Page 527 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

ACT IV IT

Scene I IT

Enter Cloten alone.

CLOTEN
I am near to th’ place where they should meet, if Pisanio have mapp’d it truly.
How fit his garments serve me! Why should his mistress who was made by
him that made the tailor, not be fit too? The rather (saving reverence of the

word) for ’tis said a woman’s fitness comes by fits. Therein I must play the
workman, [5] I dare speak it to myself, for it is not vain-glory for a man and
his glass to confer in his own chamber; I mean, the lines of my body are as
well drawn as his; no less young, more strong, not beneath him in fortunes,
beyond him in the advantage of the time, above [10] him in birth, alike

conversant in general services, and more remarkable in single oppositions;
yet this imperseverant thing loves him in my despite. What mortality is!
Posthumus, thy head (which now is growing upon thy shoulders) shall within

this hour be off, thy mistress enforced, thy garments cut to pieces before [15]
thy face: and all this done, spurn her home to her father, who may (haply) be
a little angry for my so rough usage: but my mother, having power of his
testiness, shall turn all into my commendations. My horse is tied up safe, out,
sword, and to a sore purpose! Fortune, put them into my hand! This is the

very [20] description of their meeting-place, and the fellow dares not deceive
me.
[Exit.]

Scene II IT

Enter Belarius, Guiderius, Arviragus, and Imogen from the cave.

BELARIUS
[to Imogen]