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 the names of Polydore and Cad wal, supposed sons to Belarius. Arviragus, 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. АСТ І. SCENE I. Britain. The garden behind Cymbeline's palace. Enter Two Gentlemen. 1 Gentleman. You do not meet a man, but frowns: our bloods* 2 Gent. But what's the matter? 1 Gent. His daughter, and the heir of his kingdon, whom He purpos'd to his wife's sole son (a widow, That late he married), hath referr'd herself 2 Gent. None but the king? * Inclination, natural disposition. 1 Gent. He, that hath lost her, too: so is the queen, That most desir'd the match: But not a courtier, Of the king's looks, hath a heart that is not 2 Gen. And why so? 1 Gent. He that hath miss'd the princess, is a thing Too bad for bad report: and he that hath her, (I mean, that married her,-alack, good man!And therefore banish'd) is a creature such As, to seek through the regions of the earth For one his like, there would be something failing. In him that should compare. I do not think So fair an outward, and such stuff within, 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 t. 2 Gent. What's his name, and birth? 1 Gent. I cannot delve him to the root: His father Was call'd Sicilius, who did join his honour, Against the Romans, with Cassibelan; Died with their swords in hand; for which their fa ther (Then old and fond of issue), took such sorrow, Big of this gentleman, our theme, deceas'd i. e. You praise him extensively. + My praise, howeverextensive, is within his merit. The father of Cymbeline. Breeds him, and makes him of his bed-chamber: What kind of man he is. 2 Gent. Even out of your report. I honour him But, 'pray you, tell me, Is she sole child to the king? 1 Gent. His only child. He had two sons (if this be worth your hearing, Mark it), the eldest of thein 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, That could not trace them! 1 Gent. Howsoe'er 'tis strange, Or that the negligence may well be laugh'd at, 2 Gent. I do well believe you. 1 Gent. We must forbear: Here comes the queen, and princess. * Formed their manners. [Exeunt VOL. VII. L 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, So soon as I can win the offended king, Posthumus, I will be known your advocate: marry, yet Post. I will from hence to-day. Queen. Please your highness, You know the peril : I'll fetch a turn about the garden, pitying Imo. [Exit Queen. Dissembling courtesy! How fine this tyrant band, I something fear my father's wrath; but nothing His rage can do on me: You must be gone; Post. My queen! my mistress! O, lady, weep no more; lest I give cause To be suspected of more tenderness |