4YOu do not meet a man but Frownes.

5Our bloods no more obey the Heauens

6Then our Courtiers:

7Still seeme, as do's the Kings.

82 Gent. But what's the matter?

91. His daughter, and the heire of's kingdome (whom

10He purpos'd to his wiues sole Sonne, a Widdow

11That late he married) hath referr'd her selfe

12Vnto a poore, but worthy Gentleman. She's wedded,

13Her Husband banish'd; she imprison'd, all

14Is outward sorrow, though I thinke the King

15Be touch'd at very heart.

162 None but the King?

171 He that hath lost her too: so is the Queene,

18That most desir'd the Match. But not a Courtier,

19Although they weare their faces to the bent

20Of the Kings lookes, hath a heart that is not

21Glad at the thing they scowle at.

222 And why so?

231 He that hath miss'd the Princesse, is a thing

24Too bad, for bad report: and he that hath her,

25(I meane, that married her, alacke good man,

26And therefore banish'd) is a Creature, such,

27As to seeke through the Regions of the Earth

28For one, his like; there would be something failing

29In him, that should compare. I do not thinke,

30So faire an Outward, and such stuffe Within

31Endowes a man, but hee.

322 You speake him farre.

331 I do extend him (Sir) within himselfe,

34Crush him together, rather then vnfold

35His measure duly.

362 What's his name, and Birth?

371 I cannot delue him to the roote: His Father

38Was call'd Sicillius, who did ioyne his Honor

39Against the Romanes, with Cassibulan,

40But had his Titles by Tenantius, whom

41He seru'd with Glory, and admir'd Successe:

42So gain'd the Sur-addition, Leonatus.

43And had (besides this Gentleman in question)

44Two other Sonnes, who in the Warres o'th' time

45Dy'de with their Swords in hand. For which, their Father

46Then old, and fond of yssue, tooke such sorrow

47That he quit Being; and his gentle Lady

48Bigge of this Gentleman (our Theame) deceast

49As he was borne. The King he takes the Babe

50To his protection, cals him Posthumus Leonatus,

51Breedes him, and makes him of his Bed-chamber,

52Puts to him all the Learnings that his time

53Could make him the receiuer of, which he tooke

54As we do ayre, fast as 'twas ministred,

55And in's Spring, became a Haruest: Liu'd in Court

56(Which rare it is to do) most prais'd, most lou'd,

57A sample to the yongest: to th' more Mature,

58A glasse that feated them: and to the grauer,

59A Childe that guided Dotards. To his Mistris,

60(For whom he now is banish'd) her owne price

61Proclaimes how she esteem'd him; and his Vertue

62By her electiõ may be truly read, what kind of man he is.

632 I honor him, euen out of your report.

64But pray you tell me, is she sole childe to'th' King?

651 His onely childe:

66He had two Sonnes (if this be worth your hearing,

67Marke it) the eldest of them, at three yeares old

68I'th' swathing cloathes, the other from their Nursery

69Were stolne, and to this houre, no ghesse in knowledge

70Which way they went.

712 How long is this ago?

721 Some twenty yeares.

732 That a Kings Children should be so conuey'd,

74So slackely guarded, and the search so slow

75That could not trace them.

761 Howsoere, 'tis strange,

77Or that the negligence may well be laugh'd at:

78Yet is it true Sir.

792 I do well beleeue you.

801 We must forbeare. Heere comes the Gentleman,

81The Queene, and Princesse. Exeunt

84Qu. No, be assur'd you shall not finde me (Daughter)

85After the slander of most Step-Mothers,

86Euill-ey'd vnto you. You're my Prisoner, but

87Your Gaoler shall deliuer you the keyes

88That locke vp your restraint. For you Posthumus,

89So soone as I can win th' offended King,

90I will be knowne your Aduocate: marry yet

91The fire of Rage is in him, and 'twere good

92You lean'd vnto his Sentence, with what patience

93Your wisedome may informe you.

94Post. 'Please your Highnesse,

95I will from hence to day.

96Qu. You know the perill:

97Ile fetch a turne about the Garden, pittying

98The pangs of barr'd Affections, though the King

99Hath charg'd you should not speake together. Exit

100Imo. O dissembling Curtesie! How fine this Tyrant

101Can tickle where she wounds? My deerest Husband,

102I something feare my Fathers wrath, but nothing

103(Alwayes reseru'd my holy duty) what

104His rage can do on me. You must be gone,

105And I shall heere abide the hourely shot

106Of angry eyes: not comforted to liue,

107But that there is this Iewell in the world,

108That I may see againe.

109Post. My Queene, my Mistris:

110O Lady, weepe no more, least I giue cause

111To be suspected of more tendernesse

112Then doth become a man. I will remaine

113The loyall'st husband, that did ere plight troth.

114My residence in Rome, at one Filorio's,

115Who, to my Father was a Friend, to me

116Knowne but by Letter; thither write (my Queene)

117And with mine eyes, Ile drinke the words you send,

118Though Inke be made of Gall.

120Qu. Be briefe, I pray you:

121If the King come, I shall incurre, I know not

122How much of his displeasure: yet Ile moue him

123To walke this way: I neuer do him wrong,

124But he do's buy my Iniuries, to be Friends:

125Payes deere for my offences.

126Post. Should we be taking leaue

127As long a terme as yet we haue to liue,

128The loathnesse to depart, would grow: Adieu.

129Imo. Nay, stay a little:

130Were you but riding forth to ayre your selfe,

131Such parting were too petty. Looke heere (Loue)

132This Diamond was my Mothers; take it (Heart)

133But keepe it till you woo another Wife,

134When Imogen is dead.

135Post. How, how? Another?

136You gentle Gods, giue me but this I haue,

137And seare vp my embracements from a next,

138With bonds of death. Remaine, remaine thou heere,

139While sense can keepe it on: And sweetest, fairest,

140As I (my poore selfe) did exchange for you

141To your so infinite losse; so in our trifles

142I still winne of you. For my sake weare this,

143It is a Manacle of Loue, Ile place it

144Vpon this fayrest Prisoner.

145Imo. O the Gods!

146When shall we see againe?

148Post. Alacke, the King.

149Cym. Thou basest thing, auoyd hence, from my sight:

150If after this command thou fraught the Court

151With thy vnworthinesse, thou dyest. Away,

152Thou'rt poyson to my blood.

153Post. The Gods protect you,

154And blesse the good Remainders of the Court:

155I am gone. Exit.

156Imo. There cannot be a pinch in death

157More sharpe then this is.

158Cym. O disloyall thing,

159That should'st repayre my youth, thou heap'st

160A yeares age on mee.

161Imo. I beseech you Sir,

162Harme not your selfe with your vexation,

163I am senselesse of your Wrath; a Touch more rare

164Subdues all pangs, all feares.

165Cym. Past Grace? Obedience?

166Imo. Past hope, and in dispaire, that way past Grace.

167Cym. That might'st haue had

168The sole Sonne of my Queene.

169Imo. O blessed, that I might not: I chose an Eagle,

170And did auoyd a Puttocke.

171Cym. Thou took'st a Begger, would'st haue made my

172Throne, a Seate for basenesse.

173Imo. No, I rather added a lustre to it.

174Cym. O thou vilde one!

175Imo. Sir,

176It is your fault that I haue lou'd Posthumus:

177You bred him as my Play-fellow, and he is

178A man, worth any woman: Ouer-buyes mee

179Almost the summe he payes.

180Cym. What? art thou mad?

181Imo. Almost Sir: Heauen restore me: would I were

182A Neat-heards Daughter, and my Leonatus

183Our Neighbour-Shepheards Sonne.

185Cym. Thou foolish thing;

186They were againe together: you haue done

187Not after our command. Away with her,

188And pen her vp.

189Qu. Beseech your patience: Peace

190Deere Lady daughter, peace. Sweet Soueraigne,

191Leaue vs to our selues, and make your self some comfort

192Out of your best aduice.

193Cym. Nay, let her languish

194A drop of blood a day, and being aged

195Dye of this Folly. Exit.

197Qu. Fye, you must giue way:

198Heere is your Seruant. How now Sir? What newes?

199Pisa. My Lord your Sonne, drew on my Master.

200Qu. Hah?

201No harme I trust is done?

202Pisa. There might haue beene,

203But that my Master rather plaid, then fought,

204And had no helpe of Anger: they were parted

205By Gentlemen, at hand.

206Qu. I am very glad on't.

207Imo. Your Son's my Fathers friend, he takes his part

208To draw vpon an Exile. O braue Sir,

209I would they were in Affricke both together,

210My selfe by with a Needle, that I might pricke

211The goer backe. Why came you from your Master?

212Pisa. On his command: he would not suffer mee

213To bring him to the Hauen: left these Notes

214Of what commands I should be subiect too,

215When't pleas'd you to employ me.

216Qu. This hath beene

217Your faithfull Seruant: I dare lay mine Honour

218He will remaine so.

219Pisa. I humbly thanke your Highnesse.

220Qu. Pray walke a-while.

221Imo. About some halfe houre hence,

222Pray you speake with me;

223You shall (at least) go see my Lord aboord.

224For this time leaue me. Exeunt.

2271. Sir, I would aduise you to shift a Shirt; the Vio-

228lence of Action hath made you reek as a Sacrifice: where

229ayre comes out, ayre comes in: There's none abroad so

230wholesome as that you vent.

231Clot. If my Shirt were bloody, then to shift it.

232Haue I hurt him?

2332 No faith: not so much as his patience.

2341 Hurt him? His bodie's a passable Carkasse if he bee

235not hurt. It is a through-fare for Steele if it be not hurt.

2362 His Steele was in debt, it went o'th' Backe-side the

237Towne.

238Clot. The Villaine would not stand me.

2392 No, but he fled forward still, toward your face.

2401 Stand you? you haue Land enough of your owne:

241But he added to your hauing, gaue you some ground.

2422 As many Inches, as you haue Oceans (Puppies.)

243Clot. I would they had not come betweene vs.

2442 So would I, till you had measur'd how long a Foole

245you were vpon the ground.

246Clot. And that shee should loue this Fellow, and re-

247fuse mee.

2482 If it be a sin to make a true election, she is damn'd.

2491 Sir, as I told you alwayes: her Beauty & her Braine

250go not together. Shee's a good signe, but I haue seene

251small reflection of her wit.

2522 She shines not vpon Fooles, least the reflection

253Should hurt her.

254Clot. Come, Ile to my Chamber: would there had

255beene some hurt done.

2562 I wish not so, vnlesse it had bin the fall of an Asse,

257which is no great hurt.

258Clot. You'l go with vs?

2591 Ile attend your Lordship.

260Clot. Nay come, let's go together.

2612 Well my Lord. Exeunt.

264Imo. I would thou grew'st vnto the shores o'th' Hauen,

265And questioned'st euery Saile: if he should write,

266And I not haue it, 'twere a Paper lost

267As offer'd mercy is: What was the last

268That he spake to thee?

269Pisa. It was his Queene, his Queene.

270Imo. Then wau'd his Handkerchiefe?

271Pisa. And kist it, Madam.

272Imo. Senselesse Linnen, happier therein then I:

273And that was all?

274Pisa. No Madam: for so long

275As he could make me with his eye, or eare,

276Distinguish him from others, he did keepe

277The Decke, with Gloue, or Hat, or Handkerchife,

278Still wauing, as the fits and stirres of's mind

279Could best expresse how slow his Soule sayl'd on,

280How swift his Ship.

281Imo. Thou should'st haue made him

282As little as a Crow, or lesse, ere left

283To after-eye him.

284Pisa. Madam, so I did.

285Imo. I would haue broke mine eye-strings;

286Crack'd them, but to looke vpon him, till the diminution

287Of space, had pointed him sharpe as my Needle:

288Nay, followed him, till he had melted from

289The smalnesse of a Gnat, to ayre: and then

290Haue turn'd mine eye, and wept. But good Pisanio,

291When shall we heare from him.

292Pisa. Be assur'd Madam,

293With his next vantage.

294Imo. I did not take my leaue of him, but had

295Most pretty things to say: Ere I could tell him

296How I would thinke on him at certaine houres,

297Such thoughts, and such: Or I could make him sweare,

298The Shees of Italy should not betray

299Mine Interest, and his Honour: or haue charg'd him

300At the sixt houre of Morne, at Noone, at Midnight,

301T' encounter me with Orisons, for then

302I am in Heauen for him: Or ere I could,

303Giue him that parting kisse, which I had set

304Betwixt two charming words, comes in my Father,

305And like the Tyrannous breathing of the North,

306Shakes all our buddes from growing.

308La. The Queene (Madam)

309Desires your Highnesse Company.

310Imo. Those things I bid you do, get them dispatch'd,

311I will attend the Queene.

312Pisa. Madam, I shall. Exeunt.

316Iach. Beleeue it Sir, I haue seene him in Britaine; hee

317was then of a Cressent note, expected to proue so woor-

318thy, as since he hath beene allowed the name of. But I

319could then haue look'd on him, without the help of Ad-

320miration, though the Catalogue of his endowments had

321bin tabled by his side, and I to peruse him by Items.

322Phil. You speake of him when he was lesse furnish'd,

323then now hee is, with that which makes him both with-

324out, and within.

325French. I haue seene him in France: wee had very ma-

326ny there, could behold the Sunne, with as firme eyes as

327hee.

328Iach. This matter of marrying his Kings Daughter,

329wherein he must be weighed rather by her valew, then

330his owne, words him (I doubt not) a great deale from the

331matter.

332French. And then his banishment.

333Iach. I, and the approbation of those that weepe this

334lamentable diuorce vnder her colours, are wonderfully

335to extend him, be it but to fortifie her iudgement, which

336else an easie battery might lay flat, for taking a Begger

337without lesse quality. But how comes it, he is to soiourne

338with you? How creepes acquaintance?

339Phil. His Father and I were Souldiers together, to

340whom I haue bin often bound for no lesse then my life.

342Heere comes the Britaine. Let him be so entertained a-

343mong'st you, as suites with Gentlemen of your knowing,

344to a Stranger of his quality. I beseech you all be better

345knowne to this Gentleman, whom I commend to you,

346as a Noble Friend of mine. How Worthy he is, I will

347leaue to appeare hereafter, rather then story him in his

348owne hearing.

349French. Sir, we haue knowne togither in Orleance.

350Post. Since when, I haue bin debtor to you for courte-

351sies, which I will be euer to pay, and yet pay still.

352French. Sir, you o're-rate my poore kindnesse, I was

353glad I did attone my Countryman and you: it had beene

354pitty you should haue beene put together, with so mor-

355tall a purpose, as then each bore, vpon importance of so

356slight and triuiall a nature.

357Post. By your pardon Sir, I was then a young Trauel-

358ler, rather shun'd to go euen with what I heard, then in

359my euery action to be guided by others experiences: but

360vpon my mended iudgement (if I offend to say it is men-

361ded) my Quarrell was not altogether slight.

362French. Faith yes, to be put to the arbiterment of

363Swords, and by such two, that would by all likelyhood

364haue confounded one the other, or haue falne both.

365Iach. Can we with manners, aske what was the dif-

366ference?

367French. Safely, I thinke, 'twas a contention in pub-

368licke, which may (without contradiction) suffer the re-

369port. It was much like an argument that fell out last

370night, where each of vs fell in praise of our Country-

371Mistresses. This Gentleman, at that time vouching (and

372vpon warrant of bloody affirmation) his to be more

373Faire, Vertuous, Wise, Chaste, Constant, Qualified, and

374lesse attemptible then any, the rarest of our Ladies in

375Fraunce.

376Iach. That Lady is not now liuing; or this Gentle-

377mans opinion by this, worne out.

378Post. She holds her Vertue still, and I my mind.

379Iach. You must not so farre preferre her, 'fore ours of

380Italy.

381 Posth. Being so farre prouok'd as I was in France: I

382would abate her nothing, though I professe my selfe her

383Adorer, not her Friend.

384Iach. As faire, and as good: a kind of hand in hand

385comparison, had beene something too faire, and too

386good for any Lady in Britanie; if she went before others.

387I haue seene as that Diamond of yours out-lusters many

388I haue beheld, I could not beleeue she excelled many:

389but I haue not seene the most pretious Diamond that is,

390nor you the Lady.

391Post. I prais'd her, as I rated her: so do I my Stone.

392Iach. What do you esteeme it at?

393Post. More then the world enioyes.

394Iach. Either your vnparagon'd Mistirs is dead, or

395she's out-priz'd by a trifle.

396Post. You are mistaken: the one may be solde or gi-

397uen, or if there were wealth enough for the purchases, or

398merite for the guift. The other is not a thing for sale,

399and onely the guift of the Gods.

400Iach. Which the Gods haue giuen you?

401Post. Which by their Graces I will keepe.

402Iach. You may weare her in title yours: but you

403know strange Fowle light vpon neighbouring Ponds.

404Your Ring may be stolne too, so your brace of vnprizea-

405ble Estimations, the one is but fraile, and the other Casu-

406all;. A cunning Thiefe, or a (that way) accomplish'd

407Courtier, would hazzard the winning both of first and

408last.

409Post. Your Italy, containes none so accomplish'd a

410Courtier to conuince the Honour of my Mistris: if in the

411holding or losse of that, you terme her fraile, I do no-

412thing doubt you haue store of Theeues, notwithstanding

413I feare not my Ring.

414Phil. Let vs leaue heere, Gentlemen?

415Post. Sir, with all my heart. This worthy Signior I

416thanke him, makes no stranger of me, we are familiar at

417first.

418Iach. With fiue times so much conuersation, I should

419get ground of your faire Mistris; make her go backe, e-

420uen to the yeilding, had I admittance, and opportunitie

421to friend.

422Post. No, no.

423Iach. I dare thereupon pawne the moytie of my E-

424state, to your Ring, which in my opinion o're-values it

425something: but I make my wager rather against your

426Confidence, then her Reputation. And to barre your of-

427fence heerein to, I durst attempt it against any Lady in

428the world.

429Post. You are a great deale abus'd in too bold a per-

430swasion, and I doubt not you sustaine what y'are worthy

431of, by your Attempt.

432Iach. What's that?

433Posth. A Repulse though your Attempt (as you call

434it) deserue more; a punishment too.

435Phi. Gentlemen enough of this, it came in too so-

436dainely, let it dye as it was borne, and I pray you be bet-

437ter acquainted.

438Iach. Would I had put my Estate, and my Neighbors

439on th' approbation of what I haue spoke.

440Post. What Lady would you chuse to assaile?

441Iach. Yours, whom in constancie you thinke stands

442so safe. I will lay you ten thousands Duckets to your

443Ring, that commend me to the Court where your La-

444dy is, with no more aduantage then the opportunitie of a

445second conference, and I will bring from thence, that

446Honor of hers, which you imagine so reseru'd.

447Posthmus. I will wage against your Gold, Gold to

448it: My Ring I holde deere as my finger, 'tis part of

449it.

450Iach. You are a Friend, and there in the wiser: if you

451buy Ladies flesh at a Million a Dram, you cannot pre-

452seure it from tainting; but I see you haue some Religion

453in you, that you feare.

454Posthu. This is but a custome in your tongue: you

455beare a grauer purpose I hope.

456Iach. I am the Master of my speeches, and would vn-

457der-go what's spoken, I sweare.

458Posthu. Will you? I shall but lend my Diamond till

459your returne: let there be Couenants drawne between's.

460My Mistris exceedes in goodnesse, the hugenesse of your

461vnworthy thinking. I dare you to this match: heere's my

462Ring.

463Phil. I will haue it no lay.

464Iach. By the Gods it is one: if I bring you no suffi-

465cient testimony that I haue enioy'd the deerest bodily

466part of your Mistris: my ten thousand Duckets are yours,

467so is your Diamond too: if I come off, and leaue her in

468such honour as you haue trust in; Shee your Iewell, this

469your Iewell, and my Gold are yours: prouided, I haue

470your commendation, for my more free entertainment.

471Post. I embrace these Conditions, let vs haue Articles

472betwixt vs: onely thus farre you shall answere, if you

473make your voyage vpon her, and giue me directly to vn-

474derstand, you haue preuayl'd, I am no further your Ene-

475my, shee is not worth our debate. If shee remaine vnse-

476duc'd, you not making it appeare otherwise: for your ill

477opinion, and th' assault you haue made to her chastity, you

478shall answer me with your Sword.

479Iach. Your hand, a Couenant: wee will haue these

480things set downe by lawfull Counsell, and straight away

481for Britaine, least the Bargaine should catch colde, and

482sterue: I will fetch my Gold, and haue our two Wagers

483recorded.

484Post. Agreed.

485French. Will this hold, thinke you.

486Phil. Signior Iachimo will not from it.

487Pray let vs follow 'em. Exeunt

490Qu. Whiles yet the dewe's on ground,

491Gather those Flowers,

492Make haste. Who ha's the note of them?

493Lady. I Madam.

494Queen. Dispatch. Exit Ladies.

495Now Master Doctor, haue you brought those drugges?

496Cor. Pleaseth your Highnes, I: here they are, Madam:

497But I beseech your Grace, without offence

498(My Conscience bids me aske) wherefore you haue

499Commanded of me these most poysonous Compounds,

500Which are the moouers of a languishing death:

501But though slow, deadly.

502Qu. I wonder, Doctor,

503Thou ask'st me such a Question: Haue I not bene

504Thy Pupill long? Hast thou not learn'd me how

505To make Perfumes? Distill? Preserue? Yea so,

506That our great King himselfe doth woo me oft

507For my Confections? Hauing thus farre proceeded,

508(Vnlesse thou think'st me diuellish) is't not meete

509That I did amplifie my iudgement in

510Other Conclusions? I will try the forces

511Of these thy Compounds, on such Creatures as

512We count not worth the hanging (but none humane)

513To try the vigour of them, and apply

514Allayments to their Act, and by them gather

515Their seuerall vertues, and effects.

516Cor. Your Highnesse

517Shall from this practise, but make hard your heart:

518Besides, the seeing these effects will be

519Both noysome, and infectious.

520Qu. O content thee.

522Heere comes a flattering Rascall, vpon him

523Will I first worke: Hee's for his Master,

524And enemy to my Sonne. How now Pisanio?

525Doctor, your seruice for this time is ended,

526Take your owne way.

527Cor. I do suspect you, Madam,

528But you shall do no harme.

529Qu. Hearke thee, a word.

530Cor. I do not like her. She doth thinke she ha's

531Strange ling'ring poysons: I do know her spirit,

532And will not trust one of her malice, with

533A drugge of such damn'd Nature. Those she ha's,

534Will stupifie and dull the Sense a-while,

535Which first (perchance) shee'l proue on Cats and Dogs,

536Then afterward vp higher: but there is

537No danger in what shew of death it makes,

538More then the locking vp the Spirits a time,

539To be more fresh, reuiuing. She is fool'd

540With a most false effect: and I, the truer,

541So to be false with her.

542Qu. No further seruice, Doctor,

543Vntill I send for thee.

544Cor. I humbly take my leaue. Exit.

545Qu. Weepes she still (saist thou?)

546Dost thou thinke in time

547She will not quench, and let instructions enter

548Where Folly now possesses? Do thou worke:

549When thou shalt bring me word she loues my Sonne,

550Ile tell thee on the instant, thou art then

551As great as is thy Master: Greater, for

552His Fortunes all lye speechlesse, and his name

553Is at last gaspe. Returne he cannot, nor

554Continue where he is: To shift his being,

555Is to exchange one misery with another,

556And euery day that comes, comes to decay

557A dayes worke in him. What shalt thou expect

558To be depender on a thing that leanes?

559Who cannot be new built, nor ha's no Friends

560So much, as but to prop him? Thou tak'st vp

561Thou know'st not what: But take it for thy labour,

562It is a thing I made, which hath the King

563Fiue times redeem'd from death. I do not know

564What is more Cordiall. Nay, I prythee take it,

565It is an earnest of a farther good

566That I meane to thee. Tell thy Mistris how

567The case stands with her: doo't, as from thy selfe;

568Thinke what a chance thou changest on, but thinke

569Thou hast thy Mistris still, to boote, my Sonne,

570Who shall take notice of thee. Ile moue the King

571To any shape of thy Preferment, such

572As thou'lt desire: and then my selfe, I cheefely,

573That set thee on to this desert, am bound

574To loade thy merit richly. Call my women. Exit Pisa.

575Thinke on my words. A slye, and constant knaue,

576Not to be shak'd: the Agent for his Master,

577And the Remembrancer of her, to hold

578The hand-fast to her Lord. I haue giuen him that,

579Which if he take, shall quite vnpeople her

580Of Leidgers for her Sweete: and which, she after

581Except she bend her humor, shall be assur'd

582To taste of too.

584So, so: Well done, well done:

585The Violets, Cowslippes, and the Prime-Roses

586Beare to my Closset: Fare thee well, Pisanio.

587Thinke on my words. Exit Qu. and Ladies

588Pisa. And shall do:

589But when to my good Lord, I proue vntrue,

590Ile choake my selfe: there's all Ile do for you. Exit.

593Imo. A Father cruell, and a Stepdame false,

594A Foolish Suitor to a Wedded-Lady,

595That hath her Husband banish'd: O, that Husband,

596My supreame Crowne of griefe, and those repeated

597Vexations of it. Had I bin Theefe-stolne,

598As my two Brothers, happy: but most miserable

599Is the desires that's glorious. Blessed be those

600How meane so ere, that haue their honest wills,

601Which seasons comfort. Who may this be? Fye.

603Pisa. Madam, a Noble Gentleman of Rome,

604Comes from my Lord with Letters.

605Iach. Change you, Madam:

606The Worthy Leonatus is in safety,

607And greetes your Highnesse deerely.

608Imo. Thanks good Sir,

609You're kindly welcome.

610Iach. All of her, that is out of doore, most rich:

611If she be furnish'd with a mind so rare

612She is alone th' Arabian-Bird; and I

613Haue lost the wager. Boldnesse be my Friend:

614Arme me Audacitie from head to foote,

615Or like the Parthian I shall flying fight,

616Rather directly fly.

621So farre I reade aloud.

622But euen the very middle of my heart

623Is warm'd by'th' rest, and take it thankefully.

624You are as welcome (worthy Sir) as I

625Haue words to bid you, and shall finde it so

626In all that I can do.

627Iach. Thankes fairest Lady:

628What are men mad? Hath Nature giuen them eyes

629To see this vaulted Arch, and the rich Crop

630Of Sea and Land, which can distinguish 'twixt

631The firie Orbes aboue, and the twinn'd Stones

632Vpon the number'd Beach, and can we not

633Partition make with Spectales so pretious

634Twixt faire, and foule?

635Imo. What makes your admiration?

636Iach. It cannot be i'th' eye: for Apes, and Monkeys

637'Twixt two such She's, would chatter this way, and

638Contemne with mowes the other. Nor i'th' iudgment:

639For Idiots in this case of fauour, would

640Be wisely definit: Nor i'th' Appetite.

641Sluttery to such neate Excellence, oppos'd

642Should make desire vomit emptinesse,

643Not so allur'd to feed.

644Imo. What is the matter trow?

645Iach. The Cloyed will:

646That satiate yet vnsatisfi'd desire, that Tub

647Both fill'd and running: Rauening first the Lambe,

648Longs after for the Garbage.

649Imo. What, deere Sir,

650Thus rap's you? Are you well?

651Iach. Thanks Madam well: Beseech you Sir,

652Desire my Man's abode, where I did leaue him:

653He's strange and peeuish.

654Pisa. I was going Sir,

655To giue him welcome. Exit.

656Imo. Continues well my Lord?

657His health beseech you?

658Iach. Well, Madam.

659Imo. Is he dispos'd to mirth? I hope he is.

660Iach. Exceeding pleasant: none a stranger there,

661So merry, and so gamesome: he is call'd

662The Britaine Reueller.

663Imo. When he was heere

664He did incline to sadnesse, and oft times

665Not knowiug why.

666Iach. I neuer saw him sad.

667There is a Frenchman his Companion, one

668An eminent Monsieur, that it seemes much loues

669A Gallian-Girle at home. He furnaces

670The thicke sighes from him; whiles the iolly Britaine,

671(Your Lord I meane) laughes from's free lungs: cries oh,

672Can my sides hold, to think that man who knowes

673By History, Report, or his owne proofe

674What woman is, yea what she cannot choose

675But must be: will's free houres languish:

676For assured bondage?

677Imo. Will my Lord say so?

678Iach. I Madam, with his eyes in flood with laughter,

679It is a Recreation to be by

680And heare him mocke the Frenchman:

681But Heauen's know some men are much too blame.

682Imo. Not he I hope.

683Iach. Not he:

684But yet Heauen's bounty towards him, might

685Be vs'd more thankfully. In himselfe 'tis much;

686In you, which I account his beyond all Talents.

687Whil'st I am bound to wonder, I am bound

688To pitty too.

689Imo. What do you pitty Sir?

690Iach. Two Creatures heartyly.

691Imo. Am I one Sir?

692You looke on me: what wrack discerne you in me

693Deserues your pitty?

694Iach. Lamentable: what

695To hide me from the radiant Sun, and solace

696I'th' Dungeon by a Snuffe.

697Imo. I pray you Sir,

698Deliuer with more opennesse your answeres

699To my demands. Why do you pitty me?

700Iach. That others do,

701(I was about to say) enioy your--- but

702It is an office of the Gods to venge it,

703Not mine to speake on't.

704Imo. You do seeme to know

705Something of me, or what concernes me; pray you

706Since doubting things go ill, often hurts more

707Then to be sure they do. For Certainties

708Either are past remedies; or timely knowing,

709The remedy then borne. Discouer to me

710What both you spur and stop.

711Iach' Had I this cheeke

712To bathe my lips vpon: this hand, whose touch,

713(Whose euery touch) would force the Feelers soule

714To'th' oath of loyalty. This obiect, which

715Takes prisoner the wild motion of mine eye,

716Fiering it onely heere, should I (damn'd then)

717Slauuer with lippes as common as the stayres

718That mount the Capitoll: Ioyne gripes, with hands

719Made hard with hourely falshood (falshood as

720With labour:) then by peeping in an eye

721Base and illustrious as the smoakie light

722That's fed with stinking Tallow: it were fit

723That all the plagues of Hell should at one time

724Encounter such reuolt.

725Imo. My Lord, I feare

726Has forgot Brittaine.

727Iach. And himselfe, not I

728Inclin'd to this intelligence, pronounce

729The Beggery of his change: but 'tis your Graces'

730That from my mutest Conscience, to my tongue,

731Charmes this report out.

732Imo. Let me heare no more.

733Iach. O deerest Soule: your Cause doth strike my hart

734With pitty, that doth make me sicke. A Lady

735So faire, and fasten'd to an Emperie

736Would make the great'st King double, to be partner'd

737With Tomboyes hyr'd, with that selfe exhibition

738Which your owne Coffers yeeld: with diseas'd ventures

739That play with all Infirmities for Gold,

740Which rottennesse can lend Nature. Such boyl'd stuffe

741As well might poyson Poyson. Be reueng'd,

742Or she that bore you, was no Queene, and you

743Recoyle from your great Stocke.

744Imo. Reueng'd:

745How should I be reueng'd? If this be true,

746(As I haue such a Heart, that both mine eares

747Must not in haste abuse) if it be true,

748How should I be reueng'd?

749Iach. Should he make me

750Liue like Diana's Priest, betwixt cold sheets,

751Whiles he is vaulting variable Rampes

752In your despight, vpon your purse: reuenge it.

753I dedicate my selfe to your sweet pleasure,

754More Noble then that runnagate to your bed,

755And will continue fast to your Affection,

756Still close, as sure.

757Imo. What hoa, Pisanio?

758Iach. Let me my seruice tender on your lippes.

759Imo. Away, I do condemne mine eares, that haue

760So long attended thee. If thou wert Honourable

761Thou would'st haue told this tale for Vertue, not

762For such an end thou seek'st, as base, as strange:

763Thou wrong'st a Gentleman, who is as farre

764From thy report, as thou from Honor: and

765Solicites heere a Lady, that disdaines

766Thee, and the Diuell alike. What hoa, Pisanio?

767The King my Father shall be made acquainted

768Of thy Assault: if he shall thinke it fit,

769A sawcy Stranger in his Court, to Mart

770As in a Romish Stew, and to expound

771His beastly minde to vs; he hath a Court

772He little cares for, and a Daughter, who

773He not respects at all. What hoa, Pisanio?

774Iach. O happy Leonatus I may say,

775The credit that thy Lady hath of thee

776Deserues thy trust, and thy most perfect goodnesse

777Her assur'd credit. Blessed liue you long,

778A Lady to the worthiest Sir, that euer

779Country call'd his; and you his Mistris, onely

780For the most worthiest fit. Giue me your pardon,

781I haue spoke this to know if your Affiance

782Were deeply rooted, and shall make your Lord,

783That which he is, new o're: And he is one

784The truest manner'd: such a holy Witch,

785That he enchants Societies into him:

786Halfe all men hearts are his.

787Imo. You make amends.

788Iach. He sits 'mongst men, like a defended God;

789He hath a kinde of Honor sets him off,

790More then a mortall seeming. Be not angrie

791(Most mighty Princesse) that I haue aduentur'd

792To try your taking of a false report, which hath

793Honour'd with confirmation your great Iudgement,

794In the election of a Sir, so rare,

795Which you know, cannot erre. The loue I beare him,

796Made me to fan you thus, but the Gods made you

797(Vnlike all others) chaffelesse. Pray your pardon.

798Imo. All's well Sir:

799Take my powre i'th' Court for yours.

800Iach. My humble thankes: I had almost forgot

801T' intreat your Grace, but in a small request,

802And yet of moment too, for it concernes:

803Your Lord, my selfe, and other Noble Friends

804Are partners in the businesse.

805Imo. Pray what is't?

806Iach. Some dozen Romanes of vs, and your Lord

807(The best Feather of our wing) haue mingled summes

808To buy a Present for the Emperor:

809Which I (the Factor for the rest) haue done

810In France: 'tis Plate of rare deuice, and Iewels

811Of rich, and exquisite forme, their valewes great,

812And I am something curious, being strange

813To haue them in safe stowage: May it please you

814To take them in protection.

815Imo. Willingly:

816And pawne mine Honor for their safety, since

817My Lord hath interest in them, I will keepe them

818In my Bed-chamber.

819Iach. They are in a Trunke

820Attended by my men: I will make bold

821To send them to you, onely for this night:

822I must aboord to morrow.

823Imo. O no, no.

824Iach. Yes I beseech: or I shall short my word

825By length'ning my returne. From Gallia,

826I crost the Seas on purpose, and on promise

827To see your Grace.

828Imo. I thanke you for your paines:

829But not away to morrow.

830Iach. O I must Madam.

831Therefore I shall beseech you, if you please

832To greet your Lord with writing, doo't to night,

833I haue out-stood my time, which is materiall

834To'th' tender of our Present.

835Imo. I will write:

836Send your Trunke to me, it shall safe be kept,

837And truely yeelded you: you're very welcome. Exeunt.

840Clot. Was there euer man had such lucke? when I kist

841the Iacke vpon an vp-cast, to be hit away? I had a hun-

842dred pound on't: and then a whorson Iacke-an-Apes,

843must take me vp for swearing, as if I borrowed mine

844oathes of him, and might not spend them at my pleasure.

8451. What got he by that? you haue broke his pate

846with your Bowle.

8472. If his wit had bin like him that broke it: it would

848haue run all out.

849Clot. When a Gentleman is dispos'd to sweare: it is

850not for any standers by to curtall his oathes. Ha?

8512. No my Lord; nor crop the eares of them.

852Clot. Whorson dog: I gaue him satisfaction? would

853he had bin one of my Ranke.

8542. To haue smell'd like a Foole.

855Clot. I am not vext more at any thing in th' earth: a

856pox on't. I had rather not be so Noble as I am: they dare

857not fight with me, because of the Queene my Mo-

858ther: euery Iacke-Slaue hath his belly full of Fighting,

859and I must go vp and downe like a Cock, that no body

860can match.

8612. You are Cocke and Capon too, and you crow

862Cock, with your combe on.

863Clot. Sayest thou?

8642. It is not fit you Lordship should vndertake euery

865Companion, that you giue offence too.

866Clot. No, I know that: but it is fit I should commit

867offence to my inferiors.

8682. I, it is fit for your Lordship onely.

869Clot. Why so I say.

8701. Did you heere of a Stranger that's come to Court

871night?

872Clot. A Stranger, and I not know on't?

8732. He's a strange Fellow himselfe, and knowes it not.

8741. There's an Italian come, and 'tis thought one of

875Leonatus Friends.

876Clot. Leonatus? A banisht Rascall; and he's another,

877whatsoeuer he be. Who told you of this Stranger?

8781. One of your Lordships Pages.

879Clot. Is it fit I went to looke vpon him? Is there no

880derogation in't?

8812. You cannot derogate my Lord.

882Clot. Not easily I thinke.

8832. You are a Foole graunted, therefore your Issues

884being foolish do not derogate.

885Clot. Come, Ile go see this Italian: what I haue lost

886to day at Bowles, Ile winne to night of him. Come: go.

8872. Ile attend your Lordship. Exit.

888That such a craftie Diuell as is his Mother

889Should yeild the world this Asse: A woman, that

890Beares all downe with her Braine, and this her Sonne,

891Cannot take two from twenty for his heart,

892And leaue eighteene. Alas poore Princesse,

893Thou diuine Imogen, what thou endur'st,

894Betwixt a Father by thy Step-dame gouern'd,

895A Mother hourely coyning plots: A Wooer,

896More hatefull then the foule expulsion is

897Of thy deere Husband. Then that horrid Act

898Of the diuorce, heel'd make the Heauens hold firme

899The walls of thy deere Honour. Keepe vnshak'd

900That Temple thy faire mind, that thou maist stand

901T' enioy thy banish'd Lord: and this great Land. Exeunt.

904Imo. Who's there? My woman: Helene?

905La. Please you Madam.

906Imo. What houre is it?

907Lady. Almost midnight, Madam.

908Imo. I haue read three houres then:

909Mine eyes are weake,

910Fold downe the leafe where I haue left: to bed.

911Take not away the Taper, leaue it burning:

912And if thou canst awake by foure o'th' clock,

913I prythee call me: Sleepe hath ceiz'd me wholly.

914To your protection I commend me, Gods,

915From Fayries, and the Tempters of the night,

916Guard me beseech yee. Sleepes.

918Iach. The Crickets sing, and mans ore-labor'd sense

919Repaires it selfe by rest: Our Tarquine thus

920Did softly presse the Rushes, ere he waken'd

921The Chastitie he wounded. Cytherea,

922How brauely thou becom'st thy Bed; fresh Lilly,

923And whiter then the Sheetes: that I might touch,

924But kisse, one kisse. Rubies vnparagon'd,

925How deerely they doo't: 'Tis her breathing that

926Perfumes the Chamber thus: the Flame o'th' Taper

927Bowes toward her, and would vnder-peepe her lids.

928To see th' inclosed Lights, now Canopied

929Vnder these windowes, White and Azure lac'd

930With Blew of Heauens owne tinct. But my designe.

931To note the Chamber, I will write all downe,

932Such, and such pictures: There the window, such

933Th' adornement of her Bed; the Arras, Figures,

934Why such, and such: and the Contents o'th' Story.

935Ah, but some naturall notes about her Body,

936Aboue ten thousand meaner Moueables

937Would testifie, t' enrich mine Inuentorie.

938O sleepe, thou Ape of death, lye dull vpon her,

939And be her Sense but as a Monument,

940Thus in a Chappell lying. Come off, come off;

941As slippery as the Gordian-knot was hard.

942'Tis mine, and this will witnesse outwardly,

943As strongly as the Conscience do's within:

944To'th' madding of her Lord. On her left brest

945A mole Cinque-spotted: Like the Crimson drops

946I'th' bottome of a Cowslippe. Heere's a Voucher,

947Stronger then euer Law could make; this Secret

948Will force him thinke I haue pick'd the lock, and t'ane

949The treasure of her Honour. No more: to what end?

950Why should I write this downe, that's riueted,

951Screw'd to my memorie. She hath bin reading late,

952The Tale of Tereus, heere the leaffe's turn'd downe

953Where Philomele gaue vp. I haue enough,

954To'th' Truncke againe, and shut the spring of it.

955Swift, swift, you Dragons of the night, that dawning

956May beare the Rauens eye: I lodge in feare,

957Though this a heauenly Angell: hell is heere.

959One, two, three: time, time. Exit.

9621. Your Lordship is the most patient man in losse, the

963most coldest that euer turn'd vp Ace.

964Clot. It would make any man cold to loose.

9651. But not euery man patient after the noble temper

966of your Lordship; You are most hot, and furious when

967you winne.

968Winning will put any man into courage: if I could get

969this foolish Imogen, I should haue Gold enough: it's al-

970most morning, is't not?

9711 Day, my Lord.

972Clot. I would this Musicke would come: I am adui-

973sed to giue her Musicke a mornings, they say it will pene-

975Come on, tune: If you can penetrate her with your fin-

976gering, so: wee'l try with tongue too: if none will do, let

977her remaine: but Ile neuer giue o're. First, a very excel-

978lent good conceyted thing; after a wonderful sweet aire,

979with admirable rich words to it, and then let her consi-

980der.

989So, get you gone: if this pen trate, I will consider your

990Musicke the better: if it do not, it is a voyce in her eares

991which Horse-haires, and Calues-guts, nor the voyce of

992vnpaued Eunuch to boot, can neuer amed.

9942 Heere comes the King.

995Clot. I am glad I was vp so late, for that's the reason

996I was vp so earely: he cannot choose but take this Ser-

997uice I haue done, fatherly. Good morrow to your Ma-

998iesty, and to my gracious Mother.

999Cym. Attend you here the doore of our stern daughter

1000Will she not forth?

1001Clot. I haue assayl'd her with Musickes, but she vouch-

1002safes no notice.

1003Cym. The Exile of her Minion is too new,

1004She hath not yet forgot him, some more time

1005Must weare the print of his remembrance on't,

1006And then she's yours.

1007Qu. You are most bound to'th' King,

1008Who let's go by no vantages, that may

1009Preferre you to his daughter: Frame your selfe

1010To orderly solicity, and be friended

1011With aptnesse of the season: make denials

1012Encrease your Seruices: so seeme, as if

1013You were inspir'd to do those duties which

1014You tender to her: that you in all obey her,

1015Saue when command to your dismission tends,

1016And therein you are senselesse.

1017Clot. Senselesse? Not so.

1018Mes. So like you (Sir) Ambassadors from Rome;

1019The one is Caius Lucius.

1020Cym. A worthy Fellow,

1021Albeit he comes on angry purpose now;

1022But that's no fault of his: we must receyue him

1023According to the Honor of his Sender,

1024And towards himselfe, his goodnesse fore-spent on vs

1025We must extend our notice: Our deere Sonne,

1026When you haue giuen good morning to your Mistris,

1027Attend the Queene, and vs, we shall haue neede

1028T' employ you towards this Romane.

1029Come our Queene. Exeunt.

1030Clot. If she be vp, Ile speake with her: if not

1031Let her lye still, and dreame: by your leaue hoa,

1032I know her women are about her: what

1033If I do line one of their hands, 'tis Gold

1034Which buyes admittance (oft it doth) yea, and makes

1035Diana's Rangers false themselues, yeeld vp

1036Their Deere to'th' stand o'th' Stealer: and 'tis Gold

1037Which makes the True-man kill'd, and saues the Theefe:

1038Nay, sometime hangs both Theefe, and True-man: what

1039Can it not do, and vndoo? I will make

1040One of her women Lawyer to me, for

1041I yet not vnderstand the case my selfe.

1042By your leaue. Knockes.

1044La. Who's there that knockes?

1045Clot. A Gentleman.

1046La. No more.

1047Clot. Yes, and a Gentlewomans Sonne.

1048La. That's more

1049Then some whose Taylors are as deere as yours,

1050Can iustly boast of: what's your Lordships pleasure?

1051Clot. Your Ladies person, is she ready?

1052La. I, to keepe her Chamber.

1053Clot. There is Gold for you,

1054Sell me your good report.

1055La. How, my good name? or to report of you

1056What I shall thinke is good. The Princesse.

1058Clot. Good morrow fairest, Sister your sweet hand.

1059Imo. Good morrow Sir, you lay out too much paines

1060For purchasing but trouble: the thankes I giue,

1061Is telling you that I am poore of thankes,

1062And scarse can spare them.

1063Clot. Still I sweare I loue you.

1064Imo. If you but said so, 'twere as deepe with me:

1065If you sweare still, your recompence is still

1066That I regard it not.

1067Clot. This is no answer.

1068Imo. But that you shall not say, I yeeld being silent,

1069I would not speake. I pray you spare me, 'faith

1070I shall vnfold equall discourtesie

1071To your best kindnesse: one of your great knowing

1072Should learne (being taught) forbearance.

1073Clot. To leaue you in your madnesse, 'twere my sin,

1074I will not.

1075Imo. Fooles are not mad Folkes.

1076Clot. Do you call me Foole?

1077Imo. As I am mad, I do:

1078If you'l be patient, Ile no more be mad,

1079That cures vs both. I am much sorry (Sir)

1080You put me to forget a Ladies manners

1081By being so verball: and learne now, for all,

1082That I which know my heart, do heere pronounce

1083By th' very truth of it, I care not for you,

1084And am so neere the lacke of Charitie

1085To accuse my selfe, I hate you: which I had rather

1086You felt, then make't my boast.

1087Clot. You sinne against

1088Obedience, which you owe your Father, for

1089The Contract you pretend with that base Wretch,

1090One, bred of Almes, and foster'd with cold dishes,

1091With scraps o'th' Court: It is no Contract, none;

1092And though it be allowed in meaner parties

1093(Yet who then he more meane) to knit their soules

1094(On whom there is no more dependancie

1095But Brats and Beggery) in selfe-figur'd knot,

1096Yet you are curb'd from that enlargement, by

aaa The

1097The consequence o'th' Crowne, and must not foyle

1098The precious note of it; with a base Slaue,

1099A Hilding for a Liuorie, a Squires Cloth,

1100A Pantler; not so eminent.

1101Imo. Prophane Fellow:

1102Wert thou the Sonne of Iupiter, and no more,

1103But what thou art besides: thou wer't too base,

1104To be his Groome: thou wer't dignified enough

1105Euen to the point of Enuie. If 'twere made

1106Comparatiue for your Vertues, to be stil'd

1107The vnder Hangman of his Kingdome; and hated

1108For being prefer'd so well.

1109Clot. The South-Fog rot him.

1110Imo. He neuer can meete more mischance, then come

1111To be but nam'd of thee. His mean'st Garment

1112That euer hath but clipt his body; is dearer

1113In my respect, then all the Heires aboue thee,

1114Were they all made such men: How now Pisanio?

1116Clot. His Garments? Now the diuell.

1117Imo. To Dorothy my woman hie thee presently.

1118Clot. His Garment?

1119Imo. I am sprighted with a Foole,

1120Frighted, and angred worse: Go bid my woman

1121Search for a Iewell, that too casually

1122Hath left mine Arme: it was thy Masters. Shrew me

1123If I would loose it for a Reuenew,

1124Of any Kings in Europe. I do think,

1125I saw't this morning: Confident I am.

1126Last night 'twas on mine Arme; I kiss'd it,

1127I hope it be not gone, to tell my Lord

1128That I kisse aught but he.

1129Pis. 'Twill not be lost.

1130Imo. I hope so: go and search.

1131Clot. You haue abus'd me:

1132His meanest Garment?

1133Imo. I, I said so Sir,

1134If you will make't an Action, call witnesse to't.

1135Clot. I will enforme your Father.

1136Imo. Your Mother too:

1137She's my good Lady; and will concieue, I hope

1138But the worst of me. So I leaue your Sir,

1139To'th' worst of discontent. Exit.

1140Clot. Ile be reueng'd:

1141His mean'st Garment? Well. Exit.

1144Post. Feare it not Sir: I would I were so sure

1145To winne the King, as I am bold, her Honour

1146Will remaine her's.

1147Phil. What meanes do you make to him?

1148Post. Not any: but abide the change of Time,

1149Quake in the present winters state, and wish

1150That warmer dayes would come: In these fear'd hope

1151I barely gratifie your loue; they fayling

1152I must die much your debtor.

1153Phil. Your very goodnesse, and your company,

1154Ore-payes all I can do. By this your King,

1155Hath heard of Great Augustus: Caius Lucius,

1156Will do's Commission throughly. And I think

1157Hee'le grant the Tribute: send th' Arrerages,

1158Or looke vpon our Romaines, whose remembrance

1159Is yet fresh in their griefe.

1160Post. I do beleeue

1161(Statist though I am none, nor like to be)

1162That this will proue a Warre; and you shall heare

1163The Legion now in Gallia, sooner landed

1164In our not-fearing-Britaine, then haue tydings

1165Of any penny Tribute paid. Our Countrymen

1166Are men more order'd, then when Iulius Caesar

1167Smil'd at their lacke of skill, but found their courage

1168Worthy his frowning at. Their discipline,

1169(Now wing-led with their courages) will make knowne

1170To their Approuers, they are People, such

1171That mend vpon the world. Enter Iachimo.

1172Phi. See Iachimo.

1173Post. The swiftest Harts, haue posted you by land;

1174And Windes of all the Corners kiss'd your Sailes,

1175To make your vessell nimble.

1176Phil. Welcome Sir.

1177Post. I hope the briefenesse of your answere, made

1178The speedinesse of your returne.

1179Iachi. Your Lady,

1180Is one of the fayrest that I haue look'd vpon

1181Post. And therewithall the best, or let her beauty

1182Looke thorough a Casement to allure false hearts,

1183And be false with them.

1184Iachi. Heere are Letters for you.

1185Post. Their tenure good I trust.

1186Iach. 'Tis very like.

1187Post. Was Caius Lucius in the Britaine Court,

1188When you were there?

1189Iach. He was expected then,

1190But not approach'd.

1191Post. All is well yet,

1192Sparkles this Stone as it was wont, or is't not

1193Too dull for your good wearing?

1194Iach. If I haue lost it,

1195I should haue lost the worth of it in Gold,

1196Ile make a iourney twice as farre, t' enioy

1197A second night of such sweet shortnesse, which

1198Was mine in Britaine, for the Ring is wonne.

1199Post. The Stones too hard to come by.

1200Iach. Not a whit,

1201Your Lady being so easy.

1202Post. Make note Sir

1203Your losse, your Sport: I hope you know that we

1204Must not continue Friends.

1205Iach. Good Sir, we must

1206If you keepe Couenant: had I not brought

1207The knowledge of your Mistris home, I grant

1208We were to question farther; but I now

1209Professe my selfe the winner of her Honor,

1210Together with your Ring; and not the wronger

1211Of her, or you hauing proceeded but

1212By both your willes.

1213Post. If you can mak't apparant

1214That yon haue tasted her in Bed; my hand,

1215And Ring is yours. If not, the foule opinion

1216You had of her pure Honour; gaines, or looses,

1217Your Sword, or mine, or Masterlesse leaue both

1218To who shall finde them.

1219Iach. Sir, my Circumstances

1220Being so nere the Truth, as I will make them,

1221Must first induce you to beleeue; whose strength

1222I will confirme wit h oath, which I doubt not

1223You'l giue me leaue to spare, when you shall finde

1224You neede it not.

1225Post. Proceed.

1226Iach. First, her Bed-chamber

1227(Where I confesse I slept not, but professe

1228Had that was well worth watching) it was hang'd

1229With Tapistry of Silke, and Siluer, the Story

1230Proud Cleopatra, when she met her Roman,

1231And Sidnus swell'd aboue the Bankes, or for

1232The presse of Boates, or Pride. A peece of Worke

1233So brauely done, so rich, that it did striue

1234In Workemanship, and Value, which I wonder'd

1235Could be so rarely, and exactly wrought

1236Since the true life on't was---

1237Post. This is true:

1238And this you might haue heard of heere, by me,

1239Or by some other.

1240Iach. More particulars

1241Must iustifie my knowledge.

1242Post. So they must,

1243Or doe your Honour iniury.

1244Iach. The Chimney

1245Is South the Chamber, and the Chimney-peece

1246Chaste Dian, bathing: neuer saw I figures

1247So likely to report themselues; the Cutter

1248Was as another Nature dumbe, out-went her,

1249Motion, and Breath left out.

1250Post. This is a thing

1251Which you might from Relation likewise reape,

1252Being, as it is, much spoke of.

1253Iach. The Roofe o'th' Chamber,

1254With golden Cherubins is fretted. Her Andirons

1255(I had forgot them) were two winking Cupids

1256Of Siluer, each on one foote standing, nicely

1257Depending on their Brands.

1258Post. This is her Honor:

1259Let it be granted you haue seene all this (and praise

1260Be giuen to your remembrance) the description

1261Of what is in her Chamber, nothing saues

1262The wager you haue laid.

1263Iach. Then if you can

1264Be pale, I begge but leaue to ayre this Iewell: See,

1265And now 'tis vp againe: it must be married

1266To that your Diamond, Ile keepe them.

1267Post. Ioue----

1268Once more let me behold it: Is it that

1269Which I left with her?

1270Iach. Sir (I thanke her) that

1271She stript it from her Arme: I see her yet:

1272Her pretty Action, did out-sell her guift,

1273And yet enrich'd it too: she gaue it me,

1274And said, she priz'd it once.

1275Post. May be, she pluck'd it off

1276To send it me.

1277Iach. She writes so to you? doth shee?

1278Post. O no, no, no, 'tis true. Heere, take this too,

1279It is a Basiliske vnto mine eye,

1280Killes me to looke on't: Let there be no Honor,

1281Where there is Beauty: Truth, where semblance: Loue,

1282Where there's another man. The Vowes of Women,

1283Of no more bondage be, to where they are made,

1284Then they are to their Vertues, which is nothing:

1285O, aboue measure false.

1286Phil. Haue patience Sir,

1287And take your Ring againe, 'tis not yet wonne:

1288It may be probable she lost it: or

1289Who knowes if one her women, being corrupted

1290Hath stolne it from her.

1291Post. Very true,

1292And so I hope he came by't: backe my Ring,

1293Render to me some corporall signe about her

1294More euident then this: for this was stolne.

1295Iach. By Iupiter, I had it from her Arme.

1296Post. Hearke you, he sweares: by Iupiter he sweares.

1297'Tis true, nay keepe the Ring; 'tis true: I am sure

1298She would not loose it: her Attendants are

1299All sworne, and honourable: they induc'd to steale it?

1300And by a Stranger? No, he hath enioy'd her,

1301The Cognisance of her incontinencie

1302Is this: she hath bought the name of Whore, thus deerly

1303There, take thy hyre, and all the Fiends of Hell

1304Diuide themselues betweene you.

1305Phil. Sir, be patient:

1306This is not strong enough to be beleeu'd

1307Of one perswaded well of.

1308Post. Neuer talke on't:

1309She hath bin colted by him.

1310Iach. If you seeke

1311For further satisfying, vnder her Breast

1312(Worthy her pressing) lyes a Mole, right proud

1313Of that most delicate Lodging. By my life

1314I kist it, and it gaue me present hunger

1315To feede againe, though full. You do remember

1316This staine vpon her?

1317Post. I, and it doth confirme

1318Another staine, as bigge as Hell can hold,

1319Were there no more but it.

1320Iach. Will you heare more?

1321Post. Spare your Arethmaticke,

1322Neuer count the Turnes: Once, and a Million.

1323Iach. Ile be sworne.

1324Post. No swearing:

1325If you will sweare you haue not done't, you lye,

1326And I will kill thee, if thou do'st deny

1327Thou'st made me Cuckold.

1328Iach. Ile deny nothing.

1329Post. O that I had her heere, to teare her Limb-meale:

1330I will go there and doo't, i'th' Court, before

1331Her Father. Ile do something. Exit.

1332Phil. Quite besides

1333The gouernment of Patience. You haue wonne:

1334Let's follow him, and peruert the present wrath

1335He hath against himselfe.

1336Iach. With all my heart. Exeunt.

1338Post. Is there no way for Men to be, but Women

1339Must be halfe-workers? We are all Bastards,

1340And that most venerable man, which I

1341Did call my Father, was, I know not where

1342When I was stampt. Some Coyner with his Tooles

1343Made me a counterfeit: yet my Mother seem'd

1344The Dian of that time: so doth my Wife

1345The Non-pareill of this. Oh Vengeance, Vengeance!

1346Me of my lawfull pleasure she restrain'd,

1347And pray'd me oft forbearance: did it with

1348A pudencie so Rosie, the sweet view on't

1349Might well haue warm'd olde Saturne;

1350That I thought her

1351As Chaste, as vn-Sunn'd Snow. Oh, all the Diuels!

1352This yellow Iachimo in an houre, was't not?

aaa2 Or

1353Or lesse; at first? Perchance he spoke not, but

1354Like a full Acorn'd Boare, a Iarmen on,

1355Cry'de oh, and mounted; found no opposition

1356But what he look'd for, should oppose, and she

1357Should from encounter guard. Could I finde out

1358The Womans part in me, for there's no motion

1359That tends to vice in man, but I affirme

1360It is the Womans part: be it Lying, note it,

1361The womans: Flattering, hers; Deceiuing, hers:

1362Lust, and ranke thoughts, hers, hers: Reuenges hers:

1363Ambitions, Couetings, change of Prides, Disdaine,

1364Nice-longing, Slanders, Mutability;

1365All Faults that name, nay, that Hell knowes,

1366Why hers, in part, or all: but rather all. For euen to Vice

1367They are not constant, but are changing still;

1368One Vice, but of a minute old, for one

1369Not halfe so old as that. Ile write against them,

1370Detest them, curse them: yet 'tis greater Skill

1371In a true Hate, to pray they haue their will:

1372The very Diuels cannot plague them better. Exit.

1377Cym. Now say, what would Augustus Caesar with vs?

1378Luc. When Iulius Caesar (whose remembrance yet

1379Liues in mens eyes, and will to Eares and Tongues

1380Be Theame, and hearing euer) was in this Britain,

1381And Conquer'd it, Cassibulan thine Vnkle

1382(Famous in Caesars prayses, no whit lesse

1383Then in his Feats deseruing it) for him,

1384And his Succession, granted Rome a Tribute,

1385Yeerely three thousand pounds; which (by thee) lately

1386Is left vntender'd.

1387Qu. And to kill the meruaile,

1388Shall be so euer.

1389Clot. There be many Caesars,

1390Ere such another Iulius: Britaine's a world

1391By it selfe, and we will nothing pay

1392For wearing our owne Noses.

1393Qu. That opportunity

1394Which then they had to take from's, to resume

1395We haue againe. Remember Sir, my Liege,

1396The Kings your Ancestors, together with

1397The naturall brauery of your Isle, which stands

1398As Neptunes Parke, ribb'd, and pal'd in

1399With Oakes vnskaleable, and roaring Waters,

1400With Sands that will not beare your Enemies Boates,

1401But sucke them vp to'th' Top-mast. A kinde of Conquest

1402Caesar made heere, but made not heere his bragge

1403Of Came, and Saw, and Ouer-came: with shame

1404(The first that euer touch'd him) he was carried

1405From off our Coast, twice beaten: and his Shipping

1406(Poore ignorant Baubles) on our terrible Seas

1407Like Egge-shels mou'd vpon their Surges, crack'd

1408As easily 'gainst our Rockes. For ioy whereof,

1409The fam'd Cassibulan, who was once at point

1410(Oh giglet Fortune) to master Caesars Sword,

1411Made Luds-Towne with reioycing-Fires bright,

1412And Britaines strut with Courage.

1413Clot. Come, there's no more Tribute to be paid: our

1414Kingdome is stronger then it was at that time: and (as I

1415said) there is no mo such Caesars, other of them may haue

1416crook'd Noses, but to owe such straite Armes, none.

1417Cym. Son, let your Mother end.

1418Clot. We haue yet many among vs, can gripe as hard

1419as Cassibulan, I doe not say I am one: but I haue a hand.

1420Why Tribute? Why should we pay Tribute? If Caesar

1421can hide the Sun from vs with a Blanket, or put the Moon

1422in his pocket, we will pay him Tribute for light: else Sir,

1423no more Tribute, pray you now.

1424Cym. You must know,

1425Till the iniurious Romans, did extort

1426This Tribute from vs, we were free. Caesars Ambition,

1427Which swell'd so much, that it did almost stretch

1428The sides o'th' World, against all colour heere,

1429Did put the yoake vpon's; which to shake off

1430Becomes a warlike people, whom we reckon

1431Our selues to be, we do. Say then to Caesar,

1432Our Ancestor was that Mulmutius, which

1433Ordain'd our Lawes, whose vse the Sword of Caesar

1434Hath too much mangled; whose repayre, and franchise,

1435Shall (by the power we hold) be our good deed,

1436Tho Rome be therfore angry. Mulmutius made our lawes

1437Who was the first of Britaine, which did put

1438His browes within a golden Crowne, and call'd

1439Himselfe a King.

1440Luc. I am sorry Cymbeline,

1441That I am to pronounce Augustus Caesar

1442(Caesar, that hath moe Kings his Seruants, then

1443Thy selfe Domesticke Officers) thine Enemy:

1444Receyue it from me then. Warre, and Confusion

1445In Caesars name pronounce I 'gainst thee: Looke

1446For fury, not to be resisted. Thus defide,

1447I thanke thee for my selfe.

1448Cym. Thou art welcome Caius,

1449Thy Caesar Knighted me; my youth I spent

1450Much vnder him; of him, I gather'd Honour,

1451Which he, to seeke of me againe, perforce,

1452Behooues me keepe at vtterance. I am perfect,

1453That the Pannonians and Dalmatians, for

1454Their Liberties are now in Armes: a President

1455Which not to reade, would shew the Britaines cold:

1456So Caesar shall not finde them.

1457Luc. Let proofe speake.

1458Clot. His Maiesty biddes you welcome. Make pa-

1459stime with vs, a day, or two, or longer: if you seek vs af-

1460terwards in other tearmes, you shall finde vs in our Salt-

1461water-Girdle: if you beate vs out of it, it is yours: if you

1462fall in the aduenture, our Crowes shall fare the better for

1463you: and there's an end.

1464Luc. So sir.

1465Cym. I know your Masters pleasure, and he mine:

1466All the Remaine, is welcome. Exeunt.

1469Pis. How? of Adultery? Wherefore write you not

1470What Monsters her accuse? Leonatus:

1471Oh Master, what a strange infection

1472Is falne into thy eare? What false Italian,

1473(As poysonous tongu'd, as handed) hath preuail'd

1474On thy too ready hearing? Disloyall? No.

1475She's punish'd for her Truth; and vndergoes

1476More Goddesse-like, then Wife-like; such Assaults

1477As would take in some Vertue. Oh my Master,

1478Thy mind to her, is now as lowe, as were

1479Thy Fortunes. How? That I should murther her,

1480Vpon the Loue, and Truth, and Vowes; which I

1481Haue made to thy command? I her? Her blood?

1482If it be so, to do good seruice, neuer

1483Let me be counted seruiceable. How looke I,

1484That I should seeme to lacke humanity,

1485So much as this Fact comes to? Doo't: The Letter.

1486That I haue sent her, by her owne command,

1487Shall giue thee opportunitie. Oh damn'd paper,

1488Blacke as the Inke that's on thee: senselesse bauble,

1489Art thou a Foedarie for this Act; and look'st

1490So Virgin-like without? Loe here she comes.

1492I am ignorant in what I am commanded.

1493Imo. How now Pisanio?

1494Pis. Madam, heere is a Letter from my Lord.

1495Imo. Who, thy Lord? That is my Lord Leonatus?

1496Oh, learn'd indeed were that Astronomer

1497That knew the Starres, as I his Characters,

1498Heel'd lay the Future open. You good Gods,

1499Let what is heere contain'd, rellish of Loue,

1500Of my Lords health, of his content: yet not

1501That we two are asunder, let that grieue him;

1502Some griefes are medcinable, that is one of them,

1503For it doth physicke Loue, of his content,

1504All but in that. Good Wax, thy leaue: blest be

1505You Bees that make these Lockes of counsaile. Louers,

1506And men in dangerous Bondes pray not alike,

1507Though Forfeytours you cast in prison, yet

1508You claspe young Cupids Tables: good Newes Gods.

1516Oh for a Horse with wings: Hear'st thou Pisanio?

1517He is at Milford-Hauen: Read, and tell me

1518How farre 'tis thither. If one of meane affaires

1519May plod it in a weeke, why may not I

1520Glide thither in a day? Then true Pisanio,

1521Who long'st like me, to see thy Lord; who long'st

1522(Oh let me bate) but not like me: yet long'st

1523But in a fainter kinde. Oh not like me:

1524For mine's beyond, beyond: say, and speake thicke

1525(Loues Counsailor should fill the bores of hearing,

1526To'th' smothering of the Sense) how farre it is

1527To this same blessed Milford. And by'th' way

1528Tell me how Wales was made so happy, as

1529T' inherite such a Hauen. But first of all,

1530How we may steale from hence: and for the gap

1531That we shall make in Time, from our hence-going,

1532And our returne, to excuse: but first, how get hence.

1533Why should excuse be borne or ere begot?

1534Weele talke of that heereafter. Prythee speake,

1535How many store of Miles may we well rid

1536Twixt houre, and houre?

1537Pis. One score 'twixt Sun, and Sun,

1538Madam's enough for you: and too much too.

1539Imo. Why, one that rode to's Execution Man,

1540Could neuer go so slow: I haue heard of Riding wagers,

1541Where Horses haue bin nimbler then the Sands

1542That run i'th' Clocks behalfe. But this is Foolrie,

1543Go, bid my Woman faigne a Sicknesse, say

1544She'le home to her Father; and prouide me presently

1545A Riding Suit: No costlier then would fit

1546A Franklins Huswife.

1547Pisa. Madam, you're best consider.

1548Imo. I see before me (Man) nor heere, not heere;

1549Nor what ensues but haue a Fog in them

1550That I cannot looke through. Away, I prythee,

1551Do as I bid thee: There's no more to say:

1552Accessible is none but Milford way. Exeunt.

1555Bel. A goodly day, not to keepe house with such,

1556Whose Roofe's as lowe as ours: Sleepe Boyes, this gate

1557Instructs you how t'adore the Heauens; and bowes you

1558To a mornings holy office. The Gates of Monarches

1559Are Arch'd so high, that Giants may iet through

1560And keepe their impious Turbonds on, without

1561Good morrow to the Sun. Haile thou faire Heauen,

1562We house i'th' Rocke, yet vse thee not so hardly

1563As prouder liuers do.

1564Guid. Haile Heauen.

1565Aruir. Haile Heauen.

1566Bela. Now for our Mountaine sport, vp to yond hill

1567Your legges are yong: Ile tread these Flats. Consider,

1568When you aboue perceiue me like a Crow,

1569That it is Place, which lessen's, and sets off,

1570And you may then reuolue what Tales, I haue told you,

1571Of Courts, of Princes; of the Tricks in Warre.

1572This Seruice, is not Seruice; so being done,

1573But being so allowed. To apprehend thus,

1574Drawes vs a profit from all things we see:

1575And often to our comfort, shall we finde

1576The sharded-Beetle, in a safer hold

1577Then is the full-wing'd Eagle. Oh this life,

1578Is Nobler, then attending for a checke:

1579Richer, then doing nothing for a Babe:

1580Prouder, then rustling in vnpayd-for Silke:

1581Such gaine the Cap of him, that makes him fine,

1582Yet keepes his Booke vncros'd: no life to ours.

1583Gui. Out of your proofe you speak: we poore vnfledg'd

1584Haue neuer wing'd from view o'th' nest; nor knowes not

1585What Ayre's from home. Hap'ly this life is best,

1586(If quiet life be best) sweeter to you

1587That haue a sharper knowne. Well corresponding

1588With your stiffe Age; but vnto vs, it is

1589A Cell of Ignorance: trauailing a bed,

1590A Prison, or a Debtor, that not dares

1591To stride a limit.

1592Arui. What should we speake of

1593When we are old as you? When we shall heare

1594The Raine and winde beate darke December? How

1595In this our pinching Caue, shall we discourse

aaa 3 The

1596The freezing houres away? We haue seene nothing:

1597We are beastly; subtle as the Fox for prey,

1598Like warlike as the Wolfe, for what we eate:

1599Our Valour is to chace what flyes: Our Cage

1600We make a Quire, as doth the prison'd Bird,

1601And sing our Bondage freely.

1602Bel. How you speake.

1603Did you but know the Citties Vsuries,

1604And felt them knowingly: the Art o'th' Court,

1605As hard to leaue, as keepe: whose top to climbe

1606Is certaine falling: or so slipp'ry, that

1607The feare's as bad as falling. The toyle o'th' Warre,

1608A paine that onely seemes to seeke out danger

1609I'th' name of Fame, and Honor, which dyes i'th' search,

1610And hath as oft a sland'rous Epitaph,

1611As Record of faire Act. Nay, many times

1612Doth ill deserue, by doing well: what's worse

1613Must curt'sie at the Censure. Oh Boyes, this Storie

1614The World may reade in me: My bodie's mark'd

1615With Roman Swords; and my report, was once

1616First, with the best of Note. Cymbeline lou'd me,

1617And when a Souldier was the Theame, my name

1618Was not farre off: then was I as a Tree

1619Whose boughes did bend with fruit. But in one night,

1620A Storme, or Robbery (call it what you will)

1621Shooke downe my mellow hangings: nay my Leaues,

1622And left me bare to weather.

1623Gui. Vncertaine fauour.

1624Bel. My fault being nothing (as I haue told you oft)

1625But that two Villaines, whose false Oathes preuayl'd

1626Before my perfect Honor, swore to Cymbeline,

1627I was Confederate with the Romanes: so

1628Followed my Banishment, and this twenty yeeres,

1629This Rocke, and these Demesnes, haue bene my World,

1630Where I haue liu'd at honest freedome, payed

1631More pious debts to Heauen, then in all

1632The fore-end of my time. But, vp to'th' Mountaines,

1633This is not Hunters Language; he that strikes

1634The Venison first, shall be the Lord o'th' Feast,

1635To him the other two shall minister,

1636And we will feare no poyson, which attends

1637In place of greater State:

1638Ile meete you in the Valleyes. Exeunt.

1639How hard it is to hide the sparkes of Nature?

1640These Boyes know little they are Sonnes to'th' King,

1641Nor Cymbeline dreames that they are aliue.

1642They thinke they are mine,

1643And though train'd vp thus meanely

1644I'th' Caue, whereon the Bowe their thoughts do hit,

1645The Roofes of Palaces, and Nature prompts them

1646In simple and lowe things, to Prince it, much

1647Beyond the tricke of others. This Paladour,

1648The heyre of Cymbeline and Britaine, who

1649The King his Father call'd Guiderius. Ioue,

1650When on my three-foot stoole I sit, and tell

1651The warlike feats I haue done, his spirits flye out

1652Into my Story: say thus mine Enemy fell,

1653And thus I set my foote on's necke, euen then

1654The Princely blood flowes in his Cheeke, he sweats,

1655Straines his yong Nerues, and puts himselfe in posture

1656That acts my words. The yonger Brother Cadwall,

1657Once Aruiragus, in as like a figure

1658Strikes life into my speech, and shewes much more

1659His owne conceyuing. Hearke, the Game is rows'd,

1660Oh Cymbeline, Heauen and my Conscience knowes

1661Thou didd'st vniustly banish me: whereon

1662At three, and two yeeres old, I stole these Babes,

1663Thinking to barre thee of Succession, as

1664Thou refts me of my Lands. Euriphile,

1665Thou was't their Nurse, they took thee for their mother,

1666And euery day do honor to her graue:

1667My selfe Belarius, that am Mergan call'd

1668They take for Naturall Father. The Game is vp. Exit.

1671Imo. Thou told'st me when we came frõ horse, y^e place

1672Was neere at hand: Ne're long'd my Mother so

1673To see me first, as I haue now. Pisanio, Man:

1674Where is Posthumus? What is in thy mind

1675That makes thee stare thus? Wherefore breaks that sigh

1676From th' inward of thee? One, but painted thus

1677Would be interpreted a thing perplex'd

1678Beyond selfe-explication. Put thy selfe

1679Into a hauiour of lesse feare, ere wildnesse

1680Vanquish my stayder Senses. What's the matter?

1681Why tender'st thou that Paper to me, with

1682A looke vntender? If't be Summer Newes

1683Smile too't before: if Winterly, thou need'st

1684But keepe that count'nance stil. My Husbands hand?

1685That Drug-damn'd Italy, hath out-craftied him,

1686And hee's at some hard point. Speake man, thy Tongue

1687May take off some extreamitie, which to reade

1688Would be euen mortall to me.

1689Pis. Please you reade,

1690And you shall finde me (wretched man) a thing

1691The most disdain'd of Fortune.

1703Pis. What shall I need to draw my Sword, the Paper

1704Hath cut her throat alreadie? No, 'tis Slander,

1705Whose edge is sharper then the Sword, whose tongue

1706Out-venomes all the Wormes of Nyle, whose breath

1707Rides on the posting windes, and doth belye

1708All corners of the World. Kings, Queenes, and States,

1709Maides, Matrons, nay the Secrets of the Graue

1710This viperous slander enters. What cheere, Madam?

1711Imo. False to his Bed? What is it to be false?

1712To lye in watch there, and to thinke on him?

1713To weepe 'twixt clock and clock? If sleep charge Nature,

1714To breake it with a fearfull dreame of him,

1715And cry my selfe awake? That's false to's bed? Is it?

1716Pisa. Alas good Lady.

1717Imo. I false? Thy Conscience witnesse: Iachimo,

1718Thou didd'st accuse him of Incontinencie,

1719Thou then look'dst like a Villaine: now, me thinkes

1720Thy fauours good enough. Some Iay of Italy

1721(Whose mother was her painting) hath betraid him:

1722Poore I am stale, a Garment out of fashion,

1723And for I am richer then to hang by th' walles,

1724I must be ript: To peeces with me: Oh!

1725Mens Vowes are womens Traitors. All good seeming

1726By thy reuolt (oh Husband) shall be thought

1727Put on for Villainy; not borne where't growes,

1728But worne a Baite for Ladies.

1729Pisa. Good Madam, heare me.

1730Imo. True honest men being heard, like false AEneas,

1731Were in his time thought false: and Synons weeping

1732Did scandall many a holy teare: tooke pitty

1733From most true wretchednesse. So thou, Posthumus

1734Wilt lay the Leauen on all proper men;

1735Goodly, and gallant, shall be false and periur'd

1736From thy great faile: Come Fellow, be thou honest,

1737Do thou thy Masters bidding. When thou seest him,

1738A little witnesse my obedience. Looke

1739I draw the Sword my selfe, take it, and hit

1740The innocent Mansion of my Loue (my Heart:)

1741Feare not, 'tis empty of all things, but Greefe:

1742Thy Master is not there, who was indeede

1743The riches of it. Do his bidding, strike,

1744Thou mayst be valiant in a better cause;

1745But now thou seem'st a Coward.

1746Pis. Hence vile Instrument,

1747Thou shalt not damne my hand.

1748Imo. Why, I must dye:

1749And if I do not by thy hand, thou art

1750No Seruant of thy Masters. Against Selfe-slaughter,

1751There is a prohibition so Diuine,

1752That crauens my weake hand: Come, heere's my heart:

1753Something's a-foot: Soft, soft, wee'l no defence,

1754Obedient as the Scabbard. What is heere,

1755The Scriptures of the Loyall Leonatus,

1756All turn'd to Heresie? Away, away

1757Corrupters of my Faith, you shall no more

1758Be Stomachers to my heart: thus may poore Fooles

1759Beleeue false Teachers: Though those that are betraid

1760Do feele the Treason sharpely, yet the Traitor

1761Stands in worse case of woe. And thou Posthumus,

1762That didd'st set vp my disobedience 'gainst the King

1763My Father, and makes me put into contempt the suites

1764Of Princely Fellowes, shalt heereafter finde

1765It is no acte of common passage, but

1766A straine of Rarenesse: and I greeue my selfe,

1767To thinke, when thou shalt be disedg'd by her,

1768That now thou tyrest on, how thy memory

1769Will then be pang'd by me. Prythee dispatch,

1770The Lambe entreats the Butcher. Wher's thy knife?

1771Thou art too slow to do thy Masters bidding

1772When I desire it too.

1773Pis. Oh gracious Lady:

1774Since I receiu'd command to do this businesse,

1775I haue not slept one winke.

1776Imo. Doo't, and to bed then.

1777Pis. Ile wake mine eye-balles first.

1778Imo. Wherefore then

1779Didd'st vndertake it? Why hast thou abus'd

1780So many Miles, with a pretence? This place?

1781Mine Action? and thine owne? Our Horses labour?

1782The Time inuiting thee? The perturb'd Court

1783For my being absent? whereunto I neuer

1784Purpose returne. Why hast thou gone so farre

1785To be vn-bent? when thou hast 'tane thy stand,

1786Th' elected Deere before thee?

1787Pis. But to win time

1788To loose so bad employment, in the which

1789I haue consider'd of a course: good Ladie

1790Heare me with patience.

1791Imo. Talke thy tongue weary, speake:

1792I haue heard I am a Strumpet, and mine eare

1793Therein false strooke, can take no greater wound,

1794Nor tent, to bottome that. But speake.

1795Pis. Then Madam,

1796I thought you would not backe againe.

1797Imo. Most like,

1798Bringing me heere to kill me.

1799Pis. Not so neither:

1800But if I were as wise, as honest, then

1801My purpose would proue well: it cannot be,

1802But that my Master is abus'd. Some Villaine,

1803I, and singular in his Art, hath done you both

1804This cursed iniurie.

1805Imo. Some Roman Curtezan?

1806Pisa. No, on my life:

1807Ile giue but notice you are dead, and send him

1808Some bloody signe of it. For 'tis commanded

1809I should do so: you shall be mist at Court,

1810And that will well confirme it.

1811Imo. Why good Fellow,

1812What shall I do the while? Where bide? How liue?