assault you have made to her chastity, you shall answer me with your sword.

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 Iachimo.
French. Will this hold, think you?
Phil. Signior Iachimo will not from it. Pray,
let us follow 'em.
[Exeunt.

5

And will not trust one of her malice with
A drug of such damn'd nature: Those she has,'
Will stupify and dull the sense a while: [dogs;
Which first, perchance, she 'll prove on cats, and
Then afterward up higher: but there is
No danger in what shew of death it makes,
More than the locking up the spirits a time,
To be more fresh, reviving. She is fool'd
With a most false effect; and I the truer,
10 So to be false with her.

15

[Exeunt Ladies. 20

Now, master doctor; have you brought those
drugs?
[madam:

Cor. Pleaseth your highness, ay: here they are,
But I beseech your grace, (without offence;
My conscience bids me ask) wherefore you have 25
Commanded of me these most poisonous com-
pounds,

Which are the movers of a languishing death;
But, though slow, deadly?

Queen. I wonder, doctor,

Queen. No further service, doctor,
Until I send for thee.

Cor. I humbly take my leave.

[Erit.

Queen. Weeps she still, say'st thou? Dost thou
think, in time

She will not quench; and let instruction enter
Whe folly now possesses? Do thou work:
When thou shalt bring me word, she loves my son,
I'll tell thee, on the instant, thou art then
As great as is thy master: greater; for
His fortunes all lie speechless, and his name
Is at last gasp: Return he cannot, nor
Continue where he is: to shift his being2,
Is to exchange one misery with another;
And every day that comes, comes to decay
A day's work in him: What shalt thou expect,
To be depender on a thing that leans'?
Who cannot be new built; nor has no friends,

[The Queen drops a phial: Pisanio takes it up.
30 So much as but to prop him?-Thou tak'st up
Thou know'st not what; but take it for thy labour:
It is a thing I make, which hath the king
Five times redeem'd from death; I do not know
What is more cordial :-Nay, I pr'ythee, take it;
It is an earnest of a further good

33

Thou ask'st me such a question: Have I not been
Thy pupil long? Hast thou not learn'd me how
To make perfumes? distill? 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 judgement in
Other conclusions I will try the forces
Of these thy compounds on such creatures as
We count not worth the hanging, (but none hu-40
To try the vigour of them, and apply [man)
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: 45
Besides, the seeing these effects will be
But noisome and infectious.

Queen. O, content thee.-

Enter Pisanio.

Here comes a flattering rascal; upon him [Aside.
Will I first work: he's for his master,
And enemy to my son.-How now, Pisanio?-
Doctor, your service for this time is ended;
Take your own way.

Cor. I do suspect you, madam;

But you shall do no harm.

Aside. [To Pisanio.

Queen. Hark thee, a word.

Cor. [Aside.] I do not like her. She doth think, she has

That I mean to thee. Tell thy mistress how
The case stands with her; do 't, as from thyself.
Think what a chance thou changest on*; but think
Thou hast thy mistress still; to boot, my son,
Who shall take notice of thee: I'll move the king
To any shape of thy preferment, such
As thou 'lt desire; and then myself, I chiefly,
That set thee on to this desert, am bound
To load thy merit richly. Call my women:
[Exit Pisanio.
Think on my words.-A sly and constant knave;
Not to be shak'd: the agent for his master;
And the remembrancer of her, to hold
The hand fast to her lord.-I have given him that,
50 Which, if he take, shall quite unpeople her
Of leigers' for her sweet; and which she, after,
Except she bend her humour, shall be assur'd
Re-enter Pisanio, and Ladies.
To taste of too. So, so;-well done, well done!
55 The violets, cowslips, and the primroses,
Bear to my closet:-Fare thee well, Pisanio;
Think on my words. [Exeunt Queen, and Ladies.
Pisan. And shall do:

But when to my good lord I prove untrue, Strange lingering poisons: I do know her spirit, (60[I'll choke myself: there's all I'll do for you. [Exit.

That is, other experiments. 2i. e. to change his abode.

'i. e. that inclines towards its

fall. The meaning is, "Think with what a fair prospect of mending your fortunes you now change your present service." {Aleiger ambassador is one that resides at a foreign court to promote his master's interest.

SCENE

SCENE VII.

Imogen's Apartment.
Enter Imogen.

Imo. A father cruel, and a step-dame false;
A foolish suitor to a wedded lady, [band! 5
That hath her husband banish'd;-0, that hus-
My supreme crown of grief! and those repeated
Vexations of it! Had I been thief-stolen,
As my two brothers, happy! but most miserable
Is the desire that's glorious: Blessed be those,
How mean soe'er, that have their honest wills,
Which seasons comfort'.-Who may this be?
Fie!

Enter Pisanio, and Iachimo.

10

'Twixt two such she's, would chatter this way, and Contemn with mows the other: Nor i' the judge

ment;

For idiots, in this case of favour, would
Be wisely definite: Nor i' the appetite;
Sluttery, to such neat excellence oppos'd,
Should make desire vomit emptiness,

Not so allur'd to feed *.

Imo. What is the matter, trow?
Iach. The cloyed will,

(That satiate yet unsatisfied desire,

That tub both fill'd and running) ravening first
The lamb, longs after for the garbage.
Imo. What, dear sir,

Pisan. Madam, a noble gentleman of Rome 15 Thus raps you? Are you well?

Comes from my lord with letters.

Iach. Change you, madam?

The worthy Leonatus is in safety,

And greets your highness dearly. [Gives a letter.

Imo. Thanks, good sir;

Iach. Thanks, madam; well:-Beseech you, [To Pisanio.

sir,

Desire my man's abode where I did leave him:
He's strange', and peevish.

Pisan. I was going, sir,

To give him welcome.

['beseech you?

Imo. Continues well, my lord? His health,
Iach. Well, madam.

20

You are kindly welcome.

Iach. All of her, that is out of door, most rich! If she be furnished with a mind so rare, [Aside. She is alone the Arabian bird; and I

Imo. Is he dispos'd to mirth? I hope, he is.

25

"He is one of the noblest note, to whose 30 "kindnesses I am most infinitely tied. Reflect upon him accordingly, as you value your trust.

So far I read aloud:

"LEONATUS.'

Iach. 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
Not knowing why.

Iach. I never saw him sad.

There is a Frenchman his companion, one
An eminent monsieur, that, it seems, much loves
A Gallian girl at home; he furnaces

35 The thick sighs from him; whiles the jolly Briton
(Your lord, I mean) laughs from 's free lungs,

Imo. What makes your admiration? Iach. It cannot be i' the eye; for apes and 50 Be us'd more thankfully. In himself, 'tis much; monkeys, n you,—which I account his, beyond all talents,-

In

2

That is, according to Warburton, "who are beholden only to the seasons for their support and nourishment; so that, if those be kindly, such have no more to care for or desire." The crop of sea and land means the productions of either element. 3 Dr. Johnson says, he knows not well how to regulate this passage. Number'd is perhaps numerous.-Twinn'd stones he does not understand. Twinn'd shells, or pairs of shells, are very common."-Mr. Steevens adds, that the pebbles on the seashore are so much of the same size and shape, that twinn'd may mean as like as twins.-Dr. Farmer thinks we may read the umbered, the shaded beach. Dr. Johnson explains this passage thus: "Iachimo, in this counterfeited rapture, has shewn how the eyes and the judgement would determine in favour of Imogen, comparing her with the present mistress of Posthumus, and proceeds to say, that appetite too would give the same suffrage. Desire, says he, when it approached sluttery, and considered it in comparison with such neat excellence, would not only be not so allured to feed, but, seized with a fit of loathing, would vomit emptiness, would feel the convulsions of disgust, though, being unfed, it had nothing to eject." Strange here seems to signify shy or backward.

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. My lord, I fear,

Has forgot Britain.

Iach. 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.

[heart

(As I have such a heart, that both mine ears
Must not in haste abuse) if it be true,
How should I be reveng'd?

Iach. Should he make me

5 Live like Diana's priest, betwixt cold sheets;
Whiles he is vaulting variable ramps,

In your despight, upon your purse? Revenge it.
I dedicate myself to your sweet pleasure;
More noble than that runagate to your bed;
10 And will continue fast to your affection,
Still close, as sure.

15

20

25

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
Solicit'st here a lady, that disdains

Thee and the devil alike :-What ho, Pisanio!-
The king my father shall be made acquainted
Of thy assault if he shall think it fit,
A saucy stranger, in his court, to mart
As in a Romish stew, and to expound
His beastly mind to us; he hath a court
He little cares for, and a daughter whom
He not respects at all.- -What ho, Pisanio!
30 Iach. O'happy Leonatus! I may say;
The credit, that thy lady hath of thee,
Deserves thy trust: and thy most perfect goodness
Her assur'd credit!-Blessed live you long!
A lady to the worthiest sir, that ever

35 Country call'd his! and you his mistress, only
For the most worthiest fit! Give me your pardon.
I have spoke this, to know if your affiance
Were deeply rooted;, and shall make your lord,
That which he is, new o'er: And he is one
40 The truest manner'd; such a holy witch,
That he enchants societies unto him:
Half all men's hearts are his.

45

Imo. Let me hear no more.
Juch. O dearest soul! your cause doth strike my
With pity that doth make me sick. A lady
So fair, and fastened to an empery, [ner'd
Would make the greatest king double! to be part-50
With tomboys, hir'd with that self-exhibition
Which your own coffers yield! with diseas'd
ventures,

That play with all infirmities for gold [stuff,
Which rottenness can lend nature! such boil'd55
As well might poison poison! Be reveng'd;
Or she, that bore you, was no queen, and
Recoil from your great stock.

Imo. Reveng'd!

you'

How should I be reveng'd? If this be true,

Rather, timely known.

it. 3

Imo. You make amends.

Iach. Hesits '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 of a false report; which hath
Honour'd with confirmation your great judge-
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, chaffiess. Pray, your pardon.
Imo. All's well, sir: Take my power i' the

court for yours.

(ment

Iach. My humble thanks. I had almost forgot To intreat your grace but in a small request, And yet of moment too, for it concerns

Your lord; myself, and other noble friends, [60]Are partners in the business.

What it is that at once incites you to speak, and restrains you from Empery is a word signifying sovereign command; now obsolete. A masculine, forward girl is still called a tomboy. Gross strumpets, hired with the very pension which you allow your

husband.

SCENE I.

Cymbeline's Palace.

АСТ

Enter Cloten, and two Lords. Clot.WA TAS there ever man had such luck !30 when I kiss'd the jack upon an upcast, 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 borrow'd my oaths of him, and might not spend them at my pleasure. 35 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 run all out.

[Aside.

Clot. When a gentleman is dispos'd to swear, it 40 is not for any standers-by to curtail his oaths: Ha? 2 Lord. No, my lord; nor crop the ears of

[Aside.

145

them.
Clot. Whoreson dog!-I give him satisfaction?
'Would, he had been one of my rank!
2 Lord. To have smelt like a fool. [Aside.
Clot. I am not vex'd more 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, be-
cause of the queen my mother: every jack-slave 50
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 a capon too; and you crow, cock, with your comb on'. [Aside. Clot. Say'st thou ?

1 Lord. It is not fit your lordship should undertake every companion that you give offence

to.

Clot. No, I know that; but it is fit, I should commit offence to my inferiors.

1i.e. being a stranger.

II.

2 Lord. Ay, it is fit for your lordship only. Clot. Why, so I say.

1 Lord. Did you hear of a stranger, that's come to court to-night?

Clot. A stranger! and I not know on't! 2 Lord. He's a strange fellow himself, and knows lit not. [Aside.

1 Lord.There's an Italian come; and,'tis thought, one of Leonatus' friends.

Clot. Leonatus! a banish'd rascal; and he's another, whatsoever he be. Who told you of this stranger?

1 Lord. One of your lordship's pages.
Cot. Is it fit I went to look upon him? Is there
no derogation in't?

1 Lord. You cannot derogate, my lord.
Clot. Not easily, I think.

2 Lord. You are a fool granted; therefore your
issues being foolish, do not derogate.
[Aside.
Clot. 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 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
160 Ofthe divorce he'd make! The heavens hold firin

55

The jack is the small bowl at which the others are aimed. He who is nearest to it wins.-To kiss the jack is a state of great advantage. The allusion is to a' fool's cap, which hath a comb like a cock's. The

4i. e. every fellow.

3 M 3

Lady. Almost midnight, madam.

[weak :

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 seiz'd me wholly.
[Exit Lady.
To your protection I commend me, gods!
From fairies, and the tempters of the night,
Guard me, beseech ye!

[Sleeps. [Tachimo, from the trunk. Iach. The crickets sing, and man's o'er-labour'd

sensé

20

25

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! 30
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 under-peep her lids,
To see the inclosed lights, now canopy'd
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,

35

140

One, two, three:-Time, time!

[Goes into the trunk :" the scene closes,

SCENE

III.

Another Room in the Palace.

Enter Cloten and Lords.

1 Lord. Your lordship is the most patient man in loss, the most coldest that ever turn'd up ace. Clot. It would make any man cold to losc. 1 Lord. But not every man patient, after the noble temper of your lordship; You are most hot, and furious, when you win.

Clot. Winning will 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.

Clot. I would this musick would come: I am advis'd to give her musick o' mornings; they say, it will penetrate.

Enter Musicians.

Come on; tune: If you can penetrate her with
your fingering, so; we'll try with tongue too:
if none will do, let her remain; but I'll never
give o'er. First, a very excellent good-conceited
thing; after a wonderful sweet air, with admi-
rable rich words to it,—and then let her consider,
SONG.

Hark! hark! the lark at heaven's gate sings,
And Phœbus 'gins arise,

His steeds to water at those springs

On chalic'd flowers that lies';
And winking Mary-buds begin
To ope their golden eyes;

45 With every thing that pretty bin:
My lady sweet, arise;

Arise, arise.

So, get you gone: If this penetrate, I will consider 30 your musick the better: if it do not, it is a vice in her ears, which horse-hairs, and cats-guts, nor the voice of unpaved eunuch to boot, can never Jamend. [Exeunt Musicians.

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!-Conie off, come off;-
[Taking off a 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
[end?
The treasure of her honour. No more.-To what 60 mother.

55

Enter Cymbeline, and Queen.

2 Lord. Here comes the king. Clot. 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

We have in a former play observed, that it was the custom chambers with rushes, as we now cover them with carpets. dew which lies in the cups of flowers.-It may be noted, that the whence chalice. i. e. I will pay you more amply for it.

in the time of our author to strew i. e. the morning sun dries up the cup of a flower is called calix,

Cym.