Cymbeline by William Shakespeare Read Free Book Online

them that the world is full of treachery, and that he used to be a noble in Cymbeline’s court until he was banished, falsely accused by “two villains” of being confederate with the Romans. He sends them up to the mountains to hunt for deer, and in a soliloquy reveals that the young men are in fact Cymbeline’s sons, whom he kidnapped to “bar” Cymbeline “of succession” in revenge for the loss of his own estate. He reveals that their real names are Guiderius and Arviragus, and expresses amazement that their royal natures shine through them, although they know nothing of their birth. He tells us that they know him only as Morgan, and that they took their wet nurse, Euriphile, whose grave they “honour” daily, for their mother.
ACT 3 SCENE 4
    Innogen and Pisanio arrive at Milford Haven. There is no sign of Posthumus, and Innogen, seeing signs of distress in Pisanio’s face, asks him what is going on. Pisanio shows her the letter accusing her of adultery, at which she weeps and expresses great anger at Posthumus for believing her capable of such a thing. She then tells Pisanio to do as he has been instructed, as she no longer wants to live anyway,but he refuses. She asks why he has bothered bringing her all this way if he doesn’t intend to fulfill his command, and he tells her he has done it merely “to win time” in order to devise a plan. He suggests that they send Posthumus “Some bloody sign” that she is dead—as in fact he was instructed to do—the proof of which will be bolstered by the fact that she is missing from court. She asks him where she will live in the interim, refusing his suggestion to return home in secret lest she be found by Cloten, and he advises her to disguise herself as a boy using the clothes he has brought with him and offer her service to Caius Lucius who “comes to Milford Haven / Tomorrow.” That way, she will be able to go with him back to Italy where she will be near Posthumus and able to keep track of his movements. She enthusiastically agrees. Pisanio says he must hurry back to court so that he is not suspected of her disappearance, and gives her the Queen’s potion, which he believes is a restorative cordial that she can take if she becomes ill.
ACT 3 SCENE 5
    Cymbeline, the Queen, and Cloten bid farewell to Caius Lucius, and Cymbeline promises him a safe conduct to Milford Haven. With Lucius gone, Cymbeline advises that the British powers be amassed as Lucius’ army in Gaul (France) is growing by the day and will soon attack. He then asks for Innogen, who has not been seen for days, and sends a Messenger to her chamber. The Messenger returns with the news that Innogen cannot be made to answer her door, and the Queen says that she had almost forgotten Innogen’s request to be left alone to grieve for Posthumus. Cymbeline and Cloten rush to find her, noting also that Pisanio has not been seen for some time. The Queen in an aside hopes this is due to him having taken her potion. Cloten returns to confirm that Innogen is missing, saying that Cymbeline is in a rage, which the Queen, in another aside, hopes will hasten his death. Pisanio enters and Cloten threateningly questions him over Innogen’s disappearance. Assuming that Lucius has enough headway on them and that Innogen will be safely in his service in her disguise by the time Cloten gets there, Pisanio shows Cloten the letterrequesting Innogen to meet Posthumus at Milford Haven. Cloten gives Pisanio money and tells him to bring him some of Posthumus’ clothes. He decides to follow them to Milford and be revenged on them both by killing Posthumus and raping Innogen while wearing the “meanest” garments she insultingly compared him with in Act 2 Scene 3. Pisanio delivers the clothes, but silently curses Cloten and wishes him to fail.
ACT 3 SCENE 6
    Innogen, in her boy’s disguise, hungry and weary, arrives at Belarius’ cave. She calls aloud, but, receiving no answer, draws her sword and enters. Belarius