← 5.4
Act 5, Scene 5 — Britain. Cymbeline’s tent.
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The argument Every secret unravels at once: the Queen's villainy is exposed, Imogen is alive, Posthumus confesses, the princes are revealed as Cymbeline's sons, Iachimo repents, and Britain makes peace with Rome.
Enter Cymbeline, Belarius, Guiderius, Arviragus, Pisanio, Lords,
Officers and Attendants.
CYMBELINE ≋ verse dialogue

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

"Whose rags sham'd gilded arms, whose naked breast / Stepp'd before targes of proof" Cymbeline is describing Posthumus, who fought disguised as a peasant soldier. 'Targes of proof' are shields tested and proven against weapons — he put his bare chest in front of armored men.
BELARIUS ≋ verse dialogue

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...

CYMBELINE dialogue

No tidings of him?

No tidings of him?

no tidings of him?

no tidings of him?...

PISANIO ≋ verse dialogue

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...

CYMBELINE dialogue

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

BELARIUS ≋ verse dialogue

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...

CYMBELINE ≋ verse dialogue

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 ...

Enter Cornelius and Ladies.
There’s business in these faces. Why so sadly
Greet you our victory? You look like Romans,
And not o’ th’ court of Britain.
CORNELIUS ≋ verse dialogue

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...

CYMBELINE ≋ verse danger

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...

CORNELIUS ≋ verse dialogue

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

CYMBELINE dialogue

Prithee say.

Prithee say.

prithee say.

prithee say....

CORNELIUS ≋ verse dialogue

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...

CYMBELINE ≋ verse dialogue

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...

CORNELIUS ≋ verse affection

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 ...

CYMBELINE ≋ verse dialogue

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? ...

"Who is't can read a woman?" A moment of misogyny from the king — but Shakespeare doesn't let it stand unchallenged. The play's most perceptive, honest, and morally clear character is Imogen herself.
CORNELIUS ≋ verse dialogue

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

CYMBELINE dialogue

Heard you all this, her women?

Heard you all this, her women?

heard you all this, her women?

heard you all this, her women?...

LADIES dialogue

We did, so please your Highness.

We did, so please your Highness.

we did, so please your highness.

we did, so please your highness....

CYMBELINE ≋ verse dialogue

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

Enter Lucius, Iachimo, the Soothsayer and other Roman prisoners,
guarded; Posthumus behind, and Imogen.
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.
LUCIUS ≋ verse danger

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

CYMBELINE ≋ verse dialogue

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

Why it matters Cymbeline is drawn to 'Fidele' without knowing why — his paternal instinct firing toward his own disguised daughter in the most quietly moving piece of dramatic irony in the scene.
🎭 Dramatic irony Cymbeline is drawn to 'Fidele' by instinct he can't explain — telling the disguised boy 'I know not why, wherefore to say Live, boy.' The audience knows: he's looking at his own daughter.
IMOGEN dialogue

I humbly thank your Highness.

I humbly thank your Highness.

i humbly thank your highness.

i humbly thank your highness....

LUCIUS ≋ verse praise

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...

IMOGEN ≋ verse danger

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...

LUCIUS ≋ verse dialogue

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...

CYMBELINE ≋ verse affection

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;...

IMOGEN ≋ verse dialogue

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...

CYMBELINE dialogue

Wherefore ey’st him so?

Wherefore ey’st him so?

wherefore ey’st him so?

wherefore ey’st him so?...

IMOGEN ≋ verse dialogue

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...

CYMBELINE ≋ verse dialogue

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....

IMOGEN dialogue

Fidele, sir.

Fidele, sir.

fidele, sir.

fidele, sir....

CYMBELINE ≋ verse praise

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...

[_Cymbeline and Imogen converse apart._]
BELARIUS danger

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?...

ARVIRAGUS ≋ verse dialogue

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...

GUIDERIUS dialogue

The same dead thing alive.

The same dead thing alive.

the same dead thing alive.

the same dead thing alive....

BELARIUS ≋ verse dialogue

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...

GUIDERIUS dialogue

But we see him dead.

But we see him dead.

but we see him dead.

but we see him dead....

BELARIUS dialogue

Be silent; let’s see further.

Be silent; let’s see further.

be silent; let’s see further.

be silent; let’s see further....

[_Aside._] It is my mistress.
PISANIO ≋ verse praise

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 and Imogen advance._]
CYMBELINE ≋ verse deception

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

IMOGEN ≋ verse dialogue

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 ...

Why it matters The ring was Posthumus's — given by Imogen. Imogen asking about it is the key that unlocks Iachimo's confession and the entire truth.
[_Aside._] What’s that to him?
CYMBELINE ≋ verse dialogue

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...

IACHIMO ≋ verse dialogue

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...

CYMBELINE dialogue

How? me?

How? me?

how? me?

how? me?...

IACHIMO ≋ verse dialogue

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

CYMBELINE dialogue

All that belongs to this.

All that belongs to this.

all that belongs to this.

all that belongs to this....

IACHIMO ≋ verse deception

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...

CYMBELINE ≋ verse dialogue

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...

IACHIMO ≋ verse affection

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

CYMBELINE ≋ verse dialogue

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....

IACHIMO ≋ verse affection

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

CYMBELINE dialogue

Nay, nay, to th’ purpose.

Nay, nay, to th’ purpose.

nay, nay, to th’ purpose.

nay, nay, to th’ purpose....

IACHIMO ≋ verse praise

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

"made scruple of his praise, and wager'd with him / Pieces of gold 'gainst this which then he wore" This is the wager from Act 1 described from the villain's perspective — the audience now hears Iachimo confess to the bet, the deception, and the full mechanism of the plot that nearly destroyed Imogen.
↩ Callback to 1-4 Iachimo's confession recounts in full the wager of Act 1 Scene 4 — now from inside the guilt rather than the scheming.
[_Coming forward._] Ay, so thou dost,
POSTHUMUS ≋ verse dialogue

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

"O Imogen! / My queen, my life, my wife! O Imogen, / Imogen, Imogen!" Three repetitions of the name — the only word left after everything else is stripped away. Shakespeare uses this technique sparingly; here it signals genuine collapse rather than rhetorical performance.
Why it matters Posthumus steps forward not knowing Imogen is standing two feet away — his public self-destruction is his atonement, and it's immediately interrupted by the person he's mourning.
🎭 Dramatic irony Posthumus delivers his 'O Imogen, Imogen, Imogen!' directly in front of Imogen — who is standing two feet away, disguised as his page, trying to speak.
IMOGEN dialogue

Peace, my lord. Hear, hear!

Peace, my lord. Hear, hear!

peace, my lord. hear, hear!

peace, my lord. hear, hear!...

POSTHUMUS ≋ verse dialogue

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...

🎭 Dramatic irony Posthumus strikes Imogen to the ground while calling out her name in grief — he's hitting the wife he's weeping for, without knowing it.
[_Strikes her. She falls._]
PISANIO ≋ verse dialogue

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...

CYMBELINE dialogue

Does the world go round?

Does the world go round?

does the world go round?

does the world go round?...

POSTHUMUS dialogue

How comes these staggers on me?

How comes these staggers on me?

how comes these staggers on me?

how comes these staggers on me?...

PISANIO dialogue

Wake, my mistress!

Wake, my mistress!

wake, my mistress!

wake, my mistress!...

CYMBELINE ≋ verse danger

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...

PISANIO dialogue

How fares my mistress?

How fares my mistress?

how fares my mistress?

how fares my mistress?...

IMOGEN ≋ verse anger

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. ...

CYMBELINE dialogue

The tune of Imogen!

The tune of Imogen!

the tune of imogen!

the tune of imogen!...

Why it matters Four words — and with them Cymbeline begins to understand. Not the face, not the name: the voice. A father knows his daughter's voice.
PISANIO ≋ verse dialogue

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...

CYMBELINE dialogue

New matter still?

New matter still?

new matter still?

new matter still?...

IMOGEN dialogue

It poison’d me.

It poison’d me.

it poison’d me.

it poison’d me....

CORNELIUS ≋ verse dialogue

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

CYMBELINE dialogue

What’s this, Cornelius?

What’s this, Cornelius?

what’s this, cornelius?

what’s this, cornelius?...

CORNELIUS ≋ verse anger

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

IMOGEN dialogue

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....

↩ Callback to 4-2 Imogen's wry 'Most like I did, for I was dead' resolves the mystery of her apparent death in Act 4 Scene 2, mourned by the princes and misidentified as Cloten.
BELARIUS ≋ verse dialogue

My boys,

There was our error.

My boys, There was our error.

my boys, there was our error.

my boys, there was our error....

GUIDERIUS dialogue

This is sure Fidele.

This is sure Fidele.

this is sure fidele.

this is sure fidele....

IMOGEN ≋ verse dialogue

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

"Think that you are upon a rock, and now / Throw me again" A ferociously compressed image: she's telling him to embrace her the way you'd grab someone on a cliff's edge — the previous 'throwing' (the blow, but also the letter ordering her death) become an embrace instead.
[_Embracing him._]
POSTHUMUS ≋ verse dialogue

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!...

Why it matters One of Shakespeare's most compressed reunion lines — seven words that carry everything: possession, tenderness, permanence, and the acknowledgment that even this will end.
CYMBELINE ≋ verse dialogue

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 ...

[_Kneeling._] Your blessing, sir.
[_To Guiderius and Arviragus._] Though you did love this youth, I blame
BELARIUS ≋ verse dialogue

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....

CYMBELINE ≋ verse dialogue

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...

IMOGEN dialogue

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....

CYMBELINE ≋ verse dialogue

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 ...

PISANIO ≋ verse danger

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

GUIDERIUS ≋ verse dialogue

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....

CYMBELINE ≋ verse praise

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...

GUIDERIUS dialogue

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....

CYMBELINE dialogue

He was a prince.

He was a prince.

he was a prince.

he was a prince....

GUIDERIUS ≋ verse dialogue

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

CYMBELINE ≋ verse dialogue

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 ...

IMOGEN ≋ verse dialogue

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....

CYMBELINE ≋ verse dialogue

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....

BELARIUS ≋ verse dialogue

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

CYMBELINE ≋ verse anger

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

ARVIRAGUS dialogue

In that he spake too far.

In that he spake too far.

in that he spake too far.

in that he spake too far....

CYMBELINE dialogue

And thou shalt die for’t.

And thou shalt die for’t.

and thou shalt die for’t.

and thou shalt die for’t....

BELARIUS ≋ verse anger

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...

ARVIRAGUS anger

Your danger’s ours.

Your danger’s ours.

your danger’s ours.

your danger’s ours....

GUIDERIUS praise

And our good his.

And our good his.

and our good his.

and our good his....

BELARIUS ≋ verse dialogue

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, ...

CYMBELINE ≋ verse dialogue

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....

BELARIUS ≋ verse dialogue

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...

CYMBELINE ≋ verse dialogue

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...

BELARIUS ≋ verse dialogue

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...

CYMBELINE dialogue

Nursing of my sons?

Nursing of my sons?

nursing of my sons?

nursing of my sons?...

BELARIUS ≋ verse dialogue

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

CYMBELINE dialogue

How? my issue?

How? my issue?

how? my issue?

how? my issue?...

BELARIUS ≋ verse danger

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

"The benediction of these covering heavens / Fall on their heads like dew! for they are worthy / To inlay heaven with stars" Belarius blesses the boys as he loses them — the most emotionally complex moment in his confession: he built his life around these children, and now must hand them over to someone else and call it right.
CYMBELINE ≋ verse dialogue

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...

BELARIUS ≋ verse dialogue

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

CYMBELINE ≋ verse dialogue

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...

BELARIUS ≋ verse dialogue

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...

CYMBELINE ≋ verse dialogue

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

IMOGEN ≋ verse dialogue

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

CYMBELINE dialogue

Did you e’er meet?

Did you e’er meet?

did you e’er meet?

did you e’er meet?...

ARVIRAGUS praise

Ay, my good lord.

Ay, my good lord.

ay, my good lord.

ay, my good lord....

GUIDERIUS ≋ verse dialogue

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 ...

CORNELIUS dialogue

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....

CYMBELINE ≋ verse danger

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

"she, like harmless lightning, throws her eye / On him, her brothers, me, her master, hitting / Each object with a joy" One of the most tender observations in Cymbeline — Cymbeline watching his daughter's joy distribute itself like light. 'Harmless lightning' is the exact contradiction that characterizes reunion: it strikes, it dazzles, and it doesn't burn.
[_To Belarius._] Thou art my brother; so we’ll hold thee ever.
IMOGEN ≋ verse dialogue

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...

CYMBELINE ≋ verse dialogue

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...

IMOGEN ≋ verse praise

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....

LUCIUS dialogue

Happy be you!

Happy be you!

happy be you!

happy be you!...

CYMBELINE ≋ verse dialogue

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...

POSTHUMUS ≋ verse dialogue

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...

[_Kneeling._] I am down again;
IACHIMO ≋ verse dialogue

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

POSTHUMUS ≋ verse dialogue

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...

Why it matters Posthumus's forgiveness of Iachimo is one of the play's ethical peaks — he has every reason for revenge and chooses not to take it.
↩ Callback to 1-4 Posthumus's forgiveness of Iachimo inverts the damage done by the wager in Act 1 — the villain offered a bet, the hero now offers grace.
CYMBELINE ≋ verse dialogue

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...

ARVIRAGUS ≋ verse dialogue

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...

POSTHUMUS ≋ verse praise

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

LUCIUS dialogue

Philarmonus!

Philarmonus!

philarmonus!

philarmonus!...

SOOTHSAYER praise

Here, my good lord.

Here, my good lord.

here, my good lord.

here, my good lord....

LUCIUS dialogue

Read, and declare the meaning.

Read, and declare the meaning.

read, and declare the meaning.

read, and declare the meaning....

[_Reads._] _When as a lion’s whelp shall, to himself unknown, without
SOOTHSAYER dialogue

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...

[_To Cymbeline_] The piece of tender air, thy virtuous daughter,
Which we call _mollis aer_, and _mollis aer_
We term it _mulier_; which _mulier_ I divine
Is this 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.
CYMBELINE dialogue

This hath some seeming.

This hath some seeming.

this hath some seeming.

this hath some seeming....

SOOTHSAYER ≋ verse dialogue

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;

"The lofty cedar, royal Cymbeline, / Personates thee" The cedar as king is a deep biblical and classical image — cedars of Lebanon in Scripture, the cedar as a symbol of majesty and permanence in Roman literature. The soothsayer is using the most august tree-symbol available.
CYMBELINE ≋ verse dialogue

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

Why it matters Cymbeline's voluntary restoration of the Roman tribute — after winning the war — is the scene's political surprise. Victory without vengeance.
SOOTHSAYER ≋ verse danger

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

CYMBELINE ≋ verse dialogue

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

"Never was a war did cease, / Ere bloody hands were wash'd, with such a peace" The final couplet: the hands washed of blood find peace not in defeat but in unexpected reconciliation. The rhyme lands with formal weight — the play's last word is 'peace,' repeated twice in the final speech.
Why it matters The closing speech fuses the personal and political — the same king who just found his children and his daughter now leads everyone into a sacrificial ceremony, the grief and the joy becoming one communal act.
[_Exeunt._]

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.