Independently Published

Cymbeline Independently Published

Enter two GentlemenFirst GentlemanYou do not meet a man but frowns: our bloods No more obey the heavens than our courtiers Still seem as does the king. Second GentlemanBut what's the matter?First GentlemanHis daughter, and the heir of's kingdom, whom He purposed to his wife's sole son-a widow That late he married-hath referr'd herself Unto a poor but worthy gentleman: she's wedded; Her husband banish'd; she imprison'd: all Is outward sorrow; though I think the king Be touch'd at very heart. Second GentlemanNone but the king?First GentlemanHe that hath lost her too; so is the queen, That most desired the match; but not a courtier, Although they wear their faces to the bent Of the king's look's, hath a heart that is not Glad at the thing they scowl at. Second GentlemanAnd why so?First GentlemanHe that hath miss'd the princess is a thing Too bad for bad report: and he that hath her- I mean, that married her, alack, good man! And therefore banish'd-is a creature such As, to seek through the regions of the earth For one his like, there would be something failing In him that should compare. I do not think So fair an outward and such stuff within Endows a man but he. Second GentlemanYou speak him far. First GentlemanI do extend him, sir, within himself, Crush him together rather than unfold His measure duly. Second GentlemanWhat's his name and birth?First GentlemanI cannot delve him to the root: his father Was call'd Sicilius, who did join his honour Against the Romans with Cassibelan, But had his titles by Tenantius whom He served with glory and admired success, So gain'd the sur-addition Leonatus; And had, besides this gentleman in question, Two other sons, who in the wars o' the time Died with their swords in hand; for which their father, Then old and fond of issue, took such sorrow That he quit being, and his gentle lady, Big of this gentleman our theme, deceased As he was born. The king he takes the babe To his protection, calls him Posthumus Leonatus, Breeds him and makes him of his bed-chamber, Puts to him all the learnings that his time Could make him the receiver of; which he took, As we do air, fast as 'twas minister'd, And in's spring became a harvest, lived in court- Which rare it is to do-most praised, most loved, A sample to the youngest, to the more mature A glass that feated them, and to the graver A child that guided dotards; to his mistress, For whom he now is banish'd, her own price Proclaims how she esteem'd him and his virtue; By her election may be truly read What kind of man he is.