Imo. I beseech you, sir, Harm not yourself with your vexation; I Am senseless of your wrath; a touch more rare1 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! Myself by with a needle, that I might prick 10 Queen. This hath been Your faithful servant: I dare lay mine honour, Pisan. I humbly thank your highness. Queen. Pray, walk a while. Imo. About some half hour hence, pray you speak with me: You shall, at least, go see my lord aboard: Imo. Oblest, that I might not! I chose an eagle, 15 For this time, leave me. And did avoid a puttoek2. Cym. Thou took'st a beggar; would'st have made my throne A seat for baseness. Imo. No; I rather added A lustre to it. Cym. O thou vile one! Imo. Sir, It is your fault that I have lov'd Posthumus: Almost the sum he pays. Cym. What?-art thou mad? [I were Would Imo. Almost,sir:--Heaven restore me! Our neighbour shepherd's son! Re-enter Queen. Cym. Thou foolish thing! They were again together: you have done SCENE III. Enter Cloten, and two Lords. [Exeunt Lord. Sir, I would advise you to shift a shirt; 20the violence of action hath made you reek as a sacrifice: Where air comes out, air comes ins there's none abroad so wholesome as that you vent. Clot. If my shirt were bloody, then to shift it.→→ 25 Have I hurt him? 2 Lord. No, faith; not so much as his patience. [Aside. 1 Lord. Hurt him? his body's a passable carcase, if he be not hurt: it is a thorough-fare for 30 steel, if it be not hurt. 2 Lord. His steel was in debt; it went o' the back-side of the town. Clot. The villain would not stand me. 2 Lord. No; but he fled forward still, toward [Aside. [To the Queen. 35 your face. Not after our command. Away with her, Queen. Beseech your patience:-Peace, comfort 1 Lord. Stand you! You have land enough of your own: but he added to your having; gave you some ground. 2 Lord. As many inches as you have oceans: Puppies! [Aside. Clot. I would, they had not come between us. 2 Lord. So would I, 'till you had measur'd how long a fool you were upon the ground. [Aside. Clot. And that she should love this fellow, and refuse me! 2 Lord. If it be a sin to make a true election, she is danın’d. [Aside. Lord. Sir, as I told you always, her beauty and her brain go not together: She's a good sign 50 but I have seen small reflection of her wit. 155 60 2 Lord. Well, my lord. [Exeunt. I would they were in Africk both together; A touch more rare, may mean a nobler passion, or a more exquisite feeling, a superior sensation. 2 A kite. 3 Sign here means fair outward shew. Mr. Steevens adds, that to understand the whole force of Shakspeare's idea, it should be remembered, that anciently almost every sign had a motto, or some attempt at a witticism, underneath it. SCENE SCENE IV. Imogen's Apartments. Enter Imogen, and Pisaniò. Imo. I would thou grew'st unto the shores o' 5 the haven, And question'dst ev'ry sail: if he should write, As offer'd mercy is'. What was the last That he spake to thee? Pisan. 'Twas, His · queen, his queen Imo. Then wav'd his handkerchief? Pisan. And kiss'd it, madam. ! Imo. Senseless linen! happier therein than I!— And that was all? Pisan. No, madam; for so long As he could inake me with this eye, or ear, Imo. Thou shouldst have made him Pisan. Madam, so I did. Imo. I would have broke mine eye-strings; To look upon him; till the diminution Pisan. Be assur'd, madam, Imo. I did not take my leave of him, but had Most pretty things to say: ere I could tell him, How I would think on him, at certain hours, Such thoughts, and such; or I could make him swear, [him, That she's of Italy should not betray Enter a Lady. Lady. The queen, madam, Desires your highness' company. [patch'd. An Apartment in Philario's House. Enter Philario, Iachimo, and a Frenchman. Iach. Believe it, sir: I have seen him in Bri tain: he was then of a crescent note; expected to prove so worthy, as since he has been allowed the name of: but I could then have look'd on him 10 without the help of admiration; though the catalogue of his endowments had been tabled by his side, and I to peruse him by items. Phil. You speak of him when he was less furnish'd than now he is, with that which makes 15him both without and within. French. I have seen him in France: we had very many there, could behold the sun with as firm eyes as he. Iach. This matter of marrying his king's dangh 20ter (wherein he must be weigh'd rather by her value, than his own) words him, I doubt not, a great deal from the matter. French. And then his banishment. Iach. Ay, and the approbations of those, that 25 weep this lamentable divorce, under her colours*, are wonderfully to extend him; be it but to fortify her judgement, which else an easy battery might lay flat, for taking a beggar without more quality. But how comes it, he is to sojourn with 30 you?-How creeps acquaintance? Phil. His father and I were soldiers together; to whom I have been often bound for no less than my life: Enter Posthumus. 35 Here comes the Briton: Let him be so entertained amongst you, as suits, with gentlemen of your knowing, to a stranger of his quality. I beseech you a 1, be better known to this gentleman; whom commend to you, as a noble friend of mine :How worthy he is, I will leave to appear hereafter, rather than story him in his own hearing. French. Sir, we have known together in Or 40 leans. Post. Since when I have been debtor to you 45 for courtesies, which I will be ever to pay, and yet pay still. French. Sir, you o'er-rate my poor kindness; I was glad I did atone' my countryman and you; it had been pity, you should have been put toge50ther with so mortal a purpose, as then each bore, upon importance of so slight and trivial a nature. Post. By your pardon, sir, I was then a young traveller; rather shunn'd to go even with what I heard, than in my every action to be guided by others' experiences: but, upon my mended judgement, (if I offend not to say it is mended) [Exeunt. my quarrel was not altogether slight. Imo. Those things I bid you do, get them dis-55 I will attend the queen. Pisan. Madam, I shall. 3 The meaning is, that the loss of that paper would prove as fatal to her, as the loss of a pardon to a condemned criminal. 2 Dr. Johnson remarks, that the diminution of space, is the diminution of which space is the cause.-Trees are killed by a blast of lightning, that is, by blasting, not blasted lightning. i.e. next opportunity. * Make is here used in the sense in which we say, This will make or mar you. i. e. makes the description of him very distant from the truth. i.e. by her influence. To atone signifies in this place to reconcile. That is, I was then willing to take for my direction the experience of others, more than such intelligence as Í had gathered myself. French. Safely, I think: 'twas a contention in publick, which may, without contradiction, suffer the report'. It was much like an argument that fell out last night, where each of us fell in praise 10 of our country mistresses: This gentleman at that time vouching, (and upon warrant of bloody affirmation) his to be more fair, virtuous, wise, chaste, constant-qualified, and less attemptible, than any the rarest of our ladies in France. Iach. That lady is not now living; or this gentleman's opinion, by this, worn out. Post. She holds her virtue still, and I my mind. Jach. You must not so far prefer her 'fore ours of Italy. Post. Being so far provok'd as I was in France, I would abate her nothing; though I profess myself her adorer, not her friend. her go back, even to the yielding; had I admit- lach. 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 abus'd' in too bold persuasion; and I doubt not, you sustain what you're worthy of, by your attempt. a Iach. What's that? Post. A repulse: Though your attempt, as you 15 call it, deserves more; a punishment too. 20 Tach. As fair, and as good, (a kind of hand-in- Post. I praised her, as I rated her; so do I my Post. You are mistaken: the one may be sold, or given; if there were wealth enough for the purchase, or merit for the gift: the other is not a thing for sale, and only the gift of the gods. [40] Jach. Which the gods have given you? Post. Which, by their graces, I will keep. Jach. You may wear her in title yours: but, you know, strange fowl light upon neighbouring ponds. Your ring may be stolen too: so, of your 45 brace of unprizeable estinations, the one is but frail, and the other casual: a cunning thief, or a that-way accomplish'd courtier, would hazard the winning both of first and last. Post. Your Italy contains none so accomplish'd 50 a courtier, to convince the honour of my mistress; if, in the holding or loss of that, you term her frail. I do nothing doubt, you have store of thieves; notwithstanding, I fear not my ring. Phil. 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. Phil. Gentlemen, enough of this: it came in too suddenly; let it die as it was born, and, I pray you, be better acquainted. 4 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? Jach Yours; who 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 reserv'd. 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 drachm, 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. Jach. I am the master of my speeches; and would undergo what's spoken, I swear. -If I bring you 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. Phil. I will have it no lay. Tach. By the gods, it is one:no sufficient testimony that I have enjoy'd 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 55 articles betwixt us:-only thus far you shall answer. If you make your voyage upon her, and give me directly to understand you have prevail'd, Tam no further your enemy, she is not worth our debate: if she remain unseduc'd, (you not making it appear otherwise) for your ill opinion, and the ? Convince for overcome. 1i. e. deceiv'd. Iach. With five times so much conversation, I should get ground of your fair mistress: make 60 That is, Which, undoubtedly, may be publicly told. i. e. proof. The meaning is, "You are a friend to the lady, and therein the wiser, as you will not expose her to hazard; and that you fear, is a proof of your religious fidelity." 3 M assault 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 Posthumus and Iachimo. 5 And will not trust one of her malice with Phil. Signior Iachimo will not from it. Pray, 10 So to be false with her. let us follow 'em. [Exeunt. Enter Queen, Ladies, and Cornelius. Queen. Whiles yet the dew's on ground, gather those flowers; 15 [Exeunt Ladies. 20 Now, master doctor; have you brought those drugs? [madam: Cor. Pleaseth your highness, ay: here they are, Which are the movers of a languishing death; Queen. I wonder, doctor, Queen. No further service, doctor, Cor. I humbly take my leave. [Exit. Queen. Weeps she still, say'st thou? Dost thou She will not quench; and let instruction enter Who cannot be new built; nor has no friends, [The Queen drops a phial: Pisanio takes it up. 30 So much as but to prop him?-Thou tak'st up Thou know'st not what; but take it for thy labour: It is a thing I make, which hath the king Five times redeem'd from death; I do not know What is more cordial :-Nay, I pr'ythee, take it; It is an earnest of a further good 35 Thou ask'st me such a question: Have I not been Cor. Your highness That I mean to thee. Tell thy mistress how Shall from this practice but make hard your heart: 45 To taste of too. So, so; well done, well done : But when to my good lord I prove untrue, Strange lingering poisons: I do know her spirit, (60 I'll choke myself: there's all I'll do for you. [Exit. That is, other experiments. fall. The meaning is, "Think change your present service," "mote his master's interest. i. e. to change his abode. 'i. e. that inclines towards its with what a fair prospect of mending your fortunes you now A leiger ambassador is one that resides at a foreign court to pro SCENE Imogen's Apartment. Imo. A father cruel, and a step-dame false; Enter Pisanio, and Iachimo. 10 'Twixt two such she's, would chatter this way, and Contema with mows the other: Nor i' the judge ment; For idiots, in this case of favour, would Imo. What is the matter, trow? (That satiate yet unsatisfied desire, That tub both fill'd and running) ravening first Pisan. Madam, a noble gentleman of Rome 15 Thus raps you? Are you well? Comes from my lord with letters. Jach. Change you, madam? And greets your highness dearly. [Gives a letter. Iach. Thanks, madam; well:-Beseech you, [To Pisanio. sir, Desire my man's abode where I did leave him: To give him welcome. The worthy Leonatus is in safety, Imo. Thanks, good sir; 20 Pisan. I was going, sir, You are kindly welcome. ['beseech you? fach. All of her, that is out of door, most rich! If she be furnished with a mind so rare, [Aside. She is alone the Arabian bird; and I. Imo. Continues well, my lord? His health, Imo. Is he dispos'd to mirth? I hope, he is. Iach. Exceeding pleasant; none a stranger there Imo. When he was here, He did incline to sadness; and oft-times Iach. I never saw him sad. "He is one of the noblest note, to whose 30 Not knowing why. "kindnesses I am most infinitely tied. Reflect upon him accordingly, as you value your trust. "LEONATUS." There is a Frenchman his companion, one An eminent monsieur, that, it seems, much loves 35 The thick sighs from him; whiles the jolly Briton 40" What woman is, yea, what she cannot choose Iach. Ay, madam; with his eyes in flood with Imo. What makes your admiration? lach. It cannot be i' the eye; for apes and 50 Be us'd more thankfully. In himself, 'tis much; nionkeys, In you,—which I account his, beyond all talents,- 2 That is, according to Warburton, "who are beholden only to the seasons for their support and nourishment; so that, if those be kindly, such have no more to care for or desire." The crop of sea and land means the productions of either element. Dr. Johnson says, he knows not well how to regulate this passage. Number'd is perhaps numerous.-Twinn'd stones he does not understand. Twinn'd shells, or pairs of shells, are very common."-Mr. Steevens adds, that the pebbles on the seashore are so much of the same size and shape, that twinn'd may mean as like as twins.-Dr. Farmer thinks we may read the umbered, the shaded beach. Dr. Johnson explains this passage thus: "Iachimo, in this counterfeited rapture, has shewn how the eyes and the judgement would determine in favour of Imogen, comparing her with the present mistress of Posthumus, and proceeds to say, that appetite too would give the same suffrage. Desire, says he, when it approached sluttery, and considered it in comparison with such neat excellence, would not only be not so allured to feed, but, seized with a fit of loathing, would vomit emptiness, would feel the convulsions of disgust, though, being nafed, it had nothing to eject." Strange here seems to signify shy or backward. |