Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Jennifer Forsyth
Peer Reviewed

Cymbeline (Modern)

[5.2]
Enter Lucius, Iachimo, and the Roman army at one door and the Briton army at another, Posthumus following like a poor soldier.
They march over and go 2895out.
Then enter again in skirmish Iachimo and Posthumus.
He vanquisheth and disarmeth Iachimo, and then leaves him.
Iachimo
The heaviness and guilt within my bosom
Takes off my manhood. I have belied a lady,
2900The princess of this country, and the air on't
Revengingly enfeebles me, or could this carl,
A very drudge of Nature's, have subdued me
In my profession? Knighthoods and honors borne
As I wear mine are titles but of scorn.
2905If that thy gentry, Britain, go before
This lout as he exceeds our lords, the odds
Is that we scarce are men and you are gods.
Exit
The battle continues; the Britons fly; Cymbeline is taken.
Then enter to his rescue Belarius [as Morgan], Guiderius [as Polydore], 2910and Arviragus [as Cadwal].
Belarius
Stand, stand! We have th'advantage of the ground;
The lane is guarded. Nothing routs us but
The villainy of our fears.
Guiderius and Arviragus
Stand, stand, and fight!
2915Enter Posthumus and seconds the Britons.
They rescue Cymbeline and exeunt.
Then enter Lucius, Iachimo, and Imogen [as Fidele].
Lucius
Away, boy, from the troops, and save thyself,
For friends kill friends, and the disorder's such
2920As war were hoodwinked.
Iachimo
'Tis their fresh supplies.
Lucius
It is a day turned strangely. Or betimes
Let's reinforce or fly.
Exeunt