Internet Shakespeare Editions

About this text

  • Title: Cymbeline (Folio 1, 1623)
  • Editor: Jennifer Forsyth
  • ISBN: 1-55058-300-X

    Copyright Jennifer Forsyth. This text may be freely used for educational, non-profit purposes; for all other uses contact the Editor.
    Author: William Shakespeare
    Editor: Jennifer Forsyth
    Peer Reviewed

    Cymbeline (Folio 1, 1623)

    Actus Quartus. Scena Prima.
    Enter Clotten alone.
    Clot I am neere to'th' place where they should meet,
    2220if Pisanio haue mapp'd it truely. How fit his Garments
    serue me? Why should his Mistris who was made by him
    that
    The Tragedie of Cymbeline. 387
    that made the Taylor, not be fit too? The rather (sauing
    reuerence of the Word) for 'tis saide a Womans fitnesse
    comes by fits: therein I must play the Workman, I dare
    2225speake it to my selfe, for it is not Vainglorie for a man,
    and his Glasse, to confer in his owne Chamber; I meane,
    the Lines of my body are as well drawne as his; no lesse
    young, more strong, not beneath him in Fortunes, be-
    yond him in the aduantage of the time, aboue him in
    2230Birth, alike conuersant in generall seruices, and more re-
    markeable in single oppositions; yet this imperseuerant
    Thing loues him in my despight. What Mortalitie is?
    Posthumus, thy head (which now is growing vppon thy
    shoulders) shall within this houre be off, thy Mistris in-
    2235forced, thy Garments cut to peeces before thy face: and
    all this done, spurne her home to her Father, who may
    (happily) be a little angry for my so rough vsage: but my
    Mother hauing power of his testinesse, shall turne all in-
    to my commendations. My Horse is tyed vp safe, out
    2240Sword, and to a sore purpose: Fortune put them into my
    hand: This is the very description of their meeting place
    and the Fellow dares not deceiue me. Exit.