1 Gent. He that hath miss'd the princess, is a thing Endows a man but he. 2 Gent. You speak him far. ■ Gent. I do extend him, fir, within himself; Crush him together, rather than unfold His measure duly. 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, A fample A sample to the youngest; to the more mature, What kind of man he is. 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 fons, (if this be worth your hearing, I' the swathing clothes the other, from their nurfery 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 flackly guarded! And the search so slow, That could not trace them! Gent. Howsoe'er 'tis strange, Or that the negligence may well be laugh'd at, Yet is it true, fir. 2 Gent. I do well believe you. 1 Gent. We must forbear: Here comes the gentleman, The queen, and princess. [Exeunt. Ba SCENE SCENE II. The fame. Enter the Queen, Posthumus, and Imogen. Queen. No, be affur'd, you shall not find me, daughter, After the flander of most step-mothers, Polt. I will from hence to-day. Please your highness, You know the peril : I'll fetch a turn about the garden, pitying Hath charg'd you should not speak together. Imo. 1 [Exit Queen. 0 Diffembling courtesy! How fine this tyrant (Always referv'd my holy duty,) what His rage can do on me: You must be gone; Of angry eyes; not comforted to live, Poft. Poft. My queen! my mistress! O, lady, weep no more; lest I give caufe Than doth become a man! I will remain 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, [Afide. But he does buy my injuries, to be friends; Pays dear for my offences. [Exit. Poft. 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; This diamond was my mother's: take it, heart; But keep it till you woo another wife, When Imogen is dead. Poft. How! how! another? You gentle gods, give me but this I have, With bonds of death!-Remain, remain thou here. While sense can keep it on! And sweetest, fairest, As I my poor felf did exchange for you, To your so infinite loss; so, in our trifles It is a manacle of love; I'll place it Upon this fairest prifoner. (Putting a bracelet on her arm. Cym. Thou basest thing, avoid! hence, from my fight! If, after this command, thou fraught the court With thy unworthiness, thou diest: Away! Thou art poison to my blood. Poft. The gods protect you! And bless the good remainders of the court! I am gone. Imo. There cannot be a pinch in death More sharp than this is. O disloyal thing, That should'st repair my youth; thou heapest A year's age on me! Imo. I beseech you, fir, Harm not yourself with your vexation; I Am senseless of your wrath; a touch more rare Subdues all pangs, all fears. Cym. Paft grace? obedience ? [Exit. 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. 1 Сут. |