Page 488 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

IACHIMO

Good sir, we must
If you keep covenant. Had I not brought [50]
The knowledge of your mistress home, I grant

We were to question farther; but I now
Profess myself the winner of her honour,
Together with your ring; and not the wronger
Of her or you, having proceeded but [55]
By both your wills.

POSTHUMUS

If you can make’t apparent
That you have tasted her in bed, my hand
And ring is yours. If not, the foul opinion
You had of her pure honour gains, or loses,

Your sword, or mine, or masterless leave both [60]
To who shall find them.

IACHIMO
Sir, my circumstances,
Being so near the truth, as I will make them,
Must first induce you to believe; whose strength

I will confirm with oath, which I doubt not
You’ll give me leave to spare, when you shall find [65]
You need it not.

POSTHUMUS
Proceed.

IACHIMO

First, her bedchamber,
(Where I confess I slept not, but profess
Had that was well worth watching) it was hang’d
With tapestry of silk and silver, the story
Proud Cleopatra, when she met her Roman, [70]

And Cydnus swell’d above the banks, or for
The press of boats, or pride. A piece of work
So bravely done, so rich, that it did strive