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CYMBELINE

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ACT I. SCENE II.

BRITAIN; THE GARDEN OF CYMBELINE'S PALACE.

IMOGEN, POSTHUMUS, QUEEN, CYMBELINE, &C.

Posthumus. SHOULD we be taking leave
As long a term as yet we have to live,
The loathness to depart would grow Adieu!
Imo. Nay, stay a little:
Were you but riding forth to air yourself,
Such parting were too petty. Look here, love;
This diamond was my mother's: take it, heart;
But keep it till you woo another wife,
When Imogen is dead.
Post. How! how! another?—
You gentle gods, give me but this I have,
And sear up my embracements from a next
With bonds of death!—Remain, remain thou here
[Putting on the ring.
While sense can keep it on! And sweetest, fairest,
As I my poor self did exchange for you,
To your so infinite loss; so, in our trifles
I still win of you: For my sake wear this;
It is a manacle of love; I'll place it
Upon this fairest prisoner. [Putting a bracelet on her arm.

Painted by William Hamilton, R.A. Engraved by Thomas Burke.


ACT III. SCENE IV.

NEAR MILFORD HAVEN.

PISANIO AND IMOGEN.

Imogen. COME, fellow, be thou honest:
Do thou thy master's bidding: When thou see'st him
A little witness my obedience: Look!
I draw the sword myself: take it; and hit
The innocent mansion of my love, my heart:
Fear not; 'tis empty of all things but grief:
Thy master is not there; who was, indeed,
The riches of it: Do his bidding; strike.
Thou mayst be valiant in a better cause,
But now thou seem'st a coward.
Pis. Hence, vile instrument!
Thou shalt not damn my hand.
Imo. Why, I must die;
And if I do not by thy hand, thou art
No servant of thy master's: Against self-slaughter
There is a prohibition so divine
That cravens my weak hand. Come, here's my heart;
Something's afore 't;—Soft, soft; we'll no defence;
Obedient as the scabbard.

Painted by John Hoppner, R. A. Engraved by Robert Thew.

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