Iach. I dare, thereon, 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. Phi. Gentlemen, enough of this: it came in too suddenly; let it die as it was born, and, I pray you, be better acquainted. Iach. 'Would I had put my estate, and my neighbour's, on the approbation2 of what I have spoke. Post. What lady would you choose to assail? Iach. Yours; whom in constancy, you think, 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 (1) Deceived. (2) Proof. between us: My mistress exceeds in goodness the hugeness of your unworthy thinking: I dare you to this match: here's my ring. Phi. I will have it no lay. Iach. By the gods it is one -If I ɔring 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 she your jewel, this your jewel, and my gold are yours-provided, I have your commendation, for my more free entertainment. in, 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 prevailed, I am no further your enemy, she is not worth our debate: if she remain unseduced (you not making it appear otherwise,) for your ill opinion, and the 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. [Ere. Posthumus and Iachimo. French. Will this bold, think you? Phi. Signior Jachimo will not from it. Pray, let us follow 'em. [Exeunt. SCENE VI-Britain. A room in Cymbeline's palace. Enter Queen, Ladies, and Cornelius. Queen. Whiles yet the dew's on ground, gather those flowers; Make haste: Who has the note of them? 1 Lady. I, madam Queen. Despatch. [Exeunt Ladies (1) Recommendation. 216 CYMBELINE. Act I. Now, master doctor; have you brought those drugs? But I beseech your grace, (without offence; Which are the movers of a languishing death; Queen. I do wonder, doctor, Other conclusions? I will try the forces Allayments to their act; and by them gather Cor. Your highness Shall from this practice but make hard your heart: Both noisome and infectious. Queen. O, content thee. Enter Pisanio. Here comes a flattering rascal; upon him [Aside. And enemy to my son.-How now, Pisanio?- Take your own way. Cor. I do suspect you, madam; But you shall do no harm. [Aside. Hark thee, a word.- (1) Experiments. Cor. [Aside.] I do not like her. She doth think, she has Strange lingering poisons: I do know her spirit, Then afterward up higher; but there is Queen. Until I send for thee. Cor. No further service, doctor, 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 [The Queen drops a box: Pisanio takes it up. (1) i. e. Grow cool. (2) To change his abode. What is more cordial :-Nay, I pr'ythee, take it; That I mean to thee. Tell thy mistress how As thou'lt desire; and then myself, I chiefly, 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, Re-enter Pisanio, and Ladies. To taste of too. So, so;-well done, well done. The violets, cowslips, and the primroses, Bear to my closet: Fare thee well, Pisanio; But when to my good lord I prove untrue, I'll choke myself: there's all I'll do for you. [Ex. SCENE VII.-Another room in the same. Enter Imogen. Imo. A father cruel, and a step-dame false; A foolish suitor to a wedded lady, That hath her husband banish'd:-O, that husband! 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, (1) Ambassadors. |