m OTTOHARR COLLECTION OF BRITISH AUTHORS TAUCHNITZ EDITION. VOL. 45. THE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE. IN SEVEN VOLUMES. VOL. VL THE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE FROM THE TEXT OF THE REV. ALEXANDER DYCE'S SECOND EDITION. COMPLETE IN SEVKN VOLULIE3. VOL. VI, LEIPZIG BERNHARD TAUCHNITZ 1868. n c CONTENTS OF VOLUME VI. PAflK HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK 1 KING LEAR 117 OTHELLO, THE MOOR OF VENICE 219 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA 321 CYMBELINE 4*y HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK. DRAMATIS PERSONS. CLAUDIUS, king of Denmark. MARCELLUS, ) HAMLET, son to the former, and BERNARDO, ) nephew to the present king. FRANCISCO, a soldier. POLONIUS, lord chamberlain. REYNALDO, servant to Polonius, HORATIO, friend to Hamlet. Players. LAERTES, son to Polonius. Two Clowns, grave-diggers. VOLTIMAND, 1 FORTINBRAS , prince of Norway. CORNELIUS, A Captain. ROSENCRANTZ, English Ambassadors. Urlr - OSRIC, GERTRUDE, queen of Denmark, A Gentleman , J and mother to Hamlet. A Priest. OPHELIA, daughter to Polonius. Lords, Ladies, Officers, Soldiers, Sailors, Messengers, and other Attendants. Ghost of Hamlet's Father. SCENE Eltinore; except in the fourth scene oj the fourth act, where it is a plain in Denmark. ACT I. SCENE I. Elsinore. A platform before the castle. FRANCISCO at his post. Enter to him BERNARDO. Ber. Who's there? Fran. Nay, answer me : stand , and unfold yourself. Ber. Long live the king! Fran. Bernardo ? Shakespeare. VI. 2 HAMLET , [ACT 1. B*r. He. Fran. You come most carefully upon your hour. Ber. 'Tis now struck twelve; get thee to bed, Francisco. Fran. For this relief much thanks: 'tis bitter cold , And I am sick at heart. Ber. Have you had quiet guard? Fran. Not a mouse stirring. Ber. Well, good night. If you do meet Horatio and Marcellus , The rivals of my watch , bid them make haste. Fran. I think I hear them. Stand, ho! Who is there? Enter HORATIO and MARCELLUS. //or. Friends to this ground. Mar. And liegemen to the Dane. Fran. Give you good night. Mar. 0, farewell, honest soldier: Who hath relzev'd you? Fran. Bernardo has my place. Give you good night. [Exit, Mar. Holla! Bernardo! Ber. Say, What, is Horatio there? Hor. A piece of him. Ber. Welcome, Horatio: welcome, good Marcellus. Mar. What, has this thing appeared again to-night? Ber. I have seen nothing. Mar. Horatio says 'tis but our fantasy, And will not let belief take hold of him Touching this dreaded sight, twice seen of us: Therefore I have entreated him along With us to watch the minutes of this night; That, if again this apparition come, He may approve our eyes , and speak to it. Hor. Tush, tush, 'twill not appear. Ber. Sit down awhile; And let us once again assail your ears , i PRINCE OF DENMAHK. 3 That are so fortified against our story, What we two nights have seen. //or. Well, sit we down, And let us hear Bernardo speak of this. Ber. Last night of all, When yond same star that's westward from the pole Had made his course t' illume that part of heaven Where now it burns , Marcellus and myself, The bell then beating one , Mar. Peace , break thec off; look , where it comes again ! Enter Ghost. Ber. In the same figure , like the king that's dead. Mar. Thou art a scholar; speak to it, Horatio. Ber. Looks it not like the king? mark it, Horatio. Hor. Most like: it harrows me with fear and wonder. Ber. It would be spoke to. Mar. Question it, Horatio. Hor. What art thou , that usurp'st this time of night , Together with that fair and warlike form In which the majesty of buried Denmark Did sometimes march? by heaven I charge thee, speak! Mar. It is offended. Ber. See , it stalks away ! Hor. Stay! speak, speak! I charge thee, speak! [Exit Ghost. Mar. 'Tis gone , and will not answer. Ber. How now, Horatio ! you tremble , and look pale : Is not this something more than fantasy? What think you on't? Hor. Before my God , I might not this believe Without the sensible and true avouch Of mine own eyes. Mar. Is it not like the king? Hor. As thou art to thyself: Such was the very armour he had on When he th' ambitious Norway combated; 4 HAMLET, [ACT I. So frown'd he once , when , in an angry parie , He smote the sledded Polacks on the ice. Tis strange. Mar, Thus twice before, and jump at this dead hour, With martial stalk hath he gone by our watch. HOT. In what particular thought to work I know not ; But, in the gross and scope of my opinion, This bodes some strange eruption to our state. Mar. Good now, sit down , and tell me , he that knows , Why this same strict and most observant watch So nightly toils the subject of the land; And why such daily cast of brazen cannon , And foreign mart for implements of war; Why such impress of shipwrights , whose sore task Does not divide the Sunday from the week ; What might be toward , that this sweaty haste Doth make the night joint-labourer with the day : Who is 't that can inform me? Hor. That can I; At least, the whisper goes so. Our last king , Whose image even but now appear'd to us , Was , as you know, by Fortinbras of Norway, Thereto prick'd on by a most emulate pride , Dar'd to the combat; in which our valiant Hamlet For so this side of our known world esteem'd him Did slay this Fortinbras; who, by a seal'd compdet, Well ratified by law and heraldry, Did forfeit , with his life , all those his lands Which he stood seiz'd of to the conqueror: Against the which, a moiety competent Was gaged by our king; which had return'd To the inheritance of Fortinbras , Had he been vanquisher; as, by the same co-mart, And carriage of the article design'd , His fell to Hamlet. Now, sir , young Fortinbras , Of unimproved mettle hot and full , Hath in the skirts of Norway, here and there , SCENisi l.J PRINCE OF DENMARK. Shark'd up a list of lawless resolutea, For food and diet, to some enterprise That hath a stomach in't: which is no other As it doth well appear unto our state But to recover of us , by strong hand And terms compulsative , those foresaid lands So by his father lost : and this , I take it , Is the main motive of our preparations, The source of this our watch, and the chief head Of this post-haste and romage in the land. Ber. I think it be no other but e'en so : Well may it sort, that this portentous figure Comes armed through our watch; so like the king That was and is the question of these wars. Hor. A mote it is to trouble the mind's eye. In the most high and palmy state of Home , A little ere the mightiest Julius fell, The graves stood tenantless , and the sheeted dead Did squeak and gibber in the Roman streets: As, stars with trains of fire, and dews of blood , Disasters in the sun; and the moist star, Upon whose influence Neptune's empire stands , Was sick almost to doomsday with eclipse : And even the like precurse of fierce eventg As harbingers preceding still the fates , And prologue to the omen coming on Have heaven and earth together demonstrated Unto our climature and countrymen. But, soft, behold! lo, where it comes again! Re-enter Ghost. I'll cross it, though it blast me. Stay, illusion! If thou hast any sound , or use of voice , Speak to me : If there be any good thing to be done , That may to thee do ease , and grace to ine , Speak to me: fl HAMLET, [ACT I If thou art privy to thy country's fate , Which, happily, foreknowing may avoid, 0, speak! Or if thou hast uphoarded in thy life Extorted treasure in the womb of earth, For which, they say, you spirits oft walk in death , [Cock crows. Speak of it: stay, and speak! Stop it, Marcellus. Mar. Shall I strike at it with my partisan? Hor. Do , if it will not stand. Ber. 'Tishere! Hor. 'Tishere! Mar. Tisgone! [Exit Ghost We do it wrong, being so majestical , To offer it the show of violence; For it is, as the air, invulnerable, And our vain blows malicious mockery. Ber. It was about to speak when the cock crew. Hor. And then it started like a guilty thing Upon a fearful summons. I have heard , The cock , that is the trumpet to the morn , Doth with his lofty and shrill-sounding throat Awake the god of day; and at his warning, Whether in sea or fire, in earth or air, Th' extravagant and erring spirit hies To his confine : and of the truth herein This present object made probation. Mar. It faded on the crowing of the cock. Some say, that ever 'gainst that season comes Wherein our Saviour's birth is celebrated , The bird of dawning singeth all night long : And then, they say, no spirit dare stir abroad; The nights are wholesome; then no planets strike , No fairy takes, nor witch hath power to charm; 3o hailow'd and so gracious is the time. Hor. So have I heard, and do in part believe it. But, look , the morn , in russet mantle clad , SCENE n.] PRINCE OF DENMARK. 7 Walks o'er the dew of yon high eastern hill: Break we our watch up: and, by my advice, Let us impart what we have seen to-night Unto young Hamlet; for, upon my life, This spirit, dumb to us, will speak to him: Do you consent we shall acquaint him with it , As needful in our loves, fitting our duty? Mar. Let's do't, I pray; and I this morning know Where we shall find him most convenient. [Exeunt. SCENE II. The same. A room of state in t?ie castle. Enter the King, Queen, HAMLET, POLONIUS, LAERTES, VOLTIMAM;, CORNELIUS, Lords, and Attendants. King. Though yet of Hamlet our dear brother's death The memory be green ; and that it us befitted To bear our hearts in grief, and our whole kingdom To be contracted in one brow of woe; Yet so far hath discretion fought with nature , That we with wisest sorrow think on him , Together with remembrance of ourselves. Therefore our sometime sister, now our queen, Th' imperial jointress of this warlike state, Have we, as 'twere with a defeated joy, With one auspicious, and one dropping eye, With mirth in funeral, and with dirge in marriage, In equal scale weighing delight and dole , Taken to wife : nor have we herein barr'd Your better wisdoms, which have freely gone With this affair along: for all, our thanks. Now follows, that you know, young Fortinbras, Holding a weak supposai of our worth , Or thinking by our late dear brother's death Our state to be disjoint and out of frame, Colleagued with the dream of his advantage , He hath not faiTd to pester us with message , Importing the surrender of those lands 8 HAMLET, JACTI. Lost by his father, with all bands of law, To our most valiant brother. So much for him. Now for ourself , and for this time of meeting : Thus much the business is : we have here writ To Norway, uncle of young Fortinbras, Who, impotent and bed-rid, scarcely hears Of this his nephew's purpose , to suppress His further gait herein ; in that the levies , The lists , and full proportions , are all made Out of his subject: and we here dispatch You, good Cornelius, and you, Voltimand, For bearers of this greeting to old Norway; Giving to you no further personal power To business with the king , more than the scope Of these dilated articles allow. Farewell; and let your haste commend your duty. Cor. Vol. In that and all things will we show our duty. King. We doubt it nothing : heartily farewell. [Exeunt Voltimand and Cornelius. And now, Laertes, what's the news with you? You told us of some suit; what is't, Laertes? You cannot speak of reason to the Dane , And lose your voice: what wouldst thou beg, Laertes, That shall not be my offer , not thy asking ? The head is not more native to the heart , The hand more instrumental to the mouth , Than is the throne of Denmark to thy father. What wouldst thou have, Laertes? Laer. Dread my lord , Your leave and favour to return to France ; From whence though willingly I came to Denmark, To show my duty in your coronation; Yet now, I must confess, that duty done , My thoughts and wishes bend again toward France, And bow them to your gracious leave and pardon. King. Have you your father's leave? What says Polonius ? Pol. He hath , my lord , wrung from me my slow leave 8CKNEH.] PRINCE OF DENMARK. 9 By iaboursome petition ; and , at last , Upon his will I seal'd my hard consent: I do beseech you, give him leave to go. King. Take thy fair hour, Laertes; time be thine, And thy best graces spend it at thy will! But now , my cousin Hamlet , and my son , Ham. [aside] A little more than kin , and less than kind. King. How is it that the clouds still hang on you? Ham. Not so, my lord; I am too much i' the sun. Queen. Good Hamlet, cast thy nighted colour off, And let thine eye look like a friend on Denmark. Do not for ever with thy vailed lids Seek for thy noble father in the dust: Thou know'st 'tis common, all that live must die, Passing through nature to eternity. Ham. Ay, madam , it is common. Queen. If it be , Why seems it so particular with thee? Ham. Seems, madam! nay, it is; I know not "seems." 'Tis not alone my inky cloak , good mother , Nor customary suits of solemn black , Nor windy suspiration of forc'd breath , No , nor the fruitful river in the eye , Nor the dejected haviour of the visage, Together with all forms, modes, shows of grief , That can denote me truly : these , indeed , seem , For they are actions that a man might play : But I have that within which passeth show ; These but the trappings and the suits of woe. King. 'Tis sweet and commendable in your nature, Hamlet, To give these mourning duties to your father : But, you must know, your father lost a father; That father lost , lost his ; and the survivor bound , In filial obligation , for some term To do obsequious sorrow: but to persdver In obstinate condolement, is a course Of impious stubbornness; 'tis unmanly grief: 10 HAMLET, IACTI. It shows a will most incorrect to heaven ; A heart unfortified, a mind impatient; An understanding simple and unschool'd: For what we know must be , and is as common As any the most vulgar thing to sense , Why should we , in our peevish opposition , Take it to heart? Fie! 'tis a fault to heaven, A fault against the dead, a fault to nature, To reason most absurd ; whose common theme Is death of fathers, and who still hath cried, From the first corse till he that died to-day, "This must be so." We pray you, throw to earth This unprevailing woe ; and think of us As of a father: for let the world take note, You are the most immediate to our throne ; And with no less nobility of love Than that which dearest father bears his son , Do I impart toward you. For your intent In going back to school in Wittenberg , It is most retrograde to our desire: And we beseech you, bend you to remain Here , in the cheer and comfort of our eye , Our chiefest courtier, cousin, and our son. Queen. Let not thy mother lose her prayers , Hamlet : I pray thee, stay with us; go not to Wittenberg. Ham. I shall in all my best obey you, madam. King. Why, 'tis a loving and a fair reply : Be as ourself in Denmark. Madam, come; This gentle and unforc'd accord of Hamlet Sits smiling to my heart : in grace whereof, No jocund health that Denmark drinks to-day, But the great cannon to the clouds shall tell; And the king's rouse the heavens shall bruit again . Re-speaking earthly thunder. Come away. [Exeunt all except Hamiet Ham. 0, that this too-too solid flesh would melt, Thaw, and resolve itself into a dew! SCBNKn.] PRINCE OF DENMARK. 11 Or that the Everlasting had not fix'd His canon 'gainst self-slaughter! God! God! How weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable Seem to me all the uses of this world! Fie on't! 0,fie! 'tis an unweeded garden , That grows to seed; things rank and gross in nature Possess it merely. That it should come to this ! But two months dead! nay, not so much, not two: So excellent a king; that was, to this, Hyperion to a satyr: so loving to my mother, That he might not beteem the winds of heaven Visit her face too roughly. Heaven and earth! Must I remember? why, she would hang on him , As if increase of appetite had grown By what it fed on : and yet, within a month , Let me not think on't, Frailty, thy name is woman! A little month; or e'er those shoes were old With which she follow'd my poor father's body, Like Niobe, all tears; why she, even she God! a beast, that wants discourse of reason, Would have mourn'd longer married with my undta , My father's brother; but no more like my father Than I to Hercules: within a month; Ere yet the salt of most unrighteous tears Had left the flushing in her galled eyes , She married: 0, most wicked speed, to post With such dexterity to incestuous sheets ! It is not, nor it cannot come to, good: But break, my heart, for I must hold my tongue! Enter HORATIO , MARCKLLUS , and BERNARDO. Hor. Hail to your lordship ! Ham. I'm glad to see you well : Horatio , or I do forget myself. Hor. The same, my lord, and your poor servant ever Ham. Sir, my good friend ; I'll change that name with you : 12 HAMLET [ACT I. And what make you from Wittenberg, Horatio? Marcellus? Mar. My good lord , Ham. I'm very glad to see you. Good even , sir. But what, in faith, make you from Wittenberg? Hor. A truant disposition, good my lord. Ham. I would not hear your enemy say so ; Nor shall you do mine ear that violence To make it truster of your own report Against yourself: I know you are no truant. But what is your affair in Elsinore? We'll teach you to drink deep ere you depart. Hor. My lord, I came to see your father's funeral. Ham. I pray thee, do not mock me, fellow-student; 1 think it was to see my mother's wedding. Hor. Indeed, my lord, it follow'd hard upon. Ham. Thrift, thrift, Horatio! the funeral bak'd meats Did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables. Would I had met my dearest foe in heaven Or ever I had seen that day, Horatio! My father, methinks I see my father. Hor. 0, where, my lord? Ham. In my mind's eye, Horatio. Hor. I saw him once ; he was a goodly king. Ham. He was a man , take him for all in all , I shall not look upon his like again. Hor. My lord, I think I saw him yesternight. Ham. Saw who? Hor. My lord , the king your father. Ham. The king my father ! Hor. Season your admiration for a while With an attent ear; till I may deliver, Upon the witness of these gentlemen, This marvel to you. Ham. For God's love , let me hear. Hor. Two nights together had these gentlemen , Marcellus and Bernardo, on their watch, PRINCE OF DENMARK. 13 In the dead vast and middle of the night, Been thus encounter'd. A figure like your father, Armed at point, exactly, cap-a-pe*, Appears before them , and with solemn march Goes slow and stately by them: thrice he walk'd By their oppressed and fear-surprised eyes , Within his truncheon's length; whilst they, distill'd Almost to jelly with the act of fear, Stand dumb, and speak not to him. This to me In dreadful secrecy impart they did; And I with them the third night kept the watch: Where, as they had delivered, both in time, Form of the thing, each word made true and good , The apparition comes: I knew your father; These hands are not more like. Ham. But where was this? Mar. My lord, upon the platform where we watch'd. Ham. Did you not speak to it? Hor. My lord, I did; But answer made it none : yet once methougbt It lifted up its head, and did address Itself to motion, like as it would speak: But even then the morning cock crew loud ; And at the sound it shrunk in haste away, And vanished from our sight. Ham. 'Tis very strange. Hor. As I do live , my honour'd lord , 'tis true And we did think it writ down in our duty To let you know of it. Ham. Indeed, indeed, sirs, but this troubles me. Hold you the watch to-night ? Mar. Ber. We do , my lord. Ham. Arm'd, say you? Mar. Ber. Arm'd , my lord. Ham. From top to toe? Mar. Ber. My lord , from head to foot. Ham. Then saw you not his face? 14 HAMLET, j>cti. Hor. 0, yes, my lord; he wore his beaver up. Ham. What, look'd he frowningly? Hor. A countenance more in sorrow than in anger. Ham. Pale or red? Hor. Nay, very pale. Ham. And fix'd his eyes upon you? Hor. Most constantly. Ham. I would I had been there. Hor. It would have much amaz'd you. Ham. Very like, very like. Stay'd it long? Hor. While one with moderate haste might tell a hundred. Mar. Ber. Longer, longer. Hor. Not when I saw 't. Ham. His beard was grizzled, no? Hor. It was, as I have seen it in his life, A sable silver'd. Ham. I will watch to-night; Perchance 'twill walk again. Hor. I warrant it will. Ham. If it assume my noble father's person , I'll speak to it, though hell itself should gape j And bid me hold my peace. I pray you all, If you have hitherto conceaTd this sight, Let it be tenable in your silence still; And whatsoever else shall hap to-night, Give it an understanding , but no tongue : I will requite your loves. So , fare ye well : Upon the platform , 'twixt eleven and twelve , I'll visit you. All. Our duty to your honour. Ham. Your loves, as mine to you: farewell. [Exeunt Horatio, Marcellus, and Bernardo. My father's spirit in arms! all is not well; I doubt some foul play: would the night were come! Till then sit still, my soul: foul deeds will rise, Though all the earth o'erwhelm them , to men's eyes. (Exit SCENE m.] PKINCE OP DENMARK. 15 SCENE III. The same. A room in POLONIUS' house, Enter LAERTES and OPHELIA. Laer. My necessaries are embark'd: farewell: And, sister, as the winds give benefit, And convoy is assistant, do not sleep, But let me hear from you. Oph. Do you doubt that? Laer. For Hamlet, and the trifling of his favour, Hold it a fashion, and a toy in blood; A violet in the youth of primy nature , Forward, not permanent, sweet, not lasting, The perfume and suppliance of a minute ; No more. Oph. No more but so? Laer. Think it no more : For nature, crescent, does not grow alone In thews and bulk; but, as this temple waxes, The inward service of the mind and soul Grows wide withal. Perhaps he loves you now; And now no soil nor cautel doth besmirch The virtue of his will: but you must fear, His greatness weigh'd, his will is not his own; For he himself is subject to his birth : He may not, as unvalu'd persons do, Carve for himself; for on his choice depends The safety and the health of the whole state; And therefore must his choice be circumscrib'd Unto the voice and yielding of that body, Whereof he is the head. Then if he says he loves you , It fits your wisdom so far to believe it , As he in his particular act and place May give his saying deed; which is no further Than the main voice of Denmark goes withal. Then weigh what loss your honour may sustain , If with too credent ear you list his songs ; Or lose your heart ; or your chaste treasure open 16 HAMLET , (ACT l. To his umnaster'd importunity. Fear it, Ophelia, fear it, my dear sister; And keep you in the rear of your affection , Out of the shot and danger of desire. The chariest maid is prodigal enough , If she unmask her beauty to the moon: Virtue itself scapes not calumnious strokes: The canker galls the infants of the spring, Too oft before their buttons be disclosed; And in the morn and liquid dew of youth Contagious blastments are most imminent. Be wary, then; best safety lies in fear: Youth to itself rebels , though none else near. Oph. I shall th' effect of this good lesson keep , As watchman to my heart. But, good my brother, Do not, as some ungracious pastors do, Show me the steep and thorny way to heaven ; Whilst, like a puiFd and reckless libertine, Himself the primrose path of dalliance treads , And recks not his own read. Laer. 0, fear me not. I stay too long: but here my father comes. Enter POLONIUS. A double blessing is a double grace; Occasion smiles upon a second leave. Pol. Yet here , Laertes ! aboard , aboard , for shame ! The wind sits in the shoulder of your sail, And you are stay'd for. There , my blessing with thee ! [Laying his hand on Laertes* head. And these few precepts in thy memory See thou character. Give thy thoughts no tongue , Nor any unproportion'd thought his act. Be thou familiar , but by no means vulgar. The friends thou hast , and their adoption tried , Grapple them to thy soul with hoops of steel ; But do not dull thy palm with entertainment PRINCE OF DENMAKK. 17 Of each new-hatch'd , anfledg'd comrade. Beware Of entrance to a quarrel; but being in, Bear't, that th' opposed may beware of thee. Give every man thine ear , but few thy voice : Take each man's censure, but reserve thy judgment. Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy, But not express'd in fancy; rich, not gaudy: For the apparel oft proclaims the man ; And they in France of the best rank and station Are most select and generous, chief in that. Neither a borrower nor a lender be : For loan oft loses both itself and friend ; And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry. This above all, to thine ownself be true; And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. Farewell : my blessing season this in thee ! Laer. Most humbly do I take my leave , my lord. Pol. The time invites you; go, your servants tend. Laer. Farewell, Ophelia; and remember well What I have said to you. Oph. 'Tis in my memory lock'd , And you yourself shall keep the key of it. Laer. Farewell. [Exit. Pol. What is't, Ophelia, he hath said to you? Oph. So please you, something touching the Lord Hamlet. Pol. Marry, well bethought: 'Tis told me , he hath very oft of late Given private time to you; and you yourself Have of your audience been most free and bounteous : If it be so , as so 'tis put on me , And that in way of caution, I must tell you, You do not understand yourself so clearly As it behoves my daughter and your honour. What is between you? give me up the truth. Oph. He hath, my lord, of late made many tenders Of his affection to inc. Shakespeare. W. % 18 HAMLET, [Ad' I. Pol. AiFectiou! pooh! you speak like a green girl, Unsifted in such perilous circumstance. Do you believe his tenders, as you call them? Oph. I do not know, my lord, what I should think. Pol. Marry, I'll teach you: think yourself a baby , That you have ta'en these tenders for true pay, Which are not sterling. Tender yourself more dearly ; Or not to crack the wind of the poor phrase , Running it thus you'll tender me a fool. Oph. My lord, he hath imp6rtun'd me with love In honourable fashion. Pol. Ay, fashion you may call't; go to, go to. Oph, And hath given countenance to his speech, my lord, With almost all the holy vows of heaven. Pol. Ay, springes to catch woodcocks. I do know, When the blood burns, how prodigal the soul Lends the tongue vows : these blazes , daughter , Giving more light than heat, extinct in both, Even in their promise , as it is a-making , You must not take for fire. From this time Be somewhat scanter of your maiden presence ; Set your entreatments at a higher rate Than a command to parley. For Lord Hamlet , Believe so much in him, that he is young; And with a larger tether may he walk Than may be given you: in few, Ophelia, Do not believe his vows ; for they are brokers , Not of that dye which their investments show, But mere implorators of unholy suits , Breathing like sanctified and pious bawds , The better to beguile. This is for all, I would not, in plain terms, from this time forth, Have you so slander any moment's leisure As to give words or talk with the Lord Hamlet. Look to't, I charge you: come your ways. Oph. I shall obey, my lord. [ Exeunt. 17.] PKINCB OP DENMARK. 19 SCKNK IV. The same. The platform before the castle. Enter HAMLET, HORATIO, and MAKCELLUS. Ham. The air bites shrewdly; it is very cold. Hor. It is a nipping and an eager air. Ham. What hour now? Hor. I think it lacks of twelve. Mar. No, it is struck. Hor. Indeed? I heard it not : then it draws near the season Wherein the spirit held his wont to walk. [A flourish of trumpets, and ordnance shot off] within. What does this mean, my lord? Ham. The king doth wake to-night, and takes his rouse, Keeps wassail, and the swaggering up-spring reels; And , as he drains his draughts of Rhenish down , The kettle-drum and trumpet thus bray out The triumph of his pledge. Hor. Is it a custom? Ham. Ay, marry, is't: But to my mind , though I am native here , And to the manner born , it is a custom More honoured in the breach than the observance. This heavy-headed revel east and west Makes us traduc'd and tax'd of other nations: They clepe us drunkards , and with swinish phrase Soil our addition ; and , indeed , it takes From our achievements , though performed at height , The pith and marrow of our attribute. So , oft it chances in particular men , That, for some vicious mole of nature in them, As , in their birth , wherein they are not guilty, Since nature cannot choose his origin, By the o'ergrowth of some complexion, Oft breaking down the pales and forts of reason ; Or by some habit , that too much o'er-leavens The form of plausive manners; that these men , Carrying, I say, the stamp of one defect, . 20 HAMLET, [ACT I. Being nature's livery, or fortune's star , ^ Their virtues else be they as pure as grace , As infinite as man may undergo Shall in the general censure take corruption From that particular fault: the dram of evil Doth all the noble substance oft debase To his own scandal. Hor. Look, my lord, it comes! Enter Ghost. Ham. Angels and ministers of grace defend us! Be thou a spirit of health or goblin damn'd, Bring with thee airs from heaven or blasts from hell , Be thy intents wicked or charitable , Thou com'st in such a questionable shape , That I will speak to thee: I'll call thee Hamlet, King, father, royal Dane: 0, answer me! Let me not burst in ignorance ; but tell Why thy canoniz'd bones , hearsed in death , Have burst their cerements ; why the sepulchre , Wherein we saw thee quietly in-urn'd , Hath op'd his ponderous and marble jaws To cast thee up again ! What may this mean , That thou, dead corse, again, in cdmplete steel, lievisit'st thus the glimpses of the moon , Making night hideous ; and we fools of nature So horridly to shake our disposition With thoughts beyond the reaches of our souls? Say, why is this? wherefore? what should we do? [Ghost beckons Hamlet. Hor. It beckons you to go away with it, As if it some impartment did desire To you alone. Mar. Look , with what courteous action It waves you to a more removed ground : But do not go with it. Hor. No, by no means. 6CEJUSIV.] PBJNOB OP DENMARK. 21 Ham. It will not speak; then 1 will follow it. Hor. Do not, my lord. Ham. Why, what should be the fearV 1 do not set my life at a pin's fee ; And for my soul, what can it do to that , Being a thing immortal as itself? It waves me forth again; I'll follow it. /for. What if it tempt you toward the flood , my lord , Or to the dreadful summit of the cliff That beetles o'er his base into the sea, And there assume some other horrible form , Which might deprive your sovereignty of reason , And draw you into madness? think of it: The very place puts toys of desperation, Without more motive , into every brain , That looks so many fathoms to the sea , And hears it roar beneath. Ham. It waves me still. Go on ; I'll follow thee. Mar. You shall not go, my lord. Ham. Hold off your hands. HOT. Be rul'd; you shall not go. Ham. My fate cries out, And makes each petty artery in this body As hardy as the Ne'mean lion's nerve. [Ghost beckons. Still am I call'd : unhand me , gentlemen ; [Breaking from them. By heaven, I'll make a ghost of him that lets me: 1 say, awayl Go on; I'll follow thee. [Exeunt Ghost and Hamlet. Hor. He waxes desperate with imagination. Mar. Let's follow; 'tis not fit thus to obey him. Hor. Have after. To what issue will this come ? Mar. Something is rotten in the state of Denmark. H'r. Heaven will direct it. Mar. 5say, let's follow him. [Exeunt. 22 HAMLET, [ACT I. SCENE V. The name. A more remote part of the plat form. Enter Ghost and HAMLET. Ham. Where wilt thou lead me? speak; I'll go no further. Ghost. Mark me. Ham. I will. Ghost. My hour is almost come , When I to sulphurous and tormenting flames Must render up myself. H am . Alas , poor ghost 1 Ghost. Pity me not, but lend thy serious hearing To what I shall unfold. 77am. Speak; I am bound to hear. Ghost. So art thou to revenge, when thou shalt hear. Ham. What? Ghost. I am thy father's spirit; Doom'd for a certain term to walk the night, And for the day confin'd to fast in fires, Till the foul crimes done in my days of nature Are burnt and purg'd away. But that I am forbid To tell the secrets of my prison-house , I could a tale unfold , whose lightest word Would harrow up thy soul; freeze thy young blood; Make thy two eyes , like stars , start from their spheres ; Thy knotted and combined locks to part, And each particular* hair to stand on end, Like quills upon the fretful porpentine : But this eternal blazon must not be To ears of flesh and blood. List, list, 0, list! If thou didst ever thy dear father love, Ham. OGod! Ghost. Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder. Ham. Murder I Ghost. Murder most foul, as in the best it is; But this most foul f strange , and unnatural. Ham. Haste me to know't, that I, with wings as swift SCENE V.] PRINCE OP DENMARK. 23 As meditation or the thoughts of love , May sweep to my revenge. Ghost. I find thee apt; And duller shouldst thou be than the fat weed That roots itself in ease on Lethe wharf, Wouldst thou not stir in this. Now, Hamlet, hear: Tis given out that, sleeping in my orchard , A serpent stung me; so the whole ear of Denmark Is by a forged process of my death Rankly abus'd : but know, thou noble youth , The serpent that did sting thy father's life Now wears his crown. Ham. my prophetic soul! My uncle! Ghost . Ay, that incestuous , that adulterate beast , With witchcraft of his wit, with traitorous gifts, wicked wit and gifts, that have the power So to seduce ! won to his shameful lust The will of my most seeming- virtuous queen : Hamlet, what a falling-off was there! From me, whose love was of that dignity, That it went hand in hand even with the vow 1 made to her in marriage ; and to decline Upon a wretch, whose natural gifts were poor To those of mine! But virtue , as it never will be inov'd , Though lewdness court it in a shape of heaven ; So lust, though to a radiant angel link'd , Will sate itself in a celestial bed , And prey on garbage. But, soft! methinks I scent the morning air; Brief let me be. Sleeping within my orchard, My custom always in the afternoon, Upon my secure hour thy uncle stole , With juice of cursed hebenon in a vial , And in the porches of mine ears did pour The leperous diatilment; whose effect 24 HAMLET, [ACT I. Holds such an enmity with blood of man, That, swift as quicksilver, it courses through The natural gates and alleys of the body; And, with a sudden vigour, it doth posset And curd, like eager droppings into milk, The thin and wholesome blood: so did it mine; And a most instant tetter bark'd about, Most lazar-like , with vile and loathsome crust All my smooth body. Thus was I, sleeping, by a brother's hand Of life, of crown, of queen, at once dispatched: Cut off even in the blossoms of my sin , UnhouselTd, disappointed, unanel'd; No reckoning made , but sent to my account With all my imperfections on my head: 0, horrible! 0, horrible! most horrible! If thou hast nature in thee, bear it not; Let not the royal bed of Denmark be A couch for luxury and damned incest. But, howsoever thou pursu'st this act, Taint not thy mind , nor let thy soul contrive Against thy mother aught: leave her to heaven, And to those thorns that in her bosom lodge To prick and sting her. Pare thee well at once! The glow-worm shows the matin to be near, And gins to pale his uneffectual fire: Adieu, adieu, adieu! remember me. [Exit. Ham. all you host of heaven! earth! what else? And shall I couple hell? 0, fie! Hold, my heart; And you, my sinews, grow not instant old, But bear me stiffly up. Remember thee! Ay, thou poor ghost, while memory holds a seat In this distracted globe. Remember thee! Yea, from the table of my memory I'll wipe away all trivial fond records , All saws of books, all forms, all pressures past, That youth and observation copied there; SCENE V.] PRINCE OP DENMARK. 25 And thy commandment all alone shall live Within the book and volume of my brain, Unmix'd with baser matter: yes, by heaven! most pernicious woman! villain, villain, smiling, damned villain! My tables, meet it is I set it down, That one may smile , and smile , and be a villain ; At least I'm sure it may be so in Denmark : [ Writing. So , uncle , there you are. Now to my word ; It is, "Adieu, adieu! remember me:" 1 have sworn't. Hor. [within] My lord , my lord , Mar. [within] Lord Hamlet, Hor. [within] Heaven secure him! Mar. [wiQtin] So be it! Hor. [within] Illo, ho, ho, my lord! Ham. Hillo, ho, ho, boy! come, bird, come. Enter HORATIO and MABCELLUS. Mar. How is't, my noble lord? Hor. What news , my lord ? Ham. 0, wonderful! Hor. Good my lord , tell it. Ham. No ; you'll reveal it. Hor. Not I , my lord , by heaven. Mar. Nor I , my lord. Ham. How say you, then; would heart of man once think it? But you'll be secret? Hor. Mar. Ay, by heaven , my lord. Ham. There's ne'er a villain dwelling in all Denmark But he's an arrant knave. Hor. There needs no ghost, my lord, come from the grave To tell us this. Ham. Why, right; you're i' the right; And so, without more circumstance at all, I hold it fit that we shake hands and part : 26 HAMLET, [ACt I. You, as your business and desire shall point you, For every man hath business and desire, Such as it is; and for mine own poor part, Look you , I'll go pray. Hor. These are but wild and whirling words , my lord. Ham. I f m sorry they offend you, heartily; Yes , faith , heartily. Hor. There's no offence , my lord. Ham. Yes, by Saint Patrick, but there is, Horatio, And much offence too. Touching this vision here, It is an honest ghost, that let me tell you: For your desire to know what is between us , Overmaster 't as you may. And now, good friends, As you are friends , scholars , and soldiers , Give me one poor request. Hor. What is't, my lord? we will. Ham. Never make known what you have seen to-night Hor. Mar. My lord, we will not. Ham. Nay, but swear 't. Hor. In faitb, My lord , not I. Mar. Nor I, my lord, in faith. Ham. Upon my sword. Mar. We Ve sworn , my lord , already. Ham. Indeed , upon my sword , indeed. Ghost, [beneath] Swear. Ham. Ah, ha, boy! sav'st thou so? art thou there, true- penny? Come on , you hear this fellow in the cellarage , Consent to swear. Hor. Propose the oath, my lord. Ham. Never to speak of this that you have seen , Swear by my sword. Ghost, [beneath] Swear. Ham. Hie et ubiquef then we'll shift our ground. Come hither, gentlemen, SCENE V.] PRINCE OF DENMARK. 27 And lay your hands again upon my sword : Never to speak of this that you have heard, Swear by my sword. Ghost, {beneath} Swear. Ham. Well said , old mole ! canst work i' th' earth so fast? A worthy pioner! Once more remove, good friends. Hor. day and night, but this is wondrous strange! Ham. And therefore as a stranger give it welcome. There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in our philosophy. But come ^ Here, as before, never, so help you mercy, How strange or odd soe'er I bear myself, As I, perchance, hereafter shall think meet To put an antic disposition on , That you, at such times seeing me, never shall, With arms encumber'd thus, or this head-shake, Or by pronouncing of some doubtful phrase , As "Well, well, we know," or "We could, an if we would/' Or "If we list to speak," or "There be, an if they might," Or such ambiguous giving out, to note That you know aught of me : this not to do , So grace and mercy at your most need help you , Swear. Ghost, [beneath] Swear. Ham. Rest, rest, perturbed spirit! So, gentlemen, With all my love I do commend me to you: And what so poor a man as Hainlet is May do t' express his love and friending to you , God willing, shall not lack. Let us go in together; And still your fingers on your lips , I pray. The time is out of joint: cursed spite, That ever I was born to set it right! Nay, come, let's go together. [Exeunt, 28 HAMLET, (AC TAJ ACT II. SCBNE I. Elsinore. A room in POLONIUS' house. Enter POLONIUS and KEYNALDO. Pol. Give him this money and these notes , Reynaldo. Rey. I will , my lord. Pol. You shall do marvelTs wisely, good Reynaldo, Before you visit him , to make inquiry Of his behaviour. Rey. My lord , I did intend it. Pol. Marry, well said; very well said. Look you, sir, Inquire me first what Danskers are in Paris ; And how , and wiio , what means , and where they keep , What company, at what expense ; and finding , By this encompassment and drift of question , That they do know my son, come you more nearer Than your particular demands will touch it: Take you, as 'twere, some distant knowledge of him; As thus , " I know his father and his friends , And in part him;" do you mark this, Keynaldo? Rey. Ay, very well , my lord. Pol. "And in part him ; but ," you may say, " not well But, ift be he 1 mean, he's very wild; Addicted so and so ; " and there put on him What forgeries you please; marry, none so rank As may dishonour him; take heed of that; But, sir, such wanton, wild, and usual slips As are companions noted and most known To youth and liberty. Rey. As gaming, my lord. Pol. Ay, or drinking, fencing, swearing, Quarrelling, drabbing: you may go so far. Rey. My lord , that would dishonour him. Pol. Faith , no ; as you may season it in the charge. You must not put another scandal on him, That he is open to incontinency ; That's not my meaning : but breathe his faults so quaintly SC'KNISI.) PRINCE OP DENMARK. 29 That they may seem the taints of liberty; The flash and outbreak of a fiery mind ; A savageness in unreclaimed blood , Of general assault. Key. But, my good lord , Pol. Wherefore should you do this? Rey. Ay, my lord, 1 would know that. Pol. Marry, sir , here's my drift ; And, I believe, it is a fetch of warrant: You laying these slight sullies on my son , As 'twere a thing a little soil'd i' the working, Mark you , Your party in converse , him you would sound , Having ever seen in the prenominate crimes The youth you breathe of guilty, be assur'd He closes with you in this consequence ; "Good sir," or so; or "friend," or "gentleman," According to the phrase , or the addition , Of man and country. Rey. Very good, my lord. Pol. And then, sir, does he this, he does What was I about to say ? By the mass , I was About to say something: where did I leave? Rey. At " closes in the consequence ," At "friend or so," and "gentleman." Pol. At "closes in the consequence," ay, marry. He closes with you thus; "I know the gentleman; I saw him yesterday, or t'other day, Or then, or then; with such, or such; and, as you say, There was he gaming ; there o'vertook in's rouse ; There falling out at tennis:" or perchance, " I saw him enter such a house of sale ," Videlicet, a brothel, or so forth. See you now; Your bait of falsehood takes this carp of truth: And thus do we of wisdom and of reach , HAMLET, [AC11L With windlasses and with assays of bias , By indirections find directions out: So , by my former lecture and advice , Shall you my son. You have me, have you not? Rey. My lord , I have. Pol. God b' wi'you! fare you well. Rey. Good my lord! Pol. Observe his inclination in yourself. Rey. I shall , my lord. Pol. And let him ply his music. Rey. Well, my lord. Pol. Farewell! [Exit Reynaldo Enter OPHELIA. How now, Ophelia! what's the matter? Oph. Alas, my lord, I have been so affrighted! Pol. With what, i' the name of God? Oph. My lord , as I was sewing in my chamber , Lord Hamlet , with his doublet all unbrac'd ; No hat upon his head; his stockings foul'd, Ungarter'd, and down-gyved to his ancle; Pale as his shirt; his knees knocking each other; And with a look so piteous in purp6rt As if he had been loosed out of hell To speak of horrors, he conies before me. Pol. Mad for thy love? Oph. My lord, I do riot know; But, truly, I do fear it. Pol. What said he? Opli. He took me by the wrist, and held me hard; Then goes he to the length of all his arm; And , with his other hand thus o'er his brow , He falls to such perusal of my face As he would draw it. Long stay'd he so ; At last, a little shaking of mine arm , And thrice his head thus waving up and down , He rais'd a sigh so piteous and profound , That it did seeui to shatter all his bulk , .] PRINCE OF DENMARK. Si And end his being: that done, he lets me go: And , with his head over his shoulder turii'd , He seem'd to find his way without his eyes; For out o* doors he went without their help , And, to the last, bended their light on me. Pol. Come, go with me: I will go seek the king. This is the very ecstasy of love; Whose violent property fordoes itself, And leads the will to desperate undertakings , As oft as any passion under heaven That does afflict our natures. I am sorry, What, have you given him any hard words of late V Oph. No, my good lord; but, as you did command, I did repel his letters, and denied His access to me. Pol. That hath made him mad. I'm sorry that with better heed and judgment I had not quoted him: I fear'd he did but trifle, And meant to wreck thee; but, beshrew my jealousy! It seems it is as proper to our age To cast beyond ourselves in our opinions , As it is common for the younger sort To lack discretion. Come, go we to the king: This must be known; which, being kept close, might move More grief to hide than hate to utter love. Come. [Exeunt. SCENE II. The same. A room in tJie castle. Enter King, Queen, KOSENCRANTZ, GUILDENSTERN , and Attendants. King. Welcome, dear Rosencrantz and Guildensterni Moreover that we much did long to see you , The need we have to use you did provoke Our hasty sending. Something have you heard Of Hamlet's transformation; so I call it, Since nor th' exterior nor the inward man 32 HAMLET, [ACTIL Resembles that it was. What it should be , More than his father's death , that thus hath put him So much from th' understanding of himself, I cannot dream of: I entreat you both , That , being of so young days brought up with him , And since so neighbour'd to his youth and humour , That you vouchsafe your rest here in our court Some little tune : so by your companies To draw him on to pleasures, and to gather, So much as from occasion you may glean , Whether aught , to us unknown , afflicts him thus , That, open'd, lies within our remedy. Queen. Good gentlemen, he hath much talk'd of you And sure I am two men there are not living To whom he more adheres. If it will please you To show us so much gentry and good will As to expend your tune with us awhile , For the supply and profit of our hope , Your visitation shall receive such thanks As fits a king's remembrance. Ros. Both your majesties Might, by the sovereign power you have of us , Put your dread pleasures more into command Than to entreaty. Guil. But we both obey, And here give up ourselves, in the full bent, To lay our service freely at your feet, To be commanded. King. Thanks , Rosencrantz and gentle Guildenstern. Queen. Thanks , Gruildenstern and gentle Rosencrantz : -And I beseech you instantly to visit My too-much-changed son. Go , some of you , And bring these gentlemen where Hamlet is. Guil. Heavens make our presence and our practices Pleasant and helpful to him ! Queen. Ay, amen! [Exeunt Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, and some Attendants. SCENE n.] PRINCE OF DENMARK. 33 Enter POLONIUS. Pol. Th' ambassadors from Norway, my good lord , Are joyfully returned. King. Thou still hast been the father of good news. Pol. Have I, my lord? Assure you, my good liege, I hold my duty, as I hold my soul, Both to my God and to my gracious king: And I do think or else this brain of mine Hunts not the trail of policy so sure As it hath us'd to do that I have found The very cause of Hamlet's lunacy. King. 0, speak of that; that do I long to hear. Pol. Give first admittance to th' ambassadors; My news shall be the fruit to that great feast. King. Thyself do grace to them, and bring them in. [Exit Polonius. He tells me, my dear Gertrude, he hath found The head and source of all your son's distemper. Queen. I doubt it is no other but the main, His father's death, and our o'erhasty marriage. King. Well, we shall sift him. Re-enter POLONIUS, with VOLTIMAND and CORNBMUS. Welcome, my good friends ! Say, Voltimand, what from our brother Norway? Volt. Most fair return of greetings and desires. Upon our first, he sent out to suppress His nephew's levies ; which to him appear'd To be a preparation 'gainst the Polack ; But, better look'd into, he truly found It was against your highness: whereat griev'd, That so his sickness , age , and impotence , Was falsely borne in hand , sends out arrests On Fortinbras; which he, in brief, obeys; Receives rebuke from Norway ; and , in fine , Makes vow before his uncle never more To give th' assay of arms against your majesty. ShaTcespetre. T7. 34 HAMLET, [ACT n. Whereon old Norway, overcome with joy, Gives him three thousand crowns in annual fee ; And his commission to employ those soldiers , So levied as before, against the Polack: With an entreaty, herein further shown, [Gives a paper. That it might please you to give quiet pass Through your dominions for this enterprise , On such regards of safety and allowance As therein are set down. King. It likes us well; And at our more considered time well read, Answer , and think upon this business. Meantime we thank you for your well-took labour: Go to your rest; at night we'll feast together: Most welcome home I [Exeunt Voltimand and Cornelias. Pol. This business is well ended. My liege , and madam , to expostulate What majesty should be, what duty is, Why day is day, night night, and time is time, Were nothing but to waste night, day, and time. Therefore, since brevity is the soul of wit, And tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes , I will be brief: your noble son is mad: Mad call I it; for, to define true madness, What is't but to be nothing else but mad? .But let that go. Queen. More matter , with less art. Pol. Madam , I swear I use no art at all. That he is mad, 'tis true: 'tis true 'tis pity; And pity 'tis 'tis true: a foolish figure; But farewell it, for I will use no art. Mad let us grant him, then: and now remains That we find out the cause of this effect, Or rather say, the cause of this defect , For this effect defective comes by cause : Thus it remains, and the remainder thus. Perpend. $CENEn.] PRINCE OF DENMARK. 35 I have a daughter, have whilst she is mine, Who, in her duty and obedience, mark, Hath given me this: now gather, and surmise. [Reads. "To the celestial and my soul's idol, the most beautified Ophelia," That's an ill phrase, a vile phrase, "beautified" is a vile phrase: but you shall hear. Thus: [Reads. "In her excellent- white bosom, these," &c. Queen. Came this from Hamlet to her? PoL Good madam, stay awhile; I will be faithful. [Reads. "Doubt thou the stars are fire; Doubt that the sun doth move; Doubt truth to be a liar; But never doubt I love. " dear Ophelia, I am ill at these numbers; I have not art to reckon my groans: but that I love thee best, most best, believe it. Adieu. " Thine evermore, most dear lady, whilst this machins is to him, HAMLET." This , in obedience , hath my daughter shown me : And more above, hath his solicitings, As they fell out by time, by means, and place, All given to mine ear. King. But how hath she Received his love? Pol. What do you think of me ? King. As of a man faithful and honourable. Pol. I would fain prove so. But what might you think, When I had seen, this hot love on the wing, As I perceiv'd it, I must tell you that, Before my daughter told me , what might you , Or my dear majesty your queen here, think, If I had play'd the desk or table-book; Or given my heart a winking, mute and dumb; Or look'd upon this love with idle sight; What might you think ? No , I went round to work , 86 HAMLET, fACTW. And my young mistress thus I did bespeak : "Lord Hamlet is a prince, out of thy star; This must not be:" and then I precepts gave her, That she should lock herself from his resort, Admit no messengers, receive no tokens, "Which done, she took the fruits of my advice; And he, repulsed, a short tale to make, Fell into a sadness; then into a fast; Thence to a watch; thence into a weakness; Thence to a Lightness; and, by this declension, Into the madness wherein now he raves, And all we mourn for. King. Do you think 'tis this? Queen. It may be, very likely. Pol. Hath there been such a time I'd fain know that That I have positively said " Tis so ," When it prov'd otherwise? King. Not that I know. Pol. [pointing to his head and shoulder] Take this from this, if this be otherwise: If circumstances lead me , I will find Where truth is hid , though it were hid indeed Within the centre. King. How may we try it further? Pol. You know, sometimes he walks four hours together Here in the lobby. Queen. So he does, indeed. Pol. At such a time I'll loose my daughter to him: Be you and I behind an arras then; Mark the encounter: if he love her not, And be not from his reason falTn thereon, Let me be no assistant for a state , But keep a farm and carters. King. We will try it Queen. But, look, where sadly the poor wretch comes reading. 3J5NE n,] PKINCE OF DENMARK. 37 Pol. Away, I do beseech you, both away: I'll board him presently: O, give me leave. [Exeunt King, Queen, and Attendants. Enter HAMLET, reading. How does my good Lord Hamlet? Ham. Well, God-a-mercy. Pol. Do you know me, my lord? Ham. Excellent well; you are a fishmonger. Pol. Not I, my lord. Ham. Then I would you were so honest a man. Pol. Honest, my lord! Ham. Ay, sir; to be honest, as this world goes, is to be one man picked out of ten thousand. Pol. That's very true , my lord. Ham. For if the sun breed maggots in a dead dog, being a god kissing carrion, Have you a daughter? Pol. I have , my lord. Ham. Let her not walk i f the sun: conception is a blessing; but not as your daughter may conceive: friend, look to 't. Pol. [aside] How say you by that? Still harping on my daughter: yet he knew me not at first; he said 1 was a fish- monger: he is far gone, far gone: and truly in my youth I suffered much extremity for love; very near this. I'll speak to him again. What do you read, my lord? Ham. Words, words, words. Pol. What is the matter, my lord? Ham. Between who? Pol. I mean, the matter that you read, my lord. Ham. Slanders, sir: for the satirical rogue says here, that old men have gray beards; that their faces are wrinkled; their eyes purging thick amber and plum-tree gum; and that they have a plentiful lack of wit, together with most weak hams: all which, sir, though I most powerfully and potently believe, yet I hold it not honesty to have it thus set down; for you yourself, sir, should be old as I am, if, like a crab, you could go backward. 38 HAMLET, [AOTI1. PoL [aside] Though this be madness, yet there is method in't. Will you walk out of the air, my lord? Ham. Into my grave? Pol. Indeed, that is out o' the air. [Aside] How preg- nant sometimes his replies are ! a happiness that often madness hits on, which reason and sanity could not so prosperously be delivered of. I will leave him, and suddenly contrive the means of meeting between him and my daughter. My hon- ourable lord, I will most humbly take my leave of you. Ham. You cannot, sir, take from me any thing that 1 will more willingly part withal, except my life, except my life, except my Hfe. Pol. Fare you well, my lord, Ham. These tedious old fools! Enter ROSKNCRANTK and GUILDKNSTEBN. Pol. You go to seek the Lord Hamlet; there he is. Ros. [to Polonius] God save you, sir! [Exit Polonius. GuiL My honoured lord! Ros. My most dear lord ! Ham. My excellent good friends! How dost thou, Guild- eastern? Ah, Rosencrantz! Good lads, how do ye both? Ros. As the indifferent children of the earth. GuiL Happy, in that we are not overhappy; On Fortune's cap we're not the very button. Ham. Nor the soles of her shoe? Ros. Neither, my lord. Ham. Then you live about her waist, or in the middle of her favours? Guil. Faith, her privates we. Ham. In the secret parts of Fortune? 0, most true; she is a strumpet. What's the news? Ros. None, my lord, but that the world's grown honest. Ham. Then is doomsday near: but your news is not true. Let me question more in particular: what have you, my good friends, deserved at the hands of Fortune, that she sends you to prison hither? SCEHEII.] PRINCE OP DENMARK. 39 Guil. Prison, my lord! Ham. Denmark's a prison. Ros. Then is the world one. Ham. A goodly one; in which there are many confines, wards , and dungeons , Denmark being one o 1 the worst. Ros. We think not so , my lord. Ham. Why, then , 'tis none to you : for there is nothing either good or bad , but thinking makes it so : to me it is a prison. Ros. Why, then, your ambition makes it one; 'tis too narrow for your mind. Ham. God, I could be bounded in a nut-shell, and count myself a king of infinite space , were it not that I have bad dreams. Guil. Which dreams, indeed, are ambition; for the very substance of the ambitious is merely the shadow of a dream. Ham. A dream itself is but a shadow. Ros. Truly, and I hold ambition of so airy and light a quality, that it is but a shadow's shadow. Ham. Then are our beggars bodies, and our monarchs and outstretched heroes the beggars' shadows. Shall we to the court? for, by my fay, I cannot reason. Ros. Guil. We'll wait upon you. Ham. No such matter: I will not sort you with the rest of my servants; for, to speak to you like an honest man, I am most dreadfully attended. But, in the beaten way of friendship , what make you at Elsinore ? Ros. To visit you , my lord ; no other occasion. Ham. Beggar that I am, I am even poor in thanks; but I thank you : and sure , dear friends , my thanks are too dear a halfpenny. Were you not sent for? Is it your own in- clining? Is it a free visitation? Come, deal justly with me: come, come; nay, speak. Guil. What should we say, my lord? Ham. Why, any thing but to the purpose. You were sent for; and there is a kind of confession in your looks, which 40 HAMLET, [ACT II, your modesties have not craft enough to colour : I know the good king and queen have sent for you. Ros. To what end, my lord? Ham. That you must teach me. But let me conjure you, by the rights of our fellowship, by the consonancy of our youth, by the obligation of our ever-preserved love , and by what more dear a better proposer could charge you withal, be even and direct with me, whether you were sent for, or no ? Ros. [aside to Guil.] What say you? Ham. [aside] Nay, then , I have an eye of you. If you love me, hold not off. Guil. My lord , we were sent for. Ham. 1 will tell you why ; so shall my anticipation pre- vent your discovery, and your secrecy to the king and queen moult no feather. I have of late but wherefore I know not lost all my mirth, forgone all custom of exercises; and, indeed, it goes so heavily with my disposition, that this goodly frame, the earth, seems to me a sterile promontory; this most excellent canopy, the air, look you, this brave overhanging firmament, this majestical roof fretted with golden fire, why, it appears no other thing to me than a foul and pestilent congregation of vapours. What a piece of work is man! how noble in reason ! how infinite in faculties ! in form and moving how express and admirable! in action how like an angel! in apprehension how like a god! the beauty of the world ! the paragon of animals ! And yet, to me, what is this quintessence of dust? man delights not me; no, nor woman neither, though by your smiling you seem to say so. Ros. My lord , there was no such stuff in my thoughts. Ham. Why did you laugh, then, when I said "man de- lights not me"? Ros. To think , my lord , if you delight not in man, what lenten entertainment the players shall receive from you: we coted them on the way; and hither are they coming, to offer you service. Ham. He that plays the king shall be welcome , his majesty shall have tribute of me; the adventurous knight SCENE n.] PRINCE OP DENMARK. 41 shall use his foil and target; the lover shall not sigh gratis; the humorous man shall end his part in peace; the clown shall make those laugh whose lungs are tickled o' the sere; and the lady shall say her mind freely, or the blank verse shall halt for 't. What players are they? Ros. Even those you were wont to take such delight in, the tragedians of the city. Ham. How chances it they travel? their residence, both in reputation and profit, was better both ways. Ros . I think their inhibition comes by the means of the late innovation. Ham. Do they hold the same estimation they did when I was in the city? are they so followed? Ros. No , indeed , they are not. Ham. How comes it? do they grow rusty? Ros. Nay, their endeavour keeps in the wonted pace: but there is, sir, an aery of children, little eyases, that cry out on the top of question , and are most tyrannically clapped for't: these are now the fashion; and so berattle the com- mon stages, so they call them, that many wearing rapiers are afraid of goose-quills , and dare scarce come thither. Ham. What, are they children? who maintains 'em? how are they escoted? Will they pursue the quality no longer than they can sing? will they not say afterwards, if they should grow themselves to common players, as it is most like, if their means are no better, their writers do them wrong, to make them exclaim against their own suc- cession? Ros. Faith, there has been much to do on both sides; and the nation holds it no sin to tarre them to controversy : there was, for a while, no money bid for argument, unless the poet and the player went to cuffs in the question. Ham. Is't possible? Guil. 0, there has been much throwing about of brains. Ham. Do the boys carry it away? Ros. Ay, that they do, my lord; Hercules and his load too. Ham. It is not very strange; rbr my uncle is king of 42 HAMLET, [ACTn. Denmark, and those that would make mows at him while my father lived , give twenty, forty, fifty, an hundred ducats a-piece for his picture in little. 'Sblood , there is something in this more than natural, if philosophy could find it out. [Flourish of trumpets within. Guil. There are the players. Ham. Gentlemen , you are welcome to Elsinore. Your hands, come: the appurtenance of welcome is fashion and ceremony: let me comply with you in this garb; lest my extent to the players, which, I tell you, must show fairly outward , should more appear like entertainment than yours. You are welcome: but my uncle-father and aunt-mother are deceived. Guil. In what, my dear lord? Ham. I am but mad north-north-west: when the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw. Enter POLONIUS. Pol. Well be with you , gentlemen ! Ham. Hark you, Gruildenstern ; and you too ; at each ear a hearer: that great baby you see there is not yet out of his swaddling-clouts. Ros. Happily he's the second time come to them; for they say an old man is twice a child. Ham. I will prophesy he comes to tell me of the players ; mark it. You say right, sir: o' Monday morning; 'twas then, indeed* Pol. My lord , I have news to tell you. Ham. My lord, I have news to tell you. When Koscius was an actor in Rome, Pol. The actors are come hither, my lord. Ham. Buz, buz! Pol. Upon mine honour, Ham. Then came each actor on his ass, Pol. The best actors in the world, either for tragedy, comedy, history, pastoral, pastoral-comical, historical-pas- toral, tragical-historical tragical-comical-historical-pastoral, 8CBNKII.] PRINCE OF DENMARK. 43 scene individable , or poem unlimited : Seneca cannot be too heavy, nor Plautua too light. For the law of writ and the liberty, these are the only men. Ham. Jephthah, judge of Israeli what a treasure hadst thou! Pol. What treasure had he, my lord? Ham. Why, " One fair daughter, and no more , The which he loved passing well." Pol. [aside] Still on my daughter. Ham. Am I not i' the right, old Jephthah? PoL If you call me Jephthah, my lord, I have a daughter that I love passing well. Ham. Nay, that follows not. PoL What follows , then , my lord ? Ham. Why, "As by lot, God wot," daughters to Lear. Old Man, tenant to Gloster. CORDELIA, J Knights attending on Lear, Officers, Messengers, Soldiers, and Attendants. SCENE Britain. ACT I. I. A room of state in King LEAR'S palace. Enter KENT, GLOSTER, and EDMUND. Kent. I thought the king had more affected the Duke of Albany than Cornwall. G7o. It did always seem so to us: but now, in the divi- sion of the kingdom, it appears not which of the dukes be values most; for equalities are so weighed, that curiosity in neither can make choice of either 's moiety. Kent. Is not this your son , my lord ? Glo. llis breeding, sir, hath been at my charge: I have so often blushed to acknowledge him, that now 1 am brazed to't. 118 KING LEAR. Kent. 1 cannot conceive you. Gto. Sir, this young fellow's mother could: whereupon she grew round- woinbed , and had, indeed, sir, a son for her cradle ere she had a husband for her bed. Do you sineli a fault? Kent. I cannot wish the fault undone, the issue of it being so proper. Gto. But I have a son, sir, by order of law, some year elder than this, who yet is no dearer in my account: though this knave came something saucily into the world before he was sent for, yet was his mother fair; there was good sport at his making, and the whoreson must be acknowledged. Do you know this noble gentleman, Edmund V Edm. No, my lord. Gto. My Lord of Kent: remember him hereafter as my honourable friend. Edm. My services to your lordship. Kent. I must love you , and sue to know you better. Edm. Sir, 1 shall study deserving. Glo. He hath been out nine years, and away he shall again. [Sennet within.] The king is coming. Enter LBAB, CORNWALL, ALBANY, GONERIL, REGAN, CORDELIA, and Attendants. Lear. Attend the Lords of France and Burgundy, Gloster. Glo. I shall , my liege. [Exeunt Gloster and Edmund. Lear. Meantime we shall express our darker purpose. Give me the map there. Know that we've divided In three our kingdom : and 'tis our fast intent To shake all cares and business from our age; Conferring them on younger strengths, while we Unburden'd crawl toward death. Our sou of Cornwall , And you, our no less loving son of Albany, We have this hour a constant will to publish Our daughters' several dowers, that future strife May be prevented now. The princes, France and Burgundy. Great rivals in our youngest daughter's love, BCJBNBI.j KING LBAB. 110 Long in our court have made their amorous sojourn , And here are to be answer'd. Tell me, my daughters, Since now we will divest us both of rule, Interest of territory, cares of state, Which of you shall we say doth love us moat? That we our largest bounty may extend Where nature doth with merit challenge. Goneril, Our eldest- born, speak first. Gon. Sir, I love you more than words can wield the matter; Dearer than eyesight, space, and liberty; Beyond what can be valu'd, rich or rare; No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honour; As much as child e'er iov'd, or father found; A love that makes breath poor, and speech unable; Beyond all manner of so much 1 love you. Cor. [aside] What shall Cordelia do? Love, and be silent Lear. Of all these bounds, even from this line to this, With shadowy forests and with champains rich'd, With plenteous rivers and wide-skirted meads, We make thee lady: to thine and Albany's issue Be this perpetual. What says our second daughter, Our dearest Regan, wife to Cornwall? Speak. Reg. Sir , I'm made of that self metal as my sister , And prize me at her worth. In my true heart I find she names my very deed of love ; Only she comes too short, that 1 profess Myself an enemy to all other joys, Which the most precious square of sense possesses; And find 1 am alone felicitate In your dear highness' love. Cor. [aside] Then poor Cordelia! And yet not so; since, 1 am sure, my love's More richer than my tongue. Lear. To thee and thine hereditary ever Kemaiii this ample third of our fair kingdom; 120 KINO LEAK. No less in space, validity, and pleasure, Than tiiat conferred on Goneril. Now, our joy, Although our last, not least; to whose young love The vines of France and milk of Burgundy Strive to be iuteress'd; what can you say to draw A third more opulent than your sisters? Speak. Cor. Nothing, my lord. Lear. Nothing! Cor. Nothing. Lear. Nothing will couie of nothing: speak again. Cor. Unhappy that 1 am , I cannot heave My heart into iny mouth: I love your majesty According to my bond ; nor more nor less. Lear. How, how, Cordelia! mend your speech a little, Lest it may mar your fortunes. Cor. Good my lord , You have begot me , bred me , lov'd me : I Return those duties back as are right fit, Obey you, love you, and most honour you. Why have my sisters husbands , if they say They love you all? Haply, when I shall wed, That lord whose hand must take my plight shall carry Half my love with him, half my care and duty: Sure, 1 shall never marry like my sisters, To love my father all. Lear. But goes thy heart with this? Cor. Ay, good my lord. Lear. So young, and so untender? Cor. So young , my lord , and true. Lear. Let it be so, thy truth, then, be thy dower: For , by the sacred radiance of the sun , The mysteries of Hecate, and the night; By all the operation of the orbs From whom we do exist, and cease to be; Here I disclaim all my paternal care, Propinquity and property of blood , And as a stranger to my heart and me E3N& LEAR. 121 Hold thee, from this, for ever. The barbarous Scythian, Or he that makes his generation messes To gorge his appetite, shall to my bosom Be as well ucighbour'd, pitied, aud reiiev'd, As tliou my sometime daughter. Kent. Good my liege, Lear. Peace, Kent! Come not between the dragon and his wrath. I lov'd her most, and thought to set my rest On her kind nursery, Hence, and avoid my sight! So be my grave my peace, as here 1 give Her father's heart from her! Call France; who stirs? Call Burgundy. Cornwall and Albany, With my two daughters' dowers digest this third: Let pride, which she calls plainness, marry her. I do invest you jointly with my power, Pre-eminence, and all the large effects That troop with majesty. Ourself, by monthly course, With reservation of an hundred knights, By you to be sustain'd, shall our abode Make with you by due turns. Only we still retain The name, and all tU' additions to a king; The sway, Keveuue , execution of the rest , Beloved sons, be yours: which to confirm, This coronet part between you. [Giving the crown. Kent. Royal Lear, Whom I have ever honour'd as my king, Lov'd as my father, as my master foilow'd, As my great patron thought on in my prayers , Lear. The bow is bent and drawn, make from the shaft. Kent. Let it fall rather, though the fork invade The region of my heart.: be Kent unmannerly, When Lear is mad. What wouldst thou do, old man? Tliiuk'st thou that duty shall have dread to speak , When power to flattery bows? To plainness honour's bound, When majesty falls to folly. Reverse thy doom; 122 KING LEAR. [ACT1- And, in thy best consideration, check This hideous rashness: answer ray life my judgment, Thy youngest daughter does not love thee least; Nor are those empty -hearted whose low sound Iteverbs no hollowness. Lear. Kent , on thy life , no more. Kent. My life I never held but as a pawn To wage against thine enemies; nor fear to lose it, Thy safety being the motive. Lear. Out of my sight ! Kent. See better, Lear; and let me still remain The true blank of thine eye. Lear. Now , by Apollo , Kent. Now, by Apollo , king , Thou swear'st thy gods in vain. Lear. 0, vassal! miscreant! [Layiny his hand on his sword. Alb. Corn. Dear sir, forbear. Kent. Do; Kill thy physician, and the fee bestow Upon the foul disease, lievoke thy gift; Or, whilst 1 can vent clamour from niy throat, I'll tell thee thou dost evil. Lear. Hear me, recreant! On thine allegiance, hear me! Since thou hast sought to make us break our vow, Which we durst never yet, and with gtraiii'd pride To come between our sentence and our power, Which nor our nature nor our place can bear, Our potency made good, take thy reward. Five days we do allot thee , for provision To shield thee from diseases of the world; And, on the sixth, to turn thy hated back Upon our kingdom: if, on the tenth day following, Thy banish'd trunk be found in our dominions, The moment is thy death. Away! by Jupiter, This shall not be revok'd, KING LBAR 123 Kent. Fare thee well, king: sith thus thou wilt appear, Freedom lives hence , and banishment is here. [To Cordelia] The gods to their dear shelter take thee, maid, That justly think'st, and hast most rightly said! [To Regan and Goneril] And your large speeches may your deeds approve, That good effects may spring from words of love. Thus Kent, O princes, bids you all adieu; lie jl shape his old course in a country new. [Exit. Flourish. Re-enter GLOSTEB , with FRANCE , BURGUNDY , and Attendants. Glo. Here's France and Burgundy, my noble lord. Lear. My Lord of Burgundy, We first address towards you , who with this king Hath rivaiTd for our daughter: what, in the least, Will you require in present dower with her, Or cease your quest of love? Bur. Most royal majesty, I crave no more than hath your highness oiler'd , Nor will you tender less. Lear. Right noble Burgundy, When she was dear to us , we did hold her so ; But now her price is fall'n. Sir, there she stands: If aught within that little seeming substance , Or all of it, with our displeasure piec'd, And nothing more, may fitly like your grace, She's there , and she is yours. Bur. I know no answer. Lear. Will you, with those infirmities she owes, Unfriended , new-adopted to our hate , Dower'd with our curse , and stranger'd with our oath , Take her, or leave her? Bur. Pardon me, royal sir; Election makes not up on such conditions. Lear. Then leave her, sir ; for, by the power that made me, I tell you all her wealth, [To France} For you, great king, 124 KINO LEAR. i would not from your love make such a stray, To match you where I hate; therefore beseech you T' avert your liking a more worthier way Than on a wretch whom nature is asham'd Almost t' acknowledge hers. France. This is most strange , That she, who even but now was your best object, The argument of your praise, balm of your age, Most best, most dear'st , should in this trice of time Commit a thing so monstrous, to dismantle So many folds of favour. Sure , her offence Must be of such unnatural degree , That monsters it , or your f bre-vouch'd affection Fall'n into taint: which to believe of her, Must be a faith that reason without miracle Should never plant in me. Cor. I yet beseech your majesty, If for I want that glib and oily art, To speak and purpose not; since what I well intend, I'll do't before 1 speak , that you make known It is no vicious blot, murder, or foulness, No unchaste action , or dishonour'd step , That hath depriv'd me of your grace and favour; But even for want of that for which I'm richer, A still-soliciting eye, and such a tongue As 1 am glad 1 have not , though not to have it Hath lost me in your liking. Lear. Better thou Hadst not been born than not t' have pleas'd me better. France. Js it but this, a tardiness in nature Which often leaves the history unspoke That it intends to do? My Lord of Burgundy, What say you to the lady? Love's not love When it is mingled with regards that stand Aloof from the entire point. Will you have her? She is herself a dowry. Bur. Royal Lear, KINO LEAK. 125 Give but that portion which yourself propos'd, And here I take Cordelia by the hand , Duchess of Burgundy. Lear. Nothing: 1 have sworn; I am firm. Bur. I'm sorry, then , you have so lost a father That you must lose a husband. Cor. Peace be with Burgundy! Since that respects of fortune are his love, I shall not be his wife. France. Fairest Cordelia, that art most rich , being poor; Most choice, forsaken; and most lov'd, despis'd! Thee and thy virtues here 1 seize upon: Be 't lawful 1 take up what's cast away. Gods, gods! 'tis strange that from their cold'st neglect My love should kindle to inflam'd respect. Thy dowcrless daughter, king, thrown to my chance, Is queen of us, of ours, and our fair France: Not all the dukes of waterish Burgundy Can buy this unpriz'd precious maid of me. Bid them farewell, Cordelia, though unkind: Thou losest here , a better where to find. Lear. Thou hast her, France: let her be thine; for we Have no such daughter, nor shall ever see That face of hers again: Therefore be gone Without our grace, our love, our benison, Come, noble Burgundy. [Flourish. Exeunt Lear, Burgundy, Cornwall, Albany, Gloster, and Attendants. France. Bid farewell to your sisters. Cor. Ye jewels of our father, with wash'd eyes Cordelia leaves you: I know you what you are; And, like a sister, am most loth to call Your faults as they are uain'd. Love well our father: To your professed bosoms I commit him: But yet, alas, stood 1 within his grace, 1 would prefer him to a better place. Bo, farewell to you both. 126 KIK& us AR. [ACTL Reg, Prescribe not us our duties. Gon. Let your study Be to content your lord, who hath receiv'd you At fortune's alms. You have obedience scanted , And well are worth the want that you have wanted. Cor. Time shall unfold what plighted cunning hides: Who cover faults, at last shame them dexides. Well may you prosper! France. Come, my fair Cordelia. [Exeunt France and Cordelia. Gon. Sister, it is not little i have to say of what most nearly appertains to us both. I think our father will hence to-night. Reg. That's most certain, and with you; next month with us. Gon. You see how full of changes his age is; the observa- tion we have made of it hath not been little: he always loved our sister most; and with what poor judgment he hath now cast her off appears too grossly. Reg. 'Tis the infirmity of his age: yet he hath ever but slenderly known himself. Gon. The best and soundest of his time hath been but rash; then must we look to receive from his age, not alone the imperfections of long-engrailed condition, but therewithal the unruly waywardness that infirm and choleric years bring with them. Reg. Such unconstant starts are we like to have from him as this of Kent's banishment. Gon. There is further compliment of leave-taking between France and him. Pray you, let us hit together: if our father carry authority with such dispositions as he bears, this last surrender of his will but offend us. Reg. We shall further think of it. Gon. We must do something, and i' the hea.t [Exeunt. KING LEAR. 12? SCXKB II. A hall in the Earl of Gloster'a cattle. Enter EDMUND, with a letter. Edm. Thou, nature, art my goddess; to thy law My services are bound. Wherefore should I Stand in the plague of custom, and permit The curiosity of nations to deprive me, For that I am some twelve or fourteen moonshines Lag of a brother? Why bastard? wherefore base? When my dimensions are as well compact, My mind as generous, and my shape as true, As honest madam's issue ? Why bnind they us With base? with baseness? bastardy? base, base? Who, in the lusty stealth of nature, take More composition and fierce quality Than doth, within a dull, stale, tired bed, Go to the creating a whole tribe of fops, Got 'tween asleep and wake? Well, then, Legitimate Edgar, I must have your laud: Our father's love ifl to the bastard Edmund As to the legitimate: fine word, legitimate! Well, my legitimate, if this letter speed, And my invention thrive , Edmund the base Shall top the legitimate. I grow; I prosper: Now, gods, stand up for bastards! Enter GLOSTER. Glo. Kent banish'd thus! and France in choler parted! And the king gone to-night! subscrib'd his power! Confiu'd to exhibition! All this done Upon the gad! Edmund, how now! what news? Edm. So please your lordship , none. [Putting up the letter Glo. Why so earnestly seek you to put up that letter? Edm. I know no news , my lord. Glo. What paper were you reading? Edm. Nothing, my lord. 128 KINO LEAE. [ACT I. Glo. No? What needed, then, that terrible dispatch of it into your pocket? the quality of nothing hath not such need to hide itself. Let's see: come, if it be nothing, 1 shall not need spectacles. Edm. I beseech you, sir, pardon me: it is a letter from my brother , that I have not all o'er-read ; and for so much as I have perused, 1 find it not fit for your o'er-looking. Glo. Give me the letter, BIT. Edm. I shall offend , either to detain or give it. The con- tents, as in part 1 understand them, are to blame. Glo. Let's see, let's see. Edm. 1 hope, for my brother's justification, he wrote this but as an essay or taste of my virtue. Glo. [reads] "This policy and reverence of age makes the world bitter to the best of our times; keeps our fortunes from us till our oldness cannot relish them. 1 begin to find an idle and fond bondage in the oppression of aged tyranny; who sways, not as it hath power, but as it is suffered. Come to me, that of this I may speak more. If our father would sleep till I waked him, you should enjoy half his revenue for ever, and live the beloved of your brother, EDGAR." Hum conspiracy! "Sleep till 1 waked him, you should enjoy half his revenue," My son Edgar! Had he a hand to write this? a heart and brain to breed it in? When came this to you? who brought it? Edm. It was not brought me, my lord, there's the cunning of it; I found it thrown in at the casement of my closet. Glo. You know the character to be your brother's? Edm. If the matter were good , my lord , 1 durst swear it were his; but, in respect of that, I would fain think it were not. Glo. It is his. Edm. It is his hand, my lord; but I hope his heart is not in the contents. Glo. Has he never before sounded you in this business? Edm. Never, my lord: but 1 have heard him oft maintain SCJCNK n.) KINO LEAR. 129 it to be fit, that, sons at perfect age, and fathers declining, the father should he as ward to the son, and the sou manage his revenue. Glo. O villain, villain! His very opinion in the letter! Abhorred villain! Unnatural, detested, brutish villain! worse than brutish! Go, sirrah, seek him; I'll apprehend him: abominable villain! Where is he? Edm. 1 do not well know, my lord. If it shall please you to suspend your indignation against my brother till you can derive from him better testimony of his intent, you shall run a certain course; where, if you violently proceed against him, mistaking his purpose, it would make a great gap in your own honour, and shake in pieces the heart of his obedience I dare pawn down my life for him , that he hath writ this to feel my affection to your honour , and to no other pretence of danger. Glo. Think you so? Edm. If your honour judge it meet, I will place you where you shall hear us confer of this, and by an auricular assurance have your satisfaction; and that without any fur- ther delay than tliis very evening. Glo. lie cannot be such a monster Edm. Nor is not, sure. Glo. To his father, that so tenderly and entirely loves him. Heaven and earth! Edmund, seek him out; wind me into him, 1 pray you: frame the business after your own wisdom. I would unstate myself, to be in a due reso- lution. Edm. I will seek him, sir, presently; convey the business as I shall find means , and acquaint you withal. Glo. These late eclipses in the sun and moon portend no good to us: though the wisdom of nature can reason it thus and thus, yet nature finds itself scourged by the sequent effects: love cools, friendship fails oil', brothers divide: in cities, mutinies; in countries, discord; hi palaces, treason; and the bond cracked 'twixt son and father. This villain of mine comes under the prediction; there's son against JL 130 KINO LEAB. IAOTL father: the king falls from bias of nature; there's father against child. We have seen the best of our time : machina- tions, hollowness, treachery, and all ruinous disorders, follow us disqui etiy to our graves. Find out this villain, Edmund; it shall lose thee nothing; do it carefully. And the noble and true-hearted Kent banished ! his offence , honesty ! 'Tis strange. [Exit. Dim. This is the excellent foppery of the world, that, when we are sick in fortune , often the surfeit of our own behaviour, we make guilty of our disasters the sun, the moon, and the stars: as if we were villains by necessity, fools by heavenly compulsion; knaves, thieves, and treachers, by spherical predominance; drunkards, liars, and adulterers, by an enforced obedience of planetary influence ; and all that we are evil in, by a divine thrusting on: an admirable eva- sion of whoremaster man, to lay his goatish disposition to the charge of a star! My father compounded with my mother under the dragon's tail; and my nativity was under ursa major; so that it follows, I am rough and lecherous. Tut, 1 should have been that I am, had the maidenliest star in the firmament twinkled on my bastardizing. Edgar! pat he comes like the catastrophe of the old comedy: my cue is vil- lanous melancholy, with a sigh like Tom o* Bedlam. Enter EDOAB. O, these eclipses do portend these divisions! fa, sol, la, mi. Edg. How now, brother Edmund! what serious contem- plation are you in? Edm. 1 am thinking, brother, of a prediction I read this other day, what should follow these eclipses. Edg. Do you busy yourself with that? Edm. 1 promise you, the effects he writes of succeed unhappily; as of unnaturalness between the child and the parent; death, dearth, dissolutions of ancient amities; divi- sions in state, menaces and maledictions against king and nobles ; needless diffidences , banishment of friends , dissipa- tion of cohorts, nuptial breaches, and 1 know not what, .] KINO LEAK. 131 Edg. How long have you been a sectary astronomical? Edm. Come, come; when saw you my father last? Edg. The night gone by. Edm. Spake you with him? Edg. Ay, two hours together. Edm. Parted you in good terms? Found you no dis- pleasure in him by word nor countenance? Edg. None at all. Edm. Bethink yourself wherein you may have offended him : and at my entreaty forbear his presence till some little time hath qualified the heat of his displeasure; which at this instant so rageth in him, that with the mischief of your person it would scarcely allay. Edg. Some villain hath done me wrong. Rim. That's my fear. I pray you, have a continent for- bearance till the speed of his rage goes slower; and, as I say, retire with me to my lodging, from whence I will fitly bring you to hear my lord speak: pray ye, go; there's my key: if you do stir abroad , go armed. Edg. Armed , brother 1 Edm. Brother, 1 advise you to the best; I am no honest man if there be any good meaning toward you : I have told you what I have seen and heard but faintly, nothing like the image and horror of it : pray you , away. Edg. Shall 1 hear from you anon ? Edm. I do serve you in this business. [Exit Edgar. A credulous father! and a brother noble, Whose nature is so far from doing harms, That he suspects none ; on whose foolish honesty My practices ride easy ! I see the business. Let me , if not by birth , have lands by wit : All with me's meet that 1 can fashion fit. [Exit SCENE III. A room in the Duke of Albany's palace. Enter GONERIL and OSWALD. Gon. Did my father strike my gentleman for chiding of ki fool? 8' 132 KING U4AR. Uo*l. Osio. Ay, madam. G. U 10 146 KING LEAR. The child was bound to the father; air, in fine, Seeing how loathly opposite 1 stood To his unnatural purpose, hi fell motion, With his prepared sword he charges home My unprovided body , lanc'd mine arm : But when he saw my best alarum'd spirits , Bold hi the quarrel's right, rous'd to th' encounter, Or whether gasted by the noise I made , Full suddenly he fled. Glo. Let him fly far : Not in this land shall he remain uncaught; And found dispatch. The noble duke my master , My worthy arch and patron , comes to-night : By his authority 1 will proclaim it, That he which finds him shall deserve our thanks , Bringing the murderous coward to the stake; He that conceals him, death. Edm. When I dissuaded him from his intent, And found him pight to do it, with curst speech I threaten'd to discover him: he replied, "Thou unpossessing bastard 1 dost thou think, If 1 would stand against thee, would the reposal Of any trust, virtue, or worth, in thee Make thy words faith'd? No: what I should deny, As this i would; ay, though thou didst produce My very character , I'd turn it all To thy suggestion, plot, and damned practice: And thou must make a dullard of the world , If they not thought the profits of my death Were very pregnant and potential spurs To make thee seek it." Glo. Strong and fastened villain I Would he deny his letter? ' I never got him. [Tucket within Hark, the duke's trumpets! I know not why he comes. All ports I'll bar; the villain shall not scape; The duke must grant me that: besides, his picture KING LEAR. 147 i will send far and near, that all the kingdom May have due note of him ; and of my land , Loyal and natural hoy, I'll work the means To make thee capable. Enter CORNWALL , REGAN , and Attendants. Corn. How now, my noble friend! since I came hither, Which I can call but now, I've heard strange news. Reg. If it be true , all vengeance comes too short Which can pursue th' offender. How dost, my lord? Glo. madam, my old heart is crack 'd, it's crack'd! Reg. What, did my father's godson seek your life? He whom my father nam'd? your Edgar? Glo. lady, lady, shame would have it hid! Reg. Was he not companion with the riotous knights That tend upon my father? Glo. 1 know not, madam: 'tis too bad, too bad. Edm. Yes, madam, he was of that consort. Reg. No marvel, then, though he were ill affected: Tis they have put him on the old man's death, To have th' expense and waste of his revenues. I have this present evening from my sister Been well inform'd of them ; and with such cautions , That if they come to sojourn at my house , I'll not be there. Corn. Nor 1, assure thee , Regan. Edmund, I hear that you have shown your father A child-like office. Edm. 'Twas my duty, sir. Glo. He did bewray his practice : and receiv'd This hurt you see , striving to apprehend him. Corn. Is he pursu'd? Glo. Ay, my good lord. Corn. If he be taken , he shall never more Be fear'd of doing harm : make your own purpose , How in my strength you please. For you, Edmund, Whose virtue and obedience doth this instant 10* 148 KING LEAR, f ACW n. So much commend itself, you shall be ours: Natures of such deep trust we shall much need; You we first seize on. Edm. I shall serve you, sir, Truly, however else. Glo. For him I thank your grace. Corn. You know not why we came to visit you , Reg. Thus out of season, threading dark-ey'd night: Occasions, noble G-loster, of some poise, Wherein we must have use of your advice : Our father he hath writ, so hath our sister, Of differences , which I best thought it fit To answer from our home; the several messengers From hence attend dispatch. Our good old friend, Lay comforts to your bosom; and bestow Your needful counsel to our business, Which craves the instant use. Glo. I serve you, madam: Your graces are right welcome. [Exeunt SCENE II. Before GLOBTBB'S castle. Enter KENT and OSWALD, severally. Osw. Good dawning to thee, friend: art of this house? Kent. Ay. Osw. WTiere may we set our horses? Kent. I 1 the mire. Osw. Prithee , if thou lovest me , tell me. Kent. I love thee not. Osw. Why, then , I care not for thee. Kent. If I had thee in Lipsbury pinfold , I would make thee care for me. Osw. Why dost thou use me thus? I know thee not. Kent. Fellow, I know thee. Osw. What dost thou know me for? Kent. A knave; a rascal; an eater of broken meats; a base, proud, shallow, beggarly, three-suited , hundred-pound, SCENE U.j KUSQ. LEAR. 149 filthy, worsted-stocking knave ; a lily-livered , action-taking, whoreson , glass-gazing , superserviceable, finical rogue ; one- trunk-inheriting slave; one that wouldst be a bawd, in way of good service, and art nothing but the composition of a knave, beggar, coward, pander, and the son and heir of a mongrel bitch: one whom I will beat into clamorous whining, if thou deniest the least syllable of thy addition. Osw. Why, what a monstrous fellow art thou, thus to rail on one that is neither known of thee nor knows thee ! Kent. What a brazen-faced varlet art thou, to deny thou knowest me ! Is it two days since I tripped up thy heels, and beat thee, before the king? Draw, you rogue: for, though it be night, yet the moon shines ; I'll make a sop o' the moon- shine of you: draw, you whoreson cullionly barbermonger, draw. [Drawing his sword. Osw. Away! I have nothing to do with thee. Kent. Draw, you rascal: you come with letters against the king ; and take Vanity the puppet's part against the roy- alty of her father: draw, you rogue, or I'll so carbonado your shanks: draw, you rascal; come your ways. Osw. Help, ho! murder! help! Kent. Strike, you slave; stand, rogue, stand; you neat slave, strike. [Beating him. Osw. Help, ho! murder! murder! Enter EDMUND. Edm. How now! What's the matter? Kent. With you , goodman boy , if you please : come , I'll flesh ye ; come on , young master. Enter GLOSTEB. Glo. Weapons! arms! What's the matter here? Enter COBNWALL, REGAN, and Servants. Corn. Keep peace , upon your lives ; He dies that strikes again. What is the matter? Eeg. The messengers from our sister and the king. Corn. What is your difference? speak. 150 KING LEAK, fAOTO. Osw. 1 am scarce in breath, my lord. Kent. No marvel, you have so bestirred your valour. You cowardly rascal, nature disclaims in thee: a tailor made thee. Corn. Thou art a strange fellow : a tailor make a man ? Kent. Ay, a tailor, sir: a stone-cutter or a painter could not have made him so ill, though they had been but two hours o' the trade. Corn. Speak yet, how grew your quarrel? Osw. This ancient ruffian, sir, whose life I have spared at suit of his gray beard, Kent. Thou whoreson zed! thou unnecessary letter! My lord, if you will give me leave, I will tread this unbolted villain into mortar, and daub the wall of a jakes with him. "Spare my gray beard," you wagtail? Corn. Peace, sirrah! You beastly knave, know you no reverence? Kent. Yes, sir; but anger hath a privilege. Corn. Why art thou angry? Kent. That such a slave as this should wear a sword, Who wears no honesty. Such smiling rogues as these , Like rats, oft bite the holy cords a- twain Which are too intrinse t' unloose; smooth every passion That in the natures of their lords rebel; Bring oil to fire , snow to their colder moods ; Renege, affirm, and turn their halcyon beaks With every gale and vary of their masters, Knowing naught , like dogs , but folio wing. A plague upon your epileptic visage ! Smile you my speeches, as I were a fool? Goose , if I had you upon Sarum plain , I'd drive ye cackling home to Camelot. Corn. What, art thou mad, old fellow? Glo. How fell you out? say that. Kent. No contraries hold more antipathy Than I and such a knave. Com. Why dost thou call him knave? What's his offence? SCENE O.] IQ N Q LEAR. 151 Kent. His countenance likes me not. Corn. No more, perchance, does mine, nor his, nor hers. Kent. Sir, 'tis my occupation to be plain: I have seen better faces in my time Than stands on any shoulder that I see Before me at this instant. Corn. This is some fellow, Who, having been prais'd for bluntuess, doth affect A saucy roughness, and constrains the garb Quite from his nature: he cannot flatter, he, An honest mind and plain, he must speak truth! An they will take it, so; if not, he's plain. These kind of knaves I know, which in this plainness Harbour more craft and more corrupter ends Than twenty silly-ducking observants That stretch their duties nicely. Kent. Sir, in good faith, in sincere verity, Under th* allowance of your great aspe'ct, Whose influence , like the wreath of radiant fire On flickering Phoebus* front , Corn. What mean'st by this? Kent. To go out of my dialect, which you discommend so much. I know, sir, I am no flatterer: he that beguiled you in a plain accent was a plain knave; which, for my part, I will not be, though I should win your displeasure to entreat me to't. Corn. What was the offence you gave him? Osw. I never gave him any: It pleas'd the king his master very late To strike at me, upon his misconstruction; When he, conjunct, and flattering his displeasure, Tripp'd me behind; being down, insulted, rail'd, And put upon him such a deal of man , That worthied him , got praises of the king For him attempting who was self-subdu'd ; And , in the fleshment of this dread exploit , Drew on me here again. 152 KING LEAR. [ACT n. Kent. None of these rogues and cowards But Ajax is their fool. Com. Fetch forth the stocks! You stubborn ancient knave , you reverend braggart , We'll teach you Kent. Sir, I am too old to leam: Call not your stocks for me : I serve the king ; On whose employment I was sent to you : You shall do small respect, show too bold malice Against the grace and person of my master , Stocking his messenger. Corn. Fetch forth the stocks I As I have life and honour, There shall he sit till noon. Reg. Till noon I till night, my lord; and all night too. Kent. Why, madam, if I were your father's dog, You should not use me so. Reg. Sir, being his knave, I will. Corn. This is a fellow of the self-same colour Our sister speaks of. Come, bring away the stocks! [Stocks brought out. Glo. Let me beseech your grace not to do so : His fault is much , and the good king his master Will check him for't: your purposed low correction Is such as basest and contemned'st wretches For pilferings and most common trespasses Are punish'd with : the king must take it ill , That he, so slightly valu'd in his messenger, Should have hi thus restraiu'd. Corn. Ill answer that. Reg. My sister may receive it much more worse , To have her gentleman abus'd, assaulted, For following her affairs. Put in his legs. [Kent is put in the stocks. Come , my good lord , away. [Exeunt all except Gloster and Kent. Glo. I'm sorry for thee, friend; 'tis the duke's pleasure, Whose disposition , all the world well knows , Will not be rubb'd nor stopp'd: I'll entreat for thee. SCBMBIU.j KING LEAH. 153 Kent. Pray, do not, sir: I've watch'd, and travelTd hard; Some time I shall sleep out, the rest I'll whistle. A good man's fortune may grow out at heels : Give you good morrow! Glo. The duke's to blame in this; 'twill be ill taken. [Exit. Kent. Good king, that must approve the common saw,- Thou out of heaven's benediction com'st To the warm sun! Approach, thou beacon to this under globe , That by thy comfortable beams I may Peruse this letter! Nothing almost sees miracles But misery: I know 'tis from Cordelia, Who hath most fortunately been inform'd Of my obscured course; and shall find time From this enormous state, seeking to give Losses their remedies. All weary and o'er-watch'd, Take vantage, heavy eyes, not to behold This shameful lodging. Fortune, good night: smile once more; turn thy wheel! [Sleeps. SCENB III. The open country. Enter EDGAR. Edg. I heard myself proclaim'd ; And by the happy hollow of a tree Escap'd the hunt. No port is free; no place, That guard, and most unusual vigilance, Does not attend my taking. While I may scape, I will preserve myself: and am bethought To take the basest and most poorest shape That ever penury, in contempt of man , Brought near to beast: my face I'll grime with filth; Blanket my loins; elf all my hair in knots; And with presented nakedness out-face The winds and persecutions of the sky. The country gives me proof and precedent Of Bedlam beggars, who, with roaring voices, 154 KING LEAR. [ACT II Strike in their numb f d and mortified bare arms Pins, wooden pricks, nails, sprigs of rosemary; And with this horrible object, from low farms, Poor pelting villages, sheep-cotes, and mills , Sometime with lunatic bans, sometime with prayers, Enforce their charity. "Poor Turlygood! poor Tom!" That's something yet: Edgar I nothing am. [ Exit SCENE IV. Before GLOSTER'S castle; KENT in the stocks. Enter LEAR, Fool, and Gentleman. Lear. 'Tis strange that they should so depart from home, And not send back my messenger. Gent. As I learnM, The night before there was no purpose in them Of this remove. Kent. Hail to thee, noble master! Lear. Ha! Mak'st thou this shame thy pastime? Kent. No, my lord. Fool. Ha, ha! he wears cruel garters. Horses are tied by the head, dogs and bears by the neck, monkeys by the loins, and men by the legs: when a man 's over-lusty at legs, then he wears wooden nether-stocks. Lear. What's he that hath so much thy place mistook To set thee here? Kent. It is both he and she, Your son and daughter. Lear. No. Kent. Yes. Lear. No, I say. Kent. I say, yea. Lear. No , no , they would not Kent. Yes, they have. Lear. By Jupiter , I swear , no. Kent. By Juno, I swear, ay. Lear. They durst not do't \ CENBIV.] KING LEAR, 155 They could not, would not do't; 'tis worse than murder, To do upon respect such violent outrage : Resolve me , with all modest haste , which way Thou mightst deserve , or they impose , this usage , Coining from us. Kent. My lord, when at their home I did commend your highness 1 letters to them , Ere I was risen from the place that show'd My duty kneeling, came there a reeking post, Stew'd in his haste, half breathless, panting forth From Goneril his mistress salutations ; Delivered letters , spite of intermission , Which presently they read: on whose contents, They summon'd up their meiny, straight took horse; Commanded me to follow, and attend The leisure of their answer; gave me cold looks: And meeting here the other messenger, Whose welcome, I perceiv'd, had poison'd mine, Being the very fellow which of late Displayed so saucily against your highness, Having more man than wit about me, drew: He rais'd the house with loud and coward cries. Your son and daughter found this trespass worth The shame which here it suffers. Fool. Winter's not gone yet, if the wild-geese fly that way. Fathers that wear rags Do make their children blind; But fathers that bear bags Shall see their children kind. Fortune, that arrant whore, Ne'er turns the key to the poor. But, for all this, thou shalt have as many dolours for thy daughters as thou canst tell in a year. Lear. O, how this mother swells up toward my heart! Hysterica passio, down, thou climbing sorrow, Thy element 's below! Where is this daughter? Kent. With the earl, sir, here within. 156 KIG LEAH, [ACT n. Lear. Follow ine not; Stay here. [Exit. Gent. Made you no more offence but what you speak of? Kent. None. How chance the king comes with so small a train? Fool. An thou hadst been set i' the stocks for that ques- tion , thou hadst well deserved it. Kent. Why, fool? Fool. We'll set thee to school to an ant, to teach thee there's no labouring i' the winter. All that follow their noses are led by their eyes but blind men; and there's not a nose among twenty but can smell him that's stinking. Let go thy hold when a great wheel runs down a hill , lest it break thy neck with following it; but the great one that goes up the hill , let him draw thee after. When a wise man gives thee better counsel, give me mine again: I would have none but knaves follow it, since a fool gives it. That sir which serves and seeks for gain , And follows but for form, Will pack when it begins to rain , And leave thee in the storm. But I will tarry; the fool will stay, And let the wise man fly : The knave turns fool that runs away: The fool no knave, perdy. Kent. Where learned you this, fool? Fool. Not i' the stocks , fool. Re-enter LEAR with GLOSTBB. Lear. Deny to speak with me? They're sick? they're weary? They have travell'd all the night? Mere fetches; The images of revolt and flying-off. Fetch me a better answer. Glo. My dear lord, You know the fiery quality of the duke; How unremovable and fix'd he is In hia own course. KING LEAR. 15? Lear. Vengeance 1 plague! death! confusion! Fiery? what quality? Why, Gloster, Gloster, I'd speak with the Duke of Cornwall and his wife. Glo. Well, my good lord, I have inform'd them so. Lear. Inform'd them! Dost thou understand me, man? Glo. Ay, my good lord. Lear. The king would speak with Cornwall; the dear father Would with his daughter speak , commands her service : Are they inform'd of this? My breath and blood! Fiery? the fiery duke? Tell the hot duke that No, but not yet: may be he is not well: Infirmity doth still neglect all office Whereto our health is bound; we're not ourselves When nature, being oppressed, commands the mind To suffer with the body: I'll forbear; And am fall'n out with my more headier will, To take the indispos'd and sickly fit For the sound man. Death on my state! wherefdre [Looking on Kent. Should he sit here? This act persuades me That this remotion of the duke and her Is practice only. Give me my servant forth. Go tell the duke and 's wife I'd speak with them, Now, presently : bid them come forth and hear me , Or at their chamber-door I'll beat the drum Till it cry sleep to death. Glo. I would have all well betwixt you. [Exit. Lear. me, my heart, my rising heart! but, down! Fool. Cry to it, nuncle, as the cockney did to the eels when she put 'em i' the paste alive; she knapped 'em o' the coxcombs with a stick, and cried, "Down, wantons, down!" 'Twas her brother that, in pure kindness to his horse, buttered his hay. Enter CORNWALL, REGAN, GLOSTBB, and Servants Lear. Good morrow to you both. 158 KING LEAR. Corn. Hail to your grace ! [Kent is set at liberty. Reg. I ain glad to see your highness. Lear. Regan, I think you are; 1 know what reason I have to think so: if thou shouldst not be glad, I would divorce me from thy mother's tomb , Sepulchring an adultress. [To Kent\ 0, are you free? Some other time for that. Beloved Regan, Thy sister 's naught: Regan, she hath tied Sharp-tooth'd unkindness , like a vulture , here , [Points to his heart. I can scarce speak to thee ; thou'lt not believe Of how deprav'd a quality Regan! Reg. I pray you, sir, take patience: 1 have hope You less know how to value her desert Than she to scant her duty. Lear. Say, how is that? Reg. I cannot think my sister in the least Would fail her obligation : if , sir , perchance She have restrain'd the riots of your followers , 'Tis on such ground, and to such wholesome end, As clears her from all blame. Lear. My curses on her! Reg. 0, sir, you are old; Nature in you stands on the very verge Of her confine : you should be ruTd , and led By some discretion that discerns your state Better than you yourself. Therefore, I pray you, That to our sister you do make return; Say you have wrong'd her , sir. Lear. Ask her forgiveness? Do you but mark how this becomes the house : "Dear daughter, I confess that 1 am old; [Kneeling. Age is unnecessary: on my knees I beg That you'll vouchsafe me raiment, bed, and food." Reg. Good sir, no more; these are unsightly tricks: Return you to my sister. iCJSNSJlV.) KING LBAU. 15& Lear, [rmng] Never, Regan: She hath abated me of half my train; Look'd black upon me; struck me with her tongue, Most serpent- like, upon the very heart: All the stor'd vengeances of heaven fall On her ingrateful top 1 Strike her young bones , You taking airs , with lameness ! Corn. Fie, sir, fie! Lear. You nimble lightnings, dart your blinding flames Into her scornful eyes! Infect her beauty, You fen-suck'd fogs, drawn by the powerful sun, To fall and blast her pride ! Reg. the blest gods! so will you wish on me, When the rash mood is on. Lear . No , Regan , thou shalt never have my curse : Thy tender-hefted nature shall not give Thee o'er to harshness : her eyes are fierce ; but thine Do comfort, and not burn. 'Tis not in thee To grudge my pleasures, to cut off my train, To bandy hasty words , to scant my sizes , And, in conclusion, to oppose the bolt Against my coining in : thou better know'st The offices of nature , bond of childhood , Effects of courtesy, dues of gratitude ; Thy half o' the kingdom hast thou not forgot, Wherein I thee endow'd. Reg. Good sir, to the purpose. Lear. Who put my man i' the stocks? [Tucket within . Corn. What trumpet's that V Reg. I know't, my sister's: this approves her letter, That she would soon be here. Enter OSWALD. Is your lady come? Lear. This is a slave , whose easy-borrow'd pride Dwells in the fickle grace of her he follows. Out, varlet, from my sight! 160 KING LEAR. Corn. What means your grace? Lear. Who stocked my servant? Regan, I have good hope Thou didst not know on't. Who comes here? heavens, Enter GONEBIL. If you do love old men, if your sweet sway Allow obedience , if yourselves are old , Make it your cause; send down, and take my part ! [To Gon.] Art not asham'd to look upon this beard? Regan, wilt thou take her by the hand? Gon. Why not by the hand , sir? How have I offended ? All's not offence that indiscretion finds And dotage terms so. Lear. O sides, you are too tough; Will you yet hold? How came my man T the stocks? Corn. I set him there, sir: but his own disorders Deserved much less advancement. Lear. You! did you? Reg. I pray you, father, being weak, seem so. If, till the expiration of your month, You will return and sojourn with my sister, Dismissing half your train, come then to me: I'm now from home, and out of that provision Which shall be needful for your entertainment. Lear. Return to her, and fifty men dismiss'd? No , rather I abjure all roofs , and choose To wage against the enmity o' th' air; To be a comrade with the wolf and owl, Necessity's sharp pinch! Return with her? Why, the hot-blooded France, that dowerless took Our youngest born, I could as well be brought To knee his throne, and, squire-like, pension beg To keep base life afoot. Return with her? Persuade me rather to be slave and sumpter To this detested groom. [Pointing at Oswald Gon. At your choice , sir. tear. I prithee, daughter, do not make me mad: 8CJSHBIT.] KING LEAR. 161 1 will not trouble thee, my child; farewell: We'll no more meet, no more see one another: But yet thou art my flesh, my blood, my daughter; Or rather a disease that's in my flesh , Which 1 must needs call mine: thou art a boil, A plague-sore, an embossed carbuncle, In my corrupted blood. But I'll not chide thee; Let shame come when it will, 1 do not call it: I do not bid the thunder- bearer shoot, Nor tell tales of thee to high-judging Jove: Mend when thou canst; be better at thy leisure: 1 can be patient; 1 can stay with Kegan, I and my hundred knights. Reg, Not altogether so: I look'd not for you yet, nor am provided For your fit welcome. Give ear, sir, to my sister; For those that mingle reason with your passion Must be content to think you old, and so But she knows what she does. Lear. Is this well spoken? Reg. I dare avouch it, sir: what, fifty folio were V Is it not well? What should you need of more? Yea, or so many, sith that both charge and danger Speak 'gainst so great a number? ilow, in one house, Should many people , under two commands , Hold amity? "f is hard; almost impossible. Gon. Why might not you , my lord , receive attendance From those that she calls servants or from mine? Reg. Why not, my lord ? If then they chaiic'd to slack you, We could control them. If you will come to me, For now 1 spy a danger, 1 entreat you To bring but five-aud-twenty: to no more Will 1 give place or notice. Lear. 1 gave you all Reg. And in good time you gave it Lear. Made you my guardians, my depositaries; But kept a reservation to be follow'd Shriesptar*. VI. II 162 KING LBAft. With such a number. What, must I come to you With five-and-twenty, Began? said you BO? Reg. And speak 't again, my lord; no more with me. Lear. Those wicked creatures yet do look well-favour'd, When others are more wicked ; not being the worst Stands in some rank of praise. [To Gon.] I'll go with thee : Thy fifty yet doth double five-and-twenty, And thou art twice her love. Gon. Hear me , my lord : What need you five-and-twenty, ten, or five, To follow in a house where twice so many Have a command to tend you? Reg. What need one? Lear. 0, reason not the need: our basest beggars Are in the poorest thing superfluous : Allow not nature more than nature needs , Man's life is cheap as beast's: thou 'art a lady; If only to go warm were gorgeous , Why, nature needs not what thou gorgeous wear'st, Which scarcely keeps thee warm. But, for true need, You heavens , give me that patience , patience I need I You see me here, you gods, a poor old man, As full of grief as age; wretched in both! If it be you that stir these daughters' hearts Against their father, fool me not so much To bear it tamely; touch me with noble anger, And let not women's weapons , water-drops , Stain my man's cheeks! No, you unnatural hag*, I will have such revenges on you both , That all the world shall I will do such things, What they are, yet I know not; but they shall be The terrors of the earth. You think I'll weep; No , I'll not weep : I have full cause of weeping; but this heart Shall break into a hundred thousand flaws , Or e'er I'll weep. fool, I shall go mad! [Exeunt Lear, Gloster, Kent, and Fool. Storm Jieard at a distance. 80BNB1V.] KINO LBAR. 163 Corn. Let us withdraw; 'twill be a storm. Reg. This house is little: the old man and his people Cannot be well bestow'd. Gon. Tis his own blame; 'hath put himself from rest, And must needs taste his folly. Reg. For his particular, I'll receive him gladly, But not one follower. Gon. So am I purpos'd. Where is my Lord of Gloster? Corn. Follow'd the old man forth: he is return'd. Re-enter GLOSTKK. Glo. The king is in high rage. Corn. Whither is he going? Glo. He calls to horse ; but will 1 know not whither. Corn. 'Tis best to give him way, he leads himself Gon. My lord, entreat him by no means to stay. Glo. Alack, the night comes on, and the bleak winds Do sorely ruffle; for many miles about There's scarce a bush, Reg. 0, sir, to wilful men The injuries that they themselves procure Must be their schoolmasters. Shut up your doors : He is attended with a desperate train; And what they may incense him to , being apt To have his ear abus'd, wisdom bids fear. Corn. Shut up your doors, iny lord; 'tis a wild night: My Regan counsels well: come out o' the storm. . C ~ J \hxeunt ACT III. SCENE I. A heath. A storm, with thunder and lightning. Enter KENT and a Gentleman, meeting. Kent. Who's there, besides foul weather? Gent. One minded like the weather, most unquietly, 11* 164 JUNO LBASU Uo*m. Kent. I know you. Where's the king? Gent. Contending with the fretful elements; Bids the wind blow the earth into the sea, Or swell the curled waters 'bove the main , That things might change or cease ; tears his white hair, Which the impetuous blasts, with eyeless rage, Catch in their fury, and make nothing of; Strives in his little world of man t' out-scorn The to-and-fro-conflicting wind and rain. This night, wherein the cub-drawn bear would couch, The lion and the belly-pinched wolf Keep their fur dry, unbounded he runs, And bids what will take all. Kent. But who is with him? Gent. None but the fool; who labours to out-jest His heart-struck injuries. Kent. Sir, I do know you; And dare, upon the warrant of my note, Commend a dear thing to you. There's division , Although as yet the face of it be cover'd With mutual cunning, 'twixt Albany and Cornwall; Who have as who have not, that their great stars Throne and set high? servants, who seem no less, Which are to France the spies and speculations intelligent of our state ; what hath been seen , Either in snuffs and packings of the dukes; Or the hard rein which both of them have borne Against the old kind king; or something deeper, Whereof perchance these are but furnishings; But, true it is, from France there conies a power Into this seatter'd kingdom; who already, Wise in our negligence, have secret feet in some of our best ports , and are at point To show their open banner. Now to you: If on my credit you dare build so far To make your apeed to Dover, you shall find Some that will thank you, making just report SCBMI I A H.] KING LEAK. 165 Of how unnatural and bemadding sorrow The king hath cause to plain. I am a gentleman of blood and breeding; And, from some knowledge and assurance, offer This office to you. Gent. I will talk further with you. Kent. No, do not For confirmation that I am much more Than my out- wall, open this purse, and take What it contains. If you shall see Cordelia, As fear not but you shall, show her this ring; And she will tell you who your fellow is That yet you do not know. Fie on this storm! I will go seek the king. Gent. Give me your hand: have you no more to say? Kent. Few words, but, to effect, more than all yet, That, when we've found the king, in which your pain That way, I'll this, he that first lights on him Holla the other. [Exeunt severally SCKHK II. Another part of the "heath. Storm continue*. Enter LEAH and Fool. Lear. Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks! rage! blow! You cataracts and hurricanoes, spout Till you have drench'd our steeples, drown'd the cocks! You sulphurous and thought-executing fires, Vaunt-couriers to oak-cleaving thunderbolts, Singe my white head! And tbou, all-shaking thunder, Strike flat the thick rotundity o' the world! Crack nature's moulds , all germens spill at once , That make ingrateful man! Fool. O nuncle, court holy- water in a dry house is better than this rain-water out o' door. Good nuncle, in, and ask thy daughters' blessing: here's a night pities neither wise men nor fools. Lear. Rumble thy bellyful! Spit, fire! spout, rain! 166 KING LEAK. [ACT ID Nor rain, wind, thunder, fire, are my daughters: I tax not you, you elements, with unkindness; I never gave you kingdom , call'd you children , You owe me no subscription : then let fall Your horrible pleasure; here I stand, your slave, A poor, infirm, weak, and despis'd old man: But yet I call you servile ministers , That have with two pernicious daughters join'd Your high-engender'd battles 'gainst a head So old and white as this! 0! 0! 'tis foul! Fool. He that has a house to put 's head in has a good head-piece. The cod-piece that will house Before the head has any, The head and he shall louse; So beggars marry many. The man that makes his toe What he his heart should make Shall of a corn cry woe, And turn his sleep to wake : for there was never yet fair woman but she made mouths in Lear. No, I will be the pattern of all patience; I will say nothing. Enter KENT. Kent. Who's there? Fool. Marry, here's grace and a cod-piece; that's a wise man and a fool. Kent. Alas, sir, are you here? things that love night Love not such nights as these ; the wrathful skies Gallow the very wanderers of the dark , And make them keep their caves: since I was man, Such sheets of fire, such bursts of horrid thunder, Such groans of roaring wind and rain , I never Remember to have heard : man's nature cannot carry Th' affliction nor the fear. Lear. Let the great gods , SCENE n.J KING LEAR. 167 That keep this dreadful pother o'er our heads, Find out their enemies now. Tremble , thou wretch , That hast within thee undivulged crimes, Unwhipp'd of justice: hide thee, thou bloody hand; Thou perjur'd , and thou simular of virtue That art incestuous: caitiff, to pieces shake, That under covert and convenient seeming Hast practised on man's life : close pent-up guilts , Rive your concealing continents , and cry These dreadful summoners grace. I am a man More sinn'd against than sinning. Kent. Alack, bare-headed! Gracious my lord, hard by here is a hovel; Some friendship will it lend you 'gainst the tempest : Repose you there; while I to this hard house More harder than the stones whereof 'tis rais'd; Which even but now, demanding after you, Denied me to come in return , and force Their scanted courtesy. Lear. My wits begin to turn. Come on, my boy: how dost, my boy? art cold? I'm cold myself. Where is this straw, my fellow? The art of our necessities is strange , That can make vile things precious. Come , your hovel. Poor fool and knave , I've one part in my heart That's sorry yet for thee. Fool. He that has and a little tiny wit, [Singing. With hey, ho, the wind and the rain, Must make content with his fortunes fit, Though the rain it raineth every day. Lear. True, my good boy. Come, bring us to this hovel. [Exeunt Lear and Kent. Fool. This is a brave night to cool a courtezan. I'll speak a prophecy ere 1 go : When priests are more in word than matter; When brewers mar their malt with water; 168 KINO LEAK. [ACT IU. When nobles are their tailors' tutors; No heretics burn'd, but wenches' suitors; When every case in law is right; No squire in debt, nor no poor knight; When slanders do not live in tongues; Nor cutpurses come not to throngs ; When usurers tell their gold i' the field; And bawds and whores do churches build; Then shall the realm of Albion Come to great confusion: Then comes the time, who lives to see't, That going shall be us'd with feet. This prophecy Merlin shall make; for 1 live before his time, [Exit. Sews III. A room in GLOSTKH'S castle. Enter GLOSTKB and EDMUND. Glo. Alack, alack, Edmund, I like not this unnatural dealing. When I desired their leave that I might pity him, they took from me the use of mine own house; charged me, on pain of their perpetual displeasure, neither to speak of him , entreat for him , nor any way sustain him. Dim. Most savage and unnatural! Glo. Go to; say you nothing. There is division between the dukes; and a worse matter than that: 1 have received a letter this night; 'tis dangerous to be spoken; 1 have locked the letter in my closet: these injuries the king now bears will be revenged home; there is part of a power already footed: we must incline to the king. 1 will seek him, and privily relieve him: go you, and maintain talk with the duke, that my charity be not of him perceived: if he ask for me, I am ill, and gone to bed. Though I die for it, as no less is threatened me, the king my old master must be re- lieved. There is some strange thing toward, Edmund; pray you, be careful. [Exit. Edm. This courtesy, forbid thee, shall the duke Instantly know; and of that letter too: SOENB III AIY.j KINO LEAR. 169 This seems a fair deserving, and must draw me That which my father loses, no less than all: The younger rises when the old doth fall. [Exit SCKNB IV. A part of the Ticath, with a hovel. Storm continues. Enter LEAB, KENT, and Fool. Kent. Here is the place, my lord; good my lord, enter: The tyranny of the open night's too rough For nature to endure. Lear. Let me alone. Kent. Good my lord, enter here. Lear. Wilt break my heart? Kent. I had rather break mine own. Good my lord, enter. Lear. Thou think'st 'tis much that this contentious storm Invades us to the skin: so 'tis to thee; But where the greater malady is fix'd , The lesser is scarce felt. Thou'dst shun a bear; But if thy flight lay toward the roaring sea, Thou'dst meet the bear i' the mouth. When the mind's free, The body's delicate : the tempest in my mind Doth from my senses take all feeling else Save what beats there. Filial ingratitude! Is it not as this mouth should tear this hand For lifting food to't? But I will punish home: No , 1 will weep no more. In such a night To shut me out! Pour on ; I will endure : In such a night as this! Kegan, Goneril! Your old kind father, whose frank heart gave all, 0, that way madness lies; let me shun that; No more of that. Kent. Good my lord, enter here. Lear. Prithee, go in thyself; seek thine own ease : This tempest will not give me leave to ponder On things would hurt me more. But I'll go in. [ To the Fool] In , boy ; go first. You houseless poverty, Nay, get thee in. I'll pray, and then I'll sleep. [Fool got in. 170 KING LEAR. [ACT m. Poor naked wretches, wheresoe'er you are, That bide the pelting of this pitiless storm , How shall your houseless heads and unfed sides, Your loop'd and window'd raggedness, defend you From seasons such as these? O, I have ta'en Too little care of this! Take physic, pomp; Expose thyself to feel what wretches feel, That thou mayst shake the superflux to them, And show the heavens more just. Edg. [within] Fathom and half, fathom and half! Poor Tom ! [The Fool runs out from the hovel. Fool. Come not in here, nuncle, here's a spirit. Help me, help me! Kent. Give me thy hand. Who's there? Fool. A spirit , a spirit : he says his name's poor Tom. Kent. What art thou that dost grumble there i' the straw? Come forth. Enter EDGAR disguised as a madman. Edg. Away! the foul fiend follows me! Through the sharp hawthorn blows the cold wind. Hum ! go to thy cold bed , and warm thee. Lear. Didst thou give all to thy daughters? And art thou come to this? Edg. Who gives any thing to poor Tom? whom the foul fiend hath led through fire and through flame , through ford and whirlpool, o'er bog and quagmire; that hath laid knives under his pillow, and halters in his pew; set ratsbane by his porridge; made him proud of heart, to ride on a bay trotting- horse over four-inched bridges , to course his own shadow for a traitor. Bless thy five wits ! Tom 's a-cold, 0, do de, do de, do de. Bless thee from whirlwinds, star-blasting, and taking! Do poor Tom some charity, whom the foul fiend vexes: there could I have him now, and there, and there again , and there. [Storm continues. Lear. What, have his daughters brought him to this pass? Couldst thou save nothing? Didst thou give 'em all? SCENE IV.] KING LEAR. 171 Fool. Nay, he reserved a blanket, else we had been all shamed. Lear. Now, all the plagues that in the pendulous air Hang fated o'er men's faults light on thy daughters ! Kent. He hath no daughters, sir. Lear. Death, traitor ! nothing could have subdu'd nature To auch a lowness but his unkind daughters. Is it the fashion, that discarded fathers Should have thus little mercy on their flesh? Judicious punishment ! 'twas this flesh begot Those pelican daughters. Edg. Pillicock sat on Pillicock-httl: Halloo, halloo, loo, loo! Fool. This cold night will turn us all to fools and madmen. Edg. Take heed o' the foul fiend: obey thy parents; keep thy word justly; swear not; commit not with man's sworn spouse; set not thy sweet heart on proud array. Tom's a- cold. Lear. What hast thou been? Edg. A serving-man, proud in heart and mind; that curled my hair; wore gloves in my cap; served the lust of my mistress* heart, and did the act of darkness with her; swore as many oaths as I spake words, and broke them in the sweet face of heaven: one that slept in the contriving of lust, and waked to do it: wine loved I deeply, dice dearly; and in woman out-paramoured the Turk: false of heart, light of ear, bloody of hand; hog in sloth, fox in stealth, wolf in greedi- ness , dog in madness , lion in prey. Let not the creaking of shoes nor the rustling of silks betray thy poor heart to woman : keep thy foot out of brothels , thy hand out of plackets, thy pen from lenders' books, and defy the foul fiend. Still through the hawthorn blows the cold wind ; Says suum , mun , nonny . Dolphin my boy, my boy, sessai let him trot by. [Storm continues. Lear. Why, thou wert better in thy grave than to an- swer with thy uncovered body this extremity of the skies. 172 KING LEAR. [ACTED. Is man no more than this? Consider him well. Thou owest the worm no silk, the beast no hide, the sheep no wool, the cat no perfume. Ha! here's three on 's are sophisticated ! Thou art the thing itself: unaccommodated man is no more hut such a poor, bare, forked animal as them art. Off, off, you lendings ! come , unbutton here. [Tearing offhis clotJies. Fool. Prithee, nuocle, be contented; 'tis a naughty night to swim in. Now a little fire in a wild field were like an old lecher's heart, a small spark, all the rest on's body cold. Look , here comes a walking fire. Edg. This is the foul fiend Flibbertigibbet: he begins at curfew, and walks till the first cock; he gives the web and the pin, squints the eye, and makes the hare-lip; mildews the white wheat, and hurts the poor creature of earth. Swithold footed thrice the old; He met the night-mare, and her nine- fold; Bitl her alight. And her troth plight, And, aroint thee, witch, aroint thee! Kent. How fares your grace? Enter GLOSTER with a torch. Lear. What's he? Kent. Who's there ? What is't you seek ? Glo. What are you there? Your names? Edg. Poor Tom; that eats the swimming frog, the toad, the tadpole, the wail-newt and the water; that in the fury of his heart, when the foul fiend rages, eats cow-dung for sallets; swallows the old rat and the ditch-dog; drinks the green mantle of the standing pool; who is whipped from tithing to tithing, and stock-punished, and imprisoned; who hath had three suits to his back , six shirts to his body, horse to ride, and weapon to wear; But mice and rats, and such small deer. Have been Tom's food for seven long year. Beware my follower. Peace, Smulkin; peace, thou fiend! BOMUBIV,] KINO LEAK. 173 Glo. What, hath your grace no better company? Edg. The prince of darkness is a gentleman: Modo he's calCd, and Alahu. Glo. Our flesh and blood, my lord, is grown BO vile, That it doth hate what gets it. Edg. Poor Tom's a-cold. Glo. Go in with me : my duty cannot suffer T' obey in all your daughters' hard commands : Though their injunction be to bar my doors, And let this tyrannous night take hold upon you, Yet have 1 ventur'd to come seek you out, And bring you where both fire and food is ready. Lear. First let me talk with this philosopher. What is the cause of thunder? Kent. Good my lord, take his offer; go into th' house. Lear. I'll talk a word with this same learned Theban. What is your study? Edg. How to prevent the fiend , and to kill vermin. Lear. Let me ask you one word hi private. Kent. Importune him once more to go, my lord; His wits begin t' unsettle. Glo. Canst thou blame him? His daughters seek his death: ah, that good Kent! He said it would be thus, poor banish'd man! Thou say'st the king grows mad ; I'll tell thee , friend , I'm almost mad myself: I had a son, Now outlaw'd from my blood; he sought my life, But lately, very late: 1 lov'd him, friend, No father his son dearer: true to tell thee, [Storm continue* The grief hath craz'd my wits. What a night's this! 1 do beseech your grace , Lear. 0, cry you mercy, sir. Noble philosopher, your company. Edg. Tom's a-cold. Glo. In, fellow, there, into th' hovel: keep thee warm Lear, Come, let's in all. Kent. This way, my lord. 174 KING LEAR. [Ac-mi Lear. With him; I will keep still with my philosopher. Kent. Good my lord, soothe him; let him take the fellow. Glo. Take him you on. Kent. Sirrah, come on; go along with us. Lear. Come , good Athenian. Glo. No words, no words: hush. Edg. Child Rowland to the dark tower came; His word was still, Fie, foh, and fum, / smell the blood of a British man. [Exeunt. SCENE V. A room in GLOSTER'S castle. Enter CORNWALL and EDMUND. Corn. I will have my revenge ere I depart his house. Edm. How, my lord, I may be censured, that nature thus gives way to loyalty, something fears me to think of. Corn. I now perceive, it was not altogether your brother's evil disposition made him seek his death; but a provoking merit, set a-work by a reproveable badness in himself. Edm. How malicious is my fortune, that I must repent to be just! This is the letter he spoke of, which approves him an intelligent party to the advantages of France. heavens! that this treason were not, or not I the detector! Com. Go with me to the duchess. Edm. If the matter of this paper be certain, you have mighty business in hand. Corn. True or false, it hath made thee Earl of Gloster. Seek out where thy father is, that he may be ready for our apprehension. Edm. [aside] If I find him comforting the king, it will stuff his suspicion more fully. I will pers^ver in my course of loyalty, though the conflict be sore between that and my blood. Corn. I will la/ trust upon thee; and thou shalt find a dearer father in my love. [Exeunt, *CBNK V A VI. J KIHG LBAft. 175 SCENE VI. A chamber in a farmhouse adjoining ULOSTKB'B castle. Enter GLOSTBR, LEAR, KENT, Fool, and EDGAR. Glo. Here is better than the open air; take it thankfully. I will piece out the comfort with what addition I can: I will not be long from you. Kent. All the power of his wits have given way to his impatience: the gods reward your kindness! [Exit Gloster. Edg. Frateretto calls me; and tells me Nero is an angler in the lake of darkness. Pray, innocent, and beware the foul fiend Fool. Prithee , nuncle , tell me whether a madman be a gentleman or a yeoman? Lear. A king, a king! Fool. No, he's a yeoman that has a gentleman to his son ; for he's a mad yeoman that sees his son a gentleman before him. Lear. To have a thousand with red burning spits Come hissing in upon 'em , Edg. The foul fiend bites my back. Fool. He's mad that trusts in the tameness of a wolf, a horse's health , a boy's love , or a whore's oath. Lear. It shall be done; I will arraign them straight. [To Edgar] Come, sit thou here , most learned justicer; [To tfie Fool] Thou , sapient sir , sit here. Now, you she foxes! Edg. Look, where he stands and glares! Wautest thou eyes at trial, madam? Come o'er the bourn , Bessy, to me: Fool Her boat hath a leak, And she must not speak Why she dares not come over to thee. Edg. The foul fiend haunts poor Tom in the voice of u nightingale. Hopdance cries in Tom's belly for two white herring. Croak not, black angel; I have no food for thee. Kent. How do you, sir? Stand you not so amaz'd : Will you lie down and rest upon the cushions? 176 KING LEAH. [ACTra. Lear. I'll see their trial first. Bring in the evidence. - [To Edgar} Thou robed man of justice, take thy place; [To the Fool] And tiiou, his yoke-fellow of equity, Bench by his side: [To Kent] You are o' the commission, Sit you too. Edg. Let us deal justly. Steepest or wakest thou, jolly shepherd f Thy sheep be in the corn ; And for one blast of thy minikin mouth Thy sheep shall take no harm. Pur! the cat is gray. Lear. Arraign her first; 'tis Goneril. I here take my oath before this honourable assembly , she kicked the poor king her father. Fool. Come hither, mistress. Is your name Goneril ? Lear. She cannot deny it. Fool. Cry you mercy, 1 took you for a joint-stool. Lear. And here's another, whose warp'd looks proclaim What store her heart is made on. Stop her there! Arms, arms, sword, fire! Corruption in the place! False justicer, why hast thou let her scape? Edg. Bless thy five wits! Kent. O pity! Sir, where is the patience now That you so oft have boasted to retain? Edg. [aside] My tears begin to take his part so much , They'll mar my counterfeiting. Lear. The little dogs and all , Tray, Blanch, and Sweetheart, see, they bark at me. Eilg. Tom will throw his head at them. Avaunt, you curs ' Be thy mouth or black or white, Tooth that poisons if it bite ; Mastiff, greyhound, mongrel grim, Hound or spaniel , brach or lyin , Or bobtail tike or trundle-tail , Tom will make them weep and wail: For, with thro whig thus my head, Dogs leap the hatch, and all are fled. SCKNBVT.j KING LEAB. 177 Do de, de, de, Sessal Come, march to wakes and fairs and market-towns. Poor Tom , thy horn is dry. Lear. Then let them anatomize Ilegau; see what breeds about her heart, la there any cause in nature that makes these hard hearts? \To Edgar] You, sir, 1 entertain for one of my hundred; only i do not like the fashion of your garments: you will say they are Persian attire; but let them be changed. Kent. Now, good my lord , lie here and rest awhile. Lear. Make no noise, make no noise; draw the curtains: so, so, so: we'll go to supper i' the morning: so, so, so. Fool. And I'll go to bed at noon. Re-enter GLOSTKB. Glo. Come hither, friend; where is the king my master? Kent. Here, sir; but trouble him not, his wits are gone. Glo. Good friend, 1 prithee, take him in thy arms; I have o'erheard a plot of death upon him: There is a litter ready; lay him iii't, And drive towards Dover, friend, where thou shalt meet Both welcome and protection. Take up thy master: If thou shouldst dally half an hour, his life, With thine, and ail that offer to defend him, Stand in assured loss: take up, take up; And follow me, that will to some provision Give thee quick conduct. Kent. Oppressed nature sleeps : This rest might yet have balm'd thy broken sinews, Which, if convenience will not allow, Stand in hard cure. \To the Fool] Come , help to bear thy master; Thou must not stay behind. Glo. Come , come , away. [Exeunt Kent, Gloster, and the Fool, bearing off Lear. Edg. When we our betters see bearing our woes, We scarcely think our miseries our foes, Uhakf spears. VJ. 12 178 KING LEAR. (ACT III. Who alone suffers suffers most i' the mind , Leaving free things and happy shows behind : But then the mind much sufferance doth o'erskip , When grief hath mates, and bearing fellowship. How light and portable my pain seems now, When that which makes me bend makes the king bow, He childed as 1 father'd! Tom, away! Mark the high noises; and thyself bewray, When false opinion, whose wrong thoughts defile thee, In thy just proof, repeals and reconciles thee. What will hap more to-night, safe scape the king! Lurk, lurk. [Exit. SCENE VII. A room in GLOSTKB'S castle. Enter CORNWALL, KKGAN, GONERIL, EDMUND, and Servants. Corn. Post speedily to my lord your husband; show him this letter: the army of France is landed. Seek out the traitor Gloster. [Exeunt some of the Servants. Reg. Hang him instantly. Gon. Pluck out his eyes. Corn. Leave him to my displeasure. Edmund, keep you our sister company : the revenges we are bound to take upon your traitorous father are not fit for your beholding. Advise the duke, where you are going, to a most festinate prepa- ration: we are bound to the like. Our posts shall be swift and intelligent betwixt us. Farewell, dear sister: farewell, my Lord of Gloster. Enter OSWALD. How now! where's the king? Osw. My Lord of Gloster hath convey'd him hence : Some five or six and thirty of his knights , Hot questrists after him , met him at gate ; Who , with some other of the lords dependants , Are gone with him towards Dover; where they boast To have well-armed friends. Corn. Get horses for your mistress. 90KHBVT3.] KING LEAR. 179 Gon. Farewell, sweet lord, and sister. Corn. Edmund , farewell. [Exeunt Goneril, Edmund, and Oswald. Go seek the traitor Gloster, Pinion him like a thief, bring him before us. [Exeunt other Servant*. Though well we may not pass upon his life Without the form of justice, yet our power Shall do a courtesy to our wrath , which men May blame, but not control. Who's there? the traitor? Re-enter Servants with GLOSTER. Reg. Ingrateful fox! 'tis he. Corn. Bind fast his corky arms. Glo. What mean your graces? Good my friends, con- sider You are my guests: do me no foul play, friends. Corn. Bind him , I say. [Servants bind him Reg. Hard, hard. filthy traitor! Glo. Unmerciful lady as you are , I'm none. Corn. To this chair bind him. Villain, thou shatt find [Regan plucks his beard. Glo. By the kind gods, 'tis most ignobly done To pluck me by the beard. Reg. So white, and such a traitor! Glo. Naughty lady, These hairs , which thou dost ravish from my chin , Will quicken, and accuse thee: I'm your host: With robbers' hands my hospitable favours You should not ruffle thus. What will you do? Corn. Come , sir , what letters had you late from France ? Reg. Be simple-answer'd , for we know the truth. Corn. And what confederacy have you with the traitors Late footed in the kingdom? Reg. To whose hands have you sent the lunatic king? Speak. Glo. I have a letter guessingly set down , 180 KING LEAR. [ACT EEL Which came from one that's of a neutral heart, And not from one oppos'd. Corn. Cunning. Reg. And false. Corn. Where hast thou sent the king? Glo. To Dover. Reg. Wherefore to Dover? Wast thou not charg'd at peril Corn. Wherefore to Dover? Let him answer that. Glo. I'm tied to the stake , and 1 must stand the course. Reg. Wherefore to Dover? Glo. Because I would not see thy cruel nails Pluck out his poor old eyes; nor thy fierce sister In his anointed flesh stick bearish fangs. The sea , with such a storm as his bare head In hell-black night endur'd, would have buoy'd up And quench'd the stelled fires: Yet, poor old heart, he holp the heavens to rain. If wolves had at thy gate howi'd that stern time, Thou shouldst have said, "Good porter, turn the key," All cruels else subscrib'd : but 1 shall see The winged vengeance overtake such children. Corn. See't shalt thou never. Fellows, hold the chair. Upon these eyes of thine I'll set my foot. Glo. He that will think to live till he be old , Give me some help! O cruel! O you gods! Reg. One side will mock another; th' other too. Corn. If you see vengeance , First Serv. Hold your hand , my lord : I've served you ever since I was a child; But better service have I never done you Than now to bid you hold. Reg. How now, you dog ! First Serv. If you did wear a beard upon your chin, I'd shake it on this quarrel. What do you mean? Corn. My villain! [Draws KINQ LEAR. 181 First Serv. Nay, then, come on, and take the chance of anger. [Draws. They fight. Cornwall is wounded. Reg. Give me thy sword. A peasant stand up thus I [Takes a sword from another Servant, and runs at First Servant behind. First Serv. 0, 1 am slain ! My lord, you have one eye left To see some mischief on them. 01 [Dies. Corn. Lest it see more, prevent it. Out, vile jelly! Where is thy lustre now? Glo. All dark and comfortless. Where's my son Edmund? Edmund , enkindle all the sparks of nature To quit this horrid act. Reg. Out, treacherous villain! Thou call'st on him that hates thee: it was he That made the overture of thy treasons to UB; Who is too good to pity thee. Glo. O my follies! Then Edgar was abus'd. Kind gods, forgive me that, and prosper him! Reg. Go thrust him out at gates , and let him smell His way to Dover. How is't, my lord? how look you? Corn. I have receiv'd a hurt: follow me, lady. Turn out that eyeless villain; throw this slave Upon the dunghill. Regan, I bleed apace: Untimely comes this hurt: give me your arm. [Exit Cornwall, led by Regan. Same of the Ser- vants unbind Gloster, and lead him out. Sec. Serv. Ill never care what wickedness I do , If this man come to good. JTdrd Serv. If she live long f And in the end meet the old course of death , Women will all turn monsters. See. Serv. Let's follow the old earl, and get the Bedlam To lead him where he would : his roguish madness Allows itself to any thing. 182 KING LEAR. [ACT iv. Third Serv. Go thou: I'll fetch some flax and whites of eggs T apply to his bleeding face. Now, heaven help him ! [Exeunt severally. ACT IV. SCKNB I. The heath. Enter EDGAR. Edg. Yet better thus, and known to be contemn'd , Than still contemn'd and flatter'd. To be worst , The lowest and most dejected thing of fortune, Stands still in esperance, lives not in fear: The lamentable change is from the best; The worst returns to laughter. Welcome , then , Thou unsubstantial air that I embrace! The wretch that thou hast blown unto the worst Owes nothing to thy blasts. But who comes hereV Enter GLOSTER , led by an Old Man. My father, poorly led? World, world, world! But that thy strange mutations make us hate thee, Life would not yield to age. Old Man 0, my good lord, I've been your tenant, and your father's tenant, These fourscore years. Glo. Away, get thee away; good friend, be gone: Thy comforts can do me no good at all; Thee they may hurt. Old Man. You cannot see your way. Glo. I have no way, and therefore want no eyes; I stumbled when I saw: full oft 'tis seen , Our means secure us , and our mere defects Prove our commodities. dear son Edgar, The food of thy abused father's wrath! Might I but live to see thee in my touch, I'd say 1 had eyes again! KINO LEAR. 183 Old Man. How now ! Who 's there ? Edff. [aside] gods! Who is't can say, "I'm at the worst"? I'm worse than e'er I was. Old Man. Tis poor mad Tom. Edff. [aside] And worse I may be yet: the worst is not So long as we can say " This is the worst." Old Man. Fellow, where goest? Glo. Is it a beggar-man V Old Man. Madman and beggar too. Glo. He has some reason , else he could not beg. I' the last night's storm I such a fellow saw;* Which made me think a man a worm : my son Came then into my mind; and yet my mind Was then scarce friends with him: I've heard more since. As flies to wanton boys , are we to the gods , They kill us for their sport. Edg. [aside] How should this be? Bad is the trade that must play fool to sorrow, Angering itself and others. Bless thee, master! Glo. Is that the naked fellow? Old Man. Ay, my lord. Glo. Then, prithee, get thee gone: if, for my sake, Thou wilt o'ertake us , hence a mile or twain , L' the way toward Dover , do it for ancient love ; And bring some covering for this naked soul, Which I'll entreat to lead me. Old Man. Alack, sir, he is mad. Glo. 'Tis the times' plague, when madmen lead the blind. Do as I bid thee, or rather do thy pleasure; Above the rest, be gone. Old Man. I'll bring him the best 'parel that I have, Come on't what will. [Exit. Glo. Sirrah, naked fellow, 15%. Poor Tom's a-cold. [Aside] I cannot daub it further. 184 K1N<* fcEAR. [ACT IV Glo. Come hither, fellow. Edg. [aside] And yet 1 must. Bless thy sweet eyes, they bleed. Glo. Know'st thou the way to Dover? Edg. Both stile and gate, horse-way and foot-path. Poor Tom hath been scared out of his good wits: bless thee, good man's son, from the foul fiend! five fiends have been in poor Tom at once; of lust, as Obidicut; Hobbididance, prince of dumbness; Mahu, of stealing; Modo, of murder; and Flib- bertigibbet, of mopping and mowing, who since possesses chambermaids and waiting- women. So, bless thee, master! Glo. Here, take this purse, thou whom the heavens' plagues Have humbled to all strokes : that I am wretched Makes thee the happier: heavens, deal so still! Let the superfluous and lust-dieted man , That slaves your ordinance , that will not see Because he doth not feel, feel your power quickly; So distribution should undo excess , And each man have enough. Dost thou know Dover? Edg. Ay, master. Glo. There is a cliff, whose high and bending head Looks fearfully in the confined deep : Bring me but to the very brim of it , And I'll repair the misery thou dost bear With something rich about me : from that place I shall no leading need. Edg. Give me thy arm : Poor Tom shall lead thee. [Exeunt, SCKNE II. Before the Duke of Albany's palace. Enter GONERIL and EDMUND. Gon. Welcome, my lord: I marvel our mild husband Not met us on the way. Enter OSWALD. Now, where'a your master? 3CKNBU.] KING LEAR. 185 Osw. Madam, within; but never man so changed. 1 told him of the army that was landed ; He snuTd at it: 1 told him you were coming; Ilia answer was, "The worse:" of Gloster's treachery, And of the loyal service of his son , When 1 inform'd him, then he call'd me sot, And told me 1 had turn'd the wrong side out: What most he should dislike seems pleasant to him; What like, offensive. Gon. [to Edm.] Then shall you go no further, it is the cowish terror of his spirit, That dares not undertake : he'll not feel wrongs , Which tie him to an answer. Our wishes on the way May prove effects. Back, Edmund, to my brother; Hasten his musters and conduct his powers : I must change arms at home, and give the distaff Into my husband's hands. This trusty servant Shall pass between us: ere long you're like to hear, If you dare venture in your own behalf, A mistress's command. Wear this; spare speech; [Giving favour, Decline your head: this kiss, if it durst speak, Would stretch thy spirits up into the air: Conceive, and fare thee well. Edm, Yours in the ranks of death. Gon. My most dear Gloster! [Exit Edmund. 0, the difference of man and man! To thee A woman's services are due: my fool Usurps my body. O?w. Madam, here cornea my lord. {Exit, Enter ALBANY, Gon. I have been worth the whistle. Alb. Goneril! You are not worth the dust which the rude wind Blows in your face. I fear your disposition : 186 KING LEAR. [ACT IV. That nature which contemns its origin Cannot be border'd certain in itself; She that herself will sliver and disbranch Prom her material sap, perforce must wither, And come to deadly use. Gon. No more; the text is foolish. Alb. Wisdom and goodness to the vile seem vile : Filths savour but themselves. What have you done? Tigers, not daughters, what have you performed V A father, and a gracious aged man, Whose reverence the head-lugg'd bear would lick , Most barbarous, most degenerate! have you madded. Could my good brother suffer you to do it? A man, a prince, by him so benefited! If that the heavens do not their visible spirits Send quickly down to tame these vile offences , It will come , humanity must perforce prey on itself, Like monsters of the deep. Gon. Milk-liver'd man ! That bear'st a cheek for blows, a head for wrongs; Who hast not in thy brows an eye discerning Thine honour from thy suffering; that not know'st Fools do those villains pity who are punish'd Ere they have done their mischief. Where's thy drum? France spreads his banners in our noiseless land; With plumed helm thy slayer begins threats ; Whiles thou, a moral fool, sitt'st still, and criest "Alack, why does he so?" Alb. See thyself, devil! Proper deformity seems not in the fiend So horrid as in woman. Gon. vain fool! Alb. Thou changed and self-cover'd thing, for shame, Be-monster not thy feature. Were 't my fitness To letiheae hands obey my blood, They're apt enough to dislocate and tear SCENE!!.) KING LEAR. 187 Thy flesh and bones: howe'er thou art a fiend , A woman's shape doth shield thee. Gon. Many, your manhood now ! Enter a Messenger. Alb. What news? Mess. 0, my good lord, the Duke of Cornwall's dead; Slain by his servant, going to put out The other eye of Gloster. Alb. Gloster's eyes! Mess. A servant that he bred, thrill'd with remorse , Opposed against the act, bending his sword To his great master; who, thereat enrag'd, Flew on him , and amongst them fell'd him dead ; But not without that harmful stroke which since Hath pluck 'd him after. Alb. This shows you are above , You justicers, that these our nether crimes So speedily can venge! But, poor Gloster! Lost he his other eye? Mess. Both, both, my lord. This letter, madam, craves a speedy answer; 'Tis from your sister. Gon. [aside] One way I like this well; But being widow , and my Gloster with her , May all the building in my fancy pluck Upon my hateful life: another way The news is not so tart. I'll read, and answer. [Exit Alb. Where was his son when they did take his eyes? Mess. Come with my lady hither. Alb. He's not here. Mess. No, my good lord; I met him back again. Alb. Knows he the wickedness? Mess. Ay, my good lord ; 'twas he infonn'd against him ; And quit the house on purpose , that their punishment Might have the freer course. Alb. Gloster, 1 live 188 KING LEAK. [ACT IV. To thank thee for the love thou show'dst the king, And to revenge thine eyes. Coine hither, friend : Tell me what more thou know'st. [Exeunt. SCKNB III, The French camp near Dover. Enter KENT and a Gentleman. Kent. Why the King of France is so suddenly gone back know you the reason? Gent. Something he left imperfect in the state, which since his coming forth is thought of; which imports to the kingdom so much fear and danger, that his personal return was most required and necessary. Kent. Who hath he left behind him general? Gent. The Marshal of France , Monsieur La Far. Kent. Did your letters pierce the queen to any demon- stration of grief? Gent. Ay, sir; she took them, read them in my presence: And now and then an ample tear trili'd down Her delicate cheek: it seem'd she was a queen Over her passion; who, most rebel-like, Sought to be king o'er her. Kent. , then it mov'd her. Gent. Not to a rage: patience and sorrow strove Who should express her goodliest. You have seen Sunshine and rain at once: her smiles and tears Were like a better day: those happy smilets That play'd on her ripe lip seein'd not to know What guests were in her eyes; which parted thence As pearls from diamonds dropt. In brief, sorrow Would be a rarity most belov'd, if all Could so become it. Kent. Made she no verbal question? Gent. Faith, once or twice she heav'd the name of 44 father" Pantingly forth, as if it pressM her heart; Cried " Sisters, sisters! Shame of ladies! sister* ! SCBMBni.] KING LEAR. 189 Kent! father! sisters! What, i' the storm? i' the night? Let pity not be believ'd!" There she shook The holy water from her heavenly eyes , And clamour inoisten'd : then away she started To deal with grief alone. Kent. It is the stars , The stars above us, govern our conditions; Else one self mate and mate could not beget Such different issues. You spoke not with her since? Gent. No. Kent. Was this before the king return'd? Gent. No, since. Kent. Well, sir, the poor distressed Lear's i' the town; Who sometime , in his better tune , remembers What we are come about, and by no means Will yield to see his daughter. Gent. Why, good sir? Kent. A sovereign shame so elbows him: his own un- kindness, That stripp'd her from his benediction, turn'd her To foreign casualties, gave her dear rights To his dog-hearted daughters , these things sting His mind so venomously, that burning shame Detains him from Cordelia. Gent. Alack , poor gentleman! Kent. Of Albany's and Cornwall's powers you heard not? Gent. 'Tis so they are a-foot. Kent. Well, sir, I'll bring you to our master Lear, And leave you to attend him : some dear cause Will in concealment wrap me up awliile; When 1 am known aright, you shall not grieve Lending me this acquaintance I pray you , go Along with me [Exeunt. 190 KING LEAK. t ACT IV. SCKNB IV. The same. A tent. Enter CORDELIA, Doctor, and Soldiers. Cor. Alack , 'tis he : why, he was met even now As mad as the vex'd sea; singing aloud; Crown'd with rank fumiter and furrow- weeds , With burdocks, hemlock, nettles, cuckoo-flowers, Darnel , and all the idle weeds that grow In our sustaining corn. A century send forth ; Search every acre in the high-grown field , And bring him to our eye. [Exit an Officer.] What can man's wisdom In the restoring his bereaved sense? He that helps him take all my outward worth. Doct, There is means, madam: Our foster-nurse of nature is repose , The which he lacks; that to provoke in him Are many simples operative, whose power Will close the eye of anguish. Cor. All bless'd secrets , All you unpublish'd virtues of the earth , Spring with my tears! be aidant and remediate In the good man's distress ! Seek , seek for him ; Lest his ungovern'd rage dissolve the life That wants the means to lead it. Enter a Messenger. Mess. News , madam ; The British powers are marching hitherward. Cor. 'Tis known before; our preparation stands In expectation of them. dear father , It is thy business that I go about ; Therefore great France My mourning and important tears hath pitied. No blown ambition doth our arms incite, But love, dear love, and our ag'd father's right: Soon may 1 hear and see him! [Exeunt. SCENE IV &V.J KING LEAR. 191 SCENE V. A room in GLOSTER'S castle. Enter KKGAX and OSWALD. Keg. But are my brother's powers set forth? Osw. Ay, madam Reg. Himself in person there? Osw. Madam, with much ado : Your sister is the better soldier. Reg. Lord Edmund spake not with your lord at home? Osw. No, madam. Reg. What might import my sister's letter to him? Osw. 1 know not, lady. Reg. Faith, he is ported hence on serious matter. It was great ignorance, Gloster's eyes being out, To let him live : where he arrives he moves All hearts against us: Edmund, I think, is gone, In pity of his misery, to dispatch His.nighted life; moreover, to descry The strength o' the enemy. Osw. 1 must needs after him, madam, with my letter. Reg. Our troops set forth to-morrow : stay with us ; The ways are dangerous. Osw. 1 may not, madam: My lady charg'd my duty in this business. Reg. Why should she write to Edmund? Might not you Transport her purposes by word? Belike, Something I know not what: 111 love thee much, Let me unseal the letter. Osw. Madam, I had rather Reg. I know your lady does not love her husband ; I'm sure of that: and at her late being here She gave strange ceilliads and most speaking looks To noble Edmund. I know you are of her bosom. Osw. I, madam? Reg. 1 speak in understanding; you are, I know't; Therefore I do advise you, take this note: My lord is dead; Edmund and 1 have talk'd; 192 KING LEAK. [ACT IT.. And more convenient is he for iny hand Than for your lady's: you may gather more. If you do find him, pray you, give him this; And when your mistress hears thus much from you, L pray, desire her call her wisdom to her. So , fare you well. If you do chance to hear of that blind traitor, Preferment falls on him that cuts him off. O$w. Would I could meet him , madam ! I would show What party 1 do follow. Reg. Fare thee well. [Exeunt VI. The country near Dover. Enter GLOSTKR , and EDGAR dressed like a peasant. Glo. When shall I come to the top of that same hill V Rig. You do climb up it now: look, how we labour. Glo. Methinks the ground is even. Edg. Horrible steep. Hark , do you hear the sea? Glo. No, truly. Edg. Why, then, your other senses grow imperfect By your eyes' anguish. Glo. So may it be, indeed: Methinks thy voice is alter'd; and thou speak'st In better phrase and matter than thou didst. Edg. You're much deceiv'd: in nothing am 1 chaug'd But in my garments. Glo. Methinks you're better spoken. Edg. Come on, sir; here's the place: stand still- How fearful And dizzy 'tis to cast one's eyes so low 1 The crows and choughs that wing the midway air Show scarce so gross as beetles: half way down Hangs one that gathers samphire, dreadful tradel Methinks he seems no bigger than his head: The fishermen, that walk upon the beach, SCENE VI.] KING LEAR. Appear like mice; and yond tall anchoring bark, Diminish'd to her cock, her cock, a buoy Almost too small for sight: the murmuring surge, That on th' unnumber'd idle pebbles chafes, Cannot be heard so high. I'll look no more; Lest my brain turn , and the deficient sight Topple down headlong. Glo. Set me where you stand. Edg. Give me your hand: you're now within a foot Of th' extreme verge : for all beneath the moon Would I not leap upright. Glo. Let go my hand. Here, friend, 's another purse; in it a jewel Well worth a poor man's taking : fairies and gods Prosper it with thee 1 Go thou further off; Bid me farewell, and let me hear thee going. Edy. Now fare you well, good sir. Glo. With all my heart. Edg. [aside] Why I do trifle thus with his despair Is done to cure it. Glo. [kneeling} you mighty gods I This world I do renounce, and, in your sights, Shake patiently my great affliction off: If I could bear it longer, and not fall To quarrel with your great opposeless wills , My snuff and loathed part of nature should Burn itself out. If Edgar live , , bless him ! Now, fellow, fare thee well. Edg. Gone , sir : farewell. [Gloster throws himself forward , and fall*. [Aside] And yet I know not how conceit may rob The treasury of life , when life itself Yields to the theft: had he been where he thought, By this had thought been past. Alive or dead ? Ho you, sir! friend! Hear you, sir! speak! [Aside] Thus might he pass indeed: yet he revive*. What are you, sir? VI. 13 194 KING UJAU. [ACTiV. Glo. Away, and let me die. Edg. Hadst thou been aught but gossamer , feathers , air , So many fathom down precipitating , Thou'dst shiver'd like an egg: but thou dost breathe; Hast heavy substance; bleed'stnot; speak'st; art sound. Ten masts at each make not the altitude Which thou hast perpendicularly fell : Thy life's a miracle. Speak yet again. Glo. But have I fall'n , or no ? Edg. Prom the dread summit of this chalky bourn. Look up a-height; the shrill-gorg'd lark so far Cannot be seen or heard : do but look up. Glo. Alack, I have no eyes. Is wretchedness depriv'd that benefit To end itself by death? 'Twas yet some comfort, When misery could beguile the tyrant's rage, And frustrate his proud will. Edg. Give me your arm : Up: so. How is't? Feel you your legs? You stand. Glo. Too well, too well. Edg. This is above all strangeness Upon the crown o' the cliff, what thing was that Which parted from you? Glo. A poor unfortunate beggar. Edg. As I stood here below, methought his eyes Were two full moons; he had a thousand noses, Horns whelk'd and wav'd like the enridged sea: It was some fiend; therefore, thou happy father, Think that the clearest gods, who make them honours Of men's impossibilities , have preserv'd thee. Glo. I do remember now : henceforth I'll bear Affliction till it do cry out itself "Enough, enough," and die. That thing you speak of, I took it for a man; often 'twould say "The fiend, the fiend:" he led me to that place Edg. Bear free and patient thoughts. ~ But who conies here? SCENE VI.] KING LEAR. 195 Enter LEAR , fantastically dressed with wild flowers, The safer sense will ne'er accommodate His master thus. Lear. No, they cannot touch me for coining; I am the king himself Edg. [aside] thou side-piercing sight! Lear. Nature 's above art in that respect. - - There 's your press-money. That fellow handles his bow like a crow- keeper: draw me a clothier's yard. Look, look, a mouse! Peace, peace; this piece of toasted cheese will do 't. There 's my gauntlet; I'll prove it on a giant. Bring up the brown bills. Q, well flown, bird! i'the clout, i' the clout: hewgh! Give the word. Edg. Sweet marjoram. Lear. Pass. Glo. I know that voice. Lear. Ha! Goneril,-~ with a white beard! They flattered me like a dog; and told me I had white hairs in my beard era the black ones were there. To say "ay" and "no" to every thing that I said! "Ay" and "no" too was no good divinity. When the rain came to wet me once , and the wind to make me chatter; when the thunder would not peace at my bidding; there I found 'em, there I smelt 'em out. Go to, they are not men o' their words: they told me I was every thing; 'tis a lie, I am not ague-proof. Glo. The trick of that voice 1 do well remember: Is't not the king? Lear. Ay, every inch a king: When I do stare, see how the subject quakes! 1 pardon that man's life. What was thy cause? Adultery? Thou shalt not die: die for adultery! No: The wren goes to't, and the small gilded fly Does lecher in my sight. Let copulation thrive ; for Gloster's bastard son Was kinder to his father than my daughters Got 'tween the lawful sheets. 13* 196 KING LEAR. U* ** To't, luxury, pell-mell! for I lack soldiers. Behold yond simpering dame, Whose face between her forks presages snow, That minces virtue, and does shake the head To hear of pleasure's name , The fitchew nor the soiled horse goes to't With a more riotous appetite. Down from the waist they are Centaurs, Though women all above : But to the girdle do the gods inherit , Beneath is all the fiends'; There's hell, there's darkness, there's the sulphurous pit, burning, scalding, stench, consumption; fie, fie, fie I pah, pah! Give me an ounce of civet, good apothecary, to sweeten my imagination: there's money for thee. Glo. , let me kiss that hand! Lear. Let me wipe it first; it smells of mortality. Glo. ruin'd piece of nature! This great world Shall so wear out to naught. Dost thou know me? Lear. I remember thine eyes well enough. Dost thou squiny at me? No, do thy worst, blind Cupid; I'll not love. Head thou this challenge; mark but the penning of it. Glo. Were all the letters suns, I could not see one. Edg. [aside] I would not take this from report; it is, And my heart breaks at it. Lear. Read. Glo. What, with the case of eyes? Lear. O, ho, are you there with me? No eyes in your head, nor no money in your purse? Your eyes are in a heavy case, your purse in a light: yet you see how this world goes. Glo. I see it feelingly. Lear. What, art mad? A man may see how this world goes with no eyes. Look with thine ears: see how yond justice rails upon yond simple thief. Hark, in thine ear: change places; and, handy-dandy, which is the justice, which is the thief? Thou hast seen a fanner's dog bark at a beggar? 8CENB Vi.1 KING LEAR. 197 Glo. Ay, sir. Lear. And the creature run from the cur? There thou mightst behold the great image of authority: a dog's obeyed in office. Thou rascal beadle, hold thy bloody hand! Why dost thou lash that whore? Strip thine own back; Thou hotly lust'st to use her in that kind For which thou whipp'st her. The usurer hangs the cozener Through tatter'd clothes small vices do appear; Robes and furr'd gowns hide all. Plate sin with gold , And the strong lance of justice hurtless breaks; Arm it in rags, a pigmy's straw does pierce it. None does oft'end, none, I say, none; I'll able 'em: Take that of me, my friend, who have the power To seal th' accuser's lips. Get thee glass eyes; And, like a scurvy politician, seem To see the things thou dost not. Now, now, now, now: Pull off my boots: harder, harder: so. Edg. [aside] 0, matter and impertinency mix'd ! Reason in madness! Lear. If thou wilt weep my fortunes, take my eyes. I know thee well enough; thy name is Gloster: Thou must be patient; we came crying hither: Thou know'st, the first time that we smell the air, We wawi and cry. I will preach to thee: mark. Glo. Alack, alack the day! Lear. When we are born, we cry that we are come To this great stage of fools. This' a good block: It were a delicate stratagem to shoe A troop of horse with felt: I'll put 't in proof; And when I've stol'n upon these sons-in-law, Then, kill, kiU, kill, kill, kill, kill! Enter a Gentleman, with Attendants. Gent. 0, here he is: lay hand upon him. Sir, Your most dear daughter Lear. No rescue? What, a prisoner? I am even 198 KING LEAR. [ACT IT . The natural fool of fortune. Use me well ; You shall have ransom. Let me have a surgeon ; I am cut to the brains. Gent. You shall have any thing. Lear. No seconds? all myself? Why, this would make a man a man of salt , To use his eyes for garden water-pots , Ay, and for laying autumn's dust. Gent. Good sir, Lear. I will die bravely, like a smug bridegroom. What! 1 will be jovial: come, come; I am a king; My masters , know you that. Gent. You are a royal one , and we obey you. Lear. Then there's life in 't. Nay, an you get it, you shall get it by running. Sa, sa, sa, sa. [Exit; Attendants follow. Gent. A sight most pitiful in the meanest wretch, Past speaking of in a king! Thou hast one daughter. Who redeems nature from the general curse Which twain have brought her to. Edg. Hail , gentle sir. Gent. Sir, speed you: what's your will? Edg. Do you hear aught, sir, of a battle toward? Gent. Most sure and vulgar: every one hears that, Which can distinguish sound. Edg. But, by your favour, How near 's the other army? Gent. Near and on speedy foot; the main descry Stands on the hourly thought Edg. I thank you, sir: that's all. Gent . Though that the queen on special cause is here , Her army is mov'd on. Edg. I thank you, sir. [Exit Gent Glo. You ever-gentle gods , take my breath from me ; Let not my worser spirit tempt me again To die before you please! Edg. Well pray you , father. SCENB VI.J KINO LEAR. 199 Glo. Now, good sir, what are you? Edg. A most poor man , made tame to fortune's blows ; Who, by the art of known and feeling sorrows, Am pregnant to good pity. Give me your hand , I'll lead you to some biding. Glo. Hearty thanks: The bounty and the benison of heaven To boot, and boot! Enter OSWALD. Osw. A proclaim'd prize ! Most happy! That eyeless head of thine was first fram'd flesh To raise my fortunes. Thou old unhappy traitor, Briefly thyself remember: the sword is out That must destroy thee. Glo. Now let thy friendly hand Put strength enough to it. [Edgar interposes. Osw. Wherefore , bold peasant , Dar'st thou support a publish'd traitor? Hence; Lest that th' infection of his fortune take Like hold on thee. Let go his arm. Edg. Chill not let go, zir, without vurther 'casion. Osw. Let go, slave, or thou diest! Edg. Good gentleman, go your gait, and let poor volk pass. An chud ha' been zwaggered out of my life, 'twould not ha' been zo long as 'tis by a vortnight. Nay, come not near the old man ; keep out, che vor ye, or ise try whether your costard or my ballow be the harder : chill be plain with you. Osw. Out, dunghill! Edg. Chill pick your teeth, zir : come ; no matter vor your foins. [They fight, and Edgar knocks him down. Osw. Slave, thou hast slam me : villain, take my purse : If over thou wilt thrive, bury my body; And give the letters which thou find'st about me To Edmund earl of Gloster; seek him out Upon the English party: 0, untimely death ! [Die*. Edg. I know thee well: a serviceable villain; 200 BLtNQ LBAR. [ACT IV As duteous to the vices of thy mistress As badness would desire. Glo. What , is he dead ? Edg. Sit you down, father; rest you. Let's see his pockets: these letters that he speaks of May be my friends. He's dead ; I'm only sorry He had no other death's-man. Let us see: Leave, gentle wax; and, manners, blame us not: To know our enemies' minds, we'd rip their hearts; Their papers, is more lawful. [Reads] "Let our reciprocal vows be remembered. You have many opportunities to cut him off: if your will want not, time and place will be fruitfully offered. There is nothing done, if he return the conqueror: then am I the prisoner, and his bed my gaol ; from the loathed warmth whereof deliver me, and supply the place for your labour. " Your wife, so 1 would say affectionate servant, "GONKHIL." undistinguish'd space of woman's will! A plot upon her virtuous husband's life; And the exchange my brother! Here, in the sands, Thee I'll rake up, the post unsanctified Of murderous lechers: and, in the mature time, With this ungracious paper strike the sight Of the death-practis'd duke: for him 'tis well That of thy death and business I can tell. Glo. The king is mad: how stiff is my vile sense, That I stand up, and have ingenious feeling Of my huge sorrows! Better 1 were distract: So should my thoughts be sever'd from my griefs, And woes, by wrong imaginations, lose The knowledge of themselves. Edg. Give me your hand: [Drum afar off. Par off, methinks, I hear the beaten drum: Come, father, I'll bestow you with a friend. [Exeunt. SCENE VH.] KING LEARi 201 SCENE VII. A tent in the French ramp. LEAR on a bed asleep, soft music playing ; Doctor, Gentleman, and oilier s attending. Enter CORDELIA and KENT. Cor. thou good Kent, how shall I live and work, To match thy goodness? My life will be too short, And every measure fail me. Kent. To be acknowledg'd, madam, is o'erpaid. All my reports go with the modest truth; Nor more nor clipp'd, but so. Cor. Be better suited: These weeds are memories of those worser hours: I prithee, put them off. Kent. Pardon, dear madam; Yet to be known shortens my made intent: My boon I make it, that you know me not Till time and 1 think meet. Cor. Then be't so, my good lord. [To tit* Doctor] How does the king? Doct. Madam, sleeps still. Cor. you kind gods, Cure this great breach in his abused nature! Th' untun'd and jarring senses, O, wind up Of this child-changed father I Doct. So please your majesty That we may wake the king: he hath slept long. Cor. Be govern'd by your knowledge, and proceed I* the sway of your own will. Is he array'd? Gent. Ay, madam; in the heaviness of sleep We put fresh garments on him. Doct. Be by, good madam, when we do awake him; I doubt not of his temperance. Cor. Very well. Doct. Please you, draw near. Louder the music there! Cor. O my dear father! Restoration hang Thy medicine on my lips; and let this kiss 202 KING LEAK. [ACT IV. Repair those violent harms that my two sisters Have in thy reverence made ! Kent. Kind and dear princess! Cor. Had you not been their father , these white flakes Had challenged pity of them. Was this a face To be oppos'd against the warring winds? To stand against the deep dread-bolted thunder? In the most terrible and nimble stroke Of quick, cross lightning? to watch poor perdu! With this thin helm? Mine enemy's dog, Though he had bit me, should have stood that night Against my fire; and wast thou fain, poor father, To hovel thee with swine , and rogues forlorn , In short and musty straw? Alack, alack! Tis wonder that thy life and wits at once Had not concluded all. He wakes; speak to him. Doct. Madam, do you; 'tis fittest. Cor. How does my royal lord? how fares your majesty? Lear. You do me wrong to take me out o' the grave: Thou art a soul in bliss; but I am bound Upon a wheel of fire, that mine own tears Do scald like molten lead. Cor. Sir, do you know me? Lear. You are a spirit, I know: when did you die? Cor. Still , still , far wide ! Doct. He's scarce awake: let him alone awhile. Lear. Where have I been? Where am I? Fair day light? I'm mightily abus'd. I should e'en die with pity, To see another thus. I know not what to say. I will not swear these are my hands : let's see ; I feel this pin prick. Would I were assur'd Of my condition! Cor. 0, look upon me , sir, And hold your hands in benediction o'er me : No, sir, you must not kneel. Lear. P ra 7 d not mock me : SCENE VU.] KING LEAR. 203 1 am a very foolish fond old man, Fourscore and upward, not an hour more nor less; And, to deal plainly, I fear I am not in my perfect mind. Methinks I should know you, and know this man; Yet I am doubtful: for I'm mainly ignorant What place this is; and all the skill I have Remembers not these garments; nor I know not Where I did lodge last night. Do not laugh at me; For, as I am a man , I think this lady To be my child Cordelia. Cor. And so I am, 1 am. Lear. Be your tears wet? yes, faith. I pray, weep not; If you have poison for me, I will drink it. I know you do not love me; for your sisters Have, as I do remember, done me wrong: You have some cause , they have not. Cor. No cause, no cause. Lear. Am I in France? Kent. In your own kingdom, sir. Lear. Do not abuse me. Doc/. Be comforted, good madam: the great rage, You see, is kill'd in him: and yet 'tis danger To make him even o'er the time he has lost. Desire him to go in; trouble him no more 'fill further settling. Cor. Will't please your highness walk? Lear. You must bear with mo : Pray you now, forget and forgive: I'm old and foolish. [Exeunt all except Kent and Gentleman. Gent. Holds it true, sir, that the Duke of Cornwall was BO slain? Kent. Most certain , sir. Gent. Who is conductor of his people ? . Kent. As 'tis said, the bastard son of Gloster. Gent. They say Edgar, his banished son, is with the Earl of Kent in Germany. 204 KING LEAR. [ACT V. Kent. Report is changeable. 'Tis time to look about; the powers of the kingdom approach apace. Gent. The arbitrement is like to be bloody. Fare you well, sir. [Exit. Kent. My point and period will be throughly wrought, Or well or ill, as this day's battle's fought. [Exit. ACT V. SCBNE I. The camp of the British forces, near Dover. Enter, with drum and colours, EDMUND, REGAN, Officers, Sol- diers , and others. Edm. Know of the duke if his last purpose hold , Or whether since he is advis'd by aught To change the course: he's full of alteration And self-reproving: bring his constant pleasure. [To an Of faer, who goes out. Reg. Our sister's man is certainly miscarried. Edm. 'Tis to be doubted , madam. Reg. Now, sweet lord , You know the goodness I intend upon you: Tell me, but truly, but then speak the truth, Do you not love my sister? Edm. In honoured love. Reg. But have you never found my brother's way To the forf ended place? Edm. That thought abuses you. Reg. I am doubtful that you have been conjunct And bosom'd with her, as far as we call hers. Edm. No, by mine honour, madam. Reg. I never shall endure her : dear my lord , Be not familiar with her. Edm. Fear me not: She and the duke her husband ! Enter, with drum and colours, ALBANY, GONERIL, and Soldiers. Qon. [aside] I had rather lose the battle than that sister Should loosen him and me. KINO LBAJU 205 Alb. Our very loving sister, well be-met. Sir, this I hear, the king is come to his daughter, With others whom the rigour of our state Forc'd to cry out. Where I could not be honest, I never yet was valiant: for this business, It toucheth us , as France invades our land , Not bolds the king, with others, whom, I fear, Most just and heavy causes make oppose. Edm. Sir, you speak nobly. Reg. Why is this reasoned? Gon. Combine together 'gainst the enemy ; For these domestic and particular broils Are not the question here. Alb. Let 's , then , determine With the ancient of war on our proceedings. Edm. I shall attend you presently at your tent. Reg. Sister, you'll go with us? Gon. No. Reg. 'Tis most convenient; pray you, go with us. Gon. [aside] 0, ho, I know the riddle. I will go. As they are going out, enter EDGAR disguised. Edg. If e'er your grace had speech with man so poor, Hear me one word. Alb. I'll overtake you. Speak. [Exeunt all except Albany and Edgar. Edg. Before you fight the battle, ope this letter. If you have victory, let the trumpet sound For him that brought it: wretched though I seem , I can produce a champion that will prove What is avouched there. If you miscarry, Your business of the world hath so an end , And machination ceases. Fortune love you! Alb. Stay till I've read the letter. Edg. I was forbid it. When time shall serve , let but the herald cry, And I'll appear again. 206 KING LEAH. UCT v. Alb. Why, fare thee well: I will o'erlook thy paper. [Exit Edgar. Re-enter EDMUND. Edm. The enemy 's in view; draw up your powers. Here is the guess of their true strength and forces By diligent discovery; but your haste Is now urg'd on you. Alb. We will greet the time. [Exit. Edm. To both these sisters have I sworn my love ; Each jealous of the other, as the stung Are of the adder. Which of them shall I take ? Both? one? or neither? Neither can be enjoy'd, If both remain alive : to take the widow Exasperates , makes mad her sister Goneril ; And hardly shall I carry out my side , Her husband being alive. Now, then , we'll use His countenance for the battle; which being done, Let her who would be rid of him devise His speedy taking off. As for the mercy Which he intends to Lear and to Cordelia, The battle done, and they within our power, Shall never see his pardon ; for my state Stands on me to defend, not to debate. [Exit. SCENK II. A field between the two camps. Alarum within. Enter, with drum and colours, LKAR, CORDELIA, and their Forces; and exeunt. Enter EDGAR and GLOSTER. Edg. Here , father , take the shadow of this tree For your good host; pray that the right may thrive : If ever I return to you again , 111 bring you comfort. Glo. Grace go with you, sirl [Exit Edgar. Alarum and retreat within. Re-enter EDO.AB. Edg. Away, old man , give me thy hand , away ! scfiinB n ft ILL ] Kj^a i,jaAJl. -07 i,jaAJl. King Lear hath lost, he and his daughter ta'en: Give me thy hand; come on. Glo. No further, sir; a man may rot even here Edg. What, in ill thoughts again? Men must endure . Their going hence , even as their coming hither : Ripeness is all: come on. Glo. And that's true too. [Exeunt SCENE III. The British camp, near Dover. Enter , in conquest, with drum and colours, EDMUND; LEAH and CORDELIA prisoners; Officers, Soldiers, frc. Edm. Some officers take them away: good guard , Until their greater pleasures first be known That are to censure them. Cor. We are not the first Who, with best meaning, have incurr'd the worst. For thee, oppressed king, am I cast down; Myself could else out-frown false fortune's frown. ~- Shall we not see these daughters and these sisters? Lear. No, no, no, no! Come, let's away to prison : We two alone will sing like birds i' the cage : When thou dost ask me blessing , I'll kneel down , And ask of thee forgiveness: so we'll live, And pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laugh At gilded butterflies, and hear poor rogues Talk of court news; and we'll talk with them too, - Who loses and who wins ; who's in , who's out ; And take upon's the mystery of things, As if we were God's spies: and we'll wear out , In a wall'd prison , packs and sects of great ones , That ebb and flow by the moon. Edm. Take them away. Lear. Upon such sacrifices, my Cordelia, The gods themselves throw incense. Have I caught thee ? He that parts us shall bring a brand from heaven , And fire us hence like foxes. Wipe thine eyes 208 Kraa LEAR. The goujeers shall devour them, flesh and fell, Ere they shall make us weep; we'll see 'em starve first. Come. [Exeunt Lear and Cordelia, guarded. Edm. Come hither, captain; hark. Take thou this note [Giving a paper}; go follow them to prison: One step I have advane'd thee ; if thou dost As this instructs thee, thou dost make thy way To noble fortunes: know thou this, that men Are as the time is: to be tender-minded Does not become a sword: thy great employment Will not bear question; either say thou'lt do 't, Or thrive by other means. Off. Ill do T t, my lord. Edm. About it; and write happy when thou hast done Mark , I say, instantly; and carry it so As I have set it down. Off. I cannot draw a cart, nor eat dried oats; If 't be man's work , I'll do 't. [Exit. Flourish. Enter Am ANY, GONERIL, REGAN, Officers, and Attendants. Alb. Sir, you have shown to-day your valiant strain , And fortune led you well: you have the captives Who were the opposites of this day's strife: We do require them of you, so to use them As we shall find their merits and our safety May equally determine. Edm. Sir, I thought it fit To send the old and miserable king To some retention and appointed guard; Whose age has charms in it, whose title more, To pluck the common bosom on his side , And turn our impress'd lances in our eyes Which do command them. With him I sent the queen; My reason all the same; and they are ready To-morrow, or at further space, t' appear scram in. j KING LEAK. 209 Where you shall hold your session. At this time We sweat and bleed: the friend hath lost his friend; And the best quarrels, in the heat, are curs'd By those that feel their sharpness : The question of Cordelia and her father Kequires a titter place. Alb. Sir, by your patience, I hold you but a subject of this war, Not as a brother. Keg. That's as we list to grace him. Methiuks our pleasure might have been demanded, Ere you had spoke so far. He led our powers ; Bore the commission of my place and person; The which immediacy may well stand up And call itself your brother. Gon. Not so hot: In his own grace he doth exalt himself, More than in your addition. Reg. In my rights By me invested , he compeers the best. Gon. That were the most, if he should husband you. Reg. Jesters do oft prove prophets. Gon. Holla, holla! That eye that told you so look'd but a-squint. Reg. Lady, I am not well; else I should answer From a full-flowing stomach. General, Take thou my soldiers, prisoners, patrimony; Dispose of them, of me; the walls are thine: Witness the world that I create thee here My lord and master. Gon. Mean you to enjoy him? Alb. The let-alone lies not in your good will. Edm. Nor in thine , lord. Alb. Half-blooded fellow, yes. Reg. [to Edmund] Let the drum strike, and prove my title thine. Alb. Stay yet; hear reason. Edmund, I arrest theo . VI. 14 210 KING LEAK. [ACT V. On capital treason; and, in thy arrest. This gilded serpent {pointing to Gon.]. For your claim, fair sister, I bar it in the interest of my wife ; Tis she is sub-contracted to this lord , And I, her husband, contradict your bans. If you will marry, make your loves to me ; My lady is bespoke. Gon. An interlude! Alb. Thou art arm'd, Gloster: let the trumpet sound: If none appear to prove upon thy person Thy heinous, manifest, and many treasons, There is my pledge [throwing down a glove] ; I'll prove it on thy heart, Ere I taste bread, thou art in nothing less Than I have here proclaim'd thee. Reg. Sick, 0, sick! Gon. [aside] If not, I'll ne'er trust medicine. Edm. There's niy exchange [throwing down a glove] : what in the world he is That names me traitor , villain-like he lies : Call by thy trumpet: he that dares approach, On him, on you, who not? I will maintain My truth and honour firmly. Alb. A herald, ho! Edm. A herald , ho , a herald ! Alb. Trust to thy single virtue ; for thy soldiers , All levied in my name , have in my name Took their discharge. Reg. My sickness grows upon me. Alb. She is not well ; convey her to my tent. [Exit Regan, led. Enter a Herald. Come hither, herald, Let the trumpet sound, And read out this. Off". Sound, trumpet! [A trumpet sounds. Her. [reads] " If any man of quality or degree within the BCENK1H.] KING LKAft. 211 lists of the army will maintain upon Edmund , supposed Earl of Gloster, that he is a manifold traitor, let him appear by the third sound of the trumpet: he is bold in his defence." Edm. Sound! [First trumpet. Her. Again! [Second trumpet. Her. Again ! [Tliird trumpet. [Trumpet answers within. Enter EDGAR, armed, and preceded by a trumpet. Alb. Ask him his purposes , why he appears Upon this call o' the trumpet. Her. What are you? Your name, your quality? and why you answer This present summons? Edg. Know, my name is lost; By treason's tooth bare-gnawn and canker-bit : Yet am I noble as the adversary I come to cope. Alb. Which is that adversary? Edg. What's he that speaks for Edmund earl of Gloster? Edm. Himself: what say'st thou to him? Edg. Draw thy sword, That, if my speech offend a noble heart, Thy arm may do thee justice: here is mine. Behold, it is the privilege of mine honours, My oath, and my profession: I protest, Maugre thy strength , youth , place , and eminence , Despite thy victor sword and fire-new fortune , Thy valour and thy heart, thou art a traitor; False to thy gods, thy brother, and thy father; Conspirant 'gainst this high illustrious prince ; And , from th' extremest upward of thy head To the descent and dust below thy foot, A most toad-spotted traitor. Say thou "no," This sword , this arm , and my best spirits , are bent To prove upon thy heart, whereto I speak, Thou liest. 14* 212 ***'<* LEAR. Edm. In wisdom 1 should ask thy name ; But , since thy outside looks so fair and warlike , And that thy tongue some say of breeding breathes, What safe and nicely I might well delay By rule of knighthood, I disdain and spurn: Back do I toss these treasons to thy head; With the hell-hated lie o'erwhelm thy heart; Which , for they yet glance by, and scarcely bruise , This sword of mine shall give them instant way, Where they shall rest for ever. Trumpets, speak! [Alarums. They fight. Edmund fall*. Alb. Save him, save him! Gon. This is practice, Gloster: By the law of arms thou wast not bound to answer An unknown opposite; thou art not vanquish'd, But cozen'd and beguiTd. Alb. Shut your mouth , dame , Or with this paper shall 1 stop it: Hold, sir; Thou worse than any name, read thine own evil: No tearing , lady ; 1 perceive you know it. [Gives the letter to Edmund. Gon. Say, if I do , the laws are mine , not thine: Who can arraign me for't? Alb. Most monstrous! linow'st thou this paper? Gon. Ask me not what I know. [Exit. Alb. Go after her: she's desperate; govern her. [To an Officer, who goes out. Edm. What you have charg'd me with, that have 1 done; And more, much more; the time will bring it out: 'Tis past, and so am i. But what art thou That hast this fortune on me? If thou'rt noble, I do forgive thee. Edg. Let's exchange charity. 1 am no less in blood than thou art, Edmund; If more , the more thou hast wrong'd me. My name is Edgar, and thy father's son. SCKNBIII.] KINO LEA*. 21 S The gods are just , and of our pleasant vices Make instruments to plague us : The dark and vicious place where thee he got Cost him his eyes. Edm. Thou hast spoken right, T tis true; The wheel is come full circle; 1 am here. Alb. Methought thy very gait did prophesy A royal nobleness: i must embrace thee: Let sorrow split my heart , if ever 1 Did hate thee or thy father I Edg. Worthy prince , I know't. Alb. Where have you hid yourself? How have you known the miseries of your father? Edg. By nursing them, my lord. List a brief tale; -~ And when 'tis told, 0, that my heart would burst! The bloody proclamation to escape , That follow'cl me so near, O, our lives' sweetness! That with the pain of death we'd hourly die Rather than die at once ! taught me to shift Into a madman's rags; t' assume a semblance That very dogs disdain'd : and in this habit Met I my father with his bleeding rings , Their precious stones new lost; became his guide, Led him, begg'd for him, sav'd him iroin despair; Never fault! reveal'd myself unto him, Until some half-hour past, when I was arm'd, Not sure, though hoping, of this good success, 1 ask'd his blessing, and from first to last Told him my pilgrimage: but his flaw'd heart, Alack, too weak the conflict to support, 'Twixt two extremes of passion, joy and grief, Burst smilingly. Edm. This speech of yours hath mov'd me, And shall perchance do good: but speak you on; You look as you had something more to say. Alb. Jf there be more , more worul , hold it in : 214 KING LEAR. [ACTV. For 1 am almost ready to dissolve , Hearing of this. Edg. This would have seem'd a period To such as love not sorrow; but another, To amplify too-much , would make much more , And top extremity. Whilst I was big in clamour, came there a man, Who , having seen me in my worst estate , Shunn'd my abhorr'd society ; but then , finding Who 'twas that so endur'd, with his strong arms He fasten'd on my neck, and bellow'd out As he'd burst heaven; threw him on my father; Told the most piteous tale of Lear and him That ever ear received: which in recounting His grief grew puissant, and the strings of life Began to crack : twice then the trumpets sounded , And there I left him tranc'd. Alb. But who was this? Edg. Kent, sir, the banish'd Kent; who in disguise Follow'd his enemy king, and did him service Improper for a slave. Enter a Gentleman hastily with a bloody knife. Gent. Help , help , , help I Edg. What kind of help? Alb. Speak, man Edg. What means that bloody knife? Gent. 'Tis hot, it smokes; It came even from the heart of 0, she's deadl Alb. Who dead? speak, man. Gent. Your lady, sir , your lady : and her sister By her is poisoned ; she hath confess'd it. Edm. I was contracted to them both : all three Now marry in an instant. Edg. Here comes Kent. Alb. Produce their bodies , be they alive or dead : This judgment of the heavens , that makes us tremble, Touches us not with pity. [Exit Gentleman. KING LEAH. 215 Enter KENT. 0, is this heV The time will not allow the compliment Which very manners urges. Kent. I am come To bid my king and master aye good night: Is he not here? Alb. Great thing of us forgot 1 Speak, Edmund, where's the king? and where's Cordelia? [The bodies of Goneril and Regan are brought in. See'st thou this object, Kent? Ken t. Alack , why thus ? Edm. Yet Edmund was belov'd: The one the other poison' d for my sake , And after slw herself. Alb. Even so. Cover their faces Edm. I pant for life: some good I mean to do, Despite of mine own nature. Quickly send Be brief in it to the castle ; for my writ Is on the life of Lear and on Cordelia: Nay, send in time. Alb. Run , run , , run I Edg. To who, my lord? Who has the office? send Thy token of reprieve. Edm. Well thought on: take my sword; Give it the captain. Alb. Haste thee , for thy life. [ Exit Edgar. Edm. He hath commission from thy wife and me To hang Cordelia in the prison , and To lay the blame upon her own despair, That she fordid herself. Alb. The gods defend her ! Bear him hence awhile. [ Edmund is borne off. Re-enter LEAR, with CORDELIA dead in his arms; EDGAR, Officer. and others following. Lear. Howl, howl, howl, howl! 0, you are men of stone : 216 KIXG LEAR, UCTT. Had I your tongues and eyes , I'd use them so That heaven's vault should crack. She's gone for ever I I know when one is dead, and when one lives; She's dead as earth. Lend tne a looking-glasi; If that her breath will mist or stain the stone, Why, then she lives. Kent. Is this the promis'd end? Edg. Or image of that horror? Alb. Fall , and cease ! Lear. This feather stirs; she lives! if it be so, It is a chance which does redeem all sorrows That ever 1 have felt. Kent. my good master! [Kneeling. Lear. Prithee, away. Edg. 'Tis noble Kent, your friend. l*ar. A plague upon you, murderers, traitors all! I might have sav'd her; now she's gone for ever! Cordelia, Cordelia! stay a little. Ha! What is't thou say'st? Her voice was ever soft, Gentle , and low, an excellent thing in woman. I kill'd the slave that was a-hanging thee. Off. 'Tis true , my lords , he did. Lear. Did I not, fellow? I've seen the day, with my good biting falchion I would have made them skip: I am old now, And these same crosses spoil me. Who are you? Mine eyes are not o' the best: I'll tell you straight. Kent. If fortune brag of two she lov'd and hated, One of them we behold. Lear. This is a dull sight. Are you not Kent? Kent. The same. Your servant Kent. Where is your servant Caius? Lear. He 's a good fellow, I can tell you that; Hell strike , and quickly too : he 's dead and rotten. Kent. No, my good lord; I am the very man ? Lear. I'll see that straight LBAR. 217 Rent. That, from your first of difference and decay, Have follow'd your sad steps. Lear. You're welcome hither. Kent. Nor no man else: all 's cheerless, dark, and deadly. Your eldest daughters have fordone themselves , And desperately are dead. Lear. Ay, so I think. Alb. He knows not what he says ; and vain is it That we present us to him. Edg. Very bootless. Enter an Officer. Off. Edmund is dead, my lord. Alb. That's but a trifle here. You lords and noble friends, know our intent. What comfort to this great decay may come Shall be applied: for us, we will resign, During the life of this old majesty, To him our absolute power: [To Edgar and Kent] you, to your rights ; With boot, and such addition as your honours Have more than merited. All friends shall taste The wages of their virtue , and all foes The cup of their deservings. O, see, see! Lear. And my poor fool is hang'dl No, no, no life! Why should a dog, a horse, a rat, have life, And thou no breath at all? Thou'lt come no more, Never, never, never, never, never! Pray you, undo this button: thank you, sir. Do you see thisV Look on her, look, her lips, Look there, look there! [Dies. Edg. He faints ! My lord , my lord ! Kent. Break , heart; 1 prithee, break! Edg. Look up , my lord. Kent. Vex not his ghost: O, let him pass! he hates him 218 KING LEAR. [ACT V. SCENE HI.) That would upon the rack of this tough world Stretch him out longer. Edg. He is gone indeed. Kent. The wonder is, he hath endur'd so long: He but usurp'd his life. Alb. Bear them from hence. Our present business Is general woe. [To Kent and Edgar] Friends of my soul, you twain Kule in this realm, and the gor'd state sustain, Kent. I have a journey, sir , shortly to go ; My master calls me , I must not say no. Alb. The weight of this sad time we must obey, Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say. The oldest hath borne most: we that are young Shall never see so much , nor live so long. [Exeunt , with a dead march. OTHELLO, THE MOOR OF VENICE, DRAMATIS PERSONS DUKE OF VENICE. RODERIGO, a Venetian gentleman. BRABANTIO, a senator. MONTANO, Othello's predecessor Other Senators. in the government of Cyprus. GRATIANO, brother to Brabantio. Clown, servant to Othello. LODOVICO, kinsman to Brabantio. OTHELLO, a noble Moor hi the DESDEMONA, daughter to Bra- service of the Venetian state. bantio and wife to Othello. CASSIO, his lieutenant EMILIA, wife to lago. IAGO, his ancient. BIANCA, mistress to Cassio. Sailor, Messenger, Herald, Officers, Gentlemen, Musicians, and Attendants. SCENE Thefirtt act in Venice; during tJie reft of the play ', at a seaport in Cyprus. ACT I. SCENH 1. Venice. A street. Enter RODERICK) and IAGO. Rod. Tush, never tell me; 1 take it much unkindly That thou , lago , who hast had my purse As if tho strings were thine , shouldst know of this , lago. 'Sblood , but you will not hear me : If ever I did dream of such a matter, Abhor me. Rod. Thou told'st me thou didst hold him in thy hate. lago. Despise me, if I do not Three great ones of the city, 220 OTHELLO, [ACT i. in personal suit to make me his lieutenant, Oft capp'd to him: and, by the faith of man, I know my price, I'm worth no worse a place: But he, as loving his own pride and purposes, Evades them , with a bombast circumstance Horribly stuff d with epithets of war; And, in conclusion, Nonsuits my mediators; for, "Certes," sayi he, "1 have already chose my officer." And what was he? Forsooth , a great arithmetician , One Michael Cassio , a Florentine , A fellow almost damn'd in a fair wife ; That never set a squadron in the field , Nor the division of a battle knows More than a spinster; unless the bookish theoric, Wherein the toged consuls can propose As masterly as he : mere prattle , without practice , Is all his soldiership. But he, sir, had th' election: And I of whom his eyes had seen the proof At Khodes, at Cyprus, and on other grounds Christian and heathen must be be-lec'd and calm'd By debitor and creditor, this counter-caster; He, in good time, must his lieutenant be, And I God bless the mark ! his Moorship's ancient. Rod. By heaven , I rather would have been his hangman . logo. Why, there's no remedy; 'tis the curse of service, Preferment goes by letter and affection, And not by old gradation, where each second Stood heir to the first. Now, sir, be judge yourself, Whether I in any just term am affin'd To love the Moor. Rod. I would not follow him , then. lago. 0, sir, content you; 1 follow him to serve my turn upon him: We cannot all be masters , nor all masters Cannot bo truly follpw'd. You shall mark SCflSKKLJ THE MOOB OF VJ&UCB. 221 Many a duteous and knee-crooking knave , That , doting on his own obsequious bondage , Wears out his time, much like his master's ass, For naught but provender; and, when he's old, cashier'd: Whip me such honest knaves. Others there are , Who , trimm'd in forms and visages of duty, Keep yet their hearts attending on themselves; And , throwing but shows of service on their lords , Do well thrive by them, and, when they've lin'd their coats, Do themselves homage: these fellows have some soul; And such a one do I profess myself. For, sir, It is as sure as you are Koderigo , Were I the Moor, I would not be lago: In following him , I follow but myself; Heaven is my judge , not I for love and duty, But seeming so , for my peculiar end : For when my outward action doth demonstrate The native act and figure of my heart In compliment extern , 'tis not long after But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve For daws to peck at: I am not what I am. Rod. What a full fortune does the thick-lips owe , If he can carry 't thus ! lago. Call up her father, Rouse him: make after him, poison his delight, Proclaim him in the streets; incense her kinsmen: And though he in a fertile climate dwell , Plague him with flies; though that his joy be joy, Yet throw such changes of vexation on't, As it may lose some colour. Rod. Here is her father's house; I'll call aloud. lago. Do ; with like timorous accent and dire yell As when , by night and negligence , the fire Is spied in populous cities. Rod. What, ho, Brabantio! Signior Brabantio, hoi 222 OTHELLO, [ACT I. lago. Awake! what, ho, Brabantio! thieves! thieves! thieves! Look to your house , your daughter , and your bags ! Thieves! thieves! BRABANTIO appears above , at a window. Bra. What is the reason of this terrible summons V What is the matter there? Rod. Signior, is all your family within? lago. Are your doors lock'd? Bra. Why, wherefore ask you this? lago. Zounds, sir, you're robb'd; for shame, put on your gown; Your heart is burst, you have lost half your soul; Even now, now, very now, an old black ram Is tupping your white ewe. Arise, arise; Awake the snorting citizens with the bell, Or else the devil will make a grandsire of you: Arise , I say. Bra. What, have you lost your wits? Rod. Most reverend signior, do you know my voice? Bra. Not I: what are you? Rod. My name is Roderigo. Bra. The worser welcome : I've charg'd thee not to haunt about my doors: In honest plainness thou hast heard me say My daughter is not for thee; and now, in madness, Being full of supper and distempering draughts , Upon malicious bravery, dost thou come To start my quiet; Rod. Sir, sir, sir, Bra. But thou must needs be sure My spirit and my place have in them power To make this bitter to thee. Rod. Patience , good sir. Bra. What tell'st thou me of robbing? this ia Venice; My house is not a grange. acKNKl.] THE MOOR OF VENICE. 223 Rod. Moat grave Brabantio , In simple and pure soul 1 come to you. logo. Zounds, sir, you are one of those that will not serve God, if the devil bid you. Because we come to do you service, and you think we are ruffians, you'll have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse; you'll have your nephews neigh to you; you'll have coursers for cousins, and gennets for germans. Bra. What profane wretch art thou? lago. I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs. Bra. Thou art a villain. lago. You are a senator. Bra. This thou shalt answer: I know thee, Roderigo. Rod. Sir, I will answer any thing. But, I beseech you, If 't be your pleasure and most wise consent, As partly I find it is, that your fair daughter, At this odd-even and dull watch o' the night, Transported , with no worse nor better guard But with a knave of common hire, a gondolier, To the gross clasps of a lascivious Moor, If this be known to you , and your allowance , We then have done you bold and saucy wrongs ; But, if you know not this, my manners tell me We have your wrong rebuke. Do not believe That, from the sense of all civility, 1 thus would play and trifle with your reverence : Your daughter, if you have not given her leave, ~ I say again, hath made a gross revolt; Tying her duty, beauty, wit, and fortunes, In an extravagant and wheeling stranger Of here and every where. Straight satisfy yourself: If she be in her chamber or your hou?e , Let loose on me the justice of the state For thus deluding you. Bra. Strike on the tinder, hoi Give me a taper! call up all my people! 224 OtHELLO, Tnia accident is not unlike my dream : Belief of it oppresses ine already. Light, 1 say! light! [Exit above. layo. Farewell; for I must leave you: It seems not meet, nor wholesome to my place, To be produc'd as , if 1 stay, I shall Against the Moor: for, I do know, the state However this may gall him with some check Cannot with safety cast him; for he's embark'd With such loud reason to the Cyprus wars , Which even now stand in act, that, for their souls, Another of his fathom they have none To lead their business: in which regard, Though 1 do hate him as I do hell-pains , Yet , for necessity of present life , I must show out a flag and sign of love, Which is indeed but sign. That you shall surely find him, Lead to the Sagittary the raised search; And there will I be with him. So , farewell. [Exit. Enter, below , BRABANTIO , and Servants with torches. Bra. It is too true an evil: gone she is; And what's to come of my despised time Is naught but bitterness. Mow, Koderigo, Where didst thou see her? unhappy girl! With the Moor, say'st thou? Who would be a father! How didst thou know 'twas she? 0, she deceives me Past thought! What said she to you? Get more taper*; Raise all my kindred. Are they married, think you? Itod. Truly, 1 think they are. Bra. heaven! How got she out! treason of the blood! Fathers, from hence trust not your daughters' minds By what you see them act. Is there not charms By which the property of youth and maidhood May be abus'd? Have you not read, Koderigo Of gome such thing? 8CBKKTJ.) tBLfi MOOK OP VKMIOJJ. 42$ Rod. Yes , sir , I have indeed. Bra. Call up my brother. O, would you had had her I Some one way, some another. Do you know Where we may apprehend her and the Moor? Rod. 1 think 1 can discover him , if you please To get good guard, and go along with me. Bra. Pray you, lead on. At every house I'll call; I may command at most. Get weapons, ho! And raise some special officers of night. On, good Roderigo; I'll deserve your pains. [Exeunt. SCENE 11. The same. Another street. Enter OTHELLO, IAQO, and Attendants with torches. lago. Though in the trade of war 1 have slain men, Yet do I hold it very stuff o' the conscience To do no c6ntriv'd murder: I lack iniquity Sometimes to do me service: nine or ten times 1 had thought t' have yerk'd him here under the rib Oth. Tis better as it is. lago. Nay, but he prated , And spoke such scurvy and provoking terms Against your honour , That, with the little godliness I have, I did full hard forbear him. But, I pray you, sir, Are you fast married? Be assur'd of this, That the magnifico is much belov'd ; And hath, in his effect, a voice potential As double as the duke's: he will divorce you; Or put upon you what restraint and grievance The law with all his might t' enforce it on Will give him cable. Oth. Let him do his spite: My services which I have done the signioiy Shall out-tongue his complaints. 'Tis yet to know, Which, when 1 know that boasting is an honour, shall promulgate, 1 fetch ray life and being Shaktspsar*. VL 16 226 OTHELLO, [ACT i. From men of royal siege ; and my demerits May speak , uubonneted , to as proud a fortune As this that 1 have reach'd: for know, lago, But that I love the gentle Desdeinona, I would not my unhoused free condition Put into circumscription and confine For the sea's worth. But , look ! what lights come yond? lago. Those are the raised father and his friends : You were best go in. Otk. Not I; I must be found: My parts , my title , and my perfect soul Shall manifest me rightly. Is it they? lago. By Janus, 1 think no. Enter CASSIO , and certain Officers with torches. Oth. The servants of the duke , and my lieutenant. The goodness of the night upon you, friends! What is the news? Cas. The duke does greet you, general; And he requires your haste-post-haste appearance Even on the instant. Oth. What is the matter, think you? Cas. Something from Cyprus, as 1 may divine: It is a business of some heat: the galleys Have sent a dozen sequent messengers This very night at one another's heels ; And many of the consuls, rais'd and met, Are at the duke's already: you have been hotly call'd for; When, being not at your lodging to be found, The senate sent about three several quests To search you out. Oth. 'Tis well 1 am found by you. I will but spend a word here in the house, And go with you. [Exit, Cas. Ancient, what makes he here? lago. Faith , he to-night hath boarded a land carack If it prove lawful prize, he's made for ever. THE MOOR OF VENICE, Cas. I do not understand. {ago. He's married. Cos. To who? Re-enter OTHKLLO. logo. Marry, to Come, captain, will you go? Oth. Have with you. Cos. Here cornea another troop to seek for you. lago. It is Brabantio: general, be advis'd; He comes to bad intent. Enter BRABAMTIO , RODERICK), and Officers with torches and weapons. Oth. Holla! stand there! Rod. Signior , it is the Moor. Bra. Down with him, thief 1 \Tliey draw on both sides. lago. You, Roderigo! come, sir, I am for you. Oth. Keep up your bright swords , for the dew will rust them. Good signior , you shall more command with years Than with your weapons, Bra. O thou foul thief, where hast thou stow'd my daughter? Damn'd as thou art , thou hast enchanted her ; For Til refer me to all things of sense , If she in chains of magic were not bound , Whether a maid so tender, fair, and happy, So opposite to marriage that she shunn'd The wealthy curled darlings of our nation , Would ever have , t' incur a general mock , Run from her guardage to the sooty bosom Of such a thing as thou, to fear, not to delight. Judge me the world , if 'tis not gross in sense That thou hast practis'd on her with foul charms ; Abus'd her delicate youth with drugs or minerals That weaken motion: I'll have 't disputed on; 'Tis probable , and palpable to thinking. 15* OtHELLO, I therefore apprehend and do attach thee For an abuser of the world , a practiser Of arts inhibited and out of warrant. Lay hold upon him: if he do resist , Subdue him at his peril. Oth. Hold your hands , Both you of my inclining, and the ret: Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it Without a prompter. Where will you that I go To answer this your charge? Bra. To prison; till fit time Of law, and course of direct session , Call thee to answer. Oth. What if I do obey? How may the duke be therewith satisfied, Whose messengers are here about my side , Upon some present business of the state To bring me to him? First Off. 'Tis true, most worthy signior; The duke's in council, and your noble self, I'm sure , is sent for. Bra. Howl the duke in council! In this time of the night! Bring him away; Mine's not an idle cause: the duke himself, Or any of my brothers of the state , Cannot but feel this wrong as 'twere their own ; For if such actions may have passage free , Bond-slaves and pagans shall our statesmen be. [Exeum. SCENE III. The same. A council-chamber. The Duke and Senators sitting at a table; Officers attending. Duke. There is no composition in these news That gives them credit. First Sen. Indeed, they're disproportion^ ; My letters say a hundred and seven galleys. Duke. And mine , a hundred ind forty. THE MOOR OP VENICE. 229 Sec. Sen. And mine, two hundred: But though they jump not on a just account, As in these cases , where the aim reports , TIB oft with difference, yet do they all confirm A Turkish fleet, and bearing up to Cyprus. Duke. Nay, it is possible enough to judgment: I do not so secure me in the error, But the main article I do approve In fearful sense. Sailor, [within] What, ho! what, ho! what, ho! First Off. A messenger from the galleys. Enter a Sailor. Duke. Now, what's the business V Sail. The Turkish preparation makes for .Rhodes; So was I bid report here to the state By Signior Angelo. Duke. How say you by this change? first Sen. This cannot be , By no assay of reason : 'tis a pageant , To keep us in false gaze. When we consider Th' importancy of Cyprus to the Turk ; And let ourselves again but understand, That as it more concerns the Turk than Rhodes, So may he with more facile question bear it , For that it stands not in such warlike brace , But altogether lacks th' abilities That Rhodes is dress T d in : if we make thought of this We must not think the Turk is so unskilful To leave that latest which concerns him first, Neglecting an attempt of ease and gain , To wake and wage a danger profitless. Duke. Nay, in all confidence , he's not for Rhodes. First Off". Here is more news. Enter a Messenger. Mess. The Ottomites, reverend and gracious, 230 OTHELLO, Steering with due course toward the isle of Rhodes , Have there injointed them with an after fleet. First Sen. Ay, so I thought. How many, as you guess V Mess. Of thirty sail: and now they do re-stem Their backward course , bearing with frank appearance Their purposes toward Cyprus. Signior Montano, Your trusty and most valiant servitor , With his free duty recommends you thus , And prays you to believe him. Duke. 'Tis certain, then, for Cyprus. Marcus Luccicos, is not he in town? First Sen. He's now in Florence. Duke. Write from us to him; post-post-haste dispatch. First Sen. Here comes Brabantio and the valiant Moor. Enter BRABANTIO, OTHELLO, IAGO, RODERIGO, and Officers. Duke. Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you Against the general enemy Ottoman. [To Brabantio] I did not see you; welcome, gentle signior We lack'd your counsel and your help to-night. Bra. So did I yours. Good your grace , pardon me ; Neither my place , nor aught I heard of business , Hath rais'd me from my bed ; nor doth the general care Take hold on me ; for my particular grief Is of so flood-gate and o'erbearing nature That it engluts and swallows other sorrows , And it is still itself. Duke. Why, what's the matter? Bra My daughter! 0, my daughter! Duke and Sen. Dead? Bra. Ay, to me She is abus'd, stol'n from me, and corrupted By spells and medicines bought of mountebanks; For nature so preposterously to err , Being not deficient , blind , or lame of sense , Sans witchcraft could not. Duke. Whoe'er he be that, in this foul proceeding, SCENE m.] THE MOOR OF VENICE. 231 Hath thus beguil'd your daughter of herself, And you of her, the bloody book of law You shall yourself read in the bitter letter After your own sense; yea, though our proper son Stood in your action. Bra. Humbly I thank your grace. Here is the man, this Moor; whom now, it seems, Your special mandate , for the state-affairs , Hath hither brought. Duke and Sen. We're very sorry for't. Duke, [to Othello] What, in your own part, can you say to this? Bra. Nothing, but this is so. Oth. Most potent , grave , and reverend signiors , My very noble and approv'd good masters , That 1 have ta'en away this old man's daughter, It is most true; true, I have married her: The very head and front of my offending Hath this extent , no more. Rude am I in my speech , And little bless'd with the soft phrase of peace; For since these arms of mine had seven years' pith , Till now some nine moons wasted , they have us'd Their dearest action in the tented field; And little of this great world can I speak , More than pertains to feats of broil and battle; And therefore little shall 1 grace my cause In speaking for myself. Yet, by your gracious patience, I will a round unvarnish'd tale deliver Of my whole course of love; what drugs, what charms, What conjuration, and what mighty magic, For such proceeding I am charg'd withal , I won his daughter. Bra. A maiden never bold; Of spirit so still and quiet, that her motion Blush'd at herself; and she in spite of nature , Of years, of country, credit, every thing To fall in love with what she fear'd to look on! 232 OTHELLO, [AOTL It is a judgment maim'd and most imperfect, That will confess perfection so could err Against all rules of nature; and must be driven To find out practices of cunning hell, Why this should be. I therefore vouch again, That with some mixtures powerful o'er the blood , Or with some dram conjur'd to this effect, He wrought upon her. Duke. To vouch this, is no proof, Without more wider and more overt test Than these thin habits and poor likelihoods Of modern seeming do prefer against him. First Sen. But , Othello , speak : Did you by indirect and forced courses Subdue and poison this young maid's affections? Or came it by request, and such fair question As soul to soul affordeth ? Oth. I do beseech you, Send for the lady to the Sagittary, And let her speak of me before her father: If you do find me foul in her report, The trust, the office, 1 do hold of you, Not only take away, but let your sentence Even fall upon my life. Duke. Fetch Desdemona hither. Oth. Ancient, conduct them, you best know the place. [Exeunt lago and Attendants- And, till she come, as truly as to heaven I do confess the vices of my blood, So justly to your grave ears I'll present How I did thrive in this fair lady's love, And she in mine. Duke. Say it, Othello. Oth. Her father lov'd me; oft invited me; Still question'd me the story of my life , From year to year, the battles, sieges, fortunes, That I have pass'd. SCENE III.] THE MOOR OF VENICE. 233 I ran it through, even from my boyish days To the very moment that he bade me tell it: Wherein I spake of most disastrous chances, Of moving accidents by flood and field ; Of hair-breadth scapes i' th' imminent deadly breach ; Of being taken by the insolent foe, And sold to slavery; of my redemption thence, And portance in my travels' history : Wherein of antres vast and deserts idle , Rough quarries, rocks, and hills whose heads touch heaven , It was my hint to speak, such was the process; And of the Cannibals that each other eat , The Anthropophagi , and men whose heads Do grow beneath their shoulders. This to hear Would Desdemona seriously incline: But still the house-affairs would draw her thence; Which ever as she could with haste dispatch, She'd come again, and with a greedy ear Devour up my discourse : which I observing , Took once a pliant hour; and found good means To draw from her a prayer of earnest heart That I would all my pilgrimage dilate , Whereof by parcels she had something heard , But not intentively: I did consent; And often did beguile her of her tears , When 1 did speak of some distressful stroke That my youth suffer'd. My story being done , She gave me for my pains a world of sighs: She swore, in faith, 'twas strange, 'twas passing strange; 'Twas pitiful, 'twas wondrous pitiful: She wish'd she had not heard it ; yet she wish'd That heaven had made her such a man: she thank'd me; And bade me, if 1 had a friend that lov'd her, I should but teach him how to tell my story, And that would woo her. Upon this hint 1 spake: She lov'd me for the dangers 1 had pass'd ; And 1 lov'd her that she did pity them 234 OTHEIXO, This only is the witchcraft I have us'd: Here comes the lady; let her witness it. Enter DESDEUONA with IAGO and Attendants. Duke. I think this tale would win my daughter too. Good Brabantio, Take up this mangled matter at the best: Men do their broken weapons rather use Than their bare hands. Bra. I pray you , hear her speak : If she confess that she was half the wooer, Destruction on my head , if my bad blame Light on the man! Come hither, gentle mistress: Do you perceive in all this noble company Where most you owe obedience? Des. My noble father , I do perceive here a divided duty: To you I'm bound for life and education; My life and education both do learn me How to respect you ; you're the lord of duty, I'm hitherto your daughter: but here's my husband; And so much duty as my mother show'd To you, preferring you before her father, So much I challenge that I may profess Due to the Moor my lord. Bra. God b' wi' you! I have done. Please it your grace , on to the state-affairs : I had rather to adopt a child than get it. Come hither, Moor: I here do give thee that with all my heart Which , but thou hast already, with all my heart I would keep from thee. For your sake, jewel, I'm glad at soul I have no other child; For thy escape would teach me tyranny, To hang clogs on them. I have done, my lord. Duke Let me speak like yourself; and lay a sentence , SCENE ill.] THE MOOR OF VENICE. 235 Which, as a grise or step, may help these lovers Into your favour. When remedies are past, the griefs are ended By seeing the worst, which late on hopes depended. To mourn a mischief that is past and gone Is the next way to draw new mischief on. What cannot be preserv'd when fortune takes, Patience her injury a mockery makes. The robb'd that smiles steals something from the thief; He robs himself that spends a bootless grief. Bra. So let the Turk of Cyprus us beguile; We lose it not, so long as we can smile. He bears the sentence well that nothing bears But the free comfort which from thence he hears; But he bears both the sentence and the sorrow That to pay grief must of poor patience borrow. These sentences, to sugar, or to gall, Being strong on both sides, are equivocal: But words are words; I never yet did hear That the bruis'd heart was pierced through the ear. I humbly beseech you , proceed to the affairs of state. Duke. The Turk with a most mighty preparation makea for Cyprus: Othello, the fortitude of the place is best known to you ; and though we have there a substitute of most allowed sufficiency, yet opinion, a sovereign mistress of effects, throws a more safer voice on you: you must therefore be content to slubber the gloss of your new fortunes with this more stubborn and boisterous expedition. Oih. The tyrant custom , most grave senators , Hath made the flinty and steel couch of war My thrkje-driven bed of down : I do agnize A natural and prompt alacrity I find in hardness; and do undertake This present war against the Ottomites. Most humbly, therefore, bending to your state, I crave fit disposition for my wife; Due reference of place and exhibition 236 OTHELLO, [ACT i. With such accommodation and besort As levels with her breeding. Duke. If you please , Be 't at her father's. Bra. I'll not have it so. Oth. Nor I. Des. Nor I; I would not there reside, To put my father in impatient thoughts By being in his eye. Most gracious duke , To my unfolding lend your prosperous ear; And let me find a charter in your voice , T* assist my simpleness. Duke. What would you, Desdemona? Des. That I did love the Moor to live with him, My downright violence and storm of fortunes May trumpet to the world: my heart's subdu'd Even to the very quality of my lord : I saw Othello's visage in his mind ; And to his honours and his valiant parts Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate. So that, dear lords, if I be left behind, A moth of peace, and he go to the war, The rites for which I love him are bereft me , And I a heavy interim shall support By his dear absence. Let me go with him. Oth. Your voices , lords : beseech you , let her will Have a free way. Vouch with me, heaven, I therefore beg it not, To please the palate of my appetite ; Nor to comply with heat the young affects In me defunct and proper satisfaction; But to be free and bounteous to her mind : And heaven defend your good souls, that you think I will your serious and great business scant For she is with me: no, when light- wing'd toys Of feather'd Cupid seel with wanton dullness My speculative and offic'd instruments, THE MOOR OF VENICE. 237 That my disports corrupt and taint my business , Let housewives make a skillet of my helm, And all indign and base adversities Make head against my estimation ! Duke. Be it as you shall privately determine , Either for her stay or going: th' affair cries haste. And speed must answer it. First Sen. You must away to-night. Oth. With all my heart. Duke. At nine F the morning here we'll meet again. Othello , leave some officer behind , And he shall our commission bring to you; With such things else of quality and respect As doth import you. Oth. So please your grace, my ancient; A man he is of honesty and trust: To his conveyance I assign my wife , With what else needful your good grace shall think To be sent after me. Duke. Let it be so. Good night to every one. [To Brab.] And, noble signior, If virtue no delighted beauty lack, Your son-in-law is far more fair than black. First Sen. Adieu, brave Moor; use Desdemona well. Bra. Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see : She has deceiv'd her father, and may thee. [Exeunt Duke, Senators, Officers, fr( Oth. My life upon her faith! Honest lago, My Desdemona must I leave to thee : 1 prithee, let thy wife attend on her; And bring them after in the best advantage. Come, Desdemona; I have but an hour Of love, of worldly matters and direction, To spend with thee: we must obey the time. [Exeunt Otttello and Desdemona Rod. lago, lago What say'st thou , noble heart? 238 OTHELLO, Rod. What will I do , thinkest thou? lago. Why, go to bed, and sleep. Rod. I will incontinently drown myself. lago. If thou dost, I shall never love thee after. Why, thou silly gentleman! Rod. It is silliness to live when to live is torment; and then have we a prescription to die when death is our phy- sician. lago. villanous! I have looked upon the world for four times seven years; and since I could distinguish betwixt a benefit and an injury , I never found man that knew how to love himself. Ere I would say, I would drown myself for the love of a guinea-hen, 1 would change my humanity with a baboon. Rod. What should I do? I confess it is my shame to be so fond ; but it is not in my virtue to amend it. lago. Virtue! a fig! 'tis in ourselves that we are thus or thus. Our bodies are gardens; to the which our wills are gardeners: so that if we will plant nettles, or sow lettuce; set hyssop , and weed-up thyme ; supply it with one gender of herbs, or distract it with many; either to have it steril with idleness, or manured with industry ; why, the power and corrigible authority of this lies in our wills. If the balance of our lives had not one scale of reason to poise another of sen- suality, the blood and baseness of our natures would conduct us to most preposterous conclusions: but we have reason to cool our raging motions, our carnal stings, our unbitted lusts; whereof I take this that you call love to be a sect or scion. Rod. It cannot be. lago. It is merely a lust of the blood and a permission of the will. Come, be a man : drown thyself! drown cats and blind puppies. I have professed me thy friend, and I confess me knit to thy deserving with cables of perdurable toughness; I could never better stead thee than now. Put money in thy purse ; follow thou the wars; defeat thy favour with an usurped beard; 1 say, put money in thy purse. It cannot be that Desdemona should long continue her love to the Moor, put SCENE HI. j TH E MOOR OF VENICE. 239 money in thy purse, nor he his to her: it was a violent commencement, and thou shalt see an answerable sequestra- tion ; put but money in thy purse. These Moors are changeable in their wills: fill thy purse with money: the food that to him now is as luscious as locusts shall be to him shortly as bitter as coloquintida. She must change for youth: when she is sated with his body, she will find the error of her choice: she must have change, she must: therefore put money in thy purse. If thou wilt needs damn thyself, do it a more delicate way than drowning. Make ail the money thou canst : if sanctimony and a. frail vow betwixt an erring barbarian and a supersubtle Venetian be not too hard for my wits and all the tribe of hell, thou shalt enjoy her; therefore make money. A pox of drowning thyself! it is clean out of the way: seek thou rather to be hanged in compassing thy joy than to be drowned and go without her. Rod. Wilt thou be fast to my hopes , if I depend on the issue? logo. Thou art sure of me : go, make money : I have told thee often, and I re-tell thee again and again, I hate the Moor: my cause is hearted; thine hath no less reason. Let us be conjunctive in our revenge against him: if thou canst cuckold him, thou dost thyself a pleasure, me a sport. There are many events in the womb of time, which will be delivered. Traverse ; go ; provide thy money. We will have more of this to-morrow. Adieu. Rod. Where shall we meet i' the morning ? lago. At my lodging. Rod. I'll be with thee betimes. lago. Go to; farewell. Do you hear, Koderigo? Rod. What say you? lago. Mo more of drowning, do you hear? Rod. I am changed : I'll go sell all my land. [Exit. lago. Thus do 1 ever make my fool my purse ; For 1 mine own gain'd knowledge should profane , If I would time expend with such a snipe , But for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor; 240 OTHELLO, (A * ir And it is thought abroad, that 'twixt my sheets 'Has done my office: I know not if't be true; But I , for mere suspicion in that kind , Will do as if for surety. He holds me well; The better shall my purpose work on him. Cassio's a proper man : let me see now ; To get his place, and to plume up my will In double knavery How, how? Let's see: After some time , t' abuse Othello's ear That he is too familiar with his wife: He hath a person , and a smooth dispose , To be suspected; fram'd to make women false. The Moor is of a free and open nature, That thinks men honest that but seem to be so ; And will as tenderly be led by the nose As asses are. I have 't: it is engender'd: hell and night Must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light. [Exit. ACT II. SCENE I. A seaport town in Cyprus. A platform. Enter MONTANO and two Gentlemen. Mon. What from the cape can you discern at sea? First Gent. Nothing at all: it is a high- wrought flood; I cannot 'twixt the heaven and the main Descry a sail. Mon. Methinks the wind hath spoke aloud at land ; A fuller blast ne'er shook our battlements: If it hath ruf fian'd so upon the sea , What ribs of oak, when mountains melt on them, Can hold the mortise? What shall we hear of this? Sec. Gent. A segregation of the Turkish fleet: For do but stand upon the foaming shore, The chiding billow seems to pelt the clouds; The wind-shak'd surge, with high and monstrous mane. SCKNHi.j THE MOOR OF VENICE. 241 Seems to cast water on the burning bear, And quench the guards of th' ever-fixed pole: 1 never did like molestation view On the enchafed flood. Mon. If that the Turkish fleet Be not enshelter'd and embay'd , they're drown'd^ it is impossible they bear it out. Enter a third Gentleman. Third Gent. News, lads! our wars are done. The desperate tempest hath so bang'd the Turks , That their designment halts: a noble ship of Venice Hath seen a grievous wreck and sufferance On most part of their fleet. Mon. How! is this true? Third Gent. The ship is here put in A Verouesa; Michael Cassio, Lieutenant to the warlike Moor Othello, Is come on shore : the Moor himself at sea , And is in full commission here for Cyprus. Mon. I'm glad on't; 'tis a worthy governor. Thirl Gent. But this same Cassio , though he speak of comfort Touching the Turkish loss, yet he looks sadly, And prays the Moor be safe ; for they were parted With foul and violent tempest. Mon. Pray heavens he be; For I have serv'd him, and the man commands Like a full soldier. Let's to the seaside, ho' As well to see the vessel that's come in As to throw out our eyes for brave Othello , Even till we make the main and th' aerial blue An indistinct regard. Third Gent. Come, let's do so; For every minute is expectancy Of more arrivance. e. VL 16 242 OTHELLO, Enter CASSIO. Cos. Thanks you , the valiant of this warlike isle , That so approve the Moor! 0, let the heavens Give him defence against the elements, For 1 have lost him on a dangerous sea! Mon. Is he well shipp'd? Cos. His bark is stoutly timber'd , and hk pilot Of very expert and approv'd allowance ; Therefore my hopes, not surfeited to death, Stand in bold cure. [ Within] A sail, a sail, a sail! Enter a fourth Gentleman. Cos. What noise? Fourth Gent. The town is empty; on the brow o 1 the sea Stand ranks of people, and they cry "A sail!" Cos. My hopes do shape him for the governor. [Guns within. Sec. Gent, They do discharge their shot of courtesy: Our friends at least. Cos. I pray you, sir, go forth, And give us truth who 'tis that is arriv'd. Sec. Gent. I shall. [Exit Mon. But, good lieutenant, is your general wiv'd? Cos. Most fortunately : he hath achiev'd a maid That paragons description and wild fame; One that excels the quirks of blazoning pens , And in th' essential vesture of creation Does tire the ingener. Re-enter second Gentleman. How now! who has put in? Sec. Gent. 'Tis one lago, ancient to the general. Cos. 'Has had most favourable and happy speed: Tempests themselves, high seas, and howling winds. The gutter'd rocks , and congregated sands , Traitors ensteep'd to clog the guiltless keel, 8CSNBI.J xflE MOOR OF VENICE. 243 As having sense of beauty, do omit Their mortal natures, letting go safely by The divine Desdemona. Mm. What is she? Cos. She that I spake of, our great captain's captain, Left in the conduct of the bold lago; Whose footing here anticipates our thoughts A se'nnight's speed. Great Jove, Othello guard, And swell his sail with thine own powerful breath , That he may bless this bay with his tall ship, Make love's quick pants in Desdeinona's arms , Give renew'd fire to our ertincted spirits, And bring all Cyprus comfort! 0, behold, Enter DESDEMONA , EMILIA , 1 AGO , RODERIGO , and Attendants. The riches of the ship is come on shore ! Ye men of Cyprus , let her have your knees. Hail to thee, lady! and the grace of heaven, Before, behind thee, and on every hand, Enwheel thee round! Des. I thank you, valiant Cassio. What tidings can you tell me of my lord? Cas. He is not yet arriv'd: nor know I aught But that he's well, and will be shortly here. Des. O, but I fear How lost you company? Cas. The great contention of the sea and skiea Parted our fellowship: but, hark! a sail. [Within] A sail, a sail! [Guns within. Sec. Gent. They give their greeting to the citadel: This likewise is a friend. Cas. See for the news. [Exit Gentleman Good ancient, you are welcome: [To Emilia] welcome, mistress : Let it not gall your patience, good lago, That I extend my manners; 'tis my breeding That gives me this bold show of courtesy. [Kissing her. 16* 244 OTHELLO, [ACT IT lago. Sir, would she give you BO much of her lips As of her tongue she oft bestows on me , You'd have enough. Des. Alas, she has no speech. lago. In faith, too much; I find it still , when I have list to sleep : Marry, before your ladyship , I grant , She puts her tongue a little in her heart , And chides with thinking. Emit. You have little cause to say so. lago. Come on , come on ; you're pictures out of doors , Bells in your parlours, wild-cats in your kitchens, Saints in your injuries, devils being offended, Players in your housewifery, and housewives in your beds. Des. 0, fie upon thee, slanderer! lago. Nay, it is true, or else I am a Turk : You rise to play, and go to bed to work. Emil. You shall not write my praise. lago. No , let me not. Des. What wouldst thou write of me, if thou shouldst praise me? lago. gentle lady, do not put me to 't; For I am nothing , if not critical. Des. Come on, assay. There's one gone to the harbour? lago. Ay, madam. Des. I am not merry; but I do beguile The thing I am , by seeming otherwise. Come , how wouldst thou praise me ? lago. I am about it; but, indeed, my invention Comes from my pate as birdlime does from frize , It plucks out brains and all: but my Muse labours, And thus she is deliver'd. If she be fair and wise, fairness and wit, The one's for use, the other useth it. Des. Well prais'd! How if she be black and witty? lago. If she be black , and thereto have a wit , She'll find a white that shall her blackness fit SCENE I.] THE MOOR OF VENICE. 245 Des. Worse and worse. Emit. How if fair and foolish? lago. She never yet was foolish that was fair; For even her folly help'd her to an heir. Des. These are old fond paradoxes to make fools laugh i'' the alehouse. What miserable praise hast thou for her that's foul and foolish? lago. There's none so foul, and foolish thereunto, But does foul pranks which fair and wise ones do. Des. heavy ignorance! thou praisest the worst best But what praise couldst thou bestow on a deserving woman indeed, one that, in the authority of her merit, did justly put on the vouch of very malice itself? logo. She that was ever fair , and never proud ; Had tongue at will , and yet was never loud ; Never lack'd gold , and yet went never gay ; Fled from her wish, and yet said "Now I may;" She that, being anger'd, her revenge being nigh, Bade her wrong stay, and her displeasure fly, She that in wisdom never was so frail To change the cod's head for the salmon's tail ; She that could think , and ne'er disclose her mind ; See suitors following , and not look behind ; She was a wight , if ever such wight were , Des. To do what? lago. To suckle fools and chronicle small beer Des. most lame and impotent conclusion! Do not learn of him, Emilia, though he be thy husband. How say you, Cassio? is he not a most profane and liberal coun- sellor? Cos. He speaks home , madam : you may relish him more hi the soldier than in the scholar. lago. [aside] He takes her by the palm: ay, well said, whisper: with as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio. Ay, smile upon her, do; I will gyve thee in thine own courtship. You say true; 'tis so, indeed: if such tricks as these atrip you out of your lieutenantry, it had been 246 OTHELLO, [ A CT n. better you had not kissed your three fingers so oft, which now again you are most apt to play the sir in. Very good ; well kissed! an excellent courtesy! 'tis so, indeed. Yet again your fingers to your lips? would they were clyster- pipes for your sake! [Trumpet within.] The Moor! I knov? his trumpet. Cas. Tis truly so. Des. Let's meet him , and receive him. Cas. Lo , where he comes ! Enter OTHELLO and Attendants. Oth. my fair warrior! Des. My dear Othello! Oth. It gives me wonder great as my content To see you here before me. my soul's joy! If after every tempest come such calms , May the winds blow till they have waken'd death ! And let the labouring bark climb hills of seas Olympus-high, and duck again as low As hell's from heaven! If it were now to die , 'Twere now to be most happy; for, I fear, My soul hath her content so absolute , That not another comfort like to this Succeeds in unknown fate. Des. The heavens forbid But that our loves and comforts should increase, Even as our days do grow ! Oth. Amen to that , sweet powers ! I cannot speak enough of this content; ft stops me here; it is too much of joy: And this , and this , the greatest discords be [Kissing hei That e'er our hearts shall make ! lago. [aside] 0, you are well tun'd now ! But I'll set down the pegs that make this music , As honest as I am. Oth. Come, let us to the castle. News, friends ; our wars are done , the Turks are drown'd SCENE I.] THE MOOR OF VENICE. 247 How does my old acquaintance of this isle ? Honey, you shall be well desir'd in Cyprus; I've found great love amongst them. my sweet , I prattle out of fashion, and I dote In mine own comforts. I prithee , good lago , Go to the bay and disembark my coffers: Bring thou the master to the citadel; He is a good one , and his worthiness Does challenge much respect. Come, Desdemona, Once more well met at Cyprus. [Exeunt Othello, Desdemona, and Attendants. lago. Do thou meet me presently at the harbour. Come hither. If thou be'st valiant, as, they say, base men being in love have then a nobility in their natures more than is native to them, list me. The lieutenant to-night watches on the ccurt-of-guard: first, I must tell thee this Desde- mona is directly hi love with him. Rod. With him! why, 'tis not possible. lago. Lay thy finger thus, and let thy soul be instructed. Mark me with what violence she first loved the Moor, but for bragging, and telling her fantastical lies: and will she love him still for prating? let not thy discreet heart think it. Her eye must be fed; and what delight shall she have to look on the devil? When the blood is made dull with the act of sport, there should be again to inflame it, and to give satiety a fresh appetite loveliness in favour, sympathy in years, manners, and beauties; all which the Moor is de- fective in: now, for want of these required conveniences, her delicate tenderness will find itself abused, begin to heave the gorge, disrelish and abhor the Moor; very nature will in- struct her in it, and compel her to some second choice. Now, sir, this granted, as it is a most pregnant and unforced po- sition, who stands so eminent in the degree of this fortune as Cassio does? a knave very voluble; no further conscion- able than in putting on the mere form of civil and humane seeming, for the better compassing of his salt and most hidden loose affection? why, none; why, none: a slipper and subtle 248 OTilELLO, !> CT n knave; a finder of occasions; that has an eye can stamp and counterfeit advantages, though true advantage never present itself: a devilish knave! Besides, the knave is handsome, young, and hath all those requisites in him that folly and green minds look after: a pestilent-complete knave; aiid the woman hath found him already. Rod. I cannot believe that in her; she's full of most blessed condition. lago. Blessed fig's-end! the wine she drinks is made of grapes: if she had been blessed, she would never have loved the Moor: blessed pudding! Didst thou not see her paddle with the palm of his hand? didst not mark that? Rod. Yes , that I did ; but that was but courtesy. lago. Lechery, by this hand; an index and obscure pro- logue to the history of lust and foul thoughts. They met so near with their lips, t-hat their breaths embraced together. Villanous thoughts, Roderigo! when these mutualities so marshal the way, hard at hand comes the master and main exercise, the incorporate conclusion: pish! But, sir, be you ruled by me: I have brought you from Venice. Watch you to-night; for the command, I'll lay't upon you : Cassio knows you not : I'll not be far from you : do you find some occasion to anger Cassio, either by speaking too loud, or taint- ing his discipline; or from what other course you please, which the time shall more favourably minister. Rod. Well. lago. Sir, he is rash, and very sudden in choler, and haply may strike at you: provoke him, that he may; for even out of that will I cause these of Cyprus to mutiny; whose qualification shall come into no true taste again but by the displanting of Cassio. So shall you have a shorter journey to your desires, be the means I shall then have to prefer them ; and the impediment most profitably removed, without the which there were no expectation of our prosperity. Rod. I will do this , if 1 can bring it to any opportunity, lago. I warrant thee. Meet me by and by at the citadel : I muflt fetch his necessaries ashore. Farewell, SCKNBII.] THE MOOR OF VJ3NICH. 249 Rod. Adieu. [Exit layo. That Cassio loves her, I do well believe it; That she loves him, 'tis apt, and of great credit: The Moor howbeit that 1 endure him not Is of a constant-loving noble nature ; And I dare think he'll prove to Desdemona A most dear husband. Now, I do love her too; Not out of absolute lust, though peradventure I stand accountant for as great a sin , But partly led to diet my revenge, For that 1 do suspect the lusty Moor Hath leap'd into my seat : the thought whereof Doth, like a poisonous mineral, gnaw my inwards; And nothing can or shall content my soul Till I am even'd with him , wife for wife ; Or failing so , yet that 1 put the Moor At least into a jealousy so strong That judgment cannot curft. Which thing to do, If this poor trash of Venice, whom I trash For his quick hunting, stand the putting on, I'll have our Michael Cassio on the hip ; Abuse him to the Moor in the rank garb , For I fear Cassio with my night-cap too; Make the Moor thank me, love me, and reward me, For making him egregiously an ass , And practising upon his peace and quiet Even to madness. 'Tis here , but yet confus'd : Knavery's plain face is never seen till us'd. [Exit. SCENE II. A street. Enter a Herald with a proclamation ; People following. Her. It is Othello's pleasure, our noble and valiant gene- ral, that, upon certain tidings now arrived, importing the mere perdition of the Turkish fleet , every man put himself into triumph; some to dance, some to make bonfires, each man to what sport and revels hia addiction leads him: for, 250 OTHELLO, [ACT ii. besides these beneficial news, it is the celebration of his nuptial : so much was his pleasure should be proclaimed. All offices are open; and there is full liberty of feasting from this present hour of five till the bell have told eleven. Heaven bless the isle of Cyprus and our noble general Othello! [Exeunt. SCENE III. A hall in the castle. Enter OTHELLO, DESDEMONA , CASSIO , and Attendants. Oth. Good Michael, look you to the guard to-night: Let's teach ourselves that honourable stop, Not to outsport discretion. Cos. lago hath direction what to do; But , notwithstanding , with my personal eye Will I look to't. Oth. lago is most honest. Michael, good night: to-morrow with your earliest Let me have speech with you. [To Desdemona] Come , my dear love, The purchase made , the fruits are to ensue ; That profit's yet to come 'tween me and you. Good night. [Exeunt Othello, Desdemona, and Attendants. Enter IAGO. Cas. Welcome, lago; we must to the watch. lago. Not this hour , lieutenant ; 'tis not yet ten o' the clock. Our general cast us thus early for the love of his Desdemona; who let us not therefore blame : he hath not yet made wanton the night with her; and she is sport for Jove. Cas. She's a most exquisite lady. lago. And, I'll warrant her, full of game. Cas. Indeed , she's a most fresh and delicate creature. logo. What an eye she has I methinks it sounds a parley to provocation. Cas. An inviting eye; and yet methinks right modest. lago. And when she speaks, is it not an alarum to love? SCBNBra.] THE MOOR OP VENICE. 251 Cos. She is, indeed, perfection. lago. Well, happiness to their sheets! Come, lieutenant, 1 have a stoop of wine; and here without are a brace of Cyprus gallants that would fain have a measure to the health of black Othello. Cas. Not to-night, good lago: I have very poor and un- happy brains for drinking: I could well wish courtesy would invent some other custom of entertainment. lago. 0, they are our friends; but one cup: I'll drink for you. Cas. I have drunk but one cup to-night, and that was craftily qualified too , and , behold , what innovation it makes here: I am unfortunate in the infirmity, and dare not task my weakness with any more. lago. What, man I 'tis a night of revels: the gallants desire it Cas. Where are they? lago. Here at the door ; I pray you , call them in. Cas. I'll do't; but it dislikes me. [Exit. lago. If I can fasten but one cup upon him , With that which he hath drunk to-night already, He'll be as full of quarrel and offence As my young mistress' dog. Now, my sick fool Roderigo , Whom love hath turn'd almost the wrong side out, To Desdemona hath to-night carous'd Potations pottle-deep ; and he's to watch : Three lads of Cyprus noble swelling spirits, That hold their honours in a wary distance , The very elements of this warlike isle Have I to-night fluster'd with flowing cups , And they watch too. Now, 'mongst this flock of drunkards, Am I to put our Cassio in some action That may offend the isle : but here they come-. If consequence do but approve my dream, My boat sails freely, both with wind and stream. Re-enter CASSIO, followed by MONTAHO, Gentlemen, and Servant with wine. Cas. 'Fore God , they have given me a rouse already. 252 OTHELJ.CK [ACT II. A/CT V. SCENE II Oik. I kiss'd thee ere I kill'd thee: no way but this, [Falling upon Desdemona. Killing myself , to die upon a kiss. [Dies Cas. This did I fear, but thought he had no weapon; For he was great of heart. Lod. [to lago.] O Spartan dog, More fell than anguish, hunger, or the sea! Look on the tragic loading of this bed ; This is thy work: the object poisons sight; Let it be hid. Gratiano , keep the house , And seize upon the fortunes of the Moor , For they succeed on you. To you, lord governor, Remains the censure of this hellish villain; The time , the place , the torture , , enforce it ! Myself will straight aboard , and to the state This heavy act with heavy heart relate. [Exeunt. ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. DRAMATIS PERSONS. MARK ANTONY, OCTAVIUS CESAR, M. ^EMIL. LEPIDUS, SEXTUS POMPEIUS. DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS, VENTIDIUS, EROS, SCARUS, DERCETAS, DEMETRIUS, PHILO, MEC^ENAS, AGRIPPA, DOLABELLA, PROCULEIUS, THYREUS, GALLUS , MEN AS. MENECRATES, L *** VARRIUS, triumvirs. friends > to Antony. friends to Caesar. s,} frie TAURUS, lieutenant-general to Caesar. CANIDIUS, lieutenant-general to Antony. SILIUS, an officer in Ventidius's army. EUPHRONIUS, an ambassador from Antony to Caesar. ALEXAS, MARDIAN, SELEUCUS, and DIOMEDES, attendants on Cleopatra. A Soothsayer. A Clown. CLEOPATRA , queen of Egypt. OCTAVIA, sister to Caesar and wife to Antony. CHARMIAN , | attendants on Cleo- IRAS, ( patra. Officers, Soldiers, Messengers, and other Attendants. SCENE In several parts of the Roman empire. ACT I. SCKNK I. Alexandria. A room in CLEOPATRA'S palace Enter DEMETRIUS and PHILO. Phi. Nay, but this dotage of our general's O'erflows the measure : those his goodly eyes , Shakespeare. VI. 21 322 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. [AOTI. That o'er the files and musters of the war Have glow'd like plated Mars', now bend, now turn, The office and devotion of their view Upon a tawny front: his captain's heart, Which in the scuffles of great fights hath burst The buckles on his breast, reneges all temper, And is become the bellows and the fan To cool a gipsy's lust, [Flourish within.] Look where they come : Take but good note , and you shall see in him The triple pillar of the world transform'd Into a strumpet's fool : behold and see. Enter ANTONY and CLEOPATRA, with their Train; Eunuchs fanning her. Cleo. If it be love indeed , tell me how much. Ant. There's beggary in the love that can be reckon'd. Cleo. I'll set a bourn how far to be belov'd. Ant. Then must thou needs find out new heaven, new earth. Enter an Attendant. Ait. News , my good lord , from liome. Ant. Grates me : the sum. Cleo. Nay, hear them, Antony: Fulvia perchance is angry ; or , who knows If the scarce- bearded Ca3sar have not sent His powerful mandate to you, "Do this, or this; Take in that kingdom, and enfranchise that; Perform't , or else we damn thee." Ant. How, my love! Cleo. Perchance I nay, and most like: You must not stay here longer , your dismission Is come from Caesar ; therefore hear it , Antony. Where's Pulvia's process? Caesar's I would say? both? Call in the messengers. As I'm Egypt's queen , Thou blushest , Antony ; and that blood of thine Is Caesar's homager: else so thy cheek pays shame When shrill-tongu'd Fulvia scolds. The messengers! SCBNBI.j ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 323 Ant. Let Rome in Tiber melt, and the wide arch Of the rang'd empire falll Here is my space. Kingdoms are clay: our dungy earth alike Feeds beast as man : the nobleness of life Is to do thus; when such a mutual pair [Embracing And such a twain can do't, in which 1 bind , On pain of punishment, the world to weet We stand up peerless. Cleo. Excellent falsehood! Why did he marry Fulvia, and not love her? I'll seem the fool I am not; Antony WUl be himself. Ant. But stirr'd by Cleopatra. Now, for the love of Love and her soft hours , Let's not confound the time with conference harsh : There's not a minute of our lives should stretch Without some pleasure now: what sport to-night? Cleo. Hear the ambassadors. Ant. Fie, wrangling queen! Whom every thing becomes , to chide , to laugh , To weep; whose every passion fully strive* To make itself, in thee, fair and admir'd! No messenger; but thine, and all alone, To-night we'll wander through the streets , and note The qualities of people. Come , my queen ; Last night you did desire it: speak not to us. [Exeunt Ant. and Cleo. with their Train Dem. Is Caesar with Antonius priz'd so slight? Phi. Sir, sometimes, when he is not Antony, He comes too short of that great property Which still should go with Antony. Dem. I'm full sorry That he approves the common liar, who Thus speaks of him at Home : but I will hope Of better deeds to-morrow. Rest you happy ! [Exeunt. 21* 324 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. [ACT 1 SCENE II. The same. Another room in the same. Enter CHAEMIAN, IRAS, ALEXAS, and a Soothsayer. Char. Lord Alexas, sweet Alexas, most any thing Alexas, almost most absolute Alexas, where's the soothsayer that you praised so to the queen? 0, that I knew this husband, which, you say, must charge his horns with garlands! Alex. Soothsayer, Sooth. Your will? Char. Is this the man? Is't you, sir, that know things V Sooth. In nature's infinite book of secrecy A little I can read. Alex. Show him your hand. Enter ENOBARBUS. Eno. Bring in the banquet quickly \ wine enough Cleopatra's health to drink. Char. Good sir, give me good fortune. Sooth. I make not, but foresee. Char. Pray, then, foresee me one. Sooth. You shall be yet far fairer than you are Char. He means in flesh. Iras. No, you shall paint when you are old. Char. Wrinkles forbid! Alex. Vex not his prescience; be attentive. Cfiar. Hush! Sooth. You shall be more beloving than belov'd. Char. I had rather heat my liver with drinking. Alex. Nay, hear him. Char. Good now, some excellent fortune ! Let me be mar- ried to three kings in a forenoon, and widow them all: let me have a child at fifty, to whom Herod of Jewry may do homage : find me to marry me with Octavius Caesar, and companion me with my mistress. Sooth. You shall outlive the lady whom you serve. Char. excellent! I love long life better than figs. Sooth. You've seen and prov'd a fairer former fortune Thttn that which is to approach. SCENE n.j ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 325 Char. Then belike iny children shall have no names : prithee, how many boys and wenches must 1 have? Sooth. If every of your wishes had a womb , And fertile every wish , a million. Char. Out, fool! I forgive thee for a witch. Alex. You think none but your sheets are privy to your wishes. Char. Nay, come , tell Iras hers. Alex. We'll know all our fortunes. Eno. Mine, and most of our fortunes, to-night, shall be - drunk to bed. Iras. There's a palm presages chastity, if nothing else. Char. E'en as the o'erflowing Nilus presageth famine. Iras. Go, you wild bedfellow, you cannot soothsay. Char. Nay, if an oily palm be not a fruitful prognosti- cation , I cannot scratch mine ear. Prithee , tell her but a worky-day fortune. Sooth. Your fortunes are alike. Iras. But how, but how? give me particulars. Sooth. I have said. Iras. Am I not an inch of fortune better than she ? Char. Well, if you were but an inch of fortune better than I, where would you choose it? Iras. Not in my husband's nose. Char. Our worscr thoughts heavens mend! Alexas, come, his fortune, his fortune! 0, let him marry a woman that cannot go, sweet Isis, 1 beseech thee! and let her die too, and give him a worse! and let worse follow worse, till the worst of all follow him laughing to his grave , fifty- fold a cuckold! Good Isis, hear me this prayer, though thou deny me a matter of more weight; good Isis, I beseech thee! Iras. Amen. Dear goddess, hear that prayer of the people! for, as it is a heart-breaking to see a handsome man loose-wived, so it is a deadly sorrow to behold a foul knave uncuckolded: therefore, dear Isis, keep decorum, and fortune him accordingly! Char. Amen. 326 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. [ACT I Alex. Lo, now, if it lay in their hands to make me a cuckold, they would make themselves whores but they'd do't! Eno. Hush! here comes Antony. Char. Not he; the queen. Enter CLEOPATRA. Cleo. Saw you my lord? Eno. No, lady. Cleo. Was he not hereV Char. No, madam. Cleo. He was disposed to mirth; but on the sudden A Roman thought hath struck him. Enobarbus, Eno. Madam? Cleo. Seek him, and bring him hither. Where's AlexasV Alex. Here , at your service. My lord approaches. Cleo. We will not look upon him: go with us. [Exeunt. Enter ANTONY with a Messenger and Attendants. Mess. Fulvia thy wife first came into the field. Ant. Against my brother Lucius? Mess. Ay : But soon that war had end, and the time 's state Made friends of them, jointing their force 'gainst Caesar; Whose better issue in the war, from Italy, Upon the first encounter, drave them. Ant. Well, what worst? Mess. The nature of bad news infects the teller. Ant. When it concerns the fool or coward. On: - Things that are past are done with me. 'Tis thus; Who tells me true , though in his tale lie death , 1 hear him as he flatter'd. Mess. Labienus This is stiff news hath , with his Parthian force ? Extended Asia from Euphrates; His conquering banner shook from Syria To Lydia and to Ionia; Whilst SCENE II.] ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 327 Ant. Antony, thou wouldst say, Mess. 0, my lord ! Ant. Speak to me Lome, mince not the general tongue: Name Cleopatra as she 's call'd in Home ; Rail thou in Fulvia's phrase; and taunt my faults With such full license as both truth and malice Have power to utter. 0, then we bring forth weeds When our quick minds lie still ; and our ills told us Is as our earing. Fare thee well awhile. Mess. At your noble pleasure. [Exit. Ant. From Sicyon, ho, the news! Speak there! First Att. The man from Sicyon, is there such an one? Sec. Att. He stays upon your will. Ant. Let him appear. These strong Egyptian fetters i must break, Or lose myself in dotage. Enter another Messenger. What are you? Sec. Mess. Fulvia thy wife is dead. Ant. Where died she? Sec. Mess. In Sicyon: Her length of sickness, with what else more serious linporteth thee to know, this bears. [Gives a letter. Ant. Forbear me. [Exit Sec, M&st. There's a great spirit gone! Thus did I desire it: What our contempts do often hurl from us, We wish it ours again; the present pleasure, By revolution lowering , does become The opposite of itself: she's good, being gone; The hand could pluck her back that shov'd her on. 1 must from this enchanting queen break off; Ten thousand harms , more than the ills I know , My idleness doth hatch. Ho, Enobarbus! Re-enter ENOBARBUS. Eno. What's your pleasure, sir? Ant. 1 must with haste from hence. 328 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. [ACT I. Eno. Why, then, we kill all our women: we see how mortal an unkindness is to them; if they suffer our departure, death's the word. Ant. I must be gone. Eno. Under a compelling occasion, let women die: it were pity to cast them away for nothing; though, between them and a great cause, they should be esteemed nothing. Cleopatra, catching but the least noise of this, dies instantly; I have seen her die twenty times upon far poorer moment : J do think there is mettle in death , which commits some loving act upon her, she hath such a celerity in dying. Ant. She is cunning past man's thought. Eno. Alack, sir, no; her passions are made of nothing but the finest part of pure love : we cannot call her winds and waters sighs and tears; they are greater storms and tempests than almanacs can report: this cannot be cunning in her; if it be, she makes a shower of rain as well as Jove. Ant. Would I had never seen her! Eno. 0, sir, you had then left unseen a wonderful piece of work ; which not to have been blessed withal would have discredited your travel. Ant. Fulvia is dead. Eno. Sir? Ant. Fulvia is dead. Enn. Fulvia! Ant. Dead. Eno. Why, sir, give the gods a thankful sacrifice. When it pleaseth their deities to take the wife of a man from him, it shows to man the tailors of the earth; comforting therein, that when old robes are worn out, there are members to make new. If there were no more women but Fulvia, then had you indeed a cut, and the case to be lamented: this grief is crowned with consolation; your old smock brings forth a new petticoat: and, indeed, the tears live in an onion that should water this sorrow. Ant. The business she hath broached in the state Cannot endure my absence. 6CENJBIII.J ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 329 Eno. And the business you have broached here cannot be without you ; especially that of Cleopatra's , which wholly depends on your abode. Ant. No more light answers. Let our officers Have notice what we purpose. I shall break The cause of our expedience to the queen , And get her leave to part. For not alone The death of Fulvia , with more urgent touches , Do strongly speak to us; but the letters too Of many our contriving friends in Rome Petition us at home : Sextus Pompeius Hath given the dare to Caesar , and commands The empire of the sea: our slippery people Whose love is never link'd to the deserver Till his deserts are past begin to throw Pompey the Great, and all his dignities, Upon his son ; who , high in name and power , Higher than both in blood and life, stands up For the main soldier: whose quality, going on, The sides o' the world may danger : much is breeding , Which, like the courser's hair, hath yet but b'fe, And not a serpent's poison. Say, our pleasure , To such whose place is under us, require? Our quick remove from hence. Eno. I shall do't. [Exeunt SCENE HI. The same. Another room in the same. Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, IRAS, and ALEXAS. Cleo. Where is he? Char. I did not see him since. Cleo. See where he is, who's with him, what he does: I did not send you: if you find him sad, Say I am dancing; if in mirth, report That I am sudden sick: quick, and return. [Exit Alexas. Char. Madam , methinks , if you did love him dearly, 330 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. [ACT I. You do not hold the method to enforce The like from him. Cleo. What should I do, I do not? Char. In each thing give him way, cross him in nothing. Cleo. Thou teachest like a fool , the way to lose him. Char. Tempt him not so too far; I wish, forbear: In time we hate that which we often fear. But here comes Antony. Cleo. I'm sick and sullen. Enter ANTONY. Ant. I'm sorry to give breathing to iny purpose, Cleo. Help me away, dear Channian; 1 shall fall: It cannot be thus long , the sides of nature Will not sustain it, Ant. Now , my dearest queen , Cleo. Pray you, stand further from me. Ant. What's the matter? Cleo. I know, by that same eye, there's some good news. What says the married woman? You may go: Would she had never given you leave to come! Let her not say 'tis I that keep you here , I have no power upon you; hers you are. Ant. The gods best know, Cleo. 0, never was there queen So mightily betray'd ! yet at the first I saw the treasons planted. Ant. Cleopatra, Cleo. Why should I think you can be mine and true , Though you in swearing shake the throned gods, Who have been false to Fulvia? Riotous madness, To be entangled with those mouth-made vows Which break themselves hi swearing I Ant . Most sweet queen , Cleo. Nay, pray you , seek no colour for your going , But bid farewell , and go : when you su'd staying , Then was the time for words: no going then; SCENE m.J ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 331 Eternity was in our lips and eyes, Bliss in our brows' bent; none our parts so poor, But was a race of heaven: they are so still, Or thou, the greatest soldier of the world, Art turo'd the greatest liar. Ant. How now, lady! Cleo. I would 1 had thy inches; thou shouldst know There were a heart in Egypt. Ant. Hear me , queen : The strong necessity of time commands Our services awhile; but my full heart Remains in use with you. Our Italy Shines o'er with civil swords: Soxtus Pompeius Makes his approaches to the port of Rome : Equality of two domestic powers Breed scrupulous faction: the hated, grown to strength, Are newly grown to love: the condemn'd Porapey Rich in his father's honour , creeps apace Into the hearts of such as have not thriv'd Upon the present state , whose numbers threaten , And quietness, grown sick of rest, would purge By any desperate change: my more particular, And that which most with you should safe my going , is Pulvia's death. Cleo. Though age from folly could not give me freedom It does from childishness: can Pulvia die? Ant. She's dead, my queen: Look here , and , at thy sovereign leisure , read The garboils she awak'd; at the last, best: See when and where she died. Cleo. most false love I Where be the sacred vials thou shouldst fill With sorrowful water? Now 1 see, 1 see, In Pulvia's death, how mine receiv'd shall be. Ant. Quarrel no more, but be prepar'd to know The purposes I bear; which are, or cease, As you shall give the advice: by the fire 332 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. [ACT i. That quickens Nilus' slime , I go from hence Thy soldier, servant; making peace or war As thou affect'st. Cleo. Cut my lace , Charmian , come ; But let it be: I'm quickly ill, and well, So Antony loves. Ant. My precious queen, forbear; And give true evidence to his love, which stands An honourable trial. Cleo. So Fulvia told me. I prithee, turn aside, and weep for her; Then bid adieu to me , and say the tears Belong to Egypt: good now, play one scene Of excellent dissembling; and let it look Like perfect honour. Ant. You'll heat my blood : no more. Cleo. You can do better yet; but this is meetly. Ant. Now, by my sword , Cleo. And target. Still he mends; But this is not the best: look, prithee, Charmian , How this Herculean Roman does become The carriage of his chafe. Ant. I'll leave you, lady. Cleo. Courteous lord, one word Sir, you and I must part, but that's not it: Sir, you and I have lov'd, but there's not it; That you know well: something it is I would, , my oblivion is a very Antony, And I am all forgotten. Ant. But that your royalty Holds idleness your subject, 1 should take you For idleness itself. Cleo. 'Tis sweating labour To bear such idleness so near the heart As Cleopatra this. But, sir, forgive me; Since my becomings kill me , when they do not Eye well to you: your honour calls you hence; SCENE IV. j ANtONY AND CLEOPATRA, 333 Therefore be deaf to my unpitied folly, And all the gods go with you! upon your sword Sit laurel victory ! and smooth success Be strew'd before your feet! Ant. Let us go. Come; Our separation so abides, and flies, That thou , residing here , go'st yet with me , And I, hence fleeting, here remain with thee. Away I [Exeunt. SCENE iV. Rome. An apartment in CJSSAB'S house. Enter OCTAVIUS CSSAB, LEPIDUS, and Attendants. Cas. You may see , Lepidus , and henceforth know , [Giving him a letter it is not Caesar's natural vice to hate Our great competitor: from Alexandria This is the news: he fishes, drinks, and wastes The lamps of night in revel; is not more manlike Than Cleopatra, nor the queen of Ptolemy More womanly than he ; hardly gave audience , or Vouche'af d to think he had partners: you shall find there A man who is the abstract of all faults That all men follow. Lep. I must not think there are Evils enow to darken all his goodness: His faults , in him , seem as the spots of heaven , More fiery by night's blackness; hereditary, Rather than purchased; what he cannot change, Than what he chooses. Cas. You're too indulgent. Let us grant, it is not Amiss to tumble on the bed of Ptolemy ; To give a kingdom for a mirth; to sit And keep the turn of tippling with a slave; To reel the streets at noon , and stand the buffet With knaves that sinell of sweat: say this becomes him, As his composure must be rare indeed 334 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. [ACT, 1 Whom these things cannot blemish, yet must Antony No way excuse his soils, when we do bear So great weight in his lightness. If he fill'd His vacancy with his voluptuousness, Pull surfeits , and the dryness of bis bones , Call on him for't: but to confound such time, That drums him from his sport, and speaks as loud As his own state and ours, 'tis to be chid As we rate boys , who , being mature in knowledge , Pawn their experience to their present pleasure , And so rebel to judgment. Enter a Messenger. Lep. Here's more news. Mess. Thy biddings have been done ; and every hour . Most noble Caesar, shalt thou have report How 'tis abroad. Pompey is strong at sea; And it appears he is belov'd of those That only have fear'd Caesar: to the ports The discontents repair, and men's reports Give him much wrong'd. Cs. I should have known no less: It hath been taught us from the primal state, That he which is was wish'd until he were; And the ebb'd man, ne'er lov'd till ne'er worth love, Comes dear'd by being lack'd. This common body, Like to a vagabond flag upon the stream , Goes to and back, lackeying the varying tide, To rot itself with motion. Mess. Caesar, I bring thee word, Menecrates and Menas, famous pirates, Make the sea serve them, which they ear and wound Vrith keels of every kind: many hot inroads They make in Italy; the borders maritime Lack blood to think on't, and flush youth revolt: No vessel can peep forth , but 'tis as soon Taken as seen; for Pompey's name strikes more o- BNB IV.] ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 335 Than could his war resisted. C(es. Antony, Leave thy lascivious wassails. When thou once Wast beaten from Modena, where thou slew's! Hirtius and Pansa, consuls, at thy heel Did famine follow; whom thou fought'st against, Though daintily brought up , with patience more Than savages could suffer: thou didst drink The stale of horses, and the gilded puddle Which beasts would cough at: thy palate then did deign The roughest berry on the rudest hedge ; Yea, like the stag, when snow the pasture sheets, The barks of trees thou browsed'st; on the Alps It is reported thou didst eat strange flesh, Which some did die to look on: and all this It wounds thine honour that 1 speak it now Was borne so like a soldier, that thy cheek So much as lank'd not. Lep. It is pity of him. Ctes. Let his shames quickly Drive him to Rome : 'tis time we twain Did show ourselves i' the field ; and to that end Assemble we immediate council: Pompey Thrives in our idleness. Lep. To-morrow, Ca3sar, I shall be furnish'd to inform you rightly Both what by sea and land I can be able To front this present time. Cces. Till which encounter, It is my business too. Farewell. Lep. Farewell, my lord; what you shall know meantime Of stirs abroad, 1 shall beseech you, sir, To let me be partaker. Cats. Doubt not, sir; I know it for my bond. [Exeunt 336 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. [ACT I. SCENE V. Alexandria. A room in CLEOPATRA'S palace. Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, IRAS, and MAEDIAN. Cleo, Charmian, Char. Madam? Cleo. Ha, ha I Give me to drink mandragora. Char. Why, madam? Cleo. That 1 might sleep out this great gap of time My Antony is away. Char. You think of him too much. Cleo. 0, 'tis treason! Char. Madam, 1 trust, not so. Cleo. Thou, eunuch Mardiau! Mar. What's your highness' pleasure Cleo. Not now to hear thee sing; I take no pleasure In aught an eunuch has : 'tis well for thee , That, being uuseminar'd, thy freer thoughts May not fly forth of Egypt. Hast thou affections? Mar. Yes, gracious madam. Cleo. Indeed ! Mar. Not in deed , madam , for I can do nothing But what indeed is honest to be done : Yet have I fierce affections, and think What Venus did with Mars. Cleo. Charmian, Where think'st thou he is now? Stands he, or Bits hel Or does he walk? or is he on his horse? happy horse , to bear the weight of Antony ! Do bravely, horse! for wott'st thou whom thou inov'st. The demi- Atlas of this earth , the arm And burgonet of men. He's speaking now, Or murmuring, " Where's my serpent of old Nile?" For 30 he calls me: now I feed myself With most delicious poison : think on me , That am with Phoebus' amorous pinches black, And wrinkled deep in time? Broad-fronted Caesar, SCENE V.] ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 337 When thou wast here above the ground , I was A morsel for a monarch ; and great Pompey Would stand, and make his eyes grow in my brow, There would he anchor his aspect, and die With looking on his life. Enter ALKXAS. Alex. Sovereign of Egypt, hail! Cleo. How much unlike art thou Mark Antony! Yet, coming from him, that great medicine hath With his tinct gilded thee. How goes it with my brave Mark Antony? Alex. Last thing he did, clear queen, He kiss'd the last of many doubled kisses This orient pearl: his speech sticks in my heart Cleo. Mine ear must pluck it thence. Alex. "Good friend," quoth he " Say, the firm Koman to great Egypt sends This treasure of an oyster; at whose foot, To mend the petty present , I will piece Her opulent throne with kingdoms; all the east, Say thou , shall call her mistress." So he nodded , And soberly did mount an arm-gaunt steed , Who neigh'd so high, that what I would have spoke Was beastly dumb'd by him. Cleo. What, was he sad or merry? Alex. Like to the time o' th' year between th' extreme? Of hot and cold , he was nor sad nor merry. Cleo. well-divided disposition ! Note him , Note him, good Charmian, 'tis the man; but note him: He was not sad , for he would shine on those That make their looks by his ; he was not merry, Which seem'd to tell them his remembrance lay In Egypt with his joy; but between both: heavenly mingle ! Be'st thou sad or merry, The violence of either thee becomes , So does it no man else. Mett'st thou my posts? .SffoiUsjwara. V7 95 3S8 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. [AC* fl. Alex. Ay, madam, twenty several messengers: Why do you send so thick? Cleo. Who's bora that day When I forget to send to Antony Shall die a beggar. Ink and paper, Channian. Welcome, my good Alezas. Did I, Channian, Ever love Caesar so? Char. O that brave Cfesar! Cleo. Be chok'd with such another emphasis Say, the brave Antony. Char. The valiant Csar ! Cleo. By Isis , I will give thee bloody teeth , If thou with Csesar paragon again My man of men. Char. By your most gracious pardon, I sing but after you. Cleo. My salad days, When I was green in judgment: cold in blood, To say as I said then! But, come, away; Get me ink and paper: He shall have every day a several greeting , Or I'll unpeople Egypt. [Exeunt. ACT II. SCENE I. Messina. A room in POMPKY'S house. Enter POMPKY, MENECRATRS, and MENAB. Pom. If the great gods be just, they shall assist The deeds of justest men. Mene. Know , worthy Pompey, That what they do delay, they not deny. Pom. Whiles we are suitors to their throne , decays The thing we sue for. Mene. We , ignorant of ourselves , Beg often our own harms , which the wise powers Deny us for our good ; so find we profit By losing of our prayers. SCENE l.j ANTONY ANl> CLEOPATRA. 839 Pom. 1 shall do well: The people love me, and the sea is mine; My powers are crescent , and my auguring hope Says it will come to the full. Mark Antony In Egypt sits at dinner, and will make No wars without doors : Caesar gets money where He loses hearts: Lepidus flatters both, Of both is flatter'd; but he neither loves, Nor either cares for him. Men. Caesar and Lepidus Are in the field; a mighty strength they carry. Pom. Where have you this? 'tis false. Men. From Silvius, sir. Pom. He dreams: I know they are in Rome together, Looking for Antony. But all the charms of love , Salt Cleopatra, soften thy wan'd lip! Let witchcraft join with beauty, lust with both! Tie up the libertine in a field of feasts , Keep his brain fuming; Epicurean cooks Sharpen with cloyless sauce his appetite ; That sleep and feeding may prorogue his honour Even till a Lethe'd dulness! Enter VABBIUS. How now , Varrius ! Far. This is most certain that I shall deliver: Mark Antony is every hour in Rome Expected: since he went from Egypt 'tis A space for further travel. Pom. I could have given less mattei A better ear. Menas, I did not think This amorous surfeiter would have donn'd his helm For such a petty war: his soldiership Is twice the other twain: but let us rear The higher our opinion, that our stirring Can from the lap of Egypt's widow pluck The ne'er-lust-wearied Antony. 340 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. [ACT II. Men. I cannot hope Caesar and Antony shall well greet together; His wife that's dead did trespasses to Caesar; His brother warr'd upon him; although, I think. Not inov'd by Antony. Pom. I know not, Menas, How lesser enmities may give way to greater. Were 't not that we stand up against them all, 'Twere pregnant they should square between themselves, For they have entertained cause enough To draw their swords : but how the fear of us May cement their divisions , and bind up The petty difference , we yet not know. Be 't as our gods will have 't! It only stands Our lives upon to use our strongest hands. Come, Menas. SCENE II. Rome. A room in tlie hoiate O/*LBPIDLS. Enter ENOBARBUS and LKPIDUS. Lcp. Good Enobarbus, 'tis a worthy deed, And shall become you well, t' entreat your captain To soft and gentle speech. Eno. I shall entreat him To answer like himself: if Cassar move him, Let Antony look over Caasar's head, And speak as loud as Mars. By Jupiter, Were I the wearer of Antonius' beard, I would not shave 't to-day. Lep. 'Tis not a time For private stomaching. Eno. Every time Serves for the matter that is then born in 't. Lep. But small to greater matters must give way Eno. Not if the small come first. Lep. Your speech is passiou ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 341 But, pray you, stir no embers up. Here comes The noble Antony. Enter ANTONY and VKNTIDIUS. Eno. And yonder , Caesar. Enter CJESAR, MECJKNAS, and AORIPPA. Ant . If we compose well here , to Parthia : Hark ye , Ventidius. Cas. I do not know, Mecaenas; ask Agrippa. Lep. Noble friends, That which combin'd us was most great, and let not A leaner action rend us. What's amiss , May it be gently heard : when we debate Our trivial difference loud , we do commit Murder in healing wounds: then, noble partners, The rather, for I earnestly beseech, Touch you the sourest points with sweetest terms , Nor curstness grow to the matter. Ant. 'Tis spoken well. Were we before our armies , and to fight , 1 should do thus. Ccz*. Welcome to Rome. Ant. Thank you Cew. Sit. Ant. Sit, sir. Cas. Nay, then Ant. I learn , you take things ill which are not so , Or being, concern you not. Cffs. I must be laugh'd at , If, or for nothing or a little , I Should say myself offended , and with you Chiefly i' the world; more laugh'd at, that I should Once name you derogately, when to sound your name It not concern'd me. 342 ANTONY AND CLEOPATKA. [ACT 11 Ant. My being in Egypt, Cassar, What was 't to you? CMS. No more than my residing here at Rome Might be to you in Egypt : yet , if you there Did practise on my state, your being in Egypt Might be my question. Ant. How intend you, practised? Ccs. You may be pleas'd to catch at mine intent By what did here befal me. Your wife and brother Made wars upon me; and their contestation Was theme for you , you were the word of war. Ant. You do mistake your business ; my brother never Did urge me in his act: I did inquire it; And have my learning from some true reports, That drew their swords with you. Did he not rather Discredit my authority with yours ; And make the wars alike against my stomach, Having alike your cause? Of this my letters Before did satisfy you. If you'll patch a quarrel , As matter whole you've not to make it with , It must not be with this. Cos. You praise yourself By laying defects of judgment to me; but You patch'd up your excuses. Ant. Not so , not so ; I know you could not lack, Fin certain on't, Very necessity of this thought , that I , Your partner in the cause 'gainst which he fought, Could not with graceful eyes attend those wars Which fronted mine own peace. As for my wife , I would you had her spirit in such another : The third o' the world is yours; which with a snaffle You may pace easy, but not such a wife. Eno. Would we had all such wives, that the men might go to wars with the women ! Ant. So much uncurbable, her garboils , Caesar, Made out of her impatience , which not wanted SCENE II.] ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 343 Shrewdness of policy too , I grieving grant Did you too much disquiet : for that you must But say, I could not help it. Cas. 1 wrote to you When rioting in Alexandria; you Did pocket up my letters , and with taunts Did gibe my missive out of audience. Ant. Sir, He fell upon me ere admitted : then Three kings I had newly feasted , and did want Of what I was i' the morning : but next day I told him of myself; which was as much As to have ask'd him pardon. Let this fellow Be nothing of our strife ; if we contend , Out of our question wipe him. Cas. You have broken The article of your oath ; which you shall never Have tongue to charge me with. Lep. Soft, Caesar! Ant. No, Lepidus , let him speak : The honour is sacred which he talks on now, Supposing that I lack'd it. But , on , Caesar ; The article of iny oath. Cas. To lend me arms and aid when I required them The which you both denied. Ant. Neglected, rather; And then when poison'd hours had bound me up From mine own knowledge. As nearly as I may, I'll play the penitent to you: but mine honesty Shall not make poor my greatness , nor my power Work without it. Truth is, that Fulvia, To have me out of Egypt, made wars here; For which myself, the ignorant motive, do So far ask pardon as befits mine honour To stoop in such a case. Lep. 'Tis noble spoken. 344 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. [^CT 11. Mec. If it might please you , to enforce no further The griefs between ye: to forget them quite Were to remember that the present need Speaks to atone you. Lep. Worthily spoken , Mecaenas. Eno. Or, if you borrow one another's love for the instant, you may, when you hear no more words of Pompey, return it again: you shall have time to wrangle in when you have nothing else to do. Ant. Thou art a soldier only: speak no more. Eno. That truth should be silent I had almost forgot. Ant. You wrong this presence; therefore speak no more Eno. Go to, then; your considerate stone. Cces. I do not much dislike the matter, but The manner of his speech; for't cannot be We shall remain in friendship , our conditions So differing in their acts. Yet , if I knew What hoop should hold us stanch , from edge to edge 0' the world I would pursue it. Agr. Give me leave, Caesar, Cccs. Speak , Agrippa. Agr. Thou hast a sister by the mother's side , Admir'd Octavia : great Mark Antony Is now a widower. /- CCBS. Say not so, Agrippa: If Cleopatra heard you , your reproof Were well deserv'd of rashness. Ant. I am not married, Caesar: let me hear Agrippa further speak. Agr. To hold you in perpetual amity, To make you brothers, and to knit your hearts With an unslipping knot , take Antony Octavia to his wife ; whose beauty claims No worse a husband than the best of men; Whose virtue and whose general graces speak That which none else can utter. By this marriage , All little jealousies, which now seem great, SCENE n.) ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 345 And all great fears , which now import their dangers , Would then be nothing: truths would be but tales, Where now half tales be truths* her love to both Would each to other , and all loves to both , Draw after her. Pardon what I have spoke ; For 'tis a studied, not a present thought, By duty ruminated. Ant. Will Caesar speak? Cces. Not till he hears how Antony is touch'd With what is spoke already. Ant. What power is in Agrippa , If I would say, "Agrippa , be it so ," To make this good? Cces. The power of Caesar , and His power unto Octavia. Ant. May I never To this good purpose , that so fairly shows , Dream of impediment! Let me have thy hand: Further this act of grace ; and from this hour The heart of brothers govern in our loves And sway our great designs ! Cces. There is my hand. A sister I bequeath you, w^om no brother Did ever love so dearly: let her live To join our kingdoms and our hearts; and never Fly off our loves again ! Lep. Happily, amen! Ant. I did not think to draw my sword 'gainst Pompoy For he hath laid strange courtesies and great Of late upon me : I must thank him only, Lest my remembrance suffer ill report; At heel of that, defy him. Lep. Time calls upon 's: Of us must Pompey presently be sought, Or else he seeks out us. Ant. Where lies he? Gets. About the Mount Misenum. 346 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. [ACT II Ant. What 'B his strength By land? Cces. Great and increasing: but by sea He is an absolute master. Ant. So is the fame. Would we had spoke together I Haste we for it: Yet, ere we put ourselves in arms, dispatch we The business we have talk'd of. Cces. With most gladness; And do invite you to my sister's view, Whither straight I'll lead you. Ant. Let us, Lepidug, Not lack your company. Lep. Noble Antony, Not sickness should detain me. [Flourish. Exeunt Casar, Antony, and Lepidus, Mec. Welcome from Egypt, sir. Eno. Half the heart of Caesar, worthy Mecsenas! My honourable friend, Agrippa! Agr. Good Enobarbus! Mec. We have cause to be glad that matters are so well digested. You stayed well by 't in Egypt. Eno. Ay, sir; we did sleep day out of countenance , and made the night light with drinking. Mec. Eight wild-boars roasted whole at a breakfast, and but twelve persons there; is this true? Eno. This was but as a fly by an eagle: we had much more monstrous matter of feast, which worthily deserved noting. Mec. She's a most triumphant lady, if report be square to her. Eno. When she first met Mark Antony, she pursed up his heart , upon the river of Cydnus. Agr. There she appeared indeed; or my reporter devised well for her. Eno. I will tell you. The barge she sat in, like a burnish'd throne, tJCENK II.] ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 347 Burn'd on the water: the poop was beaten gold ; Purple the sails , and so perfumed that The winds were love-sick with them; th T oars were silver, Which to the tune of flutes kept stroke , and made The water which they beat to follow faster , As amorous of their strokes. For her own person , It beggar'd all description: she did lie In her pavilion cloth-of-gold of tissue O'er-picturiug that Venus where we see The fancy outwork nature: on each side her Stood pretty dimpled boys, like smiling Cupids, With divers-colour'd fans , whose wind did seem To glow the delicate cheeks which they did cool , And what they undid did. Agr. 0, rare for Antony! Eno. Her gentlewomen , like the Nereides , So many mermaids, tended her i 1 th' eyes, And made their bends adornings : at the helm A seeming mermaid steers: the silken tackle Swell with the touches of those flower-soft hands , That yarely frame the office. From the barge A strange invisible perfume hits the sense Of the adjacent wharfs. The city cast Her people out upon her; and Antony, Enthrou'd i' the market-place, did sit alone, Whistling to th T air; which, but for vacancy, Had gone to gaze on Cleopatra too, And made a gap in nature. Agr. Hare Egyptian! Eno. Upon her landing, Antony sent to her, Invited her to supper: she replied, It should be better he became her guest; Which she entreated: our courteous Antony, Whom ne'er the word of "No" woman heard speak , Being barber'd ten times o'er, goes to the feast, And for his ordinary pays his heart For what his eyes eat only. 348 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. JACTn. Agr. Koyal wench! She made great Caesar lay his sword to bed : He piough'd her, and she cropp'd. Eno. I saw. her once Hop forty paces through the public street; And having lost her breath , she spoke , and panted , That she did make defect perfection, And , breathless , power breathe forth. Mec. Now Antony must leave her utterly. Eno. Never; he will not: Age cannot wither her , nor custom stale Her infinite variety: other women cloy The appetites they feed; but she makes hungry Where most she satisfies : for vilest things Become themselves in her; that the holy priest H Bless her when she is riggish. Mec. If beauty, wisdom , modesty, can settle The heart of Antony, Octavia is A blessed lottery to him. Agr. Let us go. Good Enobarbus, make yourself my guest Whilst you abide here. Eno. Humbly, sir, I thank you. [Exeunt. SCKNK III. The same. A room in CESAR'S house. Enter ANTONY, CJBSAR, OCTAVIA between them; and Attendants Ant. The world and my great office will sometimes Divide me from your bosom. Octa. All which time Before the gods my knee shall bow my prayers To them for you. Ant. Good night, sir. My Octavia, Read not my blemishes in the world's report: I have not kept my square ; but that to come Shall all be done by the rule. Good night , dear lady Octa. Good night, sir. Cans. Good night. [Exeunt Ccesar and Octavia SCENE in.] ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 349 Enter Soothsayer. Ant. Now, sirrah, you do wish yourself in Egypt? Sooth. Would I had never come from thence, nor you thitherl Ant. If you can , your reason ? Sooth. I see it in my motion, have it not in my tongue: but yet hie you to Egypt again. Ant. Say to me Whose fortunes shall rise higher, Caesar's or mine? Sooth. Caesar's. Therefore, Antony, stay not by his side: Thy demon , that's thy spirit which keeps thee , is Noble , courageous , high , unmatchable , Where Caesar's is not; but, near him, thy angel Becomes a fear, as being o'erpower'd: therefore Make space enough between you. Ant. Speak this no more. Sooth. To none but thee; no more, but when to thee. If thou dost play with him at any game , Thou'rt sure to lose; and, of that natural luck, He beats thee 'gainst the odds: thy lustre thickens, When he shines by : I say again , thy spirit Is all afraid to govern thee near him; But he away, 'tis noble. Ant. Get thee gone : Say to Ventidius I would speak with him: [Exit Soothsayer He shall to Parthia. Be it art or hap , He hath spoken true : the very dice obey him ; And , in our sports , my better cunning faints Under his chance: if we draw lots, he speeds; His cocks do win the battle still of mine , When it is all to naught; and his quails ever Beat mine, inhoop'd, at odds. I will to Egypt: And though I make this marriage for my peace , T th' east my pleasure lies. 350 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 1 ACT a Enter VENTIDIUS. 0, come, Ventidius, You must to Parthia: your commission's ready; Follow me, and receive T t. [Exeunt. SCENE IV. The same. A street. Enter LEPIDUS , MEOENAS , and AORIPPA. Lep. Trouble yourselves no further: pray you, hasten Your generals after. Agr. Sir, Mark Antony Will e'en but kiss Octavia, and we'll follow. Lep. Till I shall see you in your soldier's dress , Which will become you both , farewell. Mec. We shall, As I conceive thejourney, be at the Mount Before you, Lepidus. Lep. Your way is shorter; My purposes do draw me much about: You'll win two days upon me. Mec. Agr. Sir, good success! Lep. FareweD. [Exeunt SCENE V. Alexandria. A room in CLEOPATRA'S palace. Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, IRAS, and ALEX AS. Cleo. Give me some music, music , moody food Of us that trade in love. Attend. The music , ho ! Enter MARDIAN. Cleo. Let it alone; let's to billiards: come, Charmian. Char. My arm is sore ; best play with Mardian Cleo. As well a woman with an eunuch play'd As with a woman. Come, you'll play with me, sir? Mar. As well as I can, madam. Cleo, And when good will is show'd, though 't come too short The actor may plead pardon, I'll none now: SCENE IV &V.J ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 351 Give me mine angle, we'll to the river: there , My music, playing far off, I will betray rawny-finn'd fishes; my bended hook shall pierce Their slimy jaws; and, as I draw them up, I'll think them every one an Antony, And say, "Ah, ha! you're caught." Char. 'Twas merry when You wager'd on your angling; when your diver Did hang a salt-fish on his hook, which he With fervency drew up. Cleo. That time , times ! I laugh'd him out of patience ; and that night I laugh'd him into patience : and next morn , Ere the ninth hour, I drunk him to his bed; Then put my tires and mantles on him, whilst I wore his sword Philippan. Enter a Messenger. O, from Italy! Ham thou thy fruitful tidings in mine ears , That long time have been barren. Mess. Madam , madam , - Cleo. Antony's dead ! if thou say so , villain , Thou kill'st thy mistress: but well and free, If thou so yield him , there is gold , and here My bluest veins to kiss, a hand that kings Have lipp'd , and trembled kissing. Mess. First, madam, he is well. Cleo. Why, there's more gold But , sirrah , mark , we use To say the dead are well : bring it to that , The gold I give thee will I melt and pour Down thy ill-uttering throat. Mess. Good madam , hear me. Cleo. Well, go to, I will; But there's no goodness in thy face : if Antony Be free and healthful , why so tart a favour 352 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. JACT n. To trumpet such good tidings? If not well, Thou shouldst come like a Fury crown'd with snakes , Not like a formal man. Mess. WilTt please you hear me? Cleo. I have a mind to strike thee ere thou speak \st: Yet, if thou say Antony lives, is well, Or friends with Caesar , or not captive to him , 111 set thee in a shower of gold , and hail Rich pearls upon thee. Mess. Madam , he's well. Cleo. Well said. Mess. And friends with Caesar. Cleo. Thou'rt an honest man. Mess. Caesar and he are greater friends than ever. Cleo. Make thee a fortune from me. Mess. But yet, madam, Cleo. I do not like "But yet," it does allay The good precedence; fie upon "But yet "I "But yet" is as a gaoler to bring forth Some monstrous malefactor. Prithee , friend , Pour out the pack of matter to mine ear , The good and bad together : he's friends with Caesar ; In state of health thou say'st; and thou say 'at free. Mess. Free, madam! no; I made no such report: He's bound unto Octavia. Cleo. For what good turn? Mess. For the best turn i' the bed. Cleo. L am pale, Charmian. Mess. Madam , he's married to Octavia. Cleo. The most infectious pestilence upon thee ! [Strikes him down. Mess. Good madam, patience. Cleo. What say you? Hence, [Strikes him again. Horrible villain ! or I'll spurn thine eyes Like balls before me; I'll unhair thy head: [She hales him up and down SCENE V.] ANTONY AND CLEOPATftA. 358 Thou shalt be whipp'd with wire, and stew'd in brine, Smarting in lingering pickle. Mess. Gracious madam , 1 that do bring the news made not the match, Cleo. Say 'tis not so , a province 1 will give thee , And make thy fortunes proud : the blow thou hadst Shall make thy peace for moving me to rage ; And I will boot thee with what gift beside Thy modesty can beg. Mess. He's married , madam. Cleo. Rogue , thou hast liv'd too long. [Draws a knife. Mess. Nay, then I'll run. What mean you, madam? I have made no fault, [Exit Char. Good madam , keep yourself within yourself: The man is innocent. Cleo. Some innocents scape not the thunderbolt. Melt Egypt into Nile! and kindly creatures Turn all to serpents! Call the slave again: Though 1 am mad , I will not bite him : call. Char. He is afeard to come. Cleo. I will not hurt him. [Exit Charmian. These hands do lack nobility, that they strike A meaner than myself; since I myself Have given myself the cause. Re-enter CHARMIAN and Messenger. Come hither, sir. Though it be honest , it is never good To bring bad news: give to a gracious message An host of tongues ; but let ill tidings tell Themselves when they be felt. Mess. IVe done my duty. Cleo. Is he married? I cannot hate thee worser than I do , If thou again say " Yes." Mess. He T s married , madam. 8h(ikfip*ar, VJ. 23 B54 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. f ACT n. Cleo. The gods confound thee! dost thou hold there still? Mess. Should I lie, madam? Cleo. 0, 1 would thou didst, So half my Egypt were submerg'd , and made A cistern for scal'd snakes! Go, get thee hence: Hadst thou Narcissus in thy face , to me Thou wouldst appear most ugly. He is married? Mess. I crave your highness' pardon. Cleo. He is married? Mess. Take no offence that I would not offend you : To punish me for what you make me do Seems much unequal : he's married to Octavia. Cleo. O, that his fault should make a knave of thee, That art not what thou'rt sure of! Get thee hence : The merchandise which thou hast brought from Home Are all too dear for me : lie they upon thy hand , And be undone by 'em I [Exit Messenger. Char. Good your highness, patience. Cleo. In praising Antony, I have disprais'd Caesar. Char. Many tunes, madam. Cleo. I am paid for 't now. Lead me from hence; 1 faint: O Iras, Charmian! 'tis no matter. Go to the fellow , good Alexas ; bid him Report the feature of Octavia, her years, Her inclination , let him not leave out The colour of her hair: bring me word quickly. [Exit Alexas. Let him for ever go : let him not Charmian , Though he be painted one way like a Gorgon , The other way's a Mars. [To Mardian] Bid you Alexas Bring me word how tall she is. Pity me, Charmian, But do not speak to me. Lead me to my chamber. [Exeunt, ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 356 SCENE VI. Near Misenum. Flourish. Enter POMPKY and MENAS from one side, with drum and trumpet: from the other, CAESAR, ANTONY, LEPIDUB, ENOBAR- BUS , MBOSN AS , with Soldiers marching. Pom. Your hostages I have, so have you mine; And we shall talk before we fight. Cces. Most meet That first we come to words ; and therefore have we Our written purposes before us sent; Which, if thou hast considered, let us know If 'twill tie up thy discontented sword, And carry back to Sicily much tall youth That else must perish here. Pom. To you all three, The senators alone of this great world, Chief factors for the gods, I do not know Wherefore my father should revengers want, Having a son and friends; since Julius Caesar, Who at Philippi the good Brutus ghosted , There saw you labouring for him. What was't That mov'd pale Cassius to conspire ; and what Made the all-honour'd, honest Roman, Brutus, With the arm'd rest, courtiers of beauteous freedom, To drench the Capitol, but that they would Have one man but a man? And that is it Hath made me rig my navy, at whose burden The anger'd ocean foams ; with which I meant To scourge th' ingratitude that despiteful Rome Cast on my noble father. OCRS. Take your time. Ant. Thou canst not fear us, Pompey, with thy sails; We'll speak with thee at sea: at land, thou know'st flow much we do o'er-count thee. Pom. At land , indeed , Thou dost o'er-count me of my father's house : 23' 356 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. [** But, since the cuckoo builds not for himself, Remain in't as thou mayst. Lep. Be pleas'd to tell us For this is from the present how you take The offer we have sent you. Cos. There's the point. Ant. Which do not be entreated to, but weigh What it is worth embraced. Cox. And what may follow, To try a larger fortune. Pom. You've made me offer Of Sicily, Sardinia; and 1 must Hid all the sea of pirates; then, to send Measures of wheat to Home ; this greed upon , To part with unhack'd edges , and bear back Our targes undinted. Co*. Ant. Lep. That's our offer. Pom. Know, then, 1 came before you here a man prepar'd To take this offer : but Mark Antony Put me to some impatience : though 1 lose The praise of it by telling, you must know, When Caesar and your brother were at blows, Your mother came to Sicily, and did find Her welcome friendly. Ant. I have heard it, Pompey; And am well studied for a liberal thanks Which I do owe you. Pom. Let me have your hand : I did not think, sir, to have met you here. Ant. The beds i' th' east are soft; and thanks to you, That call'd me, timelier than my purpose, hither; For 1 have gain'd by 't. Cces. Since I saw you last, There is a change upon you. Pom. Well, I know not What counts harsh fortune casts upon my face; RCENKVI.] ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 357 But in my bosom shall she never come , To make my heart her vassal. Lep. Well met here. Pom. I hope so, Lepidus. Thus we are agreed : 1 crave our composition may be written , And seal'd between us. Co*. That's the next to do. Pom. We'll feast each other ere we part; and let ' Draw lota who shall begin. Ant. That will 1, Pompey. Pom. No, Antony, take the lot: but, first Or last, your fine Egyptian cookery Shall have the fame. I've heard that Julius Caesar Grew fat with feasting there. Ant. You have heard much. Pom. I have fair meanings , sir. Ant. And fair words to them. Pom. Then so much have I heard; And I have heard, Apollodorus carried Eno. No more of that: he did so. Pom. What, 1 pray you? Eno. A certain queen to Caesar in a mattress. Pom. I know thee now: how far'st thou, soldier? Eno. Well; And well am like to do; for 1 perceive Pour feasts are toward. Pom. Let me shake thy hand ; I never hated thee: I've seen thee fight, When I have envied thy behaviour. Eno. Sir, I never lov'd you much; but I ha' prais'd ye , When you have well deserv'd ten times as much As I have said you did. Pom. Enjoy thy plainness , It nothing ill becomes thee. Aboard my galley I invite you all: Will you lead, lords? 358 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. [ACT I* Cces. Ant. Lep. Show us the way, sir. Pom. Come. [Exeunt all except Menas and Enobarbus Men. [aside] Thy father, Pompey, would ne'er have made this treaty. You and I have known , sir. Eno. At sea, I think. Men. We have, sir. Eno. You have done well by water. Men. And you by land. Eno. I will praise any man that will praise me ; though it cannot be denied what I have done by land. Men. Nor what I have done by water. Eno. Yes, something you can deny for your own safety: you have been a great thief by sea. Men. And you by land. Eno. There I deny my land service. But give me your hand, Menas: if our eyes had authority, here they might take two thieves kissing. Men. All men's faces are true , whatsoe'er their hands are. Eno. But there is never a fair woman has a true face. Men. No slander; they steal hearts. Eno. We came hither to fight with you. Men. For my part, I am sorry it is turned to a drinking. Pompey doth this day laugh away his fortune. Eno. If he do, sure, he cannot weep 't back again. Men. You've said , sir. We looked not for Mark Antony here: pray you, is he married to Cleopatra? Eno. Caosar's sister is called Octavia. Men. True, sir; she was the wife of Caius Marcellus. Eno. But she is now the wife of Marcus Antonius. Men. Pray ye, sir? Eno. 'Tis true. Men. Then is Caesar and he for ever knit together. Eno. If I were bound to divine of this unity, I would not prophesy so. Men. I think the policy of that purpose made more in the marriage than the love of the parties. SCENE VII.] ANTONY AND CLEOPATKA. 359 Eno. I think so too. But you shall find , the band that seems to tie their friendship together will be the very strangler of their amity: Octavia is of a holy, cold, and still conver- sation. Men. Who would not have his wife so? Eno. Not he that himself is not so; which is Mark An- tony. He will to his Egyptian dish again: then shall the sighs of Octavia blow the fire up in Caesar; and, as I said before, that which is the strength of their amity shall prove the immediate author of then* variance. Antony will use his affection where it is: he married but his occasion here. Men. And thus it may be. Come, sir, will you aboard? I have a health for you. Eno. I shall take it, sir: we have used our throats in Egypt. Men. Come, let's away. [Exeunt. SCENE VII. On board POMPEY'S galley, lying near Misenum. Music. Enter two or three Servants , with a banquet. First Serv. Here they'll be, man. Some o' their plants are ill-rooted already; the least wind i* the world will blow them down, Sec. Serv. Lepidus is high-coloured. first Serv. They have made him drink alms-drink. Sec. Serv. As they pinch one another by the disposition, he cries out "No more;" reconciles them to his entreaty, and himself to the drink. first Serv. But it raises the greater war between him and his discretion. Sec. Serv. Why, this it is to have a name in great men'b fellowship: I had as lief have a reed that will do me no ser- vice as a partisan I could not heave. ftrst Serv. To be called into a huge sphere, and not to be seen to move in 't, are the holes where eyes should be, which pitifully disaster the cheeks. 560 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. [ACT 11. Sennet sounded. Enter CJESAR, ANTONY, LEPIDUS, POMPEY, AGBIPPA, MECJBNAS, ENOBARBUS, MENAS, with other Captains. Ant. [to Casar] Thus do they, sir: they take the flow o' the Nile By certain scales F the pyramid; they know, By th* height, the lowness, or the mean, if dearth Or foison follow: the higher Nilus swells, The more it promises : as it ebbs , the seedsman Upon the slime and ooze scatters his grain, And shortly comes to harvest. Lep. You've strange serpents there Ant. Ay, Lepidus. Lep. Your serpent of Egypt is bred now of your mud by the operation of your sun: so is your crocodile. Ant. They are so. Pom. Sit, and some wine! A health to Lepidus! Lep. I am not so well as I should be , but I'll ne'er out. Eno. Not till you have slept; 1 fear me you'll be in till then. Lep. Nay, certainly, I have heard the Ptolemies' pyra- mises are very goodly things; without contradiction, I have heard that. Men. [aside to Pom.} Pompey, a word. Pom. [aside to Men.] Say in mine ear: what is't? Men. [aside to Pom.] Forsake thy seat, I do beseech thee, captain, And hear me speak a word. Pom. [aside to Men.] Forbear me till anon. This wine for Lepidus ! Lep. What manner o* thing is your crocodile? Ant. It is shaped, sir, like itself; and it is as broad as it hath breadth; it is just so high as it is, and moves with its own organs:- it lives by that which nourisheth it; and the elements once out of it, it transmigrates. Lep. What colour is it of? Ant. Of its own colour too. Lep. 'Tis a strange serpent. BCENEVII.] ANTONY AND CLEOPATKA. 361 Ant. Tis so. And the tears of it are wet. Cces. Will this description satisfy him? Ant. With the health that Pompey gives him, else he is a very epicure. Pom. [aside to Men.] Go hang, sir, hang! Tell me of that? away! Do as I bid you. Where's this cup I calTd for? Men. [aside to Pom.] If for the sake of merit thou wilt hear me , Rise from thy stool. Pom. [aside to Men.] I think thou'rt mad, The matter? [Rises, and walks aside. Men. I've ever held my cap off to thy fortunes. Pom. Thou hast serv'd me with much faith. What's else to say? Be jolly, lords. Ant. These quicksands, Lepidus, Keep off them, or you sink. Men. Wilt thou be lord of all the world? Pom. What say'st thou? Men. Wilt thou be lord of the whole world? That'i twice Pom. How should that be? Men. But entertain it, And though thou think me poor, I am the man Will give thee all the world. Pom. Hast thou drunk well? Men. No, Pompey, 1 have kept me from the cup. Thou art, if thou dar'st be, the earthly Jove: Whate'er the ocean pales, or sky inclips, Is thine , if thou wilt ha't. Pom. Show me which way. Men. These three world-sharers, these competitors, Are in thy vessel: let me cut the cable; And, when we are put off, fall to their throats: All then is thine. Pom. Ah, this thou shouldst have done, And not have spoke on't! In me 'tis villany; 562 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. [ACT n. In thee 't had been good service. Thou most know, 'Tis not my profit that does lead mine honour; Mine honour, it. Repent that e'er thy tongue Hath so betray'd thine act : being done unknown , I should have found it afterwards well done ; But must condemn it now. Desist, and drink. Men. [aside] For this , I'll never follow thy pall'd fortunes more. Who seeks, and will not take when once 'tis offer'd, Shall never find it more. Pom. This health to Lepidus! Ant. Bear him ashore. I'll pledge it for him , Pompey. Eno. Here's to thee, Menas! Men. Enobarbus, welcome! Pom. Fill till the cup be hid. Eno. There's a strong fellow, Menas. [Pointing to the Attendant who carries off Lepidus. Men. Why? Eno. 'A bears the third part of the world, man; see'st not? Men. The third part , then , is drunk : would it were all 7 That it might go on wheels ! Eno. Drink thou; increase the reels. Men. Come. Pom. This is not yet an Alexandrian feast. Ant. It ripens towards it. Strike the vessels , ho ! Here is to Caesar! Cccs. I could well forbear 't. It's monstrous labour , when 1 wash my brain , And it grows fouler. Ant. Be a child o' the time. Cces. Possess it, I'll make answer: But I had rather fast from all four days Than drink so much in one. Eno. [to Antony] Ha, my brave emperor! Shall we dance now th' Egyptian Bacchanals, And celebrate our drink? Pom, Let's ha't, good soldier. 8CBWBVII.] ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 363 Ant. Come , let's all take hands , Till th&t the conquering wine hath steep'd our sense In soft and delicate Lethe. Eno. All take hands. Make battery to our ears with the loud music: The while I'll place you: then the boy shall sing; The holding every man shall bear as loud As his strong sides can volley. [Music plays. Enobarbus places them hand in hand. Song. Come, thou monarch of the vine, Plumpy Bacchus with pink eynel In thy fats our cares be drowrid. With thy grapes our hairs be crown'd: Cup us till the world go round , Cup us till the world go round! Cats. What would you more? Pompey, good night. Good brother, Let me request you off: our graver business Frowns at this levity. Gentle lords, let's part; You see we 've burnt our cheeks: strong Enobarb Is weaker than the wine ; and mine own tongue Splits what it speaks: the wild disguise hath almost A-ntick'd us all. What needs more words? Good night. Good Antony, your hand. Pom. I'll try you on the shore. Ant. And shall, sir: give's your hand. Pom. Antony, You have my father's house, But, what? we're friends Come, down into the boat. Eno. Take heed you fall not. [Exeunt all except Enobarbus and Menas, Menas, I'll not on shore. Men. No, to my cabin. These drums I these trumpets, flutes! what! 864 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. [ACT m. Let Neptune hear we bid a loud farewell To these great fellows: sound and be hang'd, sound out! [A flourish i with drums. Eno. Hoo! says 'a. There's my cap. Men. Hoo! Noble captain, come. [Exeunt. ACT III. SCKNE I. A plain in Syria. Enter VBNTIDIUS in triumph, with SECJUS and other Romans, Officers, and Soldiers; the dead body O/'PACORDB borne before him. Ven. Now, darting Parthia, art thou struck; and now Pleas'd fortune does of Marcus Crassus' death Make me revenger. Bear the king's son's body Before our army. Thy Pacorus , Orodes , Pays this for Marcus Crassus. Sil. Noble Ventidius, Whilst yet with Parthian blood thy sword is warm, The fugitive Parthians follow; spur through Media, Mesopotamia, and the shelters whither The routed fly: so thy grand captain Antony Shall set thee on triumphant chariots , and Put garlands on thy head. Ven. Silius, Silius, I've done enough: a lower place, note well, May make too great an act; for learn this, Silius, - Better to leave undone, than by our deed Acquire too high a fame when him we serve's away. Caesar and Antony have ever won More in their officer than person: Sossius, One of my place in Syria, his lieutenant, For quick accumulation of renown, Which he achiev'd by the minute, lost his favour. Who does f the wars more than his captain can Becomes his captain's captain: and ambition, 3CMHB I A n.] ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 865 The soldier's virtue, rather makes choice of loss Than gain which darkens him. I could do more to do Antonius good , But 'twould offend him; and in his offence Should my performance perish. Sil. Thou hast , Ventidius , that Without the which a soldier, and his sword, Grants scarce distinction. Thou wilt write to Antony? Ven. I'll humbly signify what in his name , That magical word of war, we have effected; How, with his banners and his well-paid ranks, The ne'er-yet-beaten horse of Parthia We have jaded out o' the field. Sil. Where is he now? Ven. He purposeth to Athens: whither, with what haste The weight we must convey with 's will permit, We shall appear before him. On, there; pass along! [Exeunt, SCENE II. Rome. An ante-chamber in GSSAB'S house. Enter AGHIPPA and ENOBABBUS , meeting. Agr. What, are the brothers parted? Eno. They have dispatch'd with Pompey, he is gone; The other three are sealing. Octavia weeps To part from Home; Caesar is sad; and Lepidus, Since Pompey's feast, as Menas says, is troubled With the green sickness. Agr. 'Tis a noble Lepidus. Eno. A very fine one: 0, how he loves Caesar! Agr. Nay, but how dearly he adores Mark Antouy ! Eno. Caesar? Why, he's the Jupiter of men, Agr. What's Antony ? The god of Jupiter. Eno. Spake you of Caesar? How! the nonpareil! Agr. Of Antony? thou Arabian bird! Eno. Would you praise Cs&sar, say "Caesar," go no further. ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. [ACT m. Agr. Indeed , he plied them both with excellent praises. Eno. But he loves Caesar best; yet he loves Antony: Hoo! hearts, tongues, figures, scribes, bards, poets, cannot Think, speak, cast, write, sing, number, hoo! His love to Antony. But as for Caesar, Kneel down, kneel down, and wonder. Agr. Both he loves. Eno. They are his shards, and he their beetle. [Trumpets within.] So, This is to horse. Adieu, noble Agrippa. Agr. Good fortune, worthy soldier; and farewell. Enter GSSAB, ANTONY, LEPIDUS, and OCTAVIA. Ant. No further, sir. CCKS. You take from me a great part of myself; Use me well in't. Sister, prove such a wife As my thoughts make thee, and as my furthest band Shall pass on thy approof. Most noble Antony, Let not the piece of virtue, which is set Betwixt us as the cement of our love To keep it builded, be the ram to batter The fortress of it; for far better might we Have lov'd without this mean, if on both parts This be not eherish'd. Ant. Make me not offended In your distrust. Cos. I have said. Ant. You shall not find, Though you be therein curious , the least cause For what you seem to fear: so, the gods keep you, And make the hearts of Romans serve your ends! We will here part. Cces. Farewell, my dearest sister, fare thee well; The elements be kind to thee , and make Thy spirits all of comfort! fare thee well Octa. My noble brother! SCRUB II. j ANTONY AND CLEOPATKA. 367 Ant . The April's in her eyes : it is love's spring , And these the showers to bring it on. Be cheerful. Octa. Sir, look well to my husband's house; and Ccu. What, Octavia? Octa. I'll tell you in your ear. Ant. Her tongue will not obey her heart , nor can Her heart inform her tongue , the swan's down-feather , That stands upon the swell at full of tide , And neither way inclines. Eno. [aside to Agr.} Will Caesar weep? Agr. [aside to Eno.\ He has a cloud in's face Eno. [aside to Agr.} He were the worse for that were he a horse; So is he being a man. Agr. [aside to Eno.} Why, Enobarbus , When Antony found Julius Cassar dead, He cried almost to roaring ; and he wept When at Philippi he found Brutus slain. Eno. [aside to Agr.} That year, indeed, he was troubled with a rheum; What willingly he did confound he wail'd , Believe 't, till I wept too. Cces. No, sweet Octavia, You shall hear from me still; the time shall not Out-go my thinking on you. Ant. Come, sir, come; I'll wrestle with you in my strength of love : Look , here 1 have you ; thus 1 let you go , And give you to the gods. Gets. Adieu; be happy 1 Lep. Let all the number of the stars give light To thy fair wayl Cas. Farewell , farewell 1 [Kisses Octavia, Ant. Farewell! [Trumpets sound within. Exeunt. 368 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. [ACT HI. SCENE III. Alexandria. A room in CLEOPATRA'S palace Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, IRAS, and ALEXAS. Cleo. Where is the fellow? Alex. Half afeard to come. Cleo. Go to, go to. Enter the Messenger. Come hither, sir. A lex. Good majesty, Herod of Jewry dare not look upon you But when you are well pleas'd. Cleo. That Herod's head I'll have: but how, when Antony is gone Through whom I might command it? Come thou near. Mess. Most gracious majesty, Cleo. Didst thou behold Octavia? Mess. Ay, dread queen. Cleo. Where? Mess. Madam , in Rome ; I look'd her in the face , and saw her led Between her brother and Mark Antony. Cleo. Is she as tall as me? Mess. She is not, madam. Cleo. Didst hear her speak? is she shrill-tongu'd or low? Mess. Madam, I heard her speak; she is low-voic'd. Cleo. That's not so good: he cannot like her long. Char. Like her! Isis! 'tis impossible. Cleo. I think so, Charmian: dull of tongue, and dwarfish! What majesty is in her gait? Remember, If e'er thou look'dst on majesty. Mess. She creeps, Her motion and her station are as one ; She shows a body rather than a life , A statue than a breather. Cleo. Is this certain V SCENE m.) ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 3B9 Mess. Or I have no observance. Char. Three in Egypt Cannot make better note. Cleo. He's very knowing; I do perceive 't: there's nothing in her yet: The fellow has good judgment. Char. Excellent. Cleo. Guess at her years, I prithee. Mess. Madam , She was a widow, Cleo. Widow! Charmian, hark. Mess. And I do think she's thirty. Cleo. Bear'st thou her face in mind? is't long or round? Mess. Round even to faultiness. Cleo. For the most part, too, they T re foolish that are so Her hair, what colour? Mess. Brown, madam: and her forehead As low as she would wish it. Cleo. There's gold for thee. Thou must not take my former sharpness ill: - I will employ thee back again ; I find thee Most fit for business: go make thee ready; Our letters are prepar'd. [Exit Messenger. Char. . A proper man. Cleo. Indeed, he is so: I repent me much That so I harried him. Why, methinks , by him , This creature's no such thing. Char. Nothing, madam. Cleo. The man hath seen some majesty, and should know. Char. Hath he seen majesty? Isis else defend, And serving you so long ! Cleo. I've one thing more to ask him yet, good Charmian: But 'tis no matter; thou shalt bring him to me Where I will write. All may be well enough. Char. I warrant you, madam. [Exeunt. , vi. 24 370 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. f SCENE IV. Athens. A room in ANTONY'S house Enter ANTONY and OCTAVIA. Ant. Nay, nay, Octavia, not only that, That were excusable , that , and thousands more Of semblable impdrt, but he hath wag'd New wars 'gainst Pompey; made his will, and read it To public ear: Spoke scantly of me: when perforce he could not But pay me terms of honour, cold and sickly He vented them; most narrow measure lent me: When the best hint was given him , he not took't , Or did it from his teeth. Oct. 0, my good lord , Believe not all ; or , if you must believe , Stomach not all. A more unhappy lady, If this division chance, ne'er stood between, Praying for both parts: Sure, the good gods will mock me presently, When I shall pray, "0, bless my lord and husband!" Undo that prayer, by crying out as loud, "0, bless my brother!" Husband win, win brother, Prays, and destroys the prayer; no midway 'Twixt these extremes at all. Ant. Gentle Octavia, Let your best love draw to that point, which seeks Best to preserve it: if I lose mine honour, I lose myself: better I were not yours Than yours so branchless. But , as you requested , Yourself shall go between 's: the mean time, lady, I'll raise the preparation of a war Shall stay your brother: make your soonest haste; So your desires are yours. Oct. Thanks to my lord. The Jove of power make me most weak, most weak , Your reconciler! Wars 'twixt you twain would be SCENE iV&V ANTONY AND CLEOPATHA. 371 A.S if the world should cleave , and that slain men Should solder up the rift. Ant. When it appears to you where this begins , Turn your displeasure that way; for our faults Can never be so equal, that your love Can equally move with them. Provide your going; Choose your own company, and command what cost Your heart has mind to. [Exeunt SCENB Y. The same. Another room in the same. Enter ENOBARBUS and EROS , meeting. Eno. How now, friend Eros! Eros. There's strange news come, sir. Eno. What, man? Eros. Caesar and Lepidus have made wars upon Pompey. Eno. This is old: what is the success? Eros. Caesar, having made use of him in the wars 'gainst Pompey, presently denied him rivality; would not let him partake in the glory of the action: and not resting here, ac- cuses him of letters he had formerly wrote to Pompey ; upon his own appeal, seizes him: so the poor third is up, till death enlarge his confine Eno. Then, world, thou hast a pair of chaps, no more; And throw between them all the food thou hast, They'll grind the one the other. Where's Antony? Eros. He's walking in the garden thus ; and spurns The rush that lies before him; cries "Fool Lepidus!" And threats the throat of that his officer That murder'd Pompey. Eno. Our great navy's rigg'd. Eros. For Italy and CaBsar. More, Domitius; My lord desires you presently: my news I might have told hereafter. Eno. 'Twill be naught: But let it be. Bring me to Antony. Eros. Come, sir. \Exeunt. 24* 372 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. SCENE VI. Rome. A room in CJESAR s house. Enter CESAR, AORIPPA, and MECJBNAB. Cas. Contemning Home , he has done all this and more In Alexandria: here's the manner oft: In the market-place , on a tribunal silver'd Cleopatra and himself'in chairs of gold Were publicly enthron'd; at the feet sat Caesarion, whom they call my father's son, And all th' unlawful issue that their lust Since then hath made between them. Unto her He gave the stablishment of Egypt; made her Of lower Syria, Cyprus, Lydia, Absolute queen. Mec. This in the public eye ? Cces. F the common show-place, where they exercise. His sons he there proclaim'd the kings of kings; Great Media, Parthia, and Armenia, He gave to Alexander; to Ptolemy he assigned Syria, Cilicia, and Phoenicia: she In the habiliments of the goddess Isis That day appeared; and oft before gave audience, As 'tis reported , so. Mec. Let Home be thus Inform'd. Agr. Who , queasy with his insolence Already, will their good thoughts call from him. Cces. The people know it; and have now receiv'd His accusations. Agr. Who does he accuse? Cces. Caesar: and that, having in Sicily Sextus Pompeius spoil'd, we had not rated him His part o' th' isle : then does he say he lent me Some shipping unrestor'd: lastly, he frets That Lepidus of the triumvirate Should be depos'd; and, being, that we detain All his revenue. SCKNHVI.] ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 373 Agr. Sir, this should be answer'd. Cos. 'Tis done already, and the messenger gone. IVe told him, Lepidus was grown too cruel; That he his high authority abus'd , And did deserve his change : for what I've conquer'd , I grant him part; but then, in his Armenia, And other of his conquer'd kingdoms , I Demand the like. Mec. He'll never yield to that. Cces. Nor must not, then, be yielded to in this. Enter OCTAVIA with her Train. Oct. Hail, Caesar, and my lord! hail, most dear Caesar! CCKS. That ever I should call thee castaway! Oct. You have not call'd me so , nor have you cause. CCKS. Why have you stol'n upon us thus? You come not Like Caesar's sister: the wife of Antony Should have an army for an usher , and The neighs of horse to tell of her approach Long ere she did appear; the trees by the way Should have borne men ; and expectation fainted , Longing for what it had not; nay, the dust Should have ascended to the roof of heaven , Rais'd by your populous troops : but you are come A market-maid to Kome; and have prevented Th' ostentation of our love, which, left unshown, Is often left unlov'd: we should have met you By sea and land; supplying every stage With an augmented greeting. Oct. Good my lord , To come thus was I not constrain'd, but did it On my free will. My lord, Mark Antony, Hearing that you prepar'd for war, acquainted My grieved ear withal; whereon I begg'd His pardon for return. CCES. Which soon he granted , Being an obstruct 'tween his lust and him. 374 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. [ACT III. Oct. Do not say so, my lord. Gets. I have eyes upon him, And his affairs come to me on the wind. Where is he now? Oct. My lord , in Athens. Cces. No, my most wronged sister; Cleopatra Hath nodded him to her. He hath given his empire Up to a whore ; who now are levying The kings o 1 th' earth for war: he hath assembled Bocchus, the king of Libya; Archelaus, Of Cappadocia; Philadelphos , king Of Paphlagonia; the Thracian king, Adallas; King Malchus of Arabia; King of Pont; Herod of Jewry; Mithridates, king Of Comagene; Polemon and Amyntas, The kings of Mede and Lycaonia, with a More larger list of sceptres. Oct. Ay me , most wretched , That have my heart parted betwixt two friends That do afflict each other! Cccs. Welcome hither: Your letters did withhold our breaking forth ; Till we perceived both how you were wrong'd , And we in negligent danger. Cheer your heart: Be you not troubled with the time , which drives O'er your content these strong necessities; But let detennin'd things to destiny Hold unbewaiTd their way. Welcome to Rome ; Nothing more dear to me. You are abus'd Beyond the mark of thought: and the high gods, To do you justice , make them ministers Of us and those that love you. Best of comfort; And ever welcome to us. Agr. Welcome, lady. Mec. Welcome , dear madam. Each heart in Home does love and pity you* Only th 7 adulterous Antony, most large SCENE vn.j ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 375 In his abominations , turns you off; And gives his potent regiment to a trull , That noises it against us. Oct. Is it so, sir? CCES. Most certain. Sister, welcome: pray you, Be ever known to patience: my dear'st sister! [Exeunt SCKNB VII. ANTONY'S camp, near the promontory of Actium. Enter CLEOPATRA and ENOBARBUB. Cleo. I will be even with thee, doubt it not. Eno. But why, why, why? Cleo. Thou hast forspoke my being in these wars, And say 'bt it is not fit. Eno. Well, is it, is it? Cleo. If not denounced against us, why should not we Be there in person? Eno. [aside] Well, I could reply: If we should serve with horse and mares together , The horse were merely lost; the mares would bear A soldier and his horse. Cleo. What is't you say? Eno. Your presence needs must puzzle Antony; Take from his heart , take from his brain , from 's time , What should not then be spar'd. He is already Traduc'd for levity ; and 'tis said in Rome That Photinus an eunuch and your maids Manage this war. Cleo. Sink Home, and their tongues rot That speak against us I A charge we bear i' the war, And , as the president of my kingdom , will Appear there for a man. Speak not against it; I will not stay behind, Eno. Nay, I have done. Here comes the emperor. Enter ANTONY and CANIDIUS. Ant. Is it not strange , Canidius , 376 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. That from Tarentum and Bnindusium He could so quickly cut th' Ionian sea, And take in Toryne? You have heard on't , sweet? Cleo. Celerity is never more admir'd Than by the negligent. Ant. A good rebuke, Which might have well becom'd the best of men , To taunt at slackness. Canidius, we Will fight with him by sea. Cleo. By sea! what else? Can. Why will my lord do so? Ant. For that he dares us to't Eno. So hath my lord dar'd him to single fight. Can. Ay, and to wage this battle at Pharealia, Where Caesar fought with Pompey: but these offers, Which serve not for his vantage , he shakes oft 7 ; And so should you. Eno. Your ships are not well mann'd , Your mariners are muleters , reapers , people Ingross'd by swift impress; in Caesar's fleet Are those that often have 'gainst Pompey fought: Their ships are yare; yours, heavy: no disgrace Shall fall you for refusing him at sea , Being prepared for land. Ant. By sea, by sea, Eno. Most worthy, sir , you therein throw away The absolute soldiership you have by land ; Distract your army, which doth most consist Of war-mark'd footmen; leave unexecuted Your own renowned knowledge ; quite forego The way which promises assurance; and Give up yourself merely to chance and hazard , From firm security. Ant. Ill fight at sea. Cleo. I have sixty sails, Csesar none better. Ant. Our overplus of shipping will we burn; And , with the rest fuU-rnann'd , from th' head of Actium SCKflEVU.j ANTONY AND OLEOPATKA. 377 Beat the approaching Caesar. But if we fail , We then can do't at land. Enter a Messenger. Thy business? Mess. The news is true, my lord; he is descried; Caesar has taken Toryne. Ant. Can he be there in person? 'tis impossible; Strange that his power should be. Canidius , Our nineteen legions thou shalt hold by land , And our twelve thousand horse. We'll to our ship: Away, my Thetis! Enter a Soldier. How now, worthy soldier! Sold. noble emperor, do not fight by sea; Trust not to rotten planks : do you misdoubt This sword and these my wounds? Let the Egyptians And the Phoenicians go a-ducking : we Have us'd to conquer , standing on the earth , And fighting foot to foot. Ant. Well , well : away ! [Exeunt Antony, Cleopatra, and Enobarbus. Sold. By Hercules, I think I am i' the right. Can. Soldier, thou art: but his whole action grows Not in the power on't: so our leader's led, And we are women's men. Sold. You keep by land The legions and the horse whole, do you not? Can. Marcus Octavius, Marcus Justeius, Publicola, and Caelius, are for sea: But we keep whole by land. This speed of Caesar's Carries beyond belief. Sold. While he was yet in Rome , His power went out in such distractions as Beguil'd all spies. Can. Who's his lieutenant, hear you? 378 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. [ACT in Sold'. They say, one Taurus. Can. Well I know the man. Enter a Messenger. Mess. The emperor calls Canidius. Can. With news the time's with labour, and throes forth Each minute some. [Exeunt. SCENE VIII. A plain near Actium. Enter CAESAR , TAURUS , Officers , and others. Cats. Taurus, Taur. My lord? Ca>s. Strike not by land; keep whole: provoke not battle, Till we have done at sea. Do not exceed The prescript of this scroll : our fortune lies Upon this jump. [Exeunt. SCENE IX. Another part of the plain. Enter ANTONY and ENOBARBUS. Ant. Set we our squadrons on yond side o' th* hill , In eye of Caesar's battle ; from which place We may the number of the ships behold , And so proceed accordingly. [Exeunt. SCENE X. Another part of the plain. Enter CANIDIUS, marching with his land awny one way; and TAURUS, tJte lieutenant o/* CESAR, with his army, the other way. After their going in, is heard the noise of a sea- fight. Alarum. Enter ENOBARBUS. Eno. Naught, naught, all naught! I can behold no longer.- Th' Antoniad , the Egyptian admiral , With all their sixty, fly and turn the rudder: To gee't mine eyes are blasted. SCKNE VIII-X.] ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 379 Enter SCABUB. Scar. Gods and goddesses , All the whole synod of them! Eno. What 7 s thy passion ? Scar. The greater cantle of the world is lost With very ignorance ; we have kiss'd away Kingdoms and provinces. Eno. How appears the fight? Scar. On our side like the token'd pestilence , Where death is sure. Yon ribaudred nag of Egypt , Whom leprosy overtake! i' the midst o' the fight, When vantage like a pair of twins appear'd , Both as the same, or rather ours the elder, The breese upon her, like a cow in June, Hoists sails and flies. Eno. That I beheld: Mine eyes did sicken at the sight , and could not Endure a further view. Scar. She once being loof'd, The noble ruin of her magic, Antony, Claps on his sea- wing , and , like a doting mallard Leaving the fight in height, flies after her: I never saw an action of such shame ; Experience, manhood, honour, ne'er before Did violate so itself. Eno. Alack, alack! Enter CANIDIUS. Can. Our fortune on the sea is out of breath, And sinks most lamentably. Had our general Been what he knew himself, it had gone well: , he has given example for our flight Most grossly by his own! Eno. Ay, are you thereabouts Why, then , good night indeed. Can. Toward Peloponnesus are they fled. Scar. "Fia easy to't; and there I will attend What further comes. 380 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. Can. To Caesar will I render My legions and my horse: six kings already Show me the way of yielding. Eno. I'll yet follow The wounded chance of Antony, though my reason Sits in the wind against me. [Exeunt SCEMB XI. Alexandria. A room in CLEOPATRA'S palace. Enter ANTONY and Attendants. Ant. Hark! the land bids me tread no more upon't, It is asham'd to bear me! Friends, come hither: I am so lated in the world , that I Have lost my way for ever: I've a ship Laden with gold; take that, divide it; fly, And make your peace with Csesar. All. Flyl not we. Ant. I've fled myself; and have instructed cowards To run and show their shoulders. Friends, be gone; I have myself resolv'd upon a course Which has no need of you; be gone: My treasure's in the harbour, take it. 0, I follow'd that I blush to look ?ipon: My very hairs do mutiny; for the white Reprove the brown for rashness , and they them For fear and doting. Friends, be gone: you shall Have letters from me to some friends that will Sweep your way for you. Pray you, look not sad , Nor make replies of loathness: take the hint Which my despair proclaims; let that be left Which leaves itself: to the sea-side straightway: I will possess you of that ship and treasure. Leave me, I pray, a little: pray you now: Nay, do so ; for , indeed , IVe lost command , Therefore I pray you: I'll see you by and by. [Sits down Enter CLEOPATRA led by CUARMIAN and IRAS; EROS following. Eros. Nay, gentle madam, to him, comfort him. rfCENKXl.j ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 881 Iras. Do , most dear queen. Char. Do! why, what else? Cleo. Let me sit down. Juno! Ant. No , no , no , no , no. Eros. See you here, sir? Ant. fie, fie, fie! Char. Madam , Iras. Madam, good empress, Eros. Sir, sir, Ant. Yes, my lord, yes; he at Philippi kept His sword e'en like a dancer; while I struck The lean and wrinkled Cassius ; and 'twas I That the mad Brutus ended: he alone Dealt on lieutenantry, and no practice had In the brave squares of war: yet now No matter. Cleo. Ah, stand by. Eros. The queen, my lord, the queen. Iras. Go to him, madam, speak to him: He is unqualitied with very shame. Cleo. Well then, sustain me: 0! Eros. Most noble sir, arise; the queen approaches. Her head's declin'd, and death will seize her, but /our comfort makes the rescue. Ant. 1 have offended reputation, A most unnoble swerving. Eros. Sir, the queen. Ant. 0, whither hast thou led me, Egypt? See , How I convey my shame out of thine eyes By looking back what I have left behind Stroy'd in dishonour. Cleo. my lord, my lord, Forgive my fearful sails! I little thought You would have followed. Ant. Egypt, thou knew'st too well My heart was to thy rudder tied by the strings, And thou shouldst tow me after : o'er my spirit Thy full supremacy thou knew'st, and that ,-382 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. [ACT in. f hy beck might from the bidding of the gods Command me. Cleo. O , my pardon ! Ant. Now I must To the young man send humble treaties , dodge And palter in the shifts of lowness; who With half the bulk o' the world play'd as I pleas'd , Making and marring fortunes. You did know How much you were my conqueror; and that My sword, made weak by my affection, would Obey it on all cause. Cleo. Pardon, pardon! Ant. Fall not a tear, I say; one of them rates All that is won and lost: give me a kiss; Even this repays me. We sent our schoolmaster; Is he come back? Love, I am full of lead. Some wine , within there , and our viands ! Fortune knows We scorn her most when most she offers blows. [Exeunt, SCENE XII, CAESAR'S camp in Egypt. Enter QESAR , DOLABELLA , THYREUS , and others. Cos. Let him appear that's come from Antony. Know you him? Dol. Csesar, 'tis his schoolmaster: An argument that he is pluck'd, when hither He sends so poor a pinion of his wing, Which had superfluous kings for messengers Not many moons gone by. Enter EUPHKONIUS. CCKS. Approach, and speak Eupk. Such as I am, I come from Antony: I was of late as petty to his ends As is the morn-dew on the myrtle-leaf To his grand sea. CTis well blown , lads : This morning, like the spirit of a youth That means to be of note , begins betimes. So, so; come, give me that: this way; well said. Fare thee well , dame , whate r er becomes of me : This is a soldier's kiss: rebukable, [Kisses h#i Ana worthy shameful check it were , to stand On more mechanic compliment; I'll leave thee Now, like a man of steel. You that will fight, Follow me close ; 111 bring you to't. Adieu. [Exeunt Antony, EroSj Captains, and Soldier* Char. Please you , retire to your chamber. Cleo. Lead me. He goes forth gallantly. That he and Caesar might Determine this great war in single fight I Then , Antony, but now Well , on [ Exeunt. 396 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. [ACT iV. SCBNE V. ANTONY'S camp near Alexandria. Trumpets sound within. Enter ANTONY and EBOS; a Soldiei meeting them. Sold. The gods make this a happy day to Antony! Ant. Would thou and those thy scars had once prevail'd To make me fight at land! Sold. Hadst thou done so , The kings that have revolted , and the soldier That has this morning left thee , would have still Followed thy heels. Ant. Who's gone this morning? Sold. Who! One ever near thee : call for Enobarbus , He shall not hear thee; or from Caesar's camp Say "I am none of thine." Ant. What say'st thou? Sold. Sir, He is with Caesar. Eros. Sir, his chests and treasure He has not with him. Ant. Is he gone? Sold. Most certain. Ant. Go, Eros, send his treasure after; do it; Detain no jot, I charge thee: write to him I will subscribe gentle adieus and greetings; Say that I wish he never find more cause To change a master. 0, my fortunes have Corrupted honest men ! Dispatch. Enobarbus ! [Exeunt . SCBNB VI. GBSAR'S camp before Alexandria. Flourish. Enter GESAR with AGRITPA, ENOBABBUS, and otlter*. Cces. Go forth , Agrippa , and begin the fight : Our will is Antony be took alive ; Make it so known. Agr. Caesar, I shall. [Exit. 6CENEV&VI.] ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 30? Cas. The time of universal peace IB near: Prove this a prosperous day, the three-nook'd world Shall bear the olive freely. Enter a Messenger. Mess. Antony Is come into the field. Cces. Go charge Agrippa Plant those that have revolted in the van, That Antony may seem to spend his fury Upon himself. [Exeunt all except Ehwiwbu* Eno. Alexas did revolt; and went to Jewry on Affairs of Antony; there did persuade Great Herod to incline himself to Caesar , And leave his master Antony: for this pains Caesar hath hang'd him. Canidius, and the rest That fell away, have entertainment, but No honourable trust. I have done ill; Of which I do accuse myself so sorely, That I will joy no more. Enter a Soldier of GBSAB'S. Sold. Enobarbus, Antony Hath after thee sent all thy treasure , with His bounty overplus: the messenger Came on my guard ; and at thy tent is now Unloading of his mules. Eno. I give it you. Sold. Mock not, Enobarbus. 1 tell you true : best you saf d the bringer Out of the host; I must attend mine office, Or would have done't myself. Your emperor Continues still a Jove. [Exit. Eno. I am alone the villain of the earth , And feel I am so most. Antony, Thou mine of bounty, how wouldst thou have paid My better service , when my turpitude 398 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. [ACT IV. Thou dost BO crown with gold! This blows my heart: If swift thought break it not, a swifter mean Shall outstrike thought: but thought will do't, I feel. I fight against thee! No: I will go seek Some ditch wherein to die; the fouTst best fits My latter part of life. [Exit SCENE VTI. Field of battle between the camps. Alarums. Drums and trumpets. Enter AGRIPPA and others, Agr. Retire , we have engag'd ourselves too far: Caesar himself has work, and our oppression Exceeds what we expected. {Exeunt, Alarums. Enter ANTONY , and SCARUS wounded. Scar. my brave emperor , this is fought indeed ! Had we done so at first, we had driven them home With clouts about their heads. Ant. Thou bleed'st apace. Scar. I had a wound here that was like a T , But now 'tis made an H. Ant. They do retire. Scar. Well beat 'em into bench-holes: I have yet Room for six scotches more. Enter EROS. Eros. They're beaten, sir; and our advantage serves For a fair victory. Scar. Let us score their backs , And snatch 'em up , as we take hares , behind : 'Tis sport to maul a runner. Ant. I will reward thee Once for thy spritely comfort, and tenfold For thy good valour. Come thee on. Scar. I'll halt after. [Exeunt- SCEME VU A vm.] ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 399 SCENE VIII. Under the walls of Alexandria. Alarums. Enter ANTOHY, marching; SCARUB, and Forces. Ant. We Ve beat him to his camp : run one before , And let the queen know of our gests. To-morrow, Before the sun shall see 's, we'll spill the blood That has to-day escap'd. I thank you all; For doughty-handed are you , and have fought Not as you serv'd the cause , but as 't had been Each man's like mine; you have shown all Hectors. Enter the city, clip your wives, your friends, Tell them your feats; whilst they with joyful tears Wash the congealment from your wounds , and kiss The honour'd gashes whole. [To Scants] Give me thy hand; Enter CLEOPATRA, attended. To this great fairy I'll commend thy acts , Make her thanks bless thee. [To Cleo.} thou day o' the world , Chain mine arm'd neck ; leap thou , attire and all , Through proof of harness to my heart, and there Ride on the pants triumphing ! Cleo. Lord of lords I O infinite virtue , com'st thou smiling from The world's great snare uncaught V Ant. My nightingale , We Ve beat them to their beds. What, girl! though gray Do something mingle with our younger brown, yet ha* we A brain that nourishes our nerves , and can Get goal for goal of youth. Behold this man; Commend unto his lips thy favouring hand : Kiss it, my warrior: he hath fought to-day As if a god, in hate of mankind, had Destroy'd in such a shape. Cleo. I'll give thee, Mend, An armour all of gold; it was a king's. Ant. He has deserv'd it, were it carbuncled 400 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. Like holy Phoebus' car. Give ine thy hand : Through Alexandria make a jolly march; Bear our haek'd targets like the men that owe them : Had our great palace the capacity To camp this host, we all would sup together, And drink carouses to the next day's fate, Which promises royal peril. Trumpeters, With brazen din blast you the city's ear; Make mingle with our rattling tabourines; That heaven and earth may strike their sounds together , Applauding our approach. [Exeunt SCENE IX. CJESAR'S camp. Sentinels at their post. First Sold. If we be not relieved within this hour. We must return to the court- of-guard: the night Is shiny; and they say we shall embattle By the second hour i' the morn. Sec. Sold. This last day was A shrewd one to 's. Enter ENOBARBUS. Eno. O, bear me witness, night, Third Sold. What man is this? Sec. Sold. Stand close , and list him. Eno. Be witness to me , thou blessed moon , When men revolted shall upon record Bear hateful memory, poor Enobarbus did Before thy face repent! First Sold. Enobarbus! Third Sold. Peace! Hark further, Eno. O sovereign mistress of true melancholy, The poisonous damp of night disponge upon me, That life, a very rebel to my will, May hang no longer on me: throw my heart Against the flint and hardness of my fault; SCENE IX &X.] ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 401 Which, being dried with grief, will break to powder. And finish all foul thoughts. Antony, Nobler than my revolt is infamous , Forgive me in thine own particular; But let the world rank me in register A master-leaver and a fugitive : O Antony! Antony! -[Dies Sec. Sold. Let's speak To him. First Sold. Let's hear him , for the things he speaks May concern Csesar. Third Sold. Let's do so. But he sleeps. First Sold. Swoons rather; for so bad a prayer as his Was never yet for sleep. Sec. Sold. Go we to him. Third Sold. Awake, sir, awake; speak to us. Sec. Sold. Hear you , sir ? First Sold. The hand of death hath raught him. [Drum? afar off.] Hark ! the drums Demurely wake the sleepers. Let us bear him To the court-of-guard : he is of note: our hour Is fully out. Third Sold. Come on, then; He may recover yet. [Exeunt with the body, SCBNB X. Ground between the two camps. Enter ANTONY and SCARUS, with Forces, marching. Ant. Their preparation is to-day by sea; We please them not by land. Scar. For both , my lord. Ant. I would they'd fight i' the fire or i' the air; We'd fight there too. But this it is; our foot Upon the hills adjoining to the city Shall stay with us : order for sea is given ; They have put forth the haven: forward, now, Where their appointment we may best discover, And look on their endeavour. [Exeunt. SMtespen.re. VI. 402 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. [ACT IT. SCENE XI. Another part of the same. Enter C^SSAR, with his Forces, marching. Cces. But being charg'd, we will be still by land, Which, as I take 't, we shall; for his best force Is forth to man his galleys. To the vales, And hold our best advantage. [Exeunt. SCENE XII. Another part of the same. Enter ANTONY and SCARUS. Ant. Yet they are not join'd: where yond pine does stand, 1 shall discover all: I'll bring thee word Straight, how 'tis like to go. [Exit. Scar. Swallows have built In Cleopatra's sails their nests : the augurers Say they know not, they cannot tell; look grimly, And dare not speak their knowledge. Antony (s valiant, and dejected; and, by starts, flis fretted fortunes give him hope, and fear, Of what he has , and has not. [Alarums afar off, as at a sea-fight. Re-enter ANTONY. Ant. All is lost; This foul Egyptian hath betrayed me : My fleet hath yielded to the foe; and yonder They cast their caps up , and carouse together Like friends long lost. Triple-turn'd whore I 'tis thou Hast sold me to this novice ; and my heart Makes only wars on thee. Bid them all fly ; For when 1 am reveng'd upon my charm, I have done all: bid them all fly; begone. [Exit Scarus sun , thy uprise shall I see no more : Fortune and Antony part here ; even here Do we shake hands. All come to this ? The hearts That spaniel'd me at heels , to whom 1 gave Their wishes , do discandy, melt their sweets BCENK XI-XLU.J ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 403 On blossoming Caesar; and this pine is bark'd, That overtopp'd them all. Betray'd I am: this false soul of Egypt! this grave charm, Whose eye beck'd forth my wars, and call'd them home, Whose bosom was my crownet, my chief end, Like a right gipsy, hath, at fast and loose, Beguil'd me to the very heart of loss. What, Eros, Eros! Enter CLEOPATRA. Ah , thou spell ! Avaunt ! Cleo. Why is my lord enrag'd against his love? Ant. Vanish, or I shall give thee thy deserving, And blemish Caesar's triumph. Let him take thee , And hoist thee up to the shouting plebeians: Follow his chariot, like the greatest spot Of all thy sex ; most monster-like , be shown For poor'st diminutives, for doits; and let Patient Octavia plough thy visage up With her prepared nails. [Exit Cleopatra. 'Tis well thou'rt gone , If it be well to live ; but better 'twere Thou fell'st into my fury, for one death Might have prevented many. Eros, ho! The shirt of Nessus is upon me: teach me, Alcides, thou mine ancestor, thy rage: Let me lodge Lichas on the horns o' the moon; And with those hands, that grasp'd the heaviest club, Subdue my worthiest self. The witch shall die : To the young Roman boy she hath sold me , and I fall Under this plot; she dies for 't. Eros, ho! [Exit. SCENE XTTT. Alexandria. A room in CLEOPATRA'S palace. Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, IRAS, and MARDIAN. Cleo. Help me, my women! 0, he is more mad Than Telamon for his shield; the boar of Thesaaly Was never so emboss'd. 404 ANTONY AND OLfcOPATRA. UOT IV. Char. To the monument! There lock yourself, and send him word you're dead. The soul and body rive not more in parting Than greatness going off. Cleo. To the monument! Mardian , go tell him I have slain myself; Say, that the last I spoke was "Antony," And word it, prithee, piteously: hence, Mardian, And bring me how he takes my death. To the monument ! [Exeunt. SCENE XIV. The same. Another room in the same. Enter ANTONY and EROS. Ant. Eros, thou yet behold'st me? Eros. Ay, noble lord. Ant. Sometime we see a cloud that's dragonish; A vapour sometime like a bear or lion , A tower'd citadel, a pendent rock, A forked mountain, or blue promontory With trees upon't, that nod unto the world, And mock our eyes with air: thou hast seen these signs; They are black vesper's pageants. Eros. Ay, my lord. Ant. That which is now a horse , even with a thought The rack dislimns , and makes it indistinct As water is in water. Eros. It does, my lord. Ant. My good knave Eros, now thy captain IB Even such a body: here I am Antony; Yet cannot hold this visible shape , my knave. I made these wars for Egypt; and the queen, Whose heart I thought 1 had, for she had mine; Which , whilst it was mine , had annex'd unto't A million more, now lost, she, Eros, has Pack'd cards with Caesar, and false-play 'd my glory Unto an enemy's triumph. ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 405 Nay, weep not, gentle Eros; there is left us Ourselves to end ourselves. Enter MAKDJAN. 0, thy vile lady ! She has robb'd me of my sword. Mar. No, Antony; My mistress lov'd thee , and her fortunes mingled With thine entirely. Ant. Hence , saucy eunuch ; peace ! She hath betray'd me , and shall die the death. Mar. Death of one person can be paid but once , And that she has discharged : what thou wouldst do is done unto thy hand: the last she spake Was, "Antony! most noble Antony!" Then in the midst a tearing groan did break The name of Antony ; it was divided Between her heart and lips: she reuder'd life, Thy name so buried in her. Ant. Dead, then? Mar. Dead. Ant. Unarm me, Eros; the long day's task is done, And we must sleep. [To Mardian] That thou depart 'st hence safe, Does pay thy labour richly; go. [Exit Mardian. Off, pluck off: The seven-fold shield of Ajax cannot keep The battery from my heart. 0, cleave , my sides ! Heart, once be stronger than thy continent, Crack thy frail case! Apace, Eros, apace. No more a soldier: bruised pieces, go; You have been nobly borne. From me awhile. [Exit Eros. I will o'ertake thee, Cleopatra, and Weep for my pardon. So it must be, for now All length is torture: since the torch is out, Lie down, and stray no further: now all labour Mars what it does ; yea , very force entaaglea 406 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. [ACT IV. Itself with strength: seal then, and all is done. Eros! I come, my queen. Eros! Stay for me: Where souls do couch on flowers, we'll hand in hand, And with our sprightly port make the ghosts gaze : Dido and her ^Eneas shall want troops, And all the haunt be ours. Come, Eros, Eros! Re-enter EROS. Eros. What would my lord V Ant. Since Cleopatra died , I've liv'd in such dishonour, that the gods Detest my baseness. I, that with my sword Quarter'd the world , and o'er green Neptune's back With ships made cities , condemn myself to lack The courage of a woman; less noble-minded Than she which by her death our Caesar tells "I'm conqueror of myself." Thou ail sworn, Eros , That, when the exigent should come, which now Is come indeed, when I should see behind me Th' inevitable prosecution of Disgrace and horror, that, on my command, Thou then wouldst kill me: do't; the time is come: Thou strik'st not me , 'tis Caesar thou defeat'st. Put colour in thy cheek. Eros. The gods withhold me! Shall I do that which all the Parthian darts , Though enemy, lost aim , and could not? Ant Eros, Wouldst thou be window'd in great Koine, and see Thy master thus with pleach'd arms, bending down His corrigible neck , his face subdu'd To penetrative shame , whilst the wheel'd seat Of fortunate Caesar , drawn before him , branded His baseness that eusu'd ? Eroi. I would not see't. Ant Come, then; for with a wound I must be cur'd SCBNBMY.] ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 407 Draw that thy honest sword, which thou hast worn Most useful for thy country. Eros. 0, sir, pardon me! Ant. When I did make thee free , swor'st thou not then To do this when I bade thee? Do it at once; Or thy precedent services are all But accidents unpurpos'd. Draw, and come. Eros. Turn from me , then , that noble countenance , Wherein the worship of the whole world lies. Ant. Lo thee ! [Turning from him. Eros. My sword is drawn. Ant. Then let it do at once The thing why thou hast drawn it. Eros. My dear master, My captain, and my emperor, let me say, Before I strike this bloody stroke, farewell. Ant. 'Tis said , man ; and farewell. Eros. Farewell, great chief. Shall I strike now? Ant. Now, Eros. Eros. Why, there then [falls on his sword] : thus I do escape the sorrow Of Antony's death. [Dies. Ant. Thrice-nobler than myself! Thou teachest me , O valiant Eros , what I should , and thou couldst not. My queen and Eros Have by their brave instruction got upon me A nobleness in record : but I will be A bridegroom in my death , and run into't As to a lover's bed. Come, then; and, Eros, Thy master dies thy scholar: to do thus {Falling on his sword I learn'd of thee. How! not dead? not dead? The guard, ho! 0, dispatch me! Enter DERCBTAB and Guard. First Guard. What's the noise? Ant. I've done my work ill, friends: O, make an end Of what I have begun. Sec. Guard. The star is fall'n. 408 ANTONY AND CLEOPATKA. [ACT IV. First Guard. And time is at ids period. All. Alas, and woe! Ant. Let him that loves me strike me dead. First Guard. Not I. Sec. Guard. Nor I. Third Guard. Nor any one. [Exeunt Guard. Der. Thy death and fortunes bid thy followers fly. This sword but shown to Caesar, with this tidings, Shall enter me with him. Enter DIOMBDBS. Dio. Where's Antony ? Der. There , Diomed , there. Dio. Lives he? Wilt thou not answer, man? [Exit Dercetas. Ant. Art thou there, Diomed? Draw thy sword, and give me Sufficing strokes for death. Dio. Most absolute lord, My mistress Cleopatra sent me to thee. Ant. When did she send thee? Dio. Now, my lord. Ant. Where is she? Dio. Lock'd in her monument. She had a prophesying fear Of what hath come to pass : for when she saw Which never shall be found you did suspect She had disposed with Caesar , and that your rage Would not be purg'd , she sent you word she was dead ; But , fearing since how it might work , hath sent Me to proclaim the truth; and I am come, I dread, too late. Ant. Too late, good Diomed: call my guard, I prithee. Dio. What, ho, the emperor's guard! The guard, what, ho! Come, your lord calls! Enter some of the Guard. Ant. Bear me , good friends , where Cleopatra bides ; Tis the last service that I shall command you SC1SNKXV.] ANTONY AND OLEOPATKA. 409 ffrst Guard. Woe, woe are we, sir, you may not live to wear All your true followers out. All. Most heavy day! Ant. Nay, good my fellows, do not please sharp fate To grace it with your sorrows : bid that welcome Which comes to punish us, and we punish it Seeming to bear it lightly. Take me up : I've led you oft: carry me now, good friends, And have my thanks for all. [Exeunt, bearing Antony SCBNB XV. The same. A monument. Enter, above, CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, and IRAS. Cleo. Charmian, I will never go from hence. Char. Be comforted, dear madam. Cleo. No, I will not: All strange and terrible events are welcome , But comforts we despise; our size of sorrow, Proportioned to our cause, must be as great As that which makes it. Enter, below, DIOMKDKS. How now! is he dead? . Dio, His death 's upon him, but not dead. Look out o' th' other side your monument ; His guard have brought him thither. Enter, below, AHTONY, borne by the Guard. Cleo. sun, Burn the great sphere thou mov'st in! darkling stand The varying shore o' the world. Antony, Antony, Antony! Help, Charmian; help, Iras, help; Help, Mends below! let's draw him hither. Ant. Peace! Not Caesar's valour hath o'erthrown Antony, But Antony's hath triurnph'd on itself. 410 ANTONY AND OU3OPATKA. [ACT IV. Cleo. So it should be , that none but Antony Should conquer Antony; but woe 'tis so! Ant. I am dying, Egypt, dying; only I here importune death awhile , until Of many thousand kisses the poor last I lay upon thy lips. Cleo. I dare not, dear, Dear my lord, pardon, I dare not, Lest 1 be taken: not th' imperious show Of the full-fortun'd Caesar ever shall Be brooch'd with me; if knife, drugs, serpents, have Edge, sting, or operation, I am safe: Your wife Octavia, with her modest eyes And still conclusion , shall acquire no honour Demuring upon me. But come, come, Antony, ~ Help me, my women, we must draw thee up; Assist , good friends. Ant. 0, quick , or I am gone. Cleo. Here's sport indeed! How heavy weighs my lord, Our strength is all gone into heaviness , That makes the weight: had I great Juno's power, The strong-wing'd Mercury should fetch thee up, And set thee by Jove's side. Yet come a little, Wishers were ever fools, 0, come, come, come; [They draw Antony up, And welcome, welcome! die where thou hast liv'd: Quicken with kissing: had my lips that power, Thus would I wear them out. All. A heavy sight! Ant. I am dying, Egypt, dying: Give me some wine , and let me speak a little. Cleo. No, let me speak; and let me rail so high, That the false housewife Fortune break her wheel, Provok'd by my offence. Ant. One word, sweet queen: Of Caesar seek your honour, with your safety. OI Cleo. They do not go together. SCENE XV.] ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 411 Ant. Gentle, hear me: None about Casar trust but Proculeius Cleo. My resolution and my hands I'll trust; None about Caesar. Ant. The miserable change now at my end Lament nor sorrow at; but* please your thoughts In feeding them with those my former fortunes, Wherein 1 liv'd the greatest prince o' the world, The noblest; and do now not basely die, Nor cowardly put off my helmet to My countryman, a Roman by a Roman Valiantly vanquished. Now my spirit is going ; I can no more. Cleo. Noblest of men , woo't die ? Hast thou no care of me? shall I abide In this dull world, which in thy absence is No better than a sty? 0, see, my women, [Antony dies, The crown o' th' earth doth melt. My lord! my lord! 0, wither'd is the garland of the war , The soldier's pole is fall'n : young boys and girls Are level now with men; the odds is gone, And there is nothing left remarkable Beneath the visiting moon. [Faints. Char. 0, quietness , lady ! Iras. She is dead too , our sovereign. Char. Lady, Iras. Madam, Char. madam , madam , madam , Iras. Royal Egypt, Empress , Char. Peace , peace , Iras ! Cleo. No more, but e'en a woman, and commanded By such poor passion as the maid that milks And does the meanest chares. It were for me To throw my sceptre at th' injurious gods; To teU them that this world did equal theirs Till they had stol'n our jewel. All's but naught; 412 ANTONY AND CLBOPATIIA. [ACTY. Patience is sottish , and impatience does Become a dog that's mad : then is it sin To rush into the secret house of death, Ere death dare come to us? How do you, women? What, what! good cheer! Why, how now, Charmian! My noble girls ! Ah , women , women , look , Our lamp is spent, it's out! Good sirs, take heart: We'll bury him ; and then , what's brave , what's noble , Let's do it after the high .Roman fashion , And make death proud to take us. Come , away : This case of that huge spirit now is cold : Ah , women , women ! come ; we have no friend But resolution , and the briefest end. [Exeunt; those above bearing off Antony's body. ACT V. SCENE I. CESAR'S camp before Alexandria. Enter CAESAR, AGKIPPA, DOLABELLA, MEC^BNAS, GALLCS, PRO- CULEIUS, and others. CCRS. Go to him, Dolabella, bid him yield; Being so frustrate , tell him he mocks The pauses that he makes. Dol. Caesar, I shall. [Exit Enter DERCBTAS , with the sword of ANTONY. Cces. Wherefore is that? and what art thou that dar'st Appear thus to us? Der. I am call'd Dercetas; Mark Antony I serv'd, who best was worthy Best to be serv'd: whilst he stood up and spoke, He was my master; and I wore my life To spend upon his haters. If thou please To take me to thee, as I was to him I'll be to Caesar; if thou pleasest not, I yield thee up my life. SCENE I.] ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 413 OCRS. What is't thou say'stV Der. I say, Caesar, Antony is dead. Cces. The breaking of so great a thing shou.d make A greater crack : the round world Should have shook lions into civil streets, And citizens to their dens: the death of Antony Is not a single doom; in the name lay A moiety of the world. Der. He is dead, Caesar; Not by a public minister of justice, Nor by a hired knife; but that self hand , Which writ his honour in the acts it did , Hath , with the courage which the heart did lend it , Splitted the heart. This is his sword ; I robb'd his wound of it; behold it stain'd With his most noble blood. Cces. Look you sad , friends ? The gods rebuke me , but it is a tidings To wash the eyes of kings. Agr. And strange it is That nature must compel us to lament Our most persisted deeds. Mec. His taints and honours Wag'd equal with him. Agr. A rarer spirit never Did steer humanity: but you, gods, will give us Some faults to make us men. Caesar is touch'd. * Mec. When such a spacious mirror's set before him , He needs must see himself. Cces. Antony! I've follow'd thee to this: but we do lance Diseases in our bodies: I must perforce Have shown to thee such a declining day, Or look'd on thine; we could not stall together In the whole world: but yet let me lament, With tears as sovereign as the blood of hearts, That thou, my brother, my competitor 414 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. JACTV. In top of all design, my mate in empire, Friend and companion in the front of war , The arm of mine own body, and the heart Where mine his thoughts did kindle, that our stars, Unreconciliable, should divide Our equalness to this. Hear me , good friends , But I will tell you at some meeter season: Enter a Messenger. The business of this man looks out of him; We'll hear him what he says. Whence are you? Mess. A poor Egyptian yet. The queen my mistress , Confin'd in all she has, her monument, Of thy intents desires instruction, That she preparedly may frame herself To the way she's forc'd to. Cces. Bid her have good heart: She soon shall know of us , by some of ours , How honourable and how kindly we Determine for her; for Caesar cannot learn To be ungentle. Mess. So the gods preserve thee ! [Exit Cces. Come hither, Proculeius. Go, and say We purpose her no shame: give her what comforts The quality of her passion shall require , Lest, in her greatness, by some mortal stroke She do defeat us ; for her life in Home Would be eternal in our triumph: go, And with your speediest bring us what she says, And how you find of her. Pro. Caesar, I shall. [Exit. Cces. Grallus, go you along. [Exit Gal.] Where's Dolabella, To second Proculeius? Agr. Mec. frc. Dolabella! Cces. Let him alone , for I remember now How he's employ'd: he shall in time be ready. Go with me to my tent; where you shall see SCENE n.] ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 415 How hardly I was drawn into this war; How calm and gentle I proceeded still In all my writings : go with me , and see What I can show in this. [Exeunt, SCENE EL Alexandria. A room in the monument. Enter CLBOPATBA, CHARMIAN, and IRAS. Cleo. My desolation does begin to make A better life. Tis paltry to be Caesar; Not being Fortune , he's but Fortune's knave , A minister of her will: and it is great To do that thing that ends all other deeds; Which shackles accidents, and bolts up change; Which sleeps, and never palates more the dug, The beggar's nurse and Caesar's. Enter, to the gates of the monument, PBOCULEIUS, GALLUS, and Soldiers. Pro. Caesar sends greeting to the Queen of Egypt ; And bids thee study on what fair demands Thou mean'st to have him grant thee. Cleo. What's thy name? Pro. My name is Proculeius. Cleo. Antony Did tell me of you, bade me trust you; but I do not greatly care to be deceiv'd , That have no use for trusting. If your master Would have a queen his beggar , you must tell him , That majesty, to keep decorum, must No less beg than a kingdom : if he please To give me conquer'd Egypt for my son, He gives me so much of mine own, as I Will kneel to him with thanks. Pro. Be of good cheer; You're fall'n into a princely hand , fear nothing : Make your full reference freely to my lord, 416 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. JACTV Who is so full of grace , that it flows over On all that need : let me report to him Your sweet dependency; and you shall find A conqueror that will pray in aid for kindness, Where he for grace is kneel'd to. Cleo. Pray you, tell him I am his fortune's vassal, and I send him The greatness he has got. I hourly learn A doctrine of obedience; and would gladly Look him i' the face. Pro. This I'll report, dear lady. Have comfort, for 1 know your plight is pitied Of him that caus'd it. Gal. You see how easily she may be surprised : [Here Proculeius and two of the Guard ascend the monument by a ladder placed against a window, and, having descended, come behind Cleopatra, Some of the Guard unbar and open the gates. {To Proculeius and the Guard] Guard her till Caesar come. [Exit. Iras. Royal queen! Char. Cleopatra! thou art taken, queen! Cleo. Quick, quick, good hands. [Drawing a dagger. Pro. Hold, worthy lady, hold: [Seizes and disarms her. Do not yourself such wrong , who are in this Relieved , but not betray'd. Cleo. What, of death too , That rids our dogs of languish ? Pro. Cleopatra, Do not abuse my master's bounty by Th' undoing of yourself: let the world see His nobleness well acted , which your death Will never let come forth. Cleo. Where art thou , death? Come hither , come ! come , come , and take a queen Worth many babes and beggars! BOBNBII.) ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 41? Pro. 0, temperance , lady ! Cleo. Sir, I will eat no meat, I'll not drink, sir; If idle talk will once be necessary, I'll not sleep neither: this mortal house I'll ruin, Do Caesar what he can. Know, sir, that I Will not wait pinion'd at your master's court; Nor once be chistis'd with the sober eye Of dull Octavia. Shall they hoist me up , And show me to the shouting varletry Of censuring Rome? Rather a ditch in Egypt Be gentle grave unto me ! rather on Nilus' mud Lay me stark-nak'd , and let the water-flies Blow me into abhorring ! rather make My country's high pyramides my gibbet , And hang me up in chains ! Pro. You do extend These thoughts of horror further than you shall Find cause in Caesar. Enter DOLABKLLA. Dol. Proculeius , What thou hast done thy master Caesar knows , And he hath sent me for thee : for the queen , I'll take her to my guard. Pro. So, Dolabella, It shall content mo best: be gentle to her. [To Cleo.] To Caesar I will speak what you shall please, If you'll employ me to him. Cleo. Say, I would die. [Exeunt Proculeius and Soldiers Dol. Most noble empress , you have heard of me? Cleo. I cannot tell. Dol. Assuredly you know me. Cleo. No matter, sir, what I have heard or known. You laugh when boys or women tell their dreams ; Is't not your trick? Dol. I understand not, madam. VI. 27 418 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. Cleo. I dream'd there was an emperor Antony: 0, such another sleep, that I might see But such another man ! DoL If it might please ye , Cleo. His face was as the heavens; and therein stuck A sun and moon , which kept their course , and lighted The little 0, the earth. DoL Most sovereign creature , Cleo. His legs bestrid the ocean: his rear'd arm Crested the world; his voice was propertied As all the tuned spheres , and that to friends ; But when he meant to quail and shake the orb , He was as rattling thunder. For his bounty, There was no winter in't; an autumn 'twas That grew the more by reaping : his delights Were dolphin-like; they show'd his back above The element they liv'd in : in his livery Walk'd crowns and crownets; realms and islands were As plates dropp'd from his pocket. Dol. Cleopatra, Cleo. Think you there was , or might be , such a man As this I dream'd of? Dol. Gentle madam, no. Cleo. You lie, up to the hearing of the gods. But, if there be, or ever were, one such, It's past the size of dreaming: nature wants stuff To vie strange forms with fancy; yet, t' imagine An Antony, were nature's piece 'gainst fancy, Condemning shadows quite. Dol. Hear me, good madam. Your loss is as yourself, great; and you bear it As answering to the weight: would I might never O'ertake pursu'd success, but I do feel, By the rebound of yours , a grief that smites My very heart at root. Cleo. I thank you , sir. Know you what Cassar means to do with me? SCENE n.] ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 419 DoL I'm loth to tell you what I would you knew. Cleo. Nay, pray you, sir, Dol. Though he be honourable, Cleo. He'll lead me , then , in triumph ? DoL Madam, he will; I know't. [Flourish within. Within. Make way there , Caesar ! Enter CJSSAR, GALLUS, PBOCULEIUS, MBCJSNAS, SKLEUCUS, and Attendants. Cces. Which is the Queen of Egypt? Dol. It is the emperor, madam. [Cleopatra kneels CCES. Arise , you shall not kneel : I pray you , rise ; rise , Egypt. Cleo. Sir, the gods Will have it thus; my master and my lord I must obey. Cox. Take to you no hard thoughts : The record of what injuries you did us , Though written in our flesh , we shall remember As things but done by chance. Cleo. Sole sir o' the world , I cannot project mine own cause so well To make it clear; but do confess I have Been laden with like frailties which before Have often sham'd our sex. Cces. Cleopatra , know , We will extenuate rather than enforce : If you apply yourself to our intents, Which towards you are most gentle , you shall find A benefit in this change ; but if you seek To lay on me a cruelty, by taking Antony's course , you shall bereave yourself Of my good purposes , and put your children To that destruction which I'll guard them from , If thereon you rely. I'll take my leave. Cleo. And may, through all the world : 'tis yours; and we, 27* 420 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. I> OT * If our scutcheons and your signs of conquest, shall Hang in what place you please. Here, my good lord. Cces. You shall advise me in all for Cleopatra. Cleo. This is the brief of money, plate , and jewels , I am possess'd of: 'tis exactly valu'd; Not petty things admitted. Where's Seleucus? Sel. Here , madam. Cleo. This is my treasurer: let him speak, my lord, Upon his peril , that I have reserv'd To myself nothing. Speak the truth, Seleucus. Sel. Madam , 1 had rather seal my lips than, to my peril, Speak that which is not. Cleo. What have I kept back? Sel. Enough to purchase what you have made known. Cox. Nay, blush not, Cleopatra; I approve Your wisdom in the deed. Cleo. See, Caesar! 0, behold, How pomp is follow'd I mine will now be yours ; And , should we shift estates , yours would be mine. Th' ingratitude of this Seleucus does Even make me wild: slave, of no more trust Than love that's hir'd! What, goest thou back? thou shall Go back, I warrant thee; but I'll catch thine eyes, Though they had wings: slave, soulless villain, dog! rarely base! Cas. Good queen , let us entreat you. Cleo. Caesar, what a wounding shame is this , That thou, vouchsafing here to visit me, Doing the honour of thy lordliness To one so meek , that mine own servant should Parcel the sum of my disgraces by Addition of his envy! Say, good Caesar, That I some lady trifles have reserv'd , Immoment toys , things of such dignity As we greet modern friends withal; and aay, Some nobler token I have kept apart SCENE II.] ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA 421 For Livia and Octavia, to induce Their mediation; must I be unfolded With one that I have bred? The gods! it smites me Beneath the fall I have. [To Seleucus] Prithee, go hence; Or I shall show the cinders of my spirits Through th' ashes of my chance: wert thou a man, Thou wouldst have mercy on me. Cces. Forbear, Seleucus. [Exit Seleucus. Cleo. Be't known that we, the greatest, are misthought For things that others do; and, when we fall, We answer others' merits in our name , Are therefore to be pitied. Cas. Cleopatra, Not what you have reserved, nor what acknowledged, Put we i' the roll of conquest: still be't yours, Bestow it at your pleasure ; and believe , Caesar's no merchant , to make prize with you Of things that merchants sold. Therefore be cheer'd; Make not your thoughts your prisons: no, dear queen; For we intend so to dispose you as Yourself shall give us counsel. Feed, and sleep: Our care and pity is so much upon you, That we remain your friend; and so, adieu. Cleo. My master, and my lord! Cas. Not so. Adieu. [Flourish. Exeunt Casar and his Train. Cleo. He words me , girls , he words me , that I should not Be noble to myself: but, hark thee, Charmian. [Whispers Charmian, Iras. Finish, good lady; the bright day is done, And we are for the dark. Cleo. Hie thee again: I've spoke already, and it is provided; Go put it to the haste. Char. Madam, I will. 422 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. [ACT V Re-enter DOLABELLA. DoL Where is the queen? Char. Behold, sir. [Exit Cleo. Dolabella! DoL Madam , as thereto sworn by your command , Which my love makes religion to obey, I tell you this: Caesar through Syria Intends his journey; and, within three days, You with your children will he send before: Make your best use of this: I have perfonn'd Your pleasure and my promise. Cleo. Dolabella, I shall remain your debtor. Dol. I your servant. Adieu, good queen; I must attend on Caesar. Cleo. Farewell, and thanks. [Exit Dolabella. Now, Iras, what think'st thou? Thou, an Egyptian puppet, shalt be shown In Rome, as well as I: mechanic slaves, With greasy aprons, rules, and hammers, shall Uplift us to the view; in their thick breaths, Rank of gross diet , shall we be enclouded , And forc'd to drink their vapour. Iras. The gods forbid! Cleo. Nay, 'tis most certain, Iras: saucy lictors Will catch at us, like strumpets; and scald rhymers Ballad us out o' tune : the quick comedians Extemporally will stage us , and present Our Alexandrian revels; Antony Shall be brought drunken forth, and I shall see Some squeaking Cleopatra boy my greatness I' the posture of a whore. Iras. the good gods! Cleo. Nay, that's certain. Iras. I'll never see't; for I am sure my i&ils Are stronger than mine eyes. Why, that's the way 8CKNBII.] ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 423 To fool their preparation, and to conquer Their most absurd intents. Re-enter CHARMIAN. Now , Charmian I Show me, my women, like a queen: go fetch My best attires; I am again for Cydnus, To meet Mark Antony : sirrah Iras , go. Now, noble Charmian, we'll dispatch indeed; And , when thou'st done this chare , I'll give thee leave To play till doomsday. Bring our crown and all. Wherefore's this noise? [Exit Iras. A noise within. Enter one of the Guard. Guard. Here is a rural fellow That will not be denied your highness* presence: He brings you figs. Cleo. Let him come in. [Exit Guard. What poor an instrument May do a noble deed! he brings me liberty. My resolution's plac'd , and I have nothing Of woman in me : now from head to foot I'm marble-constant; now the fleeting moon No planet is of mine. Re-enter one of the Guard, with Clown bringing in a basket. Guard. This is the man. Cleo. Avoid, and leave him. [Exit Guard. Hast thou the pretty worm of Nilus there , That kills and pains not? Clown. Truly I have him: but I would not be the party that should desire you to touch him , for his biting is immor- tal; those that do die of it do seldom or never recover. Cleo. Rememberest thou any that have died on't? Clown. Very many, men and women too. I heard of one of them no longer than yesterday: a very honest woman, but something given to lie; as a woman should not do, but in the 424 ANTONY AND CLEOPATKA. [ACT V way of honesty: how she died of the biting of it, what pain she felt, truly, she makes a very good report o' the worm; but he that will believe all that they say shall never be saved by half that they do : but this is most fallible , the worm's an odd worm. Cleo. Get thee hence; farewell. Clown. I wish you all joy of the worm. [Sets down his basket. Cleo. Farewell. Clown. You must think this , look you, that the worm will do his kind. Cleo. Ay, ay; farewell. Clown. Look you, the worm is not to be trusted but in the keeping of wise people ; for, indeed , there is no goodness in the worm. Cleo. Take thou no care; it shall be heeded. Clown. Very good. Give it nothing, I pray you, for it is not worth the feeding. Cleo. Will it eat me? Clown. You must not think I am so simple but I know the devil himself will not eat a woman: I know that a wo- man is a dish for the gods, if the devil dress her not. But, truly, these same whoreson devils do the gods great harm in their women; for .in every ten that they make, the devils mar five. Cleo. Well , get thee gone ; farewell. Clown. Yes, forsooth; I wish you joy o' the worm. [Exit. Re-enter IBAS with a robe, crown, frc. Cleo. Give me my robe, put on my crown; I have Immortal longings in me : now no more The juice of Egypt's grape shall moist this lip: Yare, yare, good Iras; quick. Methinks I hear Antony call; I see him rouse himself To praise my noble act; I hear him mock The luck of Caesar, which the gods give men T' excuse their after wrath : husband , I come : SCJ5NBII.J ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 425 Now to that name my courage prove my title ! I'm fire and air; my other elements I give to baser life. So, have you done? Come then , and take the last warmth of my lips Farewell, kind Charmian; Iras, long farewell. [Kisses them. Iras falls and dies. Have I the aspic in my lips? Dost fall? If thou and nature can so gently part, The stroke of death is as a lover's pinch , Which hurts, and is desir'd. Dost thou lie still? If thus thou vanishest , thou tell'st the world It is not worth leave-taking. Char. Dissolve, thick cloud, and rain; that I may say The gods themselves do weep ! Cleo. This proves me base: If she first meet the curled Antony, He'll make demand of her, and spend that kiss Which is my heaven to have. Come , thou mortal wretch , [To an asp, which she applies to her breast With thy sharp teeth this knot intrinsicate Of life at once untie: poor venomous fool, Be angry, and dispatch. , couldst thou speak , That I might hear thee call great Caesar ass Unpolicied I Char. eastern star! Cleo. Peace, peace! Dost thou not see my baby at my breast, That sucks the nurse asleep? Char. 0, break! 0, break! Cleo. As sweet as balm, as soft as air, as gentle, Antony! Nay, 1 will take thee too: [Applying another asp to her arm What should I stay [Dies Char. In this vile world? So, fare thee well. Now boast thee, death, in thy possession lies A lass unparallel'd. Downy windows, close; And golden Phoebus never be beheld 426 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. [ACT V. Of eyes again so royal ! Your crown's awry ; 111 mend it, and then play. Enter the Guard, rushing in. First Guard. Where is the queen? Char. Speak softly, wake her not. First Guard. Caesar hath sent Char. Too slow a messenger. [Applies an asp. 0, come apace , dispatch : 1 partly feel thee. First Guard. Approach, ho! All's not well: Caesar's be- guil'd. Sec. Guard. There's Dolabella sent from Caesar; call him. First Guard. What work is here !. Charmian, is this well done? Char. It is well done, and fitting for a princess Descended of so many royal kings. Ah, soldier! [Dies. Re-ent&' DOLABBLLA. Dot. How goes it here? Sec. Guard. All dead. Dot. Caesar, thy thoughts Touch their effects in this: thyself art coming To see perform'd the dreaded act which thou So sought'st to hinder. Within. A way there, a way for Caesar! Re-enter CJESAR and his Train. ' Dot. sir, you are too sure an augurer; That you did fear is done. CCES. Brav'st at the last, She levell'd at our purposes, and, being royal, Took her own way. The manner of their deaths? I do not see them bleed. Dol. Who was last with them? First Guard. A simple countryman, that brought her figs: This was his basket SCENE II.] ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. 427 COT n. Sec. Lord, [aside] You are a fool granted; therefore your issues, being foolish, do not derogate. Clo. Come, I'll go see this Italian: what I have lost to- day at bowls I'll win to-night of him. Come, go. Sec. Lord. I'll attend your lordship. [Exeunt Cloten and First Lord. That such a crafty devil as is his mother Should yield the world this ass! a woman that Bears all down with her brain ; and this her son Cannot take two from twenty, for his heart, And leave eighteen. Alas, poor princess, Thou divine Imogen, what thou endur'st, Betwixt a father by thy step-dame govern'd, A mother hourly coining plots , a wooer More hateful than the foul expulsion is Of thy dear husband , than that horrid act Of the divorce he'd make ! The heavens hold firm The walls of thy dear honour; keep unshak'd That temple, thy fair mind; that thou mayst stand, TV enjoy thy banish'd lord and this great land! [Exit. SCENE U. The same. IMOGEN'S bedchamber in CYMBELIHK'S palace: a trunk in one corner of it. IMOGEN in bed, reading; a Lady attending. Imo. Who's there? my woman Helen? Lady. Please you, madam. Imo. What hour is it? Lady. Almost midnight, madam. Imo. I have read three hours, then: mine eyes are weak: Fold down the leaf where I have left: to bed: Take not away the taper, leave it burning; And if thou canst awake by four o' the clock, I prithee , call me. Sleep hath seiz'd me wholly. [Exit Lady. To your protection I commend me , gods ! From fairies, and the tempters of the night, Guard me, beseech ye! [Sleeps. lachimo comes from the trunk. 8CENB H.] CYMBELINE. 455 lack. The crickets sing, and man's o'er-labour'd sense Repairs itself by rest. Our Tarquin thus Did softly press the rushes, ere he waken'd The chastity he wounded. Cytherea, How bravely thou becom'st thy bed ! fresh lily ! And whiter than the sheets! That J might touch I But kiss; one kiss! Rubies unparagon'd, How dearly they do't ! 'Tis her breathing that Perfumes the chamber thus : the flame o' the taper Bows toward her; and would under-peep her lids, To see th' enclosed lights , now canopied Under these windows , white and azure , lac'd With blue of heaven's own tinct. But my design 's To note the chamber: I will write all down: Such and such pictures; there the window; such Th' adornment of her bed ; the arras , figures , Why, such and such; and the contents o* the story, Ah , but some natural notes about her body, Above ten thousand meaner movables Would testify, t' enrich mine inventory : sleep, thou ape of death, lie dull upon her! And be her sense but as a monument, Thus in a chapel lying! Come off, come off; [Taking off her bracelet, As slippery as the Gordian knot was hard! 'Tis mine; and this will witness outwardly, As strongly as the conscience does within, To the madding of her lord. On her left breast A mole cinque-spotted , like the crimson drops F the bottom of a cowslip : here's a voucher , Stronger than ever law could make : this secret Will force him think I've pick'd the lock , and ta'en The treasure of her honour. No more. To what end? Why should I write this down , that's riveted , Screw'd to my memory ? She hath been reading late The tale of Tereus: here the leafs turn'd down Where Philomel gave up. I have enough : 456 CYMBBLINB. I ACT 11. To the trunk again, and shut the spring of it. Swift, swift, you dragons of the night, that dawning May bare the raven's eye! I lodge in fear; Though this a heavenly angel , hell is here. [Clock strikes. One , two , three , Time , time ! [Goes into the trunk. Scene closes. SCBNB III. The same. An ante-chamber adjoining IMOGEN'S apartments in the same. Enter CLOTBN and Lords. First Lord. Your lordship is the most patient man in loss, the most coldest that ever turned up ace. Clo. It would make any man cold to lose. First Lord. But not every man patient after the noble temper of your lordship. You are most hot and furious when you win. Clo. Winning will put any man into courage. If I could get this foolish Imogen, I should have gold enough. It's almost morning , is't not ? First Lord. Day, my lord. Clo. I would this music would come: I am advised to give her music o' mornings ; they say it will penetrate. Enter Musicians. Come on; tune: if you can penetrate her with your finger- ing, so; we'll try with tongue too: if none will do, let her remain; but I'll never give o'er. First, a very excellent good- conceited thing; after, a wonderful sweet air, with admirable rich words to it, and then let her consider. Song. Hark, hark! the lark at heaven 9 s gate sings And Phcebus gins arise, His steeds to water at those springs On chalicfd flowers that lies; And winking Mary -buds begin To ope their golden eyes: SCENE in.] CYMBELINE. 457 With every thing that pretty is , My lady sweet, arise; Arise, arise! Clo. So, get you gone. If this penetrate, I will consider your music the better: if it do not, it is a vice in her ears, which horse-hairs and calves'-guts , nor the voice of unpaved eunuch to boot , can never amend. [Exeunt Musicians. Sec. Lord. Here comes the king. Clo. I am glad I was up so late; for that's the reason I was up so early; he cannot choose but take this service I have done fatherly. Enter CYMBBLINB and Queen. Good morrow to your majesty and to my gracious mother. Cym. Attend you here the door of our stern daughter? Will she not forth? Clo. I have assailed her with music , but she vouchsafes no notice. Cym. The exile of her minion is too new; She hath not yet forgot him: some more time Must wear the print of his remembrance out , And then she's yours. Queen. You are most bound to the king, Who lets go by no vantages that may Prefer you to his daughter. Frame yourself To orderly solicits , and be friended With aptness of the season; make denials Increase your services; so seem as if You were inspir'd to do those duties which You tender to her; that you in all obey her, Save when command to your dismission tends, And therein you are senseless. Clo. Senseless ! not so. Enter a Messenger. Mess. So like you, sir, ambassadors from Rome; The one is Caius Lucius. 458 CYMBBLINB. [ACTI1. Cym. A worthy fellow , Albeit he comes on angry purpose now ; But that's no fault of his : we must receive him According to the honour of his sender ; And towards himself, his goodness forespent on us , We must extend our notice. Our dear son , When you have given good morning to your mistress , Attend the queen and us; we shall have need T" employ you towards this Roman. Come, our queen. [Exeunt all except Cloten. Clo. If she be up, I'll speak with her; if not, Let her lie still and dream. By your leave, ho! [Knocks. I know her women are about her: what If I do line one of their hands? "Pis gold Which buys admittance; oft it doth; yea, and makes Diana's rangers false themselves, yield up Their deer to the stand o 1 the stealer ; and 'tis gold Which makes the true man kill'd , and saves the thief; Nay, sometime hangs both thief and true man: what Can it not do and undo? I will make One of her women lawyer to me; for I yet not understand the case myself. By your leave. [Knocks. Enter a Lady. Lady. Who's there that knocks? Clo. A gentleman. Lady. No more ? Clo. Yes, and a gentlewoman's son. Lady. That's more Than some, whose tailors are as dear as yours, Can justly boast of. What's your lordship's pleasure? Clo. Your lady's person: is she ready? Lady. Ay, To keep her chamber. Clo. There is gold for you; Sell me your good report. SCENE m.] CYMBELINE. 459 Lady. How! my good name? or to report of you What I shall think is good? The princess! Enter IMOGEN. Clo. Good morrow, fairest: sister, your sweet hand. [Exit Lady. Imo. Good morrow, sir. You lay out too much pains For purchasing but trouble : the thanks I give Is telling you that I am poor of thanks , And scarce can spare them. Clo. Still, I swear 1 love you. Imo. If you but said so, 'twere as deep with me: If you swear still , your recompense is still That I regard it not. Clo. This is no answer. Imo. But that you shall not say , I yield being silent , 1 would not speak. I pray you, spare me: faith, I shall unfold equal discourtesy To your best kindness: one of your great knowing Should learn, being taught, forbearance. Clo. To leave you in your madness , 'twere my sin : 1 will not. Imo. Fools are not mad folks. Clo. Do you call me fool? Imo. As I am mad, I do: If you'll be patient, I'll no more be mad; That cures us both. I am much sorry, sir, You put me to forget a lady's manners, By being so verbal : and learn now, for all , That I, which know my heart, do here pronounce, By the very truth of it, I care not for you; And am so near the lack of charity, T' accuse myself, I hate you ; which I had rather You felt than make't my boast. Clo. You sin against Obedience, which you owe your father. For The contract you pretend with that base wretch, 460 CYMBELINE. [ACT n. One bred of alms, and foster'd with cold dishes, With scraps o' the court, it is no contract, none: And though it be allow'd in meaner parties Yet who than he more mean? to knit their souls On whom there is no more dependency But brats and beggary in self-figur 'd knot ; Yet you are curb'd from that enlargement by The consequence o' the crown; and must not soil The precious note of it with a base slave, A hilding for a livery, a squire's cloth , A pantler , not so eminent. Imo. Profane fellow I Wert thou the son of Jupiter, and no more But what thou art besides , thou wert too base To be his groom : thou wert dignified enough , Even to the point of envy, if 'twere made Comparative for your virtues , to be styl'd The under-hanginan of his kingdom; and hated For being preferred so well. Clo. The south-fog rot him I Imo. He never can meet more mischance than come To be but nain'd of thee. His meanest garment, That ever hath but clipped his body, is dearer In my respect than all the hairs above thee, Were they all made such men. Enter PIBANIO. How now, Pisanio I Clo. "His garment"! Now, the devil Imo. To Dorothy my woman hie thee presently Clo. "His garment"! Imo. I am sprited with a fool; Frighted, and anger'd worse : go bid my woman Search for a jewel that too casually Hath left mine arm: it was thy master's; shrew me, If I would lose it for a revenue Of any king's in Europe. I do think SCENE IV. ] YMBELINE. 4 6 1 I saw't this morning : confident I am Last night 'twas on mine arm ; I kiss'd it : I hope it be not gone to tell my lord That 1 kiss aught but he. Pis. 'Twill not be lost. Imo. I hope so: go and search. \ExitPisanio. Clo. You have abus'd me : "His meanest garment"! Imo. Ay, I said so, sir: If you will make't an action , call witness to't. Clo. I will inform your father. Imo. Your mother too : She's my good lady; and will conceive, I hope, But the worst of me. So, I leave you, sir, To the worst of discontent. [Exit. Clo. I'llbereveng'd: - " His meanest garment " ! Well. [Exit. SCENE IV. Rome. An apartment in PHTLARIO'S house. Enter POSTHUMUS and PHILAKIO. Post. Fear it not , sir : I would I were so sure To win the king , as I am bold her honour Will remain hers. Phi. What means do you make to him? Post . Not any ; but abide the change of time ; Quake in the present winter's state , and wish That wanner days would come : in these sear'd hopes , 1 barely gratify your love ; they failing , I must die much your debtor. Phi. Your very goodness and your company O'erpays all I can do. By this, your king Hath heard of great Augustus : Caius Lucius Will do's commission throughly: and I think He'll grant the tribute , send th' arrearages , Or look upon our Romans, whose remembrance Is yet fresh in their grief. 462 CYMBELINB. f ACT n. Post. 1 do believe Statist though I am none, nor like to be That this will prove a war; and you shall hear The legions now in Gallia sooner landed In our not-fearing Britain than have tidings Of any penny tribute paid. Our countrymen Are men more ordered than when Julius Ciesar Smil'd at their lack of skill , but found their courage Worthy his frowning at: their discipline Now mingled with their courage will make known To their approvers they are people such That mend upon the world. Phi. See! lachimo! Enter IACHDIO. Post. The swiftest harts have posted you by land ; And winds of all the corners kiss'd your sails, To make your vessel nimble. Phi. Welcome , sir. Post. I hope the briefness of your answer made The speediness of your return. lack. Your lady Is one of the fairest that I've look'd upon. Post. And therewithal the best; or let her beauty Look through a casement to allure false hearts , And be false with them. lack. Here are letters for you. Post. Their tenour good , I trust. lack. 'Tis very like. Phi. Was Caius Lucius in the Britain court When you were there? lack. He was expected then, But not approach^. Post. All is well yet. Sparkles this stone as it was wont? or is't not Too dull for your good wearing? ^ lack. If I had lost it, SCENE IV.] CYMBELINB. 463 I should have lost the worth of it in gold. I'll make a journey twice as far, t' enjoy A second night of such sweet shortness which Was mine in Britain; for the ring is won. Post. The stone's too hard to come by. lack. Not a whit , Your lady being so easy. Post. Make not, sir, Your loss your sport: I hope you know that we Must not continue friends. Jack. Good sir, we must, If you keep covenant. Had I not brought The knowledge of your mistress home, I grant We were to question further: but I now Profess myself the winner of her honour, Together with your ring; and not the wronger Of her or you, having proceeded but By both your wills. Post. If you can make 't apparent That you have tasted her in bed , my hand And ring is yours: if not, the foul opinion You had of her pure honour gains or loses Your sword or mine, or masterless leaves both To who shall find them. lack. Sir, my circumstances, Being so near the truth as I will make them , Must first induce you to believe : whose strength I will confirm with oath; which, I doubt not, You'll give me leave to spare , when you shall find You need it not. Post. Proceed. lack. First, her bedchamber, Where, I confess, I slept not; but profess Had that was well worth watching, it was hang'd With tapestry of silk and silver; the story Proud Cleopatra , when she met her Koman , Aud Cydnua swell'd above the banks , or for 464 CYMBELINB. t ArJ1? n The press of boats or pride : a piece of work So bravely done , so rich , that it did strive In workmanship and value ; which I wonder 'd Could be so rarely and exactly wrought, Since the true life on't was Post. This is true; And this you might have heard of here , by me Or by some other. lack. . More particulars Must justify my knowledge. Post. So they must, Or do your honour injury. lack. The chimney la south the chamber; and the chimney-piece Chaste Dian bathing : never saw I figures So likely to report themselves : the cutter Was as another nature, dumb; outwent her, Motion and breath left out. Post. This is a thing Which you might from relation likewise reap , Being, as it is, much spoke of. lack. The roof o' the chamber With golden cherubins is fretted : her andirons I had forgot them were two winking Cupids Of silver, each on one foot standing, nicely Depending on their brands. Post. This is her honour! , Let it be granted you have seen all this, and praise Be given to your remembrance , the description Of what is in her chamber nothing saves The wager you have laid. lack. Then , if you can , [Falling out the bracelet Be pale: I beg but leave to air this jewel; see! And now 'tis up again : it must be married To that your diamond ; I'll keep them. Post. Jove! 30BNK IV. j CYMBELINE. 465 Once more let me behold it: is it that Which I left with her? lack. Sir, I thank her, that: She stripped it from her arm; I see her yet; Her pretty action did outsell her gift, And yet enrich'd it too : she gave it me , and said She priz'd it once. Post. May be she pluck'd it off To send it me. lack. She writes so to you, doth she? Post. 0, no, no, no! 'tis true. Here, take this too; [Gives the ring. It is a basilisk unto mine eye , Kills me to look on't. Let there be no honour Where there is beauty; truth, where semblance; love, Where there's another man : the vows of women Of no more bondage be , to where they're made , Than they are to their virtues ; which is nothing. 0, above measure false I Pfd. Have patience, sir, And take your ring again; 'tis not yet won: It may be probable she lost it; or Who knows if one o' her women, being corrupted, Hath stol'n it from her? Post . Very true ; And so , I hope , he came by 't. Back my ring : Render to me some corporal sign about her , More evident than this ; for this was stol'n. lack. By Jupiter, I had it from her arm. Post. Hark you , he swears ; by Jupiter he swears. 'Tis true , nay, keep the ring , 'tis true : I'm sure She would not lose it : her attendants are All sworn and honourable : they induc'd to steal it I And by a stranger! No, he hath enjoy'd her: The cognizance of her incontinency Is this, she hath bought the name of whore thus dearly. Skaktspeare. VL 30 466 OYMBELINB. I> OT D - There, take thy hire; and all the fiends of hell Divide themselves between you! Phi. Sir, be patient: This is not strong enough to be believ'd Of one persuaded well of. Post. Never talk on't; She hath been colted by him. lack. If you seek For further satisfying, under her breast Worthy the pressing lies a mole , right proud Of that most delicate lodging: by my life, I kiss'd it; and it gave me present hunger To feed again , though full. You do remember This stain upon her? Post. Ay, and it doth confirm Another stain, as big as hell can hold, Were there no more but it. lach. Will you hear more? Post. Spare your arithmetic: never count the turns; Once , and a million ! lach. I'll be eworn Post. No swearing. If you will swear you have not done *t, you lie; And 1 will kill thee, if thou dost deny Thou'st made me cuckold. lach. Til deny nothing. Post. 0, that I had her here, to tear her limb-meal! I will go there and do 't; i' the court; before Her father: I'll do something [Exit Phi. Quite besides The government of patience ! You have won : Let's follow him , and pervert the present wrath He hath against himself. lach. With all my heart. {Exeunt SCENE V. OYMBBLINB. 467 SCENE V. The same. Another room w the same. Enter POSTHUIKJS. Post. Is there no way for men to be, but women Must be half- workers? We are all bastards: And that most venerable man which I Did call my father , was I know not where When I was stamp'd ; some coiner with his tools Made me a counterfeit: yet my mother seem'd The Dian of that time: so doth my wife The nonpareil of this. O, vengeance, vengeance! ~ Me of my lawful pleasure she restrained , And pray 'd me oft forbearance ; did it with A pudency so rosy, the sweet view on't Might well have warm'd old Saturn; that I thought her As chaste as unsunn'd snow: 0, all the devils! This yellow lachiino, hi an hour, was't not? Or less, at first? perchance he spoke not, but, Like a full-acorn'd boar, a German one, Cried "0!" and mounted; found no opposition But what he look'd for should oppose , and she Should from encounter guard. Could I find out The woman's part in me! For there's no motion That tends to vice in man , but I affirm It is the woman's part: be 't lying, note it, The woman's; flattering, hers; deceiving, hers; Lust and rank thoughts, hers, hers; revenges, hers; Ambitions, covetings, change of prides, disdain, Nice longing, slanders, mutability, All faults that may be nam'd, nay, that hell knows, Why, hers, in part or all; but rather, all; For even to vice They are not constant, but are changing still One vice, but of a minute old, for one Not half so old as that. I'll write against them , Detest them , curse them : yet 'tis greater skill 30* 468 CYMBELINE. f ACT m. In a true hate , to pray they have their will : The very devils cannot plague them better. [Exit. ACT III. SCENK I. Britain. A room of state in CYHBELINB'S palace. Enter, from one side, CYMBELINE, Queen, CLOTEN, and Lords; from the other, CAIUS Lucius and Attendants. Cym. Now say, what would Augustus Caesar with us? Luc. When Julius Caesar whose remembrance yet Lives in men's eyes , and will to ears and tongues Be theme and hearing ever was in this Britain And conquer'd it, Cassibelan, thine uncle, Famous in Caesar's praises , no whit less Than in his feats deserving it, for him And his succession granted Rome a tribute , Yearly three thousand pounds; which by thee lately Is left untender'd. Queen. And, to kill the marvel, Shall be so ever. Clo. There be many Caesars , Ere such another Julius. Britain is A world by itself; and we will nothing pay For wearing our own noses. Queen. That opportunity, Which then they had to take from 's , to resume We have again. Remember, sir, my liege, The kings your ancestors ; together with The natural bravery of your isle , which stands As Neptune's park , ribbed and paled in With rocks unscalable and roaring waters; With sands that will not bear your enemies' boats , But suck them up to the topmast. A kind of conquest Caesar made here ; but made not here his brag Of "Came, and saw, and overcame:" with shame The first that ever touch'd him he was carried BCENK I.] CYMBELINB. 469 From off our coast, twice beaten; and his shipping Poor ignorant baubles ! on our terrible seas , Like egg-shells mov'd upon their surges, crack'd As easily 'gainst our rocks : for joy whereof The fam'd Cassibelan , who was once at point giglet Fortune ! to master Caesar's sword , Made Lud's-town with rejoicing fires bright, And Britons strut with courage. Clo. Come , there's no more tribute to be paid : our king- dom is stronger than it was at that time; and, as I said, there is no more such Caesars: other of them may have crooked noses; but to owe such straight arms, none. Cym. Son , let your mother end. Clo. We have yet many among us can gripe as hard as Cassibelan: I do not say I am one; but I have a hand. Why tribute? why should we pay tribute? If Caesar can hide the sun from us with a blanket, or put the moon in his pocket, we will pay him tribute for light; else, sir, no more tribute , pray you now. Cym. You must know , Till the injurious Romans did extort This tribute from 's , we were free : Caesar's ambition , Which swell'd so much , that it did almost stretch The sides o' the world, against all colour, here Did put the yoke upon 's; which to shake off Becomes a warlike people, whom we reckon Ourselves to be. Clo. We do. Cym. Say, then, to Caesar, Our ancestor was that Mulmutius which Ordain'd our laws , whose use the sword of Caesar Hath too much mangled ; whose repair and franchise Shall , by the power we hold , be our good deed , Though Rome be therefore angry; Mulmutius made our laws. Who was the first of Britain which did put His brows within a golden crown , and call'd Himself a king. 470 CYMBBLINB. [ACT m Lac. I'm sorry, Cymbeline, That 1 am to pronounce Augustus Caesar Caesar , that hath more kings his servants than Thyself domestic officers thine enemy: Receive it from me, then: war and confusion In Caesar's name pronounce I 'gainst thee: look For fury not to be resisted. Thus defied, 1 thank thee for myself. Cym. Thou 'it welcome, Caius. Thy Caesar knighted me ; my youth I spent Much under him; of him I gather'd honour; Which he to' seek of me again, perforce, Behoves me keep at utterance. I am perfect That the Pannonians and Dalmatians for Their liberties are now in anna , a precedent Which not to read would show the Britons cold : So Caesar shall not find them. Luc. Let proof speak. Clo. His majesty bids you welcome. Make pastime with us a day or two, or longer: if you seek us afterwards in other terms, you shall find us in our salt-water girdle: if you beat us out of it, it is yours; if you fall in the adventure, our crows shall fare the better for you; and there's an end. Luc. So, sir. Cym. I know your master's pleasure , and he mine : All the remain is , welcome. [Exeunt SCENE II. The same. Another room in the same. Enter PISANIO , with a letter. Pig. Howl of adultery? Wherefore write you not What monster 's her accuser? Leonatus! master! what a strange infection Is fall'n into thy ear! What false Italian, As poisonous-tongu'd as handed, hath prevaiTd On thy too ready hearing? Disloyal! No: She's punish'd for her truth; and undergoes, SCENE n.] OYMBELINE. 471 More goddess-like than wife-like , such assaults As would take in some virtue. O my maater! Thy mind to her is now as low as were Thy fortunes. How! that I should murder her? Upon the love , and truth , and vows , which I Have made to thy command? I, her? her blood? If it be so to do good service , never Let me be counted serviceable. How look I , That I should seem to lack humanity So much as this fact comes to? [Reading] "Do't: the letter That I have sent her, by her own command Shall give thee opportunity": O dainn'd paper 1 Black as the ink that's on thee 1 Senseless bauble , Art thou a fedary for this act , and look'st So virgin-like without? Lo, here she comes. I'm ignorant in what I am commanded. Enter IMOGEN. Imo. How now, Pisanio! Pis. Madam , here is a letter from my lord. /mo. Who? thy lord? that is my lord, Leonatue? 0, learn'd indeed were that astronomer That knew the stars as I his characters; He'd lay the future open. You good goda , Let what is here contain'd relish of love , Of my lord's health, of his content, yet not That we two are asunder, let that grieve him, ~ Some griefs are med'cinable ; that is one of them , For it doth physic love ; of his content All but in that! Good wax, thy leave: bless'd be You bees that make these locks of counsel ! Lovers , And men in dangerous bonds , pray not alike : Though forfeiters you cast in prison, yet You clasp young Cupid's tables. Good news, gods! [Reads. "Justice, and your father's wrath, should he take me in his dominion, could not be so cruel to me, as you, X) the dearest of creatures, would even renew me with your eyes. Take CYMBELINE. [ACT m. notice that I am in Cambria, at Milford-Haven: what your own love will, out of this, advise you, follow. So, he wishes you all happiness, that remains loyal to his vow, and your, increasing in love , LEONATUS POSTHUMUS." 0, for a horse with wings! Hear'st thou, Pisanio? He is at Milford-Haven : read , and tell me How far 'tis thither. If one of mean affairs May plod it in a week, why may not I Glide thither in a day? Then, true Pisanio, Wlio long'st, like me, to see thy lord; who longest, O, let me bate, but not like me; yet long'st, But in a fainter kind; 0, not like me; For mine's beyond beyond , say, and speak thick , Love's counsellor should fill the bores of hearing , To the smothering of the sense , how far it is To this same blessed Milford: and, by the way, Tell me how Wales was made so happy as T' inherit such a haven: but, first of all, How we may steal from hence; and for the gap That we shall make in time, from our hence-going And our return, t' excuse: but first, how get hence; Why should excuse be born or e'er begot? We'll talk of that hereafter. Prithee , speak , How many ocore of miles may we well ride 'Twixt hour and hour? Pis. One score 'twixt sun and sun , Madam , 's enough for you , and too much too. /wo. Why, one that rode to's execution, man, Could never go so slow: I've heard of riding wagers, Where horses have been nimbler than the sands That run i' the clock's behalf: but this is foolery: Go bid my woman feign a sickness; say She'll home to her father: and provide me presently A riding-suit, no costlier than would fit A franklin's housewife. ffy. Madam, you're best consider. SCENE III.] OYMBELINE. 473 Imo. I see before ine , man : nor here , nor here , Nor what ensues, but have a fog in them, That I cannot look through. Away, I prithee ; Do as 1 bid thee: there's no more to say; Accessible is none but Milford way. [Exeunt, SCBNB III. The same. Wales: a mountainous country with a cave. Enter, from the cave, BELARIUS; then GUIDEHIUS and ARVIRAGUS. Bel. A goodly day not to keep house , with such Whose roofs as low as ours! Stoop, boys: this gate Instructs you how t' adore the heavens , and bows you To morning's holy office : the gates of monarchs Are arch'd so high, that giants may jet through And keep their impious turbans on , without Good morrow to the sun. Hail , thou fair heaven ! We house i' the rock, yet use thee not so hardly As prouder livers do. Gui. Hail, heaven! Arv. Hail, heaven! Bel. Now for our mountain sport: up to yond hill, Your legs are young; I'll tread these flats. Consider, When you above perceive me like a crow, That it is place which lessens and sets off; And you may then revolve what tales I've told you Of courts, of princes, of the tricks in war: This service is not service , so being done , But being so allowed : to apprehend thus , Draws us a profit from all things we see ; And often, to our comfort, shall we find The sharded beetle in a safer hold Than is the full-wing'd eagle. 0, this life Is nobler than attending for a check , Richer than doing nothing for a bribe , Prouder than rustling in unpaid-for silk : 474 CYMBELINE. [AOTm Such gain the cap of him that makes 'em fine , Yet keeps his book uncross'd : no life to ours. Gut. Out of your proof you speak : we , poor unfledg'd > Have never wing'd from view o' the nest, nor know not What air T s from home. Haply this life is best, If quiet life be best; sweeter to you That have a sharper known ; well corresponding With your stiff age : but unto us it is A cell of ignorance ; travelling a-bed ; A prison for a debtor, that not dares To stride a limit. Arv. What should we speak of When we are old as you? when we shall hear The rain and wind beat dark December, how. In this our pinching cave, shall we discourse The freezing hours away? We have seen nothing: We are beastly; subtle as the fox for prey; Like warlike as the wolf for what we eat: Our valour is to chase what flies ; our cage We make a quire , as doth the prison'd bird , And sing our bondage freely. Bel, How you speak ! Did you but know the city's usuries , And felt them knowingly: the art o' the court, As hard to leave as keep; whose top to climb Is certain falling, or so slippery that The fear's as bad as falling: the toil o' the war, A pain that only seems to seek out danger I' the name of fame and honour; which dies i' the search; And hath as oft a slanderous epitaph As record of fair act; nay, many times Doth ill deserve by doing well; what's worse, Must court'sy at the censure : boys , this story The world may read in me : my body's mark'd With Roman swords; and my report was once First with the best of note: Cymbeline lov'd me; And when a soldier was the theme , my name SCENE in] CYMBBLINB. 475 Was not far off: then was I as a tree Whose boughs did bend with fruit: but in one night, A storm or robbery, call it what you will , Shook down my mellow hangings, nay, my leaves, And left me bare to weather. Cfui. Uncertain favour! Bel. My fault being nothing, as I've told you oft , But that two villains , whose false oaths prevail'd Before my perfect honour, swore to Cymbeline I was confederate with the Romans: so, Foilow'd my banishment; and, this twenty years, This rock and these demesnes have been my world : Where I have liv'd at honest freedom; paid More pious debts to heaven than in all The fore-end of my time. But, up to the mountains! This is not hunters' language : he that strikes The venison first shall be the lord o' the feast; To him the other two shall minister; And we will fear no poison , which attends In place of greater state. I'll meet you in the valleys. [Exeunt Guiderius and Arviragw How hard it is to hide the sparks of nature ! These boys know little they are sons to the king; Nor Cymbeline dreams that they are alive. They think they're mine; and, though train'd up thus meanly r the cave wherein they bow, their thoughts do hit The roofs of palaces; and nature prompts them, In simple and low things, to prince it much Beyond the trick of others. This Polydore, The heir of Cymbeline and Britain , who The king his father call'd Guiderius, Jove! When on my three -foot stool I sit, and tell The warlike feats I've done, his spirits fly out Into my story: say, "Thus mine enemy fell, And thus I set my foot on's neck ; " even then The princely blood flows in his cheek, he sweats, Strains his young nerves, and puts himself in posture 476 CYMBBLINB. [ ACT in That acts my words. The younger brother, Cadwal, Once Arviragus , in as like a figure , Strikes life into my speech , and shows much more His own conceiving. Hark, the game is rous'dl Cymbeline ! heaven and my conscience knows Thou didst unjustly banish me: whereon, At three and two years old, I stole these babes; Thinking to bar thee of succession , as Thou reft'st me of my lands. Euriphile , Thou wast their nurse ; they took thee for their mother , And every day do honour to her grave: Myself, Belarius, that am Morgan calTd, They take for natural father. The game is up. [Exit. SCENB IV. The same. Near Mil ford- Haven. Enter PISANIO and IMOGEN. Into. Thou told'st me, when we came from horse, the place Was near at hand : ne'er long'd my mother so To see me first, as I have now: Pisanio.1 man! Where is Posthumus? What is in thy mind, That makes thee stare thus? Wherefore breaks that sigh Prom th' inward of thee? One, but painted thus, Would be interpreted a thing perplex'd Beyond self-explication; put thyself Into a haviour of less fear, ere wildness Vanquish my staider senses. What's the matter? Why tender'st thou that paper to me , with A look untender? If t be summer news, Smile to't before ; if winterly, thou need'st But keep that countenance still. My husband's hand I That drug-damn'd Italy hath out-crafted him, And he's at some hard point. Speak, man: thy tongue May take off some extremity, which to read Would be even mortal to me. Pis. Please you , read ; CENKIV.] CYMBBLINB. 477 And you shall find me , wretched man , a thing The most disdain'd of fortune. Imo. [reads] "Thy mistress, Pisanio, hath played the strumpet in my bed; the testimonies whereof lie bleeding in me. I speak not out of weak surmises; but from proof as strong as my grief, and as certain as I expect my revenge. That part thou , Pisanio , must act for me , if thy faith be not tainted with the breach of hers. Let thine own hands take away her life: I shall give thee opportunity at Milford- Haven : she hath my letter for the purpose : where , if thou fear to strike, and to make me certain it is done, thou art the pander to her dishonour, and equally to me disloyal." Pis. What shall I need to draw my sword? the paper Hath cut her throat already. No, 'tis slander; Whose edge is sharper than the sword ; whose tongue Outvenoms all the worms of Nile; whose breath Hides on the posting winds , and doth belie All corners of the world : kings , queens , and states , Maids , matrons , nay, the secrets of the grave This viperous slander enters. What cheer, madam? Imo. Fake to his bed ! What is it to be false ? To lie in watch there, and to think on him? To weep 'twixt clock and clock? if sleep charge nature, To break it with a fearful dream of him , And cry myself awake? that's false to's bed, is it? Pis. Alas, good lady! Imo. I false ! Thy conscience witness : Jachimo , Thou didst accuse him of incontinency ; Thou then look'dst like a villain ; now, methinks , Thy favour's good enough. Some jay of Italy, Whose mother was her painting, hath betray 'd him: Poor I am stale , a garment out of fashion ; And , for I'm richer than to hang by the walls , I must be ripp'd: to pieces with me! 0, Men's vows are women's traitors! All good seeming , By thy revolt, husband, shall be thought 478 OYMBEIJDNB. Put on for villany; not born where't grows, But worn a bait for ladies. Pis. Good madam , hear me. Imo. True-honest men being heard , like false Were , in his time , thought false ; and Sinon's weeping Did scandal many a holy tear, took pity From most true wretchedness: so thou, Posthumus, Wilt lay the leaven on all proper men ; Goodly and gallant shall be false and perjur'd From thy great fail. Come, fellow, be thou honest : Do thou thy master's bidding: when thou see'st him, A little witness my obedience : look ! I draw the sword myself: take it , and hit The innocent mansion of my love , my heart : Fear not; 'tis empty of all things but grief: Thy master is not there ; who was , indeed , The riches of it: do his bidding; strike. Thou mayst be valiant in a better cause ; But now thou seem'st a coward. Pis. Hence, vile instrument! Thou shalt not damn my hand. Imo. Why, I must die ; And if I do not by thy hand, thou art No servant of thy master's: 'gainst self-slaughter There is a prohibition so divine That cravens my weak hand. Come, here's my heart: Something's afore't : soft , soft ! we'll no defence ; Obedient as the scabbard. What is here? The scriptures of the loyal Leonatus All tura'd to heresy? Away, away, Corrupters of my faith ! you shall no more Be stomachers to my heart. Thus may poor fools Believe false teachers: though those that are betray'd Do feel the treason sharply, yet the traitor Stands in worse case of woe. And thou, Posthumus, thou that didst set up My disobedience 'gainst the king my father, SCENE IV. ] OYMBBLIKK. 479 And make me put into contempt the suits Of princely fellows, shall hereafter find It is no act of common passage , but A strain of rareness : and I grieve myself To think , when thou shalt be disedg'd by her That now thou tir'st on , how thy memory Will then be pang'd by me. Prithee, dispatch: The lamb entreats the butcher: where's thy knife? Thou art too slow to do thy master's bidding , When I desire it too. Pis. gracious lady, Since I receiv'd command to do this business I have not slept one wink. /mo. Do't, and to bed then. Pis. I'll wake mine eyeballs blind first. /mo. Wherefore, then, Didst undertake it? Why hast thou abus'd So many miles with a pretence? this place? Mine action, and thine own? our horses' labour? The time inviting thee? the perturb'd court For my being absent , whereunto I never Purpose return? Why hast thou gone so far, To be unbent when thou hast ta'en thy stand , Th' elected deer before thee? Pis. But to win time To lose so bad employment; in the which I have considered of a course. Good lady, Hear me with patience. /mo. Talk thy tongue weary ; speak : I've heard I am a strumpet; and mine ear. Therein false struck , can take no greater wound , Nor tent to bottom that. But speak. /^. Then, madam, thought you would not back again. /mo. Most like , Bringing me here to kill me. Pis- Not so, neither: 480 CYMBBLINE. !>CT TO. But if I were as wise as honest, then My purpose would prove well. It cannot be But that my master is abus'd : Some villain , ay, and singular in his art , Hath done you both this cursed injury. [mo. Some Koman courtezan. Pis. No , on my life. I'll give but notice you are dead , and send him Some bloody sign of it; for 'tis commanded I should do so: you shall be miss'd at court, And that will well confirm it. Imo. Why, good fellow, What shall I do the while? where bide? how live? Or in my life what comfort, when I am Dead to my husband? Pis. If you'll back to the court, Imo. No court, no father; nor no more ado With that harsh, noble, simple, nothing, Cloten, That Cloten , whose love-suit hath been to me As fearful as a siege. Pis. If not at court, Then not in Britain must you bide. Imo. Where then? Hath Britain all the sun that shines? Day, night, Are they not but in Britain? I 1 the world's volume Our Britain seems as of it, but not in't; In a great pool a swan's nest: prithee, think There's livers out of Britain. Pis. I'm most glad You think of other place. Th' ambassador, Lucius the Roman , comes to Milford-Haven To-morrow: now, if you could wear a mind Dark as your fortune is , and but disguise That which, t' appear itself, must not yet be But by self-danger, you should tread a course Pretty and full of view; yea, haply, near The residence of Posthumus , o nigh at least aCENBTV.] CYMBELINB. 481 That though his actions were not visible, yet Report should render him hourly to your ear As truly as he moves. Imo. , for such means ! Though peril to my modesty, not death on't, I would adventure. Pis. Well, then , here's the point: You must forget to be a woman; change Command into obedience; fear and niceness The handmaids of all women, or, more truly, Woman its pretty self into a waggish courage; Ready in gibes, quick-answered, saucy, and As quarrelous as the weasel; nay, you must Forget that rarest treasure of your cheek, Exposing it but, 0, the harder heart! Alack , no remedy ! to the greedy touch Of common-kissing Titan ; and forget Your laboursome and dainty trims , wherein You made great Juno angry. Imo. Nay, be brief: I see into thy end, and am almost A man already. Pw. First , make yourself but like one. Fore-thinking this, I have already fit 'Tis in my cloak-bag doublet, hat, hose, all That answer to them : would you , in their serving , And with what imitation you can borrow From youth of such a season, fore noble Lucius Present yourself, desire his service , tell him Wherein you're happy, which you'll make him know , If that his head have ear in music , doubtless With joy he will embrace you; for he's honourable, And, doubling that, most holy. Your means abroad, You have me, rich ; and I will never fail Beginning nor suppiyment. Imo. Thou'rt all the comfort The gods will diet me with. Prithee, away: Shdkesptare. VI. 31 482 CYMBELINB. [ ACT "* There's more to be considered; but we'll even All that good time will give us : this attempt I'm soldier to , and will abide it with A prince's courage. Away, I prithee. Pis. Well, madam, we must take a short farewell, Lest , being miss'd , I be suspected of Your carriage from the court. My noble mistress , Here is a box ; I had it from the queen : What's in't is precious ; if you're sick at sea , Or stomach-qualm'd at land , a dram of this Will drive away distemper. To some shade , And fit you to your manhood : may the gods Direct you to the best! Imo. Amen: I thank thee. [Exeunt. SCJEHB V. The same. A room in CTMBELINK'S palace. Enter CYMBELINB , Queen , CLOTKN , Lucius , and Lords. Cym. Thus far; and so, farewell. Luc. Thanks , royal air. My emperor hath wrote; I must from hence; And am right sorry that I must report ye My master's enemy. Cym. Our subjects, sir, Will not endure his yoke ; and for ourself To show less sovereignty than they, must needs Appear unkinglike. Luc. So, sir, I desire of you A conduct overland to Milford-Haven. Madam , all joy befall your grace and yours ! Cym. My lords, you are appointed for that office; The due of honour in no point omit. So , farewell , noble Lucius. Luc. Your hand , my lord, Clo. Receive it friendly; but from this time forth I wear it as your enemy. CYMBEUNE. 483 Luc. Sir, the event Is yet to name the winner: fare you well. Cym. Leave not the worthy Lucius, good my lords, Till he have cross'd the Severn. Happiness! [Exeunt Lucius and Lord*, Queen. He goes hence frowning : but it honours us That we have given him cause. Clo. 'Tis all the better; Your valiant Britons have their wishes in it. Cym. Lucius hath wrote already to the emperor How it goes here. It fits us therefore ripely Our chariots and our horsemen be in readiness: The powers that he already hath in Gallia Will soon be drawn to head, from whence he moves His war for Britain. Queen. 'Tis not sleepy business; But must be look'd to speedily and strongly. Cym. Our expectation that it would be thus Hath made us forward. But, my gentle queen, Where is our daughter? She hath not appear'd Before the Roman , nor to us hath tender'd The duty of the day: she looks us like A thing more made of malice than of duty : We've noted it. Call her before us; for We've been too slight in sufferance. [Exit an Attendant, Queen. Royal, sir, Since th' exile of Posthumus, most retir'd Hath her life been; the cure whereof, my lord, 'Tis time must do. Beseech your majesty, Forbear sharp speeches to her: she's a lady So tender of rebukes, that words are strokes, And strokes death to her. Re-enter Attendant. Cym. Where is she , sir? How Can her contempt be answer'd? Atten. Please you, sir, 31* 484 CYMBEIJNE. [Act III. Her chambers are all loek'd; and there's no answer That will be given to the loud'st noise we make. Quern. My lord , when last I went to visit her , She pray'd me to excuse her keeping close; Whereto constraint by her infirmity, She should that duty leave unpaid to you, Which daily she was bound to proffer: this She wish'd me to make known; but our great court Made me to blame in memory. Cym. Her doors lock'd? Not seen of late? Grant, heavens, that which I fear Prove false! [Exit, Queen. Son, I say, follow the king. Clo. That man of hers , Pisanio , her old servant , I have not seen these two days. Queen. Go , look after. [Exit Cloten Pisanio , thou that stand's! so for Posthumus I He hath a drug of mine; I pray his absence Proceed by swallowing that; for he believes It is a thing most precious. But for her, Where is she gone? Haply, despair hath seiz'd her; Or, wing'd with fervour of her love, she's flown To her desir'd Posthumus: gone she is To death or to dishonour; and my end Can make good use of either: she being down, 1 have the placing of the British crown. Re-enter CLOTBH. How now, my sonl Clo. 'Tis certain she is fled. Go in and cheer the king: he rages; none Dare come about him. Queen, [aside] All the better: may This night forestall him of the coming day! [Exit. Clo. 1 love and hate her: for she's fair and royal , And that she hath all courtly parts more exquisite .SCKNKV.j CTMBELINE. 485 Than lady, ladies, woman; from every one The best she hath, and she, of all compounded, Outsells them all, I love her therefore: but, Disdaining me , and throwing favours on The low Posthumus, slanders so her judgment, That what's else rare is chok'd; and in that point I will conclude to hate her, nay, indeed, To be reveng'd upon her. For, when fools Shall Enter PISANIO. Who is here? What, are you packing, sirrah? Come hither: ah, you precious pander! Villain, Where is thy lady? In a word; or else Thou Vt straightway with the fiends. Pis. 0, good my lordl Clo. Where is thy lady? or, by Jupiter I will not ask again. Close villain, I Will have this secret from thy heart, or rip Thy heart to find it. Is she with Posthumus? From whose so many weights of baseness cannot A dram of worth be drawn. Pis. Alas, my lord, How can she be with him? When was she miss'd? He is in Rome. Clo. Where is she, sir? Come nearer; No further halting: satisfy me home What is become of her. Pis. 0, my all- worthy lord I Clo. All- worthy villain ! Discover where thy mistress is at once , At the next word, no more of "worthy lord;" Speak, or thy silence on the instant is Thy condemnation and thy death. Pis- Then, sir, This paper is the history of my knowledge Touching her flight [Presenting a letter. 486 CYMBELINE. [ACT m. Clo. Let's see't. I will pursue her Even to Augustus' throne. Pis. [aside} Or this, or perish. She's far enough; and what he learns by this May prove his travel, not her danger. Clo. Hum! Pis. [aside] I'll write to my lord she's dead. Imogen , Safe mayst thou wander, safe return agenl Clo. Sirrah , is this letter true ? Pis. Sir, as I think. Clo. It is Posthumus 7 hand; I know't. Sirrah, if thou wouldst not be a villain, but do me true service, undergo those employments wherein I should have cause to use thee with a serious industry, that is, what villany soe'er I bid thee do, to perform it directly and truly, I would think thee an honest man: thou shouldst neither want my means for thy relief, nor my voice for thy preferment. Pis. Well , my good lord. Clo. Wilt thou serve me? for since patiently and con- stantly thou hast stuck to the bare fortune of that beggar Posthumus, thou canst not, in the course of gratitude, but be a diligent follower of mine, wilt thou serve me? Pis. Sir, I will. C/o. Give me thy hand; here's my purse. Hast any of thy late master's garments in thy possession? Pis. I have, my lord, at my lodging, the same suit he wore when he took leave of my lady and mistress. Clo. The first service thou dost me , fetch that suit hither : let it be thy first service; go. Pis. I shall, my lord. [Exit. Clo. Meet thee at Milford-Haven! I forgot to ask him one thing; I'll remember't anon: even there, thou villain Posthumus , will I kill thee. I would these garments were come. She said upon a time the bitterness of it I now belch from my heart that she held the very garment of Posthumui in more respect than my noble and natural person, together with the adornment of my qualities. With that suit upon SCENE VI.] CYMBELINE. 487 my back, will I ravish her: first kill him, and in her eyes; there shall she see my valour, which will then he a torment to her contempt. He on the ground, my speech of insultment ended on his dead hody, and when my lust hath dined, which, as I say, to vex her I will execute in the clothes that she so praised, to the court I'll knock her back, foot her home again. She hath despised me rejoicingly, and I'll be merry in my revenge. Re-enter PISAKIO , with the clothes. Be those the garments? Pis. Ay, my noble lord. Clo. How long is't since she went to Milford-Haven? Pw. She can scarce be there yet. Clo. Bring this apparel to my chamber; that is the se- cond thing that I have commanded thee: the third is, that thou wilt be a voluntary mute to my design. Be but duteous and true, preferment shall tender itself to thee. My revenge is now at Milford: would I had wings to follow it! Come, and be true. [Exit. Pis. Thou bidd'st me to my loss: for, true to thee Were to prove false , which I will never be , To him that is most true. To Milford go, And find not her whom thou pursu'st. Flow, flow, You heavenly blessings, on her! This fool's speed Be cross'd with slowness; labour be his meed! [Exit SCENE VI. The same. Wales: before the cave O/'BELABIUS. Enter IMOGEN, in boy's clothes. Imo. I see a man's life is a tedious one: I Ve tir'd myself; and for two nights together Have made the ground my bed. I should be sick, But that my resolution helps me. Milford , When from the mountain-top Pisanio show'd thee, Thou wast within a ken: O Jove! I think Foundations fly the wretched; such, I mean, 488 CYMBELINE. [ACT m Where they should be relieved. Two beggars told me I 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 fulness Is sorer than to lie for need ; and falsehood Is worse in kings than beggars. My dear lord I Thou 'rt one o' the false ones: now I think on thee My hunger's gone; but even before, I was At point to sink for food. But what is this? Here is a path to't: 'tis some savage hold: I were best not call; I dare not call: yet famine, Eire 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, Take or lend. Hd! No answer? then 111 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! [Goes into the cave. Enter BELARIUS, GUTDKRIUS, and ABVTRAGUB. Bel. You, Polydore, have prov'd 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, But for the end it works to. Come ; our stomachs Will make what's homely savoury : weariness Can snore upon the flint, when resty sloth Finds the down-pillow hard. Now, peace be here, Poor house, that keep'st thyself! Gui. I'm throughly weary. Arv. I'm weak with toil , yet strong in appetite. Gui. There is cold meat i' the cave ; we'll browse on that, Whilst what we have kill'd be oook'd. Bel. Stay; come no tin. [Looking into the cave, SCENE VI.] OYMBELINB. 489 But that it eats our victuals , I should think Here were a fairy. Gui. What's the matter, sir? Bel. By Jupiter, an angel! or, if not, An earthly paragon! Behold divineness No elder than a boy! Re-enter IMOGEN. Jmo. Good masters, harm me not: Before I enter'd here, I call'd; and thought T* have begg'd or bought what 1 have took: good troth, I have stol'n naught; nor would not, though I had found Gold strew'd i' the 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. Gui. Money, youth? Arv. All gold and silver rather turn to dirt! And 'tis no better reckon'd , but of those Who worship dirty gods. Into. I see you're angry: Know , if you kill me for my fault , I should Have died had I not made it. Bel. Whither bound? Imo. To Milford-Haven. Bel. What's your name? Imo. Fidele , sir. I have a kinsman who Is bound for Italy; he embark'd at Milford; To whom being going, almost spent with hunger, I'm fall'n in this offence. Bel. Prithee, fair youth, Think us no churls, nor measure our good minds By this rude place we live.in. Well encounter'd! Tis almost night: you shall have better cheer Ere you depart; and thanks to stay and eat it. Boys , bid him welcome. Gui. Were you a woman, youth, 490 CYMBELINE. |>CT m, I should woo hard but be your groom: in honesty, I bid for you as I do buy. Arv. I'll make't my comfort He is a man; I'll love him as my brother: And such a welcome as I'd give to him After long absence, such is yours: most welcome! Be sprightly, for you fall 'mongst friends. /mo. 'Mongst friends , If brothers. [Aside] Would it had been so, that 'jhey Had been my father's sons! then had my prize Been less; and so more equal ballasting To thee, Posthtimus. Bel. He wrings at some distress. Gut. Would I could free 't! Arv. Or I; whatever it be, What pain it cost, what danger! Gods! Bel. Hark, boys. [Whispering. lino. Great men, That had a court no bigger than this cave, That did attend themselves, and had the virtue Which their own conscience seal'd them, laying by That nothing-gift of differing multitudes, - Could not out-peer these twain. Pardon me, gods! I'd change my sex to be companion with them, Since Leonatus' false. Bel, It shall be so. Boys, we'll go dress our hunt. Fair youth, come in: Discourse is heavy, fasting; when we 've supp'd, We'll mannerly demand thee of thy story, So far as thou wilt speak it. Gui. Pray, draw near. Are. The night to th' owl, and morn to the lark, less welcome. Imo. Thanks, sir. Arv. I pray, draw near. [Exeunt. SCENE VII.] CYMBBLINB. 491 SCENE VII. Rome. A public place. Enter two Senators and Tribunes. First Sen. This is the tenour of the emperor's writ , That since the common men are now in action 'Gainst the Pannonians and Dalmatians; And that the legions now in Gallia are Full weak to undertake our wars against The fall'n-off Britons; that we do incite The gentry to this business. He creates Lucius pro-consul: and to you the tribunes, For this immediate levy, he commends His absolute commission. Long live Caesar! First Tri. Is Lucius general of the forces? Sec. Sen. Ay. First Tri. .Remaining now in Gallia? First Sen. With those legions Which I have spoke of, whereunto your levy Must be supply ant: the words of your commission Will tie you to the numbers , and the time Of their dispatch. First Tri. We will discharge our duty. [Exeunt ACT IV. SCENE I. Britain. Wales: the forest near the cave O/'BKLARIUB. Enter CLOTKN. Clo. I am near to the place where they should meet, if Pisanio have mapped it truly. How fit his garments serve me! Why should his mistress, who was made by him that made the tailor, not be fit too? the rather saving reverence of the word for 'tis said a woman's fitness comes by fits. Therein I must play the workman. I dare speak it to my- self, for it is not vain-glory for a man and his glass to confer; in his own chamber, I mean, the lines of my body are as well drawn as his; no less young, more strong, not beneath him 492 CYMBKLINE. [-ACT IV in fortunes , beyond him in the advantage of the time , above him in birth, alike conversant in general services, and more remarkable in single oppositions: yet this imperceiverant thing loves him in my despite. What mortality is! Post- humus, thy head, which now is growing upon thy shoulders, shall within this hour be off; thy mistress enforced; thy gar- ments cut to pieces before her face: and all this done, spurn her home to her father; who may happily be a little angry for my so rough usage; but my mother, having power of his testiness , shall turn all into my commendations. My horse is tied up safe: out, sword, 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 deceive me. [Exit. SCKNK U. The same. Before the cave O/"BELABIUS. Enter, from the cave, BBLABIUS, GUIDBRIUS, ABVTRAGUS, and IMOGEN. Bel. [to Imogen] You are not well : remain here in the cave ; We'll come to you after hunting. - Aro. [to Imogen] Brother , stay here : Are we not brothers? Imo. So man and man should be; But clay and clay differs in dignity, Whose dust is both alike. I'm very sick. Gui. Go you to hunting; I'll abide with him. Imo. So sick I am not, yet I am not well; But not so citizen a wanton as To seem to die ere sick: so please you, leave me; Stick to your journal course : the breach of custom Is breach of all. I'm ill; but your being by me Cannot amend me ; society is no comfort To one not sociable : I'm not very sick , Since I can reason of it. Pray you, trust me here: I'll rob none but myself; and let me die , Stealing so poorly. Gut. I love thee; I have spoke it: SCENE I * n.] CYMBBLINB. 493 How much the quantity, the weight as much, As I do love my father. Bel What? how! how! Arv. If it be sin to say so , sir , I yoke me In my good brother's fault: I know not why I love this youth; and I have heard you say, Love's reason's without reason : the bier at door , And a demand who is't shall die, I'd say, "My father, not this youth." Bel. [aside] O noble strain ! worthiness of nature ! breed of greatness ! Cowards father cowards , and base things sire base : Nature hath meal and bran , contempt and grace. I'm not their father; yet who this should be, Doth miracle itself, tov'd before me. Tis the ninth hour o' the mom. Arv. Brother, farewell. /mo. I wish ye sport. Arv. You health. So please you, sir. Into, [aside] These are kind creatures. Grods, what lies I've heard! Our courtiers say all's savage but at court : Experience, 0, thou disprov'st report! TV imperious seas breed monsters; for the dish Poor tributary rivers as sweet fish. 1 am sick still; heart-sick: Pisanio, I'll now taste of thy drug. [Swallows some Gui. I could not stir him : He said he was gentle , but unfortunate ; Dishonestly afflicted , but yet honest. Arv. Thus did he answer me : yet said , hereafter 1 might know more. Bel. To the field , to the field ! We'll leave you for this time: go in and rest. Arv. We'll not be long away. Bel. Pray, be not sick , For you must be our housewife. 494 CYMBBLINE. Imo. Well or ill, 1 am bound to you. Bel. And shall be ever. [Exit Imogen into the cave. This youth, howe'er distress'd, appears he hath had Good ancestors. Arv. How angel-like he sings ! Gut. But his neat cookery ! he cut our roots in characters ; And sauc'd our broths, as Juno had been sick, And he her dieter. Arv. Nobly he yokes A smiling with a sigh, as if the sigh Was that it was for not being such a smile; The smile mocking the sigh, that it would fly From so divine a temple, to commix With winds that sailors rail at. Gui. I do note That grief and patience, rooted in him both, Mingle their spurs together. Arv. Grow, patience! And let the stinking elder, grief, untwine His perishing root with the increasing vine! Bel. It is great morning. Come, away! Who's there? Enter CLOTEN. Clo. I cannot find those runagates ; that villain Hath mock'd me : I am faint. Bel. " Those runagates " ! Means he not us? I partly know him; 'tis Cloten , the son o 1 the queen. I fear some ambush. I saw him not these many years , and yet 1 know 'tis he. We're held as outlaws : hence ! Gui. He is but one: you and my brother search What companies are near: pray you, away; Let me alone with him. [Exeunt Belarius and Arviragus. Clo. Soft! What are you That fly me thus? some villain mountaineers? I've heard of such. What slave art thou? 3CBME H-1 CYMBBLINB. 495 GUI. A thing More slavish did I ne'er than answering A "slave" without a knock. Clo. Thou art a robber , A law-breaker, a villain: yield thee, thief. Gui. To who? to thee? What art thou? Have not I An arm as big as thine? a heart as big? Thy words, I grant, are bigger; for I wear not My dagger in my mouth. Say what thou art, Why I should yield to thee? Clo. Thou villain base, Know'st me not by my clothes? Gui. No, nor thy tailor, rascal, Who is thy grandfather: he made those clothes, Which, as it seems, make thee. Clo. Thou precious varlet, My tailor made them not. Gui. Hence, then, and thank The man that gave them thee. Thou art some fool; I'm loth to beat thee. Clo. Thou injurious thief, Hear but my name, and tremble. Gui. What's thy name? Clo. Cloten, thou villain. Gui. Cloten, thou double villain, be thy name, I cannot tremble at it: were it Toad, or Adder, Spider, 'Twould move me sooner. Clo. To thy further fear, Nay ; to thy mere confusion, thou shalt know I'm son to the queen. Gui. I'm sorry for't; not seeming So worthy as thy birth. Cle. Artnotafeard? Gui. Those that I reverence , those I fear, the wise : At fools I laugh, not fear them. Clo. Die the death: When I have slain thee with my proper hand, CYMBBLINB. I'll follow those that even now fled hence , And on the gates of Lud's-town set your heads : Yield , rustic mountaineer. [Exeunt , fighting Re-enter BBLABIUS and ARVIRAGUS, Bel. No company's abroad. Arv. None in the world: you did mistake him, sure. Bel. I cannot tell: long is it since I saw him, But time hath nothing blurr'd those lines of favour Which then he wore ; the snatches in his voice , And burst of speaking , were as his : I'm absolute Twas very Cloten. Arv. In this place we left them: I wish my brother make good time with him , You say he is so fell. Bel. Being scarce made up , I mean , to man , he had not apprehension Of roaring terrors; for defect of judgment Is oft the cure of fear. But, see, thy brother. Re-enter GUIDERIUB with CLOTKN'S head. Grui. This Cloten was a fool , an empty purse , There was no money in't : not Hercules Could have knock'd out his brains , for he had none : Yet I not doing this, the fool had borne My head as I do his. Bel. What hast thou done ? Gui. I'm perfect what : cut off' one Cloten's head , Son to the queen, after his own report; Who call'd me traitor, mountaineer; and swore With his own single hand he'd take us in , Displace our heads where thank the gods! they grow, And set them on Lud's-town. Bel. We're all undone. Gui. Why, worthy father , what have we to lose But that he swore to take, our lives? The law Protects not us: then why should we be tender SCENE n.] CYMBELINE. 497 To let an arrogant piece of flesh threat us, Play judge and executioner all himself. For we do fear the law? What company Discover you abroad? Bel. No single soul Can we set eye on ; but in all safe reason He must have some attendants. Though his humour Was nothing but mutation , ay, and that From one bad thing to worse ; not frenzy, not Absolute madness could so far have rav'd , To bring him here alone: although, perhaps, It may be heard at court , that such as we Cave here , hunt here , are outlaws , and in time May make some stronger head ; the which he hearing As it is like him might break out, and swear He'd fetch us in; yet is't not probable To come alone , either he so undertaking , Or they so suffering: then on good ground we fear, If we do fear this body hath a tail, More perilous than the head. Arv. Let ordinance Come as the gods foresay it: howsoe'er, My brother hath done well. Bel. I had no mind To hunt this day : the boy Fidele's sickness Did make my way long forth. Gui. With his own sword , Which he did wave against my throat, I've ta'en His head from him : I'll throw't into the creek Behind our rock; and let it to the sea, And tell the fishes he's the queen's son , Cloten : That's all I reck. [Exit Bel. I fear 'twill be reveng'd : Would, Polydore, thou hadst not done't! though valour Becomes thee well enough. Arv. Would I had done*t, So the revenge alone pursu'd me! Polydore, 8tuikesp*ar. VI. 32 498 OYMBELINB. [ACT IV. I love thee brotherly; but envy much Thou hast robb'd me of this deed : I would revenges , That possible strength might meet , would seek us through , And put us to our answer. Bel. Well, 'tis done: We'll hunt no more to-day, nor seek for danger Where there's no profit. I prithee, to our rock; You and Fidele play the cooks : I'll stay Till hasty Polydore return, and bring him To dinner presently. Arv. Poor sick Fidele! I'll willingly to him: to gain his colour I'd let a parish of such Clotens blood , And praise myself for charity. [Exit. Bel. thou goddess , Thou divine Nature , how thyself thou blazon's! In these two princely boys! They are as gentle As zephyrs, blowing below the violet, Not wagging his sweet head; and yet as rough, Their royal blood enchaf d , as the rud'st wind , That by the top doth take the mountain pine , And make him stoop to the vale. 'Tis wonder That an invisible instinct should frame them To royalty unlearn'd ; honour untaught ; Civility not seen from other ; valour , That wildly grows in them , but yields a crop As if it had been sow'd. Yet still it's strange What Cloten's being here to us portends, Or what his death will bring us. Re-enter GUIDKEIUS. Out. Where's my brother? I have sent Cloten's clotpoll down the stream , In embassy to his mother : his body's hostage For his return [Solemn music, Bel. My ingenious instrument! SCENE 11.] CYMBBLINE. 499 Hark , Polydore , it sounds ! But what occasion Hath Cadwal now to give it motion? Hark! GUI. Is he at home? Bel. He went hence even now. Gui. What does he mean? since death of my dear'st mother It did not speak before. All solemn things Should answer solemn accidents. The matter? Triumphs for nothing, and lamenting toys, Is jollity for apes , and grief for boys. Is Cadwal mad? Bet. Look, here he comes, And brings the dire occasion in his arms Of what we blame him for! Re-enter ABYTBAQUB, bearing IMOQBN, as dead, in his arms. Arv. The bird is dead That we have made so much on. I had rather Have skipp'd from sixteen years of age to sixty, T' have turn'd my leaping-time into a crutch, Than have seen this. GUI. sweetest, fairest lily! My brother wears thee not th' one half so well As when thou grew'st thyself. Bel. O melancholy! Who ever yet could sound thy bottom? find The ooze, to show what coast thy sluggish crare Might easiliest harbour in? Thou blessed thing I Jove knows what man thou mightst have made ; but I , Thou diedst, a most rare boy, of melancholy! How found you him? Arv. Stark, as you see: Thus smiling, as some fly had tickled slumber, Not as death's dart, being laugh'd at; his right cheek Reposing on a cushion. Gui. Where? Arv. O* the floor; His arms thus leagu'd: I thought he slept; and put 600 CYMBELINE. I ACT IV My clouted brogues from off iny feet, whose rudeness Answer'd my steps too loud. Gui. Why, he but sleeps : If he be gone, he'll make his grave a bed; With female fairies will his tomb be haunted , And worms will not come to thee. Arv. With fairest flowers , Whilst summer lasts, and I live here, Fidele, I'll sweeten thy sad grave : thou shalt not lack The flower that's like thy face, pale primrose; nor The azur'd harebell, like thy veins; no, nor The leaf of eglantine, whom not to slander, Out-sweeten'd not thy breath : the ruddock would , With charitable bill, bill, sore-shaming Those rich-left heirs that let their fathers lie Without a monument! bring thee all this; Yea, and furr'd moss besides, when flowers are none, To winter-ground thy corse. Gui. Prithee, have done; And do not play in wench-like words with that Which is so serious. Let us bury him, And not protract with admiration what Is now due debt. To the grave ! Arv. Say, where shall 'a lay him? Gui. By good Euriphile , our mother. Arv. Be'tso: And let us , Polydore , though now our voices Have got the mannish crack, sing him to the ground, As once our mother ; use like note and words , Save that Euriphile must be Fidele. Gui. Cadwal, I cannot sing: I'll weep, and word it with thee; For notes of sorrow out of tune are worse Than priests and fanes that lie. Arv. We'll speak it, then. Bel. Great griefs, I see, medicine the less; for Cloten Is quite forgot. He was a queen's son, boys: SCENE n.] OYMBEUNE. 501 And , though he came our enemy, remember He was paid for that: though mean and mighty rotting Together have one dust, yet reverence That angel of the world doth make distinction Of place 'tween high and low. Our foe was princely ; And though you took his life as being our foe , Yet bury him as a prince. GUI. Pray you, fetch him hither. Thersites' body is as good as Ajax', When neither are alive. Arv. If you'll go fetch him , We'll say our song the whilst. Brother, begin. [Exit Belarius Gui. Nay, Cadwal , we must lay his head to th' east ; My father hath a reason for't. Arc. 'Tis true. Gui. Come on, then, and remove him. Arv. So. Begin. Song. Gui. Fear no more the heat o* the sun. Nor the furious winter's rages; Thou thy worldly task hast done, Home art gone, and ta'en thy wages: Golden lads and girls all must, As chimney-sweepers, come to dust. Arv. Fear no more the frown o* the great, Thou art past the tyrant's stroke; Care no more to clothe and eat; To thee the reed is as the oak: The sceptre, learning, physic, must All follow this, and come to dust. Gui. Fear no more the lightning- flash, Arv. Nor iK all-dreaded thunder- stone; Gui. Fear not slander, censure rash; Arv. Thou hast finish'djoy and moan : 502 CTMBELINE. [ACT IV. Both. All lover* young , all lovers must. Consign to thee, and come to dost. GUI. JVb exorciser harm thee I Arc. Nor no witchcraft charm thee ! Gui. Ghost unlaid forbear thee I Arv. Nothing HI come near thee I Both. Quiet consummation have; And renowned be thy grave! Re-enter BELARIUS with the body of CLOTKN. Gui. We Ve done our obsequies : come , lay him dowa Bel. Here's a few flowers; but 'bout midnight, more: The herbs that have on them cold dew o' the night Are strewings fittest for graves. Upon their faces. You were as flowers, now withered: even so These herblets shall, which we upon you strow. Come on , away : apart upon our knees. The ground that gave them first has them again: Their pleasures here are past , so is their pain. [Exeunt Belarius, Guiderius, and Arviragus. Imo. [awaking] Yes, sir, to Milford-Haven; which is the way? I thank you. By yond bush? Pray, how far thither? 'Ods pittikins! can it be six mile yet? I've gone all night: faith, I'll lie down and sleep. But, soft! no bedfellow: gods and goddesses! [Seeing the body of Cloten. These flowers are like the pleasures of the world; 'This bloody man, the care on't. I hope 7 <*reanv For so I thought I was a cave-keeper, And cook to honest creatures: but 'tis not so; 'Twas but a bolt of nothing, shot at nothing, Which the brain makes of fumes: our very eyes Are sometimes like our judgments, blind. Good faith I tremble still with fear: but if there be Yet left in heaven as small a drop of pity As a wren's eye, fear'd gods, a part of it! SCBNK n.] CYMBEUNE. 5Q3 The dream's here still: even when I wake, it is Without me , as within me ; not imagin'd , felt. A headless man! The garments of Posthumua! 1 know the shape of 's leg: this is his hand; His foot Mercurial ; his Martial thigh ; The brawns of Hercules : but his Jovial face Murder in heaven? How! 'Tis gone. Pisanio, All curses madded Hecuba gave the Greeks, And mine to boot, be darted on thee! Thou, Conspir'd with that irregulous devil, Cloten, Hast here cut off my lord. To write and read Be henceforth treacherous ! Damn'd Pisanio Hath with his forged letters , damn'd Pisanio From this most bravest vessel of the world Struck the main-top ! Posthumus ! alas , Where is thy head? where's that? Ay me! where's that? Pisanio might have kill'd thee at the heart, And left thy head on. How should this be? Pisanio? 'Tis he and Cloten: malice and lucre in them Have laid this woe here. 0, 'tis pregnant, pregnant! The drug he gave me , which he said was precious And cordial to me, have I not found it Murderous to the senses? That confirms it home: This is Pisanio'a deed and Cloten's : ! Give colour to my pale cheek with thy blood, That we the horrid er may seem to those Which chance to find us: O, my lord, my lord! [Throws herself on the body. Enter Lucius , a Captain and other Officers, and a Soothsayer. Cap. To them the legions garrison'd in Gallia, After your will, have cross'd the sea; attending You here at Milford-Haven with your ships: They are in readiness. Luc. But what from Rome? Cap. The senate hath stirr'd up the c6nfiners And gentlemen of Italy; most willing spirits, 504 CYMBELINE. IAUT jv. That promise uoble service : and they coine Under the conduct of bold lachiino , Sienna's brother. Lac. When expect you them V Cap. With the next benefit o' the wind. Luc. This forwardness Makes our hopes fair. Command our present numbers Be muster'd; bid the captains look to't. Now, sir, What have you dream'd of late of this war's purpose? Sooth. Last night the very gods show'd me a vision , 1 fast and pray'd for their intelligence , thus : I saw Jove's bird , the Roman eagle , wing'd From the spongy south to this part of the west , There vanish'd in the sunbeams: which portends Unless my sins abuse my divination Success to the Koman host. Luc. Dream often so , And never false. Soft, ho! what trunk is here Without his top? The ruin speaks that sometime It was a worthy building. How ! a page I Or dead, or sleeping on him? But dead, rather; For nature doth abhor to make his bed With the defunct, or sleep upon the dead. Let's see the boy's face. Cap. He's alive, my lord. Luc. He'll , then, instruct us of this body. Young one , Inform us of thy fortunes; for it seems They crave to be demanded. Who is this Thou mak'st thy bloody pillow? Or who was he That , otherwise than noble nature did , Hath alter'd that good picture ? What's thy interest In this sad wreck? How came it? Who is it? What art thou? Imo. I am nothing ; or if not , Nothing to be were better. This was my master, A very valiant Briton and a good , That here by mountaineers lies slain : alas 1 OYMBBLINE. 505 There is no more such masters: I may wander From east to Occident , cry out for service , Try many, and all good , serve truly, never Find such another master. Luc. 'Lack , good youth ! Thou rnov'st no less with thy complaining than Thy master in bleeding: say his name, good friend. Imo. Richard du Champ. [Aside] If I do lie, and do No harm by it, though the gods hear, I hope They'll pardon it. Say you, sir? Luc. Thy name? Imo. Fidele, sir. Luc. Thou dost approve thyself the very same : Thy name well fits thy faith, thy faith thy name. Wilt take thy chance with me? I will not say Thou shalt be so well master 'd; but, be sure, No less belov'd. The Roman emperor's letters 7 Sent by a consul to me , should not sooner Than thine own worth prefer thee: go with me. Imo. I'll follow, sir. But first, an't please the gods, I'll hide my master from the flies , as deep As these poor pickaxes can dig: and when With wild wood-leaves and weeds I ha' strew'd his grave, And on it said a century of prayers, Such as I can, twice o'er, I'll weep and sigh; And leaving so his service, follow you, So please you entertain me. Luc. Ay, good youth; And rather father thee than master thee. My friends, The boy hath taught us manly duties: let us Find out the prettiest daisied plot we can , And make him with our pikes and partisans A grave: come, arm him. Boy, he is preferr'd By thee to us ; and he shall be interr'd AJB soldiers can. Be cheerful; wipe thine eyes: Some falls are means the happier to arise. [Exeunt. 506 OYMBBLINB. [ACT IV SOKNK HL. The same. A room in CYMBELINB'S palace. Enter CYMBELENB, Lords, PISJLNIO, and Attendants. Cym. Again; and bring me word how 'tis with her. A fever with the absence of her son; [Exit an Attendant. A madness, of which her life's in danger, Heavens, How deeply you at once do touch me! Imogen, The great part of my comfort, gone; my queen Upon a desperate bed , and in a time When fearful wars point at me; her son gone, So needful for this present : it strikes me , past The hope of comfort. But for thee , fellow, Who needs must know of her departure , and Dost seem so ignorant , we'll enforce it from thee By a sharp torture. Pis. Sir , my life is yours , 1 humbly set it at your will: but, for my mistress, I nothing know where she remains , why gone , Nor when she purposes return. Beseech your highness , Hold me your loyal servant. First Lord. Good my liege , The day that she was missing he was here : I dare be bound he's true , and shall perform AD parts of his subjection loyally. For Cloten , There wants no diligence in seeking him, And will, no doubt, be found. Cym. The time is troublesome. [To Pisanio] We'll slip you for a season; but our jealousy Does yet depend. First Lord. So please your majesty, The Roman legions, all from Gallia drawn, Are landed on your coast; with a supply Of Roman gentlemen , by the senate sent. Cym. Now for the counsel of my son and queen! I am amaz'd with matter. First Lord. Good my liege , Your preparation can aflront no less SCENE m Jk IV.] CTMBEUNE. 50 7 Than what you hear of: come more, for more you're ready: The want is, but to put those powers in motion That long to move. Cym. I thank you. Let's withdraw ; And meet the time as it seeks us. We fear not What can from Italy annoy us; but We grieve at chances here. Away! [Exeunt all except Pisanio. Pis. I've had no letter from my master since I wrote him Imogen was slain : 'tis strange : Nor hear I from my mistress, who did promise To yield me often tidings; neither know I What is betid to Cloten; but remain Perplex'd in all : the heavens still must work. Wherein I'm false I'm honest ; not true , to be true : These present wars shall find I love my country, Even to the note o' the king, or I'll fall in them, All other doubts, by time let them be clear'd: Fortune brings in some boats that are not steer'd. [Exit. SCENE IV. The same. Wales: before the cave O/'BELARIUS Enter BELABIUB , GUTOEBITJS , and ARVTRAOUS. Gui. The noise is round about us. Bel. Let us from it. Arv. What pleasure, sir, find we in life, to lock it From action and adventure? 6W. Nay, what hope Have we in hiding us? This way, the Romans Must or for Britons slay us, or receive us For barbarous and unnatural revolts During their use , and slay us after. Bel. Sons, We'll higher to the mountains; there secure us. To the king's party there's no going: newness Of Cloten's death we being not known, not muster'd Among the bands may drive us to a render 508 CYMBBLINB. f ACT IV Where we have liv'd; and so extort from 'a that Which we have done , whose answer would be death Drawn on with torture. Girt. This is , sir , a doubt In such a time nothing becoming you , Nor satisfying us. Arv. It is not likely That when they hear the Roman horses neigh, Behold their quarter'd fires, have both their eyes And ears so cloy'd importantly as now, That they will waste then* time upon our note, To know from whence we are. Bel. 0, 1 am known Of many in the army: many years, Though Cloten then but young, you see, not wore hire From my remembrance. And, besides, the king Hath not deserv'd my service nor your loves ; Who find in my exile the want of breeding, The certainty of this hard life; aye hopeless To have the courtesy your cradle promised , But to be still hot summer's tanlings , and The shrinking slaves of winter. Gui. Than be so, Better to cease to be. Pray, sir, to th' army: I and my brother are not known; yourself So out of thought, and thereto so o'ergrown, Cannot be questioned. Arv. By this sun that shines, I'll thither: what thing is it that I never Did see man die! scarce ever look'd on blood, But that of coward hares, hot goats, and venison! Never bestrid a horse, save one that had A rider like myself, who ne'er wore rowel Nor iron on his heel! I am asham'd To look upon the holy sun, to have The benefit of his bless'd beams, remaining So long a poor unknown. SCENE IV.] OYMBEUNE. 509 Gui. By heavens , I'll go : Jf you will bless me, sir, and give me leave, I'll take the better care; but if you will not, The hazard therefore due fall on me by The hands of Romans! Arv. So say I , Amen. Bel. No reason I , since of your lives you set So slight a valuation , should reserve My crack'd one to more care. Have with you, boys! If in your country wars you chance to die , That is my bed too, lads, and there I'll lie: Lead, lead. [Aside] The time seems long; their blood thinks scorn, Till it fly out, and show them princes born. [Exeunt. ACT V. SCENE I. Britain. The Roman camp. Enter POST-HUMUS with a bloody handkerchief. Post. Yea, bloody cloth, I'll keep thee; for I wish'd Thou shouldst be colour'd thus. You married ones, If each of you should take this course , how many Must murder wives much better than themselves For wrying but a little! Pisanio! Every good servant does not all commands: No bond but to do just ones. Gods! if you Should have ta'en vengeance on my faults, I never Had liv'd to put on this: so had you sav'd The noble Imogen to repent; and struck Me, wretch more worth your vengeance. But, alack You snatch some hence for little faults; that's love, To have them fall no more: you some permit To second ills with ills, each elder worse, And make them dread it, to the doers' thrift. But Imogen is your own: do your best wills, 510 OYMBELINB. [AO* V. And make me bless'd t' obey ! I am brought hither Among th* Italian gentry, and to fight Against my lady's kingdom: 'tis enough That, Britain, I have kill'd thy mistress; peace! I'll give no wound to thee. Therefore , good heavens , Hear patiently my purpose : I'll disrobe me Of these Italian weeds, and suit myself As does a Briton peasant: so I'll fight Against the part I come with; so I'll die For thee, Imogen, even for whom my life Is , every breath , a death : and thus , unknown , Pitied nor hated, to the face of peril Myself I'll dedicate. Let me make men know More valour in me than my habits show. Gods , put the strength o' the Leonati in me ! To shame the guise o' the world, I will begin The fashion, less without and more within. [Exit, SCENE II. The same. A field between the British and Roman camps. Enter, from one side, Lucius, IACHIMO, IMOGEN, and the Roman Army; from the other side, the British Army; LEONATUS POST- HUMUS following, like a poor soldier. They march over and go out. Alarums. Then enter again, in skirmish, IACHIMO and POST- HUMUS : he vanquished and disarmeth IACHIMO, and then leave* him. lach. The heaviness and guilt within my bosom Takes off my manhood: I've belied a lady, The princess of this country, and the air on't Revengingly enfeebles me; or could this carl, A very drudge of nature's , have subdu'd me In my profession? Knighthoods and honours, borne As I wear mine, are titles but of scorn. If that thy gentry, Britain , go before This lout as he exceeds our lords, the odds la , that we scarce are men , and you are gods. (Exit. SCENE I, U A HI. ] CYMBBLINB. 511 The battle continues; (he Britons fly; CYMBELINE is taken: then enter, to his rescue, BELABIUS, GUEDEBIUS, and ARVIRAGUS. Bel. Stand, stand! We have th 1 advantage of the ground; The lane is guarded : nothing routs us but The villany of our fears. Gut. Arv. Stand, stand, and fight! Re-enter POSTHUMUS, and seconds the Britons: they rescue CYM- BELINE, and all exeunt. Then re-enter Lucius, IACHIMO, and IMOGEN. Luc. Away, boy, from the troops, and save thyself; For friends kill friends , and the disorder's such As war were hoodwinked. lach. 'Tis their fresh supplies. Luc. It is a day turn'd strangely: or betimes Let's re-enforce, or fly. [Exeunt. SCENE III. The same. Another part of the field. Enter POSTHUMUS and a British Lord. Lord. Cam'st thou from where they made the stand ? Post. I did Though you, it seems, came from the fliers. Lord. 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, Lolling the tongue with slaughtering, having work More plentiful than tools to do't, struck down Some mortally, some slightly touch'd , some falling Merely through fear ; that the strait pass was damm'd With dead men hurt behind, and cowards living To die with lengthen'd shame. Lord. Where was this lane? Post. Close by the battle, ditch'd, and wall'd with turf; 512 CYMBEUNE. IACT v Which gave advantage to an ancient soldier, An honest one, I warrant; who deserv'd So long a breeding as his white beard came to, In doing this for 's country : athwart the lane , He, with two striplings, lads more like to run The country base than to commit such slaughter; With faces fit for masks, or rather fairer Than those for preservation cas'd or shame, Made good the passage; cried to those that fled, "Our Britain's harts die flying, not our men: To darkness fleet, souls that- fly backwards! Stand; Or we are Romans, and will give you that 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," Accommodated by the place, more charming With their own nobleness , which could have turn'd A distaff to a lance , gilded pale looks , Part shame, part spirit renew'd; that some, turn'd coward But by example, 0, a sin in war, Danin'd in the first beginners! gan to look The way that they did, and to grin like lions Upon the pikes o' th' hunters. Then began A stop i* the chaser, a retire ; anon A rout , confusion-thick: forthwith they fly Chickens, the way which they stoop'd eagles; slaves, The strides they victors made : and now our cowards Like fragments in hard voyages became The life o' the need: having found the back-door open Of the unguarded hearts, heavens, how they wound! Some slain before; some dying; some their friends O'er-borne i' the former wave: ten, chas'd by one, Are now each one the slaughter-man of twenty : Those that would die or e'er resist are grown The mortal bugs o' the field SCENE in.] CYMBELINB. 513 Lord. This was strange chance , A narrow lane , an old man , and two boys ! 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, And vent it for a mockery? Here is one: "Two boys, an old man twice a boy, a lane, Preserv'd the Britons, was the Romans' bane." Lord. Nay, be not angry, sir. Post. 'Lack, to what eml? Who dares not stand his foe , I'll be his friend ; For if he'll do as he is made to do , 1 know he'll quickly fly my friendship too. You've put me into rhyme. Lord. Farewell; you're angry. Post. Still going? [Exit Lord. 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 T' 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, 'Tis strange he hides him in fresh cups , soft beds , Sweet words; or hath more ministers than we That draw his knives i' the war. Well , 1 will find him For being now a favourer to the Briton , No more a Briton , I've resuin'd again The part I came in: fight 1 will no more, But yield me to the veriest hind that shall Once touch my shoulder. Great the slaughter is Here made by the Roman ; great the answer be Britons must take: for me, my ransom's death; On either side I come to spend my breath; Which neither here I'll keep nor bear agen, But end it by some means for Imogen. Shakespeare. VI. 33 514 CYMBBLINB. [ACT V Enter two British Captains and Soldiers. First Cap. Great Jupiter be prais'd ! Lucius is taken : 'Tis thought the old man and his sons were angels. Sec. Cap. There was a fourth man, in a silly habit, That gave th' affront with them. First Cap. So 'tis reported : But none of 'em can be found. Stand! who is there? Post. A Roman; Who had not now been drooping here, if seconds Had answer'd him. Sec. 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 CYMBELINB, attended; BELARIUB, GUEDERIUS, ARVIRAGUS, PISANIO, Soldiers, and Roman Captives. ITie Captains present POSTHUMUS to CYMBBLINE , who delivers him over to a Gaoler : after which, all go out. SCBNB IV. The same. A prison. Enter POSTHUMTJS and two Gaolers. First Gaol. You shall not now be stol'n, you've locks upon you; So graze as you find pasture. Sec. Gaol. Ay, or a stomach. [Exeunt Gaolers. Post. Most welcome , bondage I for thou art a 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 T' unbar these locks. My conscience , thou art fetter'd More than my shanks and wrists: you good gods, give me The penitent instrument to pick that bolt, Then free for ever! Is't enough I'm sorry? SCENE IV. J OYMBELINE. 515 So children temporal fathers do appease; Gods are more fiill of mercy. Must I repent? I cannot do it better than in gyves , Desir'd more than constrain'd : to satisfy , If of my freedom 'tis the main part , take No stricter render of me than my all. I know you are more clement than vile men , Who of their broken debtors take a third, A sixth, a tenth, letting them thrive again On their abatement: that's not my desire: For Imogen's dear life take mine ; and though 'Tis not so dear, yet 'tis a life ; you coin'd it : 'Tween man and man they weigh not every stamp ; Though light , take pieces for the figure's sake : You rather mine , being yours : and so , great powers , If you will take this audit, take this life, And cancel these cold bonds. Imogen ! I'll speak to thee in silence. [Sleeps. Solemn music. Enter, as in an apparition, SICILIUS LEONATUS. father to POSTHUMUS, an old man, attired like a warrior; leading in his hand an ancient matron, his wife, and mother to POSTHU- MUS , with music before them : then , after other music , follow the two young LBONATI, brothers to POSTHUMUS, with wounds as they died in the wars. They circle POSTHUMUS round, as he lies sleeping. Sici. No more , thou thunder-master , show Thy spite on mortal flies: With Mars fall out, with Juno chide, That thy adulteries Rates and revenges. Hath my poor boy done aught but well, Whose face I never saw? I died whilst in the womb he stay'd Attending nature's law: Whose father then, as men report Thou orphans' father art, 33* 516 CYMBELINE. Thou shouldst have been, and shielded him From this earth-vexing smart. Moth. Lucina lent not me her aid , But took me in my throes; That from me was Posthumus ript, Came crying 'mongst his foes , A thing of pity ! Sid. Great nature , like his ancestry, Moulded the stuff so fair , That he deserv'd the praise o' the world ; As great Sicilius' heir. First Bro. When once he was mature for man . In Britain where was he Tlx.it could stand up his parallel; Or fruitful object be In eye of Imogen, that best Could deem his dignity? Moth. With marriage wherefore was he mock'd, To be exil'd, and thrown From Leonati' seat, and cast From her his dearest one, Sweet Imogen? Sid. Why did you suffer lachimo , Slight thing of Italy, To taint his nobler heart and brain With needless jealousy; And to become the geek and scorn O' th' other's villany? Sec. Bro. For this, from stiller seats we come, Our parents, and us twain, That , striking in our country's cause , Fell bravely, and were slain; Our fealty and Tenantius' right With honour to maintain. SCENE IV.) CYMBELINE. 517 First Bro. Like hardiment Posthumus hath To Cymbeline perfbrin'd : Then, Jupiter, thou king of gods, Why hast thou thus adjourn'd The graces for his merits due; Being all to dolours turn'd? Sici. Thy crystal window ope ; look out No longer exercise Upon a valiant race thy harsh And potent injuries. Moth. Since , Jupiter , our son is good , Take off his miseries. Sici. Peep through thy marble mansion ; help ; Or we poor ghosts will cry To the shining synod of the rest Against thy deity. Both JBro. Help, Jupiter ; or we appeal , And from thy justice fly. JUPITER descends in thunder and lightning, sitting upon an eagle , he throws a thunderbolt. The Ghosts fall on their knees. Jup. No more, you petty spirits of region low. Offend our hearing; hush! How dare you ghosts Accuse the thunderer, whose bolt, you know, Sky-planted, batters all rebelling coasts? Poor shadows of Elysium , hence ; and rest Upon your never- withering banks of flowers : Be not with mortal accidents opprest; No care of yours it k; you know 'tis ours. Whom best I love I cross ; to make my gift , The more delay'd, delighted. Be content; Your low-laid son our godhead will uplift: His comforts thrive, his trials well are spent. Our Jovial star reign'd at his birth , and in Our temple was he married. - Rise, and fade! 518 CYMBBLINE. [ACT V. He shall be lord of lady Imogen, And happier much by his affliction made. This tablet lay upon his breast ; wherein Our pleasure his full fortune doth confine: And so, away! no further with your din Express impatience , lest you stir up mine. Mount, eagle, to my palace crystalline. [Ascends. Sid. He came in thunder; his celestial breath Was sulphurous to smell : the holy eagle Stoop'd, as to foot us: his ascension is More sweet than our bless'd fields: his royal bird Prunes the immortal wing , and cloys his beak , As when his god is pleas'd. All. Thanks, Jupiter! Sid. The marble pavement closes, he is enter'd His radiant roof. Away! and, to be blest , Let us with care perform his great behest. [The Gtiosts vanish. Post, [waking] Sleep, thou hast been a grandsire, and begot A father to me; and thou hast created A mother and two brothers : but scorn ! Gone ! they went hence so soon as they were born : And so I am awake. Poor wretches that depend On greatness' favour dream as 1 have done; Wake, and find nothing. But, alas, 1 swerve: Many dream not to find , neither deserve , And yet are steep'd in favours; so am I, That have this golden chance , and know not why. What fairies haunt this ground? A book? rare one ! Be not , as is our fangled world , a garment Nobler than that it covers : let thy effects So follow, to be most unlike our courtiers, As good as promise. [Reads. " Whenas a lion's whelp shall , to himself unknown , with- out seeking find, and be embraced by a piece of tender air; and when from a stately cedar shall be lopped branches, which, SCENE IV. ] CYMBBLINB. 519 being dead many years, shall after revive, be jointed to the old stock, and freshly grow; then shall Posthumus end his miseries, Britain be fortunate, and flourish in peace and plenty." "Pis still a dream; or else such stuff as madmen Tongue , and brain not : either both , or nothing : Or senseless speaking, or a speaking such As sense cannot untie. Be what it is , The action of my life is like it, which I'll keep , if but for sympathy. Re-enter First Gaoler. First Gaol. Come, sir, are you ready for death? Post. Over-roasted rather; ready long ago. First Gaol. Hanging is the word, sir: if you be ready for rfhat , you are well cooked, Post. So, if I prove a good repast to the spectators, the dish pays the shot. First Gaol. A heavy reckoning for you, sir. But the com- fort is, you shall be called to no more payments, fear no more tavern-bills; which are often the sadness of parting, as the procuring of mirth : you come in faint for want of meat, de- part reeling with too much drink ; sorry that you have paid too much, and sorry that you are paid too much; purse and brain both empty, the brain the heavier for being too light, the purse too light being drawn of heaviness: of this contra- diction you shall now be quit. O, the charity of a penny cord ! it sums up thousands in a trice : you have no true de- bitor and creditor but it; of what's past, is, and to come, the discharge: your neck, sir, is pen, book, and counters; so the acquittance follows. Post. I am merrier to die than thou art to live, First Gaol. Indeed, sir, he that sleeps feels not the tooth- ache: but a man that were to sleep your sleep, and a hang- man to help him to bed, I think he would change places with his officer; for, look you, sir, you know not which way you shall go. 520 CYMBELINE. [ACT V Post. Yes, indeed do 1, fellow. first Gaol Your death has eyes in's head, then; I have not seen him so pictured: you must either be directed by some that take upon them to know, or take upon yourself that which I am sure you do not know; or jump the after- inquiry on your own peril : and how you shall speed in your journey's end , I think you'll never return to tell one. Post. I tell thee, fellow, there are none want eyes to direct them the way I am going, but such as wink and will not use them. First Gaol. What an infinite mock is this, that a man should have the best use of eyes to see the way of blindness ! I am sure hanging's the way of winking. Enter a Messenger. Mess. Knock off his manacles ; bring your prisoner to the king. Post. Thou bringest good news, I am called to be made tree. First Gaol. I'll be hanged , then. Post. Thou shalt be then freer than a gaoler; no bolts for the dead. [Exeunt Posthumus and Messenger. First Gaol. Unless a man would marry a gallows, and beget young gibbets, I never saw one so prone. Yet, on my conscience, there are verier knaves desire to live, for all he be a Roman: and there be some of them too that die against their wills; so should I, if I were one. I would we were all of one mind , and one mind good ; , there were desolation of gaolers and gallowses ! I speak against my pre- sent profit; but my wish hath a preferment in't. [Exeunt. SCENE V. The same. CYMBELINE'S tent. Enter CYMBELJNE , BELARIUS , GUTDERIUS , ARVTRAQUS , PISANIO, Lords , Officers , and Attendants. Cym. Stand by my side, you whom the gods have made Preservers of my throne. Woe is my heart That the poor soldier, that so richly fought, SCENE V.] OYMBBLINE. 521 Whose rags sham'd gilded arms , whose naked breast Stepp'd before targes of proof, cannot be found: He shall be happy that can find him, if Our grace can make him so. Bel. I never saw Such noble fury in so poor a thing; Such precious deeds in one that promised naught But beggary and poor looks. Cym. No tidings of him? Pis. He hath been search'd among the dead and living , But no trace of him. Cym. To my grief, I am The heir of his reward; which I will add To you, the liver, heart, and brain of Britain, [To Belarius, Guiderius, and Arviragus. By whom 1 grant she lives. 'Tis now the time To ask of whence you are : report it. Bel. Sir, In Cambria are we born, and gentlemen: Further to boast were neither true nor modest, Unless I add we're honest. Cym. Bow your knees. Arise my knights o' the battle : I create you Companions to our person , and will fit you With dignities becoming your estates. Enter CORNELIUS and Ladies. There's business in these faces. Why so sadly Greet you our victory? you look like Romans, And not o' the court of Britain. Cor. Hail, great king I To sour your happiness , I must report The queen is dead. Cym. Who worse than a physician Would this report become? But I consider By medicine life may be prolonged , yet death Will seize the doctor too. How ended she? CYMBELINE. [ACT V. Cor. With horror, madly dying, like her life-, Which, being cruel to the world, concluded Most cruel to herself. What she confess'd I will report, so please you: these her women Can trip me, if I err; who with wet cheeks Were present when she finish'd. Cym. Prithee , say. Cor. First, she confess'd she never lov'd you 5 only Affected greatness got by you , not you : Married your royalty , was wife to your place ; Abhorr'd your person. Cym. She alone knew this; And, but she spoke it dying, I would not Believe her lips in opening it. Proceed. Cor. Your daughter, whom she bore in hand to love With such integrity, she did confess Was as a scorpion to her sight; whose life, But that her flight prevented it, she had Ta'en off by poison. Cym. O most delicate fiend ! Who is't can read a woman? Is there more? Cor. More, sir, and worse. She did confess she had For you a mortal mineral ; which , being took , Should by the minute feed on life, and, lingering, By inches waste you: in which time she purpos'd, By watching, weeping, tendance, kissing, to O'ercome you with her show; yes, and in time, When she had fitted you with her craft, to work Her son into th* adoption of the crown : But, failing of her end by his strange absence, Grew shameless- desperate; open'd, in despite Of heaven and men , her purposes ; repented The evils she hatch'd were not effected ; so , Despairing, died. Cym. Heard you all this, her women? First Lady. We did , so please your highness. Cym. Mine eyes SCENE V.] CYMBELINE. 523 Were not in fault, for she was beautiful; Mine ears, that heard her flattery; nor my heart, That thought her like her seeming ; it had been vicious To have mistrusted her: yet, my daughter! That it was folly in me , thou mayst say, And prove it in thy feeling. Heaven mend all ! Enter Lucius , LA.CHIMO, Jfe Soothsayer, and other Roman Prisoners , guarded ; POSTHUMUS behind, and IMOQKN. Thou com'st not, Caius, now for tribute; that The Britons have raz'd out, though with the loss Of many a bold one ; whose kinsmen have made suit That their good souls may be appeas'd with slaughter Of you their captives , which ourself have granted : So think of your estate. Luc. Consider, sir, the chance of war: the day Was yours by accident; had it gone with us, We should not, when the blood was cool, have threaten'd Our prisoners with the sword. But since the gods Will have it thus , that nothing but our lives May be call'd ransom, let it come: sufficeth A Roman with a Roman's heart can suffer: Augustus lives to think on't: and so much For my peculiar care. This one thing only I will entreat; my boy, a Briton born, Let him be ransom'd: never master had A page so kind, so duteous-diligent, So tender over his occasions , true , So feat, so nurse-like: let his virtue join With my request , which 111 make bold your highness Cannot deny; he hath done no Briton harm, Though he have serv'd a Roman: save him, sir, And spare no blood beside. Cym. I've Burely seen him: His favour is familiar to me. Boy, thou hast look'd thyself into my grace, And art mine own, I know not why, nor wherefore , 524 CYMBELINB. [ACT V To say "Live, boy:" ne'er thank thy master; live: And ask of Cymbeline what boon thou wilt, Pitting my bounty and thy state, I'll give it: Yea, though thou do demand a prisoner, The noblest ta'en. Imo. I humbly thank your highness. Luc. I do not bid thee beg my life, good lad; And yet I know thou wilt. Imo. No, no: alack, There's other work in hand : I see a thing Bitter to me as death: your life, good master, Must shuffle for itself. Luc. The boy disdains me, He leaves me , scorns me : briefly die their joys That place them on the truth of girls and boys. Why stands he so perplex'd? Cym. What wouldst thou, boy? I love thee more and more : think more and more What's best to ask. Know'st him thou look'st on? speak, Wilt have him live? Is he thy kin? thy friend? Imo. He is a Roman ; no more kin to me Than I to your highness; who, being born your vassal, Am something nearer. Cym. Wherefore ey'st him so? Imo. I'll tell you , sir , in private , if you please To give me hearing. Cym. Ay, with all my heart , And lend my best attention. What's thy name ? Imo. Fidele, sir. Cym. Thou'rt my good youth , my page ; I'll be thy master: walk with me; speak freely. [Cymbeline and Imogen converse apart. Bel. Is not this boy reviv'd from death? Arv. One sand another Not more resembles that sweet rosy lad Who died, and was Fidele. What think you? Gut. The same dead thing alive. SCENE V.] CYMBBLINB. 525 Bel. Peace, peace! see further; he eyes us not; forbear; Creatures may be alike: were't he, I'm sure He would have spoke to us. Gut. But we saw him dead. Bel. Be silent; let's see further. Pis. [aside] Tis my mistress : Since she is living, let the time run on To good or bad. [Cymbeline and Imogen come forward. Cym. Come, stand thou by our side; Make thy demand aloud. [To lackimo] Sir, step you forth; Give answer to this boy, and do it freely; Or, by our greatness, and the grace of it, Which is our honour, bitter torture shall Winnow the truth from falsehood. On , speak to him. Imo. My boon is , that this gentleman may render Of whom he had this ring. Post, [aside] What's that to him? Cym. That diamond upon your finger, say How came it yours? lack. Thou'lt torture me to leave unspoken that Which , to be spoke , would torture thee. Cym. How! me? lack. I'm glad to be constrain'd to utter that Which torments me to conceal. By villany I got this ring: 'twas Leonatus' jewel; Whom thou didst banish; and which more may grieve thee, As it doth me a nobler sir ne'er liv'd 'Twixt sky and ground. Wilt thou hear more, my lord? Cym. All that belongs to this. lack. That paragon , thy daughter , For whom my heart drops blood , and my false spirits Quail to remember Give me leave; I faint. Cym. My daughter! what of her? Renew thy strength I had rather thou shouldst live while nature will Than die ere I hear more : strive , man , and speak. lack. Upon a time , unhappy was the clock That struck the hour! it was in Rome, accurs'd 526 OYMBELINE. [Act V The mansion where! 'twas at a feast, O, would Our viands had been poison'd, or at least Those which I heav'd to head! the good Posthumus What should I say? he was too good to be Where ill men were; and was the best of all Amongst the rar'st of good ones sitting sadly, Hearing us praise our loves of Italy For beauty that made barren the swell'd boast Of him that best could speak ; for feature , laming The shrine of Venus, or straight-pight Minerva, Postures beyond brief nature; for condition, A shop of all the qualities that man Loves woman for; besides, that hook of wiving, Fairness which strikes the eye , Cym. I stand on fire: Come to the matter. lack. All too soon I shall , Unless thou wouldst grieve quickly. This Posthumus, Most like a noble lord in love, and one That had a royal lover, took his hint; And, not dispraising whom we prais'd, therein He was as calm as virtue , he began His mistress' picture ; which by his tongue being made , And then a mind put in't , either our brags Were crack'd of kitchen-trulls , or his description Prov'd us unspeaking sots. Cym. Nay, nay, to the purpose. lack. Your daughter's chastity there it begins. He spake of her, as Dian had hot dreams, And she alone were cold: whereat I, wretch, Made scruple of his praise; and wager'd with him Pieces of gold 'gainst this which then he wore Upon his honour'd finger, to attain In suit the place of s bed , and win this ring By hers and mine adultery. He, true knight, No lesser of her honour confident Than I did truly find her, stakes this ring; SCENE V. ) OYMBBLINE. 527 And would so , had it been a carbuncle Of Phoebus' wheel; and might so safely, had it Been all the worth of 's car. Away to Britain Post I in this design: well may you, sir, Remember me at court: where I was taught Of your chaste daughter the wide difference 'Twixt amorous and villanous. Being thus quench'd Of hope , not longing , mine Italian brain Gan in your duller Britain operate Most vilely; for my vantage, excellent: And , to be brief, my practice so prevail'd That I return'd with simular proof enough To make the noble Leonatus rnad, By wounding his belief in her renown With tokens thus and thus; averring notes Of chamber-hanging, pictures, this her bracelet, cunning, how 1 got it! nay, some marks Of secret on her person , that he could not But think her bond of chastity quite crack'd, 1 having ta'en the forfeit. Whereupon Methinks , I see him now Post, [coming forward] Ay, so thou dost, Italian fiend ! Ay me , most credulous fool , Egregious murderer, thief, any thing That's due to all the villains past, in being, To come 1 O, give me cord , or knife , or poison Some upright justicer! Thou, king, send out For torturers ingenious: it is I That all th' abhorred things o' th' earth amend By being worse than they. I am Posthiimus, That kill'd thy daughter: villain-like, I lie; That caus'd a lesser villain than myself, A sacrilegious thief, to do't: the temple Of virtue was she ; yea , and she herself. Spit, and throw stones, cast mire upon me, set The dogs o' the street to bay me: every villain Be call'd Posthiimus Leonatus; and 528 CYMBBUNE. I ACT V Be villany less than 'twas! Imogen! My queen , my life , my wife ! O Imogen , Imogen, Imogen! Imo. Peace , my lord ; hear , hear Post. ShalTs have a play of this? Thou scornful page, There lie thy part. [Striking her: she falls Pis. 0, gentlemen, help! Mine and your mistress! 0, my lord Postluinms ! You ne'er kill'd Imogen till now. Help , help ! Mine honour'd lady! Cym. Does the world go round ? Post. How come these staggers on me? Pis. Wake, my mistress ! Cym. If this be so, the gods do mean to strike me To death with mortal joy. Pis. How fares my mistress? Imo. O, get thee from my sight; Thou gav'st me poison: dangerous fellow, hence! Breathe not where princes are. Cym. The tune of Imogen? . Pis. Lady, The gods throw stones of .sulphur on me, if That box I gave you was not thought by me A precious thing; I had it from the queen. Cym. New matter still? Imo. It poison' d me. Cor. gods! I left out one thing which the queen confess'd , Which must approve thee honest: "If Pisanio Have," said she, "given his mistress that confection Which I gave him for cordial, she is serv'd As I would serve a rat." Cym. What's this, Cornelius? Cor. The queen , sir , very oft importun'd me To temper poisons for her; still pretending The satisfaction of her knowledge only I n killing creatures vile , as cats and dogs , SCENE V.] CYMBEL.INE. 529 Of no esteem : 1 , dreading that her purpose Was of more danger, did compound for her A certain stuff, which, being ta'en, would cease The present power of life; but in short time All offices of nature should again Do their due functions. Have you ta'en of it? Irno. Most like I did , for I was dead. Bel My boys , There was our error. GUI. This is, sure, Fidele. Imo. Why did you throw your wedded lady from you? Think that you are upon a rock ; and now Throw me again. [ Embracing him Post. Hang there like fruit , my soul , Till the tree die! Cym. How now , my flesh , my child ! What, inak'st thou me a dullard in this act? Wilt thou not speak to me? Imo. Your blessing , sir. [Kneeling Bel. Though you did love this youth, I blame ye not You had a motive for't. [To Guiderius and Arviragvs Cym. My tears that fall Prove holy water on thee! Imogen, Thy mother's dead. Imo. I'm sorry for't, my lord. Cym. 0, she was naught; and long of her it was That we meet here so strangely: but her son Is gone, we know not how nor where. 1^. My lord , Now fear is from me, I'll speak troth. Lord Cloten, Upon my lady's missing, came to me With his sword drawn ; foam'd at the mouth , and swore , If I discover'd not which way she was gone, It was my instant death. By accident, I had a feigned letter of my master's Then in my pocket; which directed him To seek her on the mountains near to Milford ; Shakespeare. VI. 34 530 C YMBEL1NE. Where, in a frenzy, in my master's garments, Which he enforc'd from me , away he posts With unchaste purpose , and with oath to violate My lady's honour: what became of him I further know not. GUI. Let me end the story : I slew him there. Cym. Marry , the gods forf end ! I would not thy good deeds should from my lips Pluck a hard sentence : prithee , valiant youth , Deny't again. Gui. I've spoke it, and I did it. Cym. He was a prince. Gui. A most incivil one : the wrongs he did me Were nothing prince-like ; for he did provoke me With language that would make me spurn the sea, If it could so roar to me : 1 cut ofFs head ; And am right glad he is not standing here To tell this tale of mine. Cym. I'm sorry for thee : By thine own tongue thou art condemn'd, and must Endure our law: thou'rt dead. Two. That headless man 1 thought had been my lord. Cym. Bind the offender , And take him from our presence. Bel. Stay, sir king: This man is better than the mau he slew, As well descended as thyself; and hath More of thee merited than a band of Clotens Had ever scar for. [To the Guard.] Let his arms alone; They were not born for bondage. Cym, Why, old soldier, Wilt thou undo the worth thou art unpaid for, By tasting of our wrath? How of descent As good as we ? 4rv. In that he spake too far. SCENE V.] CYMBELINB. 531 Cym. And thou shait die for't. Bel. We will die all three But I will prove that two on 's are as good As I have given out him. My sons, I must, For mine own part , unfold a dangerous speech , Though, haply, well for you. Arv. Your danger's ours, Gui. And our good his. Bel. Have at it, then! By leave, thou hadst, great king, a subject who Was call'd Belarius. Cym. What of him? he is A banish'd traitor. Bel. He it is that hath Assum'd this age: indeed, a banish'd man; I know not how a traitor. Cym. Take him hence : The whole world shall not save him. Bel. Not too hot: ^ First pay me for the nursing of thy sons ; And let it be confiscate all, so soon As I've receiv'd it. Cym. Nursing of my sons! Bel. I am too blunt and saucy : here's my knee Ere I arise, I will prefer my sons; Then spare not the old father. Mighty sir, These two young gentlemen, that call me father, And think they are my sons, are none of mine; They are the issue of your loins, my liege, And blood of your begetting. Cym. How! my issue! Bel. So sure as you your father's. I, old Morgan Am that Belarius whom you sometime banish'd: Your pleasure was my mere offence , my punishment Itself, and all my treason; that I suffer'd Was all the harm I did. These gentle princes For such and so they are these twenty years 34* 532 CYMBELINB. f ACT V. Have I train 'd up : those arts they have as I Could put into them; my breeding was, sir, as Your highness knows. Their nurse , Euriphile , Whom for the theft I wedded , stole these children Upon my banishment: 1 mov'd her to't; Having receiv'd the punishment before , For that which I did then : beaten for loyalty Excited me to treason : their dear loss , The more of you 'twas felt , the more it shap'd Unto my end of stealing them. But , gracious sir , Here are your sons again; and I must lose Two of the sweet'st companions in the world : The benediction of these covering heavens Fall on their heads like dew ! for they are worthy To inlay heaven with stars. Cym. Thou weep'st, and speak'st The service that you three have done is more Unlike than this thou tell'st. I lost my children : If these be they, I know not how to wish A pair of worthier sons. Bel. Be pleas'd awhile. This gentleman , whom I call Polydore , Most worthy prince, as yours, is true (juiderius: This gentleman , my Cachval , Arviragus , Your younger princely son : he , sir , was lapp'd In a most curious mantle , wrought by th' hand Of his queen-mother , which , for more probation , I can with ease produce. Cym. Gruiderius had Upon his neck a mole, a sanguine star; It was a mark of wonder. Bel. This is he; Who hath upon him still that natural stamp : It was wise nature's end in the donation , To be his evidence now. Cym. O, what, am I A mother to the birth of three? Ne'er mother SCENE V.] OYMBELINE. 533 Rejoic'd deliverance more. Bless'd pray you be, That, after this strange starting from your orbs, You may reign in them now! Imogen, Thou hast lost by this a kingdom. Imo. No, my lord; I've got two worlds by't. my gentle brothers, Have we thus met? O, never say hereafter But I am truest speaker: you calTd me brother, When 1 was but your, sister; I you brothers, When ye were so indeed. Cym. Did you e'er meet? Arv. Ay, my good lord. Gui. And at first meeting lov'd ; Continu'd so , until we thought he died. Cor. By the queen's dram she swallow'd. Cym. rare instinct ' When shall I hear all through? This fierce abridgment liath to it circumstantial branches, which Distinction should be rich in. Where? how liv'd you? And when came you to serve our Roman captive? How parted with your brothers ? how first met them ? Why fled you from the court? and whither? These, And your three motives to the battle , with I know not how much more, should be demanded; And all the other by-dependencies , From chance to chance : but nor the time nor place Will serve our long inter'gatories. See , Posthumua anchors upon Imogen; And she , like harmless lightning , throws her eye On him , her brothers , me , her master , hitting Each object with a joy: the counterchange Is severally in all. Let's quit this ground , And smoke the temple with our sacrifices. [To Belarius] Thou art my brother; so we'll hold thee ever Imo. You are my father too; and did relieve me, To see this gracious season. Cym. All o'erjoy'd, 534 CYMBELINE. [ACT V. Save these in bonds: let them be joyful too, For they shall taste our comfort. /mo. My good master, I will yet do you service. Luc. Happy be you ! Cym. The fdrlorn soldier, that BO nobly fought, He would have well becom'd this place, and grac'd The thankings of a king. Post. 1 am, sir, The soldier that did company these three In poor beseeming; 'twas a fitment for The purpose I then follow'd. That I was he, Speak , lachimo : I had you down , and might Have made you finish. lack. I am down again: [Kneeling. But now my heavy conscience sinks iny knee , As then your force did. Take that life, beseech you, Which I so often owe: but your ring first; And here the bracelet of the truest princess That ever swore her faith. Post. Kneel not to me : The power that I have on you is to spare you; The malice towards you to forgive you: live, And deal with others better. Cym. Nobly doom'd! We'll learn our freeness of a son-in-law ; Pardon's the word to all. Arv. You holp us , sir , As you did mean indeed to be our brother; Joy'd are we that you are. Post. Your servant, princes. Good my lord of Rome , Call forth your soothsayer: as I slept, methought Great Jupiter , upon his eagle back'd , Appear'd to me , with other spritely shows Of mine own kindred : when I wak'd , I found This label on my bosom; whose containing Is so from sense in hardness, that I can sCJfiNJSV.j CYMBELUtfB. 535 Make no collection of it: let him show His skill in the construction. Luc. Philarmonus, Sooth. Here , my good lord. Luc. Read , and declare the meaning. Sooth, [reads] " Whenaa a lion's whelp shall , to himseli unknown , without seeking find , and be embraced by a piece of tender air; and when from a stately cedar shall be lopped branches , which, being dead many years, shall after revive, be jointed to the old stock, and freshly grow; then shall Posthumus end his miseries, Britain be fortunate, and flourish in peace and plenty." Thou , JLeonatus , art the lion's whelp ; The fit and apt construction of thy name , Being Leo-natus , doth import so much : [To Cymbeline] The piece of tender air, thy virtuous daughter, Which we call motlis aer; and mollis aer We term it mulier: [To Posthumus] which mulier I divine is thy most constant wife; who, even now, Answering the letter of the oracle , Unknown to you , unsought , were clipp'd about With this most tender air. Cyrn. This hath some seeming. Sooth. The lofty cedar , royal Cymbeline , Personates thee : and thy lopp'd branches point Thy two sons forth; who, by Belarius stol'n, For many years thought dead, are now reviv'd, To the majestic cedar join'd; whose issue Promises Britain peace and plenty. Gym. Well, My peace we will begin: and, Caius Lucius, Although the victor, we submit to Caesar, And to the Koinan empire ; promising To pay our wonted tribute , from the which We were dissuaded by our wicked queen; Whom heavens , in justice, both on her and hers. Have laid most heavy hand. 536 CYMBELINE. [ACT V. SCENE Y.] Sooth. The fingers of the powers above do tune The harmony of this peace. The vision Which I made known to Lucius , ere the stroke Of this yet scarce-cold battle , at this instant Is full accomplish'd; for the Roman eagle, From south to west on wing soaring aloft, Lessen'd herself, and in the beams o' the sun So vanished; which foreskow'd our princely eagle, Th' imperial Caesar, should again unite His favour with the radiant Cymbeline , Which shines here in the west. Cym. Laud we the gods; And let our crooked smokes climb to their nostrils From our bless'd altars. Publish we this peace To all our subjects. Set we forward : let A lloman and a British ensign wave Friendly together: so through Lud's-town march: And in the temple of great Jupiter Our peace we'll ratify ; seal it with feasts. Set on there ! Never was a war did cease , Ere bloody hands were wash'd , with such a peace. [Exeunt. 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