Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Jennifer Forsyth
Peer Reviewed

Cymbeline (Modern)

2080[3.6]
Enter Imogen alone, as Fidele
Imogen
I see a man's life is a tedious one:
I have tired myself, and for two nights together
Have made the ground my bed. I should be sick
2085But that my resolution helps me. Milford,
When from the mountaintop Pisanio showed thee,
Thou wast within a ken. O Jove, I think
Foundations fly the wretched: such, I mean,
Where they should be relieved. Two beggars told me
2090I could not miss my way. Will poor folks lie
That have afflictions on them, knowing 'tis
A punishment or trial? Yes; no wonder,
When rich ones scarce tell true. To lapse in fullness
Is sorer than to lie for need, and falsehood
2095Is worse in kings than beggars. My dear lord,
Thou art one o'th' false ones -- now I think on thee
My hunger's gone, but even before I was
At point to sink for food.
[Sees cave]
But what is this?
Here is a path to't; 'tis some savage hold.
2100I were best not call; I dare not call; yet famine
Ere clean it o'erthrow nature makes it valiant.
Plenty and peace breeds cowards; hardness ever
Of hardiness is mother. Ho! Who's here?
If any thing that's civil, speak; if savage,
2105Take or lend. Ho! No answer? Then I'll enter.
Best draw my sword, and if mine enemy
But fear the sword like me, he'll scarcely look on't.
Such a foe, good heavens!
Exit [to the cave]
2110Enter Belarius [as Morgan], Guiderius [as Polydore], and Arviragus [as Cadwal]
Belarius
You, Polydore, have proved best woodman and
Are master of the feast; Cadwal and I
Will play the cook and servant; 'tis our match.
The sweat of industry would dry and die
2115But for the end it works to. Come, our stomachs
Will make what's homely, savory: weariness
Can snore upon the flint when resty sloth
Finds the down pillow hard. Now peace be here,
Poor house, that keepst thyself.
2120Guiderius
I am throughly weary.
Arviragus
I am weak with toil yet strong in appetite.
Guiderius
There is cold meat i'th' cave; we'll browse on that
Whilst what we have killed be cooked.
[Belarius looks into or begins to go into the cave]
Belarius
Stay; come not in.
2125But that it eats our victuals, I should think
Here were a fairy.
Guiderius
What's the matter, sir?
Belarius
By Jupiter, an angel! Or, if not,
An earthly paragon. Behold divineness
2130No elder than a boy.
Enter Imogen [from the cave]
Imogen
Good masters, harm me not.
Before I entered here, I called, and thought
To have begged or bought what I have took. Good troth,
2135I have stolen nought, nor would not, though I had found
Gold strewed i'th' floor. Here's money for my meat;
I would have left it on the board so soon
As I had made my meal, and parted
With prayers for the provider.
2140Guiderius
Money, youth?
Arviragus
All gold and silver rather turn to dirt,
As 'tis no better reckoned but of those
Who worship dirty gods.
Imogen
I see you're angry.
2145Know, if you kill me for my fault, I should
Have died had I not made it.
Belarius
Whither bound?
Imogen
To Milford Haven.
Belarius
What's your name?
2150Imogen
Fidele, sir. I have a kinsman who
Is bound for Italy; he embarked at Milford,
To whom being going, almost spent with hunger,
I am fallen in this offense.
Belarius
Prithee, fair youth,
2155Think us no churls, nor measure our good minds
By this rude place we live in. Well encountered.
'Tis almost night; you shall have better cheer
Ere you depart, and thanks to stay and eat it.
Boys, bid him welcome.
2160Guiderius
Were you a woman, youth,
I should woo hard but be your groom, in honesty;
I bid for you as I do buy.
Arviragus
I'll make't my comfort
He is a man. I'll love him as my brother,
2165And such a welcome as I'd give to him
After long absence, such is yours. Most welcome:
Be sprightly, for you fall 'mongst friends.
Imogen
'Mongst friends,
If brothers. [Aside] Would it had been so, that they
2170Had been my father's sons; then had my prize
Been less, and so more equal ballasting
To thee, Posthumus.
[Belarius, Guiderius, and Arviragus speak apart]
Belarius
He wrings at some distress.
Guiderius
Would I could free't.
2175Arviragus
Or I, whate'er it be,
What pain it cost, what danger. Gods!
Belarius
Hark, boys.
[Belarius whispers to Guiderius and Arviragus]
Imogen [Aside]
Great men
That had a court no bigger than this cave,
2180That did attend themselves, and had the virtue
Which their own conscience sealed them, laying by
That nothing-gift of differing, multitudes
Could not outpeer these twain. Pardon me, gods;
I'd change my sex to be companion with them
2185Since Leonatus false.
Belarius [Aloud]
It shall be so.
Boys, we'll go dress our hunt. -- Fair youth, come in.
Discourse is heavy, fasting; when we have supped,
We'll mannerly demand thee of thy story,
2190So far as thou wilt speak it.
Guiderius
Pray draw near.
Arviragus
The night to th' owl and morn to th' lark less welcome.
Thanks, sir.
2195Arviragus
I pray draw near.
Exeunt