Enter IMOGEN.

Imo. Good masters, harm me not:

Before I enter'd here, I call'd; and thought

To have begg'd, or bought, what I have took: Good

troth,

I have stolen nought; nor would not, though I had

found

Gold strew'd o'the floor. Here's money for my meat: I would have left it on the board, so soon

As I had made my meal; and parted

With prayers for the provider.

Gui.

Money, youth?

Arv. All gold and silver rather turn to dirt! As 'tis no better reckon'd, but of those

Who worship dirty gods.

Imo.

I see, you are angry:

Know, if you kill me for my fault, I should

Have died, had I not made it.

Imo. Fidele, sir: I have a kinsman, who

Is bound for Italy; he embark'd at Milford;
To whom being going, almost spent with hunger,
I am fallen in this offence.

Pr'ythee, fair youth,

Bel. Think us no churls; nor measure our good minds By this rude place we live in. Well encounter'd!

'Tis almost night: you shall have better cheer Ere you depart; and thanks, to stay and eat it.Boys, bid him welcome.

Gui.

Were you a woman, youth, I should woo hard, but be your groom.-In honesty, I bid for you, as I'd buy.

I'll make't

my

comfort,

Aro.
He is a man; I'll love him as my brother:-
And such a welcome as I'd give to him,

After long absence, such is yours:-Most welcome!
Be sprightly, for you fall 'mongst friends,

Imo.

'Mongst friends!

If brothers?-'Would it had been so, that they'
Had been my father's sons! then had my

prize

Been less; and so more equal ballasting

To thee, Posthúmus.

Bel.

Gui. 'Would, I could free't!

Aro.

Aside.

He wrings at some distress.

Or I; whate'er it be,

Hark, boys. [Whispering.

What pain it cost, what danger! Gods!

Bel.

Imo. Great men,

That had a court no bigger than this cave,
That did attend themselves, and had the virtue
Which their own conscience seal'd them, (laying by
42 That nothing gift of differing multitudes,)
Could not out-peer these twain. Pardon me, gods!

I'd change my sex to be companion with them,
Since Leonatus false.

Bel.

It shall be so:

Boys, we'll go dress our hunt.-Fair youth, come in: Discourse is heavy, fasting; when we have supp'd, We'll mannerly demand thee of thy story,

So far as thou wilt speak it.

Gui.

Pray, draw near.

Arv. The night to the owl, and morn to the lark,

less welcome.

Imo. Thanks, sir.

Arv.

I pray, draw near. [Exeunt.

SCENE VII.

Rome.

Enter two Senators and Tribunes.

1 Sen. This is the tenor of the emperor's writ;
That since the common men are now in action
'Gainst the Pannonians and Dalmatians;

And that the legions now in Gallia are
Full weak to undertake our wars against
The fallen-off Britons; that we do incite
The gentry to this business: He creates
Lucius pro-consul: and to you the tribunes,
For this immediate levy, he commands
His absolute commission. Long live Cæsar!
Tri. Is Lucius general of the forces?

2 Sen.

Tri. Remaining now in Gallia ?

1 Sen.

Ay.

With those legions

Which I have spoke of, whereunto your levy

Must be supplyant: The words of your commission

Will tie you to the numbers, and the time

Of their despatch.

Tri.

We will discharge our duty.

[Exeunt.

ACT IV. SCENE I.

The Forest, near the Cave.

Enter CLOTEN.

Clo. I am near to the place where they should meet, if Pisanio have mapp'd it truly. How fit his garments serve me! Why should his mistress, who was made by him that made the tailor, not be fit too? the rather (saving reverence of the word) for 'tis said, a woman's fitness comes by fits. Therein I must play the workman. I dare speak it to myself, (for it is not vainglory, for a man and his glass to confer; in his own chamber, I mean,) the lines of my body are as well drawn as his; no less young, more strong, not beneath him in fortunes, beyond him in the advantage of the time, above him in birth, alike conversant in general services, and more remarkable in single oppositions: yet this imperseverant thing loves him in my despite. What mortality is! Posthumus, thy head, which now is growing upon thy shoulders, shall within this hour De off; thy mistress enforced; thy garments cut to pieces before thy face 43: and all this done, spurn her home to her father; who may, haply, be a little angry for my so rough usage: but my mother, having power of his testiness, shall turn all into my commendations. My horse is tied up safe: Out, sword, and to a sore purpose! Fortune, put them into my hand! This is the very description of their meeting-place; and the fellow dares not deceive me.

[Exit.