thing doubt, you have store of thieves; notwithstanding, I fear not my ring. Phi. Let us leave here, gentlemen. Post. Sir, with all my heart. This worthy signior, I thank him, makes no stranger of me; we are familiar at first. Iach. With five times so much conversation, I should get ground of your fair mistress: make her go back, even to the yielding; had I admittance, and opportunity to friend. Post. No, no. Iach. I dare, thereupon, pawn the moiety of my estate to your ring; which, in my opinion, o'ervalues it something: But I make my wager rather against your confidence, than her reputation: and, to bar your offence herein too, I durst attempt it against any lady in the world. Post. You are a great deal abused in too bold a persuasion; and I doubt not you sustain what you 're worthy of, by your attempt. Iach. What's that? Post. A repulse: Though your attempt, as you call it, deserve more; a punishment too. Phi. Gentlemen, enough of this: it came in too suddenly; let it die as it was born, and, I pray you, be better acquainted. Iach. 'Would I had put my estate, and my neighbour's, on the approbation of what I have spoke. Post. What lady would you choose to assail? Iach. Yours; whom in constancy, you think, stands so safe. I will lay you ten thousand ducats to your ring, that, commend me to the court where your lady is, with no more advantage than the opportunity of a second conference, and I will bring from thence that honour of hers, which you imagine so reserved. Post. I will wage against your gold, gold to it: my ring I hold dear as my finger; 'tis part of it. Iach. You are a friend, and therein the wiser. If you buy ladies' flesh at a million a dram, you cannot preserve it from tainting: But, I see, you have some religion in you, that you fear. Post. This is but a custom in your tongue; you bear a graver purpose, I hope. Iach. I am the master of my speeches; and would undergo what's spoken, I swear. Post. Will you?—I shall but lend my diamond till your return:-Let there be covenants drawn between us: My mistress exceeds in goodness the hugeness of your unworthy thinking: I dare you to this match: here's my ring. Phi. I will have it no lay. Iach. By the gods it is one:-If I bring you no sufficient testimony that I have enjoyed the dearest bodily part of your mistress, my ten thousand ducats are yours; So is your diamond too. If I come off, and leave her in such honour as you have trust in, she your jewel, this your jewel, and my gold are yours:-provided, I have your commendation, for my more free entertainment. Post. I embrace these conditions; let us have articles betwixt us:-only, thus far you shall answer. If you make your voyage upon her, and give me directly to understand you have prevailed, I am no further your enemy, she is not worth our debate: if she remain unseduced, (you not making it appear otherwise) for your ill opinion, and the assault you have made to her chastity, you shall answer me with your sword. Iach. Your hand; a covenant: We will have these things set down by lawful counsel, and straight away for Britain; lest the bargain should catch cold, and starve: I will fetch my gold, and have our two wagers recorded.. Post. Agreed. [Exeunt PosT. and IACH. French. Will this hold, think you? Phi. Signior Iachimo will not from it. Pray, let us fol low 'em. SCENE VI. [Exeunt. Britain. A Room in Cymbeline's Palace. Enter Queen, Ladies, and CORNELIUS. Queen. Whiles yet the dew's on ground, gather those flowers; Make haste: Who has the note of them? 1 Lady. Queen. Despatch.————— I, madam. [Exeunt Ladies. Now, master doctor; have you brought those drugs? Cor. Pleaseth your highness, ay: here they are, ma[Presenting a small Box. But I beseech your grace, (without offence; dam: My conscience bids me ask ;) wherefore you have Queen. Other conclusions? I will try the forces Of these thy compounds on such creatures as Allayments to their act; and by them gather Their several virtues, and effects. Cor. Your highness. Shall from this practice but make hard your heart: Both noisome and infectious. Queen. O, content thee. Enter PISANIO. [Asides. Here comes a flattering rascal; upon him -How now, Pisanio? And enemy to my son:-) Doctor, your service for this time is ended; Cor. [aside] I do not like her. She doth think, she has Strange lingering poisons: I do know her spirit, A drug of such damn'd nature: Those, she has, Which first, perchance, she 'll prove on cats, and dogs; Queen. Until I send for thee. Cor. No further service, doctor, I humbly take my leave. [Exit. Queen. Weeps she still, say'st thou? Dost thou think, in time She will not quench; and let instructions enter As great as is thy master: greater; for [The Queen drops a Box: Pis. takes it up. That I mean to thee. Tell thy mistress how Who shall take notice of thee: I'll move the king As thou 'It desire; and then myself, I chiefly,, To load thy merit richly. Call my women: Think on my words. [Exit Pis.]-A sly and constant knave; Not to be shak'd: the agent for his master; The hand fast to her lord.I have given him that, Bear to my closet:-Fare thee well, Pisanio; Pis. [Exeunt Queen and Ladies. And shall do: But when to my good lord I prove untrue, I'll choke myself: there 's all I'll do for you. [Exit. SCENE VII. Another Room in the same. Enter IMOGEN. Imo. A father cruel, and a step-dame false; That hath her husband banish'd;-O, that husband! Iach. The worthy Leonatus is in safety, Change you, madam? |