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Enter CYMBELINE, BELARIUS, GUIDERIUS, ARVIGARUS, PISANIO, ATTENDANTS,
and LORDS.
Enter CYMBELINE, BELARIUS, GUIDERIUS, ARVIGARUS, PISANIO, ATTENDANTS,
and LORDS.
CYMBELINE
Stand by my side, you whom the gods have made
Preservers of my throne. Woe is my heart
That the poor soldier that so richly fought,
Whose rags shamed gilded arms, whose naked breast
5
Stepped before targes of proof, cannot be found.
He shall be happy that can find him, if
Our grace can make him so.
CYMBELINE
Stand by my side, you whom the gods have made
Preservers of my throne. Woe is my heart
That the poor soldier that so richly fought,
Whose rags shamed gilded arms, whose naked breast
Stepped before targes of proof, cannot be found.
He shall be happy that can find him, if
Our grace can make him so.
BELARIUS
I never saw
Such noble fury in so poor a thing,
10
Such precious deeds in one that promised naught
But beggary and poor looks.
BELARIUS
I never saw
Such noble fury in so poor a thing,
Such precious deeds in one that promised naught
But beggary and poor looks.
CYMBELINE
No tidings of him?
CYMBELINE
No tidings of him?
PISIANIO
He hath been searched among the dead and living,
But no trace of him.
PISIANIO
He hath been searched among the dead and living,
But no trace of him.
CYMBELINE
15
To my grief, I am
The heir of his reward, which I will add
To you, the liver, heart, and brain of Britain,
By whom I grant she lives. ’Tis now the time
To ask of whence you are. Report it.
CYMBELINE
To my grief, I am
The heir of his reward, which I will add
To you, the liver, heart, and brain of Britain,
By whom I grant she lives. ’Tis now the time
To ask of whence you are. Report it.
BELARIUS
20
Sir,
In Cambria are we born, and gentlemen.
Further to boast were neither true nor modest,
Unless I add we are honest.
BELARIUS
Sir,
In Cambria are we born, and gentlemen.
Further to boast were neither true nor modest,
Unless I add we are honest.
CYMBELINE
Bow your knees.
They kneel. He taps their shoulders with his sword.
25
Arise my knights o’ th’ battle. I create you
Companions to our person, and will fit you
With dignities becoming your estates. They rise.
Enter CORNELIUS and LADIES.
There’s business in these faces. Why so sadly
Greet you our victory? You look like Romans,
30
And not o’ th’ court of Britain.
CYMBELINE
Bow your knees.
They kneel. He taps their shoulders with his sword.
Arise my knights o’ th’ battle. I create you
Companions to our person, and will fit you
With dignities becoming your estates. They rise.
Enter CORNELIUS and LADIES.
There’s business in these faces. Why so sadly
Greet you our victory? You look like Romans,
And not o’ th’ court of Britain.
CORNELIUS
Hail, great king.
To sour your happiness I must report
The Queen is dead.
CORNELIUS
Hail, great king.
To sour your happiness I must report
The Queen is dead.
CYMBELINE
Who worse than a physician
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Would this report become? But I consider
By med’cine life may be prolonged, yet death
Will seize the doctor too. How ended she?
CYMBELINE
Who worse than a physician
Would this report become? But I consider
By med’cine life may be prolonged, yet death
Will seize the doctor too. How ended she?
CORNELIUS
With horror, madly dying, like her life,
Which, being cruel to the world, concluded
40
Most cruel to herself. What she confessed
I will report, so please you. These her women
Can trip me if I err, who with wet cheeks
Were present when she finished.
CORNELIUS
With horror, madly dying, like her life,
Which, being cruel to the world, concluded
Most cruel to herself. What she confessed
I will report, so please you. These her women
Can trip me if I err, who with wet cheeks
Were present when she finished.
CYMBELINE
Prithee, say.
CYMBELINE
Prithee, say.
CORNELIUS
45
First, she confessed she never loved you, only
Affected greatness got by you, not you;
Married your royalty, was wife to your place,
Abhorred your person.
CORNELIUS
First, she confessed she never loved you, only
Affected greatness got by you, not you;
Married your royalty, was wife to your place,
Abhorred your person.
CYMBELINE  
She alone knew this,
50
And but she spoke it dying, I would not
Believe her lips in opening it. Proceed.
CYMBELINE  
She alone knew this,
And but she spoke it dying, I would not
Believe her lips in opening it. Proceed.
CORNELIUS
Your daughter, whom she bore in hand to love
With such integrity, she did confess
Was as a scorpion to her sight, whose life,
55
But that her flight prevented it, she had
Ta’en off by poison.
CORNELIUS
Your daughter, whom she bore in hand to love
With such integrity, she did confess
Was as a scorpion to her sight, whose life,
But that her flight prevented it, she had
Ta’en off by poison.
CYMBELINE
O, most delicate fiend!
Who is ’t can read a woman? Is there more?
CYMBELINE
O, most delicate fiend!
Who is ’t can read a woman? Is there more?
CORNELIUS
More, sir, and worse. She did confess she had
60
For you a mortal mineral which, being took,
Should by the minute feed on life and, ling’ring,
By inches waste you. In which time she purposed,
By watching, weeping, tendance, kissing, to
O’ercome you with her show and, in time,
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When she had fitted you with her craft, to work
Her son into th’ adoption of the crown;
But failing of her end by his strange absence,
Grew shameless desperate; opened, in despite
Of heaven and men, her purposes; repented
70
The evils she hatched were not effected; so
Despairing died.
CORNELIUS
More, sir, and worse. She did confess she had
For you a mortal mineral which, being took,
Should by the minute feed on life and, ling’ring,
By inches waste you. In which time she purposed,
By watching, weeping, tendance, kissing, to
O’ercome you with her show and, in time,
When she had fitted you with her craft, to work
Her son into th’ adoption of the crown;
But failing of her end by his strange absence,
Grew shameless desperate; opened, in despite
Of heaven and men, her purposes; repented
The evils she hatched were not effected; so
Despairing died.
CYMBELINE
Heard you all this, her women?
CYMBELINE
Heard you all this, her women?
LADIES
We did, so please your Highness.
LADIES
We did, so please your Highness.
CYMBELINE
Mine eyes
75
Were not in fault, for she was beautiful;
Mine ears that heard her flattery; nor my heart,
That thought her like her seeming. It had been vicious
To have mistrusted her. Yet, O my daughter,
That it was folly in me thou mayst say,
80
And prove it in thy feeling. Heaven mend all.
Enter LUCIUS, IACHIMO, SOOTHSAYER, and other ROMAN
PRISONERS, POSTHUMUS LEONATUS behind, and IMOGEN
as FIDELE, with BRITON SOLDIERS as guards.
Thou com’st not, Caius, now for tribute. That
The Britons have razed out, though with the loss
Of many a bold one, whose kinsmen have made suit
That their good souls may be appeased with slaughter
85
Of you their captives, which ourself have granted.
So think of your estate.
CYMBELINE
Mine eyes
Were not in fault, for she was beautiful;
Mine ears that heard her flattery; nor my heart,
That thought her like her seeming. It had been vicious
To have mistrusted her. Yet, O my daughter,
That it was folly in me thou mayst say,
And prove it in thy feeling. Heaven mend all.
Enter LUCIUS, IACHIMO, SOOTHSAYER, and other ROMAN
PRISONERS, POSTHUMUS LEONATUS behind, and IMOGEN
as FIDELE, with BRITON SOLDIERS as guards.
Thou com’st not, Caius, now for tribute. That
The Britons have razed out, though with the loss
Of many a bold one, whose kinsmen have made suit
That their good souls may be appeased with slaughter
Of you their captives, which ourself have granted.
So think of your estate.
LUCIUS
Consider, sir, the chance of war. The day
Was yours by accident. Had it gone with us,
We should not, when the blood was cool, have
90
threatened
Our prisoners with the sword. But since the gods
Will have it thus, that nothing but our lives
May be called ransom, let it come. Sufficeth
A Roman with a Roman’s heart can suffer.
95
Augustus lives to think on ’t; and so much
For my peculiar care. This one thing only
I will entreat: my boy, a Briton born,
Let him be ransomed. Never master had
A page so kind, so duteous, diligent,
100
So tender over his occasions, true,
So feat, so nurselike. Let his virtue join
With my request, which I’ll make bold your Highness
Cannot deny. He hath done no Briton harm,
Though he have served a Roman. Save him, sir,
105
And spare no blood beside.
LUCIUS
Consider, sir, the chance of war. The day
Was yours by accident. Had it gone with us,
We should not, when the blood was cool, have
threatened
Our prisoners with the sword. But since the gods
Will have it thus, that nothing but our lives
May be called ransom, let it come. Sufficeth
A Roman with a Roman’s heart can suffer.
Augustus lives to think on ’t; and so much
For my peculiar care. This one thing only
I will entreat: my boy, a Briton born,
Let him be ransomed. Never master had
A page so kind, so duteous, diligent,
So tender over his occasions, true,
So feat, so nurselike. Let his virtue join
With my request, which I’ll make bold your Highness
Cannot deny. He hath done no Briton harm,
Though he have served a Roman. Save him, sir,
And spare no blood beside.
CYMBELINE
I have surely seen him.
His favor is familiar to me.—Boy,
Thou hast looked thyself into my grace
And art mine own. I know not why, wherefore,
110
To say “Live, boy.” Ne’er thank thy master. Live,
And ask of Cymbeline what boon thou wilt,
Fitting my bounty and thy state, I’ll give it,
Yea, though thou do demand a prisoner,
The noblest ta’en.
CYMBELINE
I have surely seen him.
His favor is familiar to me.—Boy,
Thou hast looked thyself into my grace
And art mine own. I know not why, wherefore,
To say “Live, boy.” Ne’er thank thy master. Live,
And ask of Cymbeline what boon thou wilt,
Fitting my bounty and thy state, I’ll give it,
Yea, though thou do demand a prisoner,
The noblest ta’en.
IMOGEN
115
I humbly thank your Highness.
IMOGEN
I humbly thank your Highness.
LUCIUS
I do not bid thee beg my life, good lad,
And yet I know thou wilt.
LUCIUS
I do not bid thee beg my life, good lad,
And yet I know thou wilt.
IMOGEN
No, no, alack,
There’s other work in hand. I see a thing
120
Bitter to me as death. Your life, good master,
Must shuffle for itself.
IMOGEN
No, no, alack,
There’s other work in hand. I see a thing
Bitter to me as death. Your life, good master,
Must shuffle for itself.
LUCIUS
The boy disdains me,
He leaves me, scorns me. Briefly die their joys
That place them on the truth of girls and boys.
125
Why stands he so perplexed?
LUCIUS
The boy disdains me,
He leaves me, scorns me. Briefly die their joys
That place them on the truth of girls and boys.
Why stands he so perplexed?
IMOGEN stares at IACHIMO
IMOGEN stares at IACHIMO
CYMBELINE
What would’st thou, boy?
I love thee more and more. Think more and more
What’s best to ask. Know’st him thou look’st on?
Speak.
130
Wilt have him live? Is he thy kin? Thy friend?
CYMBELINE
What would’st thou, boy?
I love thee more and more. Think more and more
What’s best to ask. Know’st him thou look’st on?
Speak.
Wilt have him live? Is he thy kin? Thy friend?
IMOGEN
He is a Roman, no more kin to me
Than I to your Highness, who, being born your vassal,
Am something nearer.
IMOGEN
He is a Roman, no more kin to me
Than I to your Highness, who, being born your vassal,
Am something nearer.
CYMBELINE
Wherefore ey’st him so?
CYMBELINE
Wherefore ey’st him so?
IMOGEN
135
I’ll tell you, sir, in private, if you please
To give me hearing.
IMOGEN
I’ll tell you, sir, in private, if you please
To give me hearing.
CYMBELINE
Ay, with all my heart,
And lend my best attention. What’s thy name?
CYMBELINE
Ay, with all my heart,
And lend my best attention. What’s thy name?
IMOGEN
Fidele, sir.
IMOGEN
Fidele, sir.
CYMBELINE
140
Thou ’rt my good youth, my page.
I’ll be thy master. Walk with me. Speak freely.
CYMBELINE
Thou ’rt my good youth, my page.
I’ll be thy master. Walk with me. Speak freely.
BELARIUS
Is not this boy revived from death?
BELARIUS
Is not this boy revived from death?
ARVIRAGUS
One sand another
Not more resembles that sweet rosy lad
145
Who died, and was Fidele. What think you?
ARVIRAGUS
One sand another
Not more resembles that sweet rosy lad
Who died, and was Fidele. What think you?
GUIDERIUS
The same dead thing alive.
GUIDERIUS
The same dead thing alive.
BELARIUS
Peace, peace. See further. He eyes us not. Forbear.
Creatures may be alike. Were ’t he, I am sure
He would have spoke to us.
BELARIUS
Peace, peace. See further. He eyes us not. Forbear.
Creatures may be alike. Were ’t he, I am sure
He would have spoke to us.
GUIDERIUS
150
But we see him dead.
GUIDERIUS
But we see him dead.
BELARIUS
Be silent. Let’s see further.
BELARIUS
Be silent. Let’s see further.
PISANIO, aside
It is my mistress!
Since she is living, let the time run on
To good or bad.
PISANIO, aside
It is my mistress!
Since she is living, let the time run on
To good or bad.
CYMBELINE and IMOGEN come forward.
CYMBELINE and IMOGEN come forward.
CYMBELINE, to IMOGEN
155
Come, stand thou by our side.
Make thy demand aloud. (To IACHIMO.) Sir, step
you forth.
Give answer to this boy, and do it freely,
Or by our greatness and the grace of it,
160
Which is our honor, bitter torture shall
Winnow the truth from falsehood.—On. Speak to
him.
CYMBELINE, to IMOGEN
Come, stand thou by our side.
Make thy demand aloud. (To IACHIMO.) Sir, step
you forth.
Give answer to this boy, and do it freely,
Or by our greatness and the grace of it,
Which is our honor, bitter torture shall
Winnow the truth from falsehood.—On. Speak to
him.
IMOGEN, pointing to IACHIMO’s hand
My boon is that this gentleman may render
Of whom he had this ring.
IMOGEN, pointing to IACHIMO’s hand
My boon is that this gentleman may render
Of whom he had this ring.
POSTHUMUS, aside
165
What’s that to him?
POSTHUMUS, aside
What’s that to him?
CYMBELINE
That diamond upon your finger, say
How came it yours.
CYMBELINE
That diamond upon your finger, say
How came it yours.
IACHIMO
Thou ’lt torture me to leave unspoken that
Which to be spoke would torture thee.
IACHIMO
Thou ’lt torture me to leave unspoken that
Which to be spoke would torture thee.
CYMBELINE
170
How? Me?
CYMBELINE
How? Me?
IACHIMO
I am glad to be constrained to utter that
Which torments me to conceal. By villainy
I got this ring. ’Twas Leonatus’ jewel,
Whom thou didst banish, and—which more may
175
grieve thee,
As it doth me—a nobler sir ne’er lived
’Twixt sky and ground. Wilt thou hear more, my lord?
IACHIMO
I am glad to be constrained to utter that
Which torments me to conceal. By villainy
I got this ring. ’Twas Leonatus’ jewel,
Whom thou didst banish, and—which more may
grieve thee,
As it doth me—a nobler sir ne’er lived
’Twixt sky and ground. Wilt thou hear more, my lord?
CYMBELINE
All that belongs to this.
CYMBELINE
All that belongs to this.
IACHIMO
That paragon, thy daughter,
180
For whom my heart drops blood and my false spirits
Quail to remember—Give me leave; I faint.
IACHIMO
That paragon, thy daughter,
For whom my heart drops blood and my false spirits
Quail to remember—Give me leave; I faint.
CYMBELINE
My daughter? What of her? Renew thy strength.
I had rather thou shouldst live while nature will
Than die ere I hear more. Strive, man, and speak.
CYMBELINE
My daughter? What of her? Renew thy strength.
I had rather thou shouldst live while nature will
Than die ere I hear more. Strive, man, and speak.
IACHIMO
185
Upon a time—unhappy was the clock
That struck the hour!—it was in Rome—accursed
The mansion where!—’twas at a feast—O, would
Our viands had been poisoned, or at least
Those which I heaved to head!—the good
190
Posthumus—
What should I say? He was too good to be
Where ill men were, and was the best of all
Amongst the rar’st of good ones—sitting sadly,
Hearing us praise our loves of Italy
195
For beauty that made barren the swelled boast
Of him that best could speak; for feature, laming
The shrine of Venus or straight-pight Minerva,
Postures beyond brief nature; for condition,
A shop of all the qualities that man
200
Loves woman for, besides that hook of wiving,
Fairness which strikes the eye—
IACHIMO
Upon a time—unhappy was the clock
That struck the hour!—it was in Rome—accursed
The mansion where!—’twas at a feast—O, would
Our viands had been poisoned, or at least
Those which I heaved to head!—the good
Posthumus—
What should I say? He was too good to be
Where ill men were, and was the best of all
Amongst the rar’st of good ones—sitting sadly,
Hearing us praise our loves of Italy
For beauty that made barren the swelled boast
Of him that best could speak; for feature, laming
The shrine of Venus or straight-pight Minerva,
Postures beyond brief nature; for condition,
A shop of all the qualities that man
Loves woman for, besides that hook of wiving,
Fairness which strikes the eye—
CYMBELINE
I stand on fire.
Come to the matter.
CYMBELINE
I stand on fire.
Come to the matter.
IACHIMO
All too soon I shall,
205
Unless thou wouldst grieve quickly. This Posthumus,
Most like a noble lord in love and one
That had a royal lover, took his hint,
And, not dispraising whom we praised—therein
He was as calm as virtue—he began
210
His mistress’ picture; which by his tongue being made
And then a mind put in ’t, either our brags
Were cracked of kitchen trulls, or his description
Proved us unspeaking sots.
IACHIMO
All too soon I shall,
Unless thou wouldst grieve quickly. This Posthumus,
Most like a noble lord in love and one
That had a royal lover, took his hint,
And, not dispraising whom we praised—therein
He was as calm as virtue—he began
His mistress’ picture; which by his tongue being made
And then a mind put in ’t, either our brags
Were cracked of kitchen trulls, or his description
Proved us unspeaking sots.
CYMBELINE
Nay, nay, to th’ purpose.
CYMBELINE
Nay, nay, to th’ purpose.
IACHIMO
215
Your daughter’s chastity—there it begins.
He spake of her as Dian had hot dreams
And she alone were cold; whereat I, wretch,
Made scruple of his praise and wagered with him
Pieces of gold ’gainst this, which then he wore
220
Upon his honored finger, to attain
In suit the place of ’s bed and win this ring
By hers and mine adultery. He, true knight,
No lesser of her honor confident
Than I did truly find her, stakes this ring,
225
And would so, had it been a carbuncle
Of Phoebus’ wheel, and might so safely, had it
Been all the worth of ’s car. Away to Britain
Post I in this design. Well may you, sir,
Remember me at court, where I was taught
230
Of your chaste daughter the wide difference
’Twixt amorous and villainous. Being thus quenched
Of hope, not longing, mine Italian brain
Gan in your duller Britain operate
Most vilely; for my vantage, excellent.
235
And to be brief, my practice so prevailed
That I returned with simular proof enough
To make the noble Leonatus mad
By wounding his belief in her renown
With tokens thus and thus; averring notes
240
Of chamber-hanging, pictures, this her bracelet—
O, cunning how I got it!—nay, some marks
Of secret on her person, that he could not
But think her bond of chastity quite cracked,
I having ta’en the forfeit. Whereupon—
245
Methinks I see him now—
IACHIMO
Your daughter’s chastity—there it begins.
He spake of her as Dian had hot dreams
And she alone were cold; whereat I, wretch,
Made scruple of his praise and wagered with him
Pieces of gold ’gainst this, which then he wore
Upon his honored finger, to attain
In suit the place of ’s bed and win this ring
By hers and mine adultery. He, true knight,
No lesser of her honor confident
Than I did truly find her, stakes this ring,
And would so, had it been a carbuncle
Of Phoebus’ wheel, and might so safely, had it
Been all the worth of ’s car. Away to Britain
Post I in this design. Well may you, sir,
Remember me at court, where I was taught
Of your chaste daughter the wide difference
’Twixt amorous and villainous. Being thus quenched
Of hope, not longing, mine Italian brain
Gan in your duller Britain operate
Most vilely; for my vantage, excellent.
And to be brief, my practice so prevailed
That I returned with simular proof enough
To make the noble Leonatus mad
By wounding his belief in her renown
With tokens thus and thus; averring notes
Of chamber-hanging, pictures, this her bracelet—
O, cunning how I got it!—nay, some marks
Of secret on her person, that he could not
But think her bond of chastity quite cracked,
I having ta’en the forfeit. Whereupon—
Methinks I see him now—
POSTHUMUS, coming forward
Ay, so thou dost,
Italian fiend.—Ay me, most credulous fool,
Egregious murderer, thief, anything
That’s due to all the villains past, in being,
250
To come. O, give me cord, or knife, or poison,
Some upright justicer.—Thou, king, send out
For torturers ingenious. It is I
That all th’ abhorrèd things o’ th’ Earth amend
By being worse than they. I am Posthumus,
255
That killed thy daughter—villainlike, I lie—
That caused a lesser villain than myself,
A sacrilegious thief, to do ’t. The temple
Of virtue was she, yea, and she herself.
Spit and throw stones, cast mire upon me, set
260
The dogs o’ th’ street to bay me. Every villain
Be called Posthumus Leonatus, and
Be villainy less than ’twas. O Imogen!
My queen, my life, my wife! O Imogen,
Imogen, Imogen!
POSTHUMUS, coming forward
Ay, so thou dost,
Italian fiend.—Ay me, most credulous fool,
Egregious murderer, thief, anything
That’s due to all the villains past, in being,
To come. O, give me cord, or knife, or poison,
Some upright justicer.—Thou, king, send out
For torturers ingenious. It is I
That all th’ abhorrèd things o’ th’ Earth amend
By being worse than they. I am Posthumus,
That killed thy daughter—villainlike, I lie—
That caused a lesser villain than myself,
A sacrilegious thief, to do ’t. The temple
Of virtue was she, yea, and she herself.
Spit and throw stones, cast mire upon me, set
The dogs o’ th’ street to bay me. Every villain
Be called Posthumus Leonatus, and
Be villainy less than ’twas. O Imogen!
My queen, my life, my wife! O Imogen,
Imogen, Imogen!
IMOGEN, running to POSTHUMUS
265
Peace, my lord!
Hear, hear—
IMOGEN, running to POSTHUMUS
Peace, my lord!
Hear, hear—
POSTHUMUS
Shall ’s have a play of this? Thou scornful page,
There lie thy part. He pushes her away; she falls.
POSTHUMUS
Shall ’s have a play of this? Thou scornful page,
There lie thy part. He pushes her away; she falls.
PISANIO
O, gentlemen, help!—
270
Mine and your mistress! O my lord Posthumus,
You ne’er killed Imogen till now! Help, help!
Mine honored lady—
PISANIO
O, gentlemen, help!—
Mine and your mistress! O my lord Posthumus,
You ne’er killed Imogen till now! Help, help!
Mine honored lady—
CYMBELINE
Does the world go round?
CYMBELINE
Does the world go round?
POSTHUMUS
How comes these staggers on me?
POSTHUMUS
How comes these staggers on me?
PISANIO
275
Wake, my mistress.
PISANIO
Wake, my mistress.
CYMBELINE
If this be so, the gods do mean to strike me
To death with mortal joy.
CYMBELINE
If this be so, the gods do mean to strike me
To death with mortal joy.
PISANIO
How fares my mistress?
PISANIO
How fares my mistress?
IMOGEN
O, get thee from my sight!
280
Thou gav’st me poison. Dangerous fellow, hence.
Breathe not where princes are.
IMOGEN
O, get thee from my sight!
Thou gav’st me poison. Dangerous fellow, hence.
Breathe not where princes are.
CYMBELINE
The tune of Imogen!
CYMBELINE
The tune of Imogen!
PISANIO
Lady, the gods throw stones of sulfur on me if
That box I gave you was not thought by me
285
A precious thing. I had it from the Queen.
PISANIO
Lady, the gods throw stones of sulfur on me if
That box I gave you was not thought by me
A precious thing. I had it from the Queen.
CYMBELINE
New matter still.
CYMBELINE
New matter still.
IMOGEN
It poisoned me.
IMOGEN
It poisoned me.
CORNELIUS
O gods!
To PISANIO. I left out one thing which the Queen
290
confessed,
Which must approve thee honest. “If Pisanio
Have,” said she, “given his mistress that confection
Which I gave him for cordial, she is served
As I would serve a rat.”
CORNELIUS
O gods!
To PISANIO. I left out one thing which the Queen
confessed,
Which must approve thee honest. “If Pisanio
Have,” said she, “given his mistress that confection
Which I gave him for cordial, she is served
As I would serve a rat.”
CYMBELINE
295
What’s this, Cornelius?
CYMBELINE
What’s this, Cornelius?
CORNELIUS
The Queen, sir, very oft importuned me
To temper poisons for her, still pretending
The satisfaction of her knowledge only
In killing creatures vile, as cats and dogs,
300
Of no esteem. I, dreading that her purpose
Was of more danger, did compound for her
A certain stuff which, being ta’en, would cease
The present power of life, but in short time
All offices of nature should again
305
Do their due functions.—Have you ta’en of it?
CORNELIUS
The Queen, sir, very oft importuned me
To temper poisons for her, still pretending
The satisfaction of her knowledge only
In killing creatures vile, as cats and dogs,
Of no esteem. I, dreading that her purpose
Was of more danger, did compound for her
A certain stuff which, being ta’en, would cease
The present power of life, but in short time
All offices of nature should again
Do their due functions.—Have you ta’en of it?
IMOGEN
Most like I did, for I was dead.
IMOGEN
Most like I did, for I was dead.
BELARIUS, aside to GUIDERIUS and ARVIRAGUS
My boys,
There was our error.
BELARIUS, aside to GUIDERIUS and ARVIRAGUS
My boys,
There was our error.
GUIDERIUS
This is sure Fidele.
GUIDERIUS
This is sure Fidele.
IMOGEN, to POSTHUMUS
310
Why did you throw your wedded lady from you?
Think that you are upon a rock, and now
Throw me again. She embraces him.
IMOGEN, to POSTHUMUS
Why did you throw your wedded lady from you?
Think that you are upon a rock, and now
Throw me again. She embraces him.
POSTHUMUS
Hang there like fruit, my soul,
Till the tree die.
POSTHUMUS
Hang there like fruit, my soul,
Till the tree die.
CYMBELINE, to IMOGEN
315
How now, my flesh, my child?
What, mak’st thou me a dullard in this act?
Wilt thou not speak to me?
CYMBELINE, to IMOGEN
How now, my flesh, my child?
What, mak’st thou me a dullard in this act?
Wilt thou not speak to me?
IMOGEN, kneeling
Your blessing, sir.
IMOGEN, kneeling
Your blessing, sir.
BELARIUS, aside to GUIDERIUS and ARVIRAGUS
Though you did love this youth, I blame you not.
320
You had a motive for ’t.
BELARIUS, aside to GUIDERIUS and ARVIRAGUS
Though you did love this youth, I blame you not.
You had a motive for ’t.
CYMBELINE, to IMOGEN
My tears that fall
Prove holy water on thee. Imogen,
Thy mother’s dead.
CYMBELINE, to IMOGEN
My tears that fall
Prove holy water on thee. Imogen,
Thy mother’s dead.
IMOGEN
I am sorry for ’t, my lord.
IMOGEN
I am sorry for ’t, my lord.
She rises.
She rises.
CYMBELINE
325
O, she was naught, and long of her it was
That we meet here so strangely. But her son
Is gone, we know not how nor where.
CYMBELINE
O, she was naught, and long of her it was
That we meet here so strangely. But her son
Is gone, we know not how nor where.
PISANIO
My lord,
Now fear is from me, I’ll speak truth. Lord Cloten,
330
Upon my lady’s missing, came to me
With his sword drawn, foamed at the mouth, and
swore,
If I discovered not which way she was gone,
It was my instant death. By accident,
335
I had a feignèd letter of my master’s
Then in my pocket, which directed him
To seek her on the mountains near to Milford;
Where, in a frenzy, in my master’s garments,
Which he enforced from me, away he posts
340
With unchaste purpose and with oath to violate
My lady’s honor. What became of him
I further know not.
PISANIO
My lord,
Now fear is from me, I’ll speak truth. Lord Cloten,
Upon my lady’s missing, came to me
With his sword drawn, foamed at the mouth, and
swore,
If I discovered not which way she was gone,
It was my instant death. By accident,
I had a feignèd letter of my master’s
Then in my pocket, which directed him
To seek her on the mountains near to Milford;
Where, in a frenzy, in my master’s garments,
Which he enforced from me, away he posts
With unchaste purpose and with oath to violate
My lady’s honor. What became of him
I further know not.
GUIDERIUS
Let me end the story.
I slew him there.
GUIDERIUS
Let me end the story.
I slew him there.
CYMBELINE
345
Marry, the gods forfend!
I would not thy good deeds should from my lips
Pluck a hard sentence. Prithee, valiant youth,
Deny ’t again.
CYMBELINE
Marry, the gods forfend!
I would not thy good deeds should from my lips
Pluck a hard sentence. Prithee, valiant youth,
Deny ’t again.
GUIDERIUS
I have spoke it, and I did it.
GUIDERIUS
I have spoke it, and I did it.
CYMBELINE
350
He was a prince.
CYMBELINE
He was a prince.
GUIDERIUS
A most incivil one. The wrongs he did me
Were nothing princelike, for he did provoke me
With language that would make me spurn the sea
If it could so roar to me. I cut off ’s head,
355
And am right glad he is not standing here
To tell this tale of mine.
GUIDERIUS
A most incivil one. The wrongs he did me
Were nothing princelike, for he did provoke me
With language that would make me spurn the sea
If it could so roar to me. I cut off ’s head,
And am right glad he is not standing here
To tell this tale of mine.
CYMBELINE
I am sorrow for thee.
By thine own tongue thou art condemned and must
Endure our law. Thou ’rt dead.
CYMBELINE
I am sorrow for thee.
By thine own tongue thou art condemned and must
Endure our law. Thou ’rt dead.
IMOGEN
360
That headless man
I thought had been my lord.
IMOGEN
That headless man
I thought had been my lord.
CYMBELINE
Bind the offender,
And take him from our presence.
CYMBELINE
Bind the offender,
And take him from our presence.
ATTENDANTS bind GUIDERIUS.
ATTENDANTS bind GUIDERIUS.
BELARIUS
Stay, sir king.
365
This man is better than the man he slew,
As well descended as thyself, and hath
More of thee merited than a band of Clotens
Had ever scar for.—Let his arms alone.
They were not born for bondage.
BELARIUS
Stay, sir king.
This man is better than the man he slew,
As well descended as thyself, and hath
More of thee merited than a band of Clotens
Had ever scar for.—Let his arms alone.
They were not born for bondage.
CYMBELINE
370
Why, old soldier,
Wilt thou undo the worth thou art unpaid for
By tasting of our wrath? How of descent
As good as we?
CYMBELINE
Why, old soldier,
Wilt thou undo the worth thou art unpaid for
By tasting of our wrath? How of descent
As good as we?
ARVIRAGUS
In that he spake too far.
ARVIRAGUS
In that he spake too far.
CYMBELINE
375
And thou shalt die for ’t.
CYMBELINE
And thou shalt die for ’t.
BELARIUS
We will die all three
But I will prove that two on ’s are as good
As I have given out him.—My sons, I must
For mine own part unfold a dangerous speech,
380
Though haply well for you.
BELARIUS
We will die all three
But I will prove that two on ’s are as good
As I have given out him.—My sons, I must
For mine own part unfold a dangerous speech,
Though haply well for you.
ARVIRAGUS
Your danger’s ours.
ARVIRAGUS
Your danger’s ours.
GUIDERIUS
And our good his.
GUIDERIUS
And our good his.
BELARIUS
Have at it, then.—By leave,
Thou hadst, great king, a subject who
385
Was called Belarius.
BELARIUS
Have at it, then.—By leave,
Thou hadst, great king, a subject who
Was called Belarius.
CYMBELINE
What of him? He is
A banished traitor.
CYMBELINE
What of him? He is
A banished traitor.
BELARIUS
He it is that hath
Assumed this age; indeed a banished man,
390
I know not how a traitor.
BELARIUS
He it is that hath
Assumed this age; indeed a banished man,
I know not how a traitor.
CYMBELINE
Take him hence.
The whole world shall not save him.
CYMBELINE
Take him hence.
The whole world shall not save him.
BELARIUS
Not too hot.
First pay me for the nursing of thy sons
395
And let it be confiscate all, so soon
As I have received it.
BELARIUS
Not too hot.
First pay me for the nursing of thy sons
And let it be confiscate all, so soon
As I have received it.
CYMBELINE
Nursing of my sons?
CYMBELINE
Nursing of my sons?
BELARIUS
I am too blunt and saucy. Here’s my knee.
He kneels.
Ere I arise I will prefer my sons,
400
Then spare not the old father. Mighty sir,
These two young gentlemen that call me father
And think they are my sons are none of mine.
They are the issue of your loins, my liege,
And blood of your begetting.
BELARIUS
I am too blunt and saucy. Here’s my knee.
He kneels.
Ere I arise I will prefer my sons,
Then spare not the old father. Mighty sir,
These two young gentlemen that call me father
And think they are my sons are none of mine.
They are the issue of your loins, my liege,
And blood of your begetting.
CYMBELINE
405
How? My issue?
CYMBELINE
How? My issue?
BELARIUS
So sure as you your father’s. I, old Morgan,
Am that Belarius whom you sometime banished.
Your pleasure was my mere offense, my punishment
Itself, and all my treason. That I suffered
410
Was all the harm I did. These gentle princes—
For such and so they are—these twenty years
Have I trained up; those arts they have as I
Could put into them. My breeding was, sir, as
Your Highness knows. Their nurse Euriphile,
415
Whom for the theft I wedded, stole these children
Upon my banishment. I moved her to ’t,
Having received the punishment before
For that which I did then. Beaten for loyalty
Excited me to treason. Their dear loss,
420
The more of you ’twas felt, the more it shaped
Unto my end of stealing them. But, gracious sir,
Here are your sons again, and I must lose
Two of the sweet’st companions in the world.
The benediction of these covering heavens
425
Fall on their heads like dew, for they are worthy
To inlay heaven with stars. He weeps.
BELARIUS
So sure as you your father’s. I, old Morgan,
Am that Belarius whom you sometime banished.
Your pleasure was my mere offense, my punishment
Itself, and all my treason. That I suffered
Was all the harm I did. These gentle princes—
For such and so they are—these twenty years
Have I trained up; those arts they have as I
Could put into them. My breeding was, sir, as
Your Highness knows. Their nurse Euriphile,
Whom for the theft I wedded, stole these children
Upon my banishment. I moved her to ’t,
Having received the punishment before
For that which I did then. Beaten for loyalty
Excited me to treason. Their dear loss,
The more of you ’twas felt, the more it shaped
Unto my end of stealing them. But, gracious sir,
Here are your sons again, and I must lose
Two of the sweet’st companions in the world.
The benediction of these covering heavens
Fall on their heads like dew, for they are worthy
To inlay heaven with stars. He weeps.
CYMBELINE
Thou weep’st and speak’st.
The service that you three have done is more
Unlike than this thou tell’st. I lost my children.
430
If these be they, I know not how to wish
A pair of worthier sons.
CYMBELINE
Thou weep’st and speak’st.
The service that you three have done is more
Unlike than this thou tell’st. I lost my children.
If these be they, I know not how to wish
A pair of worthier sons.
BELARIUS
Be pleased awhile.
This gentleman whom I call Polydor,
Most worthy prince, as yours is true Guiderius;
435
This gentleman, my Cadwal, Arviragus,
Your younger princely son. He, sir, was lapped
In a most curious mantle, wrought by th’ hand
Of his queen mother, which for more probation
I can with ease produce.
BELARIUS
Be pleased awhile.
This gentleman whom I call Polydor,
Most worthy prince, as yours is true Guiderius;
This gentleman, my Cadwal, Arviragus,
Your younger princely son. He, sir, was lapped
In a most curious mantle, wrought by th’ hand
Of his queen mother, which for more probation
I can with ease produce.
CYMBELINE
440
Guiderius had
Upon his neck a mole, a sanguine star.
It was a mark of wonder.
CYMBELINE
Guiderius had
Upon his neck a mole, a sanguine star.
It was a mark of wonder.
BELARIUS
This is he,
Who hath upon him still that natural stamp.
445
It was wise Nature’s end in the donation
To be his evidence now.
BELARIUS
This is he,
Who hath upon him still that natural stamp.
It was wise Nature’s end in the donation
To be his evidence now.
CYMBELINE
O, what am I,
A mother to the birth of three? Ne’er mother
Rejoiced deliverance more.—Blest pray you be,
450
That after this strange starting from your orbs,
You may reign in them now.—O Imogen,
Thou hast lost by this a kingdom!
CYMBELINE
O, what am I,
A mother to the birth of three? Ne’er mother
Rejoiced deliverance more.—Blest pray you be,
That after this strange starting from your orbs,
You may reign in them now.—O Imogen,
Thou hast lost by this a kingdom!
IMOGEN
No, my lord.
I have got two worlds by ’t.—O my gentle brothers,
455
Have we thus met? O, never say hereafter
But I am truest speaker. You called me “brother”
When I was but your sister; I you “brothers”
When we were so indeed.
IMOGEN
No, my lord.
I have got two worlds by ’t.—O my gentle brothers,
Have we thus met? O, never say hereafter
But I am truest speaker. You called me “brother”
When I was but your sister; I you “brothers”
When we were so indeed.
CYMBELINE
Did you e’er meet?
CYMBELINE
Did you e’er meet?
ARVIRAGUS
460
Ay, my good lord.
ARVIRAGUS
Ay, my good lord.
GUIDERIUS
And at first meeting loved,
Continued so until we thought he died.
GUIDERIUS
And at first meeting loved,
Continued so until we thought he died.
CORNELIUS
By the Queen’s dram she swallowed.
CORNELIUS
By the Queen’s dram she swallowed.
CYMBELINE, to IMOGEN
O, rare instinct!
465
When shall I hear all through? This fierce
abridgment
Hath to it circumstantial branches which
Distinction should be rich in. Where, how lived you?
And when came you to serve our Roman captive?
470
How parted with your brothers? How first met
them?
Why fled you from the court? And whither?
To BELARIUS. These,
And your three motives to the battle, with
475
I know not how much more, should be demanded,
And all the other by-dependences
From chance to chance; but nor the time nor place
Will serve our long interrogatories. See,
Posthumus anchors upon Imogen;
480
And she, like harmless lightning, throws her eye
On him, her brothers, me, her master, hitting
Each object with a joy; the counterchange
Is severally in all. Let’s quit this ground,
And smoke the temple with our sacrifices.
485
Thou art my brother, so we’ll hold thee ever.
CYMBELINE, to IMOGEN
O, rare instinct!
When shall I hear all through? This fierce
abridgment
Hath to it circumstantial branches which
Distinction should be rich in. Where, how lived you?
And when came you to serve our Roman captive?
How parted with your brothers? How first met
them?
Why fled you from the court? And whither?
To BELARIUS. These,
And your three motives to the battle, with
I know not how much more, should be demanded,
And all the other by-dependences
From chance to chance; but nor the time nor place
Will serve our long interrogatories. See,
Posthumus anchors upon Imogen;
And she, like harmless lightning, throws her eye
On him, her brothers, me, her master, hitting
Each object with a joy; the counterchange
Is severally in all. Let’s quit this ground,
And smoke the temple with our sacrifices.
Thou art my brother, so we’ll hold thee ever.
IMOGEN, to BELARIUS
You are my father too, and did relieve me
To see this gracious season.
IMOGEN, to BELARIUS
You are my father too, and did relieve me
To see this gracious season.
CYMBELINE
All o’erjoyed
Save these in bonds; let them be joyful too,
490
For they shall taste our comfort.
CYMBELINE
All o’erjoyed
Save these in bonds; let them be joyful too,
For they shall taste our comfort.
IMOGEN, to LUCIUS
My good master,
I will yet do you service.
IMOGEN, to LUCIUS
My good master,
I will yet do you service.
LUCIUS
Happy be you!
LUCIUS
Happy be you!
CYMBELINE
The forlorn soldier that so nobly fought,
495
He would have well becomed this place and graced
The thankings of a king.
CYMBELINE
The forlorn soldier that so nobly fought,
He would have well becomed this place and graced
The thankings of a king.
POSTHUMUS
I am, sir,
The soldier that did company these three
In poor beseeming; ’twas a fitment for
500
The purpose I then followed. That I was he,
Speak, Iachimo. I had you down and might
Have made you finish.
POSTHUMUS
I am, sir,
The soldier that did company these three
In poor beseeming; ’twas a fitment for
The purpose I then followed. That I was he,
Speak, Iachimo. I had you down and might
Have made you finish.
IACHIMO, kneeling
I am down again,
But now my heavy conscience sinks my knee,
505
As then your force did. Take that life, beseech you,
Which I so often owe; but your ring first,
And here the bracelet of the truest princess
That ever swore her faith.
IACHIMO, kneeling
I am down again,
But now my heavy conscience sinks my knee,
As then your force did. Take that life, beseech you,
Which I so often owe; but your ring first,
And here the bracelet of the truest princess
That ever swore her faith.
He holds out the ring and bracelet.
He holds out the ring and bracelet.
POSTHUMUS
Kneel not to me.
510
The power that I have on you is to spare you;
The malice towards you to forgive you. Live
And deal with others better.
POSTHUMUS
Kneel not to me.
The power that I have on you is to spare you;
The malice towards you to forgive you. Live
And deal with others better.
CYMBELINE
Nobly doomed.
We’ll learn our freeness of a son-in-law:
515
Pardon’s the word to all. IACHIMO rises.
CYMBELINE
Nobly doomed.
We’ll learn our freeness of a son-in-law:
Pardon’s the word to all. IACHIMO rises.
ARVIRAGUS, to POSTHUMUS
You holp us, sir,
As you did mean indeed to be our brother.
Joyed are we that you are.
ARVIRAGUS, to POSTHUMUS
You holp us, sir,
As you did mean indeed to be our brother.
Joyed are we that you are.
POSTHUMUS
Your servant, princes.—Good my lord of Rome,
520
Call forth your soothsayer. As I slept, methought
Great Jupiter upon his eagle backed
Appeared to me, with other spritely shows
Of mine own kindred. When I waked, I found
This label on my bosom, whose containing
525
Is so from sense in hardness that I can
Make no collection of it. Let him show
His skill in the construction.
POSTHUMUS
Your servant, princes.—Good my lord of Rome,
Call forth your soothsayer. As I slept, methought
Great Jupiter upon his eagle backed
Appeared to me, with other spritely shows
Of mine own kindred. When I waked, I found
This label on my bosom, whose containing
Is so from sense in hardness that I can
Make no collection of it. Let him show
His skill in the construction.
LUCIUS
Philarmonus!
LUCIUS
Philarmonus!
SOOTHSAYER, coming forward
Here, my good lord.
SOOTHSAYER, coming forward
Here, my good lord.
LUCIUS
530
Read, and declare the meaning.
SOOTHSAYER reads.   Whenas a lion’s whelp shall, to
himself unknown, without seeking find, and be embraced
by a piece of tender air; and when from a
stately cedar shall be lopped branches which, being
535
dead many years, shall after revive, be jointed to the
old stock, and freshly grow; then shall Posthumus
end his miseries, Britain be fortunate and flourish
in peace and plenty.
Thou, Leonatus, art the lion’s whelp.
540
The fit and apt construction of thy name,
Being Leo-natus, doth import so much.
To CYMBELINE.   The piece of tender air thy virtuous
daughter,
Which we call “mollis aer,” and “mollis aer”
545
We term it “mulier,” which “mulier” I divine
Is this most constant wife; who, even now,
Answering the letter of the oracle,
To POSTHUMUS Unknown to you, unsought, were
clipped about
550
With this most tender air.
LUCIUS
Read, and declare the meaning.
SOOTHSAYER reads.   Whenas a lion’s whelp shall, to
himself unknown, without seeking find, and be embraced
by a piece of tender air; and when from a
stately cedar shall be lopped branches which, being
dead many years, shall after revive, be jointed to the
old stock, and freshly grow; then shall Posthumus
end his miseries, Britain be fortunate and flourish
in peace and plenty.
Thou, Leonatus, art the lion’s whelp.
The fit and apt construction of thy name,
Being Leo-natus, doth import so much.
To CYMBELINE.   The piece of tender air thy virtuous
daughter,
Which we call “mollis aer,” and “mollis aer”
We term it “mulier,” which “mulier” I divine
Is this most constant wife; who, even now,
Answering the letter of the oracle,
To POSTHUMUS Unknown to you, unsought, were
clipped about
With this most tender air.
CYMBELINE
This hath some seeming.
CYMBELINE
This hath some seeming.
SOOTHSAYER
The lofty cedar, royal Cymbeline,
Personates thee; and thy lopped branches point
Thy two sons forth, who, by Belarius stol’n,
555
For many years thought dead, are now revived,
To the majestic cedar joined, whose issue
Promises Britain peace and plenty.
SOOTHSAYER
The lofty cedar, royal Cymbeline,
Personates thee; and thy lopped branches point
Thy two sons forth, who, by Belarius stol’n,
For many years thought dead, are now revived,
To the majestic cedar joined, whose issue
Promises Britain peace and plenty.
CYMBELINE
Well,
My peace we will begin. And, Caius Lucius,
560
Although the victor, we submit to Caesar
And to the Roman Empire, promising
To pay our wonted tribute, from the which
We were dissuaded by our wicked queen,
Whom heavens in justice both on her and hers
565
Have laid most heavy hand.
CYMBELINE
Well,
My peace we will begin. And, Caius Lucius,
Although the victor, we submit to Caesar
And to the Roman Empire, promising
To pay our wonted tribute, from the which
We were dissuaded by our wicked queen,
Whom heavens in justice both on her and hers
Have laid most heavy hand.
SOOTHSAYER
The fingers of the powers above do tune
The harmony of this peace. The vision
Which I made known to Lucius ere the stroke
Of this yet scarce-cold battle at this instant
570
Is full accomplished. For the Roman eagle,
From south to west on wing soaring aloft,
Lessened herself and in the beams o’ th’ sun
So vanished; which foreshowed our princely eagle,
Th’ imperial Caesar, should again unite
575
His favor with the radiant Cymbeline,
Which shines here in the west.
SOOTHSAYER
The fingers of the powers above do tune
The harmony of this peace. The vision
Which I made known to Lucius ere the stroke
Of this yet scarce-cold battle at this instant
Is full accomplished. For the Roman eagle,
From south to west on wing soaring aloft,
Lessened herself and in the beams o’ th’ sun
So vanished; which foreshowed our princely eagle,
Th’ imperial Caesar, should again unite
His favor with the radiant Cymbeline,
Which shines here in the west.
CYMBELINE
Laud we the gods,
And let our crooked smokes climb to their nostrils
From our blest altars. Publish we this peace
580
To all our subjects. Set we forward. Let
A Roman and a British ensign wave
Friendly together. So through Lud’s Town march,
And in the temple of great Jupiter
Our peace we’ll ratify, seal it with feasts.
585
Set on there. Never was a war did cease,
Ere bloody hands were washed, with such a peace.
CYMBELINE
Laud we the gods,
And let our crooked smokes climb to their nostrils
From our blest altars. Publish we this peace
To all our subjects. Set we forward. Let
A Roman and a British ensign wave
Friendly together. So through Lud’s Town march,
And in the temple of great Jupiter
Our peace we’ll ratify, seal it with feasts.
Set on there. Never was a war did cease,
Ere bloody hands were washed, with such a peace.
They exit.
They exit.

Original Text

Modern Text

Enter CYMBELINE, BELARIUS, GUIDERIUS, ARVIGARUS, PISANIO, ATTENDANTS,
and LORDS.
Enter CYMBELINE, BELARIUS, GUIDERIUS, ARVIGARUS, PISANIO, ATTENDANTS,
and LORDS.
CYMBELINE
Stand by my side, you whom the gods have made
Preservers of my throne. Woe is my heart
That the poor soldier that so richly fought,
Whose rags shamed gilded arms, whose naked breast
5
Stepped before targes of proof, cannot be found.
He shall be happy that can find him, if
Our grace can make him so.
CYMBELINE
Stand by my side, you whom the gods have made
Preservers of my throne. Woe is my heart
That the poor soldier that so richly fought,
Whose rags shamed gilded arms, whose naked breast
Stepped before targes of proof, cannot be found.
He shall be happy that can find him, if
Our grace can make him so.
BELARIUS
I never saw
Such noble fury in so poor a thing,
10
Such precious deeds in one that promised naught
But beggary and poor looks.
BELARIUS
I never saw
Such noble fury in so poor a thing,
Such precious deeds in one that promised naught
But beggary and poor looks.
CYMBELINE
No tidings of him?
CYMBELINE
No tidings of him?
PISIANIO
He hath been searched among the dead and living,
But no trace of him.
PISIANIO
He hath been searched among the dead and living,
But no trace of him.
CYMBELINE
15
To my grief, I am
The heir of his reward, which I will add
To you, the liver, heart, and brain of Britain,
By whom I grant she lives. ’Tis now the time
To ask of whence you are. Report it.
CYMBELINE
To my grief, I am
The heir of his reward, which I will add
To you, the liver, heart, and brain of Britain,
By whom I grant she lives. ’Tis now the time
To ask of whence you are. Report it.
BELARIUS
20
Sir,
In Cambria are we born, and gentlemen.
Further to boast were neither true nor modest,
Unless I add we are honest.
BELARIUS
Sir,
In Cambria are we born, and gentlemen.
Further to boast were neither true nor modest,
Unless I add we are honest.
CYMBELINE
Bow your knees.
They kneel. He taps their shoulders with his sword.
25
Arise my knights o’ th’ battle. I create you
Companions to our person, and will fit you
With dignities becoming your estates. They rise.
Enter CORNELIUS and LADIES.
There’s business in these faces. Why so sadly
Greet you our victory? You look like Romans,
30
And not o’ th’ court of Britain.
CYMBELINE
Bow your knees.
They kneel. He taps their shoulders with his sword.
Arise my knights o’ th’ battle. I create you
Companions to our person, and will fit you
With dignities becoming your estates. They rise.
Enter CORNELIUS and LADIES.
There’s business in these faces. Why so sadly
Greet you our victory? You look like Romans,
And not o’ th’ court of Britain.
CORNELIUS
Hail, great king.
To sour your happiness I must report
The Queen is dead.
CORNELIUS
Hail, great king.
To sour your happiness I must report
The Queen is dead.
CYMBELINE
Who worse than a physician
35
Would this report become? But I consider
By med’cine life may be prolonged, yet death
Will seize the doctor too. How ended she?
CYMBELINE
Who worse than a physician
Would this report become? But I consider
By med’cine life may be prolonged, yet death
Will seize the doctor too. How ended she?
CORNELIUS
With horror, madly dying, like her life,
Which, being cruel to the world, concluded
40
Most cruel to herself. What she confessed
I will report, so please you. These her women
Can trip me if I err, who with wet cheeks
Were present when she finished.
CORNELIUS
With horror, madly dying, like her life,
Which, being cruel to the world, concluded
Most cruel to herself. What she confessed
I will report, so please you. These her women
Can trip me if I err, who with wet cheeks
Were present when she finished.
CYMBELINE
Prithee, say.
CYMBELINE
Prithee, say.
CORNELIUS
45
First, she confessed she never loved you, only
Affected greatness got by you, not you;
Married your royalty, was wife to your place,
Abhorred your person.
CORNELIUS
First, she confessed she never loved you, only
Affected greatness got by you, not you;
Married your royalty, was wife to your place,
Abhorred your person.
CYMBELINE  
She alone knew this,
50
And but she spoke it dying, I would not
Believe her lips in opening it. Proceed.
CYMBELINE  
She alone knew this,
And but she spoke it dying, I would not
Believe her lips in opening it. Proceed.
CORNELIUS
Your daughter, whom she bore in hand to love
With such integrity, she did confess
Was as a scorpion to her sight, whose life,
55
But that her flight prevented it, she had
Ta’en off by poison.
CORNELIUS
Your daughter, whom she bore in hand to love
With such integrity, she did confess
Was as a scorpion to her sight, whose life,
But that her flight prevented it, she had
Ta’en off by poison.
CYMBELINE
O, most delicate fiend!
Who is ’t can read a woman? Is there more?
CYMBELINE
O, most delicate fiend!
Who is ’t can read a woman? Is there more?
CORNELIUS
More, sir, and worse. She did confess she had
60
For you a mortal mineral which, being took,
Should by the minute feed on life and, ling’ring,
By inches waste you. In which time she purposed,
By watching, weeping, tendance, kissing, to
O’ercome you with her show and, in time,
65
When she had fitted you with her craft, to work
Her son into th’ adoption of the crown;
But failing of her end by his strange absence,
Grew shameless desperate; opened, in despite
Of heaven and men, her purposes; repented
70
The evils she hatched were not effected; so
Despairing died.
CORNELIUS
More, sir, and worse. She did confess she had
For you a mortal mineral which, being took,
Should by the minute feed on life and, ling’ring,
By inches waste you. In which time she purposed,
By watching, weeping, tendance, kissing, to
O’ercome you with her show and, in time,
When she had fitted you with her craft, to work
Her son into th’ adoption of the crown;
But failing of her end by his strange absence,
Grew shameless desperate; opened, in despite
Of heaven and men, her purposes; repented
The evils she hatched were not effected; so
Despairing died.
CYMBELINE
Heard you all this, her women?
CYMBELINE
Heard you all this, her women?
LADIES
We did, so please your Highness.
LADIES
We did, so please your Highness.
CYMBELINE
Mine eyes
75
Were not in fault, for she was beautiful;
Mine ears that heard her flattery; nor my heart,
That thought her like her seeming. It had been vicious
To have mistrusted her. Yet, O my daughter,
That it was folly in me thou mayst say,
80
And prove it in thy feeling. Heaven mend all.
Enter LUCIUS, IACHIMO, SOOTHSAYER, and other ROMAN
PRISONERS, POSTHUMUS LEONATUS behind, and IMOGEN
as FIDELE, with BRITON SOLDIERS as guards.
Thou com’st not, Caius, now for tribute. That
The Britons have razed out, though with the loss
Of many a bold one, whose kinsmen have made suit
That their good souls may be appeased with slaughter
85
Of you their captives, which ourself have granted.
So think of your estate.
CYMBELINE
Mine eyes
Were not in fault, for she was beautiful;
Mine ears that heard her flattery; nor my heart,
That thought her like her seeming. It had been vicious
To have mistrusted her. Yet, O my daughter,
That it was folly in me thou mayst say,
And prove it in thy feeling. Heaven mend all.
Enter LUCIUS, IACHIMO, SOOTHSAYER, and other ROMAN
PRISONERS, POSTHUMUS LEONATUS behind, and IMOGEN
as FIDELE, with BRITON SOLDIERS as guards.
Thou com’st not, Caius, now for tribute. That
The Britons have razed out, though with the loss
Of many a bold one, whose kinsmen have made suit
That their good souls may be appeased with slaughter
Of you their captives, which ourself have granted.
So think of your estate.
LUCIUS
Consider, sir, the chance of war. The day
Was yours by accident. Had it gone with us,
We should not, when the blood was cool, have
90
threatened
Our prisoners with the sword. But since the gods
Will have it thus, that nothing but our lives
May be called ransom, let it come. Sufficeth
A Roman with a Roman’s heart can suffer.
95
Augustus lives to think on ’t; and so much
For my peculiar care. This one thing only
I will entreat: my boy, a Briton born,
Let him be ransomed. Never master had
A page so kind, so duteous, diligent,
100
So tender over his occasions, true,
So feat, so nurselike. Let his virtue join
With my request, which I’ll make bold your Highness
Cannot deny. He hath done no Briton harm,
Though he have served a Roman. Save him, sir,
105
And spare no blood beside.
LUCIUS
Consider, sir, the chance of war. The day
Was yours by accident. Had it gone with us,
We should not, when the blood was cool, have
threatened
Our prisoners with the sword. But since the gods
Will have it thus, that nothing but our lives
May be called ransom, let it come. Sufficeth
A Roman with a Roman’s heart can suffer.
Augustus lives to think on ’t; and so much
For my peculiar care. This one thing only
I will entreat: my boy, a Briton born,
Let him be ransomed. Never master had
A page so kind, so duteous, diligent,
So tender over his occasions, true,
So feat, so nurselike. Let his virtue join
With my request, which I’ll make bold your Highness
Cannot deny. He hath done no Briton harm,
Though he have served a Roman. Save him, sir,
And spare no blood beside.
CYMBELINE
I have surely seen him.
His favor is familiar to me.—Boy,
Thou hast looked thyself into my grace
And art mine own. I know not why, wherefore,
110
To say “Live, boy.” Ne’er thank thy master. Live,
And ask of Cymbeline what boon thou wilt,
Fitting my bounty and thy state, I’ll give it,
Yea, though thou do demand a prisoner,
The noblest ta’en.
CYMBELINE
I have surely seen him.
His favor is familiar to me.—Boy,
Thou hast looked thyself into my grace
And art mine own. I know not why, wherefore,
To say “Live, boy.” Ne’er thank thy master. Live,
And ask of Cymbeline what boon thou wilt,
Fitting my bounty and thy state, I’ll give it,
Yea, though thou do demand a prisoner,
The noblest ta’en.
IMOGEN
115
I humbly thank your Highness.
IMOGEN
I humbly thank your Highness.
LUCIUS
I do not bid thee beg my life, good lad,
And yet I know thou wilt.
LUCIUS
I do not bid thee beg my life, good lad,
And yet I know thou wilt.
IMOGEN
No, no, alack,
There’s other work in hand. I see a thing
120
Bitter to me as death. Your life, good master,
Must shuffle for itself.
IMOGEN
No, no, alack,
There’s other work in hand. I see a thing
Bitter to me as death. Your life, good master,
Must shuffle for itself.
LUCIUS
The boy disdains me,
He leaves me, scorns me. Briefly die their joys
That place them on the truth of girls and boys.
125
Why stands he so perplexed?
LUCIUS
The boy disdains me,
He leaves me, scorns me. Briefly die their joys
That place them on the truth of girls and boys.
Why stands he so perplexed?
IMOGEN stares at IACHIMO
IMOGEN stares at IACHIMO
CYMBELINE
What would’st thou, boy?
I love thee more and more. Think more and more
What’s best to ask. Know’st him thou look’st on?
Speak.
130
Wilt have him live? Is he thy kin? Thy friend?
CYMBELINE
What would’st thou, boy?
I love thee more and more. Think more and more
What’s best to ask. Know’st him thou look’st on?
Speak.
Wilt have him live? Is he thy kin? Thy friend?
IMOGEN
He is a Roman, no more kin to me
Than I to your Highness, who, being born your vassal,
Am something nearer.
IMOGEN
He is a Roman, no more kin to me
Than I to your Highness, who, being born your vassal,
Am something nearer.
CYMBELINE
Wherefore ey’st him so?
CYMBELINE
Wherefore ey’st him so?
IMOGEN
135
I’ll tell you, sir, in private, if you please
To give me hearing.
IMOGEN
I’ll tell you, sir, in private, if you please
To give me hearing.
CYMBELINE
Ay, with all my heart,
And lend my best attention. What’s thy name?
CYMBELINE
Ay, with all my heart,
And lend my best attention. What’s thy name?
IMOGEN
Fidele, sir.
IMOGEN
Fidele, sir.
CYMBELINE
140
Thou ’rt my good youth, my page.
I’ll be thy master. Walk with me. Speak freely.
CYMBELINE
Thou ’rt my good youth, my page.
I’ll be thy master. Walk with me. Speak freely.
BELARIUS
Is not this boy revived from death?
BELARIUS
Is not this boy revived from death?
ARVIRAGUS
One sand another
Not more resembles that sweet rosy lad
145
Who died, and was Fidele. What think you?
ARVIRAGUS
One sand another
Not more resembles that sweet rosy lad
Who died, and was Fidele. What think you?
GUIDERIUS
The same dead thing alive.
GUIDERIUS
The same dead thing alive.
BELARIUS
Peace, peace. See further. He eyes us not. Forbear.
Creatures may be alike. Were ’t he, I am sure
He would have spoke to us.
BELARIUS
Peace, peace. See further. He eyes us not. Forbear.
Creatures may be alike. Were ’t he, I am sure
He would have spoke to us.
GUIDERIUS
150
But we see him dead.
GUIDERIUS
But we see him dead.
BELARIUS
Be silent. Let’s see further.
BELARIUS
Be silent. Let’s see further.
PISANIO, aside
It is my mistress!
Since she is living, let the time run on
To good or bad.
PISANIO, aside
It is my mistress!
Since she is living, let the time run on
To good or bad.
CYMBELINE and IMOGEN come forward.
CYMBELINE and IMOGEN come forward.
CYMBELINE, to IMOGEN
155
Come, stand thou by our side.
Make thy demand aloud. (To IACHIMO.) Sir, step
you forth.
Give answer to this boy, and do it freely,
Or by our greatness and the grace of it,
160
Which is our honor, bitter torture shall
Winnow the truth from falsehood.—On. Speak to
him.
CYMBELINE, to IMOGEN
Come, stand thou by our side.
Make thy demand aloud. (To IACHIMO.) Sir, step
you forth.
Give answer to this boy, and do it freely,
Or by our greatness and the grace of it,
Which is our honor, bitter torture shall
Winnow the truth from falsehood.—On. Speak to
him.
IMOGEN, pointing to IACHIMO’s hand
My boon is that this gentleman may render
Of whom he had this ring.
IMOGEN, pointing to IACHIMO’s hand
My boon is that this gentleman may render
Of whom he had this ring.
POSTHUMUS, aside
165
What’s that to him?
POSTHUMUS, aside
What’s that to him?
CYMBELINE
That diamond upon your finger, say
How came it yours.
CYMBELINE
That diamond upon your finger, say
How came it yours.
IACHIMO
Thou ’lt torture me to leave unspoken that
Which to be spoke would torture thee.
IACHIMO
Thou ’lt torture me to leave unspoken that
Which to be spoke would torture thee.
CYMBELINE
170
How? Me?
CYMBELINE
How? Me?
IACHIMO
I am glad to be constrained to utter that
Which torments me to conceal. By villainy
I got this ring. ’Twas Leonatus’ jewel,
Whom thou didst banish, and—which more may
175
grieve thee,
As it doth me—a nobler sir ne’er lived
’Twixt sky and ground. Wilt thou hear more, my lord?
IACHIMO
I am glad to be constrained to utter that
Which torments me to conceal. By villainy
I got this ring. ’Twas Leonatus’ jewel,
Whom thou didst banish, and—which more may
grieve thee,
As it doth me—a nobler sir ne’er lived
’Twixt sky and ground. Wilt thou hear more, my lord?
CYMBELINE
All that belongs to this.
CYMBELINE
All that belongs to this.
IACHIMO
That paragon, thy daughter,
180
For whom my heart drops blood and my false spirits
Quail to remember—Give me leave; I faint.
IACHIMO
That paragon, thy daughter,
For whom my heart drops blood and my false spirits
Quail to remember—Give me leave; I faint.
CYMBELINE
My daughter? What of her? Renew thy strength.
I had rather thou shouldst live while nature will
Than die ere I hear more. Strive, man, and speak.
CYMBELINE
My daughter? What of her? Renew thy strength.
I had rather thou shouldst live while nature will
Than die ere I hear more. Strive, man, and speak.
IACHIMO
185
Upon a time—unhappy was the clock
That struck the hour!—it was in Rome—accursed
The mansion where!—’twas at a feast—O, would
Our viands had been poisoned, or at least
Those which I heaved to head!—the good
190
Posthumus—
What should I say? He was too good to be
Where ill men were, and was the best of all
Amongst the rar’st of good ones—sitting sadly,
Hearing us praise our loves of Italy
195
For beauty that made barren the swelled boast
Of him that best could speak; for feature, laming
The shrine of Venus or straight-pight Minerva,
Postures beyond brief nature; for condition,
A shop of all the qualities that man
200
Loves woman for, besides that hook of wiving,
Fairness which strikes the eye—
IACHIMO
Upon a time—unhappy was the clock
That struck the hour!—it was in Rome—accursed
The mansion where!—’twas at a feast—O, would
Our viands had been poisoned, or at least
Those which I heaved to head!—the good
Posthumus—
What should I say? He was too good to be
Where ill men were, and was the best of all
Amongst the rar’st of good ones—sitting sadly,
Hearing us praise our loves of Italy
For beauty that made barren the swelled boast
Of him that best could speak; for feature, laming
The shrine of Venus or straight-pight Minerva,
Postures beyond brief nature; for condition,
A shop of all the qualities that man
Loves woman for, besides that hook of wiving,
Fairness which strikes the eye—
CYMBELINE
I stand on fire.
Come to the matter.
CYMBELINE
I stand on fire.
Come to the matter.
IACHIMO
All too soon I shall,
205
Unless thou wouldst grieve quickly. This Posthumus,
Most like a noble lord in love and one
That had a royal lover, took his hint,
And, not dispraising whom we praised—therein
He was as calm as virtue—he began
210
His mistress’ picture; which by his tongue being made
And then a mind put in ’t, either our brags
Were cracked of kitchen trulls, or his description
Proved us unspeaking sots.
IACHIMO
All too soon I shall,
Unless thou wouldst grieve quickly. This Posthumus,
Most like a noble lord in love and one
That had a royal lover, took his hint,
And, not dispraising whom we praised—therein
He was as calm as virtue—he began
His mistress’ picture; which by his tongue being made
And then a mind put in ’t, either our brags
Were cracked of kitchen trulls, or his description
Proved us unspeaking sots.
CYMBELINE
Nay, nay, to th’ purpose.
CYMBELINE
Nay, nay, to th’ purpose.
IACHIMO
215
Your daughter’s chastity—there it begins.
He spake of her as Dian had hot dreams
And she alone were cold; whereat I, wretch,
Made scruple of his praise and wagered with him
Pieces of gold ’gainst this, which then he wore
220
Upon his honored finger, to attain
In suit the place of ’s bed and win this ring
By hers and mine adultery. He, true knight,
No lesser of her honor confident
Than I did truly find her, stakes this ring,
225
And would so, had it been a carbuncle
Of Phoebus’ wheel, and might so safely, had it
Been all the worth of ’s car. Away to Britain
Post I in this design. Well may you, sir,
Remember me at court, where I was taught
230
Of your chaste daughter the wide difference
’Twixt amorous and villainous. Being thus quenched
Of hope, not longing, mine Italian brain
Gan in your duller Britain operate
Most vilely; for my vantage, excellent.
235
And to be brief, my practice so prevailed
That I returned with simular proof enough
To make the noble Leonatus mad
By wounding his belief in her renown
With tokens thus and thus; averring notes
240
Of chamber-hanging, pictures, this her bracelet—
O, cunning how I got it!—nay, some marks
Of secret on her person, that he could not
But think her bond of chastity quite cracked,
I having ta’en the forfeit. Whereupon—
245
Methinks I see him now—
IACHIMO
Your daughter’s chastity—there it begins.
He spake of her as Dian had hot dreams
And she alone were cold; whereat I, wretch,
Made scruple of his praise and wagered with him
Pieces of gold ’gainst this, which then he wore
Upon his honored finger, to attain
In suit the place of ’s bed and win this ring
By hers and mine adultery. He, true knight,
No lesser of her honor confident
Than I did truly find her, stakes this ring,
And would so, had it been a carbuncle
Of Phoebus’ wheel, and might so safely, had it
Been all the worth of ’s car. Away to Britain
Post I in this design. Well may you, sir,
Remember me at court, where I was taught
Of your chaste daughter the wide difference
’Twixt amorous and villainous. Being thus quenched
Of hope, not longing, mine Italian brain
Gan in your duller Britain operate
Most vilely; for my vantage, excellent.
And to be brief, my practice so prevailed
That I returned with simular proof enough
To make the noble Leonatus mad
By wounding his belief in her renown
With tokens thus and thus; averring notes
Of chamber-hanging, pictures, this her bracelet—
O, cunning how I got it!—nay, some marks
Of secret on her person, that he could not
But think her bond of chastity quite cracked,
I having ta’en the forfeit. Whereupon—
Methinks I see him now—
POSTHUMUS, coming forward
Ay, so thou dost,
Italian fiend.—Ay me, most credulous fool,
Egregious murderer, thief, anything
That’s due to all the villains past, in being,
250
To come. O, give me cord, or knife, or poison,
Some upright justicer.—Thou, king, send out
For torturers ingenious. It is I
That all th’ abhorrèd things o’ th’ Earth amend
By being worse than they. I am Posthumus,
255
That killed thy daughter—villainlike, I lie—
That caused a lesser villain than myself,
A sacrilegious thief, to do ’t. The temple
Of virtue was she, yea, and she herself.
Spit and throw stones, cast mire upon me, set
260
The dogs o’ th’ street to bay me. Every villain
Be called Posthumus Leonatus, and
Be villainy less than ’twas. O Imogen!
My queen, my life, my wife! O Imogen,
Imogen, Imogen!
POSTHUMUS, coming forward
Ay, so thou dost,
Italian fiend.—Ay me, most credulous fool,
Egregious murderer, thief, anything
That’s due to all the villains past, in being,
To come. O, give me cord, or knife, or poison,
Some upright justicer.—Thou, king, send out
For torturers ingenious. It is I
That all th’ abhorrèd things o’ th’ Earth amend
By being worse than they. I am Posthumus,
That killed thy daughter—villainlike, I lie—
That caused a lesser villain than myself,
A sacrilegious thief, to do ’t. The temple
Of virtue was she, yea, and she herself.
Spit and throw stones, cast mire upon me, set
The dogs o’ th’ street to bay me. Every villain
Be called Posthumus Leonatus, and
Be villainy less than ’twas. O Imogen!
My queen, my life, my wife! O Imogen,
Imogen, Imogen!
IMOGEN, running to POSTHUMUS
265
Peace, my lord!
Hear, hear—
IMOGEN, running to POSTHUMUS
Peace, my lord!
Hear, hear—
POSTHUMUS
Shall ’s have a play of this? Thou scornful page,
There lie thy part. He pushes her away; she falls.
POSTHUMUS
Shall ’s have a play of this? Thou scornful page,
There lie thy part. He pushes her away; she falls.
PISANIO
O, gentlemen, help!—
270
Mine and your mistress! O my lord Posthumus,
You ne’er killed Imogen till now! Help, help!
Mine honored lady—
PISANIO
O, gentlemen, help!—
Mine and your mistress! O my lord Posthumus,
You ne’er killed Imogen till now! Help, help!
Mine honored lady—
CYMBELINE
Does the world go round?
CYMBELINE
Does the world go round?
POSTHUMUS
How comes these staggers on me?
POSTHUMUS
How comes these staggers on me?
PISANIO
275
Wake, my mistress.
PISANIO
Wake, my mistress.
CYMBELINE
If this be so, the gods do mean to strike me
To death with mortal joy.
CYMBELINE
If this be so, the gods do mean to strike me
To death with mortal joy.
PISANIO
How fares my mistress?
PISANIO
How fares my mistress?
IMOGEN
O, get thee from my sight!
280
Thou gav’st me poison. Dangerous fellow, hence.
Breathe not where princes are.
IMOGEN
O, get thee from my sight!
Thou gav’st me poison. Dangerous fellow, hence.
Breathe not where princes are.
CYMBELINE
The tune of Imogen!
CYMBELINE
The tune of Imogen!
PISANIO
Lady, the gods throw stones of sulfur on me if
That box I gave you was not thought by me
285
A precious thing. I had it from the Queen.
PISANIO
Lady, the gods throw stones of sulfur on me if
That box I gave you was not thought by me
A precious thing. I had it from the Queen.
CYMBELINE
New matter still.
CYMBELINE
New matter still.
IMOGEN
It poisoned me.
IMOGEN
It poisoned me.
CORNELIUS
O gods!
To PISANIO. I left out one thing which the Queen
290
confessed,
Which must approve thee honest. “If Pisanio
Have,” said she, “given his mistress that confection
Which I gave him for cordial, she is served
As I would serve a rat.”
CORNELIUS
O gods!
To PISANIO. I left out one thing which the Queen
confessed,
Which must approve thee honest. “If Pisanio
Have,” said she, “given his mistress that confection
Which I gave him for cordial, she is served
As I would serve a rat.”
CYMBELINE
295
What’s this, Cornelius?
CYMBELINE
What’s this, Cornelius?
CORNELIUS
The Queen, sir, very oft importuned me
To temper poisons for her, still pretending
The satisfaction of her knowledge only
In killing creatures vile, as cats and dogs,
300
Of no esteem. I, dreading that her purpose
Was of more danger, did compound for her
A certain stuff which, being ta’en, would cease
The present power of life, but in short time
All offices of nature should again
305
Do their due functions.—Have you ta’en of it?
CORNELIUS
The Queen, sir, very oft importuned me
To temper poisons for her, still pretending
The satisfaction of her knowledge only
In killing creatures vile, as cats and dogs,
Of no esteem. I, dreading that her purpose
Was of more danger, did compound for her
A certain stuff which, being ta’en, would cease
The present power of life, but in short time
All offices of nature should again
Do their due functions.—Have you ta’en of it?
IMOGEN
Most like I did, for I was dead.
IMOGEN
Most like I did, for I was dead.
BELARIUS, aside to GUIDERIUS and ARVIRAGUS
My boys,
There was our error.
BELARIUS, aside to GUIDERIUS and ARVIRAGUS
My boys,
There was our error.
GUIDERIUS
This is sure Fidele.
GUIDERIUS
This is sure Fidele.
IMOGEN, to POSTHUMUS
310
Why did you throw your wedded lady from you?
Think that you are upon a rock, and now
Throw me again. She embraces him.
IMOGEN, to POSTHUMUS
Why did you throw your wedded lady from you?
Think that you are upon a rock, and now
Throw me again. She embraces him.
POSTHUMUS
Hang there like fruit, my soul,
Till the tree die.
POSTHUMUS
Hang there like fruit, my soul,
Till the tree die.
CYMBELINE, to IMOGEN
315
How now, my flesh, my child?
What, mak’st thou me a dullard in this act?
Wilt thou not speak to me?
CYMBELINE, to IMOGEN
How now, my flesh, my child?
What, mak’st thou me a dullard in this act?
Wilt thou not speak to me?
IMOGEN, kneeling
Your blessing, sir.
IMOGEN, kneeling
Your blessing, sir.
BELARIUS, aside to GUIDERIUS and ARVIRAGUS
Though you did love this youth, I blame you not.
320
You had a motive for ’t.
BELARIUS, aside to GUIDERIUS and ARVIRAGUS
Though you did love this youth, I blame you not.
You had a motive for ’t.
CYMBELINE, to IMOGEN
My tears that fall
Prove holy water on thee. Imogen,
Thy mother’s dead.
CYMBELINE, to IMOGEN
My tears that fall
Prove holy water on thee. Imogen,
Thy mother’s dead.
IMOGEN
I am sorry for ’t, my lord.
IMOGEN
I am sorry for ’t, my lord.
She rises.
She rises.
CYMBELINE
325
O, she was naught, and long of her it was
That we meet here so strangely. But her son
Is gone, we know not how nor where.
CYMBELINE
O, she was naught, and long of her it was
That we meet here so strangely. But her son
Is gone, we know not how nor where.
PISANIO
My lord,
Now fear is from me, I’ll speak truth. Lord Cloten,
330
Upon my lady’s missing, came to me
With his sword drawn, foamed at the mouth, and
swore,
If I discovered not which way she was gone,
It was my instant death. By accident,
335
I had a feignèd letter of my master’s
Then in my pocket, which directed him
To seek her on the mountains near to Milford;
Where, in a frenzy, in my master’s garments,
Which he enforced from me, away he posts
340
With unchaste purpose and with oath to violate
My lady’s honor. What became of him
I further know not.
PISANIO
My lord,
Now fear is from me, I’ll speak truth. Lord Cloten,
Upon my lady’s missing, came to me
With his sword drawn, foamed at the mouth, and
swore,
If I discovered not which way she was gone,
It was my instant death. By accident,
I had a feignèd letter of my master’s
Then in my pocket, which directed him
To seek her on the mountains near to Milford;
Where, in a frenzy, in my master’s garments,
Which he enforced from me, away he posts
With unchaste purpose and with oath to violate
My lady’s honor. What became of him
I further know not.
GUIDERIUS
Let me end the story.
I slew him there.
GUIDERIUS
Let me end the story.
I slew him there.
CYMBELINE
345
Marry, the gods forfend!
I would not thy good deeds should from my lips
Pluck a hard sentence. Prithee, valiant youth,
Deny ’t again.
CYMBELINE
Marry, the gods forfend!
I would not thy good deeds should from my lips
Pluck a hard sentence. Prithee, valiant youth,
Deny ’t again.
GUIDERIUS
I have spoke it, and I did it.
GUIDERIUS
I have spoke it, and I did it.
CYMBELINE
350
He was a prince.
CYMBELINE
He was a prince.
GUIDERIUS
A most incivil one. The wrongs he did me
Were nothing princelike, for he did provoke me
With language that would make me spurn the sea
If it could so roar to me. I cut off ’s head,
355
And am right glad he is not standing here
To tell this tale of mine.
GUIDERIUS
A most incivil one. The wrongs he did me
Were nothing princelike, for he did provoke me
With language that would make me spurn the sea
If it could so roar to me. I cut off ’s head,
And am right glad he is not standing here
To tell this tale of mine.
CYMBELINE
I am sorrow for thee.
By thine own tongue thou art condemned and must
Endure our law. Thou ’rt dead.
CYMBELINE
I am sorrow for thee.
By thine own tongue thou art condemned and must
Endure our law. Thou ’rt dead.
IMOGEN
360
That headless man
I thought had been my lord.
IMOGEN
That headless man
I thought had been my lord.
CYMBELINE
Bind the offender,
And take him from our presence.
CYMBELINE
Bind the offender,
And take him from our presence.
ATTENDANTS bind GUIDERIUS.
ATTENDANTS bind GUIDERIUS.
BELARIUS
Stay, sir king.
365
This man is better than the man he slew,
As well descended as thyself, and hath
More of thee merited than a band of Clotens
Had ever scar for.—Let his arms alone.
They were not born for bondage.
BELARIUS
Stay, sir king.
This man is better than the man he slew,
As well descended as thyself, and hath
More of thee merited than a band of Clotens
Had ever scar for.—Let his arms alone.
They were not born for bondage.
CYMBELINE
370
Why, old soldier,
Wilt thou undo the worth thou art unpaid for
By tasting of our wrath? How of descent
As good as we?
CYMBELINE
Why, old soldier,
Wilt thou undo the worth thou art unpaid for
By tasting of our wrath? How of descent
As good as we?
ARVIRAGUS
In that he spake too far.
ARVIRAGUS
In that he spake too far.
CYMBELINE
375
And thou shalt die for ’t.
CYMBELINE
And thou shalt die for ’t.
BELARIUS
We will die all three
But I will prove that two on ’s are as good
As I have given out him.—My sons, I must
For mine own part unfold a dangerous speech,
380
Though haply well for you.
BELARIUS
We will die all three
But I will prove that two on ’s are as good
As I have given out him.—My sons, I must
For mine own part unfold a dangerous speech,
Though haply well for you.
ARVIRAGUS
Your danger’s ours.
ARVIRAGUS
Your danger’s ours.
GUIDERIUS
And our good his.
GUIDERIUS
And our good his.
BELARIUS
Have at it, then.—By leave,
Thou hadst, great king, a subject who
385
Was called Belarius.
BELARIUS
Have at it, then.—By leave,
Thou hadst, great king, a subject who
Was called Belarius.
CYMBELINE
What of him? He is
A banished traitor.
CYMBELINE
What of him? He is
A banished traitor.
BELARIUS
He it is that hath
Assumed this age; indeed a banished man,
390
I know not how a traitor.
BELARIUS
He it is that hath
Assumed this age; indeed a banished man,
I know not how a traitor.
CYMBELINE
Take him hence.
The whole world shall not save him.
CYMBELINE
Take him hence.
The whole world shall not save him.
BELARIUS
Not too hot.
First pay me for the nursing of thy sons
395
And let it be confiscate all, so soon
As I have received it.
BELARIUS
Not too hot.
First pay me for the nursing of thy sons
And let it be confiscate all, so soon
As I have received it.
CYMBELINE
Nursing of my sons?
CYMBELINE
Nursing of my sons?
BELARIUS
I am too blunt and saucy. Here’s my knee.
He kneels.
Ere I arise I will prefer my sons,
400
Then spare not the old father. Mighty sir,
These two young gentlemen that call me father
And think they are my sons are none of mine.
They are the issue of your loins, my liege,
And blood of your begetting.
BELARIUS
I am too blunt and saucy. Here’s my knee.
He kneels.
Ere I arise I will prefer my sons,
Then spare not the old father. Mighty sir,
These two young gentlemen that call me father
And think they are my sons are none of mine.
They are the issue of your loins, my liege,
And blood of your begetting.
CYMBELINE
405
How? My issue?
CYMBELINE
How? My issue?
BELARIUS
So sure as you your father’s. I, old Morgan,
Am that Belarius whom you sometime banished.
Your pleasure was my mere offense, my punishment
Itself, and all my treason. That I suffered
410
Was all the harm I did. These gentle princes—
For such and so they are—these twenty years
Have I trained up; those arts they have as I
Could put into them. My breeding was, sir, as
Your Highness knows. Their nurse Euriphile,
415
Whom for the theft I wedded, stole these children
Upon my banishment. I moved her to ’t,
Having received the punishment before
For that which I did then. Beaten for loyalty
Excited me to treason. Their dear loss,
420
The more of you ’twas felt, the more it shaped
Unto my end of stealing them. But, gracious sir,
Here are your sons again, and I must lose
Two of the sweet’st companions in the world.
The benediction of these covering heavens
425
Fall on their heads like dew, for they are worthy
To inlay heaven with stars. He weeps.
BELARIUS
So sure as you your father’s. I, old Morgan,
Am that Belarius whom you sometime banished.
Your pleasure was my mere offense, my punishment
Itself, and all my treason. That I suffered
Was all the harm I did. These gentle princes—
For such and so they are—these twenty years
Have I trained up; those arts they have as I
Could put into them. My breeding was, sir, as
Your Highness knows. Their nurse Euriphile,
Whom for the theft I wedded, stole these children
Upon my banishment. I moved her to ’t,
Having received the punishment before
For that which I did then. Beaten for loyalty
Excited me to treason. Their dear loss,
The more of you ’twas felt, the more it shaped
Unto my end of stealing them. But, gracious sir,
Here are your sons again, and I must lose
Two of the sweet’st companions in the world.
The benediction of these covering heavens
Fall on their heads like dew, for they are worthy
To inlay heaven with stars. He weeps.
CYMBELINE
Thou weep’st and speak’st.
The service that you three have done is more
Unlike than this thou tell’st. I lost my children.
430
If these be they, I know not how to wish
A pair of worthier sons.
CYMBELINE
Thou weep’st and speak’st.
The service that you three have done is more
Unlike than this thou tell’st. I lost my children.
If these be they, I know not how to wish
A pair of worthier sons.
BELARIUS
Be pleased awhile.
This gentleman whom I call Polydor,
Most worthy prince, as yours is true Guiderius;
435
This gentleman, my Cadwal, Arviragus,
Your younger princely son. He, sir, was lapped
In a most curious mantle, wrought by th’ hand
Of his queen mother, which for more probation
I can with ease produce.
BELARIUS
Be pleased awhile.
This gentleman whom I call Polydor,
Most worthy prince, as yours is true Guiderius;
This gentleman, my Cadwal, Arviragus,
Your younger princely son. He, sir, was lapped
In a most curious mantle, wrought by th’ hand
Of his queen mother, which for more probation
I can with ease produce.
CYMBELINE
440
Guiderius had
Upon his neck a mole, a sanguine star.
It was a mark of wonder.
CYMBELINE
Guiderius had
Upon his neck a mole, a sanguine star.
It was a mark of wonder.
BELARIUS
This is he,
Who hath upon him still that natural stamp.
445
It was wise Nature’s end in the donation
To be his evidence now.
BELARIUS
This is he,
Who hath upon him still that natural stamp.
It was wise Nature’s end in the donation
To be his evidence now.
CYMBELINE
O, what am I,
A mother to the birth of three? Ne’er mother
Rejoiced deliverance more.—Blest pray you be,
450
That after this strange starting from your orbs,
You may reign in them now.—O Imogen,
Thou hast lost by this a kingdom!
CYMBELINE
O, what am I,
A mother to the birth of three? Ne’er mother
Rejoiced deliverance more.—Blest pray you be,
That after this strange starting from your orbs,
You may reign in them now.—O Imogen,
Thou hast lost by this a kingdom!
IMOGEN
No, my lord.
I have got two worlds by ’t.—O my gentle brothers,
455
Have we thus met? O, never say hereafter
But I am truest speaker. You called me “brother”
When I was but your sister; I you “brothers”
When we were so indeed.
IMOGEN
No, my lord.
I have got two worlds by ’t.—O my gentle brothers,
Have we thus met? O, never say hereafter
But I am truest speaker. You called me “brother”
When I was but your sister; I you “brothers”
When we were so indeed.
CYMBELINE
Did you e’er meet?
CYMBELINE
Did you e’er meet?
ARVIRAGUS
460
Ay, my good lord.
ARVIRAGUS
Ay, my good lord.
GUIDERIUS
And at first meeting loved,
Continued so until we thought he died.
GUIDERIUS
And at first meeting loved,
Continued so until we thought he died.
CORNELIUS
By the Queen’s dram she swallowed.
CORNELIUS
By the Queen’s dram she swallowed.
CYMBELINE, to IMOGEN
O, rare instinct!
465
When shall I hear all through? This fierce
abridgment
Hath to it circumstantial branches which
Distinction should be rich in. Where, how lived you?
And when came you to serve our Roman captive?
470
How parted with your brothers? How first met
them?
Why fled you from the court? And whither?
To BELARIUS. These,
And your three motives to the battle, with
475
I know not how much more, should be demanded,
And all the other by-dependences
From chance to chance; but nor the time nor place
Will serve our long interrogatories. See,
Posthumus anchors upon Imogen;
480
And she, like harmless lightning, throws her eye
On him, her brothers, me, her master, hitting
Each object with a joy; the counterchange
Is severally in all. Let’s quit this ground,
And smoke the temple with our sacrifices.
485
Thou art my brother, so we’ll hold thee ever.
CYMBELINE, to IMOGEN
O, rare instinct!
When shall I hear all through? This fierce
abridgment
Hath to it circumstantial branches which
Distinction should be rich in. Where, how lived you?
And when came you to serve our Roman captive?
How parted with your brothers? How first met
them?
Why fled you from the court? And whither?
To BELARIUS. These,
And your three motives to the battle, with
I know not how much more, should be demanded,
And all the other by-dependences
From chance to chance; but nor the time nor place
Will serve our long interrogatories. See,
Posthumus anchors upon Imogen;
And she, like harmless lightning, throws her eye
On him, her brothers, me, her master, hitting
Each object with a joy; the counterchange
Is severally in all. Let’s quit this ground,
And smoke the temple with our sacrifices.
Thou art my brother, so we’ll hold thee ever.
IMOGEN, to BELARIUS
You are my father too, and did relieve me
To see this gracious season.
IMOGEN, to BELARIUS
You are my father too, and did relieve me
To see this gracious season.
CYMBELINE
All o’erjoyed
Save these in bonds; let them be joyful too,
490
For they shall taste our comfort.
CYMBELINE
All o’erjoyed
Save these in bonds; let them be joyful too,
For they shall taste our comfort.
IMOGEN, to LUCIUS
My good master,
I will yet do you service.
IMOGEN, to LUCIUS
My good master,
I will yet do you service.
LUCIUS
Happy be you!
LUCIUS
Happy be you!
CYMBELINE
The forlorn soldier that so nobly fought,
495
He would have well becomed this place and graced
The thankings of a king.
CYMBELINE
The forlorn soldier that so nobly fought,
He would have well becomed this place and graced
The thankings of a king.
POSTHUMUS
I am, sir,
The soldier that did company these three
In poor beseeming; ’twas a fitment for
500
The purpose I then followed. That I was he,
Speak, Iachimo. I had you down and might
Have made you finish.
POSTHUMUS
I am, sir,
The soldier that did company these three
In poor beseeming; ’twas a fitment for
The purpose I then followed. That I was he,
Speak, Iachimo. I had you down and might
Have made you finish.
IACHIMO, kneeling
I am down again,
But now my heavy conscience sinks my knee,
505
As then your force did. Take that life, beseech you,
Which I so often owe; but your ring first,
And here the bracelet of the truest princess
That ever swore her faith.
IACHIMO, kneeling
I am down again,
But now my heavy conscience sinks my knee,
As then your force did. Take that life, beseech you,
Which I so often owe; but your ring first,
And here the bracelet of the truest princess
That ever swore her faith.
He holds out the ring and bracelet.
He holds out the ring and bracelet.
POSTHUMUS
Kneel not to me.
510
The power that I have on you is to spare you;
The malice towards you to forgive you. Live
And deal with others better.
POSTHUMUS
Kneel not to me.
The power that I have on you is to spare you;
The malice towards you to forgive you. Live
And deal with others better.
CYMBELINE
Nobly doomed.
We’ll learn our freeness of a son-in-law:
515
Pardon’s the word to all. IACHIMO rises.
CYMBELINE
Nobly doomed.
We’ll learn our freeness of a son-in-law:
Pardon’s the word to all. IACHIMO rises.
ARVIRAGUS, to POSTHUMUS
You holp us, sir,
As you did mean indeed to be our brother.
Joyed are we that you are.
ARVIRAGUS, to POSTHUMUS
You holp us, sir,
As you did mean indeed to be our brother.
Joyed are we that you are.
POSTHUMUS
Your servant, princes.—Good my lord of Rome,
520
Call forth your soothsayer. As I slept, methought
Great Jupiter upon his eagle backed
Appeared to me, with other spritely shows
Of mine own kindred. When I waked, I found
This label on my bosom, whose containing
525
Is so from sense in hardness that I can
Make no collection of it. Let him show
His skill in the construction.
POSTHUMUS
Your servant, princes.—Good my lord of Rome,
Call forth your soothsayer. As I slept, methought
Great Jupiter upon his eagle backed
Appeared to me, with other spritely shows
Of mine own kindred. When I waked, I found
This label on my bosom, whose containing
Is so from sense in hardness that I can
Make no collection of it. Let him show
His skill in the construction.
LUCIUS
Philarmonus!
LUCIUS
Philarmonus!
SOOTHSAYER, coming forward
Here, my good lord.
SOOTHSAYER, coming forward
Here, my good lord.
LUCIUS
530
Read, and declare the meaning.
SOOTHSAYER reads.   Whenas a lion’s whelp shall, to
himself unknown, without seeking find, and be embraced
by a piece of tender air; and when from a
stately cedar shall be lopped branches which, being
535
dead many years, shall after revive, be jointed to the
old stock, and freshly grow; then shall Posthumus
end his miseries, Britain be fortunate and flourish
in peace and plenty.
Thou, Leonatus, art the lion’s whelp.
540
The fit and apt construction of thy name,
Being Leo-natus, doth import so much.
To CYMBELINE.   The piece of tender air thy virtuous
daughter,
Which we call “mollis aer,” and “mollis aer”
545
We term it “mulier,” which “mulier” I divine
Is this most constant wife; who, even now,
Answering the letter of the oracle,
To POSTHUMUS Unknown to you, unsought, were
clipped about
550
With this most tender air.
LUCIUS
Read, and declare the meaning.
SOOTHSAYER reads.   Whenas a lion’s whelp shall, to
himself unknown, without seeking find, and be embraced
by a piece of tender air; and when from a
stately cedar shall be lopped branches which, being
dead many years, shall after revive, be jointed to the
old stock, and freshly grow; then shall Posthumus
end his miseries, Britain be fortunate and flourish
in peace and plenty.
Thou, Leonatus, art the lion’s whelp.
The fit and apt construction of thy name,
Being Leo-natus, doth import so much.
To CYMBELINE.   The piece of tender air thy virtuous
daughter,
Which we call “mollis aer,” and “mollis aer”
We term it “mulier,” which “mulier” I divine
Is this most constant wife; who, even now,
Answering the letter of the oracle,
To POSTHUMUS Unknown to you, unsought, were
clipped about
With this most tender air.
CYMBELINE
This hath some seeming.
CYMBELINE
This hath some seeming.
SOOTHSAYER
The lofty cedar, royal Cymbeline,
Personates thee; and thy lopped branches point
Thy two sons forth, who, by Belarius stol’n,
555
For many years thought dead, are now revived,
To the majestic cedar joined, whose issue
Promises Britain peace and plenty.
SOOTHSAYER
The lofty cedar, royal Cymbeline,
Personates thee; and thy lopped branches point
Thy two sons forth, who, by Belarius stol’n,
For many years thought dead, are now revived,
To the majestic cedar joined, whose issue
Promises Britain peace and plenty.
CYMBELINE
Well,
My peace we will begin. And, Caius Lucius,
560
Although the victor, we submit to Caesar
And to the Roman Empire, promising
To pay our wonted tribute, from the which
We were dissuaded by our wicked queen,
Whom heavens in justice both on her and hers
565
Have laid most heavy hand.
CYMBELINE
Well,
My peace we will begin. And, Caius Lucius,
Although the victor, we submit to Caesar
And to the Roman Empire, promising
To pay our wonted tribute, from the which
We were dissuaded by our wicked queen,
Whom heavens in justice both on her and hers
Have laid most heavy hand.
SOOTHSAYER
The fingers of the powers above do tune
The harmony of this peace. The vision
Which I made known to Lucius ere the stroke
Of this yet scarce-cold battle at this instant
570
Is full accomplished. For the Roman eagle,
From south to west on wing soaring aloft,
Lessened herself and in the beams o’ th’ sun
So vanished; which foreshowed our princely eagle,
Th’ imperial Caesar, should again unite
575
His favor with the radiant Cymbeline,
Which shines here in the west.
SOOTHSAYER
The fingers of the powers above do tune
The harmony of this peace. The vision
Which I made known to Lucius ere the stroke
Of this yet scarce-cold battle at this instant
Is full accomplished. For the Roman eagle,
From south to west on wing soaring aloft,
Lessened herself and in the beams o’ th’ sun
So vanished; which foreshowed our princely eagle,
Th’ imperial Caesar, should again unite
His favor with the radiant Cymbeline,
Which shines here in the west.
CYMBELINE
Laud we the gods,
And let our crooked smokes climb to their nostrils
From our blest altars. Publish we this peace
580
To all our subjects. Set we forward. Let
A Roman and a British ensign wave
Friendly together. So through Lud’s Town march,
And in the temple of great Jupiter
Our peace we’ll ratify, seal it with feasts.
585
Set on there. Never was a war did cease,
Ere bloody hands were washed, with such a peace.
CYMBELINE
Laud we the gods,
And let our crooked smokes climb to their nostrils
From our blest altars. Publish we this peace
To all our subjects. Set we forward. Let
A Roman and a British ensign wave
Friendly together. So through Lud’s Town march,
And in the temple of great Jupiter
Our peace we’ll ratify, seal it with feasts.
Set on there. Never was a war did cease,
Ere bloody hands were washed, with such a peace.
They exit.
They exit.