be better known to this gentleman; whom I commend to you, as a noble friend of mine: How worthy he is, I will leave to appear hereafter, rather than story him in his own hearing. French. Sir, we have known together in Orleans. Post. Since when I have been debtor to you for courtesies, which I will be ever to pay, and yet pay still. French. Sir, you o'er-rate my poor kindness: I was glad I did atone my countryman and you; it had been pity, you should have been put together with so mortal a purpose, as then each bore, upon importance of so slight and trivial a nature. Post. Sir, with all my heart. This worthy signior, I thank him, makes no stranger of me; we are familiar at first. Iach. With five times so much conversation, 1 should get ground of your fair mistress: make her go back, even to the yielding; had I admittance and opportunity to friend. Post. No, no. lach. I dare, thereupon, pawn the moiety of my estate to your ring; which, in my opinion, o'er-values it something: but I make my wager rather against your confidence, than her reputation: and, to bar your offence herein too, I durst attempt it against any lady in the world. Post. By your pardon, sir, I was then a young traveller rather shurned to go even with what I heard, than in my every action to be guided by others' experiences: but, upon my mended judgment, (if I offend not to say it is mended,) my quarrel was not altoge-worthy of, by your attempt. ther slight. Post. You are a great deal abused in too bold a persuasion; and I doubt not you sustain what you're Jach. What's that? French. 'Faith, yes, to be put to the arbitrement of swords; and by such two, that would, by all like-it, deserve more; a punishment too. libood, have confounded one the other, or have fallen both. Post. A repulse: Though your attempt, as you call Phi. Gentlemen, enough of this: it came in too suddenly; let it die as it was born, and, I pray you, be better acquainted. lach. Can we, with manners, ask what was the difference? Iach. 'Would I had put my estate, and my neighFrench. Safely, I think: 'twas a contention in pub-bour's, on the approbation of what I have spoke. lic, which may, without contradiction, suffer the report. It was much like an argument that fell out last night, where each of us fell in praise of our country mistresses: This gentleman at that time vouching, (and upon warrant of bloody affirmation,) his to be more fair, virtuous, wise, chaste, constant-qualified, and less attemptible, than any the rarest of our ladies in France. lach. That lady is not now living; or this gentleman's opinion, by this, worn out. Post. She holds her virtue still, and I my mind. lach. You must not so far prefer her 'fore ours of Italy. Post. Being so far provoked as I was in France, I would abate her nothing; though I profess myself her adorer, not her friend. Iach. As fair, and as good, (a kind of hand-inhand comparison,) had been something too fair, and too good, for any lady in Britany. If she went before others I have seen, as that diamond of yours outlustres many I have beheld, I could not but believe she excelled many but I have not seen the most precious diamond that is, nor you the lady. Post. I praised her as I rated her : so do I my stone. Post. You are mistaken the one may be sold, or given; if there were wealth enough for the purchase, or merit for the gift: the other is not a thing for sale, and only the gift of the gods. Post. What lady would you choose to assail? Iach. Yours; whom in constancy, you think, stands so safe. I will lay you ten thousand ducats to your ring, that, commend me to the court where your lady is, with no more advantage than the opportunity of a second conference, and I will bring from thence that honour of hers, which you imagine so reserved. Post. I will wage against your gold, gold to it: my ring I hold dear as my finger; 'tis part of it. Jach. You are a friend, and therein the wiser. If you buy ladies' flesh at a million a dram, you cannot preserve it from tainting: But, I see you have some religion in you, that you fear. Post. This is but a custom in your tongue; you bear a graver purpose, I hope. lach. am the master of my speeches; and would undergo what's spoken, I swear. Post. Will you? I shall but lend my diamond till your return :-Let there be covenants drawn between us: My mistress exceeds in goodness the hugeness of your unworthy thinking: I dare you to this match: here's my ring. Phi. I will have it no lay. Iach. By the gods it is one : - If I bring you no sufficient testimony that I have enjoyed the dearest bodily part of your mistress, my ten thousand ducats are yours; so is your diamond too. If I come off, and leave her in such honour as you have trust in, she your jewel, this your jewel, and my gold are yours: - provided, I have your commendation, for my more free entertainment. Iach. Which the gods have given you? Post. I embrace these conditions; let us have arPost. Which, by their graces, I will keep. ticles betwixt us:-only, thus far you shall answer. Iach. You may wear her in title yours: but, you If you make your voyage upon her, and give me diknow, strange fowl light upon neighbouring ponds. rectly to understand you have prevail'd, I am no furYour ring may be stolen too: so, of your brace of ther your enemy, she is not worth our debate: if she unprizeable estimations, the one is but frail, and the remain unseduced, (you not making it appear otherother casual; a cunning thief, or a that-way-accom-wise,) for your ill opinion, and the assault you have plished courtier, would hazard the winning both of made to her chastity, you shall answer me with your first and last. sword. Post. Your Italy contains none so accomplished a courtier, to convince the honour of my mistress; if, in the holding or loss of that, you term her frail. I do nothing doubt, you have store of thieves; notwithstanding I fear not my ring. Ph. Let us leave here, gentlemen. lach. Your hand; a covenant: We will have these things set down by lawful counsel, and straight away for Britain; lest the bargain should catch cold, and starve: I will fetch my gold, and have our two wagers recorded. Post. Agreed [Exeunt POSTHUMUS and IACHIMO. Britain. SCENE VI. Pray, let [Exeunt. - A Room in Cymbeline's Palace. Enter QUEEN, Ladies, and CORNELIUS. Queen. Whiles yet the dew's on ground, gather those flowers; Make haste: Who has the note of them? 1 Lady. I, madam. Queen. Despatch.[Exeunt Ladies. Now, master doctor; have you brought those drugs? Cor. Pleaseth your highness, ay: here they are, madam : [Presenting a small box. But I beseech your grace, (without offence; My conscience bids me ask ;) wherefore you have Commanded of me these most poisonous compounds, Which are the movers of a languishing death; But, though slow, deadly? Queen. I do wonder, doctor, Thou ask'st me such a question: Have I not been Thy pupil long? Hast thou not learn'd me how To make perfumes? distil? preserve? yea, so, That our great king himself doth woo me oft For my confections? Having thus far proceeded, (Unless thou think'st me devilish,) is't not meet That I did amplify my judgment in Other conclusions? I will try the forces Of these thy compounds on such creatures as We count not worth the hanging, (but none human,) To try the vigour of them, and apply Allayments to their act; and by them gather Their several virtues, and effects. Cor. Your highness Shall from this practice but make hard your heart: Besides, the seeing these effects will be Both noisome and infectious. Strange lingering poisons: I do know her spirit, Until I send for thee. No further service, doctor, Cor. I humbly take my leave. She will not quench; and let instructions enter As great as is thy master: greater; for up. That I mean to thee. Tell thy mistress how Re-enter PISANIO and Ladies. The taste of too. So, so ;-well done, well done : Pis. SCENE VII.-Another Room in the same. Imo. A father cruel, and a step-dame false; That hath her husband banish'd;-O, that husband! Pis. Madam, a noble gentleman of Rome; lach. Change you, madam ? The worthy Leonatus is in safety, And greets your highness dearly. [Presents a letter. Thanks, good sir: Imo. lach. All of her, that is out of door, most rich! [Aside. If she be furnish'd with a mind so rare, Imo. [Reads.] He is one of the noblest note, to whose kindnesses I am most infinitely tied. Reflect upon him | You look on me: What wreck discern you in me, LEONATUS. Deserves your pity? Iach. accordingly, as you value your truest So far I read aloud: But even the very middle of my heart Is warm'd by the rest, and takes it thankfully.- Inch. Imo. Imo. What is the matter, trow? The cloyed will, (That satiate yet unsatisfied desire, Thus raps you? Are you well? What, dear sir, There is a Frenchman his companion, one The thick sighs from him; whiles the jolly Briton Imo. Will my lord say so? Iach. Ay, madam; with his eyes in flood with It is a recreation to be by, [laughter. And hear him mock the Frenchman: But, heavens Some men are much to blame. [know, [might Imo. Not he, I hope. Lamentable! What! I' the dungeon by a snuff? I was about to say, enjoy your-But Imo. Iach. Had I this cheek, To bathe my lips upon; this hand, whose touch, Whose every touch, would force the feeler's soul To the oath of loyalty; this object, which Takes prisoner the wild motion of mine eye, Fixing it only here: should I (damn'd then,) Slaver with lips as common as the stairs That mount the Capitol ; join gripes with hands Made hard with hourly falsehood (falsehood, as With labour;) then lie peeping in an eye, Base and unlustrous as the smoky light That's fed with stinking tallow; it were fit. That all the plagues of hell should at one time Encounter such revolt. Imo. Has forgot Britain. Iach. My lord, I fear, And himself. Not I, Inclin'd to this intelligence, pronounce The beggary of his change; but 'tis your graces That, from my mutest conscience, to my tongue, Charms this report out. Let me hear no more. Imo. Imo. lach. Should he make me Live like Diana's priest, betwixt cold sheets; Whiles he is vaulting variable ramps, In your despite, upon your purse? Revenge it. I dedicate myself to your sweet pleasure; More noble than that runagate to your bed; And will continue fast to your affection, Still close, as sure. Imo. What ho, Pisanio! Iach. Let me my service tender on your lips. Imo. Away!-I do condemn mine ears, that have So long attended thee.-If thou wert honourable, Thou would'st have told this tale for virtue, not For such an end thou seek'st; as base, as strange. Thou wrong'st a gentleman, who is as far From thy report, as thou from honour; and Thee and the devil alike.-What, ho! Pisanio!- Of thy assault: if he shall think it fit, You make amends. Imo. Iach. He sits 'mongst men, like a descended god: He hath a kind of honour sets him off, More than a mortal seeming. Be not angry, Most mighty princess, that I have adventur'd To try your taking a false report; which hath Honour'd with confirmation your great judgment In the election of a sir so rare, Which you know, cannot err: The love I bear him Made me to fan you thus; but the gods made you, Unlike all others, chaffless. Pray, your pardon. Imo. All's well, sir: Take my power i' the court for yours. Iach. My humble thanks. I had almost forgot To entreat your grace but in a small request, And yet of moment too, for it concerns Your lord; myself, and other noble friends, Are partners in the business. Pray, what is't? Imo. Iach. Some dozen Romans of us, and your lord, (The best feather of our wing) have mingled sums To buy a present for the emperor; Which I, the factor for the rest, have done In France: 'Tis plate, of rare device; and jewels, Of rich and exquisite form; their values great; And I am something curious, being strange, To have them in safe stowage; May it please you To take them in protection? Willingly; Imo. Iach. I must aboard to-morrow. 0, no, no. Imo. lach. Yes, I beseech; or I shall short my word, By length'ning my return. From Gallia I cross'd the seas on purpose, and on promise I thank you for your pains : ACT II. SCENE I.—Court before Cymbeline's Palace. Clo. Was there ever man had such luck! when I kissed the jack upon an up-cast, to be hit away' I had a hundred pound on't: And then a whoreson jackanapes must take me up for swearing; as if I borrowed mine oaths of him, and might not spend them at my pleasure. 1 Lord. What got he by that? You have broke his pate with your bowl. 2 Lord. If his wit had been like him that broke it, it would have ran all out. [Aside. Clo. When a gentleman is disposed to swear, it is not for any standers-by to curtail his oaths. Ha? 2 Lord. No, my lord; nor [Aside.] crop the ears of them. Clo. Whoreson dog!-I give him satisfaction? 'Would, he had been one of my rank! [Aside. 2 Lord. To have smelt like a fool. Clo. I am not more vexed at any thing in the earth, -A pox on't! I had rather not be so noble as I am; they dare not fight with me, because of the queen my mother: every jack-slave hath his belly full of fighting, and I must go up and down like a cock that no body can match. 2 Lord. You are a cock and capon too; and crow, cock, with your comb on. Clo. Sayest thou? you [Aside. 1 Lord. It is not fit, your lordship should undertake every companion that you give offence to. Clo. No, I know that: but it is fit, I should commit offence to my inferiors. 2 Lord. Ay, it is fit for your lordship only. Clo. Why, so I say. 1 Lord. Did you hear of a stranger, that's come to court to-night? Clo. A stranger! and I not know on't! 2 Lord. He's a strange fellow himself, and knows it not. [Aside. 1 Lord. There's an Italian come; and, 'tis thought, one of Leonatus' friends. Clo. Leonatus! a banished rascal; and he's another, whatsoever he be. Who told you of this stranger? 1 Lord. One of your lordship's pages. Clo. Is it fit, I went to look upon him? Is there no derogation in't? 1 Lord. You cannot derogate, my lord. Clo. Not easily, I think. 2 Lord. You are a fool granted; therefore your issues being foolish, do not derogate. [Aside. Clo. Come, I'll go see this Italian: What I have lost to-day at bowls, I'll win to-night of him. Come,go. 2 Lord. I'll attend your lordship. [Exeunt CLOTEN and first Lord. That such a crafty devil as is his mother Should yield the world this ass? a woman, that Bears all down with her brain; and this her son Cannot take two from twenty for his heart, And leave eighteen. Alas, poor princess, Thou divine Imogen, what thou endur'st! Betwixt a father by thy step-dame govern'd; A mother hourly coining plots; a wooer, More hateful than the foul expulsion is Of thy dear husband, than that horrid act Of the divorce he'd make! The heavens hold firm Imo. I have read three hours then: mine eyes are Fold down the leaf where I have left: To bed: Take not away the taper, leave it burning; And if thou canst awake by four o'the clock, I pr'ythee, call me. Sleep hath seized me wholly. [Exit To your protection I commend me, gods! From fairies, and the tempters of the night, Guard me, beseech ye! [sense [Sleeps. IACHIMO, from the trunk. Iach. The crickets sing, and man's o'er-labour'd Repairs itself by rest: Our Tarquin thus Did softly press the rushes, ere he waken'd The chastity he wounded.-Cytherea, How bravely thou becom'st thy bed! fresh lily! And whiter than the sheets! That I might touch! But kiss; one kiss!-Rubies unparagon'd, How dearly they do't-'Tis her breathing that Perfumes the chamber thus: The flame o'the taper Bows toward her; and would underpeep her lids, To see the enclosed lights, now canopied Under these windows: White and azure, lac'd With blue of heaven's own tinct.-But my design? To note the chamber :-I will write all down:Such, and such pictures :-There the window :-Such The adornment of her bed :-The arras, figures, Why,such and such:-And the contents o'the story,Ah, but some natural notes about her body, Above ten thousand meaner moveables Would testify, to enrich mine inventory: O sleep, thou ape of death, lie dull upon her! And be her sense but as a monument, Thus in a chapel lying!-Come off, come off; [Taking off her bracelet. As slippery, as the Gordian knot was hard!'Tis mine; and this will witness outwardly, As strongly as the conscience does within, To the madding of her lord. On her left breast A mole cinque-spotted, like the crimson drops I'the bottom of a cowslip. Here's a voucher, Stronger than ever law could make this secret Will force him think I have pick'd the lock, and ta'en The treasure of her honour. No more.-To what end? Why should I write this down, that's rivetted, Screw'd to my memory? She hath been reading late The tale of Tereus; here the leaf's turn'd down, Where Philomel gave up ;-I have enough: To the trunk again, and shut the spring of it. Swift, swift, you dragons of the night!—that dawning May bare the raven's eye: I lodge in fear; Though this a heavenly angel, hell is here. One, two, three,-Time, time! [Clock strikes. [Goes into the trunk. The scene closes. SCENE III. An Ante-Chamber adjoining Imogen's Apartment. Enter CLOTEN and Lords. Enter CYMBELINE and QUEEN. 2 Lord. Here comes the king. Clo. I am glad, I was up so late; for that's the reason I was up so early: He cannot choose but take this service I have done, fatherly.-Good-morrow to your majesty, and to my gracious mother. Cum. Attend you here the door of our stern daughter? Will she not forth? Clo. I have assailed her with music but she vouchsafes no notice. Cum. The exile of her minion is too new; She hath not yet forgot him: some more time Must wear the print of his remembrance out, And then she's yours. Queen. You are most bound to the king; Who lets go by no vantages, that may Prefer you to his daughter; Frame yourself To orderly solicits; and be friended With aptness of the season; make denials Increase your services; so seem, as if You were inspir'd to do those duties which You tender to her; that you in all obey her, Save when command to your dismission tends, And therein you are senseless. Clo. Senseless? not so. Enter a Messenger. Mess. So like you, sir, ambassadors from Rome; The one is Caius Lucius. Cym. A worthy fellow, Albeit he comes on angry purpose now; But that's no fault of his: We must receive him According to the honour of his sender; And towards himself, his goodness forespent on us We must extend our notice.-Our dear son, 1 Lord. Your lordship is the most patient man in When you have given good morning to your mistress, loss, the most coldest that ever turned up ace. Attend the queen, and us; we shall have need |