I would have left it on the board so soon
As I had made my meal, and parted
With prayers for the provider.

Guiderius.

Money, youth?

Arviragus. All gold and silver rather turn to dirt! As 't is no better reckon'd but of those

Who worship dirty gods.

Imogen.

I see you 're angry;

Know, if you kill me for my fault, I should

Have died had I not made it..

Belarius.

Imogen. To Milford-Haven.
Belarius. What 's your name?

Whither bound?

Imogen. Fidele, sir. I have a kinsman who
Is bound for Italy; he embark'd at Milford,
To whom being going, almost spent with hunger,
I am fallen in this offence.

Belarius.

Prithee, fair youth,

Think us no churls, nor measure our good minds
By this rude place we live in. Well encounter'd!
'T is almost night; you shall have better cheer
Ere you depart, and thanks to stay and eat it. —
Boys, bid him welcome.

Guiderius.

Were you a woman, youth,

I should woo hard but be your groom.
I bid for you as I'd buy.

Arviragus.

51

60

I'll make 't my comfort

He is a man; I 'll love him as my brother, -
And such a welcome as I 'd give to him

816246

After long absence, such is yours. Most welcome!
Be sprightly, for you fall 'mongst friends.

Imogen.

'Mongst friends If brothers.[Aside] Would it had been so, that they Had been my father's sons! then had my prize Been less, and so more equal ballasting

What pain it cost, what danger. Gods!

Belarius.

Imogen. Great men,

Hark, boys. [Whispering.

That had a court no bigger than this cave,
That did attend themselves and had the virtue
Which their own conscience seal'd them—laying by
That nothing-gift of differing multitudes -

Could not out-peer these twain. — Pardon me, gods!
I'd change my sex to be companion with them,
Since Leonatus' false.

Belarius.

It shall be so.

Boys, we 'll go dress our hunt. — Fair youth, come in. 9a Discourse is heavy, fasting; when we have supp'd

We'll mannerly demand thee of thy story,

So far as thou wilt speak it.

Guiderius.

Pray, draw near.

Arviragus. The night to the owl and morn to the

lark less welcome.

Imogen. Thanks, sir.

Arviragus. I pray, draw near.

SCENE VII. Rome. A Public Place

Enter two Senators and Tribunes

[Exeunt.

I Senator. This is the tenor of the emperor's writ: That since the common men are now in action 'Gainst the Pannonians and Dalmatians,

And that the legions now in Gallia are
Full weak to undertake our wars against
The fallen-off Britons, that we do incite
The gentry to this business. He creates
Lucius proconsul; and to you the tribunes,
For this immediate levy, he commends
His absolute commission. Long live Cæsar!
1 Tribune. Is Lucius general of the forces?
2 Senator.

1 Tribune. Remaining now in Gallia ?

I Senator.

Ay.

10

With those legions

Which I have spoke of, whereunto your levy

Must be suppliant; the words of your commission
Will tie you to the numbers and the time

Of their dispatch.

I Tribune.

We will discharge our duty. [Exeunt.

Cloten. I am near to the place where they should meet, if Pisanio have mapped it truly. How fit his garments serve me! Why should his mistress, who was made by him that made the tailor, not be fit too? the rather saving reverence of the word- for 't is said a woman's fitness comes by fits. Therein I must play the workman. I dare speak it to myself-for it is not vainglory for a man and his glass to confer in his own chamber I mean, the lines of my body are as well drawn as his; no less young, more strong, 10

not beneath him in fortunes, beyond him in the advantage of the time, above him in birth, alike conversant in general services, and more remarkable in single oppositions; yet this imperseverant thing loves him in my despite. What mortality is! Posthumus, thy head, which now is growing upon thy shoulders, shall within this hour be off, thy mistress enforced, thy garments cut to pieces before thy face; and all this done, spurn her home to her father, who may happily be a little angry for my so rough usage, but my mother, having power of his testiness, shall turn all into my commendations. My horse is tied up safe; out, sword, and to a sore purpose! Fortune put them into my hand! This is the very description of their meeting-place, and the fellow dares not deceive me. 25

SCENE II. Before the Cave of Belarius

[Exit.

Enter, from the cave, BELARIUS, GUIDERIUS, ARVIRAGUS, and IMOGEN

Belarius. [To Imogen] You are not well; remain here in the cave.

We'll come to you after hunting.

Arviragus.

Are we not brothers?

Imogen.

[To Imogen] Brother, stay here;

So man and man should be ;

But clay and clay differs in dignity,

Whose dust is both alike. I am very sick.

Guiderius. Go you to hunting; I'll abide with him.