STORIES OF SHAKESPEARE'S ENGLISH HISTORY PLAYS CYMBELINE ACT. I. The first act opens in the days of Cæsar 'Augustus, in the royal garden in Britain, where two Romans are declaring their country is no longer in good odour. Besides, trouble is brewing at court, for King Cymbeline's daughter has secretly married Posthumusa poor but worthy gentleman,instead of Cloten, sor of the Queen by a former marriage. But, although the royal couple are angry, the courtiers rejoice that Imogen has not selected the man they despise, for her brothers having been stolen from the nursery twenty years before, she is now heir to the throne. The arrival of the Queen, with her step-daughter and Posthumus, drives these men away. Then the Queen is overheard stating that although appointed jailor to Imogen, she will allow the couple a parting interview, and will strive to appease the King's wrath. While she strolls away, the young people exchange tender farewells, Posthumus promising to remain true to his wife, whose letters he will eagerly await in Rome. Just then the Queen reappears, urging the married lovers to part; but, although she pretends to favour them, she is secretly their foe, for she hurries off to decoy Cymbeline hither. After receiving from his wife a diamond ring, and I |