The Bodleian First Folio

A digital facsimile of the First Folio of Shakespeare's plays, Bodleian Arch. G c.7.



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Reference: zz4v - Tragedies, p. 372

Left Column


The Tragedy of Cymbeline.

to extend him, be it but to fortifie her iudgement, which

else an easie battery might lay flat, for taking a Begger

[320]

without lesse quality. But how comes it, he is to soiourne

with you? How creepes acquaintance?

Phil.

His Father and I were Souldiers together, to

whom I haue bin often bound for no lesse then my life.

Enter Posthumus.

Heere comes the Britaine. Let him be so entertained a­

[325]

mong'st you, as suites with Gentlemen of your knowing,

to a Stranger of his quality. I beseech you all be better

knowne to this Gentleman, whom I commend to you,

as a Noble Friend of mine. How Worthy he is, I will

leaue to appeare hereafter, rather then story him in his

[330]

owne hearing.

French.

Sir, we haue knowne togither in Orleance.

Post.

Since when, I haue bin debtor to you for courte­

sies, which I will be euer to pay, and yet pay still.

French.

Sir, you o're‑rate my poore kindnesse, I was

[335]

glad I did attone my Countryman and you: it had beene

pitty you should haue beene put together, with so mor­

tall a purpose, as then each bore, vpon importance of so

slight and triuiall a nature.

Post.

By your pardon Sir, I was then a young Trauel­

[340]

ler, rather shun'd to go euen with what I heard, then in

my euery action to be guided by others experiences: but

vpon my mended iudgement (if I offend to say it is men­

ded) my Quarrell was not altogether slight.

French.

Faith yes, to be put to the arbiterment of

[345]

Swords, and by such two, that would by all likelyhood

haue confounded one the other, or haue falne both.

Iach.

Can we with manners, aske what was the dif­

ference ?

French.

Safely, I thinke, 'twas a contention in pub­

[350]

licke, which may (without contradiction) suffer the re­

port. It was much like an argument that fell out last

night, where each of vs fell in praise of our Country‑

Mistresses. This Gentleman, at that time vouching (and

vpon warrant of bloody affirmation) his to be more

[355]

Faire, Vertuous, Wise, Chaste, Constant, Qualified, and

lesse attemptible then any, the rarest of our Ladies in

Fraunce.

Iach.

That Lady is not now liuing; or this Gentle­

mans opinion by this, worne out.

Post.
[360]

She holds her Vertue still, and I my mind.

Iach.

You must not so farre preferre her, 'fore ours of

Italy.

Posth.

Being so farre prouok'd as I was in France: I

would abate her nothing, though I professe my selfe her

[365]

Adorer, not her Friend.

Iach.

As faire, and as good: a kind of hand in hand

comparison, had beene something too faire, and too

good for any Lady in Britanie; if she went before others.

I haue seene as that Diamond of yours out‑lusters many

[370]

I haue beheld, I could not beleeue she excelled many:

but I haue not seene the most pretious Diamond that is,

nor you the Lady.

Post.

I prais'd her, as I rated her: so do I my Stone.

Iach.

What do you esteeme it at?

Post.
[375]

More then the world enioyes.

Iach.

Either your vnparagon'd Mistris is dead, or

she's out‑priz'd by a trifle.

Post.

You are mistaken: the one may be solde or gi­

uen, or if there were wealth enough for the purchases, or

[380]

merite for the guift. The other is not a thing for sale,

and onely the guift of the Gods.

Iach.

Which the Gods haue giuen you ?

Right Column


Post.

Which by their Graces I will keepe.

Iach.

You may weare her in title yours: but you

[385]

know strange Fowle light vpon neighbouring Ponds.

Your Ring may be stolne too, so your brace of vnprizea­

ble Estimations, the one is but fraile, and the other Casu­

all;. A cunning Thiefe, or a (that way) accomplish'd

Courtier, would hazzard the winning both of first and

[390]

last.

Post.

Your Italy, containes none so accomplish'd a

Courtier to conuince the Honour of my Mistris: if in the

holding or losse of that, you terme her fraile, I do no­

thing doubt you haue store of Theeues, notwithstanding

[395]

I feare not my Ring.

Phil.

Let vs leaue heere, Gentlemen?

Post.

Sir, with all my heart. This worthy Signior I

thanke him, makes no stranger of me, we are familiar at

first.

Iach.
[400]

With fiue times so much conuersation, I should

get ground of your faire Mistris; make her go backe, e­

uen to the yeilding, had I admittance, and opportunitie

to friend.

Post.

No, no.

Iach.
[405]

I dare thereupon pawne the moytie of my E­

state, to your Ring, which in my opinion o're‑values it

something: but I make my wager rather against your

Confidence, then her Reputation. And to barre your of­

fence heerein to, I durst attempt it against any Lady in

[410]

the world.

Post.

You are a great deale abus'd in too bold a per­

swasion, and I doubt not you sustaine what y'are worthy

of, by your Attempt.

Iach.

What's that?

Posth.
[415]

A Repulse though your Attempt (as you call

it) deserue more; a punishment too.

Phi.

Gentlemen enough of this, it came in too so­

dainely, let it dye as it was borne, and I pray you be bet­

ter acquainted.

Iach.
[420]

Would I had put my Fstate Estate , and my Neighbors

on th'approbation of what I haue spoke,

Post.

What Lady would you chuse to assaile?

Iach.

Yours, whom in constancie you thinke stands

so safe. I will lay you ten thousands Duckets to your

[425]

Ring, that commend me to the Court where your La­

dy is, with no more aduantage then the opportunitie of a

second conference, and I will bring from thence, that

Honor of hers, which you imagine so reseru'd.

Posthmus.

I will wage against your Gold, Gold to

[430]

it: My Ring I holde deere as my finger, 'tis part of

it.

Iaeh Iach .

You are a Friend, and there in the wiser: if you

buy Ladies flesh at a Million a Dram, you cannot pre­

seure it from tainting; but I see you haue some Religion

[435]

in you, that you feare.

Posthu.

This is but a custome in your tongue: you

beare a grauer purpose I hope.

Iach.

I am the Master of my speeches, and would vn­

der‑go what's spoken, I sweare.

Posthu.
[440]

Will you? I shall but lend my Diamond till

your returne: let there be Couenants drawne between's.

My Mistris exceedes in goodnesse, the hugenesse of your

vnworthy thinking. I dare you to this match: heere's my

Ring.

Phil.
[445]

I will haue it no lay.

Iach.

By the Gods it is one: if I bring you no suffi­

cient testimony that I haue enioy'd the deerest bodily

part of your Mistris: my ten thousand Duckets are yours, so

Download the digital text and images of the play



 
Scena Sexta. [Act 1, Scene 5] Enter Queene, Ladies, and Cornelius. Qu.
[470]
Whiles yet the dewe's on ground, Gather those Flowers, Make haste. Who ha's the note of them?
Lady. I Madam. Queen. Dispatch. Exit Ladies.
[475]
Now Master Doctor, haue you brought those drugges?
Cor. Pleaseth your Highnes, I: here they are, Madam: But I beseech your Grace, without offence (My Conscience bids me aske) wherefore you haue Commanded of me these most poysonous Compounds,
[480]
Which are the moouers of a languishing death: But though slow, deadly.
Qu. I wonder, Doctor, Thou ask'st me such a Question: Haue I not bene Thy Pupill long? Hast thou not learn'd me how
[485]
To make Perfumes? Distill? Preserue? Yea so, That our great King himselfe doth woo me oft For my Confections? Hauing thus farre proceeded, (Vnlesse thou think'st me diuellish) is't not meete That I did amplifie my iudgement in
[490]
Other Conclusions? I will try the forces Of these thy Compounds, on such Creatures as We count not worth the hanging (but none humane) To try the vigour of them, and apply Allayments to their Act, and by them gather
[495]
Their seuerall vertues, and effects.
Cor. Your Highnesse Shall from this practise, but make hard your heart: Besides, the seeing these effects will be Both noysome, and infectious. Qu.
[500]
O content thee. Enter Pisanio. Heere comes a flattering Rascall, vpon him Will I first worke: Hee's for his Master, And enemy to my Sonne. How now Pisanio? Doctor, your seruice for this time is ended,
[505]
Take your owne way.
Cor. I do suspect you, Madam, But you shall do no harme. Qu. Hearke thee, a word. Cor. I do not like her. She doth thinke she ha's
[510]
Strange ling'ring poysons: I do know her spirit, And will not trust one of her malice, with A drugge of such damn'd Nature. Those she ha's, Will stupifie and dull the Sense a‑while, Which first (perchance) shee'l proue on Cats and Dogs,
[515]
Then afterward vp higher: but there is No danger in what shew of death it makes, More then the locking vp the Spirits a time, To be more fresh, reuiuing. She is fool'd With a most false effect: and I, the truer,
[520]
So to be false with her.
Qu. No further seruice, Doctor, Vntill I send for thee. Cor. I humbly take my leaue. Exit. Qu. Weepes she still (saist thou?)
[525]
Dost thou thinke in time She will not quench, and let instructions enter Where Folly now possesses? Do thou worke: When thou shalt bring me word she loues my Sonne, Ile tell thee on the instant, thou art then
[530]
As great as is thy Master: Greater, for His Fortunes all lye speechlesse, and his name Is at last gaspe. Returne he cannot, nor Continue where he is: To shift his being, Is to exchange one misery with another,
[535]
And euery day that comes, comes to decay A dayes worke in him. What shalt thou expect To be depender on a thing that leanes? Who cannot be new built, nor ha's no Friends So much, as but to prop him? Thou tak'st vp
[540]
Thou know'st not what: But take it for thy labour, It is a thing I made, which hath the King Fiue times redeem'd from death. I do not know What is more Cordiall. Nay, I prythee take it, It is an earnest of a farther good
[545]
That I meane to thee. Tell thy Mistris how The case stands with her: doo't, as from thy selfe; Thinke what a chance thou changest on, but thinke Thou hast thy Mistris still, to boote, my Sonne, Who shall take notice of thee. Ile moue the King
[550]
To any shape of thy Preferment, such As thou'lt desire: and then my selfe, I cheefely, That set thee on to this desert, am bound To loade thy merit richly. Call my women. Exit Pisa. Thinke on my words. A slye, and constant knaue,
[555]
Not to be shak'd: the Agent for his Master, And the Remembrancer of her, to hold The hand‑fast to her Lord. I haue giuen him that, Which if he take, shall quite vnpeople her Of Leidgers for her Sweete: and which, she after
[560]
Except she bend her humor, shall be assur'd To taste of too. Enter Pisanio, and Ladies. So, so: Well done, well done: The Violets, Cowslippes, and the Prime‑Roses Beare to my Closset: Fare thee well, Pisanio.
[565]
Thinke on my words.
Exit Qu. and Ladies Pisa. And shall do: But when to my good Lord, I proue vntrue, Ile choake my selfe: there's all Ile do for you. Exit.
 

Download the digital text of the play

                                
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<div type="scene" n="5" rend="notPresent">
   <head rend="italic center">Scena Sexta.</head>
   <head type="supplied">[Act 1, Scene 5]</head>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Queene, Ladies, and Cornelius.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-cym-que">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qu.</speaker>
      <l n="470">Whiles yet the dewe's on ground,</l>
      <l n="471">Gather those Flowers,</l>
      <l n="472">Make haste. Who ha's the note of them?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-cym-lad">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lady.</speaker>
      <l n="473">I Madam.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-cym-que">
      <speaker rend="italic">Queen.</speaker>
      <l n="474">Dispatch.</l>
      <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit Ladies.</stage>
      <l n="475">Now Master Doctor, haue you brought those drugges?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-cym-cor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cor.</speaker>
      <l n="476">Pleaseth your Highnes, I: here they are, Madam:</l>
      <l n="477">But I beseech your Grace, without offence</l>
      <l n="478">(My Conscience bids me aske) wherefore you haue</l>
      <l n="479">Commanded of me these most poysonous Compounds,</l>
      <l n="480">Which are the moouers of a languishing death:</l>
      <l n="481">But though slow, deadly.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-cym-que">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qu.</speaker>
      <l n="482">I wonder, Doctor,</l>
      <l n="483">Thou ask'st me such a Question: Haue I not bene</l>
      <l n="484">Thy Pupill long? Hast thou not learn'd me how</l>
      <l n="485">To make Perfumes? Distill? Preserue? Yea so,</l>
      <l n="486">That our great King himselfe doth woo me oft</l>
      <l n="487">For my Confections? Hauing thus farre proceeded,</l>
      <l n="488">(Vnlesse thou think'st me diuellish) is't not meete</l>
      <l n="489">That I did amplifie my iudgement in</l>
      <l n="490">Other Conclusions? I will try the forces</l>
      <l n="491">Of these thy Compounds, on such Creatures as</l>
      <l n="492">We count not worth the hanging (but none humane)</l>
      <l n="493">To try the vigour of them, and apply</l>
      <l n="494">Allayments to their Act, and by them gather</l>
      <l n="495">Their seuerall vertues, and effects.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-cym-cor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cor.</speaker>
      <l n="496">Your Highnesse</l>
      <l n="497">Shall from this practise, but make hard your heart:</l>
      <l n="498">Besides, the seeing these effects will be</l>
      <l n="499">Both noysome, and infectious.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-cym-que">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qu.</speaker>
      <l n="500">O content thee.</l>
      <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Pisanio.</stage>
      <l n="501">Heere comes a flattering Rascall, vpon him</l>
      <l n="502">Will I first worke: Hee's for his Master,</l>
      <l n="503">And enemy to my Sonne. How now<hi rend="italic">Pisanio</hi>?</l>
      <l n="504">Doctor, your seruice for this time is ended,</l>
      <l n="505">Take your owne way.</l>
   </sp>
   <cb n="2"/>
   <sp who="#F-cym-cor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cor.</speaker>
      <l n="506">I do suspect you, Madam,</l>
      <l n="507">But you shall do no harme.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-cym-que">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qu.</speaker>
      <l n="508">Hearke thee, a word.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-cym-cor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cor.</speaker>
      <l n="509">I do not like her. She doth thinke she ha's</l>
      <l n="510">Strange ling'ring poysons: I do know her spirit,</l>
      <l n="511">And will not trust one of her malice, with</l>
      <l n="512">A drugge of such damn'd Nature. Those she ha's,</l>
      <l n="513">Will stupifie and dull the Sense a‑while,</l>
      <l n="514">Which first (perchance) shee'l proue on Cats and Dogs,</l>
      <l n="515">Then afterward vp higher: but there is</l>
      <l n="516">No danger in what shew of death it makes,</l>
      <l n="517">More then the locking vp the Spirits a time,</l>
      <l n="518">To be more fresh, reuiuing. She is fool'd</l>
      <l n="519">With a most false effect: and I, the truer,</l>
      <l n="520">So to be false with her.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-cym-que">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qu.</speaker>
      <l n="521">No further seruice, Doctor,</l>
      <l n="522">Vntill I send for thee.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-cym-cor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Cor.</speaker>
      <l n="523">I humbly take my leaue.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-cym-que">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qu.</speaker>
      <l n="524">Weepes she still (saist thou?)</l>
      <l n="525">Dost thou thinke in time</l>
      <l n="526">She will not quench, and let instructions enter</l>
      <l n="527">Where Folly now possesses? Do thou worke:</l>
      <l n="528">When thou shalt bring me word she loues my Sonne,</l>
      <l n="529">Ile tell thee on the instant, thou art then</l>
      <l n="530">As great as is thy Master: Greater, for</l>
      <l n="531">His Fortunes all lye speechlesse, and his name</l>
      <l n="532">Is at last gaspe. Returne he cannot, nor</l>
      <l n="533">Continue where he is: To shift his being,</l>
      <l n="534">Is to exchange one misery with another,</l>
      <l n="535">And euery day that comes, comes to decay</l>
      <l n="536">A dayes worke in him. What shalt thou expect</l>
      <l n="537">To be depender on a thing that leanes?</l>
      <l n="538">Who cannot be new built, nor ha's no Friends</l>
      <l n="539">So much, as but to prop him? Thou tak'st vp</l>
      <l n="540">Thou know'st not what: But take it for thy labour,</l>
      <l n="541">It is a thing I made, which hath the King</l>
      <l n="542">Fiue times redeem'd from death. I do not know</l>
      <l n="543">What is more Cordiall. Nay, I prythee take it,</l>
      <l n="544">It is an earnest of a farther good</l>
      <l n="545">That I meane to thee. Tell thy Mistris how</l>
      <l n="546">The case stands with her: doo't, as from thy selfe;</l>
      <l n="547">Thinke what a chance thou changest on, but thinke</l>
      <l n="548">Thou hast thy Mistris still, to boote, my Sonne,</l>
      <l n="549">Who shall take notice of thee. Ile moue the King</l>
      <l n="550">To any shape of thy Preferment, such</l>
      <l n="551">As thou'lt desire: and then my selfe, I cheefely,</l>
      <l n="552">That set thee on to this desert, am bound</l>
      <l n="553">To loade thy merit richly. Call my women.</l>
      <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit Pisa.</stage>
      <l n="554">Thinke on my words. A slye, and constant knaue,</l>
      <l n="555">Not to be shak'd: the Agent for his Master,</l>
      <l n="556">And the Remembrancer of her, to hold</l>
      <l n="557">The hand‑fast to her Lord. I haue giuen him that,</l>
      <l n="558">Which if he take, shall quite vnpeople her</l>
      <l n="559">Of Leidgers for her Sweete: and which, she after</l>
      <l n="560">Except she bend her humor, shall be assur'd</l>
      <l n="561">To taste of too.</l>
      <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Pisanio, and Ladies.</stage>
      <l n="562">So, so: Well done, well done:</l>
      <l n="563">The Violets, Cowslippes, and the Prime‑Roses</l>
      <l n="564">Beare to my Closset: Fare thee well,<hi rend="italic">Pisanio</hi>.</l>
      <l n="565">Thinke on my words.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit Qu. and Ladies</stage>
   <sp who="#F-cym-pis">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pisa.</speaker>
      <l n="566">And shall do:</l>
      <l n="567">But when to my good Lord, I proue vntrue,</l>
      <l n="568">Ile choake my selfe: there's all Ile do for you.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit.</stage>
   <pb facs="FFimg:axc0884-0.jpg" n="374"/>
   <cb n="1"/>
</div>

                                
                            

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