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Cymbeline: Act 4 Scene 3

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]