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. 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 bloodst 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 kings 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, 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, 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, 2 Gent. I honour him But, 'pray you, tell me, Even out of your report. 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, [Exeunt. and princess. 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 That lock up your restraint. For you, Posthumus, (1) Formed their manners. The fire of rage is in him; and 'twere good, You lean'd unto his sentence, with what patience Your wisdom may inform you. Post. 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 Hath charg'd you should not speak together. [Exit Queen. 0, Imo. Dissembling courtesy! How fine this tyrant Can tickle where she wounds!-My dearest hus band, I something fear my father's wrath; but nothing Post. My queen! my mistress! O, lady, weep no more; lest 1 give cause To be suspected of more tenderness Than doth become a man! I will remain The loyal'st husband that did e'er plight troth. My residence in Rome at one Philario's; Who to my father was a friend, to me Known but by letter: thither write, my queen, And with mine eyes I'll drink the words you send, Though ink be made of gall. Queen. Re-enter Queen. Be brief, I pray you: If the king come, I shall incur I know not To walk this way: I never do him wrong, {Aside. [Exit. |