Page 589 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

With this most tender air.

CYMBELINE
This hath some seeming.

SOOTHSAYER
The lofty cedar, royal Cymbeline,
Personates thee: and thy lopp’d branches point
Thy two sons forth: who, by Belarius stol’n, [455]

For many years thought dead, are now reviv’d,
To the majestic cedar join’d; whose issue
Promises Britain peace and plenty.

CYMBELINE
Well,

My peace we will begin: and Caius Lucius,
Although the victor, we submit to Cæsar, [460]
And to the Roman empire; promising
To pay our wonted tribute, from the which
We were dissuaded by our wicked queen,

Whom heavens in justice both on her, and hers,
Have laid most heavy hand. [465]

SOOTHSAYER
The fingers of the powers above do tune
The harmony of this peace. The vision,

Which I made known to Lucius ere the stroke
Of yet this scarce-cold battle, at this instant
Is full accomplish’d. For the Roman eagle, [470]
From south to west on wing soaring aloft,

Lessen’d herself and in the beams o’ the sun
So vanish’d; which foreshadow’d our princely eagle,
Th’imperial Cæsar, should again unite
His favour with the radiant Cymbeline, [475]

Which shines here in the west.

CYMBELINE