TPTT Cymbeline: ACT IV
Introduction
ACT I
ACT II
ACT III
ACT IV
SCENE I. Wales: near the cave of Belarius.
SCENE II. Before the cave of Belarius.
SCENE III. A room in Cymbeline's palace.
SCENE IV. Wales: before the cave of Belarius.
ACT V
About the Play
Feedback
  Search:   
for:

Amazon Honor System Click Here to Pay Learn More
SCENE III. A room in Cymbeline's palace.
Enter CYMBELINE, Lords, PISANIO, and Attendants
CYMBELINE
      Again; and bring me word how 'tis with her.

Exit an Attendant

      A fever with the absence of her son,
      A madness, of which her life's in danger. Heavens,
      How deeply you at once do touch me! Imogen,
5     The great part of my comfort, gone; my queen
      Upon a desperate bed, and in a time
      When fearful wars point at me; her son gone,
      So needful for this present: it strikes me, past
      The hope of comfort. But for thee, fellow,
10    Who needs must know of her departure and
      Dost seem so ignorant, we'll enforce it from thee
      By a sharp torture.
PISANIO
      Sir, my life is yours;
      I humbly set it at your will; but, for my mistress,
15    I nothing know where she remains, why gone,
      Nor when she purposes return. Beseech your highness,
      Hold me your loyal servant.
First Lord
      Good my liege,
      The day that she was missing he was here:
20    I dare be bound he's true and shall perform
      All parts of his subjection loyally. For Cloten,
      There wants no diligence in seeking him,
      And will, no doubt, be found.
CYMBELINE
      The time is troublesome.

To PISANIO

25    We'll slip you for a season; but our jealousy
      Does yet depend.
First Lord
      So please your majesty,
      The Roman legions, all from Gallia drawn,
      Are landed on your coast, with a supply
30    Of Roman gentlemen, by the senate sent.
CYMBELINE
      Now for the counsel of my son and queen!
      I am amazed with matter.
First Lord
      Good my liege,
      Your preparation can affront no less
35    Than what you hear of: come more, for more
      you're ready:
      The want is but to put those powers in motion
      That long to move.
CYMBELINE
      I thank you. Let's withdraw;
40    And meet the time as it seeks us. We fear not
      What can from Italy annoy us; but
      We grieve at chances here. Away!
Exeunt all but PISANIO
PISANIO
      I heard no letter from my master since
      I wrote him Imogen was slain: 'tis strange:
45    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.
50    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.
Exit
Return to top of page ... or ... Go to next scene