← 4.1
Act 4, Scene 2 — Wales. Before the cave of Belarius.
on stage:
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The argument Imogen, disguised as Fidele, takes a drug and appears dead; Guiderius kills Cloten; the brothers sing a funeral elegy over her; she wakes to find a headless corpse she mistakes for Posthumus, and is taken in by the Roman general Lucius.
Enter from the cave, Belarius, Guiderius, Arviragus and Imogen.
[_To Imogen._] You are not well. Remain here in the cave;
BELARIUS dialogue

We’ll come to you after hunting.

We’ll come to you after hunting.

we’ll come to you after hunting.

we’ll come to you after hunting....

[_To Imogen._] Brother, stay here.
ARVIRAGUS dialogue

Are we not brothers?

Are we not brothers?

are we not brothers?

are we not brothers?...

IMOGEN ≋ verse dialogue

So man and man should be;

But clay and clay differs in dignity,

Whose dust is both alike. I am very sick.

So man and man should be; But clay and clay differs in dignity, Whose dust is both alike. I am very sick.

so man and man should be; but clay and clay differs in dignity, whose dust is both alike. i am very sick.

so man and man should be; but clay and clay differ

"clay and clay differs in dignity, / Whose dust is both alike" Imogen splits the paradox elegantly: rank matters in life, but death levels everyone. She sounds like someone who has been thinking about mortality for days.
GUIDERIUS dialogue

Go you to hunting; I’ll abide with him.

Go you to hunting; I’ll abide with him.

go you to hunting; i’ll abide with him.

go you to hunting; i’ll abide with him....

IMOGEN ≋ verse dialogue

So sick I am not, yet I am not well;

But not so citizen a wanton as

To seem to die ere sick. So please you, leave me;

Stick to your journal course. The breach of custom

Is breach of all. I am ill, but your being by me

Cannot amend me; society is no comfort

To one not sociable. I am not very sick,

Since I can reason of it. Pray you trust me here.

I’ll rob none but myself; and let me die,

Stealing so poorly.

So sick I am not, yet I am not well; But not so citizen a wanton as To seem to die before sick. So please you, leave me; Stick to your journal course. The breach of custom Is breach of all. I am ill, but your being by me Cannot amend me; society is no comfort To one not sociable. I am not very sick,

so sick i am not, yet i am not well; but not so citizen a wanton as to seem to die before sick. so please you, leave me; stick to your journal course. the breach of custom is breach of all. i am ill, but your being by me cannot amend me; society is no comfort to one not sociable. i am not very sick,

so sick i am not, yet i am not well; but not so ci

"not so citizen a wanton" A city-dweller's affectation — soft, used to comfort. Imogen is saying she isn't the type to dramatise mild illness. The contrast between court softness and Welsh wilderness is the scene's governing tension.
GUIDERIUS ≋ verse affection

I love thee; I have spoke it.

How much the quantity, the weight as much

As I do love my father.

I love thee; I have spoke it. How much the quantity, the weight as much As I do love my father.

i love thee; i have spoke it. how much the quantity, the weight as much as i do love my father.

i love thee; i have spoke it. how much the quantit...

BELARIUS dialogue

What? how? how?

What? how? how?

what? how? how?

what? how? how?...

ARVIRAGUS ≋ verse affection

If it be sin to say so, sir, I yoke me

In my good brother’s fault. I know not why

I love this youth, and I have heard you say

Love’s reason’s without reason. The bier at door,

And a demand who is’t shall die, I’d say

‘My father, not this youth.’

If it be sin to say so, sir, I yoke me In my good brother’s fault. I know not why I love this youth, and I have heard you say Love’s reason’s without reason. The bier at door, And a demand who is’t shall die, I’d say ‘My father, not this youth.’

if it be sin to say so, sir, i yoke me in my good brother’s fault. i know not why i love this youth, and i have heard you say love’s reason’s without reason. the bier at door, and a demand who is’t shall die, i’d say ‘my father, not this youth.’

if it be sin to say so, sir, i yoke me in my good

[_Aside._] O noble strain!
BELARIUS ≋ verse dialogue

O worthiness of nature! breed of greatness!

Cowards father cowards and base things sire base.

Nature hath meal and bran, contempt and grace.

I’m not their father; yet who this should be

Doth miracle itself, lov’d before me.—

’Tis the ninth hour o’ th’ morn.

O worthiness of nature! breed of greatness! Cowards father cowards and base things sire base. Nature has meal and bran, contempt and grace. I’m not their father; yet who this should be does miracle itself, lov’d before me.— ’Tis the ninth hour o’ th’ morn.

o worthiness of nature! breed of greatness! cowards father cowards and base things sire base. nature has meal and bran, contempt and grace. i’m not their father; yet who this should be does miracle itself, lov’d before me.— ’tis the ninth hour o’ th’ morn.

o worthiness of nature! breed of greatness! coward

ARVIRAGUS dialogue

Brother, farewell.

Brother, farewell.

brother, farewell.

brother, farewell....

IMOGEN dialogue

I wish ye sport.

I wish ye sport.

i wish ye sport.

i wish ye sport....

ARVIRAGUS dialogue

Your health. [_To Belarius._] So please you, sir.

Your health. [_To Belarius._] So please you, sir.

your health. [_to belarius._] so please you, sir.

your health. [_to belarius._] so please you, sir....

[_Aside._] These are kind creatures. Gods, what lies I
IMOGEN ≋ verse dialogue

have heard!

Our courtiers say all’s savage but at court.

Experience, O, thou disprov’st report!

Th’ imperious seas breed monsters; for the dish,

Poor tributary rivers as sweet fish.

I am sick still; heart-sick. Pisanio,

I’ll now taste of thy drug.

have heard! Our courtiers say all’s savage but at court. Experience, O, thou disprov’st report! Th’ imperious seas breed monsters; for the dish, Poor tributary rivers as sweet fish. I am sick still; h...

have heard! our courtiers say all’s savage but at court. experience, o, thou disprov’st report! th’ imperious seas breed monsters; for the dish, poor tributary rivers as sweet fish. i am sick still; h...

have heard! our courtiers say all’s savage but at ...

"Th' imperious seas breed monsters; for the dish, / Poor tributary rivers as sweet fish" Imogen maps geography onto morality: the mighty imperial court breeds corrupt men; the small, marginal places breed honest ones. It's her most direct criticism of Cymbeline's world.
[_Swallows some._]
GUIDERIUS ≋ verse dialogue

I could not stir him.

He said he was gentle, but unfortunate;

Dishonestly afflicted, but yet honest.

I could not stir him. He said he was gentle, but unfortunate; Dishonestly afflicted, but yet honest.

i could not stir him. he said he was gentle, but unfortunate; dishonestly afflicted, but yet honest.

i could not stir him. he said he was gentle, but u...

ARVIRAGUS ≋ verse dialogue

Thus did he answer me; yet said hereafter

I might know more.

Thus did he answer me; yet said hereafter I might know more.

thus did he answer me; yet said hereafter i might know more.

thus did he answer me; yet said hereafter i might ...

BELARIUS ≋ verse dialogue

To th’ field, to th’ field!

We’ll leave you for this time. Go in and rest.

To th’ field, to th’ field! We’ll leave you for this time. Go in and rest.

to th’ field, to th’ field! we’ll leave you for this time. go in and rest.

to th’ field, to th’ field! we’ll leave you for th...

ARVIRAGUS dialogue

We’ll not be long away.

We’ll not be long away.

we’ll not be long away.

we’ll not be long away....

BELARIUS ≋ verse dialogue

Pray be not sick,

For you must be our huswife.

Pray be not sick, For you must be our huswife.

pray be not sick, for you must be our huswife.

pray be not sick, for you must be our huswife....

IMOGEN ≋ verse dialogue

Well, or ill,

I am bound to you.

Well, or ill, I am bound to you.

well, or ill, i am bound to you.

well, or ill, i am bound to you....

BELARIUS dialogue

And shalt be ever.

And shalt be ever.

and shalt be ever.

and shalt be ever....

[_Exit Imogen into the cave._]
This youth, howe’er distress’d, appears he hath had
Good ancestors.
ARVIRAGUS dialogue

How angel-like he sings!

How angel-like he sings!

how angel-like he sings!

how angel-like he sings!...

GUIDERIUS ≋ verse dialogue

But his neat cookery! He cut our roots in characters,

And sauc’d our broths as Juno had been sick,

And he her dieter.

But his neat cookery! He cut our roots in characters, And sauc’d our broths as Juno had been sick, And he her dieter.

but his neat cookery! he cut our roots in characters, and sauc’d our broths as juno had been sick, and he her dieter.

but his neat cookery! he cut our roots in characte...

"sauc'd our broths as Juno had been sick, / And he her dieter" Juno was queen of the gods — to cook for her would require supernatural skill. Guiderius is paying the highest compliment he can to Fidele's soup.
ARVIRAGUS ≋ verse dialogue

Nobly he yokes

A smiling with a sigh, as if the sigh

Was that it was for not being such a smile;

The smile mocking the sigh that it would fly

From so divine a temple to commix

With winds that sailors rail at.

Nobly he yokes A smiling with a sigh, as if the sigh Was that it was for not being such a smile; The smile mocking the sigh that it would fly From so divine a temple to commix With winds that sailors rail at.

nobly he yokes a smiling with a sigh, as if the sigh was that it was for not being such a smile; the smile mocking the sigh that it would fly from so divine a temple to commix with winds that sailors rail at.

nobly he yokes a smiling with a sigh, as if the si

GUIDERIUS ≋ verse dialogue

I do note

That grief and patience, rooted in him both,

Mingle their spurs together.

I do note That grief and patience, rooted in him both, Mingle their spurs together.

i do note that grief and patience, rooted in him both, mingle their spurs together.

i do note that grief and patience, rooted in him b...

ARVIRAGUS ≋ verse dialogue

Grow patience!

And let the stinking elder, grief, untwine

His perishing root with the increasing vine!

Grow patience! And let the stinking elder, grief, untwine His perishing root with the increasing vine!

grow patience! and let the stinking elder, grief, untwine his perishing root with the increasing vine!

grow patience! and let the stinking elder, grief, ...

"stinking elder, grief" The elder tree was associated with grief and death in folklore — its scent was considered unpleasant, and it was said to repel evil spirits. Arviragus uses natural imagery to argue for life over mourning.
BELARIUS dialogue

It is great morning. Come, away! Who’s there?

It is great morning. Come, away! Who’s there?

it is great morning. come, away! who’s there?

it is great morning. come, away! who’s there?...

Enter Cloten.
CLOTEN ≋ verse dialogue

I cannot find those runagates; that villain

Hath mock’d me. I am faint.

I cannot find those runagates; that villain Hath mock’d me. I am faint.

i cannot find those runagates; that villain hath mock’d me. i am faint.

i cannot find those runagates; that villain hath m...

BELARIUS ≋ verse dialogue

Those runagates?

Means he not us? I partly know him; ’tis

Cloten, the son o’ th’ Queen. I fear some ambush.

I saw him not these many years, and yet

I know ’tis he. We are held as outlaws. Hence!

Those runagates? Means he not us? I partly know him; ’tis Cloten, the son o’ th’ Queen. I fear some ambush. I saw him not these many years, and yet I know ’tis he. We are held as outlaws. Hence!

those runagates? means he not us? i partly know him; ’tis cloten, the son o’ th’ queen. i fear some ambush. i saw him not these many years, and yet i know ’tis he. we are held as outlaws. hence!

those runagates? means he not us? i partly know hi...

GUIDERIUS ≋ verse dialogue

He is but one; you and my brother search

What companies are near. Pray you away;

Let me alone with him.

He is but one; you and my brother search What companies are near. Pray you away; Let me alone with him.

he is but one; you and my brother search what companies are near. pray you away; let me alone with him.

he is but one; you and my brother search what comp...

[_Exeunt Belarius and Arviragus._]
CLOTEN ≋ verse dialogue

Soft! What are you

That fly me thus? Some villain mountaineers?

I have heard of such. What slave art thou?

Soft! What are you That fly me thus? Some villain mountaineers? I have heard of such. What slave art thou?

soft! what are you that fly me thus? some villain mountaineers? i have heard of such. what slave art thou?

soft! what are you that fly me thus? some villain

GUIDERIUS ≋ verse dialogue

A thing

More slavish did I ne’er than answering

A slave without a knock.

A thing More slavish did I ne’er than answering A slave without a knock.

a thing more slavish did i ne’er than answering a slave without a knock.

a thing more slavish did i ne’er than answering a ...

CLOTEN ≋ verse dialogue

Thou art a robber,

A law-breaker, a villain. Yield thee, thief.

Thou art a robber, A law-breaker, a villain. Yield thee, thief.

thou art a robber, a law-breaker, a villain. yield thee, thief.

thou art a robber, a law-breaker, a villain. yield...

GUIDERIUS ≋ verse dialogue

To who? To thee? What art thou? Have not I

An arm as big as thine, a heart as big?

Thy words, I grant, are bigger, for I wear not

My dagger in my mouth. Say what thou art;

Why I should yield to thee.

To who? To thee? What art thou? Have not I An arm as big as thine, a heart as big? Thy words, I grant, are bigger, for I wear not My dagger in my mouth. Say what thou art; Why I should yield to thee.

to who? to thee? what art thou? have not i an arm as big as thine, a heart as big? thy words, i grant, are bigger, for i wear not my dagger in my mouth. say what thou art; why i should yield to thee.

to who? to thee? what art thou? have not i an arm ...

CLOTEN ≋ verse dialogue

Thou villain base,

Know’st me not by my clothes?

Thou villain base, Know’st me not by my clothes?

thou villain base, know’st me not by my clothes?

thou villain base, know’st me not by my clothes?...

GUIDERIUS ≋ verse dialogue

No, nor thy tailor, rascal,

Who is thy grandfather; he made those clothes,

Which, as it seems, make thee.

No, nor thy tailor, rascal, Who is thy grandfather; he made those clothes, Which, as it seems, make thee.

no, nor thy tailor, rascal, who is thy grandfather; he made those clothes, which, as it seems, make thee.

no, nor thy tailor, rascal, who is thy grandfather...

CLOTEN ≋ verse dialogue

Thou precious varlet,

My tailor made them not.

Thou precious varlet, My tailor made them not.

thou precious varlet, my tailor made them not.

thou precious varlet, my tailor made them not....

GUIDERIUS ≋ verse dialogue

Hence, then, and thank

The man that gave them thee. Thou art some fool;

I am loath to beat thee.

Hence, then, and thank The man that gave them thee. Thou art some fool; I am loath to beat thee.

hence, then, and thank the man that gave them thee. thou art some fool; i am loath to beat thee.

hence, then, and thank the man that gave them thee...

CLOTEN ≋ verse dialogue

Thou injurious thief,

Hear but my name, and tremble.

Thou injurious thief, Hear but my name, and tremble.

thou injurious thief, hear but my name, and tremble.

thou injurious thief, hear but my name, and trembl...

GUIDERIUS dialogue

What’s thy name?

What’s thy name?

what’s thy name?

what’s thy name?...

CLOTEN dialogue

Cloten, thou villain.

Cloten, thou villain.

cloten, thou villain.

cloten, thou villain....

GUIDERIUS ≋ verse dialogue

Cloten, thou double villain, be thy name,

I cannot tremble at it. Were it Toad, or Adder, Spider,

’Twould move me sooner.

Cloten, thou double villain, be thy name, I cannot tremble at it. Were it Toad, or Adder, Spider, ’Twould move me sooner.

cloten, thou double villain, be thy name, i cannot tremble at it. were it toad, or adder, spider, ’twould move me sooner.

cloten, thou double villain, be thy name, i cannot...

CLOTEN ≋ verse dialogue

To thy further fear,

Nay, to thy mere confusion, thou shalt know

I am son to th’ Queen.

To thy further fear, Nay, to thy mere confusion, thou shalt know I am son to th’ Queen.

to thy further fear, nay, to thy mere confusion, thou shalt know i am son to th’ queen.

to thy further fear, nay, to thy mere confusion, t...

GUIDERIUS ≋ verse dialogue

I’m sorry for’t; not seeming

So worthy as thy birth.

I’m sorry for’t; not seeming So worthy as thy birth.

i’m sorry for’t; not seeming so worthy as thy birth.

i’m sorry for’t; not seeming so worthy as thy birt...

CLOTEN dialogue

Art not afeard?

Art not afeard?

art not afeard?

art not afeard?...

GUIDERIUS ≋ verse dialogue

Those that I reverence, those I fear—the wise;

At fools I laugh, not fear them.

Those that I reverence, those I fear—the wise; At fools I laugh, not fear them.

those that i reverence, those i fear—the wise; at fools i laugh, not fear them.

those that i reverence, those i fear—the wise; at ...

CLOTEN ≋ verse danger

Die the death.

When I have slain thee with my proper hand,

I’ll follow those that even now fled hence,

And on the gates of Lud’s Town set your heads.

Yield, rustic mountaineer.

Die the death. When I have slain thee with my proper hand, I’ll follow those that even now fled hence, And on the gates of Lud’s Town set your heads. Yield, rustic mountaineer.

die the death. when i have slain thee with my proper hand, i’ll follow those that even now fled hence, and on the gates of lud’s town set your heads. yield, rustic mountaineer.

die the death. when i have slain thee with my prop...

[_Exeunt, fighting._]
Enter Belarius and Arviragus.
BELARIUS dialogue

No company’s abroad?

No company’s abroad?

no company’s abroad?

no company’s abroad?...

ARVIRAGUS dialogue

None in the world; you did mistake him, sure.

None in the world; you did mistake him, sure.

none in the world; you did mistake him, sure.

none in the world; you did mistake him, sure....

BELARIUS ≋ verse dialogue

I cannot tell; long is it since I saw him,

But time hath nothing blurr’d those lines of favour

Which then he wore; the snatches in his voice,

And burst of speaking, were as his. I am absolute

’Twas very Cloten.

I cannot tell; long is it since I saw him, But time has nothing blurr’d those lines of favour Which then he wore; the snatches in his voice, And burst of speaking, were as his. I am absolute ’Twas very Cloten.

i cannot tell; long is it since i saw him, but time has nothing blurr’d those lines of favour which then he wore; the snatches in his voice, and burst of speaking, were as his. i am absolute ’twas very cloten.

i cannot tell; long is it since i saw him, but tim

ARVIRAGUS ≋ verse praise

In this place we left them.

I wish my brother make good time with him,

You say he is so fell.

In this place we left them. I wish my brother make good time with him, You say he is so fell.

in this place we left them. i wish my brother make good time with him, you say he is so fell.

in this place we left them. i wish my brother make...

BELARIUS ≋ verse dialogue

Being scarce made up,

I mean to man, he had not apprehension

Or roaring terrors; for defect of judgement

Is oft the cease of fear.

Being scarce made up, I mean to man, he had not apprehension Or roaring terrors; for defect of judgement Is oft the cease of fear.

being scarce made up, i mean to man, he had not apprehension or roaring terrors; for defect of judgement is oft the cease of fear.

being scarce made up, i mean to man, he had not ap...

Enter Guiderius with Cloten’s head.
But, see, thy brother.
GUIDERIUS ≋ verse dialogue

This Cloten was a fool, an empty purse;

There was no money in’t. Not Hercules

Could have knock’d out his brains, for he had none;

Yet I not doing this, the fool had borne

My head as I do his.

This Cloten was a fool, an empty purse; There was no money in’t. Not Hercules Could have knock’d out his brains, for he had none; Yet I not doing this, the fool had borne My head as I do his.

this cloten was a fool, an empty purse; there was no money in’t. not hercules could have knock’d out his brains, for he had none; yet i not doing this, the fool had borne my head as i do his.

this cloten was a fool, an empty purse; there was ...

Why it matters The offhand pragmatism here is startling — Guiderius enters carrying a severed head and describes the killing with the same calm he'd use for gutting a fish. This is a man raised in wilderness, not courtly ethics.
BELARIUS dialogue

What hast thou done?

What hast thou done?

what hast thou done?

what hast thou done?...

GUIDERIUS ≋ verse dialogue

I am perfect what: cut off one Cloten’s head,

Son to the Queen, after his own report;

Who call’d me traitor, mountaineer, and swore

With his own single hand he’d take us in,

Displace our heads where, thank the gods, they grow,

And set them on Lud’s Town.

I am perfect what: cut off one Cloten’s head, Son to the Queen, after his own report; Who call’d me traitor, mountaineer, and swore With his own single hand he’d take us in, Displace our heads where, thank the gods, they grow, And set them on Lud’s Town.

i am perfect what: cut off one cloten’s head, son to the queen, after his own report; who call’d me traitor, mountaineer, and swore with his own single hand he’d take us in, displace our heads where, thank the gods, they grow, and set them on lud’s town.

i am perfect what: cut off one cloten’s head, son

BELARIUS dialogue

We are all undone.

We are all undone.

we are all undone.

we are all undone....

GUIDERIUS ≋ verse dialogue

Why, worthy father, what have we to lose

But that he swore to take, our lives? The law

Protects not us; then why should we be tender

To let an arrogant piece of flesh threat us,

Play judge and executioner all himself,

For we do fear the law? What company

Discover you abroad?

Why, worthy father, what have we to lose But that he swore to take, our lives? The law Protects not us; then why should we be tender To let an arrogant piece of flesh threat us, Play judge and executioner all himself, For we do fear the law? What company Discover you abroad?

why, worthy father, what have we to lose but that he swore to take, our lives? the law protects not us; then why should we be tender to let an arrogant piece of flesh threat us, play judge and executioner all himself, for we do fear the law? what company discover you abroad?

why, worthy father, what have we to lose but that

BELARIUS ≋ verse praise

No single soul

Can we set eye on, but in all safe reason

He must have some attendants. Though his humour

Was nothing but mutation, ay, and that

From one bad thing to worse, not frenzy, not

Absolute madness could so far have rav’d,

To bring him here alone. Although perhaps

It may be heard at court that such as we

Cave here, hunt here, are outlaws, and in time

May make some stronger head, the which he hearing,

As it is like him, might break out and swear

He’d fetch us in; yet is’t not probable

To come alone, either he so undertaking

Or they so suffering. Then on good ground we fear,

If we do fear this body hath a tail

More perilous than the head.

No single soul Can we set eye on, but in all safe reason He must have some attendants. Though his humour Was nothing but mutation, ay, and that From one bad thing to worse, not frenzy, not Absolute madness could so far have rav’d, To bring him here alone. Although perhaps It may be heard at court th

no single soul can we set eye on, but in all safe reason he must have some attendants. though his humour was nothing but mutation, ay, and that from one bad thing to worse, not frenzy, not absolute madness could so far have rav’d, to bring him here alone. although perhaps it may be heard at court th

no single soul can we set eye on, but in all safe

ARVIRAGUS ≋ verse dialogue

Let ordinance

Come as the gods foresay it. Howsoe’er,

My brother hath done well.

Let ordinance Come as the gods foresay it. Howsoe’er, My brother hath done well.

let ordinance come as the gods foresay it. howsoe’er, my brother hath done well.

let ordinance come as the gods foresay it. howsoe’...

BELARIUS ≋ verse dialogue

I had no mind

To hunt this day; the boy Fidele’s sickness

Did make my way long forth.

I had no mind To hunt this day; the boy Fidele’s sickness Did make my way long forth.

i had no mind to hunt this day; the boy fidele’s sickness did make my way long forth.

i had no mind to hunt this day; the boy fidele’s s...

GUIDERIUS ≋ verse dialogue

With his own sword,

Which he did wave against my throat, I have ta’en

His head from him. I’ll throw’t into the creek

Behind our rock, and let it to the sea

And tell the fishes he’s the Queen’s son, Cloten.

That’s all I reck.

With his own sword, Which he did wave against my throat, I have ta’en His head from him. I’ll throw’t into the creek Behind our rock, and let it to the sea And tell the fishes he’s the Queen’s son, Cloten. That’s all I reck.

with his own sword, which he did wave against my throat, i have ta’en his head from him. i’ll throw’t into the creek behind our rock, and let it to the sea and tell the fishes he’s the queen’s son, cloten. that’s all i reck.

with his own sword, which he did wave against my t

[_Exit._]
BELARIUS ≋ verse dialogue

I fear ’twill be reveng’d.

Would, Polydore, thou hadst not done’t! though valour

Becomes thee well enough.

I fear ’twill be reveng’d. Would, Polydore, thou hadst not done’t! though valour Becomes thee well enough.

i fear ’twill be reveng’d. would, polydore, thou hadst not done’t! though valour becomes thee well enough.

i fear ’twill be reveng’d. would, polydore, thou h...

ARVIRAGUS ≋ verse affection

Would I had done’t,

So the revenge alone pursu’d me! Polydore,

I love thee brotherly, but envy much

Thou hast robb’d me of this deed. I would revenges,

That possible strength might meet, would seek us through,

And put us to our answer.

Would I had done’t, So the revenge alone pursu’d me! Polydore, I love you brotherly, but envy much you hast robb’d me of this deed. I would revenges, That possible strength might meet, would seek us through, And put us to our answer.

would i had done’t, so the revenge alone pursu’d me! polydore, i love you brotherly, but envy much you hast robb’d me of this deed. i would revenges, that possible strength might meet, would seek us through, and put us to our answer.

would i had done’t, so the revenge alone pursu’d m

BELARIUS ≋ verse anger

Well, ’tis done.

We’ll hunt no more today, nor seek for danger

Where there’s no profit. I prithee to our rock.

You and Fidele play the cooks; I’ll stay

Till hasty Polydore return, and bring him

To dinner presently.

Well, ’tis done. We’ll hunt no more today, nor seek for danger Where there’s no profit. I please to our rock. You and Fidele play the cooks; I’ll stay Till hasty Polydore return, and bring him To dinner presently.

well, ’tis done. we’ll hunt no more today, nor seek for danger where there’s no profit. i please to our rock. you and fidele play the cooks; i’ll stay till hasty polydore return, and bring him to dinner presently.

well, ’tis done. we’ll hunt no more today, nor see

ARVIRAGUS ≋ verse praise

Poor sick Fidele!

I’ll willingly to him; to gain his colour

I’d let a parish of such Cloten’s blood,

And praise myself for charity.

Poor sick Fidele! I’ll willingly to him; to gain his colour I’d let a parish of such Cloten’s blood, And praise myself for charity.

poor sick fidele! i’ll willingly to him; to gain his colour i’d let a parish of such cloten’s blood, and praise myself for charity.

poor sick fidele! i’ll willingly to him; to gain h...

[_Exit._]
BELARIUS ≋ verse danger

O thou goddess,

Thou divine Nature, thou thyself thou blazon’st

In these two princely boys! They are as gentle

As zephyrs blowing below the violet,

Not wagging his sweet head; and yet as rough,

Their royal blood enchaf’d, as the rud’st wind

That by the top doth take the mountain pine

And make him stoop to th’ vale. ’Tis wonder

That an invisible instinct should frame them

To royalty unlearn’d, honour untaught,

Civility not seen from other, valour

That wildly grows in them, but yields a crop

As if it had been sow’d. Yet still it’s strange

What Cloten’s being here to us portends,

Or what his death will bring us.

O you goddess, you divine Nature, you thyself you blazon’st In these two princely boys! They are as gentle As zephyrs blowing below the violet, Not wagging his sweet head; and yet as rough, Their royal blood enchaf’d, as the rud’st wind That by the top does take the mountain pine And make him stoop

o you goddess, you divine nature, you thyself you blazon’st in these two princely boys! they are as gentle as zephyrs blowing below the violet, not wagging his sweet head; and yet as rough, their royal blood enchaf’d, as the rud’st wind that by the top does take the mountain pine and make him stoop

o you goddess, you divine nature, you thyself you

Why it matters This is Belarius's clearest statement of the play's central argument: that noble nature asserts itself regardless of upbringing, that rank is innate, not merely social. Shakespeare will test and ultimately affirm this idea at the play's end.
Enter Guiderius.
GUIDERIUS ≋ verse dialogue

Where’s my brother?

I have sent Cloten’s clotpoll down the stream,

In embassy to his mother; his body’s hostage

For his return.

Where’s my brother? I have sent Cloten’s clotpoll down the stream, In embassy to his mother; his body’s hostage For his return.

where’s my brother? i have sent cloten’s clotpoll down the stream, in embassy to his mother; his body’s hostage for his return.

where’s my brother? i have sent cloten’s clotpoll ...

[_Solemn music._]
BELARIUS ≋ verse dialogue

My ingenious instrument!

Hark, Polydore, it sounds. But what occasion

Hath Cadwal now to give it motion? Hark!

My ingenious instrument! Hark, Polydore, it sounds. But what occasion Hath Cadwal now to give it motion? Hark!

my ingenious instrument! hark, polydore, it sounds. but what occasion hath cadwal now to give it motion? hark!

my ingenious instrument! hark, polydore, it sounds...

GUIDERIUS dialogue

Is he at home?

Is he at home?

is he at home?

is he at home?...

BELARIUS dialogue

He went hence even now.

He went hence even now.

he went hence even now.

he went hence even now....

GUIDERIUS ≋ verse danger

What does he mean? Since death of my dear’st mother

It did not speak before. All solemn things

Should answer solemn accidents. The matter?

Triumphs for nothing and lamenting toys

Is jollity for apes and grief for boys.

Is Cadwal mad?

What does he mean? Since death of my dear’st mother It did not speak before. All solemn things Should answer solemn accidents. The matter? Triumphs for nothing and lamenting toys Is jollity for apes and grief for boys. Is Cadwal mad?

what does he mean? since death of my dear’st mother it did not speak before. all solemn things should answer solemn accidents. the matter? triumphs for nothing and lamenting toys is jollity for apes and grief for boys. is cadwal mad?

what does he mean? since death of my dear’st mothe

Enter Arviragus with Imogen as dead, bearing her in his arms.
BELARIUS ≋ verse dialogue

Look, here he comes,

And brings the dire occasion in his arms

Of what we blame him for!

Look, here he comes, And brings the dire occasion in his arms Of what we blame him for!

look, here he comes, and brings the dire occasion in his arms of what we blame him for!

look, here he comes, and brings the dire occasion ...

ARVIRAGUS ≋ verse dialogue

The bird is dead

That we have made so much on. I had rather

Have skipp’d from sixteen years of age to sixty,

To have turn’d my leaping time into a crutch,

Than have seen this.

The bird is dead That we have made so much on. I had rather Have skipp’d from sixteen years of age to sixty, To have turn’d my leaping time into a crutch, Than have seen this.

the bird is dead that we have made so much on. i had rather have skipp’d from sixteen years of age to sixty, to have turn’d my leaping time into a crutch, than have seen this.

the bird is dead that we have made so much on. i h...

GUIDERIUS ≋ verse dialogue

O sweetest, fairest lily!

My brother wears thee not the one half so well

As when thou grew’st thyself.

O sweetest, fairest lily! My brother wears thee not the one half so well As when thou grew’st thyself.

o sweetest, fairest lily! my brother wears thee not the one half so well as when thou grew’st thyself.

o sweetest, fairest lily! my brother wears thee no...

BELARIUS ≋ verse dialogue

O melancholy!

Who ever yet could sound thy bottom? find

The ooze to show what coast thy sluggish crare

Might’st easiliest harbour in? Thou blessed thing!

Jove knows what man thou mightst have made; but I,

Thou diedst, a most rare boy, of melancholy.

How found you him?

O melancholy! Who ever yet could sound your bottom? find The ooze to show what coast your sluggish crare Might’st easiliest harbour in? you blessed thing! Jove knows what man you mightst have made; but I, you diedst, a most rare boy, of melancholy. How found you him?

o melancholy! who ever yet could sound your bottom? find the ooze to show what coast your sluggish crare might’st easiliest harbour in? you blessed thing! jove knows what man you mightst have made; but i, you diedst, a most rare boy, of melancholy. how found you him?

o melancholy! who ever yet could sound your bottom

ARVIRAGUS ≋ verse danger

Stark, as you see;

Thus smiling, as some fly had tickled slumber,

Not as death’s dart, being laugh’d at; his right cheek

Reposing on a cushion.

Stark, as you see; Thus smiling, as some fly had tickled slumber, Not as death’s dart, being laugh’d at; his right cheek Reposing on a cushion.

stark, as you see; thus smiling, as some fly had tickled slumber, not as death’s dart, being laugh’d at; his right cheek reposing on a cushion.

stark, as you see; thus smiling, as some fly had t...

GUIDERIUS dialogue

Where?

Where?

where?

where?...

ARVIRAGUS ≋ verse dialogue

O’ th’ floor;

His arms thus leagu’d. I thought he slept, and put

My clouted brogues from off my feet, whose rudeness

Answer’d my steps too loud.

O’ th’ floor; His arms thus leagu’d. I thought he slept, and put My clouted brogues from off my feet, whose rudeness Answer’d my steps too loud.

o’ th’ floor; his arms thus leagu’d. i thought he slept, and put my clouted brogues from off my feet, whose rudeness answer’d my steps too loud.

o’ th’ floor; his arms thus leagu’d. i thought he ...

GUIDERIUS ≋ verse dialogue

Why, he but sleeps.

If he be gone he’ll make his grave a bed;

With female fairies will his tomb be haunted,

And worms will not come to thee.

Why, he but sleeps. If he be gone he’ll make his grave a bed; With female fairies will his tomb be haunted, And worms will not come to thee.

why, he but sleeps. if he be gone he’ll make his grave a bed; with female fairies will his tomb be haunted, and worms will not come to thee.

why, he but sleeps. if he be gone he’ll make his g

ARVIRAGUS ≋ verse dialogue

With fairest flowers,

Whilst summer lasts and I live here, Fidele,

I’ll sweeten thy sad grave. Thou shalt not lack

The flower that’s like thy face, pale primrose; nor

The azur’d hare-bell, like thy veins; no, nor

The leaf of eglantine, whom not to slander,

Out-sweet’ned not thy breath. The ruddock would,

With charitable bill (O bill, sore shaming

Those rich-left heirs that let their fathers lie

Without a monument!) bring thee all this;

Yea, and furr’d moss besides, when flow’rs are none,

To winter-ground thy corse—

With fairest flowers, Whilst summer lasts and I live here, Fidele, I’ll sweeten your sad grave. you shalt not lack The flower that’s like your face, pale primrose; nor The azur’d hare-bell, like your veins; no, nor The leaf of eglantine, whom not to slander, Out-sweet’ned not your breath. The ruddoc

with fairest flowers, whilst summer lasts and i live here, fidele, i’ll sweeten your sad grave. you shalt not lack the flower that’s like your face, pale primrose; nor the azur’d hare-bell, like your veins; no, nor the leaf of eglantine, whom not to slander, out-sweet’ned not your breath. the ruddoc

with fairest flowers, whilst summer lasts and i li

GUIDERIUS ≋ verse dialogue

Prithee have done,

And do not play in wench-like words with that

Which is so serious. Let us bury him,

And not protract with admiration what

Is now due debt. To th’ grave.

Prithee have done, And do not play in wench-like words with that Which is so serious. Let us bury him, And not protract with admiration what Is now due debt. To th’ grave.

prithee have done, and do not play in wench-like words with that which is so serious. let us bury him, and not protract with admiration what is now due debt. to th’ grave.

prithee have done, and do not play in wench-like w...

ARVIRAGUS dialogue

Say, where shall’s lay him?

Say, where shall’s lay him?

say, where shall’s lay him?

say, where shall’s lay him?...

GUIDERIUS praise

By good Euriphile, our mother.

By good Euriphile, our mother.

by good euriphile, our mother.

by good euriphile, our mother....

ARVIRAGUS ≋ verse dialogue

Be’t so;

And let us, Polydore, though now our voices

Have got the mannish crack, sing him to th’ ground,

As once to our mother; use like note and words,

Save that Euriphile must be Fidele.

Be’t so; And let us, Polydore, though now our voices Have got the mannish crack, sing him to th’ ground, As once to our mother; use like note and words, Save that Euriphile must be Fidele.

be’t so; and let us, polydore, though now our voices have got the mannish crack, sing him to th’ ground, as once to our mother; use like note and words, save that euriphile must be fidele.

be’t so; and let us, polydore, though now our voic...

GUIDERIUS ≋ verse dialogue

Cadwal,

I cannot sing. I’ll weep, and word it with thee;

For notes of sorrow out of tune are worse

Than priests and fanes that lie.

Cadwal, I cannot sing. I’ll weep, and word it with thee; For notes of sorrow out of tune are worse Than priests and fanes that lie.

cadwal, i cannot sing. i’ll weep, and word it with thee; for notes of sorrow out of tune are worse than priests and fanes that lie.

cadwal, i cannot sing. i’ll weep, and word it with...

ARVIRAGUS dialogue

We’ll speak it, then.

We’ll speak it, then.

we’ll speak it, then.

we’ll speak it, then....

BELARIUS ≋ verse dialogue

Great griefs, I see, med’cine the less, for Cloten

Is quite forgot. He was a queen’s son, boys;

And though he came our enemy, remember

He was paid for that. Though mean and mighty rotting

Together have one dust, yet reverence,

That angel of the world, doth make distinction

Of place ’tween high and low. Our foe was princely;

And though you took his life, as being our foe,

Yet bury him as a prince.

Great griefs, I see, med’cine the less, for Cloten Is quite forgot. He was a queen’s son, boys; And though he came our enemy, remember He was paid for that. Though mean and mighty rotting Together have one dust, yet reverence, That angel of the world, does make distinction Of place ’tween high and l

great griefs, i see, med’cine the less, for cloten is quite forgot. he was a queen’s son, boys; and though he came our enemy, remember he was paid for that. though mean and mighty rotting together have one dust, yet reverence, that angel of the world, does make distinction of place ’tween high and l

great griefs, i see, med’cine the less, for cloten

GUIDERIUS ≋ verse praise

Pray you fetch him hither.

Thersites’ body is as good as Ajax’,

When neither are alive.

Pray you fetch him hither. Thersites’ body is as good as Ajax’, When neither are alive.

pray you fetch him hither. thersites’ body is as good as ajax’, when neither are alive.

pray you fetch him hither. thersites’ body is as g...

ARVIRAGUS ≋ verse dialogue

If you’ll go fetch him,

We’ll say our song the whilst. Brother, begin.

If you’ll go fetch him, We’ll say our song the whilst. Brother, begin.

if you’ll go fetch him, we’ll say our song the whilst. brother, begin.

if you’ll go fetch him, we’ll say our song the whi...

[_Exit Belarius._]
GUIDERIUS ≋ verse dialogue

Nay, Cadwal, we must lay his head to th’ East;

My father hath a reason for’t.

Nay, Cadwal, we must lay his head to th’ East; My father hath a reason for’t.

nay, cadwal, we must lay his head to th’ east; my father hath a reason for’t.

nay, cadwal, we must lay his head to th’ east; my ...

"lay his head to th' East" Christian burial tradition: the body laid with head to the west, facing east toward the rising sun and the Second Coming. Even in the Welsh wilderness, Belarius has maintained this ritual — connecting the lost princes to civilisation through ceremony.
ARVIRAGUS dialogue

’Tis true.

’Tis true.

’tis true.

’tis true....

GUIDERIUS dialogue

Come on, then, and remove him.

Come on, then, and remove him.

come on, then, and remove him.

come on, then, and remove him....

ARVIRAGUS ≋ verse dialogue

So. Begin.

SONG

So. Begin. SONG

so. begin. song

so. begin. song

GUIDERIUS ≋ verse anger

_ Fear no more the heat o’ th’ sun,

Nor the furious winter’s rages;

Thou thy worldly task hast done,

Home art gone, and ta’en thy wages.

Golden lads and girls all must,

As chimney-sweepers, come to dust._

_ Fear no more the heat o’ th’ sun, Nor the furious winter’s rages; Thou thy worldly task hast done, Home art gone, and ta’en thy wages. Golden lads and girls all must, As chimney-sweepers, come to...

_ fear no more the heat o’ th’ sun, nor the furious winter’s rages; thou thy worldly task hast done, home art gone, and ta’en thy wages. golden lads and girls all must, as chimney-sweepers, come to...

_ fear no more the heat o’ th’ sun, nor the fur...

"Golden lads and girls all must, / As chimney-sweepers, come to dust" In Warwickshire dialect, dandelions in full bloom were called 'golden boys' and when seeded, 'chimney-sweepers.' The line works as a social leveller (the rich and the sooty alike) and as a private nature image. Both readings are correct.
Why it matters 'Fear no more the heat o' the sun' is the most anthologised lyric in Cymbeline and one of the most beautiful elegies in all of Shakespeare — sung over a woman who is not actually dead, by boys who do not know she is their sister.
🎭 Dramatic irony Guiderius and Arviragus sing 'Fear no more' over Fidele believing they are mourning a dead boy. The audience knows she is drugged, female, their actual sister, and will wake. The elegy is simultaneously sincere and cosmically misapplied.
ARVIRAGUS ≋ verse dialogue

_ Fear no more the frown o’ th’ great;

Thou art past the tyrant’s stroke.

Care no more to clothe and eat;

To thee the reed is as the oak.

The sceptre, learning, physic, must

All follow this and come to dust._

_ Fear no more the frown o’ th’ great; Thou art past the tyrant’s stroke. Care no more to clothe and eat; To thee the reed is as the oak. The sceptre, learning, physic, must All follow this and com...

_ fear no more the frown o’ th’ great; thou art past the tyrant’s stroke. care no more to clothe and eat; to thee the reed is as the oak. the sceptre, learning, physic, must all follow this and com...

_ fear no more the frown o’ th’ great; thou art...

GUIDERIUS dialogue

_ Fear no more the lightning flash._

_ Fear no more the lightning flash._

_ fear no more the lightning flash._

_ fear no more the lightning flash._...

ARVIRAGUS dialogue

_ Nor th’ all-dreaded thunder-stone._

_ Nor th’ all-dreaded thunder-stone._

_ nor th’ all-dreaded thunder-stone._

_ nor th’ all-dreaded thunder-stone._...

GUIDERIUS dialogue

_ Fear not slander, censure rash;_

_ Fear not slander, censure rash;_

_ fear not slander, censure rash;_

_ fear not slander, censure rash;_...

ARVIRAGUS dialogue

_ Thou hast finish’d joy and moan._

_ Thou hast finish’d joy and moan._

_ thou hast finish’d joy and moan._

_ thou hast finish’d joy and moan._...

BOTH ≋ verse affection

_ All lovers young, all lovers must

Consign to thee and come to dust._

_ All lovers young, all lovers must Consign to thee and come to dust._

_ all lovers young, all lovers must consign to thee and come to dust._

_ all lovers young, all lovers must consign to ...

"Consign to thee" To consign: to sign the same agreement, or to be bound to the same terms. All lovers are under the same contract as death — they must eventually surrender. The legal metaphor is cold and exact.
GUIDERIUS danger

_ No exorciser harm thee!_

_ No exorciser harm thee!_

_ no exorciser harm thee!_

_ no exorciser harm thee!_...

ARVIRAGUS danger

_ Nor no witchcraft charm thee!_

_ Nor no witchcraft charm thee!_

_ nor no witchcraft charm thee!_

_ nor no witchcraft charm thee!_...

GUIDERIUS dialogue

_ Ghost unlaid forbear thee!_

_ Ghost unlaid forbear thee!_

_ ghost unlaid forbear thee!_

_ ghost unlaid forbear thee!_...

ARVIRAGUS dialogue

_ Nothing ill come near thee!_

_ Nothing ill come near thee!_

_ nothing ill come near thee!_

_ nothing ill come near thee!_...

BOTH ≋ verse dialogue

_ Quiet consummation have,

And renowned be thy grave!_

_ Quiet consummation have, And renowned be thy grave!_

_ quiet consummation have, and renowned be thy grave!_

_ quiet consummation have, and renowned be thy ...

Enter Belarius with the body of Cloten.
GUIDERIUS dialogue

We have done our obsequies. Come, lay him down.

We have done our obsequies. Come, lay him down.

we have done our obsequies. come, lay him down.

we have done our obsequies. come, lay him down....

BELARIUS ≋ verse dialogue

Here’s a few flowers; but ’bout midnight, more.

The herbs that have on them cold dew o’ th’ night

Are strewings fit’st for graves. Upon their faces.

You were as flow’rs, now wither’d. Even so

These herblets shall which we upon you strew.

Come on, away. Apart upon our knees.

The ground that gave them first has them again.

Their pleasures here are past, so is their pain.

Here’s a few flowers; but ’bout midnight, more. The herbs that have on them cold dew o’ th’ night Are strewings fit’st for graves. Upon their faces. You were as flow’rs, now wither’d. Even so These herblets shall which we upon you strew. Come on, away. Apart upon our knees. The ground that gave them

here’s a few flowers; but ’bout midnight, more. the herbs that have on them cold dew o’ th’ night are strewings fit’st for graves. upon their faces. you were as flow’rs, now wither’d. even so these herblets shall which we upon you strew. come on, away. apart upon our knees. the ground that gave them

here’s a few flowers; but ’bout midnight, more. th

[_Exeunt all but Imogen._]
[_Awaking._] Yes, sir, to Milford Haven. Which is the way?
IMOGEN ≋ verse dialogue

I thank you. By yond bush? Pray, how far thither?

’Ods pittikins! can it be six mile yet?

I have gone all night. Faith, I’ll lie down and sleep.

But, soft! no bedfellow. O gods and goddesses!

I thank you. By yond bush? Pray, how far thither? ’Ods pittikins! can it be six mile yet? I have gone all night. Faith, I’ll lie down and sleep. But, soft! no bedfellow. O gods and goddesses!

i thank you. by yond bush? pray, how far thither? ’ods pittikins! can it be six mile yet? i have gone all night. faith, i’ll lie down and sleep. but, soft! no bedfellow. o gods and goddesses!

i thank you. by yond bush? pray, how far thither? ...

"'Ods pittikins!" A minced oath — 'God's pity' softened to a mild exclamation. Imogen is still half-dreaming, and even her expletives are gentle and courtly.
[_Seeing the body._]
These flow’rs are like the pleasures of the world;
This bloody man, the care on’t. I hope I dream;
For so I thought I was a cave-keeper,
And cook to honest creatures. But ’tis not so;
’Twas but a bolt of nothing, shot at nothing,
Which the brain makes of fumes. Our very eyes
Are sometimes, like our judgements, blind. Good faith,
I tremble still with fear; but if there be
Yet left in heaven as small a drop of pity
As a wren’s eye, fear’d gods, a part of it!
The dream’s here still. Even when I wake it is
Without me, as within me; not imagin’d, felt.
A headless man? The garments of Posthumus?
I know the shape of’s leg; this is his hand,
His foot Mercurial, his Martial thigh,
The brawns of Hercules; but his Jovial face—
Murder in heaven! How! ’Tis gone. Pisanio,
All curses madded Hecuba gave the Greeks,
And mine to boot, be darted on thee! Thou,
Conspir’d with that irregulous devil, Cloten,
Hath here cut off my lord. To write and read
Be henceforth treacherous! Damn’d Pisanio
Hath with his forged letters (damn’d Pisanio)
From this most bravest vessel of the world
Struck the main-top. O Posthumus! alas,
Where is thy head? Where’s that? Ay me! where’s that?
Pisanio might have kill’d thee at the heart,
And left this head on. How should this be? Pisanio?
’Tis he and Cloten; malice and lucre in them
Have laid this woe here. O, ’tis pregnant, pregnant!
The drug he gave me, which he said was precious
And cordial to me, have I not found it
Murd’rous to th’ senses? That confirms it home.
This is Pisanio’s deed, and Cloten. O!
Give colour to my pale cheek with thy blood,
That we the horrider may seem to those
Which chance to find us. O, my lord, my lord!
[_Falls fainting on the body._]
Enter Lucius, Captains and a Soothsayer.
CAPTAIN ≋ verse dialogue

To them the legions garrison’d in Gallia,

After your will, have cross’d the sea, attending

You here at Milford Haven; with your ships,

They are in readiness.

To them the legions garrison’d in Gallia, After your will, have cross’d the sea, attending You here at Milford Haven; with your ships, They are in readiness.

to them the legions garrison’d in gallia, after your will, have cross’d the sea, attending you here at milford haven; with your ships, they are in readiness.

to them the legions garrison’d in gallia, after yo...

LUCIUS dialogue

But what from Rome?

But what from Rome?

but what from rome?

but what from rome?...

CAPTAIN ≋ verse dialogue

The Senate hath stirr’d up the confiners

And gentlemen of Italy, most willing spirits,

That promise noble service; and they come

Under the conduct of bold Iachimo,

Sienna’s brother.

The Senate hath stirr’d up the confiners And gentlemen of Italy, most willing spirits, That promise noble service; and they come Under the conduct of bold Iachimo, Sienna’s brother.

the senate hath stirr’d up the confiners and gentlemen of italy, most willing spirits, that promise noble service; and they come under the conduct of bold iachimo, sienna’s brother.

the senate hath stirr’d up the confiners and gentl...

LUCIUS dialogue

When expect you them?

When expect you them?

when expect you them?

when expect you them?...

CAPTAIN dialogue

With the next benefit o’ th’ wind.

With the next benefit o’ th’ wind.

with the next benefit o’ th’ wind.

with the next benefit o’ th’ wind....

LUCIUS ≋ verse dialogue

This forwardness

Makes our hopes fair. Command our present numbers

Be muster’d; bid the captains look to’t. Now, sir,

What have you dream’d of late of this war’s purpose?

This forwardness Makes our hopes fair. Command our present numbers Be muster’d; bid the captains look to’t. Now, sir, What have you dream’d of late of this war’s purpose?

this forwardness makes our hopes fair. command our present numbers be muster’d; bid the captains look to’t. now, sir, what have you dream’d of late of this war’s purpose?

this forwardness makes our hopes fair. command our...

SOOTHSAYER ≋ verse dialogue

Last night the very gods show’d me a vision

(I fast and pray’d for their intelligence) thus:

I saw Jove’s bird, the Roman eagle, wing’d

From the spongy south to this part of the west,

There vanish’d in the sunbeams; which portends,

Unless my sins abuse my divination,

Success to th’ Roman host.

Last night the very gods show’d me a vision (I fast and pray’d for their intelligence) thus: I saw Jove’s bird, the Roman eagle, wing’d From the spongy south to this part of the west, There vanish’d in the sunbeams; which portends, Unless my sins abuse my divination, Success to th’ Roman host.

last night the very gods show’d me a vision (i fast and pray’d for their intelligence) thus: i saw jove’s bird, the roman eagle, wing’d from the spongy south to this part of the west, there vanish’d in the sunbeams; which portends, unless my sins abuse my divination, success to th’ roman host.

last night the very gods show’d me a vision (i fas

Why it matters The eagle vision recurs at the play's end, where the Soothsayer reinterprets it — making this moment the first piece of a prophetic puzzle that resolves only in Act 5.
LUCIUS ≋ verse deception

Dream often so,

And never false. Soft, ho! what trunk is here

Without his top? The ruin speaks that sometime

It was a worthy building. How? a page?

Or dead or sleeping on him? But dead, rather;

For nature doth abhor to make his bed

With the defunct, or sleep upon the dead.

Let’s see the boy’s face.

Dream often so, And never false. Soft, ho! what trunk is here Without his top? The ruin speaks that sometime It was a worthy building. How? a page? Or dead or sleeping on him? But dead, rather; For nature does abhor to make his bed With the defunct, or sleep upon the dead. Let’s see the boy’s face.

dream often so, and never false. soft, ho! what trunk is here without his top? the ruin speaks that sometime it was a worthy building. how? a page? or dead or sleeping on him? but dead, rather; for nature does abhor to make his bed with the defunct, or sleep upon the dead. let’s see the boy’s face.

dream often so, and never false. soft, ho! what tr

CAPTAIN dialogue

He’s alive, my lord.

He’s alive, my lord.

he’s alive, my lord.

he’s alive, my lord....

LUCIUS ≋ verse praise

He’ll then instruct us of this body. Young one,

Inform us of thy fortunes; for it seems

They crave to be demanded. Who is this

Thou mak’st thy bloody pillow? Or who was he

That, otherwise than noble nature did,

Hath alter’d that good picture? What’s thy interest

In this sad wreck? How came’t? Who is’t?

What art thou?

He’ll then instruct us of this body. Young one, Inform us of your fortunes; for it seems They crave to be demanded. Who is this you mak’st your bloody pillow? Or who was he That, otherwise than noble nature did, has alter’d that good picture? What’s your interest In this sad wreck? How came’t? Who i

he’ll then instruct us of this body. young one, inform us of your fortunes; for it seems they crave to be demanded. who is this you mak’st your bloody pillow? or who was he that, otherwise than noble nature did, has alter’d that good picture? what’s your interest in this sad wreck? how came’t? who i

he’ll then instruct us of this body. young one, in

IMOGEN ≋ verse praise

I am nothing; or if not,

Nothing to be were better. This was my master,

A very valiant Briton and a good,

That here by mountaineers lies slain. Alas!

There is no more such masters. I may wander

From east to occident; cry out for service;

Try many, all good; serve truly; never

Find such another master.

I am nothing; or if not, Nothing to be were better. This was my master, A very valiant Briton and a good, That here by mountaineers lies slain. Alas! There is no more such masters. I may wander From east to occident; cry out for service; Try many, all good; serve truly; never Find such another maste

i am nothing; or if not, nothing to be were better. this was my master, a very valiant briton and a good, that here by mountaineers lies slain. alas! there is no more such masters. i may wander from east to occident; cry out for service; try many, all good; serve truly; never find such another maste

i am nothing; or if not, nothing to be were better

Why it matters Imogen's grief is real, but misplaced — she believes the headless body is Posthumus. The audience knows it is Cloten. This is the scene's central dramatic irony, and the one that cuts deepest.
🎭 Dramatic irony Imogen weeps over the headless body of Cloten, believing it is Posthumus — because Cloten wore Posthumus's clothes. The audience knows the body is Cloten's; the irony is agonising because Imogen's grief is wholly real.
LUCIUS ≋ verse praise

’Lack, good youth!

Thou mov’st no less with thy complaining than

Thy master in bleeding. Say his name, good friend.

’Lack, good youth! Thou mov’st no less with thy complaining than Thy master in bleeding. Say his name, good friend.

’lack, good youth! thou mov’st no less with thy complaining than thy master in bleeding. say his name, good friend.

’lack, good youth! thou mov’st no less with thy co...

IMOGEN ≋ verse danger

Richard du Champ. [_Aside._] If I do lie, and do

No harm by it, though the gods hear, I hope

They’ll pardon it.—Say you, sir?

Richard du Champ. [_Aside._] If I do lie, and do No harm by it, though the gods hear, I hope They’ll pardon it.—Say you, sir?

richard du champ. [_aside._] if i do lie, and do no harm by it, though the gods hear, i hope they’ll pardon it.—say you, sir?

richard du champ. [_aside._] if i do lie, and do n...

"Richard du Champ" French for 'Richard of the Field' — a generic English-sounding French name, plausible for a merchant soldier. Imogen improvises a false name and then immediately apologises to the gods for lying, which is very Imogen.
LUCIUS dialogue

Thy name?

Thy name?

thy name?

thy name?...

IMOGEN dialogue

Fidele, sir.

Fidele, sir.

fidele, sir.

fidele, sir....

LUCIUS ≋ verse dialogue

Thou dost approve thyself the very same;

Thy name well fits thy faith, thy faith thy name.

Wilt take thy chance with me? I will not say

Thou shalt be so well master’d; but, be sure,

No less belov’d. The Roman Emperor’s letters,

Sent by a consul to me, should not sooner

Than thine own worth prefer thee. Go with me.

you dost approve thyself the very same; your name well fits your faith, your faith your name. Wilt take your chance with me? I will not say you shalt be so well master’d; but, be sure, No less belov’d. The Roman Emperor’s letters, Sent by a consul to me, should not sooner Than your own worth prefer

you dost approve thyself the very same; your name well fits your faith, your faith your name. wilt take your chance with me? i will not say you shalt be so well master’d; but, be sure, no less belov’d. the roman emperor’s letters, sent by a consul to me, should not sooner than your own worth prefer

you dost approve thyself the very same; your name

IMOGEN ≋ verse dialogue

I’ll follow, sir. But first, an’t please the gods,

I’ll hide my master from the flies, as deep

As these poor pickaxes can dig; and when

With wild wood-leaves and weeds I ha’ strew’d his grave,

And on it said a century of prayers,

Such as I can, twice o’er, I’ll weep and sigh;

And leaving so his service, follow you,

So please you entertain me.

I’ll follow, sir. But first, an’t please the gods, I’ll hide my master from the flies, as deep As these poor pickaxes can dig; and when With wild wood-leaves and weeds I ha’ strew’d his grave, And on it said a century of prayers, Such as I can, twice o’er, I’ll weep and sigh; And leaving so his serv

i’ll follow, sir. but first, an’t please the gods, i’ll hide my master from the flies, as deep as these poor pickaxes can dig; and when with wild wood-leaves and weeds i ha’ strew’d his grave, and on it said a century of prayers, such as i can, twice o’er, i’ll weep and sigh; and leaving so his serv

i’ll follow, sir. but first, an’t please the gods,

LUCIUS ≋ verse praise

Ay, good youth;

And rather father thee than master thee.

My friends,

The boy hath taught us manly duties; let us

Find out the prettiest daisied plot we can,

And make him with our pikes and partisans

A grave. Come, arm him. Boy, he is preferr’d

By thee to us; and he shall be interr’d

As soldiers can. Be cheerful; wipe thine eyes.

Some falls are means the happier to arise.

Ay, good youth; And rather father you than master you. My friends, The boy has taught us manly duties; let us Find out the prettiest daisied plot we can, And make him with our pikes and partisans A grave. Come, arm him. Boy, he is preferr’d By you to us; and he shall be interr’d As soldiers can. Be

ay, good youth; and rather father you than master you. my friends, the boy has taught us manly duties; let us find out the prettiest daisied plot we can, and make him with our pikes and partisans a grave. come, arm him. boy, he is preferr’d by you to us; and he shall be interr’d as soldiers can. be

ay, good youth; and rather father you than master

[_Exeunt._]

The Reckoning

Shakespeare packs more catastrophe into this scene than most playwrights manage in an entire play: a decapitation, a mock-funeral, and a woman waking beside a headless body she believes is her husband. What makes it endure is the elegy — 'Fear no more the heat o' the sun' — arriving at the exact moment the audience most needs beauty to answer horror. The scene ends with Imogen, having lost everything she knows, choosing survival by accepting a stranger's protection.

If this happened today…

Imagine a woman in a witness-protection shelter, ill and sleep-deprived, takes a sedative while the two men protecting her deal with a violent intruder. She wakes alone next to a body dressed in her husband's clothes — and assumes the worst. She smears blood on her face, collapses in grief, and is then found by a foreign army commander who offers her a job. She takes it. That's this scene.

Continue to 4.3 →