There is a prohibition so divine, That cravens my weak hand. Come, here's my heart; The scriptures of the loyal Leonatus, Corrupters of my faith! you shall no more And thou, Posthúmus, thou that did'st set up Will then be pang'd by me.-Pr'ythee, despatch: When I desire it too. Pis. O gracious lady, Since I receiv'd command to do this business, Imo. Do 't, and to bed then. Pis. I'll wake mine eye-balls blind first. Wherefore then Didst undertake it? Why hast thou abus'd Pis. Hear me with patience. Imo. Talk thy tongue weary; speak: I have heard, I am a strumpet; and mine ear, Pis. I thought you would not back again. Bringing me here to kill me. Pis. Then, madam, Most like; Not so, neither: But if I were as wise as honest, then My purpose would prove well. It cannot be, Some villain, ay, and singular in his art, Hath done you both this cursed injury. Imo. Some Roman courtezan. Pis. No, on my life. I'll give but notice you are dead, and send him. I should do so: You shall be miss'd at court, Imo. Why, good fellow, What shall I do the while? Where bide? How live? Or in my life what comfort, when I am Dead to my husband? Pis. If you'll back to the court, Imo. No court, no father; nor no more ado Pis. If not at court, Where then? Then not in Britain must you bide. Imo. Hath Britain all the sun that shines? Day, night, In a great pool, a swan's nest; Pr'ythee, think Pis. I am most glad. You think of other place. The embassador, Lucius the Roman, comes to Milford-Haven Imo. O, for such means! Though peril to my modesty, not death on 't, Pis. Well then, here's the point: You must forget to be a woman; change Imo. Nay, be brief: I see into thy end, and am almost A man already. -Pis. First, make yourself but like one.. Fore-thinking this, I have already fit, ('Tis in my cloak-bag) doublet, hat, hose, all That answer to them: Would you, in their serving, And with what imitation you can borrow From youth of such a season, 'fore noble Lucius Wherein you are happy, (which you'll make him know, You have me, rich; and I will never fail Imo. Thou art all the comfort A prince's courage. Away, I pr'ythee. Pis. Well, madam, we must take a short farewel; Lest, being miss'd, I be suspected of Your carriage from the court. My noble mistress, Imo. Amen: I thank thee. [Exeunt. SCENE V. A Room in Cymbeline's Palace. Enter CYMBELINE, Queen, CLOTEN, LUCIUS, and Lords. Cym. Thus far; and so farewel. Luc. Thanks, royal sir. My emperor hath wrote; I must from hence; My master's enemy. Cym. Our subjects, sir, Will not endure his yoke; and for ourself Appear unkinglike. Luc. So, sir, I desire of you A conduct over land, to Milford-Haven.— Madam, all joy befal your grace, and you! Cym. My lords, you are appointed for that office; The due of honour in no point omit: So, farewel, noble Lucius. Luc. Your hand, my lord. Clo. Receive it friendly: but from this time forth I wear it as your enemy. Luc. Sir, the event Is yet to name the winner: Fare you well. Cym. Leave not the worthy Lucius, good my lords, Till he have cross'd the Severn.-Happiness! [Exeunt Luc. and Lords. Queen. He goes hence frowning: but it honours us, That we have given him cause. Clo. 'Tis all the better Your valiant Britons have their wishes in it. Cym. Lucius hath wrote already to the emperor Will soon be drawn to head, from whence he moves Queen. We have been too slight in sufferance. [Exit an Attend. Royal sir, Her chambers are all lock'd; and there's no answer That will be given to the loud'st of noise we make. |