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,
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.
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, 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.
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, 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.
stand by my side, you whom the gods have made pres
I never saw
Such noble fury in so poor a thing;
Such precious deeds in one that promis’d nought
But beggary and poor looks.
I never saw Such noble fury in so poor a thing; Such precious deeds in one that promis’d nought But beggary and poor looks.
i never saw such noble fury in so poor a thing; such precious deeds in one that promis’d nought but beggary and poor looks.
i never saw such noble fury in so poor a thing; su...
No tidings of him?
No tidings of him?
no tidings of him?
no tidings of him?...
He hath been search’d among the dead and living,
But no trace of him.
He hath been search’d among the dead and living, But no trace of him.
he hath been search’d among the dead and living, but no trace of him.
he hath been search’d among the dead and living, b...
To my grief, I am
The heir of his reward, [_To Belarius, Guiderius, and Arviragus_] which
I will add
To you, the liver, heart, and brain of Britain,
By whom I grant she lives. ’Tis now the time
To ask of whence you are. Report it.
To my grief, I am The heir of his reward, [_To Belarius, Guiderius, and Arviragus_] which I will add To you, the liver, heart, and brain of Britain, By whom I grant she lives. ’Tis now the time To ask of whence you are. Report it.
to my grief, i am the heir of his reward, [_to belarius, guiderius, and arviragus_] which i will add to you, the liver, heart, and brain of britain, by whom i grant she lives. ’tis now the time to ask of whence you are. report it.
to my grief, i am the heir of his reward, [_to bel
Sir,
In Cambria are we born, and gentlemen;
Further to boast were neither true nor modest,
Unless I add we are honest.
Sir, In Cambria are we born, and gentlemen; Further to boast were neither true nor modest, Unless I add we are honest.
sir, in cambria are we born, and gentlemen; further to boast were neither true nor modest, unless i add we are honest.
sir, in cambria are we born, and gentlemen; furthe...
Bow your knees.
Arise my knights o’ th’ battle; I create you
Companions to our person, and will fit you
With dignities becoming your estates.
Bow your knees. Arise my knights o’ th’ battle; I create you Companions to our person, and will fit you With dignities becoming your estates.
bow your knees. arise my knights o’ th’ battle; i create you companions to our person, and will fit you with dignities becoming your estates.
bow your knees. arise my knights o’ th’ battle; i ...
Hail, great King!
To sour your happiness I must report
The Queen is dead.
Hail, great King! To sour your happiness I must report The Queen is dead.
hail, great king! to sour your happiness i must report the queen is dead.
hail, great king! to sour your happiness i must re...
Who worse than a physician
Would this report become? But I consider
By med’cine life may be prolong’d, yet death
Will seize the doctor too. How ended she?
Who worse than a physician Would this report become? But I consider By med’cine life may be prolong’d, yet death Will seize the doctor too. How ended she?
who worse than a physician would this report become? but i consider by med’cine life may be prolong’d, yet death will seize the doctor too. how ended she?
who worse than a physician would this report becom...
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.
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.
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.
with horror, madly dying, like her life; which, be
Prithee say.
Prithee say.
prithee say.
prithee say....
First, she confess’d she never lov’d you; only
Affected greatness got by you, not you;
Married your royalty, was wife to your place;
Abhorr’d your person.
First, she confess’d she never lov’d you; only Affected greatness got by you, not you; Married your royalty, was wife to your place; Abhorr’d your person.
first, she confess’d she never lov’d you; only affected greatness got by you, not you; married your royalty, was wife to your place; abhorr’d your person.
first, she confess’d she never lov’d you; only aff...
She alone knew this;
And but she spoke it dying, I would not
Believe her lips in opening it. Proceed.
She alone knew this; And but she spoke it dying, I would not Believe her lips in opening it. Proceed.
she alone knew this; and but she spoke it dying, i would not believe her lips in opening it. proceed.
she alone knew this; and but she spoke it dying, i...
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.
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.
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.
your daughter, whom she bore in hand to love with ...
O most delicate fiend!
Who is’t can read a woman? Is there more?
O most delicate fiend! Who is’t can read a woman? Is there more?
o most delicate fiend! who is’t can read a woman? is there more?
o most delicate fiend! who is’t can read a woman? ...
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 ling’ring,
By inches waste you. In which time she purpos’d,
By watching, weeping, tendance, kissing, to
O’ercome you with her show; 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.
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 ling’ring, By inches waste you. In which time she purpos’d, By watching, weeping, tendance, kissing, to O’ercome you with her show; and in time, When she had fitted you w
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 ling’ring, by inches waste you. in which time she purpos’d, by watching, weeping, tendance, kissing, to o’ercome you with her show; and in time, when she had fitted you w
more, sir, and worse. she did confess she had for
Heard you all this, her women?
Heard you all this, her women?
heard you all this, her women?
heard you all this, her women?...
We did, so please your Highness.
We did, so please your Highness.
we did, so please your highness.
we did, so please your highness....
Mine eyes
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, O my daughter!
That it was folly in me thou mayst say,
And prove it in thy feeling. Heaven mend all!
Mine eyes 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, O my daughter! That it was folly in me you mayst say, And prove it in your feeling. Heaven mend all!
mine eyes 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, o my daughter! that it was folly in me you mayst say, and prove it in your feeling. heaven mend all!
mine eyes were not in fault, for she was beautiful
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 I’ll 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.
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 Rom
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 rom
consider, sir, the chance of war. the day was your
I have surely 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, wherefore
To say “Live, boy.” Ne’er thank thy master. Live;
And ask of Cymbeline what boon thou wilt,
Fitting my bounty and thy state, I’ll give it;
Yea, though thou do demand a prisoner,
The noblest ta’en.
I have surely seen him; His favour is familiar to me. Boy, you hast look’d thyself into my grace, And art mine own. I know not why, wherefore To say “Live, boy.” Ne’er thank your master. Live; And ask of Cymbeline what boon you wilt, Fitting my bounty and your state, I’ll give it; Yea, though you do
i have surely seen him; his favour is familiar to me. boy, you hast look’d thyself into my grace, and art mine own. i know not why, wherefore to say “live, boy.” ne’er thank your master. live; and ask of cymbeline what boon you wilt, fitting my bounty and your state, i’ll give it; yea, though you do
i have surely seen him; his favour is familiar to
I humbly thank your Highness.
I humbly thank your Highness.
i humbly thank your highness.
i humbly thank your highness....
I do not bid thee beg my life, good lad,
And yet I know thou wilt.
I do not bid thee beg my life, good lad, And yet I know thou wilt.
i do not bid thee beg my life, good lad, and yet i know thou wilt.
i do not bid thee beg my life, good lad, and yet i...
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.
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.
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.
no, no! alack, there’s other work in hand. i see a...
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?
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?
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?
the boy disdains me, he leaves me, scorns me. brie...
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?
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?
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?
what wouldst thou, boy? i love thee more and more;...
He is a Roman, no more kin to me
Than I to your Highness; who, being born your vassal,
Am something nearer.
He is a Roman, no more kin to me Than I to your Highness; who, being born your vassal, Am something nearer.
he is a roman, no more kin to me than i to your highness; who, being born your vassal, am something nearer.
he is a roman, no more kin to me than i to your hi...
Wherefore ey’st him so?
Wherefore ey’st him so?
wherefore ey’st him so?
wherefore ey’st him so?...
I’ll tell you, sir, in private, if you please
To give me hearing.
I’ll tell you, sir, in private, if you please To give me hearing.
i’ll tell you, sir, in private, if you please to give me hearing.
i’ll tell you, sir, in private, if you please to g...
Ay, with all my heart,
And lend my best attention. What’s thy name?
Ay, with all my heart, And lend my best attention. What’s thy name?
ay, with all my heart, and lend my best attention. what’s thy name?
ay, with all my heart, and lend my best attention....
Fidele, sir.
Fidele, sir.
fidele, sir.
fidele, sir....
Thou’rt my good youth, my page;
I’ll be thy master. Walk with me; speak freely.
Thou’rt my good youth, my page; I’ll be thy master. Walk with me; speak freely.
thou’rt my good youth, my page; i’ll be thy master. walk with me; speak freely.
thou’rt my good youth, my page; i’ll be thy master...
Is not this boy reviv’d from death?
Is not this boy reviv’d from death?
is not this boy reviv’d from death?
is not this boy reviv’d from death?...
One sand another
Not more resembles that sweet rosy lad
Who died and was Fidele. What think you?
One sand another Not more resembles that sweet rosy lad Who died and was Fidele. What think you?
one sand another not more resembles that sweet rosy lad who died and was fidele. what think you?
one sand another not more resembles that sweet ros...
The same dead thing alive.
The same dead thing alive.
the same dead thing alive.
the same dead thing alive....
Peace, peace! see further. He eyes us not; forbear.
Creatures may be alike; were’t he, I am sure
He would have spoke to us.
Peace, peace! see further. He eyes us not; forbear. Creatures may be alike; were’t he, I am sure He would have spoke to us.
peace, peace! see further. he eyes us not; forbear. creatures may be alike; were’t he, i am sure he would have spoke to us.
peace, peace! see further. he eyes us not; forbear...
But we see him dead.
But we see him dead.
but we see him dead.
but we see him dead....
Be silent; let’s see further.
Be silent; let’s see further.
be silent; let’s see further.
be silent; let’s see further....
Since she is living, let the time run on
To good or bad.
Since she is living, let the time run on To good or bad.
since she is living, let the time run on to good or bad.
since she is living, let the time run on to good o...
Cymbeline 5.5 is the most structurally complex recognition scene Shakespeare ever wrote. It contains roughly twenty separate revelations in sequence: the Queen's villainy, her death, her plot against Cymbeline, her plot against Imogen, the entry of the prisoners, Imogen's survival, Iachimo's confession, Posthumus's appearance, the strike and reunion, the drug mystery solved, Cloten's death confessed, Guiderius's identity, Belarius's identity, the princes revealed as Cymbeline's sons, the birthmark confirmed, the mantle produced, Posthumus named as the unknown soldier, Iachimo's return of the ring, Posthumus's forgiveness, and finally the soothsayer's oracle interpreted. This isn't coincidence — it's engineering. Shakespeare spent five acts salting away secrets that all needed to come out at once. Critics who call the scene crowded are right but miss the point: the crowding is deliberate, producing something like dizziness in the audience, a sensation that the world is reorganizing itself too fast to follow. The only comparable sequence in his work is the final act of The Winter's Tale — and that scene has half the pieces.
Come, stand thou by our side;
Make thy demand aloud. [_To Iachimo._] 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.
Come, stand you by our side; Make your demand aloud. [_To Iachimo._] 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.
come, stand you by our side; make your demand aloud. [_to iachimo._] 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.
come, stand you by our side; make your demand alou
My boon is that this gentleman may render
Of whom he had this ring.
My boon is that this gentleman may render Of whom he had this ring.
my boon is that this gentleman may render of whom he had this ring.
my boon is that this gentleman may render of whom ...
That diamond upon your finger, say
How came it yours?
That diamond upon your finger, say How came it yours?
that diamond upon your finger, say how came it yours?
that diamond upon your finger, say how came it you...
Thou’lt torture me to leave unspoken that
Which to be spoke would torture thee.
Thou’lt torture me to leave unspoken that Which to be spoke would torture thee.
thou’lt torture me to leave unspoken that which to be spoke would torture thee.
thou’lt torture me to leave unspoken that which to...
How? me?
How? me?
how? me?
how? me?...
I am glad to be constrain’d to utter that
Which torments me to conceal. By villainy
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?
I am glad to be constrain’d to utter that Which torments me to conceal. By villainy I got this ring; ’twas Leonatus’ jewel, Whom you didst banish; and—which more may grieve you, As it does me—a nobler sir ne’er liv’d ’Twixt sky and ground. Wilt you hear more, my lord?
i am glad to be constrain’d to utter that which torments me to conceal. by villainy i got this ring; ’twas leonatus’ jewel, whom you didst banish; and—which more may grieve you, as it does me—a nobler sir ne’er liv’d ’twixt sky and ground. wilt you hear more, my lord?
i am glad to be constrain’d to utter that which to
All that belongs to this.
All that belongs to this.
all that belongs to this.
all that belongs to this....
That paragon, thy daughter,
For whom my heart drops blood and my false spirits
Quail to remember—Give me leave, I faint.
That paragon, thy daughter, For whom my heart drops blood and my false spirits Quail to remember—Give me leave, I faint.
that paragon, thy daughter, for whom my heart drops blood and my false spirits quail to remember—give me leave, i faint.
that paragon, thy daughter, for whom my heart drop...
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.
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.
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.
my daughter? what of her? renew thy strength; i ha...
Upon a time, unhappy was the clock
That struck the hour: was in Rome, accurs’d
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.
Upon a time, unhappy was the clock That struck the hour: was in Rome, accurs’d 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 al
upon a time, unhappy was the clock that struck the hour: was in rome, accurs’d 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 al
upon a time, unhappy was the clock that struck the
I stand on fire.
Come to the matter.
I stand on fire. Come to the matter.
i stand on fire. come to the matter.
i stand on fire. come to the matter....
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.
All too soon I shall, Unless you 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 mi
all too soon i shall, unless you 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 mi
all too soon i shall, unless you wouldst grieve qu
Nay, nay, to th’ purpose.
Nay, nay, to th’ purpose.
nay, nay, to th’ purpose.
nay, nay, to th’ purpose....
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;
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 villainous. 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 mad,
By wounding his belief in her renown
With tokens thus and thus; averring notes
Of chamber-hanging, pictures, this her bracelet
(O cunning, how I got it!) nay, some marks
Of secret on her person, that he could not
But think her bond of chastity quite crack’d,
I having ta’en the forfeit. Whereupon
Methinks I see him now—
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 r
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 r
your daughter’s chastity (there it begins) he spak
Italian fiend! Ay me, most credulous fool,
Egregious murderer, thief, anything
That’s due to all the villains past, in being,
To come! 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 Posthumus,
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’ th’ street to bay me. Every villain
Be call’d Posthumus Leonatus, and
Be villainy less than ’twas! O Imogen!
My queen, my life, my wife! O Imogen,
Imogen, Imogen!
Italian fiend! Ay me, most credulous fool, Egregious murderer, thief, anything That’s due to all the villains past, in being, To come! O, give me cord, or knife, or poison, Some upright justicer! you, King, send out For torturers ingenious. It is I That all th’ abhorred things o’ th’ earth amend By
italian fiend! ay me, most credulous fool, egregious murderer, thief, anything that’s due to all the villains past, in being, to come! o, give me cord, or knife, or poison, some upright justicer! you, king, send out for torturers ingenious. it is i that all th’ abhorred things o’ th’ earth amend by
italian fiend! ay me, most credulous fool, egregio
Peace, my lord. Hear, hear!
Peace, my lord. Hear, hear!
peace, my lord. hear, hear!
peace, my lord. hear, hear!...
Shall’s have a play of this? Thou scornful page,
There lies thy part.
Shall’s have a play of this? Thou scornful page, There lies thy part.
shall’s have a play of this? thou scornful page, there lies thy part.
shall’s have a play of this? thou scornful page, t...
O gentlemen, help!
Mine and your mistress! O, my lord Posthumus!
You ne’er kill’d Imogen till now. Help, help!
Mine honour’d lady!
O gentlemen, help! Mine and your mistress! O, my lord Posthumus! You ne’er kill’d Imogen till now. Help, help! Mine honour’d lady!
o gentlemen, help! mine and your mistress! o, my lord posthumus! you ne’er kill’d imogen till now. help, help! mine honour’d lady!
o gentlemen, help! mine and your mistress! o, my l...
Does the world go round?
Does the world go round?
does the world go round?
does the world go round?...
How comes these staggers on me?
How comes these staggers on me?
how comes these staggers on me?
how comes these staggers on me?...
Wake, my mistress!
Wake, my mistress!
wake, my mistress!
wake, my mistress!...
If this be so, the gods do mean to strike me
To death with mortal joy.
If this be so, the gods do mean to strike me To death with mortal joy.
if this be so, the gods do mean to strike me to death with mortal joy.
if this be so, the gods do mean to strike me to de...
How fares my mistress?
How fares my mistress?
how fares my mistress?
how fares my mistress?...
O, get thee from my sight;
Thou gav’st me poison. Dangerous fellow, hence!
Breathe not where princes are.
O, get thee from my sight; Thou gav’st me poison. Dangerous fellow, hence! Breathe not where princes are.
o, get thee from my sight; thou gav’st me poison. dangerous fellow, hence! breathe not where princes are.
o, get thee from my sight; thou gav’st me poison. ...
The tune of Imogen!
The tune of Imogen!
the tune of imogen!
the tune of imogen!...
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.
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.
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.
lady, the gods throw stones of sulphur on me, if t...
New matter still?
New matter still?
new matter still?
new matter still?...
It poison’d me.
It poison’d me.
it poison’d me.
it poison’d me....
O 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.’
O gods! I left out one thing which the Queen confess’d, Which must approve you 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.’
o gods! i left out one thing which the queen confess’d, which must approve you 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.’
o gods! i left out one thing which the queen confe
What’s this, Cornelius?
What’s this, Cornelius?
what’s this, cornelius?
what’s this, cornelius?...
The Queen, sir, very oft importun’d me
To temper poisons for her; still pretending
The satisfaction of her knowledge only
In killing creatures vile, as cats and dogs,
Of no esteem. I, dreading that her purpose
Was of more danger, did compound for her
A certain stuff, which, being ta’en would cease
The present pow’r of life, but in short time
All offices of nature should again
Do their due functions. Have you ta’en of it?
The Queen, sir, very oft importun’d me To temper poisons for her; still pretending The satisfaction of her knowledge only In killing creatures vile, as cats and dogs, Of no esteem. I, dreading that her purpose Was of more danger, did compound for her A certain stuff, which, being ta’en would cease T
the queen, sir, very oft importun’d me to temper poisons for her; still pretending the satisfaction of her knowledge only in killing creatures vile, as cats and dogs, of no esteem. i, dreading that her purpose was of more danger, did compound for her a certain stuff, which, being ta’en would cease t
the queen, sir, very oft importun’d me to temper p
Most like I did, for I was dead.
Most like I did, for I was dead.
most like i did, for i was dead.
most like i did, for i was dead....
My boys,
There was our error.
My boys, There was our error.
my boys, there was our error.
my boys, there was our error....
This is sure Fidele.
This is sure Fidele.
this is sure fidele.
this is sure fidele....
Why did you throw your wedded lady from you?
Think that you are upon a rock, and now
Throw me again.
Why did you throw your wedded lady from you? Think that you are upon a rock, and now Throw me again.
why did you throw your wedded lady from you? think that you are upon a rock, and now throw me again.
why did you throw your wedded lady from you? think
Hang there like fruit, my soul,
Till the tree die!
Hang there like fruit, my soul, Till the tree die!
hang there like fruit, my soul, till the tree die!
hang there like fruit, my soul, till the tree die!...
How now, my flesh? my child?
What, mak’st thou me a dullard in this act?
Wilt thou not speak to me?
How now, my flesh? my child? What, mak’st thou me a dullard in this act? Wilt thou not speak to me?
how now, my flesh? my child? what, mak’st thou me a dullard in this act? wilt thou not speak to me?
how now, my flesh? my child? what, mak’st thou me ...
ye not;
You had a motive for’t.
ye not; You had a motive for’t.
ye not; you had a motive for’t.
ye not; you had a motive for’t....
My tears that fall
Prove holy water on thee! Imogen,
Thy mother’s dead.
My tears that fall Prove holy water on thee! Imogen, Thy mother’s dead.
my tears that fall prove holy water on thee! imogen, thy mother’s dead.
my tears that fall prove holy water on thee! imoge...
I am sorry for’t, my lord.
I am sorry for’t, my lord.
i am sorry for’t, my lord.
i am sorry for’t, my lord....
O, 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.
O, 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.
o, 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.
o, she was naught, and long of her it was that we ...
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;
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.
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 direct
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 direct
my lord, now fear is from me, i’ll speak troth. lo
Let me end the story:
I slew him there.
Let me end the story: I slew him there.
let me end the story: i slew him there.
let me end the story: i slew him there....
Marry, the gods forfend!
I would not thy good deeds should from my lips
Pluck a hard sentence. Prithee, valiant youth,
Deny’t again.
Marry, the gods forfend! I would not thy good deeds should from my lips Pluck a hard sentence. Prithee, valiant youth, Deny’t again.
marry, the gods forfend! i would not thy good deeds should from my lips pluck a hard sentence. prithee, valiant youth, deny’t again.
marry, the gods forfend! i would not thy good deed...
I have spoke it, and I did it.
I have spoke it, and I did it.
i have spoke it, and i did it.
i have spoke it, and i did it....
He was a prince.
He was a prince.
he was a prince.
he was a prince....
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. I cut off’s head,
And am right glad he is not standing here
To tell this tale of mine.
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. I cut off’s head, And am right glad he is not standing here To tell this tale of mine.
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. i cut off’s head, and am right glad he is not standing here to tell this tale of mine.
a most incivil one. the wrongs he did me were noth
I am sorry for thee.
By thine own tongue thou art condemn’d, and must
Endure our law. Thou’rt dead.
I am sorry for thee. By thine own tongue thou art condemn’d, and must Endure our law. Thou’rt dead.
i am sorry for thee. by thine own tongue thou art condemn’d, and must endure our law. thou’rt dead.
i am sorry for thee. by thine own tongue thou art ...
That headless man
I thought had been my lord.
That headless man I thought had been my lord.
that headless man i thought had been my lord.
that headless man i thought had been my lord....
Bind the offender,
And take him from our presence.
Bind the offender, And take him from our presence.
bind the offender, and take him from our presence.
bind the offender, and take him from our presence....
At the moral center of 5.5 are three acts of forgiveness, each more surprising than the last. Cymbeline forgives Belarius — who stole his sons for twenty years, but raised them into the men who saved Britain. Posthumus forgives Iachimo — who ruined his marriage, nearly destroyed his wife, and drove him to order her murder. And Cymbeline extends pardon to the Roman prisoners even in victory. Each forgiveness costs something real: Cymbeline must accept that the 'traitor' gave his sons a better upbringing than a court could have; Posthumus must live with the knowledge that his own credulity was half the problem. Shakespeare doesn't let forgiveness come easy or feel cheap. Posthumus's 'Live, and deal with others better' is only seven words — but they're seven words from someone who had to decide, in the moment, not to take the revenge he'd earned. The play's final word is 'peace.' That's the argument.
Stay, sir King.
This man is better than the man 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.
Stay, sir King. This man is better than the man he slew, As well descended as thyself, and has More of you merited than a band of Clotens Had ever scar for. [_To the guard._] Let his arms alone; They were not born for bondage.
stay, sir king. this man is better than the man he slew, as well descended as thyself, and has more of you merited than a band of clotens had ever scar for. [_to the guard._] let his arms alone; they were not born for bondage.
stay, sir king. this man is better than the man he
Why, old soldier,
Wilt thou undo the worth thou art unpaid for
By tasting of our wrath? How of descent
As good as we?
Why, old soldier, Wilt thou undo the worth thou art unpaid for By tasting of our wrath? How of descent As good as we?
why, old soldier, wilt thou undo the worth thou art unpaid for by tasting of our wrath? how of descent as good as we?
why, old soldier, wilt thou undo the worth thou ar
In that he spake too far.
In that he spake too far.
in that he spake too far.
in that he spake too far....
And thou shalt die for’t.
And thou shalt die for’t.
and thou shalt die for’t.
and thou shalt die for’t....
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.
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.
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.
we will die all three; but i will prove that two o...
Your danger’s ours.
Your danger’s ours.
your danger’s ours.
your danger’s ours....
And our good his.
And our good his.
and our good his.
and our good his....
Have at it then by leave!
Thou hadst, great King, a subject who
Was call’d Belarius.
Have at it then by leave! Thou hadst, great King, a subject who Was call’d Belarius.
have at it then by leave! thou hadst, great king, a subject who was call’d belarius.
have at it then by leave! thou hadst, great king, ...
What of him? He is
A banish’d traitor.
What of him? He is A banish’d traitor.
what of him? he is a banish’d traitor.
what of him? he is a banish’d traitor....
He it is that hath
Assum’d this age; indeed a banish’d man;
I know not how a traitor.
He it is that hath Assum’d this age; indeed a banish’d man; I know not how a traitor.
he it is that hath assum’d this age; indeed a banish’d man; i know not how a traitor.
he it is that hath assum’d this age; indeed a bani...
Take him hence,
The whole world shall not save him.
Take him hence, The whole world shall not save him.
take him hence, the whole world shall not save him.
take him hence, the whole world shall not save him...
Not too hot.
First pay me for the nursing of thy sons,
And let it be confiscate all, so soon
As I have receiv’d it.
Not too hot. First pay me for the nursing of thy sons, And let it be confiscate all, so soon As I have receiv’d it.
not too hot. first pay me for the nursing of thy sons, and let it be confiscate all, so soon as i have receiv’d it.
not too hot. first pay me for the nursing of thy s...
Nursing of my sons?
Nursing of my sons?
nursing of my sons?
nursing of my sons?...
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.
I am too blunt and saucy: here’s my knee. before 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.
i am too blunt and saucy: here’s my knee. before 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.
i am too blunt and saucy: here’s my knee. before i
How? my issue?
How? my issue?
how? my issue?
how? my issue?...
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
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; I 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.
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 Have I train’d up; those a
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 have i train’d up; those a
so sure as you your father’s. i, old morgan, am th
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.
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.
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.
thou weep’st and speak’st. the service that you th...
Be pleas’d awhile.
This gentleman, whom I call Polydore,
Most worthy prince, as yours, is true Guiderius;
This gentleman, my Cadwal, 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.
Be pleas’d awhile. This gentleman, whom I call Polydore, Most worthy prince, as yours, is true Guiderius; This gentleman, my Cadwal, 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 p
be pleas’d awhile. this gentleman, whom i call polydore, most worthy prince, as yours, is true guiderius; this gentleman, my cadwal, 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 p
be pleas’d awhile. this gentleman, whom i call pol
Guiderius had
Upon his neck a mole, a sanguine star;
It was a mark of wonder.
Guiderius had Upon his neck a mole, a sanguine star; It was a mark of wonder.
guiderius had upon his neck a mole, a sanguine star; it was a mark of wonder.
guiderius had upon his neck a mole, a sanguine sta...
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.
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.
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.
this is he, who hath upon him still that natural s...
O, what am I?
A mother to the birth of three? Ne’er mother
Rejoic’d deliverance more. Blest pray you be,
That, after this strange starting from your orbs,
You may reign in them now! O Imogen,
Thou hast lost by this a kingdom.
O, what am I? A mother to the birth of three? Ne’er mother Rejoic’d deliverance more. Blest pray you be, That, after this strange starting from your orbs, You may reign in them now! O Imogen, you hast lost by this a kingdom.
o, what am i? a mother to the birth of three? ne’er mother rejoic’d deliverance more. blest pray you be, that, after this strange starting from your orbs, you may reign in them now! o imogen, you hast lost by this a kingdom.
o, what am i? a mother to the birth of three? ne’e
No, my lord;
I have got two worlds by’t. O my gentle brothers,
Have we thus met? O, never say hereafter
But I am truest speaker! You call’d me brother,
When I was but your sister: I you brothers,
When we were so indeed.
No, my lord; I have got two worlds by’t. O my gentle brothers, Have we thus met? O, never say hereafter But I am truest speaker! You call’d me brother, When I was but your sister: I you brothers, When we were so indeed.
no, my lord; i have got two worlds by’t. o my gentle brothers, have we thus met? o, never say hereafter but i am truest speaker! you call’d me brother, when i was but your sister: i you brothers, when we were so indeed.
no, my lord; i have got two worlds by’t. o my gent
Did you e’er meet?
Did you e’er meet?
did you e’er meet?
did you e’er meet?...
Ay, my good lord.
Ay, my good lord.
ay, my good lord.
ay, my good lord....
And at first meeting lov’d,
Continu’d so until we thought he died.
And at first meeting lov’d, Continu’d so until we thought he died.
and at first meeting lov’d, continu’d so until we thought he died.
and at first meeting lov’d, continu’d so until we ...
By the Queen’s dram she swallow’d.
By the Queen’s dram she swallow’d.
by the queen’s dram she swallow’d.
by the queen’s dram she swallow’d....
O rare instinct!
When shall I hear all through? This fierce abridgement
Hath 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-dependances,
From chance to chance; but nor the time nor place
Will serve our long interrogatories. See,
Posthumus 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.
O rare instinct! When shall I hear all through? This fierce abridgement has 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 whit
o rare instinct! when shall i hear all through? this fierce abridgement has 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 whit
o rare instinct! when shall i hear all through? th
You are my father too, and did relieve me
To see this gracious season.
You are my father too, and did relieve me To see this gracious season.
you are my father too, and did relieve me to see this gracious season.
you are my father too, and did relieve me to see t...
All o’erjoy’d
Save these in bonds. Let them be joyful too,
For they shall taste our comfort.
All o’erjoy’d Save these in bonds. Let them be joyful too, For they shall taste our comfort.
all o’erjoy’d save these in bonds. let them be joyful too, for they shall taste our comfort.
all o’erjoy’d save these in bonds. let them be joy...
My good master,
I will yet do you service.
My good master, I will yet do you service.
my good master, i will yet do you service.
my good master, i will yet do you service....
Happy be you!
Happy be you!
happy be you!
happy be you!...
The forlorn soldier, that so nobly fought,
He would have well becom’d this place and grac’d
The thankings of a king.
The forlorn soldier, that so nobly fought, He would have well becom’d this place and grac’d The thankings of a king.
the forlorn soldier, that so nobly fought, he would have well becom’d this place and grac’d the thankings of a king.
the forlorn soldier, that so nobly fought, he woul...
I 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, Iachimo. I had you down, and might
Have made you finish.
I 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, Iachimo. I had you down, and might Have made you finish.
i 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, iachimo. i had you down, and might have made you finish.
i am, sir, the soldier that did company these thre...
But now my heavy conscience sinks my 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.
But now my heavy conscience sinks my 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.
but now my heavy conscience sinks my 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.
but now my heavy conscience sinks my knee, as then
Kneel not to me.
The pow’r that I have on you is to spare you;
The malice towards you to forgive you. Live,
And deal with others better.
Kneel not to me. The pow’r that I have on you is to spare you; The malice towards you to forgive you. Live, And deal with others better.
kneel not to me. the pow’r that i have on you is to spare you; the malice towards you to forgive you. live, and deal with others better.
kneel not to me. the pow’r that i have on you is t...
Nobly doom’d!
We’ll learn our freeness of a son-in-law;
Pardon’s the word to all.
Nobly doom’d! We’ll learn our freeness of a son-in-law; Pardon’s the word to all.
nobly doom’d! we’ll learn our freeness of a son-in-law; pardon’s the word to all.
nobly doom’d! we’ll learn our freeness of a son-in...
You holp us, sir,
As you did mean indeed to be our brother;
Joy’d are we that you are.
You holp us, sir, As you did mean indeed to be our brother; Joy’d are we that you are.
you holp us, sir, as you did mean indeed to be our brother; joy’d are we that you are.
you holp us, sir, as you did mean indeed to be our...
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
Make no collection of it. Let him show
His skill in the construction.
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 M
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 m
your servant, princes. good my lord of rome, call
Philarmonus!
Philarmonus!
philarmonus!
philarmonus!...
Here, my good lord.
Here, my good lord.
here, my good lord.
here, my good lord....
Read, and declare the meaning.
Read, and declare the meaning.
read, and declare the meaning.
read, and declare the meaning....
seeking find, and be embrac’d by a piece of tender air; and when from a
stately cedar shall be lopp’d 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, Leonatus, art the lion’s whelp;
The fit and apt construction of thy name,
Being Leo-natus, doth import so much.
seeking find, and be embrac’d by a piece of tender air; and when from a stately cedar shall be lopp’d branches which, being dead many years, shall after revive, be jointed to the old stock, and freshl...
seeking find, and be embrac’d by a piece of tender air; and when from a stately cedar shall be lopp’d branches which, being dead many years, shall after revive, be jointed to the old stock, and freshl...
seeking find, and be embrac’d by a piece of tender...
This hath some seeming.
This hath some seeming.
this hath some seeming.
this hath some seeming....
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.
The lofty cedar, royal Cymbeline, Personates you; and your lopp’d branches point your 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.
the lofty cedar, royal cymbeline, personates you; and your lopp’d branches point your 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.
the lofty cedar, royal cymbeline, personates you;
Well,
My peace we will begin. And, Caius Lucius,
Although the victor, we submit to Cæsar
And to the Roman 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.
Well, My peace we will begin. And, Caius Lucius, Although the victor, we submit to Cæsar And to the Roman 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.
well, my peace we will begin. and, caius lucius, although the victor, we submit to cæsar and to the roman 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.
well, my peace we will begin. and, caius lucius, a
The fingers of the pow’rs above do tune
The harmony of this peace. The vision
Which I made known to Lucius ere the stroke
Of yet this 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’ th’ sun
So vanish’d; which foreshow’d our princely eagle,
Th’ imperial Cæsar, should again unite
His favour with the radiant Cymbeline,
Which shines here in the west.
The fingers of the pow’rs above do tune The harmony of this peace. The vision Which I made known to Lucius before the stroke Of yet this 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’ th’ s
the fingers of the pow’rs above do tune the harmony of this peace. the vision which i made known to lucius before the stroke of yet this 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’ th’ s
the fingers of the pow’rs above do tune the harmon
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 Roman 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.
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 Roman 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; se
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 roman 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; se
laud we the gods; and let our crooked smokes climb
The Reckoning
This is Shakespeare's most elaborately engineered recognition scene — twenty separate revelations cascade across 450 lines, each one detonating another. The audience watches characters stumble toward truths the play has been withholding for five acts, and the cumulative effect is something close to joy made painful by its own excess. What lingers is not any single reunion but the sheer improbability of everyone being restored — and the unsettling question of how close all of them came to being lost forever.
If this happened today…
A family mediation session that somehow also includes the HR director, the CEO, two long-lost sons raised off-grid, a con artist investor confessing to fraud, and a corporate lawyer confirming the deceased CFO had been slowly poisoning the board chair. Someone faints. Someone gets punched by accident. The punch victim turns out to be the CEO's daughter. By the end, everyone has forgiven everyone, a war has been settled, and they're ordering pizza.