
La.
That's more
1049: Then some whose Taylors are as deere as yours,
1050: Can iustly boast of: what's your Lordships pleasure?
1051:
Clot.
Your Ladies person, is she ready?
1052:
La.
I, to keepe her Chamber.
1053:
Clot.
There is Gold for you,
1054: Sell me your good report.
1055:
La.
How, my good name? or to report of you
1056: What I shall thinke is good. The Princesse.
1057: [ Enter Imogen.]
1058:
Clot.
Good morrow fairest, Sister your sweet hand.
1059:
Imo.
Good morrow Sir, you lay out too much paines
1060: For purchasing but trouble: the thankes I giue,
1061: Is telling you that I am poore of thankes,
1062: And scarse can spare them.
1063:
Clot.
Still I sweare I loue you.
1064:
Imo.
If you but said so, 'twere as deepe with me:
1065: If you sweare still, your recompence is still
1066: That I regard it not.
1067:
Clot.
This is no answer.
1068:
Imo.
But that you shall not say, I yeeld being silent,
1069: I would not speake. I pray you spare me, 'faith
1070: I shall vnfold equall discourtesie
1071: To your best kindnesse: one of your great knowing
1072: Should learne (being taught) forbearance.
1073:
Clot.
To leaue you in your madnesse, 'twere my sin,
1074: I will not.
1075:
Imo.
Fooles are not mad Folkes.
1076:
Clot.
Do you call me Foole?
1077:
Imo.
As I am mad I do:
1078: If you'l be patient, Ile no more be mad,
1079: That cures vs both. I am much sorry (Sir)
1080: You put me to forget a Ladies manners
1081: By being so verball: and learne now, for all,
1082: That I which know my heart, do heere pronounce
1083: By th' very truth of it, I care not for you,
1084: And am so neere the lacke of Charitie
1085: To accuse my selfe, I hate you: which I had rather
1086: You felt, then make't my boast.
1087:
Clot.
You sinne against
1088: Obedience, which you owe your Father, for
1089: The Contract you pretend with that base Wretch,
1090: One, bred of Almes, and foster'd with cold dishes,
1091: With scraps o'th' Court: It is no Contract, none;
1092: And though it be allowed in meaner parties
1093: (Yet who then he more meane) to knit their soules
1094: (On whom there is no more dependancie
1095: But Brats and Beggery) in selfe-figur'd knot,
1096: Yet you are curb'd from that enlargement, by
1097: The consequence o'th' Crowne, and must not foyle
1098: The precious note of it; with a base Slaue,
1099: A Hilding for a Liuorie, a Squires Cloth,
1100: A Pantler; not so eminent.
1101:
Imo.
Prophane Fellow:
1102: Wert thou the Sonne of Iupiter, and no more,
1103: But what thou art besides: thou wer't too base,
1104: To be his Groome: thou wer't dignified enough
1105: Euen to the point of Enuie. If 'twere made
1106: Comparatiue for your Vertues, to be stil'd
1107: The vnder Hangman of his Kingdome; and hated
1108: For being prefer'd so well.
1109:
Clot.
The South-Fog rot him.
1110:
Imo.
He neuer can meete more mischance, then come
1111: To be but nam'd of thee. His mean'st Garment
1112: That euer hath but clipt his body; is dearer
1113: In my respect, then all the Heires aboue thee,
1114: Were they all made such men: How now Pisanio?
1115: [ Enter Pisanio.]
1116:
Clot.
His Garments? Now the diuell.
1117:
Imo.
To Dorothy my woman hie thee presently.
1118:
Clot.
His Garment?
1119:
Imo.
I am sprighted with a Foole,
1120: Frighted, and angred worse: Go bid my woman
1121: Search for a Iewell, that too casually
1122: Hath left mine Arme: it was thy Masters. Shrew me
1123: If I would loose it for a Reuenew,
1124: Of any Kings in Europe. I do think,
1125: I saw't this morning: Confident I am.
1126: Last night 'twas on mine Arme; I kiss'd it,
1127: I hope it be not gone, to tell my Lord
1128: That I kisse aught but he.
1129:
Pis.
'Twill not be lost.
1130:
Imo.
I hope so: go and search.
1131:
Clot.
You haue abus'd me:
1132: His meanest Garment?
1133:
Imo.
I, I said so Sir,
1134: If you will make't an Action, call witnesse to't.
1135:
Clot.
I will enforme your Father.
1136:
Imo.
Your Mother too:
1137: She's my good Lady; and will concieue, I hope
1138: But the worst of me. So I leaue you Sir,
1139: To'th' worst of discontent. [ Exit.]
1140:
Clot.
Ile be reueng'd:
1141: His mean'st Garment? Well. [ Exit.]
Scene iv
1142: Scena Quarta.
1143: [ Enter Posthumus, and Philario.]
1144:
Post.
Feare it not Sir: I would I were so sure
1145: To winne the King, as I am bold, her Honour
1146: Will remaine her's.
1147:
Phil.
What meanes do you make to him?
1148:
Post.
Not any: but abide the change of Time,
1149: Quake in the present winters state, and wish
1150: That warmer dayes would come: In these fear'd hope
1151: I barely gratifie your loue; they fayling
1152: I must die much your debtor.
1153:
Phil.
Your very goodnesse, and your company,
1154: Ore-payes all I can do. By this your King,
1155: Hath heard of Great Augustus: Caius Lucius,
1156: Will do's Commission throughly. And I think
1157: Hee'le grant the Tribute: send th' Arrerages,
1158: Or looke vpon our Romaines, whose remembrance
1159: Is yet fresh in their griefe.
1160:
Post.
I do beleeue
1161: (Statist though I am none, nor like to be)
1162: That this will proue a Warre; and you shall heare
1163: The Legion now in Gallia, sooner landed
1164: In our not-fearing-Britaine, then haue tydings
1165: Of any penny Tribute paid. Our Countrymen
1166: Are men more order'd, then when Iulius Caesar
1167: Smil'd at their lacke of skill, but found their courage
1168: Worthy his frowning at. Their discipline,
1169: (Now wing-led with their courages) will make knowne
1170: To their Approuers, they are People, such
1171: That mend vpon the world. [ Enter Iachimo.]
1172:
Phi.
See Iachimo.
1173:
Post.
The swiftest Harts, haue posted you by land;
1174: And Windes of all the Corners kiss'd your Sailes,
1175: To make your vessell nimble.
1176:
Phil.
Welcome Sir.
1177:
Post.
I hope the briefenesse of your answere, made
1178: The speedinesse of your returne.
1179:
Iachi.
Your Lady,
1180: Is one of the fayrest that I haue look'd vpon
1181:
Post.
And therewithall the best, or let her beauty
1182: Looke thorough a Casement to allure false hearts,
1183: And be false with them.
1184:
Iachi.
Heere are Letters for you.
1185:
Post.
Their tenure good I trust.
1186:
Iach.
'Tis very like.
1187:
Post.
Was Caius Lucius in the Britaine Court,
1188: When you were there?
1189:
Iach.
He was expected then,
1190: But not approach'd.
1191:
Post.
All is well yet,
1192: Sparkles this Stone as it was wont, or is't not
1193: Too dull for your good wearing?
1194:
Iach.
If I haue lost it,
1195: I should haue lost the worth of it in Gold,
1196: Ile make a iourney twice as farre, t' enioy
1197: A second night of such sweet shortnesse, which
1198: Was mine in Britaine, for the Ring is wonne.
1199:
Post.
The Stones too hard to come by.
1200:
Iach.
Not a whit,
1201: Your Lady being so easy.
1202:
Post.
Make note Sir
1203: Your losse, your Sport: I hope you know that we
1204: Must not continue Friends.
1205:
Iach.
Good Sir, we must
1206: If you keepe Couenant: had I not brought
1207: The knowledge of your Mistris home, I grant
1208: We were to question farther; but I now
1209: Professe my selfe the winner of her Honor,
1210: Together with your Ring; and not the wronger
1211: Of her, or you hauing proceeded but
1212: By both your willes.
1213:
Post.
If you can mak't apparant
1214: That you haue tasted her in Bed; my hand,
1215: And Ring is yours. If not, the foule opinion
1216: You had of her pure Honour; gaines, or looses,
1217: Your Sword, or mine, or Masterlesse leaue both
1218: To who shall finde them.
1219:
Iach.
Sir, my Circumstances
1220: Being so nere the Truth, as I will make them,
1221: Must first induce you to beleeue; whose strength
1222: I will confirme with oath, which I doubt not
1223: You'l giue me leaue to spare, when you shall finde
1224: You neede it not.
1225:
Post.
Proceed.
1226:
Iach.
First, her Bed-chamber
1227: (Where I confesse I slept not, but professe
1228: Had that was well worth watching) it was hang'd
1229: With Tapistry of Silke, and Siluer, the Story
1230: Proud Cleopatra, when she met her Roman,
1231: And Sidnus swell'd aboue the Bankes, or for
1232: The presse of Boates, or Pride. A peece of Worke
1233: So brauely done, so rich, that it did striue
1234: In Workemanship, and Value, which I wonder'd
1235: Could be so rarely, and exactly wrought
1236: Since the true life on't was===
1237:
Post.
This is true:
1238: And this you might haue heard of heere, by me,
1239: Or by some other.
1240:
Iach.
More particulars
1241: Must iustifie my knowledge.
1242:
Post.
So they must,
1243: Or doe your Honour iniury.
1244:
Iach.
The Chimney
1245: Is South the Chamber, and the Chimney-peece
1246: Chaste Dian, bathing: neuer saw I figures
1247: So likely to report themselues; the Cutter
1248: Was as another Nature dumbe, out-went her,
1249: Motion, and Breath left out.
1250:
Post.
This is a thing
1251: Which you might from Relation likewise reape,
1252: Being, as it is, much spoke of.
1253:
Iach.
The Roofe o'th' Chamber,
1254: With golden Cherubins is fretted. Her Andirons
1255: (I had forgot them) were two winking Cupids
1256: Of Siluer, each on one foote standing, nicely
1257: Depending on their Brands.
1258:
Post.
This is her Honor:
1259: Let it be granted you haue seene all this (and praise
1260: Be giuen to your remembrance) the description
1261: Of what is in her Chamber, nothing saues
1262: The wager you haue laid.
1263:
Iach.
Then if you can
1264: Be pale, I begge but leaue to ayre this Iewell: See,
1265: And now 'tis vp againe: it must be married
1266: To that your Diamond, Ile keepe them.
1267:
Post.
Ioue===
1268: Once more let me behold it: Is it that
1269: Which I left with her?
1270:
Iach.
Sir (I thanke her) that
1271: She stript it from her Arme: I see her yet:
1272: Her pretty Action, did out-sell her guift,
1273: And yet enrich'd it too: she gaue it me,
1274: And said, she priz'd it once.
1275:
Post.
May be, she pluck'd it off
1276: To send it me.
1277:
Iach.
She writes so to you? doth shee?
1278:
Post.
O no, no, no, 'tis true. Heere, take this too,
1279: It is a Basiliske vnto mine eye,
1280: Killes me to looke on't: Let there be no Honor,
1281: Where there is Beauty: Truth, where semblance: Loue,
1282: Where there's another man. The Vowes of Women,
1283: Of no more bondage be, to where they are made,
1284: Then they are to their Vertues, which is nothing:
1285: O, aboue measure false.
1286:
Phil.
Haue patience Sir,
1287: And take your Ring againe, 'tis not yet wonne:
1288: It may be probable she lost it: or
1289: Who knowes if one her women, being corrupted
1290: Hath stolne it from her.
1291:
Post.
Very true,
1292: And so I hope he came by't: backe my Ring,
1293: Render to me some corporall signe about her
1294: More euident then this: for this was stolne.
1295:
Iach.
By Iupiter, I had it from her Arme.
1296:
Post.
Hearke you, he sweares: by Iupiter he sweares.
1297: 'Tis true, nay keepe the Ring; 'tis true: I am sure
1298: She would not loose it: her Attendants are
1299: All sworne, and honourable: they induc'd to steale it?
1300: And by a Stranger? No, he hath enioy'd her,
1301: The Cognisance of her incontinencie
1302: Is this: she hath bought the name of Whore, thus deerly
1303: There, take thy hyre, and all the Fiends of Hell
1304: Diuide themselues betweene you.
1305:
Phil.
Sir, be patient:
1306: This is not strong enough to be beleeu'd
1307: Of one perswaded well of.
1308:
Post.
Neuer talke on't:
1309: She hath bin colted by him.
1310:
Iach.
If you seeke
1311: For further satisfying, vnder her Breast
1312: (Worthy her pressing) lyes a Mole, right proud
1313: Of that most delicate Lodging. By my life
1314: I kist it, and it gaue me present hunger
1315: To feede againe, though full. You do remember
1316: This staine vpon her?
1317:
Post.
I, and it doth confirme
1318: Another staine, as bigge as Hell can hold,
1319: Were there no more but it.
1320:
Iach.
Will you heare more?
1321:
Post.
Spare your Arethmaticke,
1322: Neuer count the Turnes: Once, and a Million.
1323:
Iach.
Ile be sworne.
1324:
Post.
No swearing:
1325: If you will sweare you haue not done't, you lye,
1326: And I will kill thee, if thou do'st deny
1327: Thou'st made me Cuckold.
1328:
Iach.
Ile deny nothing.
1329:
Post.
O that I had her heere, to teare her Limb-meale:
1330: I will go there and doo't, i'th' Court, before
1331: Her Father. Ile do something. [ Exit.]
1332:
Phil.
Quite besides
1333: The gouernment of Patience. You haue wonne:
1334: Let's follow him, and peruert the present wrath
1335: He hath against himselfe.
1336:
Iach
With all my heart. [ Exeunt.]
1337: [ Enter Posthumus.]
1338:
Post.
Is there no way for Men to be, but Women
1339: Must be halfe-workers? We are all Bastards,
1340: And that most venerable man, which I
1341: Did call my Father, was, I know not where
1342: When I was stampt. Some Coyner with his Tooles
1343: Made me a counterfeit: yet my Mother seem'd
1344: The Dian of that time: so doth my Wife
1345: The Non-pareill of this. Oh Vengeance, Vengeance!
1346: Me of my lawfull pleasure she restrain'd,
1347: And pray'd me oft forbearance: did it with
1348: A pudencie so Rosie, the sweet view on't
1349: Might well haue warm'd olde Saturne;
1350: That I thought her
1351: As Chaste, as vn-Sunn'd Snow. Oh, all the Diuels!
1352: This yellow Iachimo in an houre, was't not?
1353: Or lesse; at first? Perchance he spoke not, but
1354: Like a full Acorn'd Boare, a Iarmen on,
1355: Cry'de oh, and mounted; found no opposition
1356: But what he look'd for, should oppose, and she
1357: Should from encounter guard. Could I finde out
1358: The Womans part in me, for there's no motion
1359: That tends to vice in man, but I affirme
1360: It is the Womans part: be it Lying, note it,
1361: The womans: Flattering, hers; Deceiuing, hers:
1362: Lust, and ranke thoughts, hers, hers: Reuenges hers:
1363: Ambitions, Couetings, change of Prides, Disdaine,
1364: Nice-longing, Slanders, Mutability;
1365: All Faults that name, nay, that Hell knowes,
1366: Why hers, in part, or all: but rather all. For euen to Vice
1367: They are not constant, but are changing still;
1368: One Vice, but of a minute old, for one
1369: Not halfe so old as that. Ile write against them,
1370: Detest them, curse them: yet 'tis greater Skill
1371: In a true Hate, to pray they haue their will:
1372: The very Diuels cannot plague them better. [ Exit.]
Act III
Scene i
1373: Actus Tertius. Scena Prima.
1374: [ Enter in State, Cymbeline, Queene, Clotten, and Lords at
one doore, and at another, Caius, Lucius;
and Attendants]
1377:
Cym.
Now say, what would Augustus Caesar with vs?
1378:
Luc.
When Iulius Caesar (whose remembrance yet
1379: Liues in mens eyes, and will to Eares and Tongues
1380: Be Theame, and hearing euer) was in this Britain,
1381: And Conquer'd it, Cassibulan thine Vnkle
1382: (Famous in Caesars prayses, no whit lesse
1383: Then in his Feats deseruing it) for him,
1384: And his Succession, granted Rome a Tribute,
1385: Yeerely three thousand pounds; which (by thee) lately
1386: Is left vntender'd.
1387:
Qu.
And to kill the meruaile,
1388: Shall be so euer.
1389:
Clot.
There be many Caesars,
1390: Ere such another Iulius: Britaine's a world
1391: By it selfe, and we will nothing pay
1392: For wearing our owne Noses.
1393:
Qu.
That opportunity
1394: Which then they had to take from's, to resume
1395: We haue againe. Remember Sir, my Liege,
1396: The Kings your Ancestors, together with
1397: The naturall brauery of your Isle, which stands
1398: As Neptunes Parke, ribb'd, and pal'd in
1399: With Oakes vnskaleable, and roaring Waters,
1400: With Sands that will not beare your Enemies Boates,
1401: But sucke them vp to'th' Top-mast. A kinde of Conquest
1402: Caesar made heere, but made not heere his bragge
1403: Of Came, and Saw, and Ouer-came: with shame
1404: (The first that euer touch'd him) he was carried
1405: From off our Coast, twice beaten: and his Shipping
1406: (Poore ignorant Baubles) on our terrible Seas
1407: Like Egge-shels mou'd vpon their Surges, crack'd
1408: As easily 'gainst our Rockes. For ioy whereof,
1409: The fam'd Cassibulan, who was once at point
1410: (Oh giglet Fortune) to master Caesars Sword,
1411: Made Luds-Towne with reioycing-Fires bright,
1412: And Britaines strut with Courage.
1413:
Clot.
Come, there's no more Tribute to be paid: our
1414: Kingdome is stronger then it was at that time: and (as I
1415: said) there is no mo such Caesars, other of them may haue
1416: crook'd Noses, but to owe such straite Armes, none.
1417:
Cym.
Son, let your Mother end.
1418:
Clot.
We haue yet many among vs, can gripe as hard
1419: as Cassibulan, I doe not say I am one: but I haue a hand.
1420: Why Tribute? Why should we pay Tribute? If Caesar
1421: can hide the Sun from vs with a Blanket, or put the Moon
1422: in his pocket, we will pay him Tribute for light: else Sir,
1423: no more Tribute, pray you now.
1424:
Cym.
You must know,
1425: Till the iniurious Romans, did extort
1426: This Tribute from vs, we were free. Caesars Ambition,
1427: Which swell'd so much, that it did almost stretch
1428: The sides o'th' World, against all colour heere,
1429: Did put the yoake vpon's; which to shake off
1430: Becomes a warlike people, whom we reckon
1431: Our selues to be, we do. Say then to Caesar,
1432: Our Ancestor was that Mulmutius, which
1433: Ordain'd our Lawes, whose vse the Sword of Caesar
1434: Hath too much mangled; whose repayre, and franchise,
1435: Shall (by the power we hold) be our good deed,
1436: Tho Rome be therfore angry. Mulmutius made our lawes
1437: Who was the first of Britaine, which did put
1438: His browes within a golden Crowne, and call'd
1439: Himselfe a King.
1440:
Luc.
I am sorry Cymbeline,
1441: That I am to pronounce Augustus Caesar
1442: (Caesar, that hath moe Kings his Seruants, then
1443: Thy selfe Domesticke Officers) thine Enemy:
1444: Receyue it from me then. Warre, and Confusion
1445: In Caesars name pronounce I 'gainst thee: Looke
1446: For fury, not to be resisted. Thus defide,
1447: I thanke thee for my selfe.
1448:
Cym.
Thou art welcome Caius,
1449: Thy Caesar Knighted me; my youth I spent
1450: Much vnder him; of him, I gather'd Honour,
1451: Which he, to seeke of me againe, perforce,
1452: Behooues me keepe at vtterance. I am perfect,
1453: That the Pannonians and Dalmatians, for
1454: Their Liberties are now in Armes: a President
1455: Which not to reade, would shew the Britaines cold:
1456: So Caesar shall not finde them.
1457:
Luc.
Let proofe speake.
1458:
Clot.
His Maiesty biddes you welcome. Make pa-stime
1459: with vs, a day, or two, or longer: if you seek vs af-terwards
1460: in other tearmes, you shall finde vs in our Salt-water-Girdle:
1461: if you beate vs out of it, it is yours: if you
1462: fall in the aduenture, our Crowes shall fare the better for
1463: you: and there's an end.
1464:
Luc.
So sir.
1465:
Cym.
I know your Masters pleasure, and he mine:
1466: All the Remaine, is welcome. [ Exeunt.]
Scene ii
1467: Scena Secunda.
1468: [ Enter Pisanio reading of a Letter.]
1469:
Pis.
How? of Adultery? Wherefore write you not
1470: What Monsters her accuse? Leonatus:
1471: Oh Master, what a strange infection
1472: Is falne into thy eare? What false Italian,
1473: (As poysonous tongu'd, as handed) hath preuail'd
1474: On thy too ready hearing? Disloyall? No.
1475: She's punish'd for her Truth; and vndergoes
1476: More Goddesse-like, then Wife-like; such Assaults
1477: As would take in some Vertue. Oh my Master,
1478: Thy mind to her, is now as lowe, as were
1479: Thy Fortunes. How? That I should murther her,
1480: Vpon the Loue, and Truth, and Vowes; which I
1481: Haue made to thy command? I her? Her blood?
1482: If it be so, to do good seruice, neuer
1483: Let me be counted seruiceable. How looke I,
1484: That I should seeme to lacke humanity,
1485: So much as this Fact comes to? Doo't: The Letter.
1486: That I haue sent her, by her owne command,
1487: Shall giue thee opportunitie. Oh damn'd paper,
1488: Blacke as the Inke that's on thee: senselesse bauble,
1489: Art thou a Foedarie for this Act; and look'st
1490: So Virgin-like without? Loe here she comes.
1491: [ Enter Imogen.]
1492: I am ignorant in what I am commanded.
1493:
Imo.
How now Pisanio?
1494:
Pis.
Madam, heere is a Letter from my Lord.
1495:
Imo.
Who, thy Lord? That is my Lord Leonatus?
1496: Oh, learn'd indeed were that Astronomer
1497: That knew the Starres, as I his Characters,
1498: Heel'd lay the Future open. You good Gods,
1499: Let what is heere contain'd, rellish of Loue,
1500: Of my Lords health, of his content: yet not
1501: That we two are asunder, let that grieue him;
1502: Some griefes are medcinable, that is one of them,
1503: For it doth physicke Loue, of his content,
1504: All but in that. Good Wax, thy leaue: blest be
1505: You Bees that make these Lockes of counsaile. Louers,
1506: And men in dangerous Bondes pray not alike,
1507: Though Forfeytours you cast in prison, yet
1508: You claspe young Cupids Tables: good Newes Gods.
1509: Iustice and your Fathers wrath (should he take me in his
1510: Dominion) could not be so cruell to me, as you: (oh the dee-rest
1511: of Creatures) would euen renew me with your eyes. Take
1512: notice that I am in Cambria at Milford-Hauen: what your
1513: owne Loue, will out of this aduise you, follow. So he wishes you
1514: all happinesse, that remaines loyall to his Vow, and your encrea-sing
1515: in Loue. Leonatus Posthumus.
1516: Oh for a Horse with wings: Hear'st thou Pisanio?
1517: He is at Milford-Hauen: Read, and tell me
1518: How farre 'tis thither. If one of meane affaires
1519: May plod it in a weeke, why may not I
1520: Glide thither in a day? Then true Pisanio,
1521: Who long'st like me, to see thy Lord; who long'st
1522: (Oh let me bate) but not like me: yet long'st
1523: But in a fainter kinde. Oh not like me:
1524: For mine's beyond, beyond: say, and speake thicke
1525: (Loues Counsailor should fill the bores of hearing,
1526: To'th' smothering of the Sense) how farre it is
1527: To this same blessed Milford. And by'th' way
1528: Tell me how Wales was made so happy, as
1529: T' inherite such a Hauen. But first of all,
1530: How we may steale from hence: and for the gap
1531: That we shall make in Time, from our hence-going,
1532: And our returne, to excuse: but first, how get hence.
1533: Why should excuse be borne or ere begot?
1534: Weele talke of that heereafter. Prythee speake,
1535: How many store of Miles may we well rid
1536: Twixt houre, and houre?
1537:
Pis.
One score 'twixt Sun, and Sun,
1538: Madam's enough for you: and too much too.
1539:
Imo.
Why, one that rode to's Execution Man,
1540: Could neuer go so slow: I haue heard of Riding wagers,
1541: Where Horses haue bin nimbler then the Sands
1542: That run i'th' Clocks behalfe. But this is Foolrie,
1543: Go, bid my Woman faigne a Sicknesse, say
1544: She'le home to her Father; and prouide me presently
1545: A Riding Suit: No costlier then would fit
1546: A Franklins Huswife.
1547:
Pisa.
Madam, you're best consider.
1548:
Imo.
I see before me (Man) nor heere, nor heere;
1549: Nor what ensues but haue a Fog in them
1550: That I cannot looke through. Away, I prythee,
1551: Do as I bid thee: There's no more to say:
1552: Accessible is none but Milford way. [ Exeunt.]
Scene iii
1553: Scena Tertia.
1554: [ Enter Belarius, Guiderius, and Aruiragus.]
1555:
Bel.
A goodly day, not to keepe house with such,
1556: Whose Roofe's as lowe as ours: Sleepe Boyes, this gate
1557: Instructs you how t' adore the Heauens; and bowes you
1558: To a mornings holy office. The Gates of Monarches
1559: Are Arch'd so high, that Giants may iet through
1560: And keepe their impious Turbonds on, without
1561: Good morrow to the Sun. Haile thou faire Heauen,
1562: We house i'th' Rocke, yet vse thee not so hardly
1563: As prouder liuers do.
1564:
Guid.
Haile Heauen.
1565:
Aruir.
Haile Heauen.
1566:
Bela.
Now for our Mountaine sport, vp to yond hill
1567: Your legges are yong: Ile tread these Flats. Consider,
1568: When you aboue perceiue me like a Crow,
1569: That it is Place, which lessen's, and sets off,
1570: And you may then reuolue what Tales, I haue told you,
1571: Of Courts, of Princes; of the Tricks in Warre.
1572: This Seruice, is not Seruice; so being done,
1573: But being so allowed. To apprehend thus,
1574: Drawes vs a profit from all things we see:
1575: And often to our comfort, shall we finde
1576: The sharded-Beetle, in a safer hold
1577: Then is the full-wing'd Eagle. Oh this life,
1578: Is Nobler, then attending for a checke:
1579: Richer, then doing nothing for a Babe:
1580: Prouder, then rustling in vnpayd-for Silke:
1581: Such gaine the Cap of him, that makes him fine,
1582: Yet keepes his Booke vncros'd: no life to ours.
1583:
Gui.
Out of your proofe you speak: we poore vnfledg'd
1584: Haue neuer wing'd from view o'th' nest; nor knowes not
1585: What Ayre's from home. Hap'ly this life is best,
1586: (If quiet life be best) sweeter to you
1587: That haue a sharper knowne. Well corresponding
1588: With your stiffe Age; but vnto vs, it is
1589: A Cell of Ignorance: trauailing a bed,
1590: A Prison, or a Debtor, that not dares
1591: To stride a limit.
1592:
Arui.
What should we speake of
1593: When we are old as you? When we shall heare
1594: The Raine and winde beate darke December? How
1595: In this our pinching Caue, shall we discourse
1596: The freezing houres away? We haue seene nothing:
1597: We are beastly; subtle as the Fox for prey,
1598: Like warlike as the Wolfe, for what we eate:
1599: Our Valour is to chace what flyes: Our Cage
1600: We make a Quire, as doth the prison'd Bird,
1601: And sing our Bondage freely.
1602:
Bel.
How you speake.
1603: Did you but know the Citties Vsuries,
1604: And felt them knowingly: the Art o'th' Court,
1605: As hard to leaue, as keepe: whose top to climbe
1606: Is certaine falling: or so slipp'ry, that
1607: The feare's as bad as falling. The toyle o'th' Warre,
1608: A paine that onely seemes to seeke out danger
1609: I'th' name of Fame, and Honor, which dyes i'th' search,
1610: And hath as oft a sland'rous Epitaph,
1611: As Record of faire Act. Nay, many times
1612: Doth ill deserue, by doing well: what's worse
1613: Must curt'sie at the Censure. Oh Boyes, this Storie
1614: The World may reade in me: My bodie's mark'd
1615: With Roman Swords; and my report, was once
1616: First, with the best of Note. Cymbeline lou'd me,
1617: And when a Souldier was the Theame, my name
1618: Was not farre off: then was I as a Tree
1619: Whose boughes did bend with fruit. But in one night,
1620: A Storme, or Robbery (call it what you will)
1621: Shooke downe my mellow hangings: nay my Leaues,
1622: And left me bare to weather.
1623:
Gui.
Vncertaine fauour.
1624:
Bel.
My fault being nothing (as I haue told you oft)
1625: But that two Villaines, whose false Oathes preuayl'd
1626: Before my perfect Honor, swore to Cymbeline,
1627: I was Confederate with the Romanes: so
1628: Followed my Banishment, and this twenty yeeres,
1629: This Rocke, and these Demesnes, haue bene my World,
1630: Where I haue liu'd at honest freedome, payed
1631: More pious debts to Heauen, then in all
1632: The fore-end of my time. But, vp to'th' Mountaines,
1633: This is not Hunters Language; he that strikes
1634: The Venison first, shall be the Lord o'th' Feast,
1635: To him the other two shall minister,
1636: And we will feare no poyson, which attends
1637: In place of greater State:
1638: Ile meete you in the Valleyes. [ Exeunt.]
1639: How hard it is to hide the sparkes of Nature?
1640: These Boyes know little they are Sonnes to'th' King,
1641: Nor Cymbeline dreames that they are aliue.
1642: They thinke they are mine,
1643: And though train'd vp thus meanely
1644: I'th' Caue, whereon the Bowe their thoughts do hit,
1645: The Roofes of Palaces, and Nature prompts them
1646: In simple and lowe things, to Prince it, much
1647: Beyond the tricke of others. This Paladour,
1648: The heyre of Cymbeline and Britaine, who
1649: The King his Father call'd Guiderius. Ioue,
1650: When on my three-foot stoole I sit, and tell
1651: The warlike feats I haue done, his spirits flye out
1652: Into my Story: say thus mine Enemy fell,
1653: And thus I set my foote on's necke, euen then
1654: The Princely blood flowes in his Cheeke, he sweats,
1655: Straines his yong Nerues, and puts himselfe in posture
1656: That acts my words. The yonger Brother Cadwall,
1657: Once Aruiragus, in as like a figure
1658: Strikes life into my speech, and shewes much more
1659: His owne conceyuing. Hearke, the Game is rows'd,
1660: Oh Cymbeline, Heauen and my Conscience knowes
1661: Thou didd'st vniustly banish me: whereon
1662: At three, and two yeeres old, I stole these Babes,
1663: Thinking to barre thee of Succession, as
1664: Thou refts me of my Lands. Euriphile,
1665: Thou was't their Nurse, they took thee for their mother,
1666: And euery day do honor to her graue:
1667: My selfe Belarius, that am Mergan call'd
1668: They take for Naturall Father. The Game is vp. [ Exit.]
Scene iv
1669: Scena Quarta.
1670: [ Enter Pisanio and Imogen.]
1671:
Imo.
Thou told'st me when we came fro[m] horse, y place
1672: Was neere at hand: Ne're long'd my Mother so
1673: To see me first, as I haue now. Pisanio, Man:
1674: Where is Posthumus? What is in thy mind
1675: That makes thee stare thus? Wherefore breaks that sigh
1676: From th' inward of thee? One, but painted thus
1677: Would be interpreted a thing perplex'd
1678: Beyond selfe-explication. Put thy selfe
1679: Into a hauiour of lesse feare, ere wildnesse
1680: Vanquish my stayder Senses. What's the matter?
1681: Why render'st thou that Paper to me, with
1682: A looke vntender? If't be Summer Newes
1683: Smile too't before: if Winterly, thou need'st
1684: But keepe that count'nance stil. My Husbands hand?
1685: That Drug-damn'd Italy, hath out-craftied him,
1686: And hee's at some hard point. Speake man, thy Tongue
1687: May take off some extreamitie, which to reade
1688: Would be euen mortall to me.
1689:
Pis.
Please you reade,
1690: And you shall finde me (wretched man) a thing
1691: The most disdain'd of Fortune.
1692:
Imogen reades.
1693: Thy Mistris (Pisanio) hath plaide the Strumpet in my
1694: Bed: the Testimonies whereof, lyes bleeding in me. I speak
1695: not out of weake Surmises, but from proofe as strong as my
1696: greefe, and as certaine as I expect my Reuenge. That part, thou
1697: (Pisanio) must acte for me, if thy Faith be not tainted with the
1698: breach of hers; let thine owne hands take away her life: I shall
1699: giue thee opportunity at Milford Hauen. She hath my Letter
1700: for the purpose; where, if thou feare to strike, and to make mee
1701: certaine it is done, thou art the Pander to her dishonour, and
1702: equally to me disloyall.
1703:
Pis.
What shall I need to draw my Sword, the Paper
1704: Hath cut her throat alreadie? No, 'tis Slander,
1705: Whose edge is sharper then the Sword, whose tongue
1706: Out-venomes all the Wormes of Nyle, whose breath
1707: Rides on the posting windes, and doth belye
1708: All corners of the World. Kings, Queenes, and States,
1709: Maides, Matrons, nay the Secrets of the Graue
1710: This viperous slander enters. What cheere, Madam?
1711:
Imo.
False to his Bed? What is it to be false?
1712: To lye in watch there, and to thinke on him?
1713: To weepe 'twixt clock and clock? If sleep charge Nature,
1714: To breake it with a fearfull dreame of him,
1715: And cry my selfe awake? That's false to's bed? Is it?
1716:
Pisa.
Alas good Lady.
1717:
Imo.
I false? Thy Conscience witnesse: Iachimo,
1718: Thou didd'st accuse him of Incontinencie,
1719: Thou then look'dst like a Villaine: now, me thinkes
1720: Thy fauours good enough. Some Iay of Italy
1721: (Whose mother was her painting) hath betraid him:
1722: Poore I am stale, a Garment out of fashion,
1723: And for I am richer then to hang by th' walles,
1724: I must be ript: To peeces with me: Oh!
1725: Mens Vowes are womens Traitors. All good seeming
1726: By thy reuolt (oh Husband) shall be thought
1727: Put on for Villainy; not borne where't growes,
1728: But worne a Baite for Ladies.
1729:
Pisa.
Good Madam, heare me.
1730:
Imo.
True honest men being heard, like false Aeneas,
1731: Were in his time thought false: and Synons weeping
1732: Did scandall many a holy teare: tooke pitty
1733: From most true wretchednesse. So thou, Posthumus
1734: Wilt lay the Leauen on all proper men;
1735: Goodly, and gallant, shall be false and periur'd
1736: From thy great faile: Come Fellow, be thou honest,
1737: Do thou thy Masters bidding. When thou seest him,
1738: A little witnesse my obedience. Looke
1739: I draw the Sword my selfe, take it, and hit
1740: The innocent Mansion of my Loue (my Heart:)
1741: Feare not, 'tis empty of all things, but Greefe:
1742: Thy Master is not there, who was indeede
1743: The riches of it. Do his bidding, strike,
1744: Thou mayst be valiant in a better cause;
1745: But now thou seem'st a Coward.
1746:
Pis.
Hence vile Instrument,
1747: Thou shalt not damne my hand.
1748:
Imo.
Why, I must dye:
1749: And if I do not by thy hand, thou art
1750: No Seruant of thy Masters. Against Selfe-slaughter,
1751: There is a prohibition so Diuine,
1752: That crauens my weake hand: Come, heere's my heart:
1753: Something's a-foot: Soft, soft, wee'l no defence,
1754: Obedient as the Scabbard. What is heere,
1755: The Scriptures of the Loyall Leonatus,
1756: All turn'd to Heresie? Away, away
1757: Corrupters of my Faith, you shall no more
1758: Be Stomachers to my heart: thus may pooru Fooles
1759: Beleeue false Teachers: Though those that are betraid
1760: Do feele the Treason sharpely, yet the Traitor
1761: Stands in worse case of woe. And thou Posthumus,
1762: That didd'st set vp my disobedience 'gainst the King
1763: My Father, and makes me put into contempt the suites
1764: Of Princely Fellowes, shalt heereafter finde
1765: It is no acte of common passage, but
1766: A straine of Rarenesse: and I greeue my selfe,
1767: To thinke, when thou shalt be disedg'd by her,
1768: That now thou tyrest on, how thy memory
1769: Will then be pang'd by me. Prythee dispatch,
1770: The Lambe entreats the Butcher. Wher's thy knife?
1771: Thou art too slow to do thy Masters bidding
1772: When I desire it too.
1773:
Pis.
Oh gracious Lady:
1774: Since I receiu'd command to do this businesse,
1775: I haue not slept one winke.
1776:
Imo.
Doo't, and to bed then.
1777:
Pis.
Ile wake mine eye-balles first.
1778:
Imo.
Wherefore then
1779: Didd'st vndertake it? Why hast thou abus'd
1780: So many Miles, with a pretence? This place?
1781: Mine Action? and thine owne? Our Horses labour?
1782: The Time inuiting thee? The perturb'd Court
1783: For my being absent? whereunto I neuer
1784: Purpose returne. Why hast thou gone so farre
1785: To be vn-bent? when thou hast 'tane thy stand,
1786: Th' elected Deere before thee?
1787:
Pis.
But to win time
1788: To loose so bad employment, in the which
1789: I haue consider'd of a course: good Ladie
1790: Heare me with patience.
1791:
Imo.
Talke thy tongue weary, speake:
1792: I haue heard I am a Strumpet, and mine eare
1793: Therein false strooke, can take no greater wound,
1794: Nor tent, to bottome that. But speake.
1795:
Pis.
Then Madam,
1796: I thought you would not backe againe.
1797:
Imo.
Most like,
1798: Bringing me heere to kill me.
1799:
Pis.
Not so neither:
1800: But if I were as wise, as honest, then
1801: My purpose would proue well: it cannot be,
1802: But that my Master is abus'd. Some Villaine,
1803: I, and singular in his Art, hath done you both
1804: This cursed iniurie.
1805:
Imo.
Some Roman Curtezan?
1806:
Pisa.
No, on my life:
1807: Ile giue but notice you are dead, and send him
1808: Some bloody signe of it. For 'tis commanded
1809: I should do so: you shall be mist at Court,
1810: And that will well confirme it.
1811:
Imo.
Why good Fellow,
1812: What shall I do the while? Where bide? How liue?
1813: Or in my life, what comfort, when I am
1814: Dead to my Husband?
1815:
Pis.
If you'l backe to'th' Court.
1816:
Imo.
No Court, no Father, nor no more adoe
1817: With that harsh, noble, simple nothing:
1818: That Clotten, whose Loue-suite hath bene to me
1819: As fearefull as a Siege.
1820:
Pis.
If not at Court,
1821: Then not in Britaine must you bide.
1822:
Imo.
Where then?
1823: Hath Britaine all the Sunne that shines? Day? Night?
1824: Are they not but in Britaine? I'th' worlds Volume
1825: Our Britaine seemes as of it, but not in't:
1826: In a great Poole, a Swannes-nest, prythee thinke
1827: There's liuers out of Britaine.
1828:
Pis.
I am most glad
1829: You thinke of other place: Th' Ambassador,
1830: Lucius the Romane comes to Milford-Hauen
1831: To morrow. Now, if you could weare a minde
1832: Darke, as your Fortune is, and but disguise
1833: That which t' appeare it selfe, must not yet be,
1834: But by selfe-danger, you should tread a course
1835: Pretty, and full of view: yea, happily, neere
1836: The residence of Posthumus; so nie (at least)
1837: That though his Actions were not visible, yut
1838: Report should render him hourely to your eare,
1839: As truely as he mooues.
1840:
Imo.
Oh for such meanes,
1841: Though perill to my modestie, not death on't
1842: I would aduenture.
1843:
Pis.
Well then, heere's the point:
1844: You must forget to be a Woman: change
1845: Command, into obedience. Feare, and Nicenesse
1846: (The Handmaides of all Women, or more truely
1847: Woman it pretty selfe) into a waggish courage,
1848: Ready in gybes, quicke-answer'd, sawcie, and
1849: As quarrellous as the Weazell: Nay, you must
1850: Forget that rarest Treasure of your Cheeke,
1851: Exposing it (but oh the harder heart,
1852: Alacke no remedy) to the greedy touch
1853: Of common-kissing Titan: and forget
1854: Your laboursome and dainty Trimmes, wherein
1855: You made great Iuno angry.
1856:
Imo.
Nay be breefe?
1857: I see into thy end, and am almost
1858: A man already.
1859:
Pis.
First, make your selfe but like one,
1860: Fore-thinking this. I haue already fit
1861: ('Tis in my Cloake-bagge) Doublet, Hat, Hose, all
1862: That answer to them: Would you in their seruing,
1863: (And with what imitation you can borrow
1864: From youth of such a season) 'fore Noble Lucius
1865: Present your selfe, desire his seruice: tell him
1866: Wherein you're happy; which will make him know,
1867: If that his head haue eare in Musicke, doubtlesse
1868: With ioy he will imbrace you: for hee's Honourable,
1869: And doubling that, most holy. Your meanes abroad:
1870: You haue me rich, and I will neuer faile
1871: Beginning, nor supplyment.
1872:
Imo.
Thou art all the comfort
1873: The Gods will diet me with. Prythee away,
1874: There's more to be consider'd: but wee'l euen
1875: All that good time will giue vs. This attempt,
1876: I am Souldier too, and will abide it with
1877: A Princes Courage. Away, I prythee.
1878:
Pis.
Well Madam, we must take a short farewell,
1879: Least being mist, I be suspected of
1880: Your carriage from the Court. My Noble Mistris,
1881: Heere is a boxe, I had it from the Queene,
1882: What's in't is precious: If you are sicke at Sea,
1883: Or Stomacke-qualm'd at Land, a Dramme of this
1884: Will driue away distemper. To some shade,
1885: And fit you to your Manhood: may the Gods
1886: Direct you to the best.
1887:
Imo
Amen: I thanke thee. [ Exeunt.]
Scene v
1888: Scena Quinta.
1889: [ Enter Cymbeline, Queene, Cloten, Lucius,
and Lords]
1891:
Cym.
Thus farre, and so farewell.
1892:
Luc.
Thankes, Royall Sir:
1893: My Emperor hath wrote, I must from hence,
1894: And am right sorry, that I must report ye
1895: My Masters Enemy.
1896:
Cym.
Our Subiects (Sir)
1897: Will not endure his yoake; and for our selfe
1898: To shew lesse Soueraignty then they, must needs
1899: Appeare vn-Kinglike.
1900:
Luc.
So Sir: I desire of you
1901: A Conduct ouer Land, to Milford-Hauen.
1902: Madam, all ioy befall your Grace, and you.
1903:
Cym.
My Lords, you are appointed for that Office:
1904: The due of Honor, in no point omit:
1905: So farewell Noble Lucius.
1906:
Luc.
Your hand, my Lord.
1907:
Clot.
Receiue it friendly: but from this time forth
1908: I weare it as your Enemy.
1909:
Luc.
Sir, the Euent
1910: Is yet to name the winner. Fare you well.
1911:
Cym.
Leaue not the worthy Lucius, good my Lords
1912: Till he haue crost the Seuern. Happines. [ Exit Lucius, &c]
1913:
Qu.
He goes hence frowning: but it honours vs
1914: That we haue giuen him cause.
1915:
Clot.
'Tis all the better,
1916: Your valiant Britaines haue their wishes in it.
1917:
Cym.
Lucius hath wrote already to the Emperor
1918: How it goes heere. It fits vs therefore ripely
1919: Our Chariots, and our Horsemen be in readinesse:
1920: The Powres that he already hath in Gallia
1921: Will soone be drawne to head, from whence he moues
1922: His warre for Britaine.
1923:
Qu.
'Tis not sleepy businesse,
1924: But must be look'd too speedily, and strongly.
1925:
Cym.
Our expectation that it would be thus
1926: Hath made vs forward. But my gentle Queene,
1927: Where is our Daughter? She hath not appear'd
1928: Before the Roman, nor to vs hath tender'd
1929: The duty of the day. She looke vs like
1930: A thing more made of malice, then of duty,
1931: We haue noted it. Call her before vs, for
1932: We haue beene too slight in sufferance.
1933:
Qu.
Royall Sir,
1934: Since the exile of Posthumus, most retyr'd
1935: Hath her life bin: the Cure whereof, my Lord,
1936: 'Tis time must do. Beseech your Maiesty,
1937: Forbeare sharpe speeches to her. Shee's a Lady
1938: So tender of rebukes, that words are stroke;
1939: And strokes death to her.
1940: [ Enter a Messenger.]
1941:
Cym.
Where is she Sir? How
1942: Can her contempt be answer'd?
1943:
Mes.
Please you Sir,
1944: Her Chambers are all lock'd, and there's no answer
1945: That will be giuen to'th' lowd of noise, we make.
1946:
Qu.
My Lord, when last I went to visit her,
1947: She pray'd me to excuse her keeping close,
1948: Whereto constrain'd by her infirmitie,
1949: She should that dutie leaue vnpaide to you
1950: Which dayly she was bound to proffer: this
1951: She wish'd me to make knowne: but our great Court
1952: Made me too blame in memory.
1953:
Cym.
Her doores lock'd?
1954: Not seene of late? Grant Heauens, that which I
1955: Feare, proue false. [ Exit.]
1956:
Qu.
Sonne, I say, follow the King.
1957:
Clot.
That man of hers, Pisanio, her old Seruant
1958: I haue not seene these two dayes. [ Exit.]
1959:
Qu.
Go, looke after:
1960: Pisanio, thou that stand'st so for Posthumus,
1961: He hath a Drugge of mine: I pray, his absence
1962: Proceed by swallowing that. For he beleeues
1963: It is a thing most precious. But for her,
1964: Where is she gone? Haply dispaire hath seiz'd her:
1965: Or wing'd with feruour of her loue, she's flowne
1966: To her desir'd Posthumus: gone she is,
1967: To death, or to dishonor, and my end
1968: Can make good vse of either. Shee being downe,
1969: I haue the placing of the Brittish Crowne.
1970: [ Enter Cloten.]
1971: How now, my Sonne?
1972:
Clot.
'Tis certaine she is fled:
1973: Go in and cheere the King, he rages, none
1974: Dare come about him.
1975:
Qu.
All the better: may
1976: This night fore-stall him of the comming day. [ Exit Qu.]
1977:
Clo.
I loue, and hate her: for she's Faire and Royall,
1978: And that she hath all courtly parts more exquisite
1979: Then Lady, Ladies, Woman, from euery one
1980: The best she hath, and she of all compounded
1981: Out-selles them all. I loue her therefore, but
1982: Disdaining me, and throwing Fauours on
1983: The low Posthumus, slanders so her iudgement,
1984: That what's else rare, is choak'd: and in that point
1985: I will conclude to hate her, nay indeede,
1986: To be reueng'd vpon her. For, when Fooles shall===
1987: [ Enter Pisanio.]
1988: Who is heere? What, are you packing sirrah?
1989: Come hither: Ah you precious Pandar, Villaine,
1990: Where is thy Lady? In a word, or else
1991: Thou art straightway with the Fiends.
1992:
Pis.
Oh, good my Lord.
1993:
Clo.
Where is thy Lady? Or, by Iupiter,
1994: I will not aske againe. Close Villaine,
1995: Ile haue this Secret from thy heart, or rip
1996: Thy heart to finde it. Is she with Posthumus?
1997: From whose so many waights of basenesse, cannot
1998: A dram of worth be drawne.
1999:
Pis.
Alas, nay Lord,
2000: How can she be with him? When was she miss'd?
2001: He is in Rome.
2002:
Clot.
Where is she Sir? Come neerer:
2003: No farther halting: satisfie me home,
2004: What is become of her?
2005:
Pis.
Oh, my all-worthy Lord.
2006:
Clo.
All-worthy Villaine,
2007: Discouer where thy Mistris is, at once,
2008: At the next word: no more of worthy Lord:
2009: Speake, or thy silence on the instant, is
2010: Thy condemnation, and thy death.
2011:
Pis.
Then Sir:
2012: This Paper is the historie of my knowledge
2013: Touching her flight.
2014:
Clo.
Let's see't: I will pursue her
2015: Euen to Augustus Throne.
2016:
Pis.
Or this, or perish.
2017: She's farre enough, and what he learnes by this,
2018: May proue his trauell, not her danger.
2019:
Clo.
Humh.
2020:
Pis.
Ile write to my Lord she's dead: Oh Imogen,
2021: Safe mayst thou wander, safe returne agen.
2022:
Clot.
Sirra, is this Letter true?
2023:
Pis.
Sir, as I thinke.
2024:
Clot.
It is Posthumus hand, I know't. Sirrah, if thou
2025: would'st not be a Villain, but do me true seruice: vnder-go
2026: those Imployments wherin I should haue cause to vse
2027: thee with a serious industry, that is, what villainy soere I
2028: bid thee do to performe it, directly and truely, I would
2029: thinke thee an honest man: thou should'st neither want
2030: my meanes for thy releefe, nor my voyce for thy prefer-ment.
2031: _
2032:
Pis.
Well, my good Lord.
2033:
Clot.
Wilt thou serue mee? For since patiently and
2034: constantly thou hast stucke to the bare Fortune of that
2035: Begger Posthumus, thou canst not in the course of grati-tude,
2036: but be a diligent follower of mine. Wilt thou serue
2037: mee?
2038:
Pis.
Sir, I will.
2039:
Clo.
Giue mee thy hand, heere's my purse. Hast any
2040: of thy late Masters Garments in thy possession?
2041:
Pisan.
I haue (my Lord) at my Lodging, the same
2042: Suite he wore, when he tooke leaue of my Ladie & Mi-stresse.
2043: _
2044:
Clo.
The first seruice thou dost mee, fetch that Suite
2045: hither, let it be thy first seruice, go.
2046:
Pis I shall my Lord.
[ Exit.]
2047:
Clo.
Meet thee at Milford-Hauen: (I forgot to aske
2048: him one thing, Ile remember't anon:) euen there, thou
2049: villaine Posthumus will I kill thee. I would these Gar-ments
2050: were come. She saide vpon a time (the bitternesse
2051: of it, I now belch from my heart) that shee held the very
2052: Garment of Posthumus, in more respect, then my Noble
2053: and naturall person; together with the adornement of
2054: my Qualities. With that Suite vpon my backe wil I ra-uish
2055: her: first kill him, and in her eyes; there shall she see
2056: my valour, which wil then be a torment to hir contempt.
2057: He on the ground, my speech of insulment ended on his
2058: dead bodie, and when my Lust hath dined (which, as I
2059: say, to vex her, I will execute in the Cloathes that she so
2060: prais'd:) to the Court Ile knock her backe, foot her home
2061: againe. She hath despis'd mee reioycingly, and Ile bee
2062: merry in my Reuenge.
2063: [ Enter Pisanio.]
2064: Be those the Garments?
2065:
Pis.
I, my Noble Lord.
2066:
Clo.
How long is't since she went to Milford-Hauen?
2067:
Pis.
She can scarse be there yet.
2068:
Clo.
Bring this Apparrell to my Chamber, that is
2069: the second thing that I haue commanded thee. The third
2070: is, that thou wilt be a voluntarie Mute to my designe. Be
2071: but dutious, and true preferment shall tender it selfe to
2072: thee. My Reuenge is now at Milford, would I had wings
2073: to follow it. Come, and be true. [ Exit]
2074:
Pis.
Thou bid'st me to my losse: for true to thee,
2075: Were to proue false, which I will neuer bee
2076: To him that is most true. To Milford go,
2077: And finde not her, whom thou pursuest. Flow, flow
2078: You Heauenly blessings on her: This Fooles speede
2079: Be crost with slownesse; Labour be his meede. [ Exit]
Scene vi
2080: Scena Sexta.
2081: [ Enter Imogen alone.]
2082:
Imo.
I see a mans life is a tedious one,
2083: I haue tyr'd my selfe: and for two nights together
2084: Haue made the ground my bed. I should be sicke,
2085: But that my resolution helpes me: Milford,
2086: When from the Mountaine top, Pisanio shew'd thee,
2087: Thou was't within a kenne. Oh Ioue, I thinke
2088: Foundations flye the wretched: such I meane,
2089: Where they should be releeu'd. Two Beggers told me,
2090: I could not misse my way. Will poore Folkes lye
2091: That haue Afflictions on them, knowing 'tis
2092: A punishment, or Triall? Yes; no wonder,
2093: When Rich-ones scarse tell true. To lapse in Fulnesse
2094: Is sorer, then to lye for Neede: and Falshood
2095: Is worse in Kings, then Beggers. My deere Lord,
2096: Thou art one o'th' false Ones: Now I thinke on thee,
2097: My hunger's gone; but euen before, I was
2098: At point to sinke, for Food. But what is this?
2099: Heere is a path too't: 'tis some sauage hold:
2100: I were best not call; I dare not call: yet Famine
2101: Ere cleane it o're-throw Nature, makes it valiant.
2102: Plentie, and Peace breeds Cowards: Hardnesse euer
2103: Of Hardinesse is Mother. Hoa? who's heere?
2104: If any thing that's ciuill, speake: if sauage,
2105: Take, or lend. Hoa? No answer? Then Ile enter.
2106: Best draw my Sword; and if mine Enemy
2107: But feare the Sword like me, hee'l scarsely looke on't.
2108: Such a Foe, good Heauens. [ Exit.]
Scene vii
2109: Scena Septima.
2110: [ Enter Belarius, Guiderius, and Aruiragus.]
2111:
Bel.
You Polidore haue prou'd best Woodman, and
2112: Are Master of the Feast: Cadwall, and I
2113: Will play the Cooke, and Seruant, 'tis our match:
2114: The sweat of industry would dry, and dye
2115: But for the end it workes too. Come, our stomackes
2116: Will make what's homely, sauoury: Wearinesse
2117: Can snore vpon the Flint, when restie Sloth
2118: Findes the Downe-pillow hard. Now peace be heere,
2119: Poore house, that keep'st thy selfe.
2120:
Gui.
I am throughly weary.
2121:
Arui.
I am weake with toyle, yet strong in appetite.
2122:
Gui.
There is cold meat i'th' Caue, we'l brouz on that
2123: Whil'st what we haue kill'd, be Cook'd.
2124:
Bel.
Stay, come not in:
2125: But that it eates our victualles, I should thinke
2126: Heere were a Faiery.
2127:
Gui.
What's the matter, Sir?
2128:
Bel.
By Iupiter an Angell: or if not
2129: An earthly Paragon. Behold Diuinenesse
2130: No elder then a Boy.
2131: [ Enter Imogen.]
2132:
Imo.
Good masters harme me not:
2133: Before I enter'd heere, I call'd, and thought
2134: To haue begg'd, or bought, what I haue took: good troth
2135: I haue stolne nought, nor would not, though I had found
2136: Gold strew'd i'th' Floore. Heere's money for my Meate,
2137: I would haue left it on the Boord, so soone
2138: As I had made my Meale; and parted
2139: With Pray'rs for the Prouider.
2140:
Gui.
Money? Youth.
2141:
Aru.
All Gold and Siluer rather turne to durt,
2142: As 'tis no better reckon'd, but of those
2143: Who worship durty Gods.
2144:
Imo.
I see you're angry:
2145: Know, if you kill me for my fault, I should
2146: Haue dyed, had I not made it.
2147:
Bel.
Whether bound?
2148:
Imo.
To Milford-Hauen.
2149:
Bel.
What's your name?
2150:
Imo.
Fidele Sir: I haue a Kinsman, who
2151: Is bound for Italy; he embark'd at Milford,
2152: To whom being going, almost spent with hunger,
2153: I am falne in this offence.
2154:
Bel.
Prythee (faire youth)
2155: Thinke vs no Churles: nor measure our good mindes
2156: By this rude place we liue in. Well encounter'd,
2157: 'Tis almost night, you shall haue better cheere
2158: Ere you depart; and thankes to stay, and eate it:
2159: Boyes, bid him welcome.
2160:
Gui.
Were you a woman, youth,
2161: I should woo hard, but be your Groome in honesty:
2162: I bid for you, as I do buy.
2163:
Arui.
Ile make't my Comfort
2164: He is a man, Ile loue him as my Brother:
2165: And such a welcome as I'ld giue to him
2166: (After long absence) such is yours. Most welcome:
2167: Be sprightly, for you fall 'mongst Friends.
2168:
Imo.
'Mongst Friends?
2169: If Brothers: would it had bin so, that they
2170: Had bin my Fathers Sonnes, then had my prize
2171: Bin lesse, and so more equall ballasting
2172: To thee Posthumus.
2173:
Bel.
He wrings at some distresse.
2174:
Gui.
Would I could free't.
2175:
Arui.
Or I, what ere it be,
2176: What paine it cost, what danger: Gods!
2177:
Bel.
Hearke Boyes.
2178:
Imo.
Great men
2179: That had a Court no bigger then this Caue,
2180: That did attend themselues, and had the vertue
2181: Which their owne Conscience seal'd them: laying by
2182: That nothing-guift of differing Multitudes
2183: Could not out-peere these twaine. Pardon me Gods,
2184: I'ld change my sexe to be Companion with them,
2185: Since Leonatus false.
2186:
Bel.
It shall be so:
2187: Boyes wee'l go dresse our Hunt. Faire youth come in;
2188: Discourse is heauy, fasting: when we haue supp'd
2189: Wee'l mannerly demand thee of thy Story,
2190: So farre as thou wilt speake it.
2191:
Gui.
Pray draw neere.
2192:
Arui.
The Night to'th' Owle,
2193: And Morne to th' Larke lesse welcome.
2194:
Imo.
Thankes Sir.
2195:
Arui
I pray draw neere. [ Exeunt.]
Scene viii
2196: Scena Octaua.
2197: [ Enter two Roman Senators, and Tribunes.]
2198:
1.Sen.
This is the tenor of the Emperors Writ;
2199: That since the common men are now in Action
2200: 'Gainst the Pannonians, and Dalmatians,
2201: And that the Legions now in Gallia, are
2202: Full weake to vndertake our Warres against
2203: The falne-off Britaines, that we do incite
2204: The Gentry to this businesse. He creates
2205: Lucius Pro-Consull: and to you the Tribunes
2206: For this immediate Leuy, he commands
2207: His absolute Commission. Long liue Caesar.
2208:
Tri.
Is Lucius Generall of the Forces?
2209:
2.Sen.
I.
2210:
Tri.
Remaining now in Gallia?
2211:
1.Sen.
With those Legions
2212: Which I haue spoke of, whereunto your leuie
2213: Must be suppliant: the words of your Commission
2214: Will tye you to the numbers, and the time
2215: Of their dispatch.
2216:
Tri
We will discharge our duty. [ Exeunt.]
Act IV
Scene i
2217: Actus Quartus. Scena Prima.
2218: [ Enter Clotten alone.]
2219:
Clot
I am neere to'th' place where they should meet,
2220: if Pisanio haue mapp'd it truely. How fit his Garments
2221: serue me? Why should his Mistris who was made by him
2222: that made the Taylor, not be fit too? The rather (sauing
2223: reuerence of the Word) for 'tis saide a Womans fitnesse
2224: comes by fits: therein I must play the Workman, I dare
2225: speake it to my selfe, for it is not Vainglorie for a man,
2226: and his Glasse, to confer in his owne Chamber; I meane,
2227: the Lines of my body are as well drawne as his; no lesse
2228: young, more strong, not beneath him in Fortunes, be-yond
2229: him in the aduantage of the time, aboue him in
2230: Birth, alike conuersant in generall seruices, and more re-markeable
2231: in single oppositions; yet this imperseuerant
2232: Thing loues him in my despight. What Mortalitie is?
2233: Posthumus, thy head (which now is growing vppon thy
2234: shoulders) shall within this houre be off, thy Mistris in-forced,
2235: thy Garments cut to peeces before thy face: and
2236: all this done, spurne her home to her Father, who may
2237: (happily) be a little angry for my so rough vsage: but my
2238: Mother hauing power of his testinesse, shall turne all in-to
2239: my commendations. My Horse is tyed vp safe, out
2240: Sword, and to a sore purpose: Fortune put them into my
2241: hand: This is the very description of their meeting place
2242: and the Fellow dares not deceiue me. [ Exit.]
Scene ii
2243: Scena Secunda.
2244: [ Enter Belarius, Guiderius, Aruiragus, and
Imogen from the Caue]
2246:
Bel.
You are not well: Remaine heere in the Caue,
2247: Wee'l come to you after Hunting.
2248:
Arui.
Brother, stay heere:
2249: Are we not Brothers?
2250:
Imo.
So man and man should be,
2251: But Clay and Clay, differs in dignitie,
2252: Whose dust is both alike. I am very sicke,
2253:
Gui.
Go you to Hunting, Ile abide with him.
2254:
Imo.
So sicke I am not, yet I am not well:
2255: But not so Citizen a wanton, as
2256: To seeme to dye, ere sicke: So please you, leaue me,
2257: Sticke to your Iournall course: the breach of Custome,
2258: Is breach of all. I am ill, but your being by me
2259: Cannot amend me. Society, is no comfort
2260: To one not sociable: I am not very sicke,
2261: Since I can reason of it: pray you trust me heere,
2262: Ile rob none but my selfe, and let me dye
2263: Stealing so poorely.
2264:
Gui.
I loue thee: I haue spoke it,
2265: How much the quantity, the waight as much,
2266: As I do loue my Father.
2267:
Bel.
What? How? how?
2268:
Arui.
If it be sinne to say so (Sir) I yoake mee
2269: In my good Brothers fault: I know not why
2270: I loue this youth, and I haue heard you say,
2271: Loue's reason's, without reason. The Beere at doore,
2272: And a demand who is't shall dye, I'ld say
2273: My Father, not this youth.
2274:
Bel.
Oh noble straine!
2275: O worthinesse of Nature, breed of Greatnesse!
2276: "Cowards father Cowards, & Base things Syre Bace;
2277: "Nature hath Meale, and Bran; Contempt, and Grace.
2278: I'me not their Father, yet who this should bee,
2279: Doth myracle it selfe, lou'd before mee.
2280: 'Tis the ninth houre o'th' Morne.
2281:
Arui.
Brother, farewell.
2282:
Imo.
I wish ye sport.
2283:
Arui.
You health. === So please you Sir.
2284:
Imo.
These are kinde Creatures.
2285: Gods, what lyes I haue heard:
2286: Our Courtiers say, all's sauage, but at Court;
2287: Experience, oh thou disproou'st Report.
2288: Th' emperious Seas breeds Monsters; for the Dish,
2289: Poore Tributary Riuers, as sweet Fish:
2290: I am sicke still, heart-sicke; Pisanio,
2291: Ile now taste of thy Drugge.
2292:
Gui.
I could not stirre him:
2293: He said he was gentle, but vnfortunate;
2294: Dishonestly afflicted, but yet honest.
2295:
Arui.
Thus did he answer me: yet said heereafter,
2296: I might know more.
2297:
Bel.
To'th' Field, to'th' Field:
2298: Wee'l leaue you for this time, go in, and rest.
2299:
Arui.
Wee'l not be long away.
2300:
Bel.
Pray be not sicke,
2301: For you must be our Huswife.
2302:
Imo.
Well, or ill,
2303: I am bound to you. [ Exit.]
2304:
Bel.
And shal't be euer.
2305: This youth, how ere distrest, appeares he hath had
2306: Good Ancestors.
2307:
Arui.
How Angell-like he sings?
2308:
Gui.
But his neate Cookerie?
2309:
Arui.
He cut our Rootes in Charracters,
2310: And sawc'st our Brothes, as Iuno had bin sicke,
2311: And he her Dieter.
2312:
Arui.
Nobly he yoakes
2313: A smiling, with a sigh; as if the sighe
2314: Was that it was, for not being such a Smile:
2315: The Smile, mocking the Sigh, that it would flye
2316: From so diuine a Temple, to commix
2317: With windes, that Saylors raile at.
2318:
Gui.
I do note,
2319: That greefe and patience rooted in them both,
2320: Mingle their spurres together.
2321:
Arui.
Grow patient,
2322: And let the stinking-Elder (Greefe) vntwine
2323: His perishing roote, with the encreasing Vine.
2324:
Bel.
It is great morning. Come away: Who's there?
2325: [ Enter Cloten.]
2326:
Clo.
I cannot finde those Runnagates, that Villaine
2327: Hath mock'd me. I am faint.
2328:
Bel.
Those Runnagates?
2329: Meanes he not vs? I partly know him, 'tis
2330: Cloten, the Sonne o'th' Queene. I feare some Ambush:
2331: I saw him not these many yeares, and yet
2332: I know 'tis he: We are held as Out-Lawes: Hence.
2333:
Gui.
He is but one: you, and my Brother search
2334: What Companies are neere: pray you away,
2335: Let me alone with him.
2336:
Clot.
Soft, what are you
2337: That flye me thus? Some villaine-Mountainers?
2338: I haue heard of such. What Slaue art thou?
2339:
Gui.
A thing
2340: More slauish did I ne're, then answering
2341: A Slaue without a knocke.
2342:
Clot.
Thou art a Robber,
2343: A Law-breaker, a Villaine: yeeld thee Theefe.
2344:
Gui.
To who? to thee? What art thou? Haue not I
2345: An arme as bigge as thine? A heart, as bigge:
2346: Thy words I grant are bigger: for I weare not
2347: My Dagger in my mouth. Say what thou art:
2348: Why I should yeeld to thee?
2349:
Clot.
Thou Villaine base,
2350: Know'st me not by my Cloathes?
2351:
Gui.
No, nor thy Taylor, Rascall:
2352: Who is thy Grandfather? He made those cloathes,
2353: Which (as it seemes) make thee.
2354:
Clo.
Thou precious Varlet,
2355: My Taylor made them not.
2356:
Gui.
Hence then, and thanke
2357: The man that gaue them thee. Thou art some Foole,
2358: I am loath to beate thee.
2359:
Clot.
Thou iniurious Theefe,
2360: Heare but my name, and tremble.
2361:
Gui.
What's thy name?
2362:
Clo.
Cloten, thou Villaine.
2363:
Gui.
Cloten, thou double Villaine be thy name,
2364: I cannot tremble at it, were it Toad, or Adder, Spider,
2365: 'Twould moue me sooner.
2366:
Clot.
To thy further feare,
2367: Nay, to thy meere Confusion, thou shalt know
2368: I am Sonne to'th' Queene.
2369:
Gui.
I am sorry for't: not seeming
2370: So worthy as thy Birth.
2371:
Clot.
Art not afeard?
2372:
Gui.
Those that I reuerence, those I feare: the Wise:
2373: At Fooles I laugh: not feare them.
2374:
Clot.
Dye the death:
2375: When I haue slaine thee with my proper hand,
2376: Ile follow those that euen now fled hence:
2377: And on the Gates of Luds-Towne set your heads:
2378: Yeeld Rusticke Mountaineer. [ Fight and Exeunt.]
2379: [ Enter Belarius and Aruiragus.]
2380:
Bel.
No Companie's abroad?
2381:
Arui.
None in the world: you did mistake him sure.
2382:
Bel.
I cannot tell: Long is it since I saw him,
2383: But Time hath nothing blurr'd those lines of Fauour
2384: Which then he wore: the snatches in his voice,
2385: And burst of speaking were as his: I am absolute
2386: 'Twas very Cloten.
2387:
Arui.
In this place we left them;
2388: I wish my Brother make good time with him,
2389: You say he is so fell.
2390:
Bel.
Being scarse made vp,
2391: I meane to man; he had not apprehension
2392: Of roaring terrors: For defect of iudgement
2393: Is oft the cause of Feare.
2394: [ Enter Guiderius.]
2395: But see thy Brother.
2396:
Gui.
This Cloten was a Foole, an empty purse,
2397: There was no money in't: Not Hercules
2398: Could haue knock'd out his Braines, for he had none:
2399: Yet I not doing this, the Foole had borne
2400: My head, as I do his.
2401:
Bel.
What hast thou done?
2402:
Gui.
I am perfect what: cut off one Clotens head,
2403: Sonne to the Queene (after his owne report)
2404: Who call'd me Traitor, Mountaineer, and swore
2405: With his owne single hand heel'd take vs in,
2406: Displace our heads, where (thanks the Gods) they grow
2407: And set them on Luds-Towne.
2408:
Bel.
We are all vndone.
2409:
Gui.
Why, worthy Father, what haue we to loose,
2410: But that he swore to take our Liues? the Law
2411: Protects not vs, then why should we be tender,
2412: To let an arrogant peece of flesh threat vs?
2413: Play Iudge, and Executioner, all himselfe?
2414: For we do feare the Law. What company
2415: Discouer you abroad?
2416:
Bel.
No single soule
2417: Can we set eye on: but in all safe reason
2418: He must haue some Attendants. Though his Honor
2419: Was nothing but mutation, I, and that
2420: From one bad thing to worse: Not Frenzie,
2421: Not absolute madnesse could so farre haue rau'd
2422: To bring him heere alone: although perhaps
2423: It may be heard at Court, that such as wee
2424: Caue heere, hunt heere, are Out-lawes, and in time
2425: May make some stronger head, the which he hearing,
2426: (As it is like him) might breake out, and sweare
2427: Heel'd fetch vs in, yet is't not probable
2428: To come alone, either he so vndertaking,
2429: Or they so suffering: then on good ground we feare,
2430: If we do feare this Body hath a taile
2431: More perillous then the head.
2432:
Arui.
Let Ord'nance
2433: Come as the Gods fore-say it: howsoere,
2434: My Brother hath done well.
2435:
Bel.
I had no minde
2436: To hunt this day: The Boy Fideles sickenesse
2437: Did make my way long forth.
2438:
Gui.
With his owne Sword,
2439: Which he did waue against my throat, I haue tane
2440: His head from him: Ile throw't into the Creeke
2441: Behinde our Rocke, and let it to the Sea,
2442: And tell the Fishes, hee's the Queenes Sonne, Cloten,
2443: That's all I reake. [ Exit.]
2444:
Bel.
I feare 'twill be reueng'd:
2445: Would (Polidore) thou had'st not done't: though valour
2446: Becomes thee well enough.
2447:
Arui.
Would I had done't:
2448: So the Reuenge alone pursu'de me: Polidore
2449: I loue thee brotherly, but enuy much
2450: Thou hast robb'd me of this deed: I would Reuenges
2451: That possible strength might meet, wold seek vs through
2452: And put vs to our answer.
2453:
Bel.
Well, 'tis done:
2454: Wee'l hunt no more to day, nor seeke for danger
2455: Where there's no profit. I prythee to our Rocke,
2456: You and Fidele play the Cookes: Ile stay
2457: Till hasty Polidore returne, and bring him
2458: To dinner presently.
2459:
Arui.
Poore sicke Fidele.
2460: Ile willingly to him, to gaine his colour,
2461: Il'd let a parish of such Clotens blood,
2462: And praise my selfe for charity. [ Exit.]
2463:
Bel.
Oh thou Goddesse,
2464: Thou diuine Nature; thou thy selfe thou blazon'st
2465: In these two Princely Boyes: they are as gentle
2466: As Zephires blowing below the Violet,
2467: Not wagging his sweet head; and yet, as rough
2468: (Their Royall blood enchaf'd) as the rud'st winde,
2469: That by the top doth take the Mountaine Pine,
2470: And make him stoope to th' Vale. 'Tis wonder
2471: That an inuisible instinct should frame them
2472: To Royalty vnlearn'd, Honor vntaught,
2473: Ciuility not seene from other: valour
2474: That wildely growes in them, but yeelds a crop
2475: As if it had beene sow'd: yet still it's strange
2476: What Clotens being heere to vs portends,
2477: Or what his death will bring vs.
2478: [ Enter Guidereus.]
2479:
Gui.
Where's my Brother?
2480: I haue sent Clotens Clot-pole downe the streame,
2481: In Embassie to his Mother; his Bodie's hostage
2482: For his returne. [ Solemn Musick.]
2483:
Bel.
My ingenuous Instrument,
2484: (Hearke Polidore) it sounds: but what occasion
2485: Hath Cadwal now to giue it motion? Hearke.
2486:
Gui.
Is he at home?
2487:
Bel.
He went hence euen now.
2488:
Gui.
What does he meane?
2489: Since death of my deer'st Mother
2490: It did not speake before. All solemne things
2491: Should answer solemne Accidents. The matter?
2492: Triumphes for nothing, and lamenting Toyes,
2493: Is iollity for Apes, and greefe for Boyes.
2494: Is Cadwall mad?
2495: [ Enter Aruiragus, with Imogen dead, bearing
her in his Armes]
2497:
Bel.
Looke, heere he comes,
2498: And brings the dire occasion in his Armes,
2499: Of what we blame him for.
2500:
Arui.
The Bird is dead
2501: That we haue made so much on. I had rather
2502: Haue skipt from sixteene yeares of Age, to sixty:
2503: To haue turn'd my leaping time into a Crutch,
2504: Then haue seene this.
2505:
Gui.
Oh sweetest, fayrest Lilly:
2506: My Brother weares thee not the one halfe so well,
2507: As when thou grew'st thy selfe.
2508:
Bel.
Oh Melancholly,
2509: Who euer yet could sound thy bottome? Finde
2510: The Ooze, to shew what Coast thy sluggish care
2511: Might'st easilest harbour in. Thou blessed thing,
2512: Ioue knowes what man thou might'st haue made: but I,
2513: Thou dyed'st a most rare Boy, of Melancholly.
2514: How found you him?
2515:
Arui.
Starke, as you see:
2516: Thus smiling, as some Fly had tickled slumber,
2517: Not as deaths dart being laugh'd at: his right Cheeke
2518: Reposing on a Cushion.
2519:
Gui.
Where?
2520:
Arui.
O'th' floore:
2521: His armes thus leagu'd, I thought he slept, and put
2522: My clowted Brogues from off my feete, whose rudenesse
2523: Answer'd my steps too lowd.
2524:
Gui.
Why, he but sleepes:
2525: If he be gone, hee'l make his Graue, a Bed:
2526: With female Fayries will his Tombe be haunted,
2527: And Wormes will not come to thee.
2528:
Arui.
With fayrest Flowers
2529: Whil'st Sommer lasts, and I liue heere, Fidele,
2530: Ile sweeten thy sad graue: thou shalt not lacke
2531: The Flower that's like thy face. Pale-Primrose, nor
2532: The azur'd Hare-Bell, like thy Veines: no, nor
2533: The leafe of Eglantine, whom not to slander,
2534: Out-sweetned not thy breath: the Raddocke would
2535: With Charitable bill (Oh bill sore shaming
2536: Those rich-left-heyres, that let their Fathers lye
2537: Without a Monument) bring thee all this,
2538: Yea, and furr'd Mosse besides. When Flowres are none
2539: To winter-ground thy Coarse===
2540:
Gui.
Prythee haue done,
2541: And do not play in Wench-like words with that
2542: Which is so serious. Let vs bury him,
2543: And not protract with admiration, what
2544: Is now due debt. To'th' graue.
2545:
Arui.
Say, where shall's lay him?
2546:
Gui.
By good Euriphile, our Mother.
2547:
Arui.
Bee't so:
2548: And let vs (Polidore) though now our voyces
2549: Haue got the mannish cracke, sing him to'th' ground
2550: As once to our Mother: vse like note, and words,
2551: Saue that Euriphile, must be Fidele.
2552:
Gui.
Cadwall,
2553: I cannot sing: Ile weepe, and word it with thee;
2554: For Notes of sorrow, out of tune, are worse
2555: Then Priests, and Phanes that lye.
2556:
Arui.
Wee'l speake it then.
2557:
Bel.
Great greefes I see med'cine the lesse: For Cloten
2558: Is quite forgot. He was a Queenes Sonne, Boyes,
2559: And though he came our Enemy, remember
2560: He was paid for that: though meane, and mighty rotting
2561: Together haue one dust, yet Reuerence
2562: (That Angell of the world) doth make distinction
2563: Of place 'tweene high, and low. Our Foe was Princely,
2564: And though you tooke his life, as being our Foe,
2565: Yet bury him, as a Prince.
2566:
Gui.
Pray you fetch him hither,
2567: Thersites body is as good as Aiax,
2568: When neyther are aliue.
2569:
Arui.
If you'l go fetch him,
2570: Wee'l say our Song the whil'st: Brother begin.
2571:
Gui.
Nay Cadwall, we must lay his head to th' East,
2572: My Father hath a reason for't.
2573:
Arui.
'Tis true.
2574:
Gui.
Come on then, and remoue him.
2575:
Arui.
So, begin.
2576: [ SONG.]
2577:
Guid.
Feare no more the heate o'th' Sun,
2578: Nor the furious Winters rages,
2579: Thou thy worldly task hast don,
2580: Home art gon, and tane thy wages.
2581: Golden Lads, and Girles all must,
2582: As Chimney-Sweepers come to dust.
2583:
Arui.
Feare no more the frowne o'th' Great,
2584: Thou art past the Tirants stroake,
2585: Care no more to cloath and eate,
2586: To thee the Reede is as the Oake:
2587: The Scepter, Learning, Physicke must,
2588: All follow this and come to dust.
2589:
Guid.
Feare no more the Lightning flash.
2590:
Arui.
Nor th' all-dreaded Thunderstone.
2591:
Gui.
Feare not Slander, Censure rash.
2592:
Arui.
Thou hast finish'd Ioy and mone.
2593:
Both.
All Louers young, all Louers must,
2594: Consigne to thee and come to dust.
2595:
Guid.
No Exorcisor harme thee,
2596:
Arui.
Nor no witch-craft charme thee.
2597:
Guid.
Ghost vnlaid forbeare thee.
2598:
Arui.
Nothing ill come neere thee.
2599:
Both.
Quiet consumation haue,
2600: And renowned be thy graue.
2601: [ Enter Belarius with the body of Cloten.]
2602:
Gui.
We haue done our obsequies:
2603: Come lay him downe.
2604:
Bel.
Heere's a few Flowres, but 'bout midnight more:
2605: The hearbes that haue on them cold dew o'th' night
2606: Are strewings fit'st for Graues: vpon their Faces.
2607: You were as Flowres, now wither'd: euen so
2608: These Herbelets shall, which we vpon you strew.
2609: Come on, away, apart vpon our knees:
2610: The ground that gaue them first, ha's them againe:
2611: Their pleasures here are past, so are their paine. [ Exeunt.]
2612: [ Imogen awakes.]
2613: Yes Sir, to Milford-Hauen, which is the way?
2614: I thanke you: by yond bush? pray how farre thether?
2615: 'Ods pittikins: can it be sixe mile yet?
2616: I haue gone all night: 'Faith, Ile lye downe, and sleepe.
2617: But soft; no Bedfellow? Oh Gods, and Goddesses!
2618: These Flowres are like the pleasures of the World;
2619: This bloody man the care on't. I hope I dreame:
2620: For so I thought I was a Caue-keeper,
2621: And Cooke to honest Creatures. But 'tis not so:
2622: 'Twas but a bolt of nothing, shot of nothing,
2623: Which the Braine makes of Fumes. Our very eyes,
2624: Are sometimes like our Iudgements, blinde. Good faith
2625: I tremble still with feare: but if there be
2626: Yet left in Heauen, as small a drop of pittie
2627: As a Wrens eye; fear'd Gods, a part of it.
2628: The Dreame's heere still: euen when I wake it is
2629: Without me, as within me: not imagin'd, felt.
2630: A headlesse man? The Garments of Posthumus?
2631: I know the shape of's Legge: this is his Hand:
2632: His Foote Mercuriall: his martiall Thigh
2633: The brawnes of Hercules: but his Iouiall face===
2634: Murther in heauen? How? 'tis gone. Pisanio,
2635: All Curses madded Hecuba gaue the Greekes,
2636: And mine to boot, be darted on thee: thou
2637: Conspir'd with that Irregulous diuell Cloten,
2638: Hath heere cut off my Lord. To write, and read,
2639: Be henceforth treacherous. Damn'd Pisanio,
2640: Hath with his forged Letters (damn'd Pisanio)
2641: From this most brauest vessell of the world
2642: Strooke the maine top! Oh Posthumus, alas,
2643: Where is thy head? where's that? Aye me! where's that?
2644: Pisanio might haue kill'd thee at the heart,
2645: And left this head on. How should this be, Pisanio?
2646: 'Tis he, and Cloten: Malice, and Lucre in them
2647: Haue laid this Woe heere. Oh 'tis pregnant, pregnant!
2648: The Drugge he gaue me, which hee said was precious
2649: And Cordiall to me, haue I not found it
2650: Murd'rous to'th' Senses? That confirmes it home:
2651: This is Pisanio's deede, and Cloten: Oh!
2652: Giue colour to my pale cheeke with thy blood,
2653: That we the horrider may seeme to those
2654: Which chance to finde vs. Oh, my Lord! my Lord!
2655: [ Enter Lucius, Captaines, and a Soothsayer.]
2656:
Cap.
To them, the Legions garrison'd in Gallia
2657: After your will, haue crost the Sea, attending
2658: You heere at Milford-Hauen, with your Shippes:
2659: They are heere in readinesse.
2660:
Luc.
But what from Rome?
2661:
Cap.
The Senate hath stirr'd vp the Confiners,
2662: And Gentlemen of Italy, most willing Spirits,
2663: That promise Noble Seruice: and they come
2664: Vnder the Conduct of bold Iachimo,
2665: Syenna's Brother.
2666:
Luc.
When expect you them?
2667:
Cap.
With the next benefit o'th' winde.
2668:
Luc.
This forwardnesse
2669: Makes our hopes faire. Command our present numbers
2670: Be muster'd: bid the Captaines looke too't. Now Sir,
2671: What haue you dream'd of late of this warres purpose.
2672:
Sooth.
Last night, the very Gods shew'd me a vision
2673: (I fast, and pray'd for their Intelligence) thus:
2674: I saw Ioues Bird, the Roman Eagle wing'd
2675: From the spungy South, to this part of the West,
2676: There vanish'd in the Sun-beames, which portends
2677: (Vnlesse my sinnes abuse my Diuination)
2678: Successe to th' Roman hoast.
2679:
Luc.
Dreame often so,
2680: And neuer false. Soft hoa, what truncke is heere?
2681: Without his top? The ruine speakes, that sometime
2682: It was a worthy building. How? a Page?
2683: Or dead, or sleeping on him? But dead rather:
2684: For Nature doth abhorre to make his bed
2685: With the defunct, or sleepe vpon the dead.
2686: Let's see the Boyes face.
2687:
Cap.
Hee's aliue my Lord.
2688:
Luc.
Hee'l then instruct vs of this body: Young one,
2689: Informe vs of thy Fortunes, for it seemes
2690: They craue to be demanded: who is this
2691: Thou mak'st thy bloody Pillow? Or who was he
2692: That (otherwise then noble Nature did)
2693: Hath alter'd that good Picture? What's thy interest
2694: In this sad wracke? How came't? Who is't?
2695: What art thou?
2696:
Imo.
I am nothing; or if not,
2697: Nothing to be were better: This was my Master,
2698: A very valiant Britaine, and a good,
2699: That heere by Mountaineers lyes slaine: Alas,
2700: There is no more such Masters: I may wander
2701: From East to Occident, cry out for Seruice,
2702: Try many, all good: serue truly: neuer
2703: Finde such another Master.
2704:
Luc.
'Lacke, good youth:
2705: Thou mou'st no lesse with thy complaining, then
2706: Thy Maister in bleeding: say his name, good Friend.
2707:
Imo.
Richard du Champ: If I do lye, and do
2708: No harme by it, though the Gods heare, I hope
2709: They'l pardon it. Say you Sir?
2710:
Luc.
Thy name?
2711:
Imo.
Fidele Sir.
2712:
Luc.
Thou doo'st approue thy selfe the very same:
2713: Thy Name well fits thy Faith; thy Faith, thy Name:
2714: Wilt take thy chance with me? I will not say
2715: Thou shalt be so well master'd, but be sure
2716: No lesse belou'd. The Romane Emperors Letters
2717: Sent by a Consull to me, should not sooner
2718: Then thine owne worth preferre thee: Go with me.
2719:
Imo.
Ile follow Sir. But first, and't please the Gods,
2720: Ile hide my Master from the Flies, as deepe
2721: As these poore Pickaxes can digge: and when
2722: With wild wood-leaues & weeds, I ha' strew'd his graue
2723: And on it said a Century of prayers
2724: (Such as I can) twice o're, Ile weepe, and sighe,
2725: And leauing so his seruice, follow you,
2726: So please you entertaine mee.
2727:
Luc.
I good youth,
2728: And rather Father thee, then Master thee: My Friends,
2729: The Boy hath taught vs manly duties: Let vs
2730: Finde out the prettiest Dazied-Plot we can,
2731: And make him with our Pikes and Partizans
2732: A Graue: Come, Arme him: Boy hee's preferr'd
2733: By thee, to vs, and he shall be interr'd
2734: As Souldiers can. Be cheerefull; wipe thine eyes,
2735: Some Falles are meanes the happier to arise. [ Exeunt]
Scene iii
2736: Scena Tertia.
2737: [ Enter Cymbeline, Lords, and Pisanio.]
2738:
Cym.
Againe: and bring me word how 'tis with her,
2739: A Feauour with the absence of her Sonne;
2740: A madnesse, of which her life's in danger: Heauens,
2741: How deeply you at once do touch me. Imogen,
2742: The great part of my comfort, gone: My Queene
2743: Vpon a desperate bed, and in a time
2744: When fearefull Warres point at me: Her Sonne gone,
2745: So needfull for this present? It strikes me, past
2746: The hope of comfort. But for thee, Fellow,
2747: Who needs must know of her departure, and
2748: Dost seeme so ignorant, wee'l enforce it from thee
2749: By a sharpe Torture.
2750:
Pis.
Sir, my life is yours,
2751: I humbly set it at your will: But for my Mistris,
2752: I nothing know where she remaines: why gone,
2753: Nor when she purposes returne. Beseech your Highnes,
2754: Hold me your loyall Seruant.
2755:
Lord.
Good my Liege,
2756: The day that she was missing, he was heere;
2757: I dare be bound hee's true, and shall performe
2758: All parts of his subiection loyally. For Cloten,
2759: There wants no diligence in seeking him,
2760: And will no doubt be found.
2761:
Cym.
The time is troublesome:
2762: Wee'l slip you for a season, but our iealousie
2763: Do's yet depend.
2764:
Lord.
So please your Maiesty,
2765: The Romaine Legions, all from Gallia drawne,
2766: Are landed on your Coast, with a supply
2767: Of Romaine Gentlemen, by the Senate sent.
2768:
Cym.
Now for the Counsaile of my Son and Queen,
2769: I am amaz'd with matter.
2770:
Lord.
Good my Liege,
2771: Your preparation can affront no lesse
2772: Then what you heare of. Come more, for more you're ready:
2773: The want is, but to put those Powres in motion,
2774: That long to moue.
2775:
Cym.
I thanke you: let's withdraw
2776: And meete the Time, as it seekes vs. We feare not
2777: What can from Italy annoy vs, but
2778: We greeue at chances heere. Away. [ Exeunt]
2779:
Pisa.
I heard no Letter from my Master, since
2780: I wrote him Imogen was slaine. 'Tis strange:
2781: Nor heare I from my Mistris, who did promise
2782: To yeeld me often tydings. Neither know I
2783: What is betide to Cloten, but remaine
2784: Perplext in all. The Heauens still must worke:
2785: Wherein I am false, I am honest: not true, to be true.
2786: These present warres shall finde I loue my Country,
2787: Euen to the note o'th' King, or Ile fall in them:
2788: All other doubts, by time let them be cleer'd,
2789: Fortune brings in some Boats, that are not steer'd. [ Exit.]
Scene iv
2790: Scena Quarta.
2791: [ Enter Belarius, Guiderius, & Aruiragus.]
2792:
Gui.
The noyse is round about vs.
2793:
Bel.
Let vs from it.
2794:
Arui.
What pleasure Sir, we finde in life, to locke it
2795: From Action, and Aduenture.
2796:
Gui.
Nay, what hope
2797: Haue we in hiding vs? This way the Romaines
2798: Must, or for Britaines slay vs, or receiue vs
2799: For barbarous and vnnaturall Reuolts
2800: During their vse, and slay vs after.
2801:
Bel.
Sonnes,
2802: Wee'l higher to the Mountaines, there secure vs.
2803: To the Kings party there's no going: newnesse
2804: Of Clotens death (we being not knowne, nor muster'd
2805: Among the Bands) may driue vs to a render
2806: Where we haue liu'd; and so extort from's that
2807: Which we haue done, whose answer would be death
2808: Drawne on with Torture.
2809:
Gui.
This is (Sir) a doubt
2810: In such a time, nothing becomming you,
2811: Nor satisfying vs.
2812:
Arui.
It is not likely,
2813: That when they heare their Roman horses neigh,
2814: Behold their quarter'd Fires; haue both their eyes
2815: And eares so cloyd importantly as now,
2816: That they will waste their time vpon our note,
2817: To know from whence we are.
2818:
Bel.
Oh, I am knowne
2819: Of many in the Army: Many yeeres
2820: (Though Cloten then but young) you see, not wore him
2821: From my remembrance. And besides, the King
2822: Hath not deseru'd my Seruice, nor your Loues,
2823: Who finde in my Exile, the want of Breeding;
2824: The certainty of this heard life, aye hopelesse
2825: To haue the courtesie your Cradle promis'd,
2826: But to be still hot Summers Tanlings, and
2827: The shrinking Slaues of Winter.
2828:
Gui.
Then be so,
2829: Better to cease to be. Pray Sir, to'th' Army:
2830: I, and my Brother are not knowne; your selfe
2831: So out of thought, and thereto so ore-growne,
2832: Cannot be question'd.
2833:
Arui.
By this Sunne that shines
2834: Ile thither: What thing is't, that I neuer
2835: Did see man dye, scarse euer look'd on blood,
2836: But that of Coward Hares, hot Goats, and Venison?
2837: Neuer bestrid a Horse saue one, that had
2838: A Rider like my selfe, who ne're wore Rowell,
2839: Nor Iron on his heele? I am asham'd
2840: To looke vpon the holy Sunne, to haue
2841: The benefit of his blest Beames, remaining
2842: So long a poore vnknowne.
2843:
Gui.
By heauens Ile go,
2844: If you will blesse me Sir, and giue me leaue,
2845: Ile take the better care: but if you will not,
2846: The hazard therefore due fall on me, by
2847: The hands of Romaines.
2848:
Arui.
So say I, Amen.
2849:
Bel.
No reason I (since of your liues you set
2850: So slight a valewation) should reserue
2851: My crack'd one to more care. Haue with you Boyes:
2852: If in your Country warres you chance to dye,
2853: That is my Bed too (Lads) and there Ile lye.
2854: Lead, lead; the time seems long, their blood thinks scorn
2855: Till it flye out, and shew them Princes borne. [ Exeunt.]
Act V
Scene i
2856: Actus Quintus. Scena Prima.
2857: [ Enter Posthumus alone.]
2858:
Post.
Yea bloody cloth, Ile keep thee: for I am wisht
2859: Thou should'st be colour'd thus. You married ones,
2860: If each of you should take this course, how many
2861: Must murther Wiues much better then themselues
2862: For wrying but a little? Oh Pisanio,
2863: Euery good Seruant do's not all Commands:
2864: No Bond, but to do iust ones. Gods, if you
2865: Should haue 'tane vengeance on my faults, I neuer
2866: Had liu'd to put on this: so had you saued
2867: The noble Imogen, to repent, and strooke
2868: Me (wretch) more worth your Vengeance. But alacke,
2869: You snatch some hence for little faults; that's loue
2870: To haue them fall no more: you some permit
2871: To second illes with illes, each elder worse,
2872: And make them dread it, to the dooers thrift.
2873: But Imogen is your owne, do your best willes,
2874: And make me blest to obey. I am brought hither
2875: Among th' Italian Gentry, and to fight
2876: Against my Ladies Kingdome: 'Tis enough
2877: That (Britaine) I haue kill'd thy Mistris: Peace,
2878: Ile giue no wound to thee: therefore good Heauens,
2879: Heare patiently my purpose. Ile disrobe me
2880: Of these Italian weedes, and suite my selfe
2881: As do's a Britaine Pezant: so Ile fight
2882: Against the part I come with: so Ile dye
2883: For thee (O Imogen) euen for whom my life
2884: Is euery breath, a death: and thus, vnknowne,
2885: Pittied, nor hated, to the face of perill
2886: My selfe Ile dedicate. Let me make men know
2887: More valour in me, then my habits show.
2888: Gods, put the strength o'th' Leonati in me:
2889: To shame the guize o'th' world, I will begin,
2890: The fashion lesse without, and more within. [ Exit.]
Scene ii
2891: Scena Secunda.
2892: [ Enter Lucius, Iachimo, and the Romane Army at one doore:
and the Britaine Army at another: Leonatus Posthumus
following like a poore Souldier. They march ouer, and goe
out. Then enter againe in Skirmish Iachimo and Posthu-mus:
he vanquisheth and disarmeth Iachimo, and then
leaues him]
2898:
Iac.
The heauinesse and guilt within my bosome,
2899: Takes off my manhood: I haue belyed a Lady,
2900: The Princesse of this Country; and the ayre on't
2901: Reuengingly enfeebles me, or could this Carle,
2902: A very drudge of Natures, haue subdu'de me
2903: In my profession? Knighthoods, and Honors borne
2904: As I weare mine) are titles but of scorne.
2905: If that thy Gentry (Britaine) go before
2906: This Lowt, as he exceeds our Lords, the oddes
2907: Is, that we scarse are men, and you are Goddes. [ Exit.]
2908: [ The Battaile continues, the Britaines fly, Cymbeline is
taken: Then enter to his rescue, Bellarius, Guiderius,
and Aruiragus]
2911:
Bel.
Stand, stand, we haue th' aduantage of the ground,
2912: The Lane is guarded: Nothing rowts vs, but
2913: The villany of our feares.
2914:
Gui. Arui.
Stand, stand, and fight.
2915: [ Enter Posthumus, and seconds the Britaines. They Rescue
Cymbeline, and Exeunt]
2917: [ Then enter Lucius, Iachimo, and Imogen.]
2918:
Luc.
Away boy from the Troopes, and saue thy selfe:
2919: For friends kil friends, and the disorder's such
2920: As warre were hood-wink'd.
2921:
Iac.
'Tis their fresh supplies.
2922:
Luc.
It is a day turn'd strangely: or betimes
2923: Let's re-inforce, or fly. [ Exeunt]
Scene iii
2924: Scena Tertia.
2925: [ Enter Posthumus, and a Britaine Lord.]
2926:
Lor.
Cam'st thou from where they made the stand?
2927:
Post.
I did,
2928: Though you it seemes come from the Fliers?
2929:
Lo.
I did.
2930:
Post.
No blame be to you Sir, for all was lost,
2931: But that the Heauens fought: the King himselfe
2932: Of his wings destitute, the Army broken,
2933: And but the backes of Britaines seene; all flying
2934: Through a strait Lane, the Enemy full-heart'd,
2935: Lolling the Tongue with slaught'ring: hauing worke
2936: More plentifull, then Tooles to doo't: strooke downe
2937: Some mortally, some slightly touch'd, some falling
2938: Meerely through feare, that the strait passe was damm'd
2939: With deadmen, hurt behinde, and Cowards liuing
2940: To dye with length'ned shame.
2941:
Lo.
Where was this Lane?
2942:
Post.
Close by the battell, ditch'd, & wall'd with turph,
2943: Which gaue aduantage to an ancient Soldiour
2944: (An honest one I warrant) who deseru'd
2945: So long a breeding, as his white beard came to,
2946: In doing this for's Country. Athwart the Lane,
2947: He, with two striplings (Lads more like to run
2948: The Country base, then to commit such slaughter,
2949: With faces fit for Maskes, or rather fayrer
2950: Then those for preseruation cas'd, or shame)
2951: Made good the passage, cryed to those that fled.
2952: Our Britaines hearts dye flying, not our men,
2953: To darknesse fleete soules that flye backwards; stand,
2954: Or we are Romanes, and will giue you that
2955: Like beasts, which you shun beastly, and may saue
2956: But to looke backe in frowne: Stand, stand. These three,
2957: Three thousand confident, in acte as many:
2958: For three performers are the File, when all
2959: The rest do nothing. With this word stand, stand,
2960: Accomodated by the Place; more Charming
2961: With their owne Noblenesse, which could haue turn'd
2962: A Distaffe, to a Lance, guilded pale lookes;
2963: Part shame, part spirit renew'd, that some turn'd coward
2964: But by example (Oh a sinne in Warre,
2965: Damn'd in the first beginners) gan to looke
2966: The way that they did, and to grin like Lyons
2967: Vpon the Pikes o'th' Hunters. Then beganne
2968: A stop i'th' Chaser; a Retyre: Anon
2969: A Rowt, confusion thicke: forthwith they flye
2970: Chickens, the way which they stopt Eagles: Slaues
2971: The strides the Victors made: and now our Cowards
2972: Like Fragments in hard Voyages became
2973: The life o'th' need: hauing found the backe doore open
2974: Of the vnguarded hearts: heauens, how they wound,
2975: Some slaine before some dying; some their Friends
2976: Ore-borne i'th' former waue, ten chac'd by one,
2977: Are now each one the slaughter-man of twenty:
2978: Those that would dye, or ere resist, are growne
2979: The mortall bugs o'th' Field.
2980:
Lord.
This was strange chance:
2981: A narrow Lane, an old man, and two Boyes.
2982:
Post.
Nay, do not wonder at it: you are made
2983: Rather to wonder at the things you heare,
2984: Then to worke any. Will you Rime vpon't,
2985: And vent it for a Mock'rie? Heere is one:
2986: "Two Boyes, an Oldman (twice a Boy) a Lane,
2987: "Preseru'd the Britaines, was the Romanes bane.
2988:
Lord.
Nay, be not angry Sir.
2989:
Post.
Lacke, to what end?
2990: Who dares not stand his Foe, Ile be his Friend:
2991: For if hee'l do, as he is made to doo,
2992: I know hee'l quickly flye my friendship too.
2993: You haue put me into Rime.
2994:
Lord
Farewell, you're angry. [ Exit.]
2995:
Post.
Still going? This is a Lord: Oh Noble misery
2996: To be i'th' Field, and aske what newes of me:
2997: To day, how many would haue giuen their Honours
2998: To haue sau'd their Carkasses? Tooke heele to doo't,
2999: And yet dyed too. I, in mine owne woe charm'd
3000: Could not finde death, where I did heare him groane,
3001: Nor feele him where he strooke. Being an vgly Monster,
3002: 'Tis strange he hides him in fresh Cups, soft Beds,
3003: Sweet words; or hath moe ministers then we
3004: That draw his kniues i'th' War. Well I will finde him:
3005: For being now a Fauourer to the Britaine,
3006: No more a Britaine, I haue resum'd againe
3007: The part I came in. Fight I will no more,
3008: But yeeld me to the veriest Hinde, that shall
3009: Once touch my shoulder. Great the slaughter is
3010: Heere made by'th' Romane; great the Answer be
3011: Britaines must take. For me, my Ransome's death,
3012: On eyther side I come to spend my breath;
3013: Which neyther heere Ile keepe, nor beare agen,
3014: But end it by some meanes for Imogen.
3015: [ Enter two Captaines, and Soldiers.]
3016:
1
Great Iupiter be prais'd, Lucius is taken,
3017: 'Tis thought the old man, and his sonnes, were Angels.
3018:
2
There was a fourth man, in a silly habit,
3019: That gaue th' Affront with them.
3020:
1
So 'tis reported:
3021: But none of 'em can be found. Stand, who's there?
3022:
Post.
A Roman,
3023: Who had not now beene drooping heere, if Seconds
3024: Had answer'd him.
3025:
2
Lay hands on him: a Dogge,
3026: A legge of Rome shall not returne to tell
3027: What Crows haue peckt them here: he brags his seruice
3028: As if he were of note: bring him to'th' King.
3029: [ Enter Cymbeline, Belarius, Guiderius, Aruiragus, Pisanio, and
Romane Captiues. The Captaines present Posthumus to
Cymbeline, who deliuers him ouer to a Gaoler]
Scene iv
3032: Scena Quarta.
3033: [ Enter Posthumus, and Gaoler.]
3034:
Gao.
You shall not now be stolne,
3035: You haue lockes vpon you:
3036: So graze, as you finde Pasture.
3037:
2.Gao.
I, or a stomacke.
3038:
Post.
Most welcome bondage; for thou art a way
3039: (I thinke) to liberty: yet am I better
3040: Then one that's sicke o'th' Gowt, since he had rather
3041: Groane so in perpetuity, then be cur'd
3042: By'th' sure Physitian, Death; who is the key
3043: T' vnbarre these Lockes. My Conscience, thou art fetter'd
3044: More then my shanks, & wrists: you good Gods giue me
3045: The penitent Instrument to picke that Bolt,
3046: Then free for euer. Is't enough I am sorry?
3047: So Children temporall Fathers do appease;
3048: Gods are more full of mercy. Must I repent,
3049: I cannot do it better then in Gyues,
3050: Desir'd, more then constrain'd, to satisfie
3051: If of my Freedome 'tis the maine part, take
3052: No stricter render of me, then my All.
3053: I know you are more clement then vilde men,
3054: Who of their broken Debtors take a third,
3055: A sixt, a tenth, letting them thriue againe
3056: On their abatement; that's not my desire.
3057: For Imogens deere life, take mine, and though
3058: 'Tis not so deere, yet 'tis a life; you coyn'd it,
3059: 'Tweene man, and man, they waigh not euery stampe:
3060: Though light, take Peeces for the figures sake,
3061: (You rather) mine being yours: and so great Powres,
3062: If you will take this Audit, take this life,
3063: And cancell these cold Bonds. Oh Imogen,
3064: Ile speake to thee in silence.
3065: [ Solemne Musicke. Enter (as in an Apparation) Sicillius Leo-natus,
Father to Posthumus, an old man, attyred like a war-riour,
leading in his hand an ancient Matron (his wife, &
Mother to Posthumus) with Musicke before them. Then
after other Musicke, followes the two young Leonati (Bro-thers
to Posthumus) with wounds as they died in the warrs.
They circle Posthumus round as he lies sleeping]
3072:
Sicil.
No more thou Thunder-Master
3073: shew thy spight, on Mortall Flies:
3074: With Mars fall out with Iuno chide, that thy Adulteries
3075: Rates, and Reuenges.
3076: Hath my poore Boy done ought but well,
3077: whose face I neuer saw:
3078: I dy'de whil'st in the Wombe he staide,
3079: attending Natures Law.
3080: Whose Father then (as men report,
3081: thou Orphanes Father art)
3082: Thou should'st haue bin, and sheelded him,
3083: from this earth-vexing smart.
3084:
Moth.
Lucina lent not me her ayde,
3085: but tooke me in my Throwes,
3086: That from me was Posthumus ript,
3087: came crying 'mong'st his Foes.
3088: A thing of pitty.
3089:
Sicil.
Great Nature like his Ancestrie,
3090: moulded the stuffe so faire:
3091: That he deseru'd the praise o'th' World,
3092: as great Sicilius heyre.
3093:
1.Bro.
When once he was mature for man,
3094: in Britaine where was hee
3095: That could stand vp his paralell?
3096: Or fruitfull obiect bee?
3097: In eye of Imogen, that best could deeme
3098: his dignitie.
3099:
Mo.
With Marriage wherefore was he mockt
3100: to be exil'd, and throwne
3101: From Leonati Seate, and cast from her,
3102: his deerest one:
3103: Sweete Imogen?
3104:
Sic.
Why did you suffer Iachimo, slight thing of Italy,
3105: To taint his Nobler hart & braine, with needlesse ielousy,
3106: And to become the geeke and scorne o'th' others vilany?
3107:
2 Bro.
For this, from stiller Seats we came,
3108: our Parents, and vs twaine,
3109: That striking in our Countries cause,
3110: fell brauely, and were slaine,
3111: Our Fealty, & Tenantius right, with Honor to maintaine.
3112:
1 Bro.
Like hardiment Posthumus hath
3113: to Cymbeline perform'd:
3114: Then Iupiter, y King of Gods, why hast y thus adiourn'd
3115: The Graces for his Merits due, being all to dolors turn'd?
3116:
Sicil.
Thy Christall window ope; looke,
3117: looke out, no longer exercise
3118: Vpon a valiant Race, thy harsh, and potent iniuries:
3119:
Moth.
Since (Iupiter) our Son is good,
3120: take off his miseries.
3121:
Sicil.
Peepe through thy Marble Mansion, helpe,
3122: or we poore Ghosts will cry
3123: To'th' shining Synod of the rest, against thy Deity.
3124:
Brothers.
Helpe (Iupiter) or we appeale,
3125: and from thy iustice flye.
3126: [ Iupiter descends in Thunder and Lightning, sitting vppon an
Eagle: hee throwes a Thunder-bolt. The Ghostes fall on
their knees]
3129:
Iupiter.
No more you petty Spirits of Region low
3130: Offend our hearing: hush. How dare you Ghostes
3131: Accuse the Thunderer, whose Bolt (you know)
3132: Sky-planted, batters all rebelling Coasts.
3133: Poore shadowes of Elizium, hence, and rest
3134: Vpon your neuer-withering bankes of Flowres.
3135: Be not with mortall accidents opprest,
3136: No care of yours it is, you know 'tis ours.
3137: Whom best I loue, I crosse; to make my guift
3138: The more delay'd, delighted. Be content,
3139: Your low-laide Sonne, our Godhead will vplift:
3140: His Comforts thriue, his Trials well are spent:
3141: Our Iouiall Starre reign'd at his Birth, and in
3142: Our Temple was he married: Rise, and fade,
3143: He shall be Lord of Lady Imogen,
3144: And happier much by his Affliction made
3145: This Tablet lay vpon his Brest, wherein
3146: Our pleasure, his full Fortune, doth confine,
3147: And so away: no farther with your dinne
3148: Expresse Impatience, least you stirre vp mine:
3149: Mount Eagle, to my Palace Christalline. [ Ascends]
3150:
Sicil.
He came in Thunder, his Celestiall breath
3151: Was sulphurous to smell: the holy Eagle
3152: Stoop'd, as to foote vs: his Ascension is
3153: More sweet then our blest Fields: his Royall Bird
3154: Prunes the immortall wing, and cloyes his Beake,
3155: As when his God is pleas'd.
3156:
All.
Thankes Iupiter.
3157:
Sic.
The Marble Pauement clozes, he is enter'd
3158: His radiant Roofe: Away, and to be blest
3159: Let vs with care performe his great behest. [ Vanish]
3160:
Post.
Sleepe, thou hast bin a Grandsire, and begot
3161: A Father to me: and thou hast created
3162: A Mother, and two Brothers. But (oh scorne)
3163: Gone, they went hence so soone as they were borne:
3164: And so I am awake. Poore Wretches, that depend
3165: On Greatnesse, Fauour; Dreame as I haue done,
3166: Wake, and finde nothing. But (alas) I swerue:
3167: Many Dreame not to finde, neither deserue,
3168: And yet are steep'd in Fauours; so am I
3169: That haue this Golden chance, and know not why:
3170: What Fayeries haunt this ground? A Book? Oh rare one,
3171: Be not, as is our fangled world, a Garment
3172: Nobler then that it couers. Let thy effects
3173: So follow, to be most vnlike our Courtiers,
3174: As good, as promise.
3175: [ Reades.]
3176: When as a Lyons whelpe, shall to himselfe vnknown, with-out
3177: seeking finde, and bee embrac'd by a peece of tender
3178: Ayre: And when from a stately Cedar shall be lopt branches,
3179: which being dead many yeares, shall after reuiue, bee ioynted to
3180: the old Stocke, and freshly grow, then shall Posthumus end his
3181: miseries, Britaine be fortunate, and flourish in Peace and Plen-tie.
3182: _
3183: 'Tis still a Dreame: or else such stuffe as Madmen
3184: Tongue, and braine not: either both, or nothing
3185: Or senselesse speaking, or a speaking such
3186: As sense cannot vntye. Be what it is,
3187: The Action of my life is like it, which Ile keepe
3188: If but for simpathy.
3189: [ Enter Gaoler.]
3190:
Gao.
Come Sir, are you ready for death?
3191:
Post.
Ouer-roasted rather: ready long ago.
3192:
Gao.
Hanging is the word, Sir, if you bee readie for
3193: that, you are well Cook'd.
3194:
Post.
So if I proue a good repast to the Spectators, the
3195: dish payes the shot.
3196:
Gao.
A heauy reckoning for you Sir: But the comfort
3197: is you shall be called to no more payments, fear no more
3198: Tauerne Bils, which are often the sadnesse of parting, as
3199: the procuring of mirth: you come in faint for want of
3200: meate, depart reeling with too much drinke: sorrie that
3201: you haue payed too much, and sorry that you are payed
3202: too much: Purse and Braine, both empty: the Brain the
3203: heauier, for being too light; the Purse too light, being
3204: drawne of heauinesse. Oh, of this contradiction you shall
3205: now be quit: Oh the charity of a penny Cord, it summes
3206: vp thousands in a trice: you haue no true Debitor, and
3207: Creditor but it: of what's past, is, and to come, the dis-charge:
3208: your necke (Sir) is Pen, Booke, and Counters; so
3209: the Acquittance followes.
3210:
Post.
I am merrier to dye, then thou art to liue.
3211:
Gao.
Indeed Sir, he that sleepes, feeles not the Tooth-Ache:
3212: but a man that were to sleepe your sleepe, and a
3213: Hangman to helpe him to bed, I think he would change
3214: places with his Officer: for, look you Sir, you know not
3215: which way you shall go.
3216:
Post.
Yes indeed do I, fellow.
3217:
Gao.
Your death has eyes in's head then: I haue not
3218: seene him so pictur'd: you must either bee directed by
3219: some that take vpon them to know, or to take vpon your
3220: selfe that which I am sure you do not know: or iump the
3221: after-enquiry on your owne perill: and how you shall
3222: speed in your iournies end, I thinke you'l neuer returne
3223: to tell one.
3224:
Post.
I tell thee, Fellow, there are none want eyes, to
3225: direct them the way I am going, but such as winke, and
3226: will not vse them.
3227:
Gao.
What an infinite mocke is this, that a man shold
3228: haue the best vse of eyes, to see the way of blindnesse: I
3229: am sure hanging's the way of winking.
3230: [ Enter a Messenger.]
3231:
Mes.
Knocke off his Manacles, bring your Prisoner to
3232: the King.
3233:
Post.
Thou bring'st good newes, I am call'd to bee
3234: made free.
3235:
Gao.
Ile be hang'd then.
3236:
Post.
Thou shalt be then freer then a Gaoler; no bolts
3237: for the dead.
3238:
Gao.
Vnlesse a man would marry a Gallowes, & be-get
3239: yong Gibbets, I neuer saw one so prone: yet on my
3240: Conscience, there are verier Knaues desire to liue, for all
3241: he be a Roman; and there be some of them too that dye
3242: against their willes; so should I, if I were one. I would
3243: we were all of one minde, and one minde good: O there
3244: were desolation of Gaolers and Galowses: I speake a-gainst
3245: my present profit, but my wish hath a preferment
3246: in't. [ Exeunt.]
Scene v
3247: Scena Quinta.
3248: [ Enter Cymbeline, Bellarius, Guiderius, Arui-ragus,
Pisanio, and Lords]
3250:
Cym.
Stand by my side you, whom the Gods haue made
3251: Preseruers of my Throne: woe is my heart,
3252: That the poore Souldier that so richly fought,
3253: Whose ragges, sham'd gilded Armes, whose naked brest
3254: Stept before Targes of proofe, cannot be found:
3255: He shall be happy that can finde him, if
3256: Our Grace can make him so.
3257:
Bel.
I neuer saw
3258: Such Noble fury in so poore a Thing;
3259: Such precious deeds, in one that promist nought
3260: But beggery, and poore lookes.
3261:
Cym.
No tydings of him?
3262:
Pisa.
He hath bin search'd among the dead, & liuing;
3263: But no trace of him.
3264:
Cym.
To my greefe, I am
3265: The heyre of his Reward, which I will adde
3266: To you (the Liuer, Heart, and Braine of Britaine)
3267: By whom (I grant) she liues. 'Tis now the time
3268: To aske of whence you are. Report it.
3269:
Bel.
Sir,
3270: In Cambria are we borne, and Gentlemen:
3271: Further to boast, were neyther true, nor modest,
3272: Vnlesse I adde, we are honest.
3273:
Cym.
Bow your knees:
3274: Arise my Knights o'th' Battell, I create you
3275: Companions to our person, and will fit you
3276: With Dignities becomming your estates.
3277: [ Enter Cornelius and Ladies.]
3278: There's businesse in these faces: why so sadly
3279: Greet you our Victory? you looke like Romaines,
3280: And not o'th' Court of Britaine.
3281:
Corn.
Hayle great King,
3282: To sowre your happinesse, I must report
3283: The Queene is dead.
3284:
Cym.
Who worse then a Physitian
3285: Would this report become? But I consider,
3286: By Med'cine life may be prolong'd, yet death
3287: Will seize the Doctor too. How ended she?
3288:
Cor.
With horror, madly dying, like her life,
3289: Which (being cruell to the world) concluded
3290: Most cruell to her selfe. What she confest,
3291: I will report, so please you. These her Women
3292: Can trip me, if I erre, who with wet cheekes
3293: Were present when she finish'd.
3294:
Cym.
Prythee say.
3295:
Cor.
First, she confest she neuer lou'd you: onely
3296: Affected Greatnesse got by you: not you:
3297: Married your Royalty, was wife to your place:
3298: Abhorr'd your person.
3299:
Cym.
She alone knew this:
3300: And but she spoke it dying, I would not
3301: Beleeue her lips in opening it. Proceed.
3302:
Corn.
Your daughter, whom she bore in hand to loue
3303: With such integrity, she did confesse
3304: Was as a Scorpion to her sight, whose life
3305: (But that her flight preuented it) she had
3306: Tane off by poyson.
3307:
Cym.
O most delicate Fiend!
3308: Who is't can reade a Woman? Is there more?
3309:
Corn.
More Sir, and worse. She did confesse she had
3310: For you a mortall Minerall, which being tooke,
3311: Should by the minute feede on life, and ling'ring,
3312: By inches waste you. In which time, she purpos'd
3313: By watching, weeping, tendance, kissing, to
3314: Orecome you with her shew; and in time
3315: (When she had fitted you with her craft, to worke
3316: Her Sonne into th' adoption of the Crowne:
3317: But fayling of her end by his strange absence,
3318: Grew shamelesse desperate, open'd (in despight
3319: Of Heauen, and Men) her purposes: repented
3320: The euils she hatch'd, were not effected: so
3321: Dispayring, dyed.
3322:
Cym.
Heard you all this, her Women?
3323:
La.
We did, so please your Highnesse.
3324:
Cym.
Mine eyes
3325: Were not in fault, for she was beautifull:
3326: Mine eares that heare her flattery, nor my heart,
3327: That thought her like her seeming. It had beene vicious
3328: To haue mistrusted her: yet (Oh my Daughter)
3329: That it was folly in me, thou mayst say,
3330: And proue it in thy feeling. Heauen mend all.
3331: [ Enter Lucius, Iachimo, and other Roman prisoners,
Leonatus behind, and Imogen]
3333: Thou comm'st not Caius now for Tribute, that
3334: The Britaines haue rac'd out, though with the losse
3335: Of many a bold one: whose Kinsmen haue made suite
3336: That their good soules may be appeas'd, with slaughter
3337: Of you their Captiues, which our selfe haue granted,
3338: So thinke of your estate.
3339:
Luc.
Consider Sir, the chance of Warre, the day
3340: Was yours by accident: had it gone with vs,
3341: We should not when the blood was cool, haue threatend
3342: Our Prisoners with the Sword. But since the Gods
3343: Will haue it thus, that nothing but our liues
3344: May be call'd ransome, let it come: Sufficeth,
3345: A Roman, with a Romans heart can suffer:
3346: Augustus liues to thinke on't: and so much
3347: For my peculiar care. This one thing onely
3348: I will entreate, my Boy (a Britaine borne)
3349: Let him be ransom'd: Neuer Master had
3350: A Page so kinde, so duteous, diligent,
3351: So tender ouer his occasions, true,
3352: So feate, so Nurse-like: let his vertue ioyne
3353: With my request, which Ile make bold your Highnesse
3354: Cannot deny: he hath done no Britaine harme,
3355: Though he haue seru'd a Roman. Saue him (Sir)
3356: And spare no blood beside.
3357:
Cym.
I haue surely seene him:
3358: His fauour is familiar to me: Boy,
3359: Thou hast look'd thy selfe into my grace,
3360: And art mine owne. I know not why, wherefore,
3361: To say, liue boy: ne're thanke thy Master, liue;
3362: And aske of Cymbeline what Boone thou wilt,
3363: Fitting my bounty, and thy state, Ile giue it:
3364: Yea, though thou do demand a Prisoner
3365: The Noblest tane.
3366:
Imo.
I humbly thanke your Highnesse.
3367:
Luc.
I do not bid thee begge my life, good Lad,
3368: And yet I know thou wilt.
3369:
Imo.
No, no, alacke,
3370: There's other worke in hand: I see a thing
3371: Bitter to me, as death: your life, good Master,
3372: Must shuffle for it selfe.
3373:
Luc.
The Boy disdaines me,
3374: He leaues me, scornes me: briefely dye their ioyes,
3375: That place them on the truth of Gyrles, and Boyes.
3376: Why stands he so perplext?
3377:
Cym.
What would'st thou Boy?
3378: I loue thee more, and more: thinke more and more
3379: What's best to aske. Know'st him thou look'st on? speak
3380: Wilt haue him liue? Is he thy Kin? thy Friend?
3381:
Imo.
He is a Romane, no more kin to me,
3382: Then I to your Highnesse, who being born your vassaile
3383: Am something neerer.
3384:
Cym.
Wherefore ey'st him so?
3385:
Imo.
Ile tell you (Sir) in priuate, if you please
3386: To giue me hearing.
3387:
Cym.
I, with all my heart,
3388: And lend my best attention. What's thy name?
3389:
Imo.
Fidele Sir.
3390:
Cym.
Thou'rt my good youth: my Page
3391: Ile be thy Master: walke with me: speake freely.
3392:
Bel.
Is not this Boy reuiu'd from death?
3393:
Arui.
One Sand another
3394: Not more resembles that sweet Rosie Lad:
3395: Who dyed, and was Fidele: what thinke you?
3396:
Gui.
The same dead thing aliue.
3397:
Bel.
Peace, peace, see further: he eyes vs not, forbeare
3398: Creatures may be alike: were't he, I am sure
3399: He would haue spoke to vs.
3400:
Gui.
But we see him dead.
3401:
Bel.
Be silent: let's see further.
3402:
Pisa.
It is my Mistris:
3403: Since she is liuing, let the time run on,
3404: To good, or bad.
3405:
Cym.
Come, stand thou by our side,
3406: Make thy demand alowd. Sir, step you forth,
3407: Giue answer to this Boy, and do it freely,
3408: Or by our Greatnesse, and the grace of it
3409: (Which is our Honor) bitter torture shall
3410: Winnow the truth from falshood. One speake to him.
3411:
Imo.
My boone is, that this Gentleman may render
3412: Of whom he had this Ring.
3413:
Post.
What's that to him?
3414:
Cym.
That Diamond vpon your Finger, say
3415: How came it yours?
3416:
Iach.
Thou'lt torture me to leaue vnspoken, that
3417: Which to be spoke, wou'd torture thee.
3418:
Cym.
How? me?
3419:
Iach.
I am glad to be constrain'd to vtter that
3420: Which torments me to conceale. By Villany
3421: I got this Ring: 'twas Leonatus Iewell,
3422: Whom thou did'st banish: and which more may greeue thee,
3423: As it doth me: a Nobler Sir, ne're liu'd
3424: 'Twixt sky and ground. Wilt thou heare more my Lord?
3425:
Cym.
All that belongs to this.
3426:
Iach.
That Paragon, thy daughter,
3427: For whom my heart drops blood, and my false spirits
3428: Quaile to remember. Giue me leaue, I faint.
3429:
Cym.
My Daughter? what of hir? Renew thy strength
3430: I had rather thou should'st liue, while Nature will,
3431: Then dye ere I heare more: striue man, and speake.
3432:
Iach.
Vpon a time, vnhappy was the clocke
3433: That strooke the houre: it was in Rome, accurst
3434: The Mansion where: 'twas at a Feast, oh would
3435: Our Viands had bin poyson'd (or at least
3436: Those which I heau'd to head:) the good Posthumus,
3437: (What should I say? he was too good to be
3438: Where ill men were, and was the best of all
3439: Among'st the rar'st of good ones) sitting sadly,
3440: Hearing vs praise our Loues of Italy
3441: For Beauty, that made barren the swell'd boast
3442: Of him that best could speake: for Feature, laming
3443: The Shrine of Venus, or straight-pight Minerua,
3444: Postures, beyond breefe Nature. For Condition,
3445: A shop of all the qualities, that man
3446: Loues woman for, besides that hooke of Wiuing,
3447: Fairenesse, which strikes the eye.
3448:
Cym.
I stand on fire. Come to the matter.
3449:
Iach.
All too soone I shall,
3450: Vnlesse thou would'st greeue quickly. This Posthumus,
3451: Most like a Noble Lord, in loue, and one
3452: That had a Royall Louer, tooke his hint,
3453: And (not dispraising whom we prais'd, therein
3454: He was as calme as vertue) he began
3455: His Mistris picture, which, by his tongue, being made,
3456: And then a minde put in't, either our bragges
3457: Were crak'd of Kitchin-Trulles, or his description
3458: Prou'd vs vnspeaking sottes.
3459:
Cym.
Nay, nay, to'th' purpose.
3460:
Iach.
Your daughters Chastity, (there it beginnes)
3461: He spake of her, as Dian had hot dreames,
3462: And she alone, were cold: Whereat, I wretch
3463: Made scruple of his praise, and wager'd with him
3464: Peeces of Gold, 'gainst this, which then he wore
3465: Vpon his honour'd finger) to attaine
3466: In suite the place of's bed, and winne this Ring
3467: By hers, and mine Adultery: he (true Knight)
3468: No lesser of her Honour confident
3469: Then I did truly finde her, stakes this Ring,
3470: And would so, had it beene a Carbuncle
3471: Of Phoebus Wheele; and might so safely, had it
3472: Bin all the worth of's Carre. Away to Britaine
3473: Poste I in this designe: Well may you (Sir)
3474: Remember me at Court, where I was taught
3475: Of your chaste Daughter, the wide difference
3476: 'Twixt Amorous, and Villanous. Being thus quench'd
3477: Of hope, not longing; mine Italian braine,
3478: Gan in your duller Britaine operate
3479: Most vildely: for my vantage excellent.
3480: And to be breefe, my practise so preuayl'd
3481: That I return'd with simular proofe enough,
3482: To make the Noble Leonatus mad,
3483: By wounding his beleefe in her Renowne,
3484: With Tokens thus, and thus: auerring notes
3485: Of Chamber-hanging, Pictures, this her Bracelet
3486: (Oh cunning how I got) nay some markes
3487: Of secret on her person, that he could not
3488: But thinke her bond of Chastity quite crack'd,
3489: I hauing 'tane the forfeyt. Whereupon,
3490: Me thinkes I see him now.
3491:
Post.
I so thou do'st,
3492: Italian Fiend. Aye me, most credulous Foole,
3493: Egregious murtherer, Theefe, any thing
3494: That's due to all the Villaines past, in being
3495: To come. Oh giue me Cord, or knife, or poyson,
3496: Some vpright Iusticer. Thou King, send out
3497: For Torturors ingenious: it is I
3498: That all th' abhorred things o'th' earth amend
3499: By being worse then they. I am Posthumus,
3500: That kill'd thy Daughter: Villain-like, I lye,
3501: That caus'd a lesser villaine then my selfe,
3502: A sacrilegious Theefe to doo't. The Temple
3503: Of Vertue was she; yea, and she her selfe.
3504: Spit, and throw stones, cast myre vpon me, set
3505: The dogges o'th' street to bay me: euery villaine
3506: Be call'd Posthumus Leonatus, and
3507: Be villany lesse then 'twas. Oh Imogen!
3508: My Queene, my life, my wife: oh Imogen,
3509: Imogen, Imogen.
3510:
Imo.
Peace my Lord, heare, heare.
3511:
Post.
Shall's haue a play of this?
3512: Thou scornfull Page, there lye thy part.
3513:
Pis.
Oh Gentlemen, helpe,
3514: Mine and your Mistris: Oh my Lord Posthumus,
3515: You ne're kill'd Imogen till now: helpe, helpe,
3516: Mine honour'd Lady.
3517:
Cym.
Does the world go round?
3518:
Posth.
How comes these staggers on mee?
3519:
Pisa.
Wake my Mistris.
3520:
Cym.
If this be so, the Gods do meane to strike me
3521: To death, with mortall ioy.
3522:
Pisa.
How fares my Mistris?
3523:
Imo.
Oh get thee from my sight,
3524: Thou gau'st me poyson: dangerous Fellow hence,
3525: Breath not where Princes are.
3526:
Cym.
The tune of Imogen.
3527:
Pisa.
Lady, the Gods throw stones of sulpher on me, if
3528: That box I gaue you, was not thought by mee
3529: A precious thing, I had it from the Queene.
3530:
Cym.
New matter still.
3531:
Imo.
It poyson'd me.
3532:
Corn.
Oh Gods!
3533: I left out one thing which the Queene confest,
3534: Which must approue thee honest. If Pasanio
3535: Haue (said she) giuen his Mistris that Confection
3536: Which I gaue him for Cordiall, she is seru'd,
3537: As I would serue a Rat.
3538:
Cym.
What's this, Cornelius?
3539:
Corn.
The Queene (Sir) very oft importun'd me
3540: To temper poysons for her, still pretending
3541: The satisfaction of her knowledge, onely
3542: In killing Creatures vilde, as Cats and Dogges
3543: Of no esteeme. I dreading, that her purpose
3544: Was of more danger, did compound for her
3545: A certaine stuffe, which being tane, would cease
3546: The present powre of life, but in short time,
3547: All Offices of Nature, should againe
3548: Do their due Functions. Haue you tane of it?
3549:
Imo.
Most like I did, for I was dead.
3550:
Bel.
My Boyes, there was our error.
3551:
Gui.
This is sure Fidele.
3552:
Imo.
Why did you throw your wedded Lady fro[m] you?
3553: Thinke that you are vpon a Rocke, and now
3554: Throw me againe.
3555:
Post.
Hang there like fruite, my soule,
3556: Till the Tree dye.
3557:
Cym.
How now, my Flesh? my Childe?
3558: What, mak'st thou me a dullard in this Act?
3559: Wilt thou not speake to me?
3560:
Imo.
Your blessing, Sir.
3561:
Bel.
Though you did loue this youth, I blame ye not,
3562: You had a motiue for't.
3563:
Cym.
My teares that fall
3564: Proue holy-water on thee; Imogen,
3565: Thy Mothers dead.
3566:
Imo.
I am sorry for't, my Lord.
3567:
Cym.
Oh, she was naught; and long of her it was
3568: That we meet heere so strangely: but her Sonne
3569: Is gone, we know not how, nor where.
3570:
Pisa.
My Lord,
3571: Now feare is from me, Ile speake troth. Lord Cloten
3572: Vpon my Ladies missing, came to me
3573: With his Sword drawne, foam'd at the mouth, and swore
3574: If I discouer'd not which way she was gone,
3575: It was my instant death. By accident,
3576: I had a feigned Letter of my Masters
3577: Then in my pocket, which directed him
3578: To seeke her on the Mountaines neere to Milford,
3579: Where in a frenzie, in my Masters Garments
3580: (Which he inforc'd from me) away he postes
3581: With vnchaste purpose, and with oath to violate
3582: My Ladies honor, what became of him,
3583: I further know not.
3584:
Gui.
Let me end the Story: I slew him there.
3585:
Cym.
Marry, the Gods forefend.
3586: I would not thy good deeds, should from my lips
3587: Plucke a hard sentence: Prythee valiant youth
3588: Deny't againe.
3589:
Gui.
I haue spoke it, and I did it.
3590:
Cym.
He was a Prince.
3591:
Gui.
A most inciuill one. The wrongs he did mee
3592: Were nothing Prince-like; for he did prouoke me
3593: With Language that would make me spurne the Sea,
3594: If it could so roare to me. I cut off's head,
3595: And am right glad he is not standing heere
3596: To tell this tale of mine.
3597:
Cym.
I am sorrow for thee:
3598: By thine owne tongue thou art condemn'd, and must
3599: Endure our Law: Thou'rt dead.
3600:
Imo.
That headlesse man I thought had bin my Lord
3601:
Cym.
Binde the Offender,
3602: And take him from our presence.
3603:
Bel.
Stay, Sir King.
3604: This man is better then the man he slew,
3605: As well descended as thy selfe, and hath
3606: More of thee merited, then a Band of Clotens
3607: Had euer scarre for. Let his Armes alone,
3608: They were not borne for bondage.
3609:
Cym.
Why old Soldier:
3610: Wilt thou vndoo the worth thou art vnpayd for
3611: By tasting of our wrath? How of descent
3612: As good as we?
3613:
Arui.
In that he spake too farre.
3614:
Cym.
And thou shalt dye for't.
3615:
Bel.
We will dye all three,
3616: But I will proue that two one's are as good
3617: As I haue giuen out him. My Sonnes, I must
3618: For mine owne part, vnfold a dangerous speech,
3619: Though haply well for you.
3620:
Arui.
Your danger's ours.
3621:
Guid.
And our good his.
3622:
Bel.
Haue at it then, by leaue
3623: Thou hadd'st (great King) a Subiect, who
3624: Was call'd Belarius.
3625:
Cym.
What of him? He is a banish'd Traitor.
3626:
Bel.
He it is, that hath
3627: Assum'd this age: indeed a banish'd man,
3628: I know not how, a Traitor.
3629:
Cym.
Take him hence,
3630: The whole world shall not saue him.
3631:
Bel.
Not too hot;
3632: First pay me for the Nursing of thy Sonnes,
3633: And let it be confiscate all, so soone
3634: As I haue receyu'd it.
3635:
Cym.
Nursing of my Sonnes?
3636:
Bel.
I am too blunt, and sawcy: heere's my knee:
3637: Ere I arise, I will preferre my Sonnes,
3638: Then spare not the old Father. Mighty Sir,
3639: These two young Gentlemen that call me Father,
3640: And thinke they are my Sonnes, are none of mine,
3641: They are the yssue of your Loynes, my Liege,
3642: And blood of your begetting.
3643:
Cym.
How? my Issue.
3644:
Bel.
So sure as you, your Fathers: I (old Morgan)
3645: Am that Belarius, whom you sometime banish'd:
3646: Your pleasure was my neere offence, my punishment
3647: It selfe, and all my Treason that I suffer'd,
3648: Was all the harme I did. These gentle Princes
3649: (For such, and so they are) these twenty yeares
3650: Haue I train'd vp; those Arts they haue, as I
3651: Could put into them. My breeding was (Sir)
3652: As your Highnesse knowes: Their Nurse Euriphile
3653: (Whom for the Theft I wedded) stole these Children
3654: Vpon my Banishment: I moou'd her too't,
3655: Hauing receyu'd the punishment before
3656: For that which I did then. Beaten for Loyaltie,
3657: Excited me to Treason. Their deere losse,
3658: The more of you 'twas felt, the more it shap'd
3659: Vnto my end of stealing them. But gracious Sir,
3660: Heere are your Sonnes againe, and I must loose
3661: Two of the sweet'st Companions in the World.
3662: The benediction of these couering Heauens
3663: Fall on their heads like dew, for they are worthie
3664: To in-lay Heauen with Starres.
3665:
Cym.
Thou weep'st, and speak'st:
3666: The Seruice that you three haue done, is more
3667: Vnlike, then this thou tell'st. I lost my Children,
3668: If these be they, I know not how to wish
3669: A payre of worthier Sonnes.
3670:
Bel.
Be pleas'd awhile;
3671: This Gentleman, whom I call Polidore,
3672: Most worthy Prince, as yours, is true Guiderius:
3673: This Gentleman, my Cadwall, Aruiragus.
3674: Your yonger Princely Son, he Sir, was lapt
3675: In a most curious Mantle, wrought by th' hand
3676: Of his Queene Mother, which for more probation
3677: I can with ease produce.
3678:
Cym.
Guiderius had
3679: Vpon his necke a Mole, a sanguine Starre,
3680: It was a marke of wonder.
3681:
Bel.
This is he,
3682: Who hath vpon him still that naturall stampe:
3683: It was wise Natures end, in the donation
3684: To be his euidence now.
3685:
Cym.
Oh, what am I
3686: A Mother to the byrth of three? Nere Mother
3687: Reioyc'd deliuerance more: Blest, pray you be,
3688: That after this strange starting from your Orbes,
3689: You may reigne in them now: Oh Imogen,
3690: Thou hast lost by this a Kingdome.
3691:
Imo.
No, my Lord:
3692: I haue got two Worlds by't. Oh my gentle Brothers,
3693: Haue we thus met? Oh neuer say heereafter
3694: But I am truest speaker. You call'd me Brother
3695: When I was but your Sister: I you Brothers,
3696: When we were so indeed.
3697:
Cym.
Did you ere meete?
3698:
Arui.
I my good Lord.
3699:
Gui.
And at first meeting lou'd,
3700: Continew'd so, vntill we thought he dyed.
3701:
Corn.
By the Queenes Dramme she swallow'd.
3702:
Cym.
O rare instinct!
3703: When shall I heare all through? This fierce abridgment,
3704: Hath to it Circumstantiall branches, which
3705: Distinction should be rich in. Where? how liu'd you?
3706: And when came you to serue our Romane Captiue?
3707: How parted with your Brother? How first met them?
3708: Why fled you from the Court? And whether these?
3709: And your three motiues to the Battaile? with
3710: I know not how much more should be demanded,
3711: And all the other by-dependances
3712: From chance to chance? But nor the Time, nor Place
3713: Will serue our long Interrogatories. See,
3714: Posthumus Anchors vpon Imogen;
3715: And she (like harmlesse Lightning) throwes her eye
3716: On him: her Brothers, Me: her Master hitting
3717: Each obiect with a Ioy: the Counter-change
3718: Is seuerally in all. Let's quit this ground,
3719: And smoake the Temple with our Sacrifices.
3720: Thou art my Brother, so wee'l hold thee euer.
3721:
Imo.
You are my Father too, and did releeue me:
3722: To see this gracious season.
3723:
Cym.
All ore-ioy'd
3724: Saue these in bonds, let them be ioyfull too,
3725: For they shall taste our Comfort.
3726:
Imo.
My good Master, I will yet do you seruice.
3727:
Luc.
Happy be you.
3728:
Cym.
The forlorne Souldier, that so Nobly fought
3729: He would haue well becom'd this place, and grac'd
3730: The thankings of a King.
3731:
Post.
I am Sir
3732: The Souldier that did company these three
3733: In poore beseeming: 'twas a fitment for
3734: The purpose I then follow'd. That I was he,
3735: Speake Iachimo, I had you downe, and might
3736: Haue made you finish.
3737:
Iach.
I am downe againe:
3738: But now my heauie Conscience sinkes my knee,
3739: As then your force did. Take that life, beseech you
3740: Which I so often owe: but your Ring first,
3741: And heere the Bracelet of the truest Princesse
3742: That euer swore the Faith.
3743:
Post.
Kneele not to me:
3744: The powre that I haue on you, is to spare you:
3745: The malice towards you, to forgiue you. Liue
3746: And deale with others better.
3747:
Cym.
Nobly doom'd:
3748: Wee'l learne our Freenesse of a Sonne-in-Law:
3749: Pardon's the word to all.
3750:
Arui.
You holpe vs Sir,
3751: As you did meane indeed to be our Brother,
3752: Ioy'd are we, that you are.
3753:
Post.
Your Seruant Princes. Good my Lord of Rome
3754: Call forth your Sooth-sayer: As I slept, me thought
3755: Great Iupiter vpon his Eagle back'd
3756: Appear'd to me, with other sprightly shewes
3757: Of mine owne Kindred. When I wak'd, I found
3758: This Labell on my bosome; whose containing
3759: Is so from sense in hardnesse, that I can
3760: Make no Collection of it. Let him shew
3761: His skill in the construction.
3762:
Luc.
Philarmonus.
3763:
Sooth.
Heere, my good Lord.
3764:
Luc.
Read, and declare the meaning.
3765: [ Reades.]
3766: When as a Lyons whelpe, shall to himselfe vnknown, with-out
3767: seeking finde, and bee embrac'd by a peece of tender
3768: Ayre: And when from a stately Cedar shall be lopt branches,
3769: which being dead many yeares, shall after reuiue, bee ioynted to
3770: the old Stocke, and freshly grow, then shall Posthumus end his
3771: miseries, Britaine be fortunate, and flourish in Peace and Plen-tie.
3772: _
3773: Thou Leonatus art the Lyons Whelpe,
3774: The fit and apt Construction of thy name
3775: Being Leonatus, doth import so much:
3776: The peece of tender Ayre, thy vertuous Daughter,
3777: Which we call Mollis Aer, and Mollis Aer
3778: We terme it Mulier; which Mulier I diuine
3779: Is this most constant Wife, who euen now
3780: Answering the Letter of the Oracle,
3781: Vnknowne to you vnsought, were clipt about
3782: With this most tender Aire.
3783:
Cym.
This hath some seeming.
3784:
Sooth.
The lofty Cedar, Royall Cymbeline
3785: Personates thee: And thy lopt Branches, point
3786: Thy two Sonnes forth: who by Belarius stolne
3787: For many yeares thought dead, are now reuiu'd
3788: To the Maiesticke Cedar ioyn'd; whose Issue
3789: Promises Britaine, Peace and Plenty.
3790:
Cym.
Well,
3791: My Peace we will begin: And Caius Lucius,
3792: Although the Victor, we submit to Caesar,
3793: And to the Romane Empire; promising
3794: To pay our wonted Tribute, from the which
3795: We were disswaded by our wicked Queene,
3796: Whom heauens in Iustice both on her, and hers,
3797: Haue laid most heauy hand.
3798:
Sooth.
The fingers of the Powres aboue, do tune
3799: The harmony of this Peace: the Vision
3800: Which I made knowne to Lucius ere the stroke
3801: Of yet this scarse-cold-Battaile, at this instant
3802: Is full accomplish'd. For the Romaine Eagle
3803: From South to West, on wing soaring aloft
3804: Lessen'd her selfe, and in the Beames o'th' Sun
3805: So vanish'd; which fore-shew'd our Princely Eagle
3806: Th' Imperiall Caesar, should againe vnite
3807: His Fauour, with the Radiant Cymbeline,
3808: Which shines heere in the West.
3809:
Cym.
Laud we the Gods,
3810: And let our crooked Smoakes climbe to their Nostrils
3811: From our blest Altars. Publish we this Peace
3812: To all our Subiects. Set we forward: Let
3813: A Roman, and a Brittish Ensigne waue
3814: Friendly together: so through Luds-Towne march,
3815: And in the Temple of great Iupiter
3816: Our Peace wee'l ratifie: Seale it with Feasts.
3817: Set on there: Neuer was a Warre did cease
3818: (Ere bloodie hands were wash'd) with such a Peace.
3819: [ Exeunt.]
3820: FINIS.
3821: THE TRAGEDIE OF
3822: CYMBELINE