SCENE IV. The Forest, near the Cave. Drums, Trumpets, &c. Enter PISANIO and MADAN. Mad. This is a day turn'd strangely. Though you, it seems, come from the fliers. Mad. I did. Pisanio. No blame be to you, sir; for all was lost, But that the heavens fought: The king himself, Of his wings destitute, the army broken, And but the backs of Britons seen, all flying With dead men, hurt behind, and cowards living Mad. Where was this lane? Pisanio. Close by the battle, ditch'd, and wall'd with turf; Which gave advantage to an ancient soldier; Like beasts, which you shun beastly; and may save, But to look back in frown: stand, stand!"-These three Mad. Were there but three? Pisanio. There was a fourth man, in a poor rustic habit, That stood the front with them. These matchless four, Accommodated by the place, gilded pale looks; Part, shame; part, spirit renew'd; that some, turn'd coward, But by example, 'gan to look The way that they did, and to grin like lions Then began A rout, confusion thick; and the event, Mad. This was strange chance. An old man, two boys, and a poor rustic! Pisanio. Nay, do not wonder :-go with me, and see These wonders, sir, and join the general joy, [Drums, Trumpets, &c.Exeunt. SCENE V. Another Part of the Forest. Enter POSTHUMUS. Post. To-day, how many would have given their honours To have saved their carcasses? took heel to do't, And yet died too?-I, in mine own woe charm'd, Could not find death, where I did hear him groan; Nor feel him, where he struck. Well, I will find him : No more a Briton, I have resumed again [Exit. SCENE VI. CYMBELINE's Tent. A Retreat sounded. CYMBELINE, BELARIUS, GUIDERIUS, ARVIRAGUS, PISANIO, and BRITISH SOLDIERS, discovered. Cym. Stand by my side, you, whom the gods have made Preservers of my throne. Woe is my heart, That the poor soldier, that so richly fought, Our grace can make him so. Bel. I never saw Such noble fury in so poor a thing. Cym. No tidings of him? Pisanio. He hath been search'd among the dead and living, But no trace of him. Cym. To my grief, I am The heir of his reward; which I will add [TO BELARIUS, GUIDERIUS, and ARVIRAGUS. By whom, I grant, she lives: 'Tis now the time To ask of whence you are :-report it. Bel. Sir, In Cambria are we born, and gentlemen: Cym. Bow your knees: Arise, my knights o' the battle; I create you [Drums and Trumpets. Enter LOCRINE, MADAN, IACHIMO, CAIUS LUCIUS, Thou comest not, Caius, now for tribute; that Of many a bold one; whose kinsmen have made suit, That their good souls may be appeased with slaugh ter Of you their captives, which ourself have granted: So, think of your estate. Luc. Consider, sir, the chance of war; the day Was yours by accident; had it gone with us, We should not, when the blood was cool, have threaten'd Our prisoners with the sword. But, since the gods Will have it thus, that nothing but our lives May be call'd ransom, let it come: sufficeth, A Roman with a Roman's heart can suffer: Let him be ransom'd: never master had Though he hath served a Roman: Save him, sir, Cym. I have surely seen him ; His favour is familiar to me. Boy, thou hast look'd thyself into my grace, To say, live, boy: ne'er thank thy master; live: [IMOGEN looks at IACHIMO. Know'st him thou look'st on? speak, Wilt have him live? Is he thy kin? thy friend? Than I to your highness; who, being born your vassal, Am something nearer. Cym. Wherefore ey'st him so? Imog. I'll tell you, sir, in private, if you please To give me hearing. Cym. Ay, with all my heart: Walk with me; speak freely. [CYMBELINE and IMOGEN walk aside. Bel. Is not this boy revived from death? Not more resembles :-That sweet rosy lad, Bel. Peace, peace! see further. |