Speeches (Lines) for (stage directions)
in "Cymbeline"
Total: 121

1

I,1,1

(beginning of scene)

(stage directions). [Enter two Gentlemen]

2

I,1,82

First Gentleman. We must forbear: here comes the gentleman,
The queen, and princess.

(stage directions). [Exeunt]

3

I,1,83

(stage directions). [Exeunt]

(stage directions). [Enter the QUEEN, POSTHUMUS LEONATUS, and IMOGEN]

4

I,1,100

Queen. You know the peril.
I'll fetch a turn about the garden, pitying
The pangs of barr'd affections, though the king
Hath charged you should not speak together.

(stage directions). [Exit]

5

I,1,121

Posthumus Leonatus. My queen! my mistress!
O lady, weep no more, lest I 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.

(stage directions). [Re-enter QUEEN]

6

I,1,130

Queen. Be brief, I pray you:
If the king come, I shall incur I know not
How much of his displeasure.
[Aside]
Yet I'll move him
To walk this way: I never do him wrong,
But he does buy my injuries, to be friends;
Pays dear for my offences.

(stage directions). [Exit]

7

I,1,152

Posthumus Leonatus. How, how! another?
You gentle gods, give me but this I have,
And sear up my embracements from a next
With bonds of death!
[Putting on the ring]
Remain, remain thou here
While sense can keep it on. And, sweetest, fairest,
As I my poor self did exchange for you,
To your so infinite loss, so in our trifles
I still win of you: for my sake wear this;
It is a manacle of love; I'll place it
Upon this fairest prisoner.

(stage directions). [Putting a bracelet upon her arm]

8

I,1,155

Imogen. O the gods!
When shall we see again?

(stage directions). [Enter CYMBELINE and Lords]

9

I,1,163

Posthumus Leonatus. The gods protect you!
And bless the good remainders of the court! I am gone.

(stage directions). [Exit]

10

I,1,204

Cymbeline. Nay, let her languish
A drop of blood a day; and, being aged,
Die of this folly!

(stage directions). [Exeunt CYMBELINE and Lords]

11

I,1,233

Imogen. About some half-hour hence,
I pray you, speak with me: you shall at least
Go see my lord aboard: for this time leave me.

(stage directions). [Exeunt]

12

I,2,234

(beginning of scene)

(stage directions). [Enter CLOTEN and two Lords]

13

I,2,269

Second Lord. Well, my lord.

(stage directions). [Exeunt]

14

I,3,270

(beginning of scene)

(stage directions). [Enter IMOGEN and PISANIO]

15

I,3,314

Imogen. I did not take my leave of him, but had
Most pretty things to say: ere I could tell him
How I would think on him at certain hours
Such thoughts and such, or I could make him swear
The shes of Italy should not betray
Mine interest and his honour, or have charged him,
At the sixth hour of morn, at noon, at midnight,
To encounter me with orisons, for then
I am in heaven for him; or ere I could
Give him that parting kiss which I had set
Betwixt two charming words, comes in my father
And like the tyrannous breathing of the north
Shakes all our buds from growing.

(stage directions). [Enter a Lady]

16

I,3,320

Pisanio. Madam, I shall.

(stage directions). [Exeunt]

17

I,4,321

(beginning of scene)

(stage directions). [Enter PHILARIO, IACHIMO, a Frenchman, a]
Dutchman, and a Spaniard]

18

I,4,485

Posthumus Leonatus. Agreed.

(stage directions). [Exeunt POSTHUMUS LEONATUS and IACHIMO]

19

I,4,489

Philario. Signior Iachimo will not from it.
Pray, let us follow 'em.

(stage directions). [Exeunt]

20

I,5,490

(beginning of scene)

(stage directions). [Enter QUEEN, Ladies, and CORNELIUS]

21

I,5,549

Cornelius. I humbly take my leave.

(stage directions). [Exit]

22

I,5,596

Queen. Weeps she still, say'st thou? Dost thou think in time
She will not quench and let instructions 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 cannot be new built, nor has no friends,
So much as but to prop him?
[The QUEEN drops the box: PISANIO takes it up]
Thou takest 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 prethee, take it;
It is an earnest of a further good
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 shaked; 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 assured
To taste of too.
[Re-enter PISANIO and Ladies]
So, so: well done, well done:
The violets, cowslips, and the primroses,
Bear to my closet. Fare thee well, Pisanio;
Think on my words.

(stage directions). [Exeunt QUEEN and Ladies]

23

I,5,600

Pisanio. And shall do:
But when to my good lord I prove untrue,
I'll choke myself: there's all I'll do for you.

(stage directions). [Exit]

24

I,6,601

(beginning of scene)

(stage directions). [Enter IMOGEN]

25

I,6,611

Imogen. 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-stol'n,
As my two brothers, happy! but most miserable
Is the desire that's glorious: blest be those,
How mean soe'er, that have their honest wills,
Which seasons comfort. Who may this be? Fie!

(stage directions). [Enter PISANIO and IACHIMO]

26

I,6,617

Iachimo. Change you, madam?
The worthy Leonatus is in safety
And greets your highness dearly.

(stage directions). [Presents a letter]

27

I,6,668

Pisanio. I was going, sir,
To give him welcome.

(stage directions). [Exit]

28

I,6,849

Imogen. I will write.
Send your trunk to me; it shall safe be kept,
And truly yielded you. You're very welcome.

(stage directions). [Exeunt]

29

II,1,850

(beginning of scene)

(stage directions). [Enter CLOTEN and two Lords]

30

II,1,916

Second 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 endurest,
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'ld make! The heavens hold firm
The walls of thy dear honour, keep unshaked
That temple, thy fair mind, that thou mayst stand,
To enjoy thy banish'd lord and this great land!

(stage directions). [Exit]

31

II,2,917

(beginning of scene)

(stage directions). a trunk in one corner of it.

32

II,2,918

(stage directions). a trunk in one corner of it.

(stage directions). [IMOGEN in bed, reading; a Lady attending]

33

II,2,932

Imogen. I have read three hours then: mine eyes are weak:
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 prithee, call me. Sleep hath seized me wholly
[Exit Lady]
To your protection I commend me, gods.
From fairies and the tempters of the night
Guard me, beseech ye.

(stage directions). [Sleeps. IACHIMO comes from the trunk]

34

II,2,976

Iachimo. 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 becomest 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 laced
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.
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! Come off, come off:
[Taking off her 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
The treasure of her honour. No more. To what end?
Why should I write this down, that's riveted,
Screw'd to my memory? She hath been reading late
The tale of Tereus; here the leaf's turn'd down
Where Philomel gave up. I have enough:
To the trunk again, and shut the spring of it.
Swift, swift, you dragons of the night, that dawning
May bare the raven's eye! I lodge in fear;
Though this a heavenly angel, hell is here.
[Clock strikes]
One, two, three: time, time!

(stage directions). [Goes into the trunk. The scene closes]

35

II,3,977

(beginning of scene)

(stage directions). [Enter CLOTEN and Lords]

36

II,3,1011

Cloten. So, get you gone. If this penetrate, I will
consider your music the better: if it do not, it is
a vice in her ears, which horse-hairs and
calves'-guts, nor the voice of unpaved eunuch to
boot, can never amend.

(stage directions). [Exeunt Musicians]

37

II,3,1036

Cloten. Senseless! not so.

(stage directions). [Enter a Messenger]

38

II,3,1048

Cymbeline. A worthy fellow,
Albeit he comes on angry purpose now;
But that's no fault of his: we must receive him
According to the honour of his sender;
And towards himself, his goodness forespent on us,
We must extend our notice. Our dear son,
When you have given good morning to your mistress,
Attend the queen and us; we shall have need
To employ you towards this Roman. Come, our queen.

(stage directions). [Exeunt all but CLOTEN]

39

II,3,1065

Cloten. If she be up, I'll speak with her; if not,
Let her lie still and dream.
[Knocks]
By your leave, ho!
I Know her women are about her: what
If I do line one of their hands? 'Tis gold
Which buys admittance; oft it doth; yea, and makes
Diana's rangers false themselves, yield up
Their deer to the stand o' the stealer; and 'tis gold
Which makes the true man kill'd and saves the thief;
Nay, sometime hangs both thief and true man: what
Can it not do and undo? I will make
One of her women lawyer to me, for
I yet not understand the case myself.
[Knocks]
By your leave.

(stage directions). [Enter a Lady]

40

II,3,1080

Lady. How! my good name? or to report of you
What I shall think is good?—The princess!

(stage directions). [Enter IMOGEN]

41

II,3,1082

Cloten. Good morrow, fairest: sister, your sweet hand.

(stage directions). [Exit Lady]

42

II,3,1139

Imogen. He never can meet more mischance than come
To be but named of thee. His meanest garment,
That ever hath but clipp'd his body, is dearer
In my respect than all the hairs above thee,
Were they all made such men. How now, Pisanio!

(stage directions). [Enter PISANIO]

43

II,3,1155

Imogen. I hope so: go and search.

(stage directions). [Exit PISANIO]

44

II,3,1165

Imogen. Your mother too:
She's my good lady, and will conceive, I hope,
But the worst of me. So, I leave you, sir,
To the worst of discontent.

(stage directions). [Exit]

45

II,3,1168

Cloten. I'll be revenged:
'His meanest garment!' Well.

(stage directions). [Exit]

46

II,4,1170

(beginning of scene)

(stage directions). [Enter POSTHUMUS and PHILARIO]

47

II,4,1200

Posthumus Leonatus. I do believe,
Statist though I am none, nor like to be,
That this will prove a war; and you shall hear
The legions now in Gallia sooner landed
In our not-fearing Britain than have tidings
Of any penny tribute paid. Our countrymen
Are men more order'd than when Julius Caesar
Smiled at their lack of skill, but found
their courage
Worthy his frowning at: their discipline,
Now mingled with their courages, will make known
To their approvers they are people such
That mend upon the world.

(stage directions). [Enter IACHIMO]

48

II,4,1364

Posthumus Leonatus. O, that I had her here, to tear her limb-meal!
I will go there and do't, i' the court, before
Her father. I'll do something—

(stage directions). [Exit]

49

II,4,1370

Iachimo. With an my heart.

(stage directions). [Exeunt]

50

II,5,1371

(beginning of scene)

(stage directions). [Enter POSTHUMUS LEONATUS]

51

II,5,1407

Posthumus Leonatus. Is there no way for men to be but women
Must be half-workers? We are all bastards;
And that most venerable man which I
Did call my father, was I know not where
When I was stamp'd; some coiner with his tools
Made me a counterfeit: yet my mother seem'd
The Dian of that time so doth my wife
The nonpareil of this. O, vengeance, vengeance!
Me of my lawful pleasure she restrain'd
And pray'd me oft forbearance; did it with
A pudency so rosy the sweet view on't
Might well have warm'd old Saturn; that I thought her
As chaste as unsunn'd snow. O, all the devils!
This yellow Iachimo, in an hour,—wast not?—
Or less,—at first?—perchance he spoke not, but,
Like a full-acorn'd boar, a German one,
Cried 'O!' and mounted; found no opposition
But what he look'd for should oppose and she
Should from encounter guard. Could I find out
The woman's part in me! For there's no motion
That tends to vice in man, but I affirm
It is the woman's part: be it lying, note it,
The woman's; flattering, hers; deceiving, hers;
Lust and rank thoughts, hers, hers; revenges, hers;
Ambitions, covetings, change of prides, disdain,
Nice longing, slanders, mutability,
All faults that may be named, nay, that hell knows,
Why, hers, in part or all; but rather, all;
For even to vice
They are not constant but are changing still
One vice, but of a minute old, for one
Not half so old as that. I'll write against them,
Detest them, curse them: yet 'tis greater skill
In a true hate, to pray they have their will:
The very devils cannot plague them better.

(stage directions). [Exit]

52

III,1,1408

(beginning of scene)

(stage directions). [Enter in state, CYMBELINE, QUEEN, CLOTEN,]
and Lords at one door, and at another,
CAIUS LUCIUS and Attendants]

53

III,1,1505

Cymbeline. I know your master's pleasure and he mine:
All the remain is 'Welcome!'

(stage directions). [Exeunt]

54

III,2,1506

(beginning of scene)

(stage directions). [Enter PISANIO, with a letter]

55

III,2,1532

Pisanio. How? of adultery? Wherefore write you not
What monster's her accuser? Leonatus,
O master! what a strange infection
Is fall'n into thy ear! What false Italian,
As poisonous-tongued as handed, hath prevail'd
On thy too ready hearing? Disloyal! No:
She's punish'd for her truth, and undergoes,
More goddess-like than wife-like, such assaults
As would take in some virtue. O my master!
Thy mind to her is now as low as were
Thy fortunes. How! that I should murder her?
Upon the love and truth and vows which I
Have made to thy command? I, her? her blood?
If it be so to do good service, never
Let me be counted serviceable. How look I,
That I should seem to lack humanity
so much as this fact comes to?
[Reading]
'Do't: the letter
that I have sent her, by her own command
Shall give thee opportunity.' O damn'd paper!
Black as the ink that's on thee! Senseless bauble,
Art thou a feodary for this act, and look'st
So virgin-like without? Lo, here she comes.
I am ignorant in what I am commanded.

(stage directions). [Enter IMOGEN]

56

III,2,1599

Imogen. I see before me, man: nor here, nor here,
Nor what ensues, but have a fog in them,
That I cannot look through. Away, I prithee;
Do as I bid thee: there's no more to say,
Accessible is none but Milford way.

(stage directions). [Exeunt]

57

III,3,1600

(beginning of scene)

(stage directions). [Enter, from the cave, BELARIUS; GUIDERIUS,]
and ARVIRAGUS following]

58

III,3,1718

Belarius. My fault being nothing—as I have told you oft—
But that two villains, whose false oaths prevail'd
Before my perfect honour, swore to Cymbeline
I was confederate with the Romans: so
Follow'd my banishment, and this twenty years
This rock and these demesnes have been my world;
Where I have lived at honest freedom, paid
More pious debts to heaven than in all
The fore-end of my time. But up to the mountains!
This is not hunters' language: he that strikes
The venison first shall be the lord o' the feast;
To him the other two shall minister;
And we will fear no poison, which attends
In place of greater state. I'll meet you in the valleys.
[Exeunt GUIDERIUS and ARVIRAGUS]
How hard it is to hide the sparks of nature!
These boys know little they are sons to the king;
Nor Cymbeline dreams that they are alive.
They think they are mine; and though train'd
up thus meanly
I' the cave wherein they bow, their thoughts do hit
The roofs of palaces, and nature prompts them
In simple and low things to prince it much
Beyond the trick of others. This Polydore,
The heir of Cymbeline and Britain, who
The king his father call'd Guiderius,—Jove!
When on my three-foot stool I sit and tell
The warlike feats I have done, his spirits fly out
Into my story: say 'Thus, mine enemy fell,
And thus I set my foot on 's neck;' even then
The princely blood flows in his cheek, he sweats,
Strains his young nerves and puts himself in posture
That acts my words. The younger brother, Cadwal,
Once Arviragus, in as like a figure,
Strikes life into my speech and shows much more
His own conceiving.—Hark, the game is roused!
O Cymbeline! heaven and my conscience knows
Thou didst unjustly banish me: whereon,
At three and two years old, I stole these babes;
Thinking to bar thee of succession, as
Thou reft'st me of my lands. Euriphile,
Thou wast their nurse; they took thee for
their mother,
And every day do honour to her grave:
Myself, Belarius, that am Morgan call'd,
They take for natural father. The game is up.

(stage directions). [Exit]

59

III,4,1719

(beginning of scene)

(stage directions). [Enter PISANIO and IMOGEN]

60

III,4,1941

Imogen. Amen: I thank thee.

(stage directions). [Exeunt, severally]

61

III,5,1942

(beginning of scene)

(stage directions). [Enter CYMBELINE, QUEEN, CLOTEN, LUCIUS,]
Lords, and Attendants]

62

III,5,1967

Cymbeline. Leave not the worthy Lucius, good my lords,
Till he have cross'd the Severn. Happiness!

(stage directions). [Exeunt LUCIUS and Lords]

63

III,5,1988

Cymbeline. Our expectation that it would be thus
Hath made us forward. But, my gentle queen,
Where is our daughter? She hath not appear'd
Before the Roman, nor to us hath tender'd
The duty of the day: she looks us like
A thing more made of malice than of duty:
We have noted it. Call her before us; for
We have been too slight in sufferance.

(stage directions). [Exit an Attendant]

64

III,5,1996

Queen. Royal sir,
Since the exile of Posthumus, most retired
Hath her life been; the cure whereof, my lord,
'Tis time must do. Beseech your majesty,
Forbear sharp speeches to her: she's a lady
So tender of rebukes that words are strokes
And strokes death to her.

(stage directions). [Re-enter Attendant]

65

III,5,2012

Cymbeline. Her doors lock'd?
Not seen of late? Grant, heavens, that which I fear
Prove false!

(stage directions). [Exit]

66

III,5,2035

Queen. [Aside] All the better: may
This night forestall him of the coming day!

(stage directions). [Exit]

67

III,5,2073

Pisanio. Then, sir,
This paper is the history of my knowledge
Touching her flight.

(stage directions). [Presenting a letter]

68

III,5,2106

Pisanio. I shall, my lord.

(stage directions). [Exit]

69

III,5,2135

Cloten. Bring this apparel to my chamber; that is the second
thing that I have commanded thee: the third is,
that thou wilt be a voluntary mute to my design. Be
but duteous, and true preferment shall tender itself
to thee. My revenge is now at Milford: would I had
wings to follow it! Come, and be true.

(stage directions). [Exit]

70

III,5,2142

Pisanio. Thou bid'st me to my loss: for true to thee
Were to prove false, which I will never be,
To him that is most true. To Milford go,
And find not her whom thou pursuest. Flow, flow,
You heavenly blessings, on her! This fool's speed
Be cross'd with slowness; labour be his meed!

(stage directions). [Exit]

71

III,6,2143

(beginning of scene)

(stage directions). [Enter IMOGEN, in boy's clothes]

72

III,6,2172

Imogen. I see a man's life is a tedious one:
I have tired myself, and for two nights together
Have made the ground my bed. I should be sick,
But that my resolution helps me. Milford,
When from the mountain-top Pisanio show'd thee,
Thou wast within a ken: O Jove! I think
Foundations fly the wretched; such, I mean,
Where they should be relieved. Two beggars told me
I could not miss my way: will poor folks lie,
That have afflictions on them, knowing 'tis
A punishment or trial? Yes; no wonder,
When rich ones scarce tell true. To lapse in fulness
Is sorer than to lie for need, and falsehood
Is worse in kings than beggars. My dear lord!
Thou art one o' the false ones. Now I think on thee,
My hunger's gone; but even before, I was
At point to sink for food. But what is this?
Here is a path to't: 'tis some savage hold:
I were best not to call; I dare not call:
yet famine,
Ere clean it o'erthrow nature, makes it valiant,
Plenty and peace breeds cowards: hardness ever
Of hardiness is mother. Ho! who's here?
If any thing that's civil, speak; if savage,
Take or lend. Ho! No answer? Then I'll enter.
Best draw my sword: and if mine enemy
But fear the sword like me, he'll scarcely look on't.
Such a foe, good heavens!

(stage directions). [Exit, to the cave]

73

III,6,2173

(stage directions). [Exit, to the cave]

(stage directions). [Enter BELARIUS, GUIDERIUS, and ARVIRAGUS]

74

III,6,2195

Belarius. By Jupiter, an angel! or, if not,
An earthly paragon! Behold divineness
No elder than a boy!

(stage directions). [Re-enter IMOGEN]

75

III,6,2245

Belarius. Hark, boys.

(stage directions). [Whispering]

76

III,6,2264

Arviragus. I pray, draw near.

(stage directions). [Exeunt]

77

III,7,2265

(beginning of scene)

(stage directions). [Enter two Senators and Tribunes]

78

III,7,2285

First Tribune. We will discharge our duty.

(stage directions). [Exeunt]

79

IV,1,2286

(beginning of scene)

(stage directions). [Enter CLOTEN]

80

IV,1,2313

Cloten. I am near to the place where they should meet, if
Pisanio have mapped it truly. How fit his garments
serve me! Why should his mistress, who was made by
him that made the tailor, not be fit too? the
rather—saving reverence of the word—for 'tis said
a woman's fitness comes by fits. Therein I must
play the workman. I dare speak it to myself—for it
is not vain-glory for a man and his glass to confer
in his own chamber—I mean, the lines of my body are
as well drawn as his; no less young, more strong,
not beneath him in fortunes, beyond him in the
advantage of the time, above him in birth, alike
conversant in general services, and more remarkable
in single oppositions: yet this imperceiverant
thing loves him in my despite. What mortality is!
Posthumus, thy head, which now is growing upon thy
shoulders, shall within this hour be off; thy
mistress enforced; thy garments cut to pieces before
thy face: and all this done, spurn her home to her
father; who may haply be a little angry for my so
rough usage; but my mother, having power of his
testiness, shall turn all into my commendations. My
horse is tied up safe: out, sword, and to a sore
purpose! Fortune, put them into my hand! This is
the very description of their meeting-place; and
the fellow dares not deceive me.

(stage directions). [Exit]

81

IV,2,2314

(beginning of scene)

(stage directions). [Enter, from the cave, BELARIUS, GUIDERIUS,]
ARVIRAGUS, and IMOGEN]

82

IV,2,2362

Imogen. [Aside] These are kind creatures. Gods, what lies
I have heard!
Our courtiers say all's savage but at court:
Experience, O, thou disprovest report!
The imperious seas breed monsters, for the dish
Poor tributary rivers as sweet fish.
I am sick still; heart-sick. Pisanio,
I'll now taste of thy drug.

(stage directions). [Swallows some]

83

IV,2,2398

Belarius. It is great morning. Come, away!—
Who's there?

(stage directions). [Enter CLOTEN]

84

IV,2,2409

Guiderius. He is but one: you and my brother search
What companies are near: pray you, away;
Let me alone with him.

(stage directions). [Exeunt BELARIUS and ARVIRAGUS]

85

IV,2,2454

Cloten. Die the death:
When I have slain thee with my proper hand,
I'll follow those that even now fled hence,
And on the gates of Lud's-town set your heads:
Yield, rustic mountaineer.

(stage directions). [Exeunt, fighting]

86

IV,2,2455

(stage directions). [Exeunt, fighting]

(stage directions). [Re-enter BELARIUS and ARVIRAGUS]

87

IV,2,2470

Belarius. Being scarce made up,
I mean, to man, he had not apprehension
Of roaring terrors; for the effect of judgment
Is oft the cause of fear. But, see, thy brother.

(stage directions). [Re-enter GUIDERIUS, with CLOTEN'S head]

88

IV,2,2519

Guiderius. With his own sword,
Which he did wave against my throat, I have ta'en
His head from him: I'll throw't into the creek
Behind our rock; and let it to the sea,
And tell the fishes he's the queen's son, Cloten:
That's all I reck.

(stage directions). [Exit]

89

IV,2,2539

Arviragus. Poor sick Fidele!
I'll weringly to him: to gain his colour
I'ld let a parish of such Clotens' blood,
And praise myself for charity.

(stage directions). [Exit]

90

IV,2,2555

Belarius. O thou goddess,
Thou divine Nature, how thyself thou blazon'st
In these two princely boys! They are as gentle
As zephyrs blowing below the violet,
Not wagging his sweet head; and yet as rough,
Their royal blood enchafed, as the rudest wind,
That by the top doth take the mountain pine,
And make him stoop to the vale. 'Tis wonder
That an invisible instinct should frame them
To royalty unlearn'd, honour untaught,
Civility not seen from other, valour
That wildly grows in them, but yields a crop
As if it had been sow'd. Yet still it's strange
What Cloten's being here to us portends,
Or what his death will bring us.

(stage directions). [Re-enter GUIDERIUS]

91

IV,2,2560

Guiderius. Where's my brother?
I have sent Cloten's clotpoll down the stream,
In embassy to his mother: his body's hostage
For his return.

(stage directions). [Solemn music]

92

IV,2,2650

Arviragus. If you'll go fetch him,
We'll say our song the whilst. Brother, begin.

(stage directions). [Exit BELARIUS]

93

IV,2,2656

Arviragus. So. Begin.

(stage directions). [SONG]

94

IV,2,2681

Guiderius. [with Arviragus] Quiet consummation have;
And renowned be thy grave!

(stage directions). [Re-enter BELARIUS, with the body of CLOTEN]

95

IV,2,2691

Belarius. Here's a few flowers; but 'bout midnight, more:
The herbs that have on them cold dew o' the night
Are strewings fitt'st for graves. Upon their faces.
You were as flowers, now wither'd: even so
These herblets shall, which we upon you strew.
Come on, away: apart upon our knees.
The ground that gave them first has them again:
Their pleasures here are past, so is their pain.

(stage directions). [Exeunt BELARIUS, GUIDERIUS, and ARVIRAGUS]

96

IV,2,2823

Caius Lucius. Ay, good youth!
And rather father thee than master thee.
My friends,
The boy hath taught us manly duties: let us
Find out the prettiest daisied plot we can,
And make him with our pikes and partisans
A grave: come, arm him. Boy, he is preferr'd
By thee to us, and he shall be interr'd
As soldiers can. Be cheerful; wipe thine eyes
Some falls are means the happier to arise.

(stage directions). [Exeunt]

97

IV,3,2824

(beginning of scene)

(stage directions). [Enter CYMBELINE, Lords, PISANIO, and Attendants]

98

IV,3,2869

Cymbeline. I thank you. Let's withdraw;
And meet the time as it seeks us. We fear not
What can from Italy annoy us; but
We grieve at chances here. Away!

(stage directions). [Exeunt all but PISANIO]

99

IV,3,2881

Pisanio. I heard no letter from my master since
I wrote him Imogen was slain: 'tis strange:
Nor hear I from my mistress who did promise
To yield me often tidings: neither know I
What is betid to Cloten; but remain
Perplex'd in all. The heavens still must work.
Wherein I am false I am honest; not true, to be true.
These present wars shall find I love my country,
Even to the note o' the king, or I'll fall in them.
All other doubts, by time let them be clear'd:
Fortune brings in some boats that are not steer'd.

(stage directions). [Exit]

100

IV,4,2882

(beginning of scene)

(stage directions). [Enter BELARIUS, GUIDERIUS, and ARVIRAGUS.

101

IV,4,2950

Belarius. No reason I, since of your lives you set
So slight a valuation, should reserve
My crack'd one to more care. Have with you, boys!
If in your country wars you chance to die,
That is my bed too, lads, an there I'll lie:
Lead, lead.
[Aside]
The time seems long; their blood
thinks scorn,
Till it fly out and show them princes born.

(stage directions). [Exeunt]

102

V,1,2951

(beginning of scene)

(stage directions). [Enter POSTHUMUS, with a bloody handkerchief]

103

V,1,2985

Posthumus Leonatus. Yea, bloody cloth, I'll keep thee, for I wish'd
Thou shouldst be colour'd thus. You married ones,
If each of you should take this course, how many
Must murder wives much better than themselves
For wrying but a little! O Pisanio!
Every good servant does not all commands:
No bond but to do just ones. Gods! if you
Should have ta'en vengeance on my faults, I never
Had lived to put on this: so had you saved
The noble Imogen to repent, and struck
Me, wretch more worth your vengeance. But, alack,
You snatch some hence for little faults; that's love,
To have them fall no more: you some permit
To second ills with ills, each elder worse,
And make them dread it, to the doers' thrift.
But Imogen is your own: do your best wills,
And make me blest to obey! I am brought hither
Among the Italian gentry, and to fight
Against my lady's kingdom: 'tis enough
That, Britain, I have kill'd thy mistress; peace!
I'll give no wound to thee. Therefore, good heavens,
Hear patiently my purpose: I'll disrobe me
Of these Italian weeds and suit myself
As does a Briton peasant: so I'll fight
Against the part I come with; so I'll die
For thee, O Imogen, even for whom my life
Is every breath a death; and thus, unknown,
Pitied nor hated, to the face of peril
Myself I'll dedicate. Let me make men know
More valour in me than my habits show.
Gods, put the strength o' the Leonati in me!
To shame the guise o' the world, I will begin
The fashion, less without and more within.

(stage directions). [Exit]

104

V,2,2986

(beginning of scene)

(stage directions). [Enter, from one side, LUCIUS, IACHIMO, and]
the Roman Army: from the other side, the
British Army; POSTHUMUS LEONATUS following,
like a poor soldier. They march over and go
out. Then enter again, in skirmish, IACHIMO
and POSTHUMUS LEONATUS he vanquisheth and disarmeth
IACHIMO, and then leaves him]

105

V,2,3020

Caius Lucius. It is a day turn'd strangely: or betimes
Let's reinforce, or fly.

(stage directions). [Exeunt]

106

V,3,3021

(beginning of scene)

(stage directions). [Enter POSTHUMUS LEONATUS and a British Lord]

107

V,3,3115

Posthumus Leonatus. Still going?
[Exit Lord]
This is a lord! O noble misery,
To be i' the field, and ask 'what news?' of me!
To-day how many would have given their honours
To have saved their carcasses! took heel to do't,
And yet died too! I, in mine own woe charm'd,
Could not find death where I did hear him groan,
Nor feel him where he struck: being an ugly monster,
'Tis strange he hides him in fresh cups, soft beds,
Sweet words; or hath more ministers than we
That draw his knives i' the war. Well, I will find him
For being now a favourer to the Briton,
No more a Briton, I have resumed again
The part I came in: fight I will no more,
But yield me to the veriest hind that shall
Once touch my shoulder. Great the slaughter is
Here made by the Roman; great the answer be
Britons must take. For me, my ransom's death;
On either side I come to spend my breath;
Which neither here I'll keep nor bear again,
But end it by some means for Imogen.

(stage directions). [Enter two British Captains and Soldiers]

108

V,4,3135

(beginning of scene)

(stage directions). [Enter POSTHUMUS LEONATUS and two Gaolers]

109

V,4,3139

Second Gaoler. Ay, or a stomach.

(stage directions). [Exeunt Gaolers]

110

V,4,3264

Jupiter. No more, you petty spirits of region low,
Offend our hearing; hush! How dare you ghosts
Accuse the thunderer, whose bolt, you know,
Sky-planted batters all rebelling coasts?
Poor shadows of Elysium, hence, and rest
Upon your never-withering banks of flowers:
Be not with mortal accidents opprest;
No care of yours it is; you know 'tis ours.
Whom best I love I cross; to make my gift,
The more delay'd, delighted. Be content;
Your low-laid son our godhead will uplift:
His comforts thrive, his trials well are spent.
Our Jovial star reign'd at his birth, and in
Our temple was he married. Rise, and fade.
He shall be lord of lady Imogen,
And happier much by his affliction made.
This tablet lay upon his breast, wherein
Our pleasure his full fortune doth confine:
and so, away: no further with your din
Express impatience, lest you stir up mine.
Mount, eagle, to my palace crystalline.

(stage directions). [Ascends]

111

V,4,3275

Sicilius Leonatus. The marble pavement closes, he is enter'd
His radiant root. Away! and, to be blest,
Let us with care perform his great behest.

(stage directions). [The Apparitions vanish]

112

V,4,3305

Posthumus Leonatus. [Waking] Sleep, thou hast been a grandsire, and begot
A father to me; and thou hast created
A mother and two brothers: but, O scorn!
Gone! they went hence so soon as they were born:
And so I am awake. Poor wretches that depend
On greatness' favour dream as I have done,
Wake and find nothing. But, alas, I swerve:
Many dream not to find, neither deserve,
And yet are steep'd in favours: so am I,
That have this golden chance and know not why.
What fairies haunt this ground? A book? O rare one!
Be not, as is our fangled world, a garment
Nobler than that it covers: let thy effects
So follow, to be most unlike our courtiers,
As good as promise.
[Reads]
'When as a lion's whelp shall, to himself unknown,
without seeking find, and be embraced by a piece of
tender air; and when from a stately cedar shall be
lopped branches, which, being dead many years,
shall after revive, be jointed to the old stock and
freshly grow; then shall Posthumus end his miseries,
Britain be fortunate and flourish in peace and plenty.'
'Tis still a dream, or else such stuff as madmen
Tongue and brain not; either both or nothing;
Or senseless speaking or a speaking such
As sense cannot untie. Be what it is,
The action of my life is like it, which
I'll keep, if but for sympathy.

(stage directions). [Re-enter First Gaoler]

113

V,4,3347

First Gaoler. What an infinite mock is this, that a man should
have the best use of eyes to see the way of
blindness! I am sure hanging's the way of winking.

(stage directions). [Enter a Messenger]

114

V,4,3352

Posthumus Leonatus. Thou shalt be then freer than a gaoler; no bolts for the dead.

(stage directions). [Exeunt POSTHUMUS LEONATUS and Messenger]

115

V,4,3362

First Gaoler. Unless a man would marry a gallows and beget young
gibbets, I never saw one so prone. Yet, on my
conscience, there are verier knaves desire to live,
for all he be a Roman: and there be some of them
too that die against their wills; so should I, if I
were one. I would we were all of one mind, and one
mind good; O, there were desolation of gaolers and
gallowses! I speak against my present profit, but
my wish hath a preferment in 't.

(stage directions). [Exeunt]

116

V,5,3363

(beginning of scene)

(stage directions). [Enter CYMBELINE, BELARIUS, GUIDERIUS, ARVIRAGUS,]
PISANIO, Lords, Officers, and Attendants]

117

V,5,3512

Cymbeline. Thou'rt my good youth, my page;
I'll be thy master: walk with me; speak freely.

(stage directions). [CYMBELINE and IMOGEN converse apart]

118

V,5,3526

Pisanio. [Aside]. It is my mistress:
Since she is living, let the time run on
To good or bad.

(stage directions). [CYMBELINE and IMOGEN come forward]

119

V,5,3640

Posthumus Leonatus. Shall's have a play of this? Thou scornful page,
There lie thy part.

(stage directions). [Striking her: she falls]

120

V,5,3685

Imogen. Why did you throw your wedded lady from you?
Think that you are upon a rock; and now
Throw me again.

(stage directions). [Embracing him]

121

V,5,3960

Cymbeline. Laud we the gods;
And let our crooked smokes climb to their nostrils
From our blest altars. Publish we this peace
To all our subjects. Set we forward: let
A Roman and a British ensign wave
Friendly together: so through Lud's-town march:
And in the temple of great Jupiter
Our peace we'll ratify; seal it with feasts.
Set on there! Never was a war did cease,
Ere bloody hands were wash'd, with such a peace.

(stage directions). [Exeunt]