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Act 5, Scene 4
Cymbeline Translation Act 5, Scene 5
Enter CYMBELINE, BELARIUS, GUIDERIUS, ARVIRAGUS, PISANIO, Lords, Officers, and Attendants
CYMBELINE
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 shamed gilded arms, whose naked breast Stepp'd before larges of proof, cannot be found: He shall be happy that can find him, if Our grace can make him so.
CYMBELINE
Stand next to me, you whom the gods aided to save my throne. I'm sad that the poor soldier who fought so well, whose ragged clothes made those wearing golden armor ashamed of themselves, who stepped up unprotected to fight nobles known for their skill, can't be found. Anyone who finds him will be made happy if that's within my power.
BELARIUS
I never saw Such noble fury in so poor a thing; Such precious deeds in one that promises nought But beggary and poor looks.
BELARIUS
I never saw such a poor man show such noble fierceness. He did such amazing things for someone who looked like a beggar.
CYMBELINE
No tidings of him?
CYMBELINE
There's no news of him?
PISANIO
He hath been search'd among the dead and living,But no trace of him.
PISANIO
He's been searched for among those who are dead and alive, but there's no trace of him.
CYMBELINE
To my grief, I amThe heir of his reward;
CYMBELINE
Sadly, I'll have to keep 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 add to yours. You three are like Britain's liver, heart, and brain. Britain stays alive because of you. It's now time to ask you where you come from. Tell me.
BELARIUS
Sir, In Cambria are we born, and gentlemen: Further to boast were neither true nor modest, Unless I add, we are honest.
BELARIUS
Sir, we were born in Cambria. We're gentlemen. I can't tell you anything else while telling the truth and being humble, except that we're honest.
CYMBELINE
Bow your knees. Arise my knights o' the battle: I create you Companions to our person and will fit you With dignities becoming your estates.
CYMBELINE
Kneel down, and when you get up you will be knights. I make you my companions, and I will give you titles as honorable as you are.
Enter CORNELIUS and Ladies
There's business in these faces. Why so sadlyGreet you our victory? you look like Romans,And not o' the court of Britain.
I can tell something has happened. Why do you look so sad after we won? You look like Romans, not British courtiers.
CORNELIUS
Hail, great king!To sour your happiness, I must reportThe queen is dead.
CORNELIUS
Hello, great king! I have to ruin your happiness by telling you the queen is dead.
CYMBELINE
Who worse than a physician Would this report become? But I consider, By medicine life may be prolong'd, yet death Will seize the doctor too. How ended she?
CYMBELINE
It doesn't reflect well on a doctor to report that someone they were treating died. But I suppose that although life can be made longer with medicine, eventually even a doctor dies. How did she die?
CORNELIUS
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.
CORNELIUS
Horribly, dying in a frenzy like she lived her life. In that life she was cruel to everyone else, and her life ended cruelly for her. I'll tell you what she confessed, if you don't mind. Her women here can cut me off if I get anything wrong. They were there, crying, when she died.
CYMBELINE
Prithee, say.
CYMBELINE
Please, tell me.
CORNELIUS
First, she confess'd she never loved you, only Affected greatness got by you, not you: Married your royalty, was wife to your place; Abhorr'd your person.
CORNELIUS
First, she confessed she never love you and only desired the power she got from you, not you. She married your royalty, was a wife to your social position, but hated you.
CYMBELINE
She alone knew this;And, but she spoke it dying, I would notBelieve her lips in opening it. Proceed.
CYMBELINE
She was the only one who knew that. Except that she said it while she was dying, I wouldn't believe it even from her own mouth. Go on.
CORNELIUS
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.
CORNELIUS
She pretended to love your daughter deeply, but confessed that she actually hated her. If Imogen hadn't run away, the queen would have poisoned her.
CYMBELINE
O most delicate fiend!Who is 't can read a woman? Is there more?
CYMBELINE
What a sneaky demon! Who can know what women are actually like? Is there more?
CORNELIUS
More, sir, and worse. She did confess she had For you a mortal mineral; which, being took, Should by the minute feed on life and lingering By inches waste you: in which time she purposed, 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 the 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.
CORNELIUS
There's more, sir, and it's worse. She confessed she had a poison prepared for you that, when you swallowed it, would make you waste away and die slowly. She meant to stay up, cry, tend to you, kiss you, and to overcome you with her show of love. In time, when she had killed you with her poison, she would have gotten her son onto the throne. But when her plan failed after he disappeared so strangely, she grew desperately shameless and admitted her plots against the gods and people, regretted that she did not succeed in doing the evil things she had planned, and died in despair.
CYMBELINE
Heard you all this, her women?
CYMBELINE
Did you, her women, hear all of this?
FIRST LADY
We did, so please your highness.
FIRST LADY
We did, your highness.
CYMBELINE
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!
CYMBELINE
My eyes weren't wrong, she was beautiful. Or my ears, that heard the flattering things she said. Or my heart, that thought she was what she seemed to be. It would have been a sin to not trust her. But oh, my daughter! You can say I was foolish, and prove it by what you went through. May the gods save us all!
Enter LUCIUS, IACHIMO, the Soothsayer, and other Roman Prisoners, guarded; POSTHUMUS LEONATUS behind, and IMOGEN
Thou comest not, Caius, now for tribute that The Britons have razed out, though with the loss Of many a bold one; whose kinsmen have made suit That their good souls may be appeased with slaughter Of you their captives, which ourself have granted: So think of your estate.
Caius, you're not here now for the tribute that we Britons crossed out of the account books, although at the cost of losing many brave men. Their relatives have asked that the dead men's souls should be put at rest by killing you, their captives. I agreed, so think about your wills.
CAIUS LUCIUS
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 make bold your highness Cannot deny; he hath done no Briton harm, Though he have served a Roman: save him, sir, And spare no blood beside.
CAIUS LUCIUS
Sir, consider how much is up to chance in war. You won by accident. If we had won, we would not have threatened to kill our prisoners in cold blood. But since that's the way the gods want it and we can pay no ransom except our lives, let death come. A Roman can suffer with Roman strength. Augustus is still alive to think about this. And so much for me. I will only ask you one thing: my boy, born a Briton—let him be ransomed. No master ever had as kind, dutiful, and hardworking a page, so gentle in doing his job, so quick, so nurse-like. Don't deny my request because I'm sure you can't deny his virtue. He hasn't harmed any Britons, although he served a Roman. Save him and no one else, sir.
CYMBELINE
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.
CYMBELINE
I'm sure I've seen him before. He looks familiar. Boy, you've attracted my attention and now work for me. I don't know why I'm saying "stay alive, boy." Don't thank your master for it. Stay alive, and ask Cymbeline whatever favor you want that is proper for me to give and for you to ask, and I'll grant it. Even if you ask for a prisoner, even the noblest one captured.
IMOGEN
I humbly thank your highness.
IMOGEN
Thank you, your highness.
CAIUS LUCIUS
I do not bid thee beg my life, good lad;And yet I know thou wilt.
CAIUS LUCIUS
I'm not asking you to beg for my life, dear boy, but I know you will.
IMOGEN
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.
IMOGEN
No, no, I'm sorry. There's something else going on. I see something as terrible to me as death itself. Your life will have to take care of itself, good master.
CAIUS LUCIUS
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?
CAIUS LUCIUS
The boy disrespects me. He abandons me and sneers at me. People who trust in the honesty of girls and boys will be disappointed. Why is he standing there looking so amazed?
CYMBELINE
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?
CYMBELINE
What do you want, boy? I love you more and more. Think more and more about what you should ask for. Do you know the man you're looking at? Tell me, do you want him to live? Is he a family member? A friend?
IMOGEN
He is a Roman; no more kin to me Than I to your highness; who, being born your vassal, Am something nearer.
IMOGEN
He's a Roman. He's no closer a family member to me than I am to you, your highness. Even though I was born your subject, I am more closely related to you.
CYMBELINE
Wherefore eyest him so?
CYMBELINE
Why are you looking at him like that?
IMOGEN
I'll tell you, sir, in private, if you pleaseTo give me hearing.
IMOGEN
I'll tell you privately, if you agree to listen to me.
CYMBELINE
Ay, with all my heart,And lend my best attention. What's thy name?
CYMBELINE
Yes, with all my heart, and I'll pay close attention. What's your name?
IMOGEN
Fidele, sir.
IMOGEN
Fidele, sir.
CYMBELINE
Thou'rt my good youth, my page;I'll be thy master: walk with me; speak freely.
CYMBELINE
You're my good young man, my page. I'll be your master. Walk with me. You can tell me anything.
CYMBELINE and IMOGEN converse apart
BELARIUS
Is not this boy revived from death?
BELARIUS
Isn't this the boy come back to life?
ARVIRAGUS
One sand anotherNot more resembles that sweet rosy ladWho died, and was Fidele. What think you?
ARVIRAGUS
One grain of sand doesn't look more like another than that boy looks like the sweet attractive one who died and was Fidele. What do you think?
GUIDERIUS
The same dead thing alive.
GUIDERIUS
It's the same dead person, come back to life.
BELARIUS
Peace, peace! see further; he eyes us not; forbear;Creatures may be alike: were 't he, I am sureHe would have spoke to us.
BELARIUS
Wait! Let's keep watching. He doesn't see us. Wait. Sometimes people look alike. If it were him, I'm sure he would have talked to us.
GUIDERIUS
But we saw him dead.
GUIDERIUS
But we saw him dead.
BELARIUS
Be silent; let's see further.
BELARIUS
Be quiet. Let's keep watching.
PISANIO
[Aside] It is my mistress:Since she is living, let the time run onTo good or bad.
PISANIO
[To himself] It's my mistress. Since she's alive, I don't care what happens.
CYMBELINE and IMOGEN come forward
CYMBELINE
Come, stand thou by our side;Make thy demand aloud.
CYMBELINE
Come on, stand next to me and say what you want out loud.
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.
Sir, step forward. Answer this boy, and do it honestly, or by my power and what makes it great, which is my honor, you'll be tortured horribly to separate truth from lies. Go on, talk to him.
IMOGEN
My boon is, that this gentleman may renderOf whom he had this ring.
IMOGEN
What I ask is, for this gentleman to tell me where he got this ring.
POSTHUMUS LEONATUS
[Aside] What's that to him?
POSTHUMUS LEONATUS
[To himself] What does that have to do with him?
CYMBELINE
That diamond upon your finger, sayHow came it yours?
CYMBELINE
That diamond ring on your finger, how did you get it?
IACHIMO
Thou'lt torture me to leave unspoken thatWhich, to be spoke, would torture thee.
IACHIMO
You're threatening to torture me if I don't say something that, when I say it, will torture you.
CYMBELINE
How! me?
CYMBELINE
What, me?
IACHIMO
I am glad to be constrain'd to utter that Which torments me to conceal. By villany I got this ring: 'twas Leonatus' jewel; Whom thou didst banish; and—which more may grieve thee, As it doth me—a nobler sir ne'er lived 'Twixt sky and ground. Wilt thou hear more, my lord?
IACHIMO
I'm glad to be forced to reveal a secret that is so painful to keep. I got this ring dishonestly. It was Leonatus's ring, whom you banished, and—this may make you as sad as it makes me—who is the noblest man who ever lived. Do you want to hear more, sir?
CYMBELINE
All that belongs to this.
CYMBELINE
Everything to do with this.
IACHIMO
That paragon, thy daughter,—For whom my heart drops blood, and my false spiritsQuail to remember—Give me leave; I faint.
IACHIMO
That ideal woman, your daughter—mentioning her, my heart bleeds and my lying mind cringes—I'm sorry, I feel faint.
CYMBELINE
My daughter! what of her? Renew thy strength:I had rather thou shouldst live while nature willThan die ere I hear more: strive, man, and speak.
CYMBELINE
My daughter! What about her? Be strong. I would prefer you to live while you can than to die without telling me more. Try harder, and tell me.
IACHIMO
Upon a time,—unhappy was the clock That struck the hour!—it was in Rome,—accursed The mansion where!—'twas at a feast,—O, would Our viands had been poison'd, or at least Those which I heaved 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 rarest 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—
IACHIMO
Once—and curse the clock that struck the hour!—it was in Rome—curse the house where this happened!—it was at a feast—oh, I wish our food had been poisoned, or at least the food I threw in my mouth!—the good Posthumus—What can I say? He was too good to be around bad men, and he was the best of all good men—sitting sadly, hearing us say that our Italian lovers were more beautiful than even the best speaker could boast, and were more beautiful than the goddesses Venus or tall Minerva. We were describing them as beyond anything nature could make, like they were shops filled with all the qualities that men love women for, outside the trap of marriage. Beauty that hits the eye—
CYMBELINE
I stand on fire:Come to the matter.
CYMBELINE
I'm in suspense. Get to the point.
IACHIMO
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 praised,—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-trolls, or his description Proved us unspeaking sots.
IACHIMO
I will all too soon, unless you're eager to be sad. Posthumus, like a noble lord in love, with a royal lover, took this opportunity. Not insulting the women we praised—he was as calm as virtue itself would be—he began to describe his wife. When he described what she looked like, and then added an excellent mind to the picture, we were left sounding like we were praising ugly kitchen servants or like we were silent idiots.
CYMBELINE
Nay, nay, to the purpose.
CYMBELINE
No, no, get to the point.
IACHIMO
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 villanous. Being thus quench'd Of hope, not longing, mine Italian brain 'Gan in your duller Britain operate Most vilely; for my vantage, excellent: And, to be brief, my practise 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; averting 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—
IACHIMO
Your daughter's faithfulness—that's where it begins. He spoke of her as if even the virgin goddess Diana had wet dreams, and only his wife felt nothing sexual. So I, criminal that I am, doubted what he said. And I bet him gold against this ring, which he wore on his honorable finger, that I would sleep with his wife and win this ring by committing adultery with her. He, a true noble, was confident that she was as honorable as I soon found out she was, and bet this ring. He would have done the same thing if it was a jewel from the wheel of the sun-god's chariot, and could have done it safely even if it had been worth the whole chariot. So I hurried off to Britain with this plan. You may well remember seeing me in court, where I was taught by your loyal daughter the huge difference between being in love and being wicked. Losing hope but not my desire, my Italian brain began to plot cleverly in your slower country of Britain. I took advantage of people's slowness. To cut to the point, my plot worked well enough that I returned with enough fake proof to make noble Leonatus go crazy by hurting his trust in her honor with certain details, throwing in descriptions of wall-hangings, paintings, her bracelet here—oh, I stole it so cleverly! Even some secret marks on her body, so that he had to believe that she had been unfaithful to him with me. So - It's like I can see him now—
POSTHUMUS LEONATUS
[Advancing] Ay, so thou dost, Italian fiend! Ay me, most credulous fool, Egregious murderer, thief, any thing That's due to all the villains past, in being, To come! O, give me cord, or knife, or poison, Some upright justicer! Thou, king, send out For torturers ingenious: it is I That all the abhorred things o' the earth amend By being worse than they. I am Posthumus, That kill'd thy daughter:—villain-like, I lie— That caused a lesser villain than myself, A sacrilegious thief, to do't: the temple Of virtue was she; yea, and she herself. Spit, and throw stone s, cast mire upon me, set The dogs o' the street to bay me: every villain Be call'd Posthumus Leonatus; and Be villany less than 'twas! O Imogen! My queen, my life, my wife! O Imogen, Imogen, Imogen!
POSTHUMUS LEONATUS
[Stepping forward] Yes, you can, you Italian devil! Gullible fool, horrible murderer, doing anything any criminal ever did, is doing, will do! Give me a rope, or a knife, or poison, some honest way to get justice! You, king, send for clever torturers! I am the thing that makes all the disgusting things on earth seem better by being worse than they are. I am Posthumus, who killed your daughter—like a criminal, I'm lying—who made a lesser criminal, an unholy thief, do it. She was the temple of virtue, and she was herself. Spit, throw stones, throw mud on me, set the dogs in the street on me. May every criminal be called Posthumus Leonatus, and may evil itself seem less bad compared to me! Oh Imogen! My queen, my life, my wife! Oh Imogen, Imogen, Imogen!
IMOGEN
Peace, my lord; hear, hear—
IMOGEN
Wait, my lord. Listen, listen—
POSTHUMUS LEONATUS
Shall's have a play of this? Thou scornful page,There lie thy part.
POSTHUMUS LEONATUS
Do you think this is a play? You mocking page, this is your part.
Striking her: she falls
PISANIO
O, gentlemen, help! Mine and your mistress! O, my lord Posthumus! You ne'er kill'd Imogen til now. Help, help! Mine honour'd lady!
PISANIO
Oh gentlemen, help! This is my mistress and your wife! Oh, my lord Posthumus! You never killed Imogen until now. Help, help! My dear lady!
CYMBELINE
Does the world go round?
CYMBELINE
Is the world spinning?
POSTHUMUS LEONATUS
How come these staggers on me?
POSTHUMUS LEONATUS
What's happening to me?
PISANIO
Wake, my mistress!
PISANIO
Wake up, mistress!
CYMBELINE
If this be so, the gods do mean to strike meTo death with mortal joy.
CYMBELINE
If this is true, the gods are trying to kill me with happiness.
PISANIO
How fares thy mistress?
PISANIO
How is your wife?
IMOGEN
O, get thee from my sight;Thou gavest me poison: dangerous fellow, hence!Breathe not where princes are.
IMOGEN
Get away from me. You gave me poison. You dangerous man, get out of here! Don't breathe in the same room as royalty.
CYMBELINE
The tune of Imogen!
CYMBELINE
Imogen's voice!
PISANIO
Lady,The gods throw stones of sulphur on me, ifThat box I gave you was not thought by meA precious thing: I had it from the queen.
PISANIO
Ma'am, throw stinking rocks at me if I didn't think that box I gave you was powerful medicine. I got it from the queen.
CYMBELINE
New matter still?
CYMBELINE
More new information?
IMOGEN
It poison'd me.
IMOGEN
It poisoned me.
CORNELIUS
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 served As I would serve a rat.'
CORNELIUS
Oh gods! I left out one thing the queen confessed, which proves you to be honest. She said, "If Pisanio has given his mistress that potion I told him was medicine, she's as dead as a rat drinking rat poison."
CYMBELINE
What's this, Comelius?
CYMBELINE
What does that mean, Cornelius?
CORNELIUS
The queen, sir, very oft importuned 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 power of life, but in short time All offices of nature should again Do their due functions. Have you ta'en of it?
CORNELIUS
Sir, the queen often begged me to make poison for her, always pretending she wanted to learn by killing low creatures, like cats and dogs, that no one cared about. I, worrying she actually meant to do something worse, made her a mixture that would make anyone who drank it seem dead but would after a short time make all the parts of their body work again. Did you drink any of it?
IMOGEN
Most like I did, for I was dead.
IMOGEN
Probably, because I was dead.
BELARIUS
My boys,There was our error.
BELARIUS
My boys, that's where we went wrong.
GUIDERIUS
This is, sure, Fidele.
GUIDERIUS
This is definitely Fidele.
IMOGEN
Why did you throw your wedded lady from you?Think that you are upon a rock; and nowThrow me again.
IMOGEN
Why did you push your wife away from you? Pretend you're on the side of a cliff, and see if you can push me away again.
Embracing him
POSTHUMUS LEONATUS
Hang there like a fruit, my soul,Till the tree die!
POSTHUMUS LEONATUS
My dear, you're like my soul. Hang there like you're fruit and I'm a tree until this tree dies!
CYMBELINE
How now, my flesh, my child!What, makest thou me a dullard in this act?Wilt thou not speak to me?
CYMBELINE
My flesh and blood, my child! You're acting like I don't matter. Won't you speak to me?
IMOGEN
[Kneeling] Your blessing, sir.
IMOGEN
[Kneeling] Give me your blessing, sir.
BELARIUS
[To GUIDERIUS and ARVIRAGUS] Though you did lovethis youth, I blame ye not:You had a motive for't.
BELARIUS
[To GUIDERIUS and ARVIRAGUS] I don't blame you for loving this young man. You had a reason to.
CYMBELINE
My tears that fallProve holy water on thee! Imogen,Thy mother's dead.
CYMBELINE
May my tears falling on you act like holy water! Imogen, your mother's dead.
IMOGEN
I am sorry for't, my lord.
IMOGEN
I'm sorry, sir.
CYMBELINE
O, she was nought; and long of her it wasThat we meet here so strangely: but her sonIs gone, we know not how nor where.
CYMBELINE
Oh, she was worthless. It's no thanks to her that we're meeting here so strangely. But her son is gone, and we don't know how or where.
PISANIO
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, 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 enforced 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.
PISANIO
My lord, now that I'm not afraid any more, I'll tell you the truth. When my mistress went missing, Lord Cloten came to me with his sword out, foamed at the mouth, and promised that I would die at once if I didn't tell him where she had gone. By chance, I had a lying letter from my master in my pocket, which told him to look for her in the mountains near Milford. In a frenzy, wearing my masters clothes which he forced me to give him, he rode away with a sinful plan, promising to rape my mistress. I don't know anything more about what happened.
GUIDERIUS
Let me end the story:I slew him there.
GUIDERIUS
Let me end the story: I killed him there.
CYMBELINE
Marry, the gods forfend! I would not thy good deeds should from my lips Pluck a bard sentence: prithee, valiant youth, Deny't again.
CYMBELINE
Gods forbid! You've done good deeds—I don't want to have to order you thrown in jail. Please, brave young man, deny it.
GUIDERIUS
I have spoke it, and I did it.
GUIDERIUS
I said it, and I did it.
CYMBELINE
He was a prince.
CYMBELINE
He was a prince.
GUIDERIUS
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.
GUIDERIUS
A very rude one. He didn't treat me like he was a prince. He provoked me with language that would make me mad enough to kick the sea if it roared at me like that. I cut off his head. And I am very happy he is not standing here instead of me to tell this story.
CYMBELINE
I am sorry for thee:By thine own tongue thou art condemn'd, and mustEndure our law: thou'rt dead.
CYMBELINE
I'm sorry, but you've condemned yourself by saying this and have to face your punishment under our law. You're dead.
IMOGEN
That headless manI thought had been my lord.
IMOGEN
I thought that headless man was my husband.
CYMBELINE
Bind the offender,And take him from our presence.
CYMBELINE
Tie up the criminal and take him out of my sight.
BELARIUS
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.
BELARIUS
Wait, sir king. This man is nobler than the man he killed, from as good a family as you, and has deserved more from you than a gang of Clotens could.
To the Guard
Let his arms alone;They were not born for bondage.
Leave his arms alone. They weren't born to be unfree.
CYMBELINE
Why, old soldier, Wilt thou undo the worth thou art unpaid for, By tasting of our wrath? How of descent As good as we?
CYMBELINE
You old soldier, do you want to undo all the good deeds I haven't paid you for yet, and make me angry? How is he from as good a family as me?
ARVIRAGUS
In that he spake too far.
ARVIRAGUS
He didn't really mean that.
CYMBELINE
And thou shalt die for't.
CYMBELINE
And you'll die for that.
BELARIUS
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.
BELARIUS
All three of us will die. But I will prove that two of us are as good as I said. My sons, I have to say something dangerous for me, but perhaps good for you.
ARVIRAGUS
Your danger's ours.
ARVIRAGUS
Anything dangerous for you is dangerous for us.
GUIDERIUS
And our good his.
GUIDERIUS
And anything good for us is good for you.
BELARIUS
Have at it then, by leave.Thou hadst, great king, a subject whoWas call'd Belarius.
BELARIUS
Well then, I'll say it. Great king, you had a subject called Belarius.
CYMBELINE
What of him? he isA banish'd traitor.
CYMBELINE
What about him? He is a banished traitor.
BELARIUS
He it is that hathAssumed this age; indeed a banish'd man;I know not how a traitor.
BELARIUS
I was him before I grew old. I was indeed banished, but I don't know what makes me a traitor.
CYMBELINE
Take him hence:The whole world shall not save him.
CYMBELINE
Take him away. Nothing can save him.
BELARIUS
Not too hot:First pay me for the nursing of thy sons;And let it be confiscate all, so soonAs I have received it.
BELARIUS
Wait. First pay me for bringing up your sons, and then you can take the reward away as soon as you give it to me.
CYMBELINE
Nursing of my sons!
CYMBELINE
Bringing up my sons!
BELARIUS
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.
BELARIUS
I am being too blunt and disrespectful. I'm kneeling before you. Before I get up, I will promote my sons. Then don't show their old father any mercy. Sir, these two young men who call me father and think they are my sons are not related to me. They are your children, sir, and your own flesh and blood.
CYMBELINE
How! my issue!
CYMBELINE
What! My children!
BELARIUS
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 moved her to't, Having received 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 shaped 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.
BELARIUS
As certainly as you are your father's child. I, old Morgan, am the Belarius you banished. Your whim was my only crime, punishment, and treason. I never did anything wrong except suffer. These kind princes—because they are kind and they are princes—I brought up for twenty years. I taught them everything I could. Sir, you know what my education was. Their nurse, Euriphile, stole the children when I was banished, and I married her in return for this favor. I convinced her to do it, having already been punished for the crime I committed then. Having been punished for being loyal, I decided to be a traitor. I wanted to steal them to hurt you. But, dear sir, here are your sons back. I'm losing two of the best friends in the world. May the gods make blessings rain down on them like dew! They are virtuous enough that they should be made into constellations.
CYMBELINE
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.
CYMBELINE
You're crying while you speak. The good deeds you did for me were more surprising than this story you're telling. I lost my children. If these are those children, I don't think it would be possible to have two better sons.
BELARIUS
Be pleased 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 the hand Of his queen mother, which for more probation I can with ease produce.
BELARIUS
Wait a moment. This man I call Polydore is really your Guiderius, worthy king. This man, my Cadwal, is your younger royal son Arviragus. He, sir, was wrapped in a beautifully woven blanket, made by his mother the queen, which I can easily show you for more proof.
CYMBELINE
Guiderius hadUpon his neck a mole, a sanguine star;It was a mark of wonder.
CYMBELINE
Guiderius had a mole on his neck, a red star. It was an amazing thing.
BELARIUS
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.
BELARIUS
This is him, and he still has that mark. Nature was wise in giving it to him, since now it's evidence for him.
CYMBELINE
O, what, am I A mother to the birth of three? Ne'er mother Rejoiced deliverance more. Blest pray you be, That, after this strange starting from your orbs, may reign in them now! O Imogen, Thou hast lost by this a kingdom.
CYMBELINE
Am I a mother giving birth to three children? No mother was ever happier to deliver children. After strangely changing social classes, may you be blessed in the one you've come back to! Oh Imogen, you've lost a kingdom because of this.
IMOGEN
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 ye were so indeed.
IMOGEN
No, my lord, I have gained two whole worlds. Oh my dear brothers, have we met this way? Never say I don't tell the truth more than you do. You called me brother although I was only your sister, but I called you brothers and that was exactly you where.
CYMBELINE
Did you e'er meet?
CYMBELINE
Did you meet each other before?
ARVIRAGUS
Ay, my good lord.
ARVIRAGUS
Yes, sir.
GUIDERIUS
And at first meeting loved;Continued so, until we thought he died.
GUIDERIUS
And loved each other from the first, and still did until we thought he died.
CORNELIUS
By the queen's dram she swallow'd.
CORNELIUS
Because of the queen's potion she drank.
CYMBELINE
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 lived you? And when came you to serve our Roman captive? How parted with your brothers? how first met them? Why fled you from the court? and whither? These, And your three motives to the battle, with I know not how much more, should be demanded; And all the other by-dependencies, From chance to chance: but nor the time nor place Will serve our long inter'gatories. See, Posthumus anchors upon Imogen, And she, like harmless lightning, throws her eye On him, her brother, 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.
CYMBELINE
What an amazing instinct! When will I hear all the details? This rough abridged version has so many side stories that I should know more about. Where? How did you live? How did you come to be a servant to my Roman prisoner? How did you leave your brothers? How did you first meet them? Why did you run away from the court? And where? I should ask these things, and the reason you three joined the battle, and I don't know what else. And all the other circumstances, from the beginning. But this isn't the time or place to ask complicated questions. See, Posthumus is like a ship anchored to Imogen, and she's shooting glances like harmless lightning bolts at him, her brother, me, and her old master, hitting all of us with her joy. We all have different expressions. Let's leave, and fill the temple with smoke from our burnt offerings to the gods.
To BELARIUS
Thou art my brother; so we'll hold thee ever.
I'll always consider you my brother.
IMOGEN
You are my father too, and did relieve me,To see this gracious season.
IMOGEN
You are like another father to me and helped me survive long enough to see all this.
CYMBELINE
All o'erjoy'd,Save these in bonds: let them be joyful too,For they shall taste our comfort.
CYMBELINE
Everyone is happy, except these people who are tied up. Let them be happy too—we'll share our joy with them.
IMOGEN
My good master,I will yet do you service.
IMOGEN
[Untying CAIUS LUCIUS] My good master, I'll do you one more service.
CAIUS LUCIUS
Happy be you!
CAIUS LUCIUS
Bless you!
CYMBELINE
The forlorn soldier, that so nobly fought,He would have well becomed this place, and gracedThe thankings of a king.
CYMBELINE
That last soldier who fought so nobly: he would have been a good addition and I would have been honored to thank him.
POSTHUMUS LEONATUS
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.
POSTHUMUS LEONATUS
Sir, I am the soldier who kept these three company. I was dressed humbly in accordance with the plan I had then. Tell them that it was me, Iachimo. I knocked you to the ground and could have killed you.
IACHIMO
[Kneeling] I am down again: 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.
IACHIMO
[Kneeling] And now I'm on the ground again. But now it's my bad conscience making me sink to my knee, while before it was your strength. Take that life, please, that I owe you. But take your ring first. And here's the bracelet of the most honest princess who ever swore to be faithful.
POSTHUMUS LEONATUS
Kneel not to me:The power that I have on you is, to spare you;The malice towards you to forgive you: live,And deal with others better.
POSTHUMUS LEONATUS
Don't kneel to me. I'll show my power over you by letting you live, and punish you by forgiving you. Live, and treat other people more honestly
CYMBELINE
Nobly doom'd!We'll learn our freeness of a son-in-law;Pardon's the word to all.
CYMBELINE
That was a noble judgement! I'll learn forgiveness from my son-in-law. Everyone is pardoned.
ARVIRAGUS
You holp us, sir,As you did mean indeed to be our brother;Joy'd are we that you are.
ARVIRAGUS
You helped us, sir, as if you were our brother. We're happy that you really are.
POSTHUMUS LEONATUS
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 waked, 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.
POSTHUMUS LEONATUS
I'm your servant, princes. My good Roman lord, call for your soothsayer. As I slept, I thought great Jupiter appeared to me on his eagle, along with the ghosts of my own family members. When I woke, I found this document on my chest. What it says is so hard to understand that I don't have any idea what it means. He should test his skill by figuring it out.
CAIUS LUCIUS
Philarmonus!
CAIUS LUCIUS
Philarmonus!
SOOTHSAYER
Here, my good lord.
SOOTHSAYER
Here, my good lord.
CAIUS LUCIUS
Read, and declare the meaning.
CAIUS LUCIUS
Read this, and tell us what it means.
SOOTHSAYER
[Reads] 'When as a lion's whelp shall, to himself unknown, without seeking find, and be embraced by a piece of tender air; and when from a stately cedar shall be lopped branches, which, being dead many years, shall after revive, be jointed to the old stock, and freshly grow; then shall Posthumus end his miseries, Britain be fortunate and flourish in peace and plenty.' Thou, Leonatus, art the lion's whelp; The fit and apt construction of thy name, Being Leonatus, doth import so much.
SOOTHSAYER
[Reads] "When a lion's cub, not knowing himself, finds a piece of soft air and is hugged by it without looking for it, and when branches are cut from a noble cedar tree and, after being dead many years, come back to life and are re-attached to the old trunk and grow again, then Posthumus's sorrows will end, and Britain will be fortunate, prosperous, and peaceful." You, Leonatus, are the lion's cub. That's what your name, Leonatus, means.
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.
The piece of soft air is your virtuous daughter. The word for "woman" in Latin, "mulier," comes from "mollis aer," soft air. The "mulier" is, I think, this faithful wife. Just now, as the prophecy says, you didn't recognize her and didn't think you would find her, but you were hugged by this soft air.
CYMBELINE
This hath some seeming.
CYMBELINE
That makes sense.
SOOTHSAYER
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 revived, To the majestic cedar join'd, whose issue Promises Britain peace and plenty.
SOOTHSAYER
The tall cedar, royal Cymbeline, stands for you. And your cut branches are your two sons who, stolen by Belarius and for many years thought to be dead, are now brought back to life and attached to the old cedar, whose children are a sign of coming peace and prosperity for Britain.
CYMBELINE
Well My peace we will begin. And, Caius Lucius, Although the victor, we submit to Caesar, 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.
CYMBELINE
Well, that peace will begin now. And, Caius Lucius, although we won, we submit to Caesar and the Roman empire and promise to pay our usual tribute. I was convinced not to by my evil queen, who, along with her son, has been punished terribly by the gods.
SOOTHSAYER
The fingers of the powers above do tune The harmony of this peace. The vision Which I made known to Lucius, ere the stroke Of this yet scarce-cold battle, at this instant Is full accomplish'd; for the Roman eagle, From south to west on wing soaring aloft, Lessen'd herself, and in the beams o' the sun So vanish'd: which foreshow'd our princely eagle, The imperial Caesar, should again unite His favour with the radiant Cymbeline, Which shines here in the west.
SOOTHSAYER
The gods are tuning the music of this peace. The vision I told Lucius about before this recent battle has now come true. The Roman eagle, flying from south to west, has completely vanished into the sun. This showed that our royal eagle, the emperor Caesar, would again unite with bright Cymbeline who shines here in the west.
CYMBELINE
Laud we the gods; And let our crooked smokes climb to their nostrils From our blest 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.
CYMBELINE
Let us praise the gods, and burn offerings at our blessed altars until the smoke reaches their noses. Announce this peace to all our subjects. Let's set out together. A Roman and a British flag will wave together like friends. March through Lud's-town and we'll make our peace official in the temple of great Jupiter, then celebrate with feasts. Let's go! A war was never ended with such a peace, before the blood was even washed off the soldiers' hands.
Exeunt
