To his protection; calls him Posthumus; In his spring became a harvest: Liv'd in court I honour him 2 Gent. Even out of your report. 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 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 con vey'd ! So slackly guarded! And the search so slow, 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. 5 Formed their manners. [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, Posthúmus, 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 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. Than doth become a man! I will remain The loyal'st husband that did e'er plight troth. Known but by letter: thither write, my queen, Queen. Re-enter Queen. Be brief, I pray you: If the king come, I shall incur I know not To walk this way: I never do him wrong, Post. [Aside. [Exit. Should we be taking leave As long a term as yet we have to live, The loathness to depart would grow: Adieu! Were you but riding forth to air yourself, When Imogen is dead. Post. How! how! another? You gentle gods, give me but this I have, 6 And sear up my embracements from a next [Putting on the Ring. Upon this fairest prisoner. [Putting a Bracelet on her Arm. 6 Close up. Imo. When shall we see again? Post. O, the gods! Enter CYMBELINE and Lords. Alack, the king! Cym. Thou basest thing, avoid! hence, from my sight! If, after this command, thou fraught the court Post. The gods protect you! [Exit. And bless the good remainders of the court! I am gone. Imo. There cannot be a pinch in death More sharp than this is. Cym. O disloyal thing, That should'st repair my youth; thou heapest A year's age on me! Imo. Harm not yourself with Cym. Past grace? obedience? Imo. Past hope, and in despair; that way, past grace. Cym. That might'st have had the sole son of my queen! Imo. O bless'd, that I might not! I chose an eagle, And did avoid a puttock. Cym. Thou took'st a beggar; would'st have made my throne It is your fault that I have lov'd Posthumus: Cym. What!-art thou mad ! Imo. Almost, sir: Heaven restore me ! -'Would I were A neat-herd's daughter! and my Leonatus Cym. Re-enter Queen. Thou foolish thing! [To the Queen. They were again. together: you have done Not after our command. Away with her, - 'Beseech your patience: Peace, Dear lady daughter, peace; -Sweet sovereign, Leave us to ourselves; and make yourself some Out of Cym. comfort your best advice. 2 Nay, let her languish [Exit. A drop of blood a day; and, being aged, Die of this folly! Enter PISANIO. Queen. Here is your servant. Fye! - you must give way: How now, sir? What news? Pis. My lord your son drew on my master. Queen. No harm, I trust, is done? Ha! There might have been, Pis. Cattlc-keeper. 2 Consideration. |