Into a haviour' of less fear, ere wildness hand, Detested Italy hath out-craftied him, tongue Speak, man; thy May take off some extremity, which to read Pis. Imo. [Reads.] Thy mistress, Pisanio, hath played the strumpet in my bed: the testimonies whereof lie bleeding in me. I speak not out of weak surmises, but from proof as strong as my grief, and as certain as I expect my revenge. That part, thou Pisanio, must act for me, if thy faith be not tainted with the breach of hers. Let thine own hands take away her life: I shall give thee opportunities at MilfordHaven: she hath my letter for the purpose: Where, if thou fear to strike, and to make me certain it is done, thou art the pandar to her dishonour, and equally to me disloyal. Pis. What, shall I need to draw my sword? the paper Hath cut her throat already.No, 'tis slander; All corners of the world: kings, queens, and states, 1 For behaviour. To lie in watch there, and to think on him? To weep 'twixt clock and clock? if sleep charge nature, To break it with a fearful dream of him, And cry myself awake? that's false to his bed? Pis. Alas, good lady! Imo. I false? Thy conscience witness: Thou didst accuse him of incontinency; Iachimo, Thou then look'dst like a villain; now, methinks, Thy favour's good enough. Some jay of Italy, Whose mother was her painting, hath betray'd him: Poor I am stale, a garment out of fashion; Put on for villainy; not born, where't grows; Pis. Good madam, hear me. Imo. True honest men being heard, like false Æneas, Were, in his time, thought false: and Sinon's weep ing Did scandal many a holy tear; took pity From most true wretchedness: So, thou, Posthúmus, Wilt lay the leaven on all proper men; Goodly, and gallant, shall be false and perjur'd, A little witness my obedience: Look! 2 Likeness. Thy master is not there; who was, indeed, Pis. Hence, vile instrument! Thou shalt not damn my hand. Imo. Why, I must die; And if I do not by thy hand, thou art No servant of thy master's: Against self-slaughter There is a prohibition so divine, That cravens 3 my weak hand. Come, here's my heart; Something's afore't:- Soft, soft; we'll no defence; Obedient as the scabbard. - What is here? 4 The scriptures of the loyal Leonatus, Corrupters of my faith! you shall no more Be stomachers to my heart! Thus may poor fools Believe false teachers: Though those that are betray'd Do feel the treason sharply, yet the traitor And thou, Posthúmus, thou that didst set up Pis. O gracious lady, Since I receiv'd command to do this business, 3 Cowards. The writings. s Feedest, or preyest on. Imo. Do't, and to bed then. Pis. I'll wake mine eye-balls blind first. Wherefore then Imo. Pis. Imo. Pis. I thought you would not back again. Imo. Bringing me here to kill me. Pis. Then, madam, Most like; Not so, neither: But if I were as wise as honest, then My purpose would prove well. It cannot be, Some villain, ay, and singular in his art, life. Pis. Imo. Why, good fellow, What shall I do the while? Where bide? How live? Or in my life what comfort, when I am Dead to my husband? Pis. If you'll back to the court, Pis. If not at court, Then not in Britain must you bide. Imo. Where then? Hath Britain all the sun that shines? Day, night, In a great pool, a swan's nest; Pr'ythee, think Pis. You think of other place. I am most glad The embassador, Lucius the Roman, comes to Milford-Haven Dark as your fortune is; and but disguise Imo. Pis. |