PERSONS REPRESENTED. Cymbeline, king of Britain. Cloten, son to the queen by a former husband. Leonatus Posthumus, a gentleman, husband to Imogen. Belarius, a banished lord, disguised under the name of Morgan. Guiderius, sons to Cymbeline, disguised under Philario, friend to Posthumus, } Italians. A French Gentleman, friend to Philario. Cornelius, a physician. Two Gentlemen. Two Gaolers. Queen, wife to Cymbeline. Imogen, daughter to Cymbeline by a former queen. Helen, woman to Imogen. Lords, Ladies, Roman Senators, Tribunes, Apparitions, a Soothsayer, a Dutch Gentleman, a Spanish Gentleman, Musicians, Officers, Captains, Soldiers, Messengers, and other Attend ants. Scene, sometimes in Britain; sometimes in Italy. CYMBELINE ACT I. SCENE 1.-Britain. The garden behind Cymbeline's palace. Enter Two Gentlemen. 1 Gentleman. You do not meet a man, but frowns: our bloods! No more obey the heavens, than our courtiers; Still seem, as does the king's. 2 Gent. But what's the matter? 1 Gent. His daughter, and the heir of his king. dom, whom He purpos'd to his wife's sole son (a widow, 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, 2 Gent. And why so? 1 Gent. He that hath miss'd the princess, is a thing (1) Inclination natural disposition. Too bad for bad report: And he that hath her, Endows a man but he. 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 2 Gent. What's his name, and birth? And had, besides this gentleman in question, Died with their swords in hand; for which their father (Then old and fond of issue,) took such sorrow, (1) i. e. You praise him extensively. (2) My praise, however extensive, is within his merit. (3) The father of Cymbeline. A glass that feated them; and to the graver, What kind of man he is. I honour him 2 Gent. Even out of your report. Is she sole child to the king? But, 'pray you, tell me, 1 Gent. His only child. He had two sons (if this be worth your hearing, Mark it,) the eldest of them at three years old, I'the swathing clothes the other, from their nursery Were stolen: 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, 1 Gent. Howsoe'er 'tis strange, Or that the negligence may well be laugh'd at, Yet is it true, sir. 2 Gent. I do well believe you. 1 Gent. We must forbear: Here comes the queen, and princess. [Exeunt. SCENE II-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 Your gaoler shall deliver you the keys That lock up your restraint. For you, Posthumus, So soon as I can win the offended king, I will be known your advocate: marry, yet (1) Formed their manners. |