The battle continues; the Britons fly; Cymbeline is taken: then enter, to his rescue, Belarius, Guiderius, and Arviragus. Bel. Stand, stand! We have the advantage of the ground; The lane is guarded: nothing routs us, but The villainy of our fears. Gui. Aro. Stand, stand, and fight! Enter Posthumus, and seconds the Britons: They rescue Cymbeline, and exeunt. Then, enter Lucius, Iachimo, and Imogen. Luc. Away, boy, from the troops, and save thy self: For friends kill friends, and the disorder's such Iach. 'Tis their fresh supplies. [Excunt. Luc. It is a day turn'd strangely: Or betimes Let's re-enforce, or fly. SCENE III. Another part of the field. Enter Posthumus and a British Lord. Lord. Cam'st thou from where they made the stand? Post. Though you, it seems, come from the fliers. Lord. I did: I did. Post. No blame be to you, sir; for all was lost, But that the heavens fought: The king himself Of his wings destitute, the army broken, And but the backs of Britons seen, all flying Through a strait lane; the enemy full-hearted, With dead men, hurt behind, and cowards living Lord. Where was this lane? Post. Close by the battle, ditch'd and wall'd with turf; Which gave advantage to an ancient soldier,- So long a breeding, as his white beard came to, Than those for preservation cas'd, or shame), Like beasts, which you shun beastly; and may save, But to look back in frown: stand, stand.-These three, Three thousand confident, in act as many, (For three performers are the file, when all The rest do nothing,) with this word, stand, stand, Part, shame, part, spirit renew'd; that some, turn'd coward But by example (O, a sin in war, Block'd up. + A country-game called prison-bars, vulgarly prison-base. Damn'd in the first beginners!) 'gan to look A rout, confusion thick: Forthwith, they fly The life o'the need; having found the back-door open Lord. Post. Nay, do not wonder at it: You are made Rather to wonder at the things you hear, Than to work any. Will you rhyme upon't, Post. 'Lack, to what end? Who dares not stand his foe, I'll be his friend: For if he'll do, as he is made to do, I know, he'll quickly fly my friendship too. Farewell, you are angry. [Exit. Lord. Post. Still going?-This is a lord! O noble misery! To be i'the field, and ask, what news, of me! To day, how many would have given their honours To have sav'd their carcasses? took heel to do't, And yet died too? I, in mine own woe charm'd, Could not find death, where I did hear him groan; Nor feel him, where he struck: Being an ugly monster, * Terrors. 'Tis strange, he hides him in fresh cups, soft beds, For being now a favourer to the Roman, Enter two British Captains, and Soldiers. 1 Cap. Great Jupiter be prais'd! Lucius is taken: 'Tis thought, the old man and his sons were angels. 2 Cap. There was a fourth man, in a silly habit, That gave the affront with them. 1 Cap. So 'tis reported: But none of them can be found.-Stand! who is there? Post. A Roman; Who had not now been drooping here, if seconds. Had answer'd him. 2 Cap. Lay hands on him; a dog! A leg of Rome shall not return to tell, What crows have peck'd them here. He brags his service As if he were of note: bring him to the king. Enter Cymbeline, attended; Belarius, Guiderius, Arviragus, Pisanio, and Roman captives. The Captains present Posthumus to Cymbeline, who delivers him over to a Gaoler: after which, all go out. • Encounter. SCENE IV. A prison. Enter Posthumus, and two Gaolers. 1 Gaol. You shall not now be stolen, you have locks upon you; So, graze, as you find pasture. 2 Gaol. Ay, or a stomach. [Exeunt Gaolers. Post. Most welcome, bondage! for thou arta way, I think, to liberty: Yet am I better Than one that's sick o'the gout: since he had rather Groan so in perpetuity, than be cur'd By the sure physician, death; who is the key To unbar these locks. My conscience! thou art fet ter'd More than my shanks, and wrists: You good gods, give me The penitent instrument, to pick that bolt, I know, you are more clement than vile men, * Fetters. |