Man!

Why tender'st thou that paper to me, with A look untender? If it be summer news, Smile to't before: if winterly, thou need'st

Poor I am stale, a garment out of fashion; And, for I am richer than to hang by the walls, I must be ripp'd:—to pieces with me!-0, Men's vows are women's traitors! All good seeming,

By thy revolt, O husband, shall be thought Put on for villany; not born, where't grows; But worn, a bait for ladies.

Pis. Good madam, hear me.

Imo. True honest men being heard, like false Were, in his time, thought false and Sinon's Æneas, [weeping Did scandal many a holy tear; took pity From most true wretchedness: So, thou, Posthúmus, Goodly, and gallant, shall be false and perjur'd, Wilt lay the leaven on all proper men; From thy great fail.-Come, fellow, be the honest: [him, Do thou thy master's bidding: when thou see's A little witness my obedience: Look! I draw the sword myself: take it; and hit The innocent mansion of my love, my heart: Fear not; 'tis empty of all things, but grief: Thy master is not there; who was, indeed,

band's hand!

That drug-damn'd Italy hath out-craftied him, And he's at some hard point.-Speak, man; thy tongue

May take off some extremity, which to read Would be even mortal to me.

Pis. Please you, read; And you shall find me, wretched man, a thing

The most disdain'd of fortune.

Imo. [Reads.] Thy mistress, Pisanio, hath played the strumpet in my bed; the testimonies whereof lie bleeding in me. weak surmises; from proof as strong as my grief, I speak not out of and as certain as I expect my revenge. That part, thou Pisanio, must act for me, if thy faith be not tainted with the breach of hers. Let thine own hands take away her life: I shall give thee opportunities at Milford-Haven: she hath my letter for the purpose: Where, if thou fear to strike, and to make me certain it is done, thou art the punder to her dishonour, and equally to me disloyal.

Pis. What shall I need to draw my sword? the paper Hath cut her throat already.-No, 'tis slander; Whose edge is sharper than the sword; whose [breath Outvenoms all the worms of Nile; whose Rides on the posting winds, and doth belie All corners of the world: kings, queens, and

tongue

states,

Thou may'st be valiant in a better cause;
But now thou seem'st a coward.

Pis. Hence, vile instrument!
Thou shalt not damn my hand.
Imo. Why, I must die;
And if I do not by thy hand, thou art
No servant of thy master's: Against self-
slaughter

There is a prohibition so divine, That cravenst my weak hand. Come, here's [fence: my heart; Obedient as the scabbard.-What is here? Something's afore't:-Soft, soft; we'll no deThe scriptures of the loyal Leonatus, All turn'd to heresy? Away, away, Corrupters of my faith! you shall no more Be stomachers to my heart! Thus may poor fools [betray'd Believe false teachers: Though those that are Do feel the treason sharply, yet the traitor Stands in worse case of woe.

And thou, Posthúmus, thou that didst set up My disobedience 'gainst the king my father, And make me put into contempt the suits of princely fellows, shalt hereafter find It is no act of common passage, but A strain of rareness: and I grieve myself, To think, when thou shalt be disedg'd by her That now thou tir'st on, how thy memory Will then be pang'd by me.-Pr'ythee, despatch: [knite?

Thou art too slow to do thy master's bidding, The lamb entreats the butcher: Where's thy When I desire it too.

Pis. O gracious lady, Since I receiv'd command to do this business, I have not slept one wink.

Imo. Do't, and to bed then.

Pis. I'll wake mine eye-balls blind first.
Imo. Wherefore then

Didst undertake it? Why hast thou abus'd

So many miles with a pretence? this place? Mine action, and thine own? our horses' la

bour?

The time inviting thee? the perturb'd court, For my being absent: whereunto I never Purpose return? Why hast thou gone so far, To be unbent, when thou hast ta'en thy stand, The elected deer before thee?

Pis. But to win time

To lose so bad employment: in the which
I have consider'd of a course; Good lady,
Hear me with patience.

Imo. Talk thy tongue weary; speak:
I have heard, I am a strumpet; and mine ear,
Therein false struck, can take no greater
Nor tent to bottom that. But speak. [wound,
Pis. Then, madam,

I thought you would not back again.
Imo. Most like;

Bringing me here to kill me.

Pis. Not so, neither:

But if I were as wise as honest, then

My purpose would prove well. It cannot be,
But that my master is abus'd:

Some villain, ay, and singular in his art,
Hath done you both this cursed injury.
Imo. Some Roman courtezan.

Pis. No, on my life.

I'll give but notice you are dead, and send him
Some bloody sign of it; for 'tis commanded
I should do so: You shall be miss'd at court,
And that will well confirm it.

Imo. Why, good fellow,

[live? What shall I do the while? Where bide? How Or in my life what comfort, when I am Dead to my husband?

Pis. If you'll back to the court,

Imo. No court, no father; nor no more ado With that harsh, noble, simple, nothing: That Cloten, whose love-suit hath been to me As fearful as a siege.

Pis. If not at court,

Then not in Britain must you bide.

Imo. Where then?

[night,

Hath Britain all the sun that shines? Day, Are they not but in Britain? I'the world's

volume

Our Britain seems as of it, but not in it;
In a great pool, a swan's nest; Pr'y thee, think

There's livers out of Britain.

Pis. I am most glad

You think of other place. The ambassador,
Lucius the Roman, comes to Milford-Haven
To-morrow: Now, if you could wear a mind
Dark as your fortune is; and but disguise
That, which, to appear itself, must not yet be,
But by self-danger; you should tread a course
Pretty; and full of view: yea, haply, near
The residence of Posthumus: so nigh, at least,
That though his actions were not visible, yet
Report should render him hourly to your ear,
As truly as he moves.

Imo. O, for such means!

Though peril to my modesty, not death on't,
I would adventure.

Pis. Well then, here's the point:
You must forget to be a woman; change
Command into obedience; fear, and niceness,
(The handmaids of all women, or, more truly,
Woman it's pretty self,) to a waggish courage;
Ready in gibes, quick-answer'd, saucy, and
As quarrelous as the weasel: nay, you must
Forget that rarest treasure of your cheek,
Exposing it (but, O, the harder heart!
Alack no remedy!) to the greedy touch
Of common-kissing Titan; and forget

*The sun.

cius

Present yourself, desire his service, tell him Wherein you are happy,* (which you'll make him know,

If that his head have ear in music,) doubtless, With joy he will embrace you; for he's honourable, [abroad And, doubling that, most holy. Your means You have met, rich; and I will never fail Beginning, nor supply ment.

Imo. Thou art all the comfort The gods will diet me with. Pr'ythee, away: There's more to be consider'd; but we'll even All that good time will give us: This attempt I'm soldier to, and will abide it with A prince's courage. Away, I pr'ythee.

Pis. Well, madam, we must take a short farewell:

Lest, being miss'd, I be suspected of [tress, Your carriage from the court. My noble misHere is a box; I had it from the queen; What's in't is precious; if you are sick at sea, Or stomach-qualm'd at land, a dram of this Will drive away distemper.-To some shade, And fit you to your manhood:-May the gods Direct you to the best!

Imo. Amen: I thank thee.

[Exeunt.

SCENE V.-A Room in CYMBELINE's Palace. Enter CYMBELINE, QUEEN, CLOTEN, LUCIUS, und LORDS.

Cym. Thus far; and so farewell.
Luc. Thanks, royal Sir.

My emperor hath wrote; I must from hence;
And am right sorry, that I must report ye
My master's enemy.

Cym. Our subjects, Sir,

Will not endure his yoke; and for ourself
To show less sovereignty than they, must needs
Appear unkinglike.

Luc. So, Sir, I desire of you

A conduct over land, to Milford-Haven.-
Madam, all joy befall your grace, and you!
Cym. My lords, you are appointed for that
office;

The due of honour in no point omit:-
So, farewell, noble Lucius.

Luc. Your hand, my lord.

Clo. Receive it friendly: but from this time I wear it as your enemy. [forth Luc. Sir, the event

Is yet to name the winner; Fare you well. Cym. Leave not the worthy Lucius, good my

lords,

Till he have cross'd the Severn.-Happiness! [Exeunt LUCIUS and LORDS. Queen. He goes hence frowning: but it honours us, That we have given him cause.

Clo." "Tis all the better;

Your valiant Britons have their wishes in it.

* I. e. Wherein you are accomplished. As for your subsistence abroad, you may rely on me. * Equal to.

ness:

The powers that he already hath in Gallia
Will soon be drawn to head, from whence he
His war for Britain.
[moves

Queen. 'Tis not sleepy business;
But must be look'd to speedily, and strongly.
Cym. Our expectation that it would be thus,
Hath made us forward. But, my gentle queen,
Where is our daughter? She hath not appear'd
Before the Roman, nor to us hath tender'd
The duty of the day: She looks us like
A thing more made of malice, than of duty:
We have noted it.-Call her before us; for
We have been too slight in sufferance.
[Exit an ATTENDANT.

Queen. Royal Sir, Since the exile of Posthumus, most retir'd Hath her life been; the cure whereof, my lord, 'Tis time must do. 'Beseech your majesty, Forbear sharp speeches to her: she's a lady So tender of rebukes, that words are strokes, And strokes death to her.

Re-enter an ATTENDANT.

Cym. Where is she, Sir? How Can her contempt be answer'd? Atten. Please you, Sir,

answer

Her chambers are all lock'd; and there's no [make. That will be given to the loud'st of noise we Queen. My lord, when last I went to visit her,

She pray'd me to excuse her keeping close;
Whereto constrain'd by her infirmity,
She should that duty leave unpaid to you,
Which daily she was bound to proffer: this
She wish'd me to make known; but our great
Made me to blame in memory.
Cym. Her doors lock'd?

[court

Not seen of late? Grant, heavens, that, which I fear,

Prove false!

[Exit.

Queen. Son, I say, follow the king. Clo. That man of hers, Pisanio, her old serI have not seen these two days. [vant, Queen. Go, look after.- [Exit CLOTEN. Pisanio, thou that stand'st so for Posthumus!He hath a drug of mine: I pray, his absence Proceed by swallowing that; for he believes It is a thing most precious. But for her, Where is she gone? Haply, despair hath seiz'd her; [flown Or, wing'd with fervour of her love, she's To her desir'd Posthúmus: Gone she is To death, or to dishonour; and my end Can make good use of either: She being down, I have the placing of the British crown. Re-enter CLOTEN.

How now, my son?

Clo. 'Tis certain she is fled:

Go in, and cheer the king; he rages; none
Dare come about him.

Queen. All the better: May This night forestall him of the coming day! [Exit QUEEN. Clo. I love, and hate her: for she's fair and royal; [quisite And that she hath all courtly parts more exThan lady, ladies, woman:* from every one The best she hath, and she, of all compounded, Outsells them all: I love her therefore; But,

* Than any lady, than all ladies, than all womankind.

point,

That what's else rare, is chok'd; and, in that
I will conclude to hate her, nay, indeed,
To be reveng'd upon her. For, when fools
Enter PISANIO.

Sirrah?

Shall-Who is here? What! are you packing,
[lain,
Come hither: Ab, you precious pander! Vil
Where is thy lady? In a word; or else
Thou art straightway with the fiends.
Pis. O, good my lord!

Clo. Where is thy lady? or, by Jupiter,
I will not ask again. Close villain,
I'll have this secret from thy heart, or rip
Thy heart to find it. Is she with Posthumus?
From whose so many weights of baseness can-
A dram of worth be drawn.

[DCC [miss'd'

Pis. Alas, my lord, How can she be with him? When was she He is in Rome.

Clo. Where is she, Sir? Come nearer;
No further halting: satisfy me home,
What is become of her?

Pis. O, my all-worthy lord!
Clo. All-worthy villain!

Discover where thy mistress is, at once,
At the next word,-No more of worthy lord,-
Speak, or thy silence on the instant is
Thy condemnation and thy death.

Pis. Then, Sir,

This paper is the history of my knowledge Touching her flight.

[Presenting a Letter. Clo. Let's see't:-I will pursue her Even to Augustus' throne. Pis. Or this, or perish.

She's far enough, and what he learns
by this,

May prove his travel, not her danger.
Clo. Humph!

Aside

Pis. I'll write to my lord she's dead. 0 Imogen,

Safe may'st thou wander, safe return again!

Clo. Sirrah, is this letter true?
Pis. Sir, as I think.

Clo. It is Posthumus' hand; I know'tSirrah, if thou would'st not be a villain, but do me true service; undergo those employ ments, wherein I should have cause to use thee, with a serious industry,—that is, what villany soe'er I bid thee do, to perform it, d rectly and truly,-I would think thee an honest man: thou shouldest neither want my means for thy relief, nor my voice for thy preferment.

Pis. Well, my good lord.

Clo. Wilt thou serve me? For since patiently and constantly thou hast stuck to the bare fortune of that beggar Posthumus, thou canst not in the course of gratitude but be a diligent follower of mine. Wilt thou serve me?

Pis. Sir, I will.

Clo. Give me thy had, here's my purse. Hast any of thy late master's garments in thy possession?

Pis. I have, my lord, at my lodging, the same suit he wore when he took leave of my lady and mistress.

Clo. The first service thou dost me, fetch that suit hither: let it be thy first service;

go.

Pis. I shall, my lord.

[Erit.

Clo. Meet thee at Milford-Haven :-I forgot

say, to

Re-enter PISANIO, with the Clothes.

Be those the garments?

Pis. Ay, my noble lord.

Clo. How long is't since she went to MilfordHaven?

Pis. She can scarce be there yet.

Clo. Bring this apparel to my chamber; that is the second thing that I have commanded thee: the third is, that thou shalt be a voluntary mute to my design. Be but duteous, and true preferment shall tender itself to thee. My revenge is now at Milford; 'Would I had wings to folley it!-Come, and be true. [Exit. Pis. Thou dd'st me to my loss: for, true to

the

Were to prove false, which I will never be, To him that is most true.-To Milford go, And find not her whom thou pursu'st. Flow, flow, [speed You heavenly blessings, on her! This fool's Be cross'd with slowness; labour be his meed! [Exit.

SCENE VI.-Before the Cave of BELARIUS. Enter IMOGEN, in Boy's Clothes. Imo. I see, a man's life is a tedious one: I have tir'd myself; and for two nights toge

ther

[sick, Have made the ground my bed. I should be But that my resolution helps me.-Milford, When from the mountain-top Pisanio show'd thee,

Thou wast within a ken: O Jove! I think,
Foundations fly the wretched: such, I mean,
Where they should be reliev'd. Two beggars
told me,

I could not miss my way: Will poor folks lie,
That have afflictions on them; knowing 'tis
A punishment, or trial? Yes; no wonder,
When rich ones scarce tell true: To lapse in
fulness

Is sorer, than to lie for need; and falsehood
Is worse in kings, than beggars.-My dear
lord!
Thou art one o'the false ones: Now I think on
[thee,
My hunger's gone; but even before, I was
At point to sink for food.-But what is this?
Here is a path to it: "Tis some savage hold:
I were best not call; I dare not call: yet fa-
mine,

Ere clean it o'erthrow nature, makes it valiant. Plenty, and peace, breeds cowards; hardness

ever

Of hardiness is mother.-Ho! who's here?
If any thing that's civil, speak; if savage,
Take, or lend.-Ho!-No answer? then I'll

enter.

Best draw my sword; and if mine enemy But fear the sword like me, he'll scarcely look Such a foe, good heavens! [on't. [She goes into the Cave.

Enter BELARIUS, GUIDERIUS, and ARVIRAGUS. Bel. You, Polydore, have prov'd best woodman, and

Are master of the feast: Cadwal, and I,
Will play the cook and servant; 'tis our
The sweat of industry would dry, and die,
match:+
But for the end it works to. Come; our

stomachs

Will make what's homely, savoury: Weariness Can snore upon the flint, when restive sloth Finds the down pillow hard.-Now, peace be Poor house, that keep'st thyself! [here, Gui. I am throughly weary,

Arv. I am weak with toil, yet strong in appetite.

Gui. There's cold meat i'the cave; we'll browze on that,

Whilst what we have kill'd be cook'd.
Bel. Stay; come not in:
But that it eats our victuals, I should think
[Looking in.
Here were a fairy.

Gui. What's the matter, Sir?

An earthly paragon!-Behold divineness
Bel. By Jupiter, an angel! or, if not,
No elder than a boy!

Enter IMOGEN.

Imo. Good masters, harm me not: Before I enter'd here, I call'd; and thought To have begg'd, or bought, what I have took: Good troth,

I have stolen nought; nor would not, though I had found [meat:

Gold strew'd o'the floor. Here's money for my

I would have left it on the board, so soon
As I had made my meal; and parted
With prayers for the provider.

Gui. Money, youth?

As 'tis no better reckon'd, but of those
Arv. All gold and silver rather turn to dirt!
Who worship dirty gods.

Imo. I see, you are angry:
Have died, had I not made it.
Know, if you kill me for my fault, I should

Bel. Whither bound?

Imo. To Milford-Haven, Sir.
Bel. What is your name?

Imo. Fidele, Šir: I have a kinsman, who
Is bound for Italy; he embark'd at Milford;
To whom being going, almost spent with hun
I am fallen int this offence.
[ger,

Think us no churls; nor measure our good Bel. Pr'ythee, fair youth, minds [ter'd! By this rude place we live in. Well encoun Tis almost night: you shall have better cheer Boys, bid him welcome. Ere you depart; and thanks to stay and eat [it.

Gui. Were you a woman, youth, [honesty, I should woo hard, but be your groom.-in I bid for you, as I'd buy.

Arv. I'll make't my comfort,

And such a welcome as I'd give to him,
He is a man; I'll love him as my brother :-
After long absence, such as yours:-Most wel-

come!

Boys, we'll go dress our hunt.-Fair youth, come in:

[supp'd, Discourse is heavy, fasting; when we have We'll mannerly demand thee of thy story,

So far as thou wilt speak it.

Gui. Pray, draw near.

Itunes, beyond him in the advantage of the time, above him in birth, alike conversant in general services, and more remarkable in single oppositions:* yet this imperseverant thing loves him in my despite. What mortality is! Posthumus, thy head, which is now grow. ing upon thy shoulders, shall within this hour be off; thy mistress enforced; thy garments cut to pieces before thy face: and all this done, spurn her home to her father: who may, haply, be a little angry for my so rough usage: bat my mother, having power of his testiness, shall turn all into my commendations. My horse is tied up safe: Out, sword, and to a sore purpose! Fortune, put them into my hand! This is the very description of their meetingplace; and the fellow dares not deceive me.

SCENE II.-Before the Cave.

[Exit.

lark, less welcome.

Imo. Thanks, Sir.

Arv. I pray, draw near.

SCENE VII.-Rome.

[Exeunt.

Enter two SENATORS and TRIBUNES.

1 Sen. This is the tenour of the emperor's writ;

That since the common men are now in action
'Gainst the Pannonians and Dalmatians;
And that the legions now in Gallia are
Full weak to undertake our wars against
The fallen off Britons; that we do incite
The gentry to this business: He creates
Lucius pro-consul: and to you the tribunes,
For this immediate levy, he commands
His absolute commission. Long live Cesar!
Tri. Is Lucius general of the forces?
2 Sen. Ay.

Tri. Remaining now in Gallia ?

1 Sen. With those legions

Which I have spoke of, whereunto your levy Must be supplyant: The words of your com

mission

Will tie you to the numbers, and the time
Of their despatch.

Tri. We will dischargé our duty. [Exeunt.

ACT IV.

SCENE I.-The Forest, near the Cave.
Enter CLOTEN.

Clo. I am near to the place where they should meet, if Pisanio have mapped it truly. How fit his garments serve me! Why should his mistress, who was made by him that made the tailor, not be fit too? the rather (saving reverence of the word) fort 'tis said, a woman's fitness comes by fits. Therein I must play the workman. I dare speak it to myself, (for it is not vainglory, for a man and his glass to confer; in his own chamber, I mean,) the lines of my body are as well drawn as his; no less young, more strong, not beneath him in for

Whose dust is both alike. I am very sick.
Gui. Go you to hunting, I'll abide with him.
Imo. So sick I am not;-yet I am not well:
But not so citizen a wanton, as
[me;
To seem to die, ere sick: So please you leave
Stick to your journalt course: the breach of

custom

[me Is breach of all. I am ill; but your being by Cannot amend me: Society is no comfort To one not sociable: I'm not very sick, [here: Since I can reason of it. Pray you, trust me I'll rob none but myself; and let me die, Stealing so poorly.

Gui. I love thee; I have spoke it: How much the quantity, the weight as much, As I do love my father.

Bel. What? how? how?

Arv. If it be sin to say so, Sir, I yoke me In my good brother's fault: I know not why I love this youth; and I have heard you say, Love's reason's without reason; the bier at

door,

grace.

I am not their father; yet who this should be, Doth miracle itself, lov'd before me.- [Aside. "Tis the ninth hour o'the morn.

Arv. Brother, farewell.
Imo. I wish ye sport.

Arv. You health. So please you, Sir.
Imo. [Aside.] These are kind creatures.

Gods, what lies I have heard! Our courtiers say, all's savage, but at court: Experience, O, thou disprov'st report! [dish, The imperioust seas breed monsters; for the Poor tributary rivers as sweet fish. I am sick still; heart-sick :-Pisanio, I'll now taste of thy drug.