Post. I praised her as I rated her: so do I my stone. ,*, Jach. What do you esteem it at ? Post. I embrace these conditions; let us have articles betwixt us:-only, thus far you shall answer. If you make your voyage upon her, and give me directly to understand you have prevail'd, I am no further your enemy, she is not worth our debate; if she remain unseduced, (you not making Post. You are mistaken: the one may be sold, or it appear otherwise,) for your ill opinion, and the given; if there were wealth enough for the pur-assault you have made to her chastity, you shall chase, or merit for the gift: the other is not a answer me with your sword. thing for sale, and only the gift of the gods. Jach. Which the gods have given you? Post. Which, by their graces, I will keep. Tach. You may wear her in title yours; but, you know, strange fowl light upon neighbouring ponds. Your ring may be stolen too: so, of your brace of unprizeable estimations, the one is but frail, and the other casual; a cunning thief, or a that-wayaccomplished courtier, would hazard the winning both of first and last. 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. Phi. Let us leave here, gentlemen... Iach. With five times so much conversation, I should get ground of your fair mistress: make her go back, even to the yielding; had I admittance, and opportunity to friend. 1 Past. No, no. Iach. I dare, thereupon, pawn the moiety of my estate to your ring; which, in my opinion, o'ervalues 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. You are a great deal abused in too bold a persuasion; and I doubt not you sustain what you're worthy of, by your attempt. Iach. What's that? Post. A repulse: Though your attempt, as you call it, deserve more; a punishment too. Phil. Gentlemen, enough of this: it came in too suddenly let it die as it was born, and, I pray you, be better acquainted. Iach. 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 Iachime. Phi. Signior lachimo will not from it. Pray, SCENE VI.-Britain. A Room in Cymbeline's Enter Queen, Ladies, and Cornelius. Make haste: Who has the note of them ? A I, madam. But I beseech your grace, (without offence; 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 huTach. Would I had put my estate, and my neigh-To try the vigour of them, and apply bour's, on the approbation of what I have spoke. Allayments to their act; and by them gather Post. What lady would you choose to assail? Their several virtues, and effects. Iuch. Yours; whom in constancy, you think, Cor. 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. Iach. 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. Iach. I 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 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 [man, Your highness O, content thee. Enter Pisanio. Cor. I do suspect you, madam; But you shall do no harm. [Aside. Queen. Hark thee, a word. [To Pisanio. Cor. [Aside.] I do not like her. She doth think, she has Strange lingering poisons: I do know her spirit, No further service, doctor, 5. Ac Cor. I humbly take my leave. [Exit. Queen. Weeps she still, say'st thou? Dost thou think, in time She will not quench; and let instructions enter His fortunes all lie speechless, and his name [The Queen drops a bor: Pisario takes it up. So much as but to prop him ?- Thou tak'st up That I mean to thee. Tell thy mistress how (That satiate yet unsatisfied desire, That tub both fill'd and running,) ravening first The lamb, longs after for the garbage. Imo. Thus raps you? Are you well? Iach. Thanks, madam; well :-'Beseech you, sir, desire What, dear sir, [To Pisanio. Think on my words. [Exit Pisa.]—A sly and con- My man's abode where I did leave him: be stant knave; Not to be shak'd: the agent for his master; The hand fast to her lord.-I have given him that, To taste of too. So, so ;-well done, well done: Pis. But when to my good lord I prove untrue, Imo. A father cruel, and a step-dame false: Pis. Madam, a noble gentleman of Rome; Comes from my lord with letters. Iach. Change you, madam ? The worthy Leonatus is in safety, And greets your highness dearly. [Presents a letter. Imo. Thanks, good sir : You are kindly welcome. Iach. All of her, that is out of door, most rich! Is strange and peevish. Pis. I was going, sir, To give him welcome. [seech you? Imo. Is he dispos'd to mirth? I hope, he is. lach. Exceeding pleasant; none a stranger there So merry and so gamesome: he is call'd The Briton reveller. Imo. When he was here, He did incline to sadness; and oft-times cries, O! Can my sides hold, to think, that man,--who knows 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, Imo. Not he, I hope. Iach. Not he: But yet heaven's bounty towards him might Be us'd more thankfully. In himself, 'tis much; Imo. What do you pity, sir? lach. Two creatures, heartily. Imo. Am I one, sir ? You look on me; What wreck discern you în me, Deserves your pity? lach. Lamentable ! What! To hide me from the radiant sun, and solace I'the dungeon by a snuff? Imo. Deliver with more openness your answers But I was about to say, enjoy your You do seem to know Imo. That mount the Capitol; join gripes with hands I have spoke this, to know if your affiance." Imo. You make amends. lach, 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, Were partners in the business. Imo. Pray, what is't? 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, Iach. O dearest soul ! your cause doth strike my To have them in safe stowage; May it please you To take them in protection? heart With pity, that doth make me sick. A lady Imo. Reveng'd! How should I be reveng'd? If this be true, ⚫ Iach. In your despite, upon your purse? Revenge it. Imo. What ho, Pisanio! lach. 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, Thee and the devil alike. What, ho! Pisanio Imo. Willingly; And pawn mine honour for their safety: since My lord hath interest in them, I will keep them In my bed-chamber. They are in a trunk, Attended by my men: I will make bold To send them to you, only for this night; I must aboard to-morrow. Tach. O, no, no. Imo. I cross'd the seas on purpose, and on promise I thank you for your pains; But not away to-morrow? Iach. O, I must, madam : Therefore, I shall beseech you, if you please To greet your lord with writing, do't to-night : I have outstood my time; which is material To the tender of our present. Imo. I will write." Send your trunk to me; it shall safe be kept, And truly yielded you: You are very welcome. [Exeunt. ACT II. SCENE 1.-Court before Cymbeline's Palace. Enter Cloten and Two Lords. 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 Perfumes the chamber thus: The flame o'the taper earth,-A pox on't! I had rather not be so noble Bows toward her; and would under-peep her lids, as I am; they dare not fight with me, because of To see the enclosed lights, now canopied the queen my mother: every jack-slave hath his Under these windows: White and azure, lac'd belly full of fighting, and I must go up and down With blue of heaven's own tinct. But my design? like a cock that no body can match. 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, 2 Lord. You are a cock and capon too; and you crow, cock, with your comb on. [Aside. Clo. Sayest thou ? 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. To enjoy thy banish'd lord, and this great land! Imogen reading in her bed, a Lady attending. Imo. Who's there? my woman Helen? Please you, madam, Fold down the leaf where I have left: To bed: To your protection I commend me, gods! [Sleeps. Iachimo, from the trunk. Ah, but some natural notes about her body, ta'en [Goes into the trunk. The scène closes. SCENE III-An Ante-Chamber, adjoining Imogen's Apartment. Enter Cloten and Lords.) 1 Lord. Your lordship is the most patient man in loss, the most coldest that ever turned up ace. Clo. It would make any man cold to lose 1 Lord. But not every man patient after the noble temper of your lordship; You are most hot, and furious, when you win. Clo. Winning would put any man into courage. If I could get this foolish Imogen, I should have gold enough: It's almost morning, is't not? 1 Lord. Day, my lord. Clo. I would this musick would come: I am advised to give her musick o' mornings; they say, it will penetrate. ལ་ ་་ ་ her ears, which horse-hairs, and cats-guts, nor the voice of unpaved eunuch to boot, can never amend. [Exeunt Musicians. Enter Cymbeline and Queen. 9 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 mor row to your majesty, and to my gracious mother. Cym. Attend you here the door of our stern Will she not forth ? [daughter? Clo. I have assailed her with musick, but she vouchsafes no notice. Cym. 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, When you have given good morning to your mistress, Attend the queen, and us; we shall have need To employ you towards this Roman, Come, our queen. [Exeunt Cym. Queen, Lords, and Mess. Clo. If she be up, I'll speak with her; if not, Let her lie still, and dream. By your leave, ho![Knocks. I know her women are about her; What Nay, sometime, hangs both thief and true man: [Knocks For purchasing but trouble: the thanks I give, Clo. To your best kindness; one of your best knowing Should learn, being taught, forbearance. Clo. To leave you in your madness, 'twere my sin: I will not. Imo. Fools are not mad folks. Do you call me fool? Imo. As I am mad, I do : By being so verbal and learn now, for all, (To accuse myself) I hate you; which I had rather come To be but nam'd of thee. His meanest garment, Clo. His garment? Now, the devil- Imo. Of any king's in Europe. I do think, Pis. His meanest garment? [me, Twill not be lost." Imo. I hope so: go, and search. [Exit Pis. Clo. You have abus'd me:Ay; I said so, sir. If you will make't an action, call witness to't, Clo. I will inform your father. Imo. Imo. Your mother too: She's my good lady; and will conceive, I hope, But the worst of me. So I leave you, sir, To the worst of discontent. [Exit. |