1 Breeds him, and makes him of his bed-chamber: What kind of man he is. 2 Gent. I honour him Even out of your report. But, 'pray you, tell me, Is she sole child to the king? His only child. 1 Gent. He had two sons, (if this be worth your hearing, Mark it,) the eldest of them 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 convey'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 and princess. queen, [Exeunt. SCENE II. The same. Enter the Queen, POSTHUMUS, and IMOGEN. Queen. No, be assur'd, you shall not find me, daughter, After the slander of most step-mothers, Evil-ey'd unto you: you are my prisoner, but That lock up your restraint. For you, Posthumus, 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 The pangs of barr'd affections; though the king Can tickle where she wounds!-My dearest husband, I something fear my father's wrath; but nothing, (Always reserv'd my holy duty,) what His rage can do on me: You must be gone; Post. My queen! my mistress! Than doth become a man! I will remain Known but by letter: thither write, my queen, Re-enter Queen. Queen. Be brief, I pray you: If the king come, I shall incur I know not How much of his displeasure :-Yet I'll move him [Aside. To walk this way: I never do him wrong, [Exit. Post. Should we be taking leave As long a term as yet we have to live, The loathness to depart would grow: Adieu! Imo. Nay, stay a little : Were you but riding forth to air yourself, Such parting were too petty. Look here, love; But keep it till you woo another wife, Post. How! how! another? You gentle gods, give me but this I have, 6 And sear up my embracements from a next With bonds of death!-Remain thou here [Putting on the Ring. 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; Upon this fairest prisoner. Cym. Thou basest thing, avoid! hence, from my sight! If, after this command, thou fraught the court Thou art poison to my blood. I beseech you, sir, A year's age on me! Imo. Harm not yourself with your vexation; I Am senseless of your wrath; a touch more rare9 Cym. Imo. O bless'd, that I might not! I chose an eagle, And did avoid a puttock.2 Cym. Thou took'st a beggar; would'st have made my throne It is your fault that I have lov'd Posthumus: Сут. What!-art thou mad! Imo. Almost, sir: Heaven restore me!-'Would I were A neat-herd's3 daughter! and my Leonatus Our neighbour shepherd's son! |