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Cymbeline: Act 5 Scene 2

Scene II Field of battle between the British and Roman camps.

[Enter, from one side, LUCIUS, IACHIMO, and

the Roman Army: from the other side, the

British Army; POSTHUMUS LEONATUS following,

like a poor soldier. They march over and go

out. Then enter again, in skirmish, IACHIMO

and POSTHUMUS LEONATUS he vanquisheth and disarmeth

IACHIMO, and then leaves him]

IACHIMO

The heaviness and guilt within my bosom

Takes off my manhood: I have belied a lady,

The princess of this country, and the air on't

Revengingly enfeebles me; or could this carl,

A very drudge of nature's, have subdued me

In my profession? Knighthoods and honours, borne

As I wear mine, are titles but of scorn.

If that thy gentry, Britain, go before

This lout as he exceeds our lords, the odds

Is that we scarce are men and you are gods.

[Exit]

[The battle continues; the Britons fly; CYMBELINE is

taken: then enter, to his rescue, BELARIUS,

GUIDERIUS, and ARVIRAGUS]

BELARIUS

Stand, stand! We have the advantage of the ground;

The lane is guarded: nothing routs us but

The villany of our fears.

GUIDERIUS / ARVIRAGUS

Stand, stand, and fight!

[Re-enter POSTHUMUS LEONATUS, and seconds the

Britons: they rescue CYMBELINE, and exeunt. Then

re-enter LUCIUS, and IACHIMO, with IMOGEN]

CAIUS LUCIUS

Away, boy, from the troops, and save thyself;

For friends kill friends, and the disorder's such

As war were hoodwink'd.

IACHIMO

'Tis their fresh supplies.

CAIUS LUCIUS

It is a day turn'd strangely: or betimes

Let's reinforce, or fly.

[Exeunt]