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A pair so famous. High events as these
Strike those that make them: and their story is
No less in pity, than his glory, which
Brought them to be lamented. Our army shall,
In solemn show, attend this funeral;
And then to Rome -Come, Dolabella, see
High order in this great solemnity.

[Exeunt.

This play keeps curiosity always busy, and the passions always interested. The continual hurry of the action, the variety of incidents, and the quick succession of one personage to another, call the mind forward without intermission, from the first act to the last. But the power of delighting is derived principally from the frequent changes of the scene; for, except the feminine arts, some of which are too low, which distinguish Cleopatra, no character is very strongly discriminated. Upton, who did not easily miss what he desired to find, has discovered that the language of Antony is, with great skill and learning, made pompous and superb, according to his real practice. But I think his diction not distinguishable from that of others: the most tumid speech in the play is that which Cæsar makes to Octavia.

The events, of which the principal are described according to history, are produced without any art of connection or care of disposition.

JOHNSON.

CYMBELINE.

PERSONS REPRESENTED.

Cymbeline, king of Britain.

Cloten, son to the queen by a former husband. Leonatus Posthumus, a gentleman, husband to Imogen.

Belarius, a banished lord, disguised under the name of Morgan.

Guiderius,

sons to Cymbeline, disguised under the names of Polydore and Cad

wal, supposed sons to Belarius.

Arviragus,

Philario, friend to Posthumus,
Iachimo, friend to Philario,

}

Italians.

A French Gentleman, friend to Philario.
Caius Lucius, general of the Roman forces.
A Roman Captain. Two British Captains.
Pisanio, servant to Posthumus.

Cornelius, a physician.

Two Gentlemen.

Two Gaolers.

Queen, wife to Cymbeline.

Imogen, daughter to Cymbeline, by a former queen. Helen, woman to Imogen.

Lords, Ladies, Roman Senators, Tribunes, Apparitions, a Soothsayer, a Dutch Gentleman, a Spanish Gentleman, Musicians, Officers, Captains, Soldiers, Messengers, and other Attendants.

Scene, sometimes in Britain; sometimes in Italy.

CYMBELINE.

SCENE I. Britain.

Του

ACT I.

The garden behind Cymbe.

line's palace.

Enter Two Gentlemen.

1 Gentleman.

OU do not meet a man, but frowns: our bloods* No more obey the heavens, than our courtiers; Still seem, as does the king's.

2 Gent.

But what's the matter?

1 Gent. His daughter, and the heir of his kingdom,

whom

He purpos'd to his wife's sole son (a widow,

That late he married), hath referr'd herself

Unto a poor but worthy gentleman: She's wedded;
Her husband banish'd; she imprison'd: all

Is outward sorrow; though, I think, the king
Be touch'd at very heart.

2 Gent.

None but the king?

* Inclination, natural disposition.

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