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Enter IMOGEN alone, dressed as a boy, FIDELE.
Enter IMOGEN alone, dressed as a boy, FIDELE.
IMOGEN  
I see a man’s life is a tedious one.
I have tired myself, and for two nights together
Have made the ground my bed. I should be sick
But that my resolution helps me. Milford,
5
When from the mountain top Pisanio showed thee,
Thou wast within a ken. O Jove, I think
Foundations fly the wretched—such, I mean,
Where they should be relieved. Two beggars told me
I could not miss my way. Will poor folks lie,
10
That have afflictions on them, knowing ’tis
A punishment or trial? Yes. No wonder,
When rich ones scarce tell true. To lapse in fullness
Is sorer than to lie for need, and falsehood
Is worse in kings than beggars. My dear lord,
15
Thou art one o’ th’ false ones. Now I think on thee,
My hunger’s gone; but even before, I was
At point to sink for food. But what is this?
Here is a path to ’t. ’Tis some savage hold.
I were best not call; I dare not call. Yet famine,
20
Ere clean it o’erthrow nature, makes it valiant.
Plenty and peace breeds cowards; hardness ever
Of hardiness is mother.—Ho! Who’s here?
If anything that’s civil, speak; if savage,
Take or lend. Ho!—No answer? Then I’ll enter.
25
Best draw my sword; an if mine enemy
But fear the sword like me, he’ll scarcely look on ’t.
   She draws her sword.
Such a foe, good heavens!
IMOGEN  
I see a man’s life is a tedious one.
I have tired myself, and for two nights together
Have made the ground my bed. I should be sick
But that my resolution helps me. Milford,
When from the mountain top Pisanio showed thee,
Thou wast within a ken. O Jove, I think
Foundations fly the wretched—such, I mean,
Where they should be relieved. Two beggars told me
I could not miss my way. Will poor folks lie,
That have afflictions on them, knowing ’tis
A punishment or trial? Yes. No wonder,
When rich ones scarce tell true. To lapse in fullness
Is sorer than to lie for need, and falsehood
Is worse in kings than beggars. My dear lord,
Thou art one o’ th’ false ones. Now I think on thee,
My hunger’s gone; but even before, I was
At point to sink for food. But what is this?
Here is a path to ’t. ’Tis some savage hold.
I were best not call; I dare not call. Yet famine,
Ere clean it o’erthrow nature, makes it valiant.
Plenty and peace breeds cowards; hardness ever
Of hardiness is mother.—Ho! Who’s here?
If anything that’s civil, speak; if savage,
Take or lend. Ho!—No answer? Then I’ll enter.
Best draw my sword; an if mine enemy
But fear the sword like me, he’ll scarcely look on ’t.
   She draws her sword.
Such a foe, good heavens!
She exits, as into the cave.
She exits, as into the cave.
Enter BELARIUS, GUIDERIUS, and
ARVIRAGUS .
Enter BELARIUS, GUIDERIUS, and
ARVIRAGUS .
BELARIUS
You, Polydor, have proved best woodman and
Are master of the feast. Cadwal and I
30
Will play the cook and servant; ’tis our match.
The sweat of industry would dry and die
But for the end it works to. Come, our stomachs
Will make what’s homely savory. Weariness
Can snore upon the flint when resty sloth
35
Finds the down pillow hard. Now peace be here,
Poor house, that keep’st thyself.
BELARIUS
You, Polydor, have proved best woodman and
Are master of the feast. Cadwal and I
Will play the cook and servant; ’tis our match.
The sweat of industry would dry and die
But for the end it works to. Come, our stomachs
Will make what’s homely savory. Weariness
Can snore upon the flint when resty sloth
Finds the down pillow hard. Now peace be here,
Poor house, that keep’st thyself.
GUIDERIUS
I am throughly weary.
GUIDERIUS
I am throughly weary.
ARVIRAGUS
I am weak with toil, yet strong in appetite.
ARVIRAGUS
I am weak with toil, yet strong in appetite.
GUIDERIUS
There is cold meat i’ th’ cave. We’ll browse on that
40
Whilst what we have killed be cooked.
GUIDERIUS
There is cold meat i’ th’ cave. We’ll browse on that
Whilst what we have killed be cooked.
BELARIUS, looking into the cave
Stay, come
not in!
But that it eats our victuals, I should think
Here were a fairy.
BELARIUS, looking into the cave
Stay, come
not in!
But that it eats our victuals, I should think
Here were a fairy.
GUIDERIUS
45
What’s the matter, sir?
GUIDERIUS
What’s the matter, sir?
BELARIUS
By Jupiter, an angel! Or, if not,
An earthly paragon. Behold divineness
No elder than a boy.
BELARIUS
By Jupiter, an angel! Or, if not,
An earthly paragon. Behold divineness
No elder than a boy.
Enter IMOGEN as FIDELE.
Enter IMOGEN as FIDELE.
IMOGEN
Good masters, harm me not.
50
Before I entered here, I called, and thought
To have begged or bought what I have took. Good
   troth,
I have stol’n naught, nor would not, though I had
   found
55
Gold strewed i’ th’ floor. Here’s money for my meat.
   She offers money.
I would have left it on the board so soon
As I had made my meal, and parted
With prayers for the provider.
IMOGEN
Good masters, do not hurt me. I called out before I entered here, and my intention was to beg for or buy what I have taken. I promise you, I have not stolen anything, nor would I, even if I found gold cast all about the floor. Here is money for the food I have eaten.
   She offers money.
I would have left the money on the table, and left this place with prayers and thanks to those who lived here.
GUIDERIUS
Money, youth?
GUIDERIUS
Money, youth?
ARVIRAGUS
60
All gold and silver rather turn to dirt,
As ’tis no better reckoned but of those
Who worship dirty gods.
ARVIRAGUS
All gold and silver rather turn to dirt,
As ’tis no better reckoned but of those
Who worship dirty gods.
IMOGEN
I see you’re angry.
Know, if you kill me for my fault, I should
65
Have died had I not made it.
IMOGEN
I see you’re angry.
Know, if you kill me for my fault, I should
Have died had I not made it.
BELARIUS
Whither bound?
BELARIUS
Whither bound?
IMOGEN
To Milford Haven.
IMOGEN
To Milford Haven.
BELARIUS
What’s your name?
BELARIUS
What’s your name?
IMOGEN
Fidele, sir. I have a kinsman who
70
Is bound for Italy. He embarked at Milford,
To whom being going, almost spent with hunger,
I am fall’n in this offense.
IMOGEN
Fidele, sir. I have a kinsman who
Is bound for Italy. He embarked at Milford,
To whom being going, almost spent with hunger,
I am fall’n in this offense.
BELARIUS
Prithee, fair youth,
Think us no churls, nor measure our good minds
75
By this rude place we live in. Well encountered!
’Tis almost night; you shall have better cheer
Ere you depart, and thanks to stay and eat it.—
Boys, bid him welcome.
BELARIUS
Prithee, fair youth,
Think us no churls, nor measure our good minds
By this rude place we live in. Well encountered!
’Tis almost night; you shall have better cheer
Ere you depart, and thanks to stay and eat it.—
Boys, bid him welcome.
GUIDERIUS
Were you a woman, youth,
80
I should woo hard but be your groom in honesty,
Ay, bid for you as I do buy.
GUIDERIUS
Were you a woman, youth,
I should woo hard but be your groom in honesty,
Ay, bid for you as I do buy.
ARVIRAGUS
I’ll make ’t my comfort
He is a man. I’ll love him as my brother.—
And such a welcome as I’d give to him
85
After long absence, such is yours. Most welcome.
Be sprightly, for you fall ’mongst friends.
ARVIRAGUS
I’ll make ’t my comfort
He is a man. I’ll love him as my brother.—
And such a welcome as I’d give to him
After long absence, such is yours. Most welcome.
Be sprightly, for you fall ’mongst friends.
IMOGEN
’Mongst
   friends?
If brothers— (aside) Would it had been so, that they
90
Had been my father’s sons! Then had my prize
Been less, and so more equal ballasting
To thee, Posthumus.
IMOGEN
’Mongst
   friends?
If brothers— (aside) Would it had been so, that they
Had been my father’s sons! Then had my prize
Been less, and so more equal ballasting
To thee, Posthumus.
BELARIUS
He wrings at some distress.
BELARIUS
He wrings at some distress.
GUIDERIUS
Would I could free ’t!
GUIDERIUS
Would I could free ’t!
ARVIRAGUS
95
Or I, whate’er it be,
What pain it cost, what danger. Gods!
ARVIRAGUS
Or I, whate’er it be,
What pain it cost, what danger. Gods!
BELARIUS
Hark, boys.
BELARIUS
Hark, boys.
They talk aside.
They talk aside.
IMOGEN
Great men
That had a court no bigger than this cave,
100
That did attend themselves and had the virtue
Which their own conscience sealed them, laying by
That nothing-gift of differing multitudes,
Could not outpeer these twain. Pardon me, gods!
I’d change my sex to be companion with them,
105
Since Leonatus false.
IMOGEN
Great men
That had a court no bigger than this cave,
That did attend themselves and had the virtue
Which their own conscience sealed them, laying by
That nothing-gift of differing multitudes,
Could not outpeer these twain. Pardon me, gods!
I’d change my sex to be companion with them,
Since Leonatus false.
BELARIUS
It shall be so.
Boys, we’ll go dress our hunt.—Fair youth, come in.
Discourse is heavy, fasting. When we have supped,
We’ll mannerly demand thee of thy story
110
So far as thou wilt speak it.
BELARIUS
It shall be so.
Boys, we’ll go dress our hunt.—Fair youth, come in.
Discourse is heavy, fasting. When we have supped,
We’ll mannerly demand thee of thy story
So far as thou wilt speak it.
GUIDERIUS
Pray, draw near.
GUIDERIUS
Pray, draw near.
ARVIRAGUS
The night to th’ owl and morn to th’ lark less
welcome.
ARVIRAGUS
The night to th’ owl and morn to th’ lark less
welcome.
IMOGEN
Thanks, sir.
IMOGEN
Thanks, sir.
ARVIRAGUS
115
I pray, draw near.
ARVIRAGUS
I pray, draw near.
They exit.
They exit.

Original Text

Modern Text
Enter IMOGEN alone, dressed as a boy, FIDELE.
Enter IMOGEN alone, dressed as a boy, FIDELE.
IMOGEN  
I see a man’s life is a tedious one.
I have tired myself, and for two nights together
Have made the ground my bed. I should be sick
But that my resolution helps me. Milford,
5
When from the mountain top Pisanio showed thee,
Thou wast within a ken. O Jove, I think
Foundations fly the wretched—such, I mean,
Where they should be relieved. Two beggars told me
I could not miss my way. Will poor folks lie,
10
That have afflictions on them, knowing ’tis
A punishment or trial? Yes. No wonder,
When rich ones scarce tell true. To lapse in fullness
Is sorer than to lie for need, and falsehood
Is worse in kings than beggars. My dear lord,
15
Thou art one o’ th’ false ones. Now I think on thee,
My hunger’s gone; but even before, I was
At point to sink for food. But what is this?
Here is a path to ’t. ’Tis some savage hold.
I were best not call; I dare not call. Yet famine,
20
Ere clean it o’erthrow nature, makes it valiant.
Plenty and peace breeds cowards; hardness ever
Of hardiness is mother.—Ho! Who’s here?
If anything that’s civil, speak; if savage,
Take or lend. Ho!—No answer? Then I’ll enter.
25
Best draw my sword; an if mine enemy
But fear the sword like me, he’ll scarcely look on ’t.
   She draws her sword.
Such a foe, good heavens!
IMOGEN  
I see a man’s life is a tedious one.
I have tired myself, and for two nights together
Have made the ground my bed. I should be sick
But that my resolution helps me. Milford,
When from the mountain top Pisanio showed thee,
Thou wast within a ken. O Jove, I think
Foundations fly the wretched—such, I mean,
Where they should be relieved. Two beggars told me
I could not miss my way. Will poor folks lie,
That have afflictions on them, knowing ’tis
A punishment or trial? Yes. No wonder,
When rich ones scarce tell true. To lapse in fullness
Is sorer than to lie for need, and falsehood
Is worse in kings than beggars. My dear lord,
Thou art one o’ th’ false ones. Now I think on thee,
My hunger’s gone; but even before, I was
At point to sink for food. But what is this?
Here is a path to ’t. ’Tis some savage hold.
I were best not call; I dare not call. Yet famine,
Ere clean it o’erthrow nature, makes it valiant.
Plenty and peace breeds cowards; hardness ever
Of hardiness is mother.—Ho! Who’s here?
If anything that’s civil, speak; if savage,
Take or lend. Ho!—No answer? Then I’ll enter.
Best draw my sword; an if mine enemy
But fear the sword like me, he’ll scarcely look on ’t.
   She draws her sword.
Such a foe, good heavens!
She exits, as into the cave.
She exits, as into the cave.
Enter BELARIUS, GUIDERIUS, and
ARVIRAGUS .
Enter BELARIUS, GUIDERIUS, and
ARVIRAGUS .
BELARIUS
You, Polydor, have proved best woodman and
Are master of the feast. Cadwal and I
30
Will play the cook and servant; ’tis our match.
The sweat of industry would dry and die
But for the end it works to. Come, our stomachs
Will make what’s homely savory. Weariness
Can snore upon the flint when resty sloth
35
Finds the down pillow hard. Now peace be here,
Poor house, that keep’st thyself.
BELARIUS
You, Polydor, have proved best woodman and
Are master of the feast. Cadwal and I
Will play the cook and servant; ’tis our match.
The sweat of industry would dry and die
But for the end it works to. Come, our stomachs
Will make what’s homely savory. Weariness
Can snore upon the flint when resty sloth
Finds the down pillow hard. Now peace be here,
Poor house, that keep’st thyself.
GUIDERIUS
I am throughly weary.
GUIDERIUS
I am throughly weary.
ARVIRAGUS
I am weak with toil, yet strong in appetite.
ARVIRAGUS
I am weak with toil, yet strong in appetite.
GUIDERIUS
There is cold meat i’ th’ cave. We’ll browse on that
40
Whilst what we have killed be cooked.
GUIDERIUS
There is cold meat i’ th’ cave. We’ll browse on that
Whilst what we have killed be cooked.
BELARIUS, looking into the cave
Stay, come
not in!
But that it eats our victuals, I should think
Here were a fairy.
BELARIUS, looking into the cave
Stay, come
not in!
But that it eats our victuals, I should think
Here were a fairy.
GUIDERIUS
45
What’s the matter, sir?
GUIDERIUS
What’s the matter, sir?
BELARIUS
By Jupiter, an angel! Or, if not,
An earthly paragon. Behold divineness
No elder than a boy.
BELARIUS
By Jupiter, an angel! Or, if not,
An earthly paragon. Behold divineness
No elder than a boy.
Enter IMOGEN as FIDELE.
Enter IMOGEN as FIDELE.
IMOGEN
Good masters, harm me not.
50
Before I entered here, I called, and thought
To have begged or bought what I have took. Good
   troth,
I have stol’n naught, nor would not, though I had
   found
55
Gold strewed i’ th’ floor. Here’s money for my meat.
   She offers money.
I would have left it on the board so soon
As I had made my meal, and parted
With prayers for the provider.
IMOGEN
Good masters, do not hurt me. I called out before I entered here, and my intention was to beg for or buy what I have taken. I promise you, I have not stolen anything, nor would I, even if I found gold cast all about the floor. Here is money for the food I have eaten.
   She offers money.
I would have left the money on the table, and left this place with prayers and thanks to those who lived here.
GUIDERIUS
Money, youth?
GUIDERIUS
Money, youth?
ARVIRAGUS
60
All gold and silver rather turn to dirt,
As ’tis no better reckoned but of those
Who worship dirty gods.
ARVIRAGUS
All gold and silver rather turn to dirt,
As ’tis no better reckoned but of those
Who worship dirty gods.
IMOGEN
I see you’re angry.
Know, if you kill me for my fault, I should
65
Have died had I not made it.
IMOGEN
I see you’re angry.
Know, if you kill me for my fault, I should
Have died had I not made it.
BELARIUS
Whither bound?
BELARIUS
Whither bound?
IMOGEN
To Milford Haven.
IMOGEN
To Milford Haven.
BELARIUS
What’s your name?
BELARIUS
What’s your name?
IMOGEN
Fidele, sir. I have a kinsman who
70
Is bound for Italy. He embarked at Milford,
To whom being going, almost spent with hunger,
I am fall’n in this offense.
IMOGEN
Fidele, sir. I have a kinsman who
Is bound for Italy. He embarked at Milford,
To whom being going, almost spent with hunger,
I am fall’n in this offense.
BELARIUS
Prithee, fair youth,
Think us no churls, nor measure our good minds
75
By this rude place we live in. Well encountered!
’Tis almost night; you shall have better cheer
Ere you depart, and thanks to stay and eat it.—
Boys, bid him welcome.
BELARIUS
Prithee, fair youth,
Think us no churls, nor measure our good minds
By this rude place we live in. Well encountered!
’Tis almost night; you shall have better cheer
Ere you depart, and thanks to stay and eat it.—
Boys, bid him welcome.
GUIDERIUS
Were you a woman, youth,
80
I should woo hard but be your groom in honesty,
Ay, bid for you as I do buy.
GUIDERIUS
Were you a woman, youth,
I should woo hard but be your groom in honesty,
Ay, bid for you as I do buy.
ARVIRAGUS
I’ll make ’t my comfort
He is a man. I’ll love him as my brother.—
And such a welcome as I’d give to him
85
After long absence, such is yours. Most welcome.
Be sprightly, for you fall ’mongst friends.
ARVIRAGUS
I’ll make ’t my comfort
He is a man. I’ll love him as my brother.—
And such a welcome as I’d give to him
After long absence, such is yours. Most welcome.
Be sprightly, for you fall ’mongst friends.
IMOGEN
’Mongst
   friends?
If brothers— (aside) Would it had been so, that they
90
Had been my father’s sons! Then had my prize
Been less, and so more equal ballasting
To thee, Posthumus.
IMOGEN
’Mongst
   friends?
If brothers— (aside) Would it had been so, that they
Had been my father’s sons! Then had my prize
Been less, and so more equal ballasting
To thee, Posthumus.
BELARIUS
He wrings at some distress.
BELARIUS
He wrings at some distress.
GUIDERIUS
Would I could free ’t!
GUIDERIUS
Would I could free ’t!
ARVIRAGUS
95
Or I, whate’er it be,
What pain it cost, what danger. Gods!
ARVIRAGUS
Or I, whate’er it be,
What pain it cost, what danger. Gods!
BELARIUS
Hark, boys.
BELARIUS
Hark, boys.
They talk aside.
They talk aside.
IMOGEN
Great men
That had a court no bigger than this cave,
100
That did attend themselves and had the virtue
Which their own conscience sealed them, laying by
That nothing-gift of differing multitudes,
Could not outpeer these twain. Pardon me, gods!
I’d change my sex to be companion with them,
105
Since Leonatus false.
IMOGEN
Great men
That had a court no bigger than this cave,
That did attend themselves and had the virtue
Which their own conscience sealed them, laying by
That nothing-gift of differing multitudes,
Could not outpeer these twain. Pardon me, gods!
I’d change my sex to be companion with them,
Since Leonatus false.
BELARIUS
It shall be so.
Boys, we’ll go dress our hunt.—Fair youth, come in.
Discourse is heavy, fasting. When we have supped,
We’ll mannerly demand thee of thy story
110
So far as thou wilt speak it.
BELARIUS
It shall be so.
Boys, we’ll go dress our hunt.—Fair youth, come in.
Discourse is heavy, fasting. When we have supped,
We’ll mannerly demand thee of thy story
So far as thou wilt speak it.
GUIDERIUS
Pray, draw near.
GUIDERIUS
Pray, draw near.
ARVIRAGUS
The night to th’ owl and morn to th’ lark less
welcome.
ARVIRAGUS
The night to th’ owl and morn to th’ lark less
welcome.
IMOGEN
Thanks, sir.
IMOGEN
Thanks, sir.
ARVIRAGUS
115
I pray, draw near.
ARVIRAGUS
I pray, draw near.
They exit.
They exit.
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