DRAMATIS PERSONÆ. CYMBELINE, King of Britain. CLOTEN, Son to the Queen by a former Husband. LEONATUS POSTHUMUS, Husband to Imogen. BELARIUS, a banished Lord, disguised under the name of Morgan. GUIDERIUS, Sons to Cymbeline, disguised under the names of ARVIRAGUS, Polydore and Cadwal, supposed Sons to Belarius. PHILARIO, Friend to Posthumus, IACHIMO, Friend to Philario, } Italians. A French Gentleman, Friend to Philario. CAIUS LUCIUS, General of the Roman Forces. A Roman Captain. Two British Captains. PISANIO, Servant to Posthumus. CORNELIUS, a Physician. Two Gentlemen. Two Gaolers. Two Lords of Cymbeline's Court. QUEEN, Wife to Cymbeline. IMOGEN, Daughter to Cymbeline by a former Queen. Lords, Ladies, Roman Senators, Tribunes, Apparitions, a Soothsayer, a Dutch Gentleman, a Spanish Gentleman, Musicians, Officers, Captains, Soldiers, Messengers, and other Attendants. SCENE: sometimes in Britain, sometimes in Italy. (156) THE TRAGEDY OF CYMBELINE. SCENE I. YOU ACT I. Britain. The Garden of CYMBELINE'S Enter two Gentlemen. FIRST GENTLEMAN. OU do not meet a man but frowns: our bloods No more obey the heavens than our courtiers Still seem as does the King. 2 Gent. But what's the matter? 1 Gent. His daughter, and the heir of 's kingdom, whom He purpos'd to his wife's sole son, (a widow That late he married,) hath referr'd herself Unto a poor but worthy gentleman. She's wedded; Is outward sorrow, though, I think, the King 2 Gent. None but the King? 1 Gent. He that hath lost her, too: so is the Queen, That most desir'd the match; but not a courtier, Of the King's looks, hath a heart that is not 2 Gent. 1 Gent. And why so? He that hath miss'd the Princess is a thing Too bad for bad report; and he that hath her 2 Gent. You speak him far. 1 Gent. I do extend him, sir, within himself; Crush him together, rather than unfold His measure duly. 2 Gent. What's his name and birth? 1 Gent. I cannot delve him to the root. His father Was call'd Sicilius, who did gain his honour Against the Romans with Cassibelan, But had his titles by Tenantius, whom So gain'd the sur-addition Leonatus : And had, besides this gentleman in question, Di'd with their swords in hand; for which their father (Then old and fond of issue) took such sorrow, Puts to him all the learnings that his time What kind of man he is. 2 Gent. Even out of your report. I honour him, But, pray you, tell me, Is she sole child to the King? His only child. 1 Gent. He had two sons, (if this be worth your hearing, Mark it,) the eld'st of them at three years old, I' th' swathing clothes the other, from their nursery Were stol'n; and to this hour no guess in knowledge Which way they went. 2 Gent. How long is this ago? 1 Gent. Some twenty years. 2 Gent. That a King's children should be so con vey'd, So slackly guarded, and the search so slow, That could not trace them! 1 Gent. Howsoe'er 'tis strange, Or that the negligence may well be laugh'd at, 2 Gent. I do well believe you. 1 Gent. We must forbear. Here comes the gen tleman, the Queen, and Princess. [Exeunt. SCENE II. Another Part of the Same. Enter the Queen, POSTHUMUS, and IMOGEN. Queen. No, be assur'd, you shall not find me, daughter, After the slander of most step-mothers, Evil-ey'd unto you: you are my prisoner, but That lock up your restraint. For you, Posthumus, I will be known your advocate: marry, yet Posthumus. I will from hence to-day. Queen. Please your Highness, You know the peril. I'll fetch a turn about the garden, pitying The pangs of barr'd affections, though the King [Exit Queen. Imogen. O dissembling courtesy! How fine this tyrant Can tickle where she wounds! - My dearest hus band, I something fear my father's wrath; but nothing (Always reserv'd my holy duty) what His rage can do on me. You must be gone; And I shall here abide the hourly shot Of angry eyes; not comforted to live, |