Page 506 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

Whose edge is sharper than the sword, whose tongue
Outvenoms all the worms of Nile, whose breath [35]
Rides on the posting winds, and doth belie
All corners of the world. Kings, queens, and states,

Maids, matrons, nay, the secrets of the grave
This viperous slander enters. What cheer, madam?

IMOGEN
False to his bed? What is it to be false? [40]
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’s bed, is it?

PISANIO
Alas, good lady! [45]

IMOGEN
I false? Thy conscience witness: Iachimo,
Thou didst accuse him of incontinency;

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: [50]

Poor I am stale, a garment out of fashion,
And, for I am richer than to hang by th’ walls,
I must be ripp’d: − to pieces with me! − O,
Men’s vows are women’s traitors! All good seeming,
By thy revolt, O husband, shall be thought [55]

Put on for villainy; not born where’t grows,
But worn a bait for ladies.

PISANIO
Good madam, hear me.

IMOGEN
True honest men, being heard like false Æneas,

Were in his time thought false: and Sinon’s weeping