I just finished my first "Cymbeline" rehearsal. It was just me and Ian, the actor playing Pisanio and Iachimo (we're doing a lot of doubling). We talked through his first few scenes and made some interesting discoveries.
When Pisanio first appears, it seems as if he doesn't know the royal family all that well. They don't call him by name. The language is all very formal. Ian and I decided that before the story started, he mostly served Posthumus privately. Now Posthumus is gone, and "He would not suffer me / To bring him to the haven." We decided this is Pisanio's first time in the throne room, and it's his first time talking directly -- and at length -- with The Queen and Imogen. He's a little nervous and he's now jobless (his master has been banished). He asks Imogen to "employ me."
When we played the scene as a job interview, all the sudden the stakes were raised and Ian had something fun to latch onto. The interview basically continues through the next Imogen-Pisanio scene, until the very end when Imogen says, "Those things I bid you do, get them dispatched." Pisanio now has a job!
(Prior to that, Imogen is begging Pisanio for details about Posthumus. We decided that all Pisanio knows is that Posthumus got on a boat and left. Everything he tells Imogen is extemporizing. He's hoping to comfort her and please her. He's not all that good at it initially. He's not an actor. But he warms to it. Eventually, it because easy, because like Imogen, he loves Posthumus. So it's not a chore to wax poetic about him.)
I love Pisanio's first line: "My lord your son drew on my master." There are so many ways one could say it. It could just be a piece of reportage (here's what happened). It could be dripping with irony (My lord your IDIOT son...). It could be doused in pride (My lord your son drew on my NOBLE master). Keeping with Pisanio's intention of getting a job, he has to use the line (and the next few speeches) to subtly imply to Imogen "I'm on your side" without tipping off The Queen.
As for Iachimo, we spent a long time pondering his scene in Imogen's bedroom. He's so torn between looking at her (and touching her) and doing what he came there to do -- gather evidence he can use to win his bet with Posthumus. The actor and I agreed that in real life we wouldn't have this problem. Honestly, you could put me in Michelle Pfiefer's bedroom and ask me to steal something, and though I'm a heterosexual guy, I'd have a pretty easy time carrying out my mission. Ian said he would too.
So what gives Iachimo such trouble? We decided that -- all his bravado aside -- he's woefully inexperienced with women. The only women he's ever slept with have been whores. This is his first time alone -- in an intimate sense -- with a beautiful lady (Who also happens to be the future queen). As with our Pisanio decision, this immensely raised the stakes. And it made his boasting (and bet-making) with Posthumus all the riskier. Knowing he's taking a big chance (Posthumus threatens to kill him if he loses the bet), Iachimo boldly claims he can seduce Imogen. When he actually tries to seduce her, his attempt is almost as lame as Cloten's. More evidence that he's not very experienced with women.
Unlike in plays such as "Hamlet," where characters ponder and navel-gaze, "Cymbeline" seems to be about impetuous people -- people who go off half-cocked.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Cymbeline 3.ii
SCENE II.
Britain. Another room in CYMBELINE'S palace
Enter PISANIO reading of a letter
PISANIO. How? of adultery? Wherefore write you not
What monsters her accuse? Leonatus!
O master, what a strange infection
Is fall'n into thy ear! What false Italian --
As poisonous-tongu'd as handed -- hath prevail'd
On thy too ready hearing? Disloyal? No.
She's punish'd for her truth, and undergoes,
More goddess-like than wife-like, such assaults
As would take in some [] virtue [virtuous people]. O my master!
Thy mind to her is now as low as were
Thy fortunes. How? that I should murder her?
Upon the love, and truth, and vows, which I
Have made to thy command? I, her? Her blood?
If it be so to do good service, never
Let me be counted serviceable. How look I
That I should seem to lack humanity
So much as this fact comes to? [Reads] 'Do't. The letter
That I have sent her, by her own command
Shall give thee opportunity.' O damn'd paper,
Black as the ink that's on thee! Senseless bauble,
Art thou a [] fedary [accomplice] for this act, and look'st
So virgin-like [] without [on the outside]? Lo, here she comes.
Enter IMOGEN
I [] am ignorant [will feign ignorance] in what I am commanded.
IMOGEN. How now, Pisanio!
PISANIO. Madam, here is a letter from my lord.
IMOGEN. Who? thy lord? That is my lord -- Leonatus?
O, learn'd indeed were that astronomer
That knew the stars as I his [] characters [letters in his handwriting] --
He'd lay the future open. You good gods,
Let what is here contain'd relish of love,
Of my lord's health, of his content; yet not
That we two are asunder -- let that grieve him!
Some griefs are med'cinable; that is one of them,
For it doth physic love -- of his content,
All but in that. Good [] wax [wax seal on the letter], thy leave. Blest be
You bees that make these [] locks of counsel [seals for confidential matters]! Lovers
And men in [] dangerous bonds [bound by risky contracts] [] pray [pray treat] not alike;
Though forfeiters you cast in prison, yet
You [] clasp young Cupid's tables. [fasten love letters] Good news, gods!
[Reads]
'Justice and your father's wrath, should he take me in his dominion, could not be so cruel to me [] as [but that] you, O the dearest of creatures, would even renew me with your eyes. Take notice that I am in Cambria, at Milford Haven. What your own love will out of this [] advise you [advise you to do], [] follow [act upon]. So he wishes you all happiness that remains loyal to his vow, and [he wishes] your increasing in love
LEONATUS POSTHUMUS.'
O for a horse with wings! Hear'st thou, Pisanio?
He is at Milford Haven. Read, and tell me
How far 'tis thither. If one of [] mean [triffling] affairs
May plod it in a week, why may not I
Glide thither in a day? Then, true Pisanio-
Who long'st like me to see thy lord, who long'st --
O, let me [] 'bate [abate, calm down]! -- but not like me, yet long'st,
But in a fainter kind -- O, not like me,
For mine's beyond beyond! -- say, and speak [] thick [quickly] --
Love's counsellor should fill the [] bores of hearing [ears]
To th' smothering of the sense -- how far it is
To this same blessed Milford. And by th' way
Tell me how Wales was made so happy as
T' inherit such a haven. But first of all,
How we may steal from hence; and for the gap
That we shall make in time from our hence-going
And our return, to excuse. But first, how get hence.
Why should excuse be born [] or ere begot [before it is made necessary by what we do]?
We'll talk of that hereafter. Prithee speak,
How many score of miles may we well ride
'Twixt hour and hour?
PISANIO. One score 'twixt sun and sun,
Madam, 's enough for you, and too much too.
IMOGEN. Why, one that rode to's execution, man,
Could never go so slow. I have heard of riding wagers
Where horses have been nimbler than the sands
That run i' th' clock's behalf. But this is fool'ry.
Go bid my woman feign a sickness; say
She'll home to her father; and provide me presently
A riding suit, no costlier than would fit
A [] franklin's [small landowner's] huswife [housewife -- pronounced "hussif"].
PISANIO. Madam, [] you're best [you had better] consider.
IMOGEN. { I see before me, man. Nor here, nor here,
Nor what ensues, but have a fog in them
That I cannot look through. }
{I can see what I'm about to do, not anything else or what will come...}
Away, I prithee;
Do as I bid thee. There's no more to say;
Accessible is none but Milford way. Exeunt
Britain. Another room in CYMBELINE'S palace
Enter PISANIO reading of a letter
PISANIO. How? of adultery? Wherefore write you not
What monsters her accuse? Leonatus!
O master, what a strange infection
Is fall'n into thy ear! What false Italian --
As poisonous-tongu'd as handed -- hath prevail'd
On thy too ready hearing? Disloyal? No.
She's punish'd for her truth, and undergoes,
More goddess-like than wife-like, such assaults
As would take in some [] virtue [virtuous people]. O my master!
Thy mind to her is now as low as were
Thy fortunes. How? that I should murder her?
Upon the love, and truth, and vows, which I
Have made to thy command? I, her? Her blood?
If it be so to do good service, never
Let me be counted serviceable. How look I
That I should seem to lack humanity
So much as this fact comes to? [Reads] 'Do't. The letter
That I have sent her, by her own command
Shall give thee opportunity.' O damn'd paper,
Black as the ink that's on thee! Senseless bauble,
Art thou a [] fedary [accomplice] for this act, and look'st
So virgin-like [] without [on the outside]? Lo, here she comes.
Enter IMOGEN
I [] am ignorant [will feign ignorance] in what I am commanded.
IMOGEN. How now, Pisanio!
PISANIO. Madam, here is a letter from my lord.
IMOGEN. Who? thy lord? That is my lord -- Leonatus?
O, learn'd indeed were that astronomer
That knew the stars as I his [] characters [letters in his handwriting] --
He'd lay the future open. You good gods,
Let what is here contain'd relish of love,
Of my lord's health, of his content; yet not
That we two are asunder -- let that grieve him!
Some griefs are med'cinable; that is one of them,
For it doth physic love -- of his content,
All but in that. Good [] wax [wax seal on the letter], thy leave. Blest be
You bees that make these [] locks of counsel [seals for confidential matters]! Lovers
And men in [] dangerous bonds [bound by risky contracts] [] pray [pray treat] not alike;
Though forfeiters you cast in prison, yet
You [] clasp young Cupid's tables. [fasten love letters] Good news, gods!
[Reads]
'Justice and your father's wrath, should he take me in his dominion, could not be so cruel to me [] as [but that] you, O the dearest of creatures, would even renew me with your eyes. Take notice that I am in Cambria, at Milford Haven. What your own love will out of this [] advise you [advise you to do], [] follow [act upon]. So he wishes you all happiness that remains loyal to his vow, and [he wishes] your increasing in love
LEONATUS POSTHUMUS.'
O for a horse with wings! Hear'st thou, Pisanio?
He is at Milford Haven. Read, and tell me
How far 'tis thither. If one of [] mean [triffling] affairs
May plod it in a week, why may not I
Glide thither in a day? Then, true Pisanio-
Who long'st like me to see thy lord, who long'st --
O, let me [] 'bate [abate, calm down]! -- but not like me, yet long'st,
But in a fainter kind -- O, not like me,
For mine's beyond beyond! -- say, and speak [] thick [quickly] --
Love's counsellor should fill the [] bores of hearing [ears]
To th' smothering of the sense -- how far it is
To this same blessed Milford. And by th' way
Tell me how Wales was made so happy as
T' inherit such a haven. But first of all,
How we may steal from hence; and for the gap
That we shall make in time from our hence-going
And our return, to excuse. But first, how get hence.
Why should excuse be born [] or ere begot [before it is made necessary by what we do]?
We'll talk of that hereafter. Prithee speak,
How many score of miles may we well ride
'Twixt hour and hour?
PISANIO. One score 'twixt sun and sun,
Madam, 's enough for you, and too much too.
IMOGEN. Why, one that rode to's execution, man,
Could never go so slow. I have heard of riding wagers
Where horses have been nimbler than the sands
That run i' th' clock's behalf. But this is fool'ry.
Go bid my woman feign a sickness; say
She'll home to her father; and provide me presently
A riding suit, no costlier than would fit
A [] franklin's [small landowner's] huswife [housewife -- pronounced "hussif"].
PISANIO. Madam, [] you're best [you had better] consider.
IMOGEN. { I see before me, man. Nor here, nor here,
Nor what ensues, but have a fog in them
That I cannot look through. }
{I can see what I'm about to do, not anything else or what will come...}
Away, I prithee;
Do as I bid thee. There's no more to say;
Accessible is none but Milford way. Exeunt
Cymbeline 3.i
ACT III. SCENE I.
Britain. A hall in CYMBELINE'S palace
Enter in state, CYMBELINE, QUEEN, CLOTEN, and LORDS at one door,
and at another CAIUS LUCIUS and attendants
CYMBELINE. Now say, what would Augustus Caesar with us?
LUCIUS. When Julius Caesar -- whose remembrance yet
Lives in men's eyes, and will to ears and tongues
Be theme and hearing ever -- was in this Britain,
And conquer'd it, Cassibelan, thine uncle,
Famous in Caesar's praises no whit less
Than in his feats deserving it, for him
And his succession granted Rome a tribute,
Yearly three thousand pounds, which by thee lately
Is left untender'd.
QUEEN. And, [] to kill the marvel [spoil the surprise],
Shall be so ever.
CLOTEN. There be many Caesars
Ere such another Julius. Britain is
A world by itself, and we will nothing pay
For wearing our own noses.
QUEEN. That opportunity,
Which then they had to take from 's, [] to resume
We have again [we must take back again]. Remember, sir, my liege,
The kings your ancestors, together with
The natural [] bravery [splendor] of your isle, which stands
As [] Neptune's park [by the sea], ribb'd and [] pal'd [fenced] in
With rocks unscalable and roaring waters,
With sands that will not bear your enemies' boats
But suck them up to th' top-mast. A kind of conquest
Caesar made here; but made not here his brag
Of 'came, and saw, and overcame.' With shame --
The first that ever touch'd him -- he was carried
From off our coast, twice beaten; and his shipping --
Poor ignorant baubles! -- on our terrible seas,
Like egg-shells mov'd upon [] their [the seas'] surges, crack'd
As easily 'gainst our rocks; for joy whereof
The fam'd Cassibelan, who was once [] at point [almost] --
O, [] giglot [whore] fortune! -- to master Caesar's sword,
Made [] Lud's Town [London: named after Cymb's grandfather, Lud] with rejoicing fires bright
And Britons strut with courage.
CLOTEN. Come, there's no more tribute to be paid. Our kingdom is stronger than it was at that time; and, as I said, there is no moe such Caesars. Other of them may have crook'd noses; but to [] owe [own] such [] straight [steady] arms, none.
CYMBELINE. Son, let your mother end.
CLOTEN. We have yet many among us can [] grip [grip a sword] as hard as Cassibelan. I do not say I am one; but I have a hand. Why tribute? Why should we pay tribute? If Caesar can hide the sun from us with a blanket, or put the moon in his pocket, we will pay him tribute for light; else, sir, no more tribute, pray you now.
CYMBELINE. You must know,
Till the injurious Romans did extort
This tribute from us, we were free. Caesar's ambition-
Which swell'd so much that it did almost stretch
The sides o' th' world -- against all [] colour [reason] here
Did put the yoke upon's; which to shake off
Becomes a warlike people, whom we reckon
Ourselves to be.
CLOTEN. We do.
CYMBELINE. Say then to Caesar,
Our ancestor was that Mulmutius which
Ordain'd our laws -- whose use the sword of Caesar
Hath too much mangled; whose repair and franchise
Shall, by the power we hold, be our good deed,
Though Rome be therefore angry. Mulmutius made our laws,
Who was the first of Britain which did put
His brows within a golden crown, and call'd
Himself a king.
LUCIUS. I am sorry, Cymbeline,
That I am to pronounce Augustus Caesar --
Caesar, that hath moe kings his servants than
Thyself domestic officers -- thine enemy.
Receive it from me, then: war and confusion
In Caesar's name pronounce I 'gainst thee; look
For fury not to be resisted. [] Thus defied [Now that you are challenged in Caesar's name],
I thank thee for myself.
CYMBELINE. Thou art welcome, Caius.
Thy Caesar knighted me; my youth I spent
Much under him; of him I gather'd honour,
Which he to seek of me again, perforce,
Behoves me keep at utterance. I am [] perfect [certain]
That the [] Pannonians [Hungarians] and Dalmatians [peoples on the Adriatic] for
Their liberties are now in arms, a precedent
Which not to read would show the Britons [] cold [apathetic];
So Caesar shall not find them.
LUCIUS. Let [] proof [military victory] speak.
CLOTEN. His majesty bids you welcome. Make pastime with us a day or two, or longer. If you seek us afterwards in other terms, you shall find us in our salt-water girdle. If you beat us out of it, it is yours; if you fall in the adventure, our crows shall fare the better for you; and there's an end.
LUCIUS. So, sir.
CYMBELINE. I know your master's pleasure, and he mine;
All the remain is, welcome. Exeunt
Britain. A hall in CYMBELINE'S palace
Enter in state, CYMBELINE, QUEEN, CLOTEN, and LORDS at one door,
and at another CAIUS LUCIUS and attendants
CYMBELINE. Now say, what would Augustus Caesar with us?
LUCIUS. When Julius Caesar -- whose remembrance yet
Lives in men's eyes, and will to ears and tongues
Be theme and hearing ever -- was in this Britain,
And conquer'd it, Cassibelan, thine uncle,
Famous in Caesar's praises no whit less
Than in his feats deserving it, for him
And his succession granted Rome a tribute,
Yearly three thousand pounds, which by thee lately
Is left untender'd.
QUEEN. And, [] to kill the marvel [spoil the surprise],
Shall be so ever.
CLOTEN. There be many Caesars
Ere such another Julius. Britain is
A world by itself, and we will nothing pay
For wearing our own noses.
QUEEN. That opportunity,
Which then they had to take from 's, [] to resume
We have again [we must take back again]. Remember, sir, my liege,
The kings your ancestors, together with
The natural [] bravery [splendor] of your isle, which stands
As [] Neptune's park [by the sea], ribb'd and [] pal'd [fenced] in
With rocks unscalable and roaring waters,
With sands that will not bear your enemies' boats
But suck them up to th' top-mast. A kind of conquest
Caesar made here; but made not here his brag
Of 'came, and saw, and overcame.' With shame --
The first that ever touch'd him -- he was carried
From off our coast, twice beaten; and his shipping --
Poor ignorant baubles! -- on our terrible seas,
Like egg-shells mov'd upon [] their [the seas'] surges, crack'd
As easily 'gainst our rocks; for joy whereof
The fam'd Cassibelan, who was once [] at point [almost] --
O, [] giglot [whore] fortune! -- to master Caesar's sword,
Made [] Lud's Town [London: named after Cymb's grandfather, Lud] with rejoicing fires bright
And Britons strut with courage.
CLOTEN. Come, there's no more tribute to be paid. Our kingdom is stronger than it was at that time; and, as I said, there is no moe such Caesars. Other of them may have crook'd noses; but to [] owe [own] such [] straight [steady] arms, none.
CYMBELINE. Son, let your mother end.
CLOTEN. We have yet many among us can [] grip [grip a sword] as hard as Cassibelan. I do not say I am one; but I have a hand. Why tribute? Why should we pay tribute? If Caesar can hide the sun from us with a blanket, or put the moon in his pocket, we will pay him tribute for light; else, sir, no more tribute, pray you now.
CYMBELINE. You must know,
Till the injurious Romans did extort
This tribute from us, we were free. Caesar's ambition-
Which swell'd so much that it did almost stretch
The sides o' th' world -- against all [] colour [reason] here
Did put the yoke upon's; which to shake off
Becomes a warlike people, whom we reckon
Ourselves to be.
CLOTEN. We do.
CYMBELINE. Say then to Caesar,
Our ancestor was that Mulmutius which
Ordain'd our laws -- whose use the sword of Caesar
Hath too much mangled; whose repair and franchise
Shall, by the power we hold, be our good deed,
Though Rome be therefore angry. Mulmutius made our laws,
Who was the first of Britain which did put
His brows within a golden crown, and call'd
Himself a king.
LUCIUS. I am sorry, Cymbeline,
That I am to pronounce Augustus Caesar --
Caesar, that hath moe kings his servants than
Thyself domestic officers -- thine enemy.
Receive it from me, then: war and confusion
In Caesar's name pronounce I 'gainst thee; look
For fury not to be resisted. [] Thus defied [Now that you are challenged in Caesar's name],
I thank thee for myself.
CYMBELINE. Thou art welcome, Caius.
Thy Caesar knighted me; my youth I spent
Much under him; of him I gather'd honour,
Which he to seek of me again, perforce,
Behoves me keep at utterance. I am [] perfect [certain]
That the [] Pannonians [Hungarians] and Dalmatians [peoples on the Adriatic] for
Their liberties are now in arms, a precedent
Which not to read would show the Britons [] cold [apathetic];
So Caesar shall not find them.
LUCIUS. Let [] proof [military victory] speak.
CLOTEN. His majesty bids you welcome. Make pastime with us a day or two, or longer. If you seek us afterwards in other terms, you shall find us in our salt-water girdle. If you beat us out of it, it is yours; if you fall in the adventure, our crows shall fare the better for you; and there's an end.
LUCIUS. So, sir.
CYMBELINE. I know your master's pleasure, and he mine;
All the remain is, welcome. Exeunt
Cymbeline 2.v
SCENE V.
Rome. Another room in PHILARIO'S house
Enter POSTHUMUS
[This first question will be much stronger if it's not rhetorical. How CAN we get women out of our lives?]
POSTHUMUS. Is there no way for men to [] be [be conceived], but women
Must be half-workers?
[Action: reject everyone (as base)]
We are all bastards,
[Action: blame]
And that most venerable man which I
Did call my father was I know not where
When I was stamp'd. Some coiner with his tools
Made me a counterfeit;
[Action: wonder]
yet my mother seem'd
The Dian of that time. So doth my wife
The [] nonpareil [one without equal] of this.
[Action: EXPLODE]
O, vengeance, vengeance!
[Action: rail at injustice]
Me of my lawful pleasure she restrain'd,
And pray'd me oft forbearance; did it with
A pudency so rosy, the sweet view on't
Might well have warm'd old Saturn;
[there was a phrase: "cold as old Saturn"]
[Action: name the crimes against you]
that I thought her
As chaste as unsunn'd snow. O, all the devils!
This [] yellow [cynical?] Iachimo in an hour -- was't not?
Or less! -- at first? Perchance he spoke not, but,
Like a full-acorn'd boar, a German one,
Cried 'O!' and mounted; found no opposition
{ But what he look'd for should oppose and she
Should from encounter guard.}
{this may refer to her hyman, in which case, she's a virgin}
[Action: Explode]
Could I find out
The woman's part in me!
[Action: prove]
For there's no [] motion [impulse]
That tends to vice in man but I affirm
It is the woman's part. Be it lying, note it,
The woman's; flattering, hers; deceiving, hers;
Lust and rank thoughts, hers, hers; revenges, hers;
Ambitions, covetings, [] change of prides [fickleness in excesses], disdain,
[] Nice [wanton] longing, slanders, mutability,
All faults that man may name, nay, that hell knows,
Why, hers, in part or all; but rather all;
For even to vice
They are not constant, but are changing still
One vice but of a minute old for one
Not half so old as that.
[Action: vow]
I'll write against them,
Detest them, curse them.
[Action: let them stew in their own juices]
Yet 'tis [] greater skill [more just, more reasonable]
In a true hate to pray they have their will:
The very devils cannot plague them better. Exit
Rome. Another room in PHILARIO'S house
Enter POSTHUMUS
[This first question will be much stronger if it's not rhetorical. How CAN we get women out of our lives?]
POSTHUMUS. Is there no way for men to [] be [be conceived], but women
Must be half-workers?
[Action: reject everyone (as base)]
We are all bastards,
[Action: blame]
And that most venerable man which I
Did call my father was I know not where
When I was stamp'd. Some coiner with his tools
Made me a counterfeit;
[Action: wonder]
yet my mother seem'd
The Dian of that time. So doth my wife
The [] nonpareil [one without equal] of this.
[Action: EXPLODE]
O, vengeance, vengeance!
[Action: rail at injustice]
Me of my lawful pleasure she restrain'd,
And pray'd me oft forbearance; did it with
A pudency so rosy, the sweet view on't
Might well have warm'd old Saturn;
[there was a phrase: "cold as old Saturn"]
[Action: name the crimes against you]
that I thought her
As chaste as unsunn'd snow. O, all the devils!
This [] yellow [cynical?] Iachimo in an hour -- was't not?
Or less! -- at first? Perchance he spoke not, but,
Like a full-acorn'd boar, a German one,
Cried 'O!' and mounted; found no opposition
{ But what he look'd for should oppose and she
Should from encounter guard.}
{this may refer to her hyman, in which case, she's a virgin}
[Action: Explode]
Could I find out
The woman's part in me!
[Action: prove]
For there's no [] motion [impulse]
That tends to vice in man but I affirm
It is the woman's part. Be it lying, note it,
The woman's; flattering, hers; deceiving, hers;
Lust and rank thoughts, hers, hers; revenges, hers;
Ambitions, covetings, [] change of prides [fickleness in excesses], disdain,
[] Nice [wanton] longing, slanders, mutability,
All faults that man may name, nay, that hell knows,
Why, hers, in part or all; but rather all;
For even to vice
They are not constant, but are changing still
One vice but of a minute old for one
Not half so old as that.
[Action: vow]
I'll write against them,
Detest them, curse them.
[Action: let them stew in their own juices]
Yet 'tis [] greater skill [more just, more reasonable]
In a true hate to pray they have their will:
The very devils cannot plague them better. Exit
Cymbeline 2.iv
SCENE IV.
Rome. PHILARIO'S house
Enter POSTHUMUS and PHILARIO
[What was the beginning of this conversation like? We drop in on it in the middle. Maybe Philario asked Posthumus if he planned on winning the King's trust again? Phothumus answered...]
[Action: complain (as a request for reassurance)]
POSTHUMUS. Fear it not, sir; I [] would [wish] I were so sure
To [] win [win over] the King as I am [] bold [confident] her honour
Will remain hers.
PHILARIO. What [] means [overtures] do you make to him?
[Action: confess ... change the subject]
POSTHUMUS. Not any; but abide the change of time,
Quake in the present winter's state, and wish
That warmer days would come. In these fear'd hopes
I barely [] gratify [repay] your love; they failing,
I must die much your debtor.
[Action: repay kindness ... then change the subject, gently belittle the English]
PHILARIO. Your very goodness and your company
O'erpays all I can do. By [] this [this time] your king
Hath heard of great Augustus. Caius Lucius
Will do's commission throughly; and I think
He'll grant the tribute, send th' arrearages,
Or look upon our Romans, whose remembrance
Is yet fresh in their grief.
[Action: stand up for the home team]
POSTHUMUS. I do believe
[] Statist [statesman, politician] though I am none, nor like to be,
That this will prove a war; and you shall hear
The legions now in [] Gallia [France] sooner landed
In our not-fearing Britain than have tidings
Of any penny tribute paid. Our countrymen
Are men [] more order'd [better prepared] than when Julius Caesar
Smil'd at their lack of skill, but found their courage
Worthy his frowning at. Their discipline,
Now mingled with their courages, will make known
To [] their approvers [those who test them] they are people such
That [] mend [improve] upon the world.
Enter IACHIMO
PHILARIO. See! Iachimo!
[Posthumus gives a warm welcome to Iachimo. He is positive Imogen is faithful. The more sure he is of this, the more crushed he'll be later.]
POSTHUMUS. The swiftest harts [] have posted [must have sped] you by land,
And winds of all the [] corners [quarters] kiss'd your sails,
To make your vessel nimble.
PHILARIO. Welcome, sir.
[Action: gloat.]
POSTHUMUS. I hope the briefness of your answer made
The speediness of your return.
[Action: wind up for a pitch]
IACHIMO. Your lady
Is one of the fairest that I have look'd upon.
[Action: gloat ... then temp fate by making an oath (as a sign of confidence)]
POSTHUMUS. And therewithal the best; or let her beauty
Look through a [] casement [window: whore looking through a window at clients] to allure false hearts,
And be false with them.
[Action: stall (before going in for the kill)]
IACHIMO. Here are letters for you.
[Action: fish (have you read them?)]
POSTHUMUS. Their tenour good, I trust.
[Action: play cards close to chest]
IACHIMO. 'Tis very like.
[Action: change the subject (is Philario still interested in politics, or is he trying to avert disaster?)]
PHILARIO. Was Caius Lucius in the Britain court
When you were there?
[Action: solve and move on]
IACHIMO. He was expected then,
But not approach'd.
[Action: claim victory]
POSTHUMUS. All is well yet.
Sparkles this stone as it was wont, or is't not
Too dull for your good wearing? [indicates his ring]
[Action: luxuriate]
IACHIMO. If I have lost it,
I should have lost the worth of it in gold.
I'll make a journey twice as far t' enjoy
A second night of such sweet shortness which
Was mine in Britain; for the ring is won.
[Action: withhold]
POSTHUMUS. The stone's too hard to come by.
[Action: shrug it off]
IACHIMO. Not a whit,
Your lady being so easy.
[Action: warn, wipe the smile off his face, drop the mask]
POSTHUMUS. Make not, sir,
Your loss your sport. I hope you know that we
Must not continue friends.
[Action: reason]
IACHIMO. Good sir, we must,
If you [] keep covenant [adhere to your contract]. Had I not brought
The knowledge of your mistress home, I grant
We were to question farther; but I now
Profess myself the winner of her honour,
Together with your ring; and not the wronger
Of her or you, having proceeded but
By both your wills.
[Action: draw a line in the sand]
POSTHUMUS. If you can make't apparent
That you have tasted her in bed, my hand
And ring is yours. If not, the foul opinion
You had of her pure honour gains or loses
Your sword or mine, or masterless leaves both
To who shall find them.
[Action: boast]
IACHIMO. Sir, [] my circumstances [the details I will tell],
Being so near the truth as I will make them,
Must first induce you to believe -- whose strength
I will confirm with oath; which I doubt not
You'll give me leave to spare when you shall find
You need it not.
[Action: accept the challenge]
POSTHUMUS. Proceed.
[Action: make the case, "accidently", "absentmindedly" getting lost in details]
IACHIMO. First, her bedchamber,
Where I confess I slept not, but profess
Had that was well worth watching -- it was hang'd
With tapestry of silk and silver; the story,
Proud Cleopatra when she met her Roman
And [] Cydnus [river where Anthony met Cleopatra] swell'd above the banks, [] or for [either due to]
The press of boats or pride. A piece of work
So bravely done, so rich, that it did [] strive [compete]
In workmanship and value; which I wonder'd
Could be so rarely and exactly wrought,
Since the true life on't was --
[Action: shrug off]
POSTHUMUS. This is true;
And this you might have heard of here, by me
Or by some other.
[Action: feign confusion]
IACHIMO. More particulars
Must justify my knowledge.
[Action: dare]
POSTHUMUS. So they must,
Or do your honour injury.
[Action: produce evidence]
IACHIMO. The chimney
Is south the chamber, and the chimneypiece
Chaste Dian bathing. Never saw I figures
So likely to report themselves. The cutter
Was as another nature, dumb; [] outwent her [surpassed nature, except...],
Motion and breath [] left [he left] out.
[Action: disprove]
POSTHUMUS. This is a thing
Which you might from relation likewise [] reap [learn],
Being, as it is, much spoke of.
[Action: bombard with facts]
IACHIMO. The roof o' th' chamber
With golden cherubins is [] fretted [adorned]; her [] andirons [fired irons] --
I had forgot them -- were two winking Cupids
Of silver, each on one foot standing, nicely
[] Depending on their brands [leaning on their torches].
[Action: "slap" ... then close the case]
POSTHUMUS. [] This is her honour! [This is her honor we're talking about!]
Let it be granted you have seen all this, and praise
Be given to your remembrance; the description
Of what is in her chamber nothing saves
The wager you have laid.
[Action: pull out the ace]
IACHIMO. Then, if you can, [Shows the bracelet]
[] Be pale [be calm]. I beg but leave to air this jewel. See!
And now 'tis [] up again [put away again, e.g. in my pocket]. It must be married
To that your diamond; I'll keep them.
[Action: rub eyes]
POSTHUMUS. Jove!
Once more let me behold it. Is it that
Which I left with her?
[Action: stick the knife in further]
IACHIMO. Sir -- I thank her -- that.
She stripp'd it from her arm; I see her yet;
Her pretty action did outsell her gift,
And yet enrich'd it too. She gave it me, and said
She priz'd it once.
[Action: grasp at straws]
POSTHUMUS. May be she pluck'd it off
To send it me.
[Action: let him connect the dots]
IACHIMO. She writes so to you, doth she?
[Action: topple over into a realization ... curse]
POSTHUMUS. O, no, no, no! 'tis true. Here, take this too;
[Gives the ring]
It is a [] basilisk [serpent whose looks could kill] unto mine eye,
Kills me to look on't. Let there be no honour
Where there is beauty; truth where semblance; love
Where there's another man. { [] The vows [let the vows] of women
Of no more [] bondage [obligation] be to [] where they [those to whom the vows] are made
Than [] they [the women] are to their virtues, which is nothing.}
{Let women's vows no more bind them to men then their vows bind them to virtue, which they don't at all}
O, above measure false!
[Action: calm, reason]
PHILARIO. Have patience, sir,
And take your ring again; 'tis not yet won.
It may be probable she lost it, or
Who knows if one her women, being corrupted
Hath stol'n it from her?
[Action: bounce back, demand proof]
POSTHUMUS. Very true;
And so I hope he came by't. Back my ring.
Render to me some corporal sign about her,
More evident than this; for this was stol'n.
[Action: rail at injustice]
IACHIMO. By Jupiter, I had it from her arm!
[Action: give in to the inevitable]
POSTHUMUS. Hark you, he swears; by Jupiter he swears.
'Tis true -- nay, keep the ring, 'tis true. I am sure
She would not lose it. Her attendants are
All sworn and honourable- -- they induc'd to steal it!
And by a stranger! No, he hath enjoy'd her.
The [] cognizance [sign] of her incontinency
Is this: she hath bought the name of whore thus dearly.
There, take thy [] hire [winnings]; and all the fiends of hell
Divide themselves between you!
[Action: reason]
PHILARIO. Sir, be patient;
This is not strong enough to be believ'd
Of one [] persuaded [thought] well of.
[Action: scorn]
POSTHUMUS. Never talk on't;
She hath been colted by him.
[Action: rub salt into the wound, revel]
IACHIMO. If you seek
For further satisfying, under her breast --
Worthy the pressing -- lies a mole, right proud
Of that most delicate lodging. By my life,
I kiss'd it; and it gave me present hunger
To feed again, though full. You do remember
This stain upon her?
[Action: withdraw (e.g. to a dark place)]
POSTHUMUS. Ay, and it doth confirm
Another stain, as big as hell can hold,
Were there no more but it.
[Action: toy with]
IACHIMO. Will you hear more?
[Action: hurl away]
POSTHUMUS. Spare your arithmetic; never count the [] turns [sexual acts].
Once, and a million!
[Action: jump back in the ring]
IACHIMO. I'll be sworn --
[Action: refuse to play ... then threaten]
POSTHUMUS. No swearing.
If you will swear you have not done't, you lie;
And I will kill thee if thou dost deny
Thou'st made me cuckold.
[Action: stand firm]
IACHIMO. I'll deny nothing.
[Action: wish ... then vow]
POSTHUMUS. O that I had her here to tear her [] limb-meal [limb from limb]!
I will go there and do't, i' th' court, before
Her father. I'll do something -- Exit
[Action: pick up the pieces]
PHILARIO. Quite [] besides
The government [beyond the control] of patience! You have won.
Let's follow him and [] pervert [divert] the present wrath
He hath against himself.
IACHIMO. With all my heart. Exeunt
Rome. PHILARIO'S house
Enter POSTHUMUS and PHILARIO
[What was the beginning of this conversation like? We drop in on it in the middle. Maybe Philario asked Posthumus if he planned on winning the King's trust again? Phothumus answered...]
[Action: complain (as a request for reassurance)]
POSTHUMUS. Fear it not, sir; I [] would [wish] I were so sure
To [] win [win over] the King as I am [] bold [confident] her honour
Will remain hers.
PHILARIO. What [] means [overtures] do you make to him?
[Action: confess ... change the subject]
POSTHUMUS. Not any; but abide the change of time,
Quake in the present winter's state, and wish
That warmer days would come. In these fear'd hopes
I barely [] gratify [repay] your love; they failing,
I must die much your debtor.
[Action: repay kindness ... then change the subject, gently belittle the English]
PHILARIO. Your very goodness and your company
O'erpays all I can do. By [] this [this time] your king
Hath heard of great Augustus. Caius Lucius
Will do's commission throughly; and I think
He'll grant the tribute, send th' arrearages,
Or look upon our Romans, whose remembrance
Is yet fresh in their grief.
[Action: stand up for the home team]
POSTHUMUS. I do believe
[] Statist [statesman, politician] though I am none, nor like to be,
That this will prove a war; and you shall hear
The legions now in [] Gallia [France] sooner landed
In our not-fearing Britain than have tidings
Of any penny tribute paid. Our countrymen
Are men [] more order'd [better prepared] than when Julius Caesar
Smil'd at their lack of skill, but found their courage
Worthy his frowning at. Their discipline,
Now mingled with their courages, will make known
To [] their approvers [those who test them] they are people such
That [] mend [improve] upon the world.
Enter IACHIMO
PHILARIO. See! Iachimo!
[Posthumus gives a warm welcome to Iachimo. He is positive Imogen is faithful. The more sure he is of this, the more crushed he'll be later.]
POSTHUMUS. The swiftest harts [] have posted [must have sped] you by land,
And winds of all the [] corners [quarters] kiss'd your sails,
To make your vessel nimble.
PHILARIO. Welcome, sir.
[Action: gloat.]
POSTHUMUS. I hope the briefness of your answer made
The speediness of your return.
[Action: wind up for a pitch]
IACHIMO. Your lady
Is one of the fairest that I have look'd upon.
[Action: gloat ... then temp fate by making an oath (as a sign of confidence)]
POSTHUMUS. And therewithal the best; or let her beauty
Look through a [] casement [window: whore looking through a window at clients] to allure false hearts,
And be false with them.
[Action: stall (before going in for the kill)]
IACHIMO. Here are letters for you.
[Action: fish (have you read them?)]
POSTHUMUS. Their tenour good, I trust.
[Action: play cards close to chest]
IACHIMO. 'Tis very like.
[Action: change the subject (is Philario still interested in politics, or is he trying to avert disaster?)]
PHILARIO. Was Caius Lucius in the Britain court
When you were there?
[Action: solve and move on]
IACHIMO. He was expected then,
But not approach'd.
[Action: claim victory]
POSTHUMUS. All is well yet.
Sparkles this stone as it was wont, or is't not
Too dull for your good wearing? [indicates his ring]
[Action: luxuriate]
IACHIMO. If I have lost it,
I should have lost the worth of it in gold.
I'll make a journey twice as far t' enjoy
A second night of such sweet shortness which
Was mine in Britain; for the ring is won.
[Action: withhold]
POSTHUMUS. The stone's too hard to come by.
[Action: shrug it off]
IACHIMO. Not a whit,
Your lady being so easy.
[Action: warn, wipe the smile off his face, drop the mask]
POSTHUMUS. Make not, sir,
Your loss your sport. I hope you know that we
Must not continue friends.
[Action: reason]
IACHIMO. Good sir, we must,
If you [] keep covenant [adhere to your contract]. Had I not brought
The knowledge of your mistress home, I grant
We were to question farther; but I now
Profess myself the winner of her honour,
Together with your ring; and not the wronger
Of her or you, having proceeded but
By both your wills.
[Action: draw a line in the sand]
POSTHUMUS. If you can make't apparent
That you have tasted her in bed, my hand
And ring is yours. If not, the foul opinion
You had of her pure honour gains or loses
Your sword or mine, or masterless leaves both
To who shall find them.
[Action: boast]
IACHIMO. Sir, [] my circumstances [the details I will tell],
Being so near the truth as I will make them,
Must first induce you to believe -- whose strength
I will confirm with oath; which I doubt not
You'll give me leave to spare when you shall find
You need it not.
[Action: accept the challenge]
POSTHUMUS. Proceed.
[Action: make the case, "accidently", "absentmindedly" getting lost in details]
IACHIMO. First, her bedchamber,
Where I confess I slept not, but profess
Had that was well worth watching -- it was hang'd
With tapestry of silk and silver; the story,
Proud Cleopatra when she met her Roman
And [] Cydnus [river where Anthony met Cleopatra] swell'd above the banks, [] or for [either due to]
The press of boats or pride. A piece of work
So bravely done, so rich, that it did [] strive [compete]
In workmanship and value; which I wonder'd
Could be so rarely and exactly wrought,
Since the true life on't was --
[Action: shrug off]
POSTHUMUS. This is true;
And this you might have heard of here, by me
Or by some other.
[Action: feign confusion]
IACHIMO. More particulars
Must justify my knowledge.
[Action: dare]
POSTHUMUS. So they must,
Or do your honour injury.
[Action: produce evidence]
IACHIMO. The chimney
Is south the chamber, and the chimneypiece
Chaste Dian bathing. Never saw I figures
So likely to report themselves. The cutter
Was as another nature, dumb; [] outwent her [surpassed nature, except...],
Motion and breath [] left [he left] out.
[Action: disprove]
POSTHUMUS. This is a thing
Which you might from relation likewise [] reap [learn],
Being, as it is, much spoke of.
[Action: bombard with facts]
IACHIMO. The roof o' th' chamber
With golden cherubins is [] fretted [adorned]; her [] andirons [fired irons] --
I had forgot them -- were two winking Cupids
Of silver, each on one foot standing, nicely
[] Depending on their brands [leaning on their torches].
[Action: "slap" ... then close the case]
POSTHUMUS. [] This is her honour! [This is her honor we're talking about!]
Let it be granted you have seen all this, and praise
Be given to your remembrance; the description
Of what is in her chamber nothing saves
The wager you have laid.
[Action: pull out the ace]
IACHIMO. Then, if you can, [Shows the bracelet]
[] Be pale [be calm]. I beg but leave to air this jewel. See!
And now 'tis [] up again [put away again, e.g. in my pocket]. It must be married
To that your diamond; I'll keep them.
[Action: rub eyes]
POSTHUMUS. Jove!
Once more let me behold it. Is it that
Which I left with her?
[Action: stick the knife in further]
IACHIMO. Sir -- I thank her -- that.
She stripp'd it from her arm; I see her yet;
Her pretty action did outsell her gift,
And yet enrich'd it too. She gave it me, and said
She priz'd it once.
[Action: grasp at straws]
POSTHUMUS. May be she pluck'd it off
To send it me.
[Action: let him connect the dots]
IACHIMO. She writes so to you, doth she?
[Action: topple over into a realization ... curse]
POSTHUMUS. O, no, no, no! 'tis true. Here, take this too;
[Gives the ring]
It is a [] basilisk [serpent whose looks could kill] unto mine eye,
Kills me to look on't. Let there be no honour
Where there is beauty; truth where semblance; love
Where there's another man. { [] The vows [let the vows] of women
Of no more [] bondage [obligation] be to [] where they [those to whom the vows] are made
Than [] they [the women] are to their virtues, which is nothing.}
{Let women's vows no more bind them to men then their vows bind them to virtue, which they don't at all}
O, above measure false!
[Action: calm, reason]
PHILARIO. Have patience, sir,
And take your ring again; 'tis not yet won.
It may be probable she lost it, or
Who knows if one her women, being corrupted
Hath stol'n it from her?
[Action: bounce back, demand proof]
POSTHUMUS. Very true;
And so I hope he came by't. Back my ring.
Render to me some corporal sign about her,
More evident than this; for this was stol'n.
[Action: rail at injustice]
IACHIMO. By Jupiter, I had it from her arm!
[Action: give in to the inevitable]
POSTHUMUS. Hark you, he swears; by Jupiter he swears.
'Tis true -- nay, keep the ring, 'tis true. I am sure
She would not lose it. Her attendants are
All sworn and honourable- -- they induc'd to steal it!
And by a stranger! No, he hath enjoy'd her.
The [] cognizance [sign] of her incontinency
Is this: she hath bought the name of whore thus dearly.
There, take thy [] hire [winnings]; and all the fiends of hell
Divide themselves between you!
[Action: reason]
PHILARIO. Sir, be patient;
This is not strong enough to be believ'd
Of one [] persuaded [thought] well of.
[Action: scorn]
POSTHUMUS. Never talk on't;
She hath been colted by him.
[Action: rub salt into the wound, revel]
IACHIMO. If you seek
For further satisfying, under her breast --
Worthy the pressing -- lies a mole, right proud
Of that most delicate lodging. By my life,
I kiss'd it; and it gave me present hunger
To feed again, though full. You do remember
This stain upon her?
[Action: withdraw (e.g. to a dark place)]
POSTHUMUS. Ay, and it doth confirm
Another stain, as big as hell can hold,
Were there no more but it.
[Action: toy with]
IACHIMO. Will you hear more?
[Action: hurl away]
POSTHUMUS. Spare your arithmetic; never count the [] turns [sexual acts].
Once, and a million!
[Action: jump back in the ring]
IACHIMO. I'll be sworn --
[Action: refuse to play ... then threaten]
POSTHUMUS. No swearing.
If you will swear you have not done't, you lie;
And I will kill thee if thou dost deny
Thou'st made me cuckold.
[Action: stand firm]
IACHIMO. I'll deny nothing.
[Action: wish ... then vow]
POSTHUMUS. O that I had her here to tear her [] limb-meal [limb from limb]!
I will go there and do't, i' th' court, before
Her father. I'll do something -- Exit
[Action: pick up the pieces]
PHILARIO. Quite [] besides
The government [beyond the control] of patience! You have won.
Let's follow him and [] pervert [divert] the present wrath
He hath against himself.
IACHIMO. With all my heart. Exeunt
Cymbeline 2.iii
SCENE III.
CYMBELINE'S palace. An ante-chamber adjoining IMOGEN'S apartments
Enter CLOTEN and LORDS
[This is a scene about frustration. At its start, Cloten has once-again lost at cards (or maybe dice). He's being forced to woo Imogen, who continually rebuffs him. The Queen is frustrated by her idiot son, who has to be told how to woo; Cymbeline is frustrated by the political situation in Rome; Lord 2, presumably sick and tired of Cloten, is sulking in silence; Imogen is angry because her bracelet is gone -- and then, to make matters worse -- Cloten invades her space.]
[Action: flatter]
FIRST LORD. Your lordship is the most patient man in loss, the most coldest that ever turn'd up [] ace [the card with the lowest value].
[Action: shrug off, swat away a gnat. Or maybe, push for a better compliment]
CLOTEN. It would make any man cold to lose.
[Action: turn the volume up to eleven]
FIRST LORD. But not every man patient after the noble temper of your lordship. You are most hot and furious when you win.
[Action: Change the subject]
CLOTEN. Winning will put any man into courage. If I could get this foolish Imogen, I should have gold enough. It's almost morning, is't not?
FIRST LORD. Day, my lord.
[It seems as if Cloten wants to talk about Imogen. But Lord 2 is silent and Lord 1, usually Cloten follower, doesn't respond. Maybe everyone is aware of how hopeless things are with Imogen.]
CLOTEN. I would this music would come. I am advised to give her music [] a mornings [every morning]; they say it will [] penetrate [touch her heart].
Enter musicians
Come on, tune. If you can penetrate her with your fingering, so. We'll try with tongue too. If none will do, let her remain; but I'll never give [] o'er [up]. First, a very excellent [] good-conceited [witty, clever] thing; after, a wonderful [] sweet air [solo, light song], with admirable rich words to it -- and then let her consider.
[Is Cloten making these sexual puns on purpose? Or is he unaware?]
SONG
Hark, hark! the lark at heaven's gate sings,
And [] Phoebus 'gins arise [the sun begins to rise],
His steeds to water at those springs
On [] chalic'd [cuplike] flow'rs that [] lies [lie];
And [] winking Mary-buds [closed marigold buds] begin
To ope their golden eyes.
With everything that pretty bin,
My lady sweet, arise;
Arise, arise!
So, get you gone. If this penetrate, I will consider your music the better; if it do not, it is a vice in her ears which horsehairs and calves' guts, nor the voice of [] unpaved [castrated: without stones/balls] eunuch to boot, can never amend. Exeunt musicians
Enter CYMBELINE and QUEEN
[Perhaps the king has been less-than-impressed by Cloten's gambeling. Now is Cloten's chance to show off that he's been doing more obedient things. The King and Queen treat Cloten as if he's a little boy. He boasts; they instruct him.]
SECOND LORD. Here comes the King.
CLOTEN. I am glad I was up so late, for that's the reason I was up so early. He cannot choose but take this service I have done fatherly. -- Good morrow to your Majesty and to my gracious mother.
CYMBELINE. Attend you here the door of our stern daughter?
Will she not forth?
CLOTEN. I have assail'd her with musics, but she [] vouchsafes [grants] no notice.
CYMBELINE. The exile of her minion is too new;
She hath not yet forgot him; some more time
Must wear the print of his remembrance out,
And then she's yours.
QUEEN. You are most bound to th' King,
Who lets go by no [] vantages [opportunities] that may
[] Prefer [recommend] you to his daughter. Frame yourself
To [] orderly [regular] [] soliciting [entreating], and [] be friended
With aptness of the season [be ready to take advantage of good luck]; make denials
Increase your services; so seem as if
You were inspir'd to do those duties which
You tender to her; that you in all obey her,
Save when command to your dismission tends,
And therein you are [] senseless [deaf].
CLOTEN. [] Senseless? [stupid?] Not so.
Enter a MESSENGER
MESSENGER. So like you, sir, ambassadors from Rome;
The one is Caius Lucius.
[Action: teach, instruct, lecture]
CYMBELINE. A worthy fellow,
Albeit he comes on angry purpose now;
But that's no fault of his. We must receive him
According to the honour of his sender;
And towards himself, his goodness [] forespent [that he already spent] on us,
We must extend our notice. Our dear son,
When you have given good morning to your mistress,
Attend the Queen and us; we shall have need
T' employ you towards this Roman. Come, our queen.
Exeunt all but CLOTEN
[Cloten is supposed to woo her, but (maybe because he doesn't know how) he seeks a shortcut -- bribing his way into her chamber.]
[Action: Justify (slacking off)]
CLOTEN. If she be up, I'll speak with her; if not,
Let her lie still and dream.
By your leave, ho! [Knocks]
[He needs to SOMEHOW impress the king and queen...]
[Action: weigh the evidence (that money is the answer to all problems)]
I know her women are about her; what
If I do line one of their hands? 'Tis gold
Which buys admittance; oft it doth -- yea, and makes
[] Diana's rangers [Diana's nymphs] [] false themselves [break their oaths], yield up
Their deer to th' [] stand [ambush] o' th' stealer; and 'tis gold
Which makes the true man kill'd and saves the thief;
Nay, sometime hangs both thief and true man. What
Can it not do and undo? I will make
One of her women lawyer to me, for
I yet not understand the case myself.
By your leave. [Knocks]
Enter a LADY
[There are many actions the lady can play here. She could be trying to tactfully rebuff Cloten; she could be flirting with him; she could be mocking him.]
LADY. Who's there that knocks?
CLOTEN. A gentleman.
LADY. No more?
CLOTEN. Yes, and a gentlewoman's son.
LADY. That's more
Than some whose tailors are as dear as yours
Can justly boast of. What's your lordship's pleasure?
CLOTEN. Your lady's person; is she ready?
LADY. Ay,
To keep [] her [to her] chamber.
CLOTEN. There is gold for you; sell me your good report.
LADY. How? [] My good name? [pun on "report" as "reputation"] or to report of you
What I shall think is good? The Princess!
Enter IMOGEN
[Action: flatter]
CLOTEN. Good morrow, fairest sister. Your sweet hand.
Exit LADY
[Action: dismiss (with the minimum of politeness)]
IMOGEN. Good morrow, sir. You lay out too much pains
For purchasing but trouble. The thanks I give
Is telling you that I am poor of thanks,
And scarce can spare them.
[Action: woo (his last -- maybe best -- attempt)]
CLOTEN. Still I swear I love you.
[Action: scorn]
IMOGEN. If you but [] said [as opposed to swore] so, 'twere as [] deep [important] with me.
If you swear still, your recompense is still
That I regard it not.
[Action: stand fast]
CLOTEN. This is no answer.
[Action: reason]
IMOGEN. [] But that you shall not [if not for fear you would] say I yield, being silent,
I would not speak. I pray you spare me. Faith,
I shall unfold equal discourtesy
To your best kindness; one of your great knowing
Should learn, being taught, forbearance.
[Action: refuse to budge]
CLOTEN. To leave you in your madness 'twere my sin;
I will not.
[Action: insult]
IMOGEN. Fools are not mad folks.
[This line doesn't make sense. Some editors change it to Fools CURE not mad folks.
Pelican edition's translation: "I am a fool to talk to you, but not mad"]
[Action: warn]
CLOTEN. Do you call me fool?
[Action: apologize, reason]
IMOGEN. As I am mad, I do;
If you'll be patient, I'll no more be mad;
That cures us both. I am much sorry, sir,
You put me to forget a lady's manners
By being so verbal; and learn now, for all,
That I, which know my heart, do here pronounce,
By th' very truth of it, I care not for you,
And am so near the lack of charity
To accuse myself I hate you; which I had rather
You felt than make't my boast.
[Action: chastise ... then insult]
CLOTEN. You sin against
Obedience, which you owe your father. For
The contract you pretend with that base wretch,
One bred of alms and foster'd with cold dishes,
With scraps o' th' court -- it is no contract, none.
[] And [even] though it be allowed [] in meaner parties [among commoners] --
Yet who than he more mean? -- to knit their souls --
On whom there is no more dependency
But brats and beggary -- [] in self-figur'd knot [marriage of their own making (as opposed to arranged)],
Yet you are curb'd from that enlargement by
The consequence o' th' crown, and must not foil
The precious note of it with a base slave,
A [] hilding [contemptible person] [] for a livery [only fit to wear a servant's univform], a squire's cloth,
A [] pantler [servant in change of the pantry]-- not so eminent!
[Action: curse]
IMOGEN. Profane fellow!
Wert thou the son of Jupiter, and no more
But what thou art besides, thou wert too base
To be his groom. Thou wert dignified [] enough [too much],
Even to the point of envy, if 'twere made
Comparative for your virtues to be styl'd
The under-hangman of his kingdom, and hated
For being preferr'd so well.
[Action: curse]
CLOTEN. The south fog rot him!
[Action: insult]
IMOGEN. He never can meet more mischance than come
To be but [] nam'd of [named by] thee. His mean'st garment
That ever hath but [] clipp'd [encircled] his body is dearer
In my respect than all the hairs above thee,
Were they all made such men. How now, Pisanio!
[From here on out, the scene between Imogen and Cloten is done, as-far-as she's concerned. He keeps trying to bait her. She ignores him, intent on finding her bracelet.]
Enter PISANIO
CLOTEN. 'His garments'! Now the devil --
IMOGEN. To Dorothy my woman hie thee presently.
CLOTEN. 'His garment'!
IMOGEN. I am sprited with a fool;
Frighted, and ang'red worse. Go bid my woman
Search for a jewel that too casually
Hath left mine arm. It was thy master's; [] shrew me [may I be cursed],
If I would lose it for a revenue
Of any king's in Europe! I do think
I saw't this morning; confident I am
Last night 'twas on mine arm; I kiss'd it.
I hope it be not gone to tell my lord
That I kiss [] aught [anything] but he.
PISANIO. 'Twill not be lost.
IMOGEN. I hope so. Go and search. Exit PISANIO
CLOTEN. You have abus'd me.
'His meanest garment'!
IMOGEN. Ay, I said so, sir.
If you will make 't an action, call witness to 't.
CLOTEN. I will inform your father.
IMOGEN. Your mother too.
She's my good lady and will conceive, I hope,
But the worst of me. So I leave you, sir,
To th' worst of discontent. Exit
CLOTEN. I'll be reveng'd.
'His mean'st garment'! Well. Exit
CYMBELINE'S palace. An ante-chamber adjoining IMOGEN'S apartments
Enter CLOTEN and LORDS
[This is a scene about frustration. At its start, Cloten has once-again lost at cards (or maybe dice). He's being forced to woo Imogen, who continually rebuffs him. The Queen is frustrated by her idiot son, who has to be told how to woo; Cymbeline is frustrated by the political situation in Rome; Lord 2, presumably sick and tired of Cloten, is sulking in silence; Imogen is angry because her bracelet is gone -- and then, to make matters worse -- Cloten invades her space.]
[Action: flatter]
FIRST LORD. Your lordship is the most patient man in loss, the most coldest that ever turn'd up [] ace [the card with the lowest value].
[Action: shrug off, swat away a gnat. Or maybe, push for a better compliment]
CLOTEN. It would make any man cold to lose.
[Action: turn the volume up to eleven]
FIRST LORD. But not every man patient after the noble temper of your lordship. You are most hot and furious when you win.
[Action: Change the subject]
CLOTEN. Winning will put any man into courage. If I could get this foolish Imogen, I should have gold enough. It's almost morning, is't not?
FIRST LORD. Day, my lord.
[It seems as if Cloten wants to talk about Imogen. But Lord 2 is silent and Lord 1, usually Cloten follower, doesn't respond. Maybe everyone is aware of how hopeless things are with Imogen.]
CLOTEN. I would this music would come. I am advised to give her music [] a mornings [every morning]; they say it will [] penetrate [touch her heart].
Enter musicians
Come on, tune. If you can penetrate her with your fingering, so. We'll try with tongue too. If none will do, let her remain; but I'll never give [] o'er [up]. First, a very excellent [] good-conceited [witty, clever] thing; after, a wonderful [] sweet air [solo, light song], with admirable rich words to it -- and then let her consider.
[Is Cloten making these sexual puns on purpose? Or is he unaware?]
SONG
Hark, hark! the lark at heaven's gate sings,
And [] Phoebus 'gins arise [the sun begins to rise],
His steeds to water at those springs
On [] chalic'd [cuplike] flow'rs that [] lies [lie];
And [] winking Mary-buds [closed marigold buds] begin
To ope their golden eyes.
With everything that pretty bin,
My lady sweet, arise;
Arise, arise!
So, get you gone. If this penetrate, I will consider your music the better; if it do not, it is a vice in her ears which horsehairs and calves' guts, nor the voice of [] unpaved [castrated: without stones/balls] eunuch to boot, can never amend. Exeunt musicians
Enter CYMBELINE and QUEEN
[Perhaps the king has been less-than-impressed by Cloten's gambeling. Now is Cloten's chance to show off that he's been doing more obedient things. The King and Queen treat Cloten as if he's a little boy. He boasts; they instruct him.]
SECOND LORD. Here comes the King.
CLOTEN. I am glad I was up so late, for that's the reason I was up so early. He cannot choose but take this service I have done fatherly. -- Good morrow to your Majesty and to my gracious mother.
CYMBELINE. Attend you here the door of our stern daughter?
Will she not forth?
CLOTEN. I have assail'd her with musics, but she [] vouchsafes [grants] no notice.
CYMBELINE. The exile of her minion is too new;
She hath not yet forgot him; some more time
Must wear the print of his remembrance out,
And then she's yours.
QUEEN. You are most bound to th' King,
Who lets go by no [] vantages [opportunities] that may
[] Prefer [recommend] you to his daughter. Frame yourself
To [] orderly [regular] [] soliciting [entreating], and [] be friended
With aptness of the season [be ready to take advantage of good luck]; make denials
Increase your services; so seem as if
You were inspir'd to do those duties which
You tender to her; that you in all obey her,
Save when command to your dismission tends,
And therein you are [] senseless [deaf].
CLOTEN. [] Senseless? [stupid?] Not so.
Enter a MESSENGER
MESSENGER. So like you, sir, ambassadors from Rome;
The one is Caius Lucius.
[Action: teach, instruct, lecture]
CYMBELINE. A worthy fellow,
Albeit he comes on angry purpose now;
But that's no fault of his. We must receive him
According to the honour of his sender;
And towards himself, his goodness [] forespent [that he already spent] on us,
We must extend our notice. Our dear son,
When you have given good morning to your mistress,
Attend the Queen and us; we shall have need
T' employ you towards this Roman. Come, our queen.
Exeunt all but CLOTEN
[Cloten is supposed to woo her, but (maybe because he doesn't know how) he seeks a shortcut -- bribing his way into her chamber.]
[Action: Justify (slacking off)]
CLOTEN. If she be up, I'll speak with her; if not,
Let her lie still and dream.
By your leave, ho! [Knocks]
[He needs to SOMEHOW impress the king and queen...]
[Action: weigh the evidence (that money is the answer to all problems)]
I know her women are about her; what
If I do line one of their hands? 'Tis gold
Which buys admittance; oft it doth -- yea, and makes
[] Diana's rangers [Diana's nymphs] [] false themselves [break their oaths], yield up
Their deer to th' [] stand [ambush] o' th' stealer; and 'tis gold
Which makes the true man kill'd and saves the thief;
Nay, sometime hangs both thief and true man. What
Can it not do and undo? I will make
One of her women lawyer to me, for
I yet not understand the case myself.
By your leave. [Knocks]
Enter a LADY
[There are many actions the lady can play here. She could be trying to tactfully rebuff Cloten; she could be flirting with him; she could be mocking him.]
LADY. Who's there that knocks?
CLOTEN. A gentleman.
LADY. No more?
CLOTEN. Yes, and a gentlewoman's son.
LADY. That's more
Than some whose tailors are as dear as yours
Can justly boast of. What's your lordship's pleasure?
CLOTEN. Your lady's person; is she ready?
LADY. Ay,
To keep [] her [to her] chamber.
CLOTEN. There is gold for you; sell me your good report.
LADY. How? [] My good name? [pun on "report" as "reputation"] or to report of you
What I shall think is good? The Princess!
Enter IMOGEN
[Action: flatter]
CLOTEN. Good morrow, fairest sister. Your sweet hand.
Exit LADY
[Action: dismiss (with the minimum of politeness)]
IMOGEN. Good morrow, sir. You lay out too much pains
For purchasing but trouble. The thanks I give
Is telling you that I am poor of thanks,
And scarce can spare them.
[Action: woo (his last -- maybe best -- attempt)]
CLOTEN. Still I swear I love you.
[Action: scorn]
IMOGEN. If you but [] said [as opposed to swore] so, 'twere as [] deep [important] with me.
If you swear still, your recompense is still
That I regard it not.
[Action: stand fast]
CLOTEN. This is no answer.
[Action: reason]
IMOGEN. [] But that you shall not [if not for fear you would] say I yield, being silent,
I would not speak. I pray you spare me. Faith,
I shall unfold equal discourtesy
To your best kindness; one of your great knowing
Should learn, being taught, forbearance.
[Action: refuse to budge]
CLOTEN. To leave you in your madness 'twere my sin;
I will not.
[Action: insult]
IMOGEN. Fools are not mad folks.
[This line doesn't make sense. Some editors change it to Fools CURE not mad folks.
Pelican edition's translation: "I am a fool to talk to you, but not mad"]
[Action: warn]
CLOTEN. Do you call me fool?
[Action: apologize, reason]
IMOGEN. As I am mad, I do;
If you'll be patient, I'll no more be mad;
That cures us both. I am much sorry, sir,
You put me to forget a lady's manners
By being so verbal; and learn now, for all,
That I, which know my heart, do here pronounce,
By th' very truth of it, I care not for you,
And am so near the lack of charity
To accuse myself I hate you; which I had rather
You felt than make't my boast.
[Action: chastise ... then insult]
CLOTEN. You sin against
Obedience, which you owe your father. For
The contract you pretend with that base wretch,
One bred of alms and foster'd with cold dishes,
With scraps o' th' court -- it is no contract, none.
[] And [even] though it be allowed [] in meaner parties [among commoners] --
Yet who than he more mean? -- to knit their souls --
On whom there is no more dependency
But brats and beggary -- [] in self-figur'd knot [marriage of their own making (as opposed to arranged)],
Yet you are curb'd from that enlargement by
The consequence o' th' crown, and must not foil
The precious note of it with a base slave,
A [] hilding [contemptible person] [] for a livery [only fit to wear a servant's univform], a squire's cloth,
A [] pantler [servant in change of the pantry]-- not so eminent!
[Action: curse]
IMOGEN. Profane fellow!
Wert thou the son of Jupiter, and no more
But what thou art besides, thou wert too base
To be his groom. Thou wert dignified [] enough [too much],
Even to the point of envy, if 'twere made
Comparative for your virtues to be styl'd
The under-hangman of his kingdom, and hated
For being preferr'd so well.
[Action: curse]
CLOTEN. The south fog rot him!
[Action: insult]
IMOGEN. He never can meet more mischance than come
To be but [] nam'd of [named by] thee. His mean'st garment
That ever hath but [] clipp'd [encircled] his body is dearer
In my respect than all the hairs above thee,
Were they all made such men. How now, Pisanio!
[From here on out, the scene between Imogen and Cloten is done, as-far-as she's concerned. He keeps trying to bait her. She ignores him, intent on finding her bracelet.]
Enter PISANIO
CLOTEN. 'His garments'! Now the devil --
IMOGEN. To Dorothy my woman hie thee presently.
CLOTEN. 'His garment'!
IMOGEN. I am sprited with a fool;
Frighted, and ang'red worse. Go bid my woman
Search for a jewel that too casually
Hath left mine arm. It was thy master's; [] shrew me [may I be cursed],
If I would lose it for a revenue
Of any king's in Europe! I do think
I saw't this morning; confident I am
Last night 'twas on mine arm; I kiss'd it.
I hope it be not gone to tell my lord
That I kiss [] aught [anything] but he.
PISANIO. 'Twill not be lost.
IMOGEN. I hope so. Go and search. Exit PISANIO
CLOTEN. You have abus'd me.
'His meanest garment'!
IMOGEN. Ay, I said so, sir.
If you will make 't an action, call witness to 't.
CLOTEN. I will inform your father.
IMOGEN. Your mother too.
She's my good lady and will conceive, I hope,
But the worst of me. So I leave you, sir,
To th' worst of discontent. Exit
CLOTEN. I'll be reveng'd.
'His mean'st garment'! Well. Exit
Cymbeline 2.ii
SCENE II.
Britain. IMOGEN'S bedchamber in CYMBELINE'S palace; a trunk in
one corner
Enter IMOGEN in her bed, and a LADY attending
IMOGEN. Who's there? My woman? Helen?
[Interesting that Imogen seems frightened. Of course, her husband has been banished and she's surrounded by enemies. Also, according to the end of the scene, she's reading a rape story. (According to one of the next few lines, she's been reading it for three hours.)]
LADY. Please you, madam.
IMOGEN. What hour is it?
LADY. Almost midnight, madam.
IMOGEN. I have read three hours then. Mine eyes are weak;
Fold down the leaf where I have left. To bed.
Take not away the taper, leave it burning;
And if thou canst awake by four o' th' clock,
I prithee call me. Sleep hath seiz'd me wholly. Exit LADY
[Why does Imogen want to be awakened at 4am? Why does she want to leave the candle burning? Has she been having nightmares?]
To your protection I commend me, gods.
From fairies and the tempters of the night
Guard me, beseech ye!
[In the previous section, Imogen does all sorts of things to protect herself. She fears sleep (why?), but she's been trying to stave it off by reading lurid tales. But she can no longer keep her eyes open. So she takes what measures she can to protect herself while she sleeps. Her action is to prepare for a crisis. She's boy-scouting.]
[Sleeps. IACHIMO comes from the trunk]
IACHIMO. The crickets sing, and man's o'er-labour'd sense
Repairs itself by rest. Our [] Tarquin [legendary Roman rapist] thus
Did [] softly press the rushes [quietly step on the floor] ere he waken'd
The chastity he wounded.
[Why does Iachimo narrate like this, comparing himself and (following) Imogen to mythological figures. It seems as if he's trying to recast something sordid into something grand. Or maybe he's trying to make sense of what he's doing -- trying to place it in a familiar mythological context. Maybe, for all his seeming confidence in the last act, he's never done anything like this before. It may be making him nervous. His action might be to paint a picture (with the goal of making something scary more understandable and manageable)]
[] Cytherea [Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty],
How [] bravely [splendidly] thou becom'st thy bed! fresh lily,
And whiter than the sheets! That I might touch!
But kiss; one kiss! Rubies unparagon'd,
[] How dearly they do't! [how dearly her lips kiss each other] 'Tis her breathing that
Perfumes the chamber thus. The flame o' th' taper
Bows toward her and would under-peep her lids
To see th' enclosed lights, now canopied
Under these windows white and azure, lac'd
With [] blue [veins] of heaven's own [] tinct [color].
[Iachimo is trying to wrestle with his desire for Imogen. He's here to win money, not to have her way with her. But she's so beautiful and vulnerable. She's already rejected him, so if he makes a pass, he risks losing everything, but... In the previous section, he's either trying to fight off temptation or giving into it. Or maybe a little of both. ]
[Action: get back on track]
But my design
To note the chamber. I will write all down:
Such and such pictures; there the window; such
Th' adornment of her bed; the [] arras [tapestry], [] figures [characters on the tapestry] --
Why, such and such; and the contents o' th' story.
[Action: justify (consciously or unconsciously, Iachimo finds a clever way to make his lust serve his larger goal)]
Ah, but some natural notes about her body
Above ten thousand [] meaner movables [less important things (more literally: articles of furniture)]
Would testify, t' enrich mine inventory.
[Perhaps he touches her and she stirs.]
[Action: pray, cast spell, conjure, command]
O sleep, thou ape of death, lie dull upon her!
And be her [] sense [senses] but as a monument,
Thus in a chapel lying! Come off, come off;
[Taking off her bracelet]
[Action: revel, boast]
As slippery as the [] Gordian knot [mythological knot no one could untie] was hard!
'Tis mine; and this will witness outwardly,
As strongly as the conscience does within,
To th' madding of her lord.
[Then... temptation again. And an attempt to work it into the general plan.]
On her left breast
A mole [] cinque-spotted [with five spots], like the crimson drops
I' th' bottom of a cowslip. Here's a voucher
Stronger than ever law could make; this secret
Will force him think I have pick'd the lock and ta'en
The treasure of her honour.
[Maybe she moves again]
No more. To what end?
Why should I write this down that's riveted,
Screw'd to my memory? She hath been reading late
The tale of [] Tereus [rapist king]; here the leaf's turn'd down
Where [] Philomel [rape victim] gave up. I have enough.
To th' trunk again, and shut the spring of it.
Swift, swift, you dragons of the night, that dawning
May bare the raven's eye! I lodge in fear;
Though this a heavenly angel, hell is here. [Clock strikes]
One, two, three. Time, time!
[Symbolically, for Iachimo as-well-as for the the audience, the bracelet and the book are ways for him to make love to Imogen -- while also completing his plan.]
Britain. IMOGEN'S bedchamber in CYMBELINE'S palace; a trunk in
one corner
Enter IMOGEN in her bed, and a LADY attending
IMOGEN. Who's there? My woman? Helen?
[Interesting that Imogen seems frightened. Of course, her husband has been banished and she's surrounded by enemies. Also, according to the end of the scene, she's reading a rape story. (According to one of the next few lines, she's been reading it for three hours.)]
LADY. Please you, madam.
IMOGEN. What hour is it?
LADY. Almost midnight, madam.
IMOGEN. I have read three hours then. Mine eyes are weak;
Fold down the leaf where I have left. To bed.
Take not away the taper, leave it burning;
And if thou canst awake by four o' th' clock,
I prithee call me. Sleep hath seiz'd me wholly. Exit LADY
[Why does Imogen want to be awakened at 4am? Why does she want to leave the candle burning? Has she been having nightmares?]
To your protection I commend me, gods.
From fairies and the tempters of the night
Guard me, beseech ye!
[In the previous section, Imogen does all sorts of things to protect herself. She fears sleep (why?), but she's been trying to stave it off by reading lurid tales. But she can no longer keep her eyes open. So she takes what measures she can to protect herself while she sleeps. Her action is to prepare for a crisis. She's boy-scouting.]
[Sleeps. IACHIMO comes from the trunk]
IACHIMO. The crickets sing, and man's o'er-labour'd sense
Repairs itself by rest. Our [] Tarquin [legendary Roman rapist] thus
Did [] softly press the rushes [quietly step on the floor] ere he waken'd
The chastity he wounded.
[Why does Iachimo narrate like this, comparing himself and (following) Imogen to mythological figures. It seems as if he's trying to recast something sordid into something grand. Or maybe he's trying to make sense of what he's doing -- trying to place it in a familiar mythological context. Maybe, for all his seeming confidence in the last act, he's never done anything like this before. It may be making him nervous. His action might be to paint a picture (with the goal of making something scary more understandable and manageable)]
[] Cytherea [Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty],
How [] bravely [splendidly] thou becom'st thy bed! fresh lily,
And whiter than the sheets! That I might touch!
But kiss; one kiss! Rubies unparagon'd,
[] How dearly they do't! [how dearly her lips kiss each other] 'Tis her breathing that
Perfumes the chamber thus. The flame o' th' taper
Bows toward her and would under-peep her lids
To see th' enclosed lights, now canopied
Under these windows white and azure, lac'd
With [] blue [veins] of heaven's own [] tinct [color].
[Iachimo is trying to wrestle with his desire for Imogen. He's here to win money, not to have her way with her. But she's so beautiful and vulnerable. She's already rejected him, so if he makes a pass, he risks losing everything, but... In the previous section, he's either trying to fight off temptation or giving into it. Or maybe a little of both. ]
[Action: get back on track]
But my design
To note the chamber. I will write all down:
Such and such pictures; there the window; such
Th' adornment of her bed; the [] arras [tapestry], [] figures [characters on the tapestry] --
Why, such and such; and the contents o' th' story.
[Action: justify (consciously or unconsciously, Iachimo finds a clever way to make his lust serve his larger goal)]
Ah, but some natural notes about her body
Above ten thousand [] meaner movables [less important things (more literally: articles of furniture)]
Would testify, t' enrich mine inventory.
[Perhaps he touches her and she stirs.]
[Action: pray, cast spell, conjure, command]
O sleep, thou ape of death, lie dull upon her!
And be her [] sense [senses] but as a monument,
Thus in a chapel lying! Come off, come off;
[Taking off her bracelet]
[Action: revel, boast]
As slippery as the [] Gordian knot [mythological knot no one could untie] was hard!
'Tis mine; and this will witness outwardly,
As strongly as the conscience does within,
To th' madding of her lord.
[Then... temptation again. And an attempt to work it into the general plan.]
On her left breast
A mole [] cinque-spotted [with five spots], like the crimson drops
I' th' bottom of a cowslip. Here's a voucher
Stronger than ever law could make; this secret
Will force him think I have pick'd the lock and ta'en
The treasure of her honour.
[Maybe she moves again]
No more. To what end?
Why should I write this down that's riveted,
Screw'd to my memory? She hath been reading late
The tale of [] Tereus [rapist king]; here the leaf's turn'd down
Where [] Philomel [rape victim] gave up. I have enough.
To th' trunk again, and shut the spring of it.
Swift, swift, you dragons of the night, that dawning
May bare the raven's eye! I lodge in fear;
Though this a heavenly angel, hell is here. [Clock strikes]
One, two, three. Time, time!
[Symbolically, for Iachimo as-well-as for the the audience, the bracelet and the book are ways for him to make love to Imogen -- while also completing his plan.]
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