ACT IV
SCENE III A room in Cymbeline's palace.


 [Enter CYMBELINE, Lords, PISANIO, and Attendants]

CYMBELINE Again; and bring me word how 'tis with her.

 [Exit an Attendant]

 A fever with the absence of her son,
 A madness, of which her life's in danger. Heavens,
 How deeply you at once do touch me! Imogen,
 The great part of my comfort, gone; my queen
 Upon a desperate bed, and in a time
 When fearful wars point at me; her son gone,
 So needful for this present: it strikes me, past
 The hope of comfort. But for thee, fellow,
 Who needs must know of her departure and
 Dost seem so ignorant, we'll enforce it from thee
 By a sharp torture.

PISANIO Sir, my life is yours;
 I humbly set it at your will; but, for my mistress,
 I nothing know where she remains, why gone,
 Nor when she purposes return. Beseech your highness,
 Hold me your loyal servant.

First Lord Good my liege,
 The day that she was missing he was here:
 I dare be bound he's true and shall perform
 All parts of his subjection loyally. For Cloten,
 There wants no diligence in seeking him,
 And will, no doubt, be found.

CYMBELINE The time is troublesome.

 [To PISANIO]

 We'll slip you for a season; but our jealousy
 Does yet depend.

First Lord                   So please your majesty,
 The Roman legions, all from Gallia drawn,
 Are landed on your coast, with a supply
 Of Roman gentlemen, by the senate sent.

CYMBELINE Now for the counsel of my son and queen!
 I am amazed with matter.

First Lord Good my liege,
 Your preparation can affront no less
 Than what you hear of: come more, for more
 you're ready:
 The want is but to put those powers in motion
 That long to move.

CYMBELINE                   I thank you. Let's withdraw;
 And meet the time as it seeks us. We fear not
 What can from Italy annoy us; but
 We grieve at chances here. Away!

 [Exeunt all but PISANIO]

PISANIO I heard no letter from my master since
 I wrote him Imogen was slain: 'tis strange:
 Nor hear I from my mistress who did promise
 To yield me often tidings: neither know I
 What is betid to Cloten; but remain
 Perplex'd in all. The heavens still must work.
 Wherein I am false I am honest; not true, to be true.
 These present wars shall find I love my country,
 Even to the note o' the king, or I'll fall in them.
 All other doubts, by time let them be clear'd:
 Fortune brings in some boats that are not steer'd.

 [Exit]




 CYMBELINE


ACT IV