The Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare

Iach. You must not so far prefer her 'fore ours of Italy.

the name of: but I could then have looked on him without the help of admiration; though the catalogue of his endowments had been tabled by Post. Being so far provoked as I was in France, his side, and I to peruse him by items. I would abate her nothing; though I profess Phi. You speak of him, when he was less fur-myself her adorer, not her friend. nished, than now he is, with that which makes him both without and within.

French. I have seen him in France: we had very many there, could behold the sun with as firm eyes as he.

Iach. This matter of marrying his king's daughter (wherein he must be weighed rather by her value, than his own) words him, I doubt not, a great deal from the matter.

French. And then his banishment :

Iach. Ay, and the approbation of those, that weep this lamentable divorce, under her colours, are wonderfully to extend him; be it but to fortify her judgment, which else an easy battery might lay flat, for taking a beggar without more quality. But how comes it, he is to sojourn with you? How creeps acquaintance?

Phi. His father and I were soldiers together; to whom I have been often bound for no less than my life.

Enter Posthumus.

Here comes the Briton: let him be so entertained amongst you, as suits, with gentlemen of your knowing, to a stranger of his quality.-I beseech you all, be better known to this gentlemen; whom I commend to you, as a noble friend of mine: how worthy he is, I will leave to appear hereafter, rather than story him in his own hearing.

French. Sir, we have known together in Orleans. Post. Since when I have been debtor to you for courtesies, which I will be ever to pay, and yet pay still.

French. Sir, you o'er-rate my poor kindness: I was glad I did atone my countryman and you; it had been pity, you should have been put together with so mortal a purpose, as then each bore, upon importance of so slight and trivial a nature.

Post. By your pardon, sir, I was then a young traveller; rather shunned to go even with what I heard, than in my every action to be guided by others' experiences: but, upon my mended judgment (if I offend not to say it is mended), my quarrel was not altogether slight.

French. 'Faith, yes, to be put to the arbitrement of swords; and by such two, that would, by all likelihood, have confounded one the other, or have fallen both.

Iach. Can we, with manners, ask what was the difference?

French. Safely, I think; 'twas a contention in public, which may, without contradiction, suffer the report. It was much like an argument that fell out last night, where each of us fell in praise of our country mistresses; this gentleman at that time vouching (and upon warrant of bloody affirmation), his to be more fair, virtuous, wise, chaste, Constant-qualified, and less attemptible, than any the rarest of our ladies in France.

Iuch. That lady is not now living; or this. gentleman's opinion, by this, worn out. Post. She holds her virtue still, and I

my mind

Iach. As fair, and as good (a kind of hand-in. hand comparison), had been something too fair, and too good, for any lady in Britany. If she went before others I have seen, as that diamond of yours out-lustres many I have beheld, I could not but believe she excelled many: but I have not seen the most precious diamond that is, nor you the lady.

Post. I praised her, as I rated her: so do I my stone.

Iach. What do you esteem it at?

Post. More than the world enjoys. Iach. Either your unparagoned mistress is dead, or she's outprized by a trifle.

Post. You are mistaken: the one may be sold, or given; if there were wealth enough for the purchase, or merit for the gift: the other is not a thing for sale, and only the gift of the gods.

Iach. Which the gods have given you? Post. Which, by their graces, I will keep. Iach. 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 unprizable estimations, the one is but frail, and the other casual; a cunning thief, or a that-way-accomplished 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.

Post. Sir, with all my heart. This worthy signior, I thank him, makes no stranger of me; we are familiar at first.

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.

Post. No, no.

Post. A repulse: though your attempt, as yon call it, deserves 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 approbation of what I spoke. Post. What lady would you choose to assail?

Iach. Your's; 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 as 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, vou 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. I 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.

swer.

Post. I embrace these conditions: let us have articles betwixt us :-only thus far you shall anIf 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. [exeunt Posthumus and Iachimo.
French. Will this hold, think you?
Phi. Signior Iachimo will not from it.

let us follow 'em.

Pray, [exeunt.

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 you 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 human),
To try the vigour of them, and apply
Allayments to their act; and by them gather
Their several virtues and effects.

Cor. Your highness

Strange lingering poisons: I do know her spirit,
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 awhile;
Which first, perchance, she'll prove on cats, and
dogs;

Then afterward up higher; but there is
No danger in what show 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,
So to be false with her.

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

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 instruction enter
Where 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 being,
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 caunot be new built; nor has no friends,

[the Queen drops a box; Pisanio takes it up
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 made, 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

Thou ask'st me such a question: Have I not been ] 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:

Think on my words. [exit Pisanio.]—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,
Which, if he take, shall quite unpeople her
Of liegers 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 :
The violets, cowslips, and the primroses,
Bear to my closet: fare thee well, Pisanio;
Think on my words. [ereunt Queen and Ladics.
Pis. And shall do:

But when to my good lord I prove untrue,
I'll choke myself; there's all I'll do for you. [er.

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 hus-

band!

My supreme crown of grief! and those repeated
Vexations of it! Had 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.

Pis. Madam, a noble gentleman of Rome ;-
Comes from my lord with letters.

Iach. Change you, madam?

The worthy Leonatus is in safety,

Imo. What, dear sir,

Thus raps you? Are you well?

Iach. Thanks, madam; well:-Beseech you,
sir, desire
[to Pisanio.

My man's abode where I did leave him
Is strange and peevish.

Pis. I was going, sir,

To give him welcome.

[exit Pisanio.

Imo. Continues well my lord? His health, 'be-
Iach. Well, madam.
[seech you?

Imo. Is he dispos'd to mirth? I hope, he is.
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-tim es
Not knowing why.

Iach. I never saw him sad.

There is a Frenchman his companion, one,
An eminent monsieur, that, it seems, much loves

And greets your highness dearly.[presents a letter. A Gallian girl at home: he furnaces

Imo. Thanks, good sir:

You are kindly welcome.

Iach. All of her, that is out of door, most rich!

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

"Can my sides hold, to think, that man,-who
knows

By history, report, or his own proof,
What woman is, yea, what she cannot choose
But must be,-will his free hours languish for
Assured bondage?

Imo. Will my lord say so?

Iach. Ay, madam, with his eyes in flood with laughter.

It is a recreation to be by,

And hear him mock the Frenchman: but, hea-
Some men are much to blame. [vens know,
Imo. Not he, I hope.
[him might

Iach. Not he; but yet heaven's bounty towards
Be us'd more thankfully. In himself, 'tis much;
In you, which I count his, beyond all talents,-
Whilst I am bound to wonder, I am bound
To pity too.

Imo. What do you pity, sir?
Iach. Two creatures, heartily.
Imo. Am I one, sir?

You look on me: what wreck discern you in me, More noble than that runagate to your bed; Deserves your pity?

Iach. Lamentable! What!

To hide me from the radiant sun, and solace
I'the dungeon, by a snuff.

Imo. I pray you, sir,

Deliver with more openness your answers
To my demands. Why do you pity me?
Iach. That others do,

I was about to say, enjoy your

-But

It is an office of the gods to venge it,
Not mine to speak on't.

Imo. You do seem to know

Something of me, or what concerns me; 'Pray you,
Since doubting things go ill, often hurts more
Than to be sure they do: for certainties
Either are past remedies; or, timely knowing,
The remedy then born,) discover to me
What both you spur and stop.

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.

Imo. Let me hear no more.

And will continue fast to your affection,

Still close, as sure.

Imo. What ho, Pisanio!

Iach. 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,
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!-
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
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
The truest manner'd; such a holy witch,
That he enchants societies unto him:
Half all men's hearts are his.

Iach. He sits 'mongst men, like a descended
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 judgment

Iach. O dearest soul! your cause doth strike In the election of a sir so rare,
my heart

With pity, that doth make me sick. A lady
So fair, and fasten'd to an empery,

Would make the great'st king double! to be part

[him

Which, you know, cannot err. The love I bear
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,
Are partners in the business.

Imo. Pray, what is't?

[lord,

Iach. Some dozen Romans of us, and your (The best feather of our wing) have mingled To buy a present for the emperor;

[sums,

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,
To have them in safe stowage; may it please you
To take them in protection?

Imo. Willingly;

And pawn mine honour for their safety since
My lord hath interest in them, I will keep them
In my bed-chamber.

Iach. 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.

Imo. O, no, no.

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

Iach. Yes, I beseech; or I shall short my word, To the tender of our present.

By length'ning my return. From Gallia

I cross'd the seas on purpose, and on promise

To see your grace.

Imo. I thank you for your pains;

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 I. 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 an 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 earth.-A pox on't! I had rather not be so noble as I am. They dare not fight with me, because of the queen my mother: every jack-slave hath his belly full of fighting, and I must go up and down like a cock that nobody can match.

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. Laside. 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?
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.

[exeunt Cloten and first Lord. That such a crafty devil as is 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 Of the divorce he'd make! the heavens hold firm The walls of thy dear honour; keep unshak'd That temple, thy fair mind; that thou may'st stand,

To enjoy thy banish'd lord, and this great land! [exit. SCENE II. A BED-CHAMBER; IN ONE PArt of it, a

TRUNK.

Imogen, reading in her bed; a Lady attending.
Imo. Who's there? my woman Helen?
Lady. Please you, madam.
Imo. What hour is it?

Lady. Almost midnight, madam.

Imo. I have read three hours then: mine eyes are weak: Fold down the leaf, where I have left: To beds 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. To your protection I commend me, gods!

[exit Lady, From fairies, and the tempters of the night, Guard me, beseech ye!

[sleeps. Iach. [from the trunk] The crickets sing, and man's o'er-labour'd sense

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!
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 enclosed lights, now canopied
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:-4 Such

The adornment of her bed ;-the arras, figures

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The Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare: From the Text of Johnson ...