Antoniowasthekindestmanthatlived，thebestconditioned，andhadthemostunweariedspiritindoingcourtesies；indeed，hewasoneinwhomtheancientRomanhonormoreappearedthaninanythatdrewbreathinItaly。Hewasgreatlybelovedbyallhisfellow-citizens；butthefriendwhowasnearestanddearesttohisheartwasBassanio，anobleVenetian，who，havingbutasmallpatrimony，hadnearlyexhaustedhislittlefortunebylivingintooexpensiveamannerforhisslendermeans，atyoungmenofhighrankwithsmallfortunesaretooapttodo。WheneverBassaniowantedmoneyAntonioassistedhim；anditseemedasiftheyhadbutoneheartandonepursebetweenthem。
OnedayBassaniocametoAntonioandtoldhimthathewishedtorepairhisfortunebyawealthymarriagewithaladywhomhedearlyloved，whosefather，thatwaslatelydead，hadlefthersoleheiresstoalargeestate；andthatinherfather”slifetimeheusedtovisitatherhouse，whenhethoughthehadobservedthisladyhadsometimesfromhereyessentspeechlessmessagesthatseemedtosayhewouldbenounwelcomesuitor；butnothavingmoneytofurnishhimselfwithanappearancebefittingtheloverofsorichanheiress，hebesoughtAntoniotoaddtothemanyfavorshehadshownhimbylendinghimthreethousandducats。
Antoniohadnomoneybyhimatthattimetolendhisfriend；butexpectingsoontohave。someshipscomehomeladenwithmerchandise，hesaidhewouldgotoShylock，therichmoneylender，andborrowthemoneyuponthecreditofthoseships。
AntonioandBassaniowenttogethertoShylock，andAntonioaskedtheJewtolendhimthreethousandducatsuponanyinterestheshouldrequire，tobepaidoutofthemerchandisecontainedinhisshipsatsea。
Onthis，Shylockthoughtwithinhimself：“IfIcanoncecatchhimonthehip，IwillfeedfattheancientgrudgeIbearhim。HehatesourJewishnation；helendsoutmoneygratis；andamongthemerchantsherailsatmeandmywell-earnedbargains，whichhecallsinterest。CursedbemytribeifIforgivehim！“
Antonio，findingbewasmusingwithinhimselfanddidnotanswer，andbeingimpatientforthemoney，said：
“Shylock，doyouhear？Willyoulendthemoney？“
TothisquestiontheJewreplied：“SignorAntonio，ontheRialtomanyatimeandoftenyouhaverailedatmeaboutmymoneysandmyusuries，andIhaveborneitwithapatientshrug，forsufferanceisthebadgeofallourtribe；andthenyouhavecalledmeunbeliever，cutthroatdog，andspituponmyJewishgarments，andspurnedatmewithyourfoot，asifIwasacur。
Well，then，itnowappearsyouneedmyhelp，andyoucometomeandsay，”Shylock，lendmemoneys。”Hasadogmoney？Isitpossibleacurshouldlendthreethousandducats？ShallIbendlowandsay，”Fairsir，youspituponmeonWednesdaylast；
anothertimeyoucalledmedog，andforthesecourtesiesIamtolendyoumoneys。””
Antonioreplied：“Iamasliketocallyousoagain，tospitonyouagain，andspurnyou，too。Ifyouwilllendmethismoney，lenditnottomeastoafriend，butratherlendittomeastoanenemy，that，ifIbreak，youmaywithbetterfaceexactthepenalty。”
“Why，lookyou，“saidShylock，“howyoustorm！Iwouldbefriendswithyouandhaveyourlove。Iwillforgettheshamesyouhaveputuponme。Iwillsupplyyourwantsandtakenointerestformymoney。”
ThisseeminglykindoffergreatlysurprisedAntonio；andthenShylock，stillpretendingkindnessandthatallhedidwastogainAntonio”slove，againsaidhewouldlendhimthethreethousandducats，andtakenointerestforhismoney；onlyAntonioshouldgowithhimtoalawyerandtheresigninmerrysportabondthat，ifhedidnotrepaythemoneybyacertainday，hewouldforfeitapoundofflesh，tobecutofffromanypartofhisbodythatShylockpleased。
“Content，“saidAntonio。“Iwillsigntothisbond，andsaythereismuchkindnessintheJew。”
BassaniosaidAntonioshouldnotsigntosuchabondforhim；butstillAntonioinsistedthathewouldsignit，forthatbeforethedayofpaymentcamehisshipswouldreturnladenwithmanytimesthevalueofthemoney。
Shylock，hearingthisdebate，exclaimed：“OFatherAbraham，whatsuspiciouspeopletheseChristiansare！Theirownharddealingsteachthemtosuspectthethoughtsofothers。Iprayyoutellmethis，Bassanio：ifheshouldbreakhisday，whatshouldIgainbytheexactionoftheforfeiture？Apoundofman”sflesh，takenfromaman，isnotsoestimable，profitable，neither，asthefleshofmuttonorbeef。Isay，tobuyhisfavorIofferthisfriendship：ifhewilltakeit，so；ifnot，adieu。”
Atlast，againsttheadviceofBassanio，who，notwithstandingalltheJewhadsaidofhiskindintentions，didnotlikehisfriendshouldrunthehazardofthisshockingpenaltyforhissake，Antoniosignedthebond，thinkingitreallywas(astheJewsaid)
merelyinsport。
TherichheiressthatBassaniowishedtomarrylivednearVenice，ataplacecalledBelmont。HernamewasPortia，andinthegracesofherpersonandhermindshewasnothinginferiortothatPortia，ofwhomweread，whowasCato”sdaughterandthewifeofBrutus。
BassaniobeingsokindlysuppliedwithmoneybyhisfriendAntonio，atthehazardofhislife，setoutforBelmontwithasplendidtrainandattendedbyagentlemanofthenameofGratiano。
Bassanioprovingsuccessfulinhissuit，Portiainashorttimeconsentedtoacceptofhimforahusband。
BassanioconfessedtoPortiathathehadnofortuneandthathishighbirthandnobleancestrywereallthathecouldboastof；
she，wholovedhimforhisworthyqualitiesandhadrichesenoughnottoregardwealthinahusband，answered，withagracefulmodesty，thatshewouldwishherselfathousandtimesmorefair，andtenthousandtimesmorerich，tobemoreworthyofhim；andthentheaccomplishedPortiaprettilydispraisedherselfandsaidshewasanunlessonedgirl，unschooled，unpractised，yetnotsooldbutthatshecouldlearn，andthatshewouldcommithergentlespirittobedirectedandgovernedbyhiminallthings；
andshesaid：“Myselfandwhatisminetoyouandyoursisnowconverted。Butyesterday，Bassanio，Iwastheladyofthisfairmansion，queenofmyself，andmistressovertheseservants；andnowthishouse，theseservants，andmyselfareyours，mylord；I
givethemwiththisring，“presentingaringtoBassanio。
BassaniowassooverpoweredwithgratitudeandwonderatthegraciousmannerinwhichtherichandnoblePortiaacceptedofamanofhishumblefortunesthathecouldnotexpresshisjoyandreverencetothedearladywhosohonoredhim，byanythingbutbrokenwordsofloveandthankfulness；and，takingthering，hevowednevertopartwithit。
GratianoandNerissa，Portia”swaiting-maid，wereinattendanceupontheirlordandladywhenPortiasogracefullypromisedtobecometheobedientwifeofBassanio；andGratiano，wishingBassanioandthegenerousladyjoy，desiredpermissiontobemarriedatthesametime。
“Withallmyheart，Gratiano，“saidBassanio，“ifyoucangetawife。”
GratianothensaidthathelovedtheLadyPortia”sfairwaiting-gentlewoman，Nerissa，andthatshehadpromisedtobehiswifeifherladymarriedBassanio。PortiaaskedNerissaifthiswastrue。Nerissareplied：
“Madam，itisso，ifyouapproveofit。”
Portiawillinglyconsenting，Bassaniopleasantlysaid：
“Thenourwedding-feastshallbemuchhonoredbyyourmarriage，Gratiano。”
Thehappinessoftheseloverswassadlycrossedatthismomentbytheentranceofamessenger，whobroughtaletterfromAntoniocontainingfearfultidings。WhenBassanioreadAntonio”sletter，Portiafeareditwastotellhimofthedeathofsomedearfriend，helookedsopale；and，inquiringwhatwasthenewswhichbadsodistressedhim，hesaid：
“Oh，sweetPortia，hereareafewoftheunpleasantestwordsthateverblottedpaper！Gentlelady，whenIfirstimpartedmylovetoyou，IfreelytoldyouallthewealthIhadraninmyveins；butIshouldhavetoldyouthatIhadlessthannothing，beingindebt。”
BassaniothentoldPortiawhathasbeenhererelated，ofhisborrowingthemoneyofAntonio，andofAntonio”sprocuringitofShylocktheJew，andofthebondbywhichAntoniohadengagedtoforfeitapoundoffleshifitwasnotrepaidbyacertainday：
andthenBassanioreadAntonio”sletter，thewordsofwhichwere：”SweetBassanio，myshipsarealllost，mybondtotheJewisforfeited，andsinceinpayingitisimpossibleIshouldlive，I
couldwish，toseeyouatmydeath；notwithstanding，useyourpleasure。Ifyourloveformedonotpersuadeyoutocome，letnotmyletter。”
“Oh，mydearlove，“saidPortia，“despatchallbusinessandbegone；youshallhavegoldtopaythemoneytwentytimesover，beforethiskindfriendshallloseahairbymyBassanio”sfault；
andasyouaresodearlybought，Iwilldearlyloveyou。”
PortiathensaidshewouldbemarriedtoBassaniobeforehesetout，togivehimalegalrighttohermoney；andthatsamedaytheyweremarried，andGratianowasalsomarriedtoNerissa；andBassanioandGratiano，theinstanttheyweremarried，setoutingreathasteforVenice，whereBassaniofoundAntonioinprison。
Thedayofpaymentbeingpast，thecruelJewwouldnotacceptofthemoneywhichBassanioofferedhim，butinsisteduponhavingapoundofAntonio”sflesh。AdaywasappointedtotrythisshockingcausebeforetheDukeofVenice，andBassanioawaitedindreadfulsuspensetheeventofthetrial。
WhenPortiapartedwithherhusbandshespokecheeringlytohimandbadehimbringhisdearfriendalongwithhimwhenhereturned；yetshefeareditwouldgohardwithAntonio，andwhenshewasleftaloneshebegantothinkandconsiderwithinherselfifshecouldbyanymeansbeinstrumentalinsavingthelifeofherdearBassanio”sfriend。AndnotwithstandingwhenshewishedtohonorherBassanioshehadsaidtohim，withsuchameekandwifelikegrace，thatshewouldsubmitinallthingstobegovernedbyhissuperiorwisdom，yetbeingnowcalledforthintoactionbytheperilofherhonoredhusband”sfriend，shedidnothingdoubtherownpowers，andbythesoleguidanceofherowntrueandperfectjudgmentatonceresolvedtogoherselftoVeniceandspeakinAntonio”sdefense。
Portiahadarelationwhowasacounselorinthelaw；tothisgentleman，whosenamewasBellario，shewrote，and，statingthecasetohim，desiredhisopinion，andthatwithhisadvicehewouldalsosendherthedresswornbyacounselor。WhenthemessengerreturnedhebroughtlettersfromBellarioofadvicehowtoproceed，andalsoeverythingnecessaryforherequipment。
PortiadressedherselfandhermaidNerissainmen”sapparel，and，puttingontherobesofacounselor，shetookNerissaalongwithherasherclerk；settingoutimmediately，theyarrivedatVeniceontheverydayofthetrial。ThecausewasjustgoingtobeheardbeforetheDukeandSenatorsofVeniceintheSenateHousewhenPortiaenteredthishighcourtofjusticeandpresentedaletterfromBellario，inwhichthatlearnedcounselorwrotetotheduke，sayinghewouldhavecomehimselftopleadforAntoniobutthathewaspreventedbysickness，andherequestedthatthelearnedyoungDoctorBalthasar(sohecalledPortia)
mightbepermittedtopleadinhisstead。ThistheDukegranted，muchwonderingattheyouthfulappearanceofthestranger，whowasprettilydisguisedbyhercounselor”srobesandherlargewig。
Andnowbeganthisimportanttrial。PortialookedaroundherandshesawthemercilessJew；andshesawBassanio，butheknewhernotinherdisguise。HewasstandingbesideAntonio，inanagonyofdistressandfearforhisfriend。
TheimportanceofthearduoustaskPortiahadengagedingavethistenderladycourage，andsheboldlyproceededinthedutyshehadundertakentoperform。AndfirstofallsheaddressedherselftoShylock；andallowingthathehadarightbytheVenetianlawtohavetheforfeitexpressedinthebond，shespokesosweetlyofthenoblequalityofMERCYaswouldhavesoftenedanyheartbuttheunfeelingShylock”s，sayingthatitdroppedasthegentlerainfromheavenupontheplacebeneath；andhowmercywasadoubleblessing，itblessedhimthatgaveandhimthatreceivedit；andhowitbecamemonarchsbetterthantheircrowns，beinganattributeofGodHimself；andthatearthlypowercamenearesttoGod”sinproportionasmercytemperedjustice；andshebadeShylockrememberthatasweallprayformercy，thatsameprayershouldteachustoshowmercy。Shylockonlyansweredherbydesiringtohavethepenaltyforfeitedinthebond。
“Ishenotabletopaythemoney？“askedPortia。
BassaniothenofferedtheJewthepaymentofthethreethousandducatsasmanytimesoverasheshoulddesire；whichShylockrefusing，andstillinsistinguponhavingapoundofAntonio”sflesh，Bassaniobeggedthelearnedyoungcounselorwouldendeavortowrestthelawalittle，tosaveAntonio”slife。ButPortiagravelyansweredthatlawsonceestablishedneverbealtered。
Shylock，hearingPortiasaythatthelawmightnotbealtered，itseemedtohimthatshewaspleadinginhisfavor，andhesaid：
“ADanieliscometojudgment！Owiseyoungjudge，howIdohonoryou！Howmuchelderareyouthanyourlooks！“
PortianowdesiredShylocktoletherlookatthebond；andwhenshehadreaditshesaid：“Thisbondisforfeited，andbythistheJewmaylawfullyclaimapoundofflesh，tobebyhimcutoffnearestAntonio”sheart。”ThenshesaidtoShylock，“Bemerciful；
takethemoneyandbidmetearthebond。”
ButnomercywouldthecruelShylockshow；andhesaid，“Bymysoul，Iswearthereisnopowerinthetongueofmantoalterme。”
“Why，then，Antonio，“saidPortia，“youmustprepareyourbosomfortheknife。”AndwhileShylockwassharpeningalongknifewithgreateagernesstocutoffthepoundofflesh，PortiasaidtoAntonio，“Haveyouanythingtosay？“
Antoniowithacalmresignationrepliedthathehadbutlittletosay，forthathehadpreparedhismindfordeath。ThenhesaidtoBassanio：
“Givemeyourhand，Bassanio！Fareyouwell！GrievenotthatIamfallenintothismisfortuneforyou。CommendmetoyourhonorablewifeandtellherhowIhavelovedyou！“
Bassaniointhedeepestafflictionreplied：“Antonio，Iammarriedtoawifewhoisasdeartomeaslifeitself；butlifeitself，mywife，andalltheworldarenotesteemedwithmeaboveyourlife。Iwouldloseall，Iwouldsacrificealltothisdevilhere，todeliveryou。”
Portiahearingthis，thoughthekind-heartedladywasnotatalloffendedwithherhusbandforexpressingtheloveheowedtosotrueafriendasAntoniointhesestrongterms，yetcouldnothelpanswering：
“Yourwifewouldgiveyoulittlethanks，ifshewerepresent，tohearyoumakethisoffer。”
AndthenGratiano，wholovedtocopywhathislorddid，thoughthemustmakeaspeechlikeBassanio”s，andhesaid，inNerissa”shearing，whowaswritinginherclerk”sdressbythesideofPortia：
“IhaveawifewhomIprotestIlove。IwishshewereinheavenifshecouldbutentreatsomepowertheretochangethecrueltemperofthiscurrishJew。”
“Itiswellyouwishthisbehindherback，elseyouwouldhavebutanunquiethouse，“saidNerissa。
Shylocknowcriedout，impatiently：“Wetrifletime。Ipraypronouncethesentence。”
Andnowallwasawfulexpectationinthecourt，andeveryheartwasfullofgriefforAntonio。
Portiaaskedifthescaleswerereadytoweightheflesh；andshesaidtotheJew，“Shylock，youmusthavesomesurgeonby，lesthebleedtodeath。”
Shylock，whosewholeintentwasthatAntonioshouldbleedtodeath，said，“Itisnotsonamedinthebond。”
Portiareplied：“Itisnotsonamedinthebond，butwhatofthat？Itweregoodyoudidsomuchforcharity。”
TothisalltheanswerShylockwouldmakewas，“Icannotfindit；
itisnotinthebond。”
“Then，“saidPortia，“apoundofAntonio”sfleshisthine。Thelawallowsitandthecourtawardsit。Andyoumaycutthisfleshfromoffhisbreast。Thelawallowsitandthecourtawardsit。”
AgainShylockexclaimed：“Owiseanduprightjudge！ADanieliscometojudgment！“Andthenhesharpenedhislongknifeagain，andlookingeagerlyonAntonio，hesaid，“Come，prepare！“
“Tarryalittle，Jew，“saidPortia。“Thereissomethingelse。
Thisbondheregivesyounodropofblood；thewordsexpresslyare，”apoundofflesh。”IfinthecuttingoffthepoundoffleshyoushedonedropofChristianblood，yourlandsandgoodsarebythelawtobeconfiscatedtothestateofVenice。”
NowasitwasutterlyimpossibleforShylocktocutoffthepoundoffleshwithoutsheddingsomeofAntonio”sblood，thiswisediscoveryofPortia”s，thatitwasfleshandnotbloodthatwasnamedinthebond，savedthelifeofAntonio；andalladmiringthewonderfulsagacityoftheyoungcounselorwhohadsohappilythoughtofthisexpedient，plauditsresoundedfromeverypartoftheSenateHouse；andGratianoexclaimed，inthewordswhichShylockhadused：
“Owiseanduprightjudge！Mark，Jew，aDanieliscometojudgment！“
Shylock，findinghimselfdefeatedinhiscruelintent，said，withadisappointedlook，thathewouldtakethemoney。AndBassanio，rejoicedbeyondmeasureatAntonio”sunexpecteddeliverance，criedout：
“Hereisthemoney！“
ButPortiastoppedhim，saying：“Softly；thereisnohaste。TheJewshallhavenothingbutthepenalty。Thereforeprepare，Shylock，tocutofftheflesh；butmindyoushednoblood；nordonotcutoffmorenorlessthanjustapound；beitmoreorlessbyonepoorscruple，nay，ifthescaleturnbutbytheweightofasinglehair，youarecondemnedbythelawsofVenicetodie，andallyourwealthisforfeitedtothestate。”
“Givememymoneyandletmego，“saidShylock。
“Ihaveitready，“saidBassanio。“Hereitis。”
Shylockwasgoingtotakethemoney，whenPortiaagainstoppedhim，saying：“Tarry，Jew。Ihaveyetanotherholduponyou。BythelawsofVeniceyourwealthisforfeitedtothestateforhavingconspiredagainstthelifeofoneofitscitizens，andyourlifeliesatthemercyoftheduke；therefore，downonyourkneesandaskhimtopardonyou。”
ThedukethensaidtoShylock：“ThatyoumayseethedifferenceofourChristianspirit，Ipardonyouyourlifebeforeyouaskit。HalfyourwealthbelongstoAntonio，theotherhalfcomestothestate。”
ThegenerousAntoniothensaidthathewouldgiveuphisshareofShylock”swealthifShylockwouldsignadeedtomakeitoverathisdeathtohisdaughterandherhusband；forAntonioknewthattheJewhadanonlydaughterwhohadlatelymarriedagainsthisconsentayoungChristiannamedLorenzo，afriendofAntonio”s，whichhadsooffendedShylockthathehaddisinheritedher。
TheJewagreedtothis；andbeingthusdisappointedinhisrevengeanddespoiledofhisriches，hesaid：“Iamill。Letmegohome。Sendthedeedafterme，andIwillsignoverhalfmyrichestomydaughter。”
“Gettheegone，then，“saidtheduke，“andsignit；andifyourepentyourcrueltyandturnChristian，thestatewillforgiveyouthefineoftheotherhalfofyourriches。”
ThedukenowreleasedAntonioanddismissedthecourt。Hethenhighlypraisedthewisdomandingenuityoftheyoungcounselorandinvitedhimhometodinner。
Portia，whomeanttoreturntoBelmontbeforeherhusband，replied，“IhumblythankyourGrace，butImustawaydirectly。”
Thedukesaidhewassorryhehadnotleisuretostayanddinewithhim，and，turningtoAntonio，headded，“Rewardthisgentleman；forinmymindyouaremuchindebtedtohim。”
Thedukeandhissenatorsleftthecourt；andthenBassaniosaidtoPortia：“Mostworthygentleman，IandmyfriendAntoniohavebyyourwisdombeenthisdayacquittedofgrievouspenalties，andIbegyouwillacceptofthethreethousandducatsdueuntotheJew。”
“Andweshallstandindebtedtoyouoverandabove，“saidAntonio，“inloveandserviceevermore。”
Portiacouldnotbeprevailedupontoacceptthemoney。ButuponBassaniostillpressinghertoacceptofsomereward，shesaid：
“Givemeyourgloves。Iwillwearthemforyoursake。”AndthenBassaniotakingoffhisgloves，sheespiedtheringwhichshehadgivenhimuponhisfinger。NowitwastheringthewilyladywantedtogetfromhimtomakeamerryjestwhenshesawherBassanioagain，thatmadeheraskhimforhisgloves；andshesaid，whenshesawthering，“Andforyourlove，Iwilltakethisringfromyou。”
Bassaniowassadlydistressedthatthecounselorshouldaskhimfortheonlythinghecouldnotpartwith，andhereplied，ingreatconfusion，thatbecouldnotgivehimthatring，becauseitwashiswife”sgiftandhehadvowednevertopartwithit；butthathewouldgivehimthemostvaluableringinVenice，andfinditoutbyproclamation。
OnthisPortiaaffectedtobeaffronted，andleftthecourt，saying，“Youteachme，sir，howabeggarshouldbeanswered。”
“DearBassanio，“saidAntonio，“lethimhavethering。LetMyloveandthegreatservicehehasdoneformebevaluedagainstyourwife”sdispleasure。”
Bassanio，ashamedtoappearsoungrateful，yielded，andsentGratianoafterPortiawiththering；andthenthe“clerk“
Nerissa，whohadalsogivenGratianoaring，beggedhisring，andGratiano(notchoosingtobeoutdoneingenerositybyhislord)
gaveittoher。Andtherewaslaughingamongtheseladiestothink，whentheygothome，howtheywouldtaxtheirhusbandswithgivingawaytheirringsandswearthattheyhadgiventhemasapresenttosomewoman。
Portia，whenshereturned，wasinthathappytemperofmindwhichneverfailstoattendtheconsciousnessofhavingperformedagoodaction。Hercheerfulspiritsenjoyedeverythingshesaw：themoonneverseemedtoshinesobrightbefore；andwhenthatpleasantmoonwashidbehindacloud，thenalightwhichshesawfromherhouseatBelmontaswellpleasedhercharmedfancy，andshesaidtoNerissa：
“Thatlightweseeisburninginmyhall。Howfarthatlittlecandlethrowsitsbeams！Soshinesagooddeedinanaughtyworld。”Andhearingthesoundofmusicfromherhouse，shesaid，“Methinksthatmusicsoundsmuchsweeterthanbyday。”
AndnowPortiaandNerissaenteredthehouse，and，dressingthemselvesintheirownapparel，theyawaitedthearrivaloftheirhusbands，whosoonfollowedthemwithAntonio；andBassaniopresentinghisdearfriendtotheLadyPortia，thecongratulationsandwelcomingsofthatladywerehardlyoverwhentheyperceivedNerissaandherhusbandquarrelinginacorneroftheroom。
“Aquarrelalready？“saidPortia。“Whatisthematter？“
Gratianoreplied，“Lady，itisaboutapaltrygiltringthatNerissagaveme，withwordsuponitlikethepoetryonacutler”sknife：”Loveme，andleavemenot。”“
“Whatdoesthepoetryorthevalueoftheringsignify？“saidNerissa。“Yousworetome，whenIgaveittoyou，thatyouwouldkeepittillthehourofdeath；andnowyousayyougaveittothelawyer”sclerk。Iknowyougaveittoawoman。”
“Bythishand，“repliedGratiano，“Igaveittoayouth，akindOfboy，alittlescrubbedboy，nohigherthanyourself；bewasclerktotheyoungcounselorthatbyhiswisepleadingsavedAntonio”slife。Thispratingboybeggeditforafee，andIcouldnotformylifedenyhim。”
Portiasaid：“Youweretoblame，Gratiano，topartwithyourwife”sfirstgift。IgavemyLordBassanioaring，andIamsurebewouldnotpartwithitforalltheworld。”
Gratiano，inexcuseforhisfault，nowsaid，“MyLordBassaniogavehisringawaytothecounselor，andthentheboy，hisclerk，thattooksomepainsinwriting，hebeggedmyring。”
Portia，hearingthis，seemedveryangryandreproachedBassanioforgivingawayherring；andshesaidNerissahadtaughtherwhattobelieve，andthatsheknewsomewomanhadthering。
Bassaniowasveryunhappytohavesooffendedhisdearlady，andhesaidwithgreatearnestness：
“No，bymyhonor，nowomanhadit，butacivildoctorwhorefusedthreethousandducatsofmeandbeggedthering，whichwhenI
deniedhimhewentdispleasedaway。WhatcouldIdo，sweetPortia？IwassobesetwithshameformyseemingingratitudethatIwasforcedtosendtheringafterhim。Pardonme，goodlady。
Hadyoubeenthere，Ithinkyouwouldhavebeggedtheringofmetogivetheworthydoctor。”
“Ah！“saidAntonio，“Iamtheunhappycauseofthesequarrels。”
PortiabidAntonionottogrieveatthat，forthatbewaswelcomenotwithstanding；andthenAntoniosaid：
“IoncedidlendmybodyforBassanio”ssake；andbutforhimtowhomyourhusbandgavetheringIshouldhavenowbeendead。I
darebeboundagain，mysoulupontheforfeit，yourlordwillnevermorebreakhisfaithwithyou。”
“Thenyoushallbehissurety，“saidPortia。“Givehimthisringandbidhimkeepitbetterthantheother。”
WhenBassaniolookedatthisringbewasstrangelysurprisedtofinditwasthesamehegaveaway；andthenPortiatoldhimhowshewastheyoungcounselor，andNerissawasherclerk；andBassaniofound，tohisunspeakablewonderanddelight，thatitwasbythenoblecourageandwisdomofhiswifethatAntonio”slifewassaved。
AndPortiaagainwelcomedAntonio，andgavehimletterswhichbysomechancehadfallenintoherhands，whichcontainedanaccountofAntonio”sships，thatweresupposedlost，beingsafelyarrivedintheharbor。Sothesetragicalbeginningsofthisrichmerchant”sstorywereallforgottenintheunexpectedgoodfortunewhichensued；andtherewasleisuretolaughatthecomicaladventureoftheringsandthehusbandsthatdidnotknowtheirownwives，Gratianomerrilyswearing，inasortofrhymingspeech，that——
Whilehelived，he”dfearnootherthingSosore，askeepingsafeNerissa”sring。
CYMBELINE
DuringthetimeofAugustusCaesar，EmperorofRome，therereignedinEngland(whichwasthencalledBritain)akingwhosenamewasCymbeline。
Cymbeline”sfirstwifediedwhenhisthreechildren(twosonsandadaughter)wereveryyoung。Imogen，theeldestofthesechildren，wasbroughtupinherfather”scourt；butbyastrangechancethetwosonsofCymbelinewerestolenoutoftheirnurserywhentheeldestwasbutthreeyearsofageandtheyoungestquiteaninfant；andCymbelinecouldneverdiscoverwhatwasbecomeofthemorbywhomtheywereconveyedaway。
Cymbelinewastwicemarried。Hissecondwifewasawicked，plottingwoman，andacruelstepmothertoImogen，Cymbeline”sdaughterbyhisfirstwife。
Thequeen，thoughshehatedImogen，yetwishedhertomarryasonofherownbyaformerhusband(shealsohavingbeentwicemarried)，forbythismeansshehopeduponthedeathofCymbelinetoplacethecrownofBritainupontheheadofhersonCloten；
forsheknewthat，iftheking”ssonswerenotfound，thePrincessImogenmustbetheking”sheir。ButthisdesignwaspreventedbyImogenherself，whomarriedwithouttheconsentorevenknowledgeofherfatherorthequeen。
Posthumus(forthatwasthenameofImogen”shusband)wasthebestscholarandmostaccomplishedgentlemanofthatage。HisfatherdiedfightinginthewarsforCymbeline，andsoonafterhisbirthhismotherdiedalsoforgriefatthelossofherhusband。
Cymbeline，pityingthehelplessstateofthisorphan，tookPosthumus(Cymbelinehavinggivenhimthatnamebecausehewasbornafterhisfather”sdeath)，andeducatedhiminhisowncourt。
ImogenandPosthumuswerebothtaughtbythesamemasters，andwereplayfellowsfromtheirinfancy；theylovedeachothertenderlywhentheywerechildren，and，theiraffectioncontinuingtoincreasewiththeiryears，whentheygrewuptheyprivatelymarried。
Thedisappointedqueensoonlearnedthissecret，forshekeptspiesconstantlyinwatchupontheactionsofherstepdaughter，andsheimmediatelytoldthekingofthemarriageofImogenwithPosthumus。
NothingcouldexceedthewrathofCymbelinewhenheheardthathisdaughterhadbeensoforgetfulofherhighdignityastomarryasubject。HecommandedPosthumustoleaveBritainandbanishedhimfromhisnativecountryforever。
Thequeen，whopretendedtopityImogenforthegriefshesufferedatlosingherhusband，offeredtoprocurethemaprivatemeetingbeforePosthumussetoutonhisjourneytoRome，whichplacehehadchosenforhisresidenceinhisbanishment。ThisseemingkindnesssheshowedthebettertosucceedinherfuturedesignsinregardtohersonCloten，forshemeanttopersuadeImogen，whenherhusbandwasgone，thathermarriagewasnotlawful，beingcontractedwithouttheconsentoftheking。
ImogenandPosthumustookamostaffectionateleaveofeachother。Imogengaveherhusbandadiamondringwhichhadbeenhermother”s，andPosthumuspromisednevertopartwiththering；andhefastenedabraceletonthearmofhiswife，whichhebeggedshewouldpreservewithgreatcare，asatokenofhislove；theythenbadeeachotherfarewell，withmanyvowsofeverlastingloveandfidelity。
Imogenremainedasolitaryanddejectedladyinherfather”scourt，andPosthumusarrivedatRome，theplacehehadchosenforhisbanishment。
PosthumusfellintocompanyatRomewithsomegayyoungmenofdifferentnations，whoweretalkingfreelyofladies，eachonepraisingtheladiesofhisowncountryandhisownmistress。
Posthumus，whohadeverhisowndearladyinhismind，affirmedthathiswife，thefairImogen，wasthemostvirtuous，wise，andconstantladyintheworld。
Oneofthosegentlemen，whosenamewasIachimo，beingoffendedthataladyofBritainshouldbesopraisedabovetheRomanladies，hiscountry-women，provokedPosthumusbyseemingtodoubttheconstancyofhissohighlypraisedwife；andatlength，aftermuchaltercation，PosthumusconsentedtoaproposalofIachimo”sthathe(Iachimo)shouldgotoBritainandendeavortogaintheloveofthemarriedImogen。TheythenlaidawagerthatifIachimodidnotsucceedinthiswickeddesignhewastoforfeitalargesumofmoney；butifhecouldwinImogen”sfavor，andprevailuponhertogivehimthebraceletwhichPosthumushadsoearnestlydesiredshewouldkeepasatokenofhislove，thenthewagerwastoterminatewithPosthumusgivingtoIachimotheringwhichwasImogen”slovepresentwhenshepartedwithherhusband。
SuchfirmfaithhadPosthumusinthefidelityofImogenthathethoughtherannohazardinthistrialofherhonor。
Iachimo，onhisarrivalinBritain，gainedadmittanceandacourteouswelcomefromImogen，asafriendofherhusband；butwhenhebegantomakeprofessionsoflovetohersherepulsedhimwithdisdain，andhesoonfoundthathecouldhavenohopeofsucceedinginhisdishonorabledesign。
ThedesireIachimohadtowinthewagermadehimnowhaverecoursetoastratagemtoimposeuponPosthumus，andforthispurposehebribedsomeofImogen”sattendantsandwasbythemconveyedintoherbedchamber，concealedinalargetrunk，whereheremainedshutuptillImogen。wasretiredtorestandhadfallenasleep；andthen，gettingoutofthetrunk，heexaminedthechamberwithgreatattention，andwrotedowneverythinghesawthere，andparticularlynoticedamolewhichheobserveduponImogen”sneck，andthensoftlyunloosingthebraceletfromherarm，whichPosthumushadgiventoher，heretiredintothechestagain；andthenextdayhesetoffforRomewithgreatexpedition，andboastedtoPosthumusthatImogenhadgivenhimthebracelet，andlikewisepermittedhimtopassanightinherchamber。AndinthismannerIachimotoldhisfalsetale：“Herbedchamber，“saidhe，“washungwithtapestryofsilkandsilver，thestorywastheproudCleopatrawhenshemetherAnthony，apieceofworkmostbravelywrought。”
“Thisistrue，“saidPosthumus；“butthisyoumighthaveheardspokenofwithoutseeing。”
“Thenthechimney，“saidIachimo，“issouthofthechamber，andthechimneypieceisDianabathing；neversawIfigureslivelierexpressed。”“Thisisathingyoumighthavelikewiseheard，“saidPosthumus；“foritismuchtalkedof。”
Iachimoasaccuratelydescribedtheroofofthechamber；andadded，“Ihadalmostforgotherandirons；theyweretwowinkingCupidsmadeofsilver，eachononefootstanding。”“Hethentookoutthebracelet，andsaid：“Knowyouthisjewel，sir？Shegavemethis。Shetookitfromherarm。Iseeheryet；herprettyactiondidoutsellhergift，andyetenrichedit，too。Shegaveitme，andsaid，SHEPRIZEDITONCE。”Helastofalldescribedthemolehehadobserveduponherneck。
Posthumus，whohadheardthewholeofthisartfulrecitalinanagonyofdoubt，nowbrokeoutintothemostpassionateexclamationsagainstImogen。HedeliveredupthediamondringtoIachimowhichhehadagreedtoforfeittohimifheobtainedthebraceletfromImogen。
PosthumustheninajealousragewrotetoPisanio，agentlemanofBritain，whowasoneofImogen”sattendants，andhadlongbeenafaithfulfriendtoPosthumus；andaftertellinghimwhatproofhehadofhiswife”sdisloyalty，hedesiredPisaniowouldtakeImogentoMilfordHaven，aseaportofWales，andtherekillher。
AndatthesametimehewroteadeceitfullettertoImogen，desiringhertogowithPisanio，forthat，findinghecouldlivenolongerwithoutseeingher，thoughhewasforbiddenuponpainofdeathtoreturntoBritain，hewouldcometoMilfordHaven，atwhichplacehebeggedshewouldmeethim。She，good，unsuspectinglady，wholovedherhusbandaboveallthings，anddesiredmorethanherlifetoseehim，hastenedherdeparturewithPisanio，andthesamenightshereceivedthelettershesetout。
Whentheirjourneywasnearlyatanend，Pisanio，who，thoughfaithfultoPosthumus，wasnotfaithfultoservehiminanevildeed，disclosedtoImogenthecruelorderhehadreceived。
Imogen，who，insteadofmeetingalovingandbelovedhusband，foundherselfdoomedbythathusbandtosufferdeath，wasafflictedbeyondmeasure。
PisaniopersuadedhertotakecomfortandwaitwithpatientfortitudeforthetimewhenPosthumusshouldseeandrepenthisinjustice。Inthemeantime，assherefusedinherdistresstoreturntoherfather”scourt，headvisedhertodressherselfinboy”sclothesformoresecurityintraveling；towhichadvicesheagreed，andthoughtinthatdisguiseshewouldgoovertoRomeandseeherhusband，whom，thoughhehadusedhersobarbarously，shecouldno-tforgettolove。
WhenPisaniohadprovidedherwithhernewapparelhelefthertoheruncertainfortune，beingobligedtoreturntocourt；butbeforehedepartedhegaveheravialofcordial，whichhesaidthequeenhadgivenhimasasovereignremedyinalldisorders。
Thequeen，whohatedPisaniobecausehewasafriendtoImogenandPosthumus，gavehimthisvial，whichshesupposedcontainedpoison，shehavingorderedherphysiciantogivehersomepoison，totryitseffects(asshesaid)uponanimals；butthephysician，knowinghermaliciousdisposition，wouldnottrustherwithrealpoison，butgaveheradrugwhichwoulddonoothermischiefthancausingapersontosleepwitheveryappearanceofdeathforafewhours。Thismixture，whichPisaniothoughtachoicecordial，hegavetoImogen，desiringher，ifshefoundherselfillupontheroad，totakeit；andso，withblessingsandprayersforhersafetyandhappydeliverancefromherundeservedtroubles，helefther。
ProvidencestrangelydirectedImogen”sstepstothedwellingofhertwobrotherswhohadbeenstolenawayintheirinfancy。
Bellarius，whostolethemaway，wasalordinthecourtofCymbeline，and，havingbeenfalselyaccusedtothekingoftreasonandbanishedfromthecourt，inrevengehestoleawaythetwosonsofCymbelineandbroughtthemupinaforest，wherehelivedconcealedinacave。Hestolethemthroughrevenge，buthesoonlovedthemastenderlyasiftheyhadbeenhisownchildren，educatedthemcarefully，andtheygrewupfineyouths，theirprincelyspiritsleadingthemtoboldanddaringactions；andastheysubsistedbyhunting，theywereactiveandhardy，andwerealwayspressingtheirsupposedfathertoletthemseektheirfortuneinthewars。
AtthecavewheretheseyouthsdweltitwasImogen”sfortunetoarrive。Shehadlostherwayinalargeforestthroughwhich。herroadlaytoMilfordHaven(fromwhichshemeanttoembarkforRome)；andbeingunabletofindanyplacewhereshecouldpurchasefood，shewas，withwearinessandhunger，almostdying；
foritisnotmerelyputtingonaman”sapparelthatwillenableayounglady，tenderlybroughtup，tobearthefatigueofwanderingaboutlonelyforestslikeaman……Seeingthiscave，sheentered，hopingtofindsomeonewithinofwhomshecouldprocurefood。Shefoundthecaveempty，but，lookingabout，shediscoveredsomecoldmeat，andherhungerwassopressingthatshecouldnotwaitforaninvitation，butsatdownandbegantoeat。
“Ah，“saidshe，talkingtoherself，“Iseeaman”slifeisatediousone。HowtiredamI！FortwonightstogetherIhavemadethegroundmybed。Myresolutionhelpsme，orIshouldbesick。
WhenPisanioshowedmeMilfordHavenfromthemountain-top，hownearitseemed！“Thenthethoughtsofherhusbandandhiscruelmandatecameacrossher，andshesaid，“MydearPosthumus，thouartafalseone！“
ThetwobrothersofImogen，whohadbeenhuntingwiththeirreputedfather，Bellarius，werebythistimereturnedhome。
BellariushadgiventhemthenamesofPolydoreandCadwal，andtheyknewnobetter，butsupposedthatBellariuswastheirfather；buttherealnamesoftheseprinceswereGuideriusandArviragus。
Bellariusenteredthecavefirst，and，seeingImogen，stoppedthem，saying：“Comenotinyet。Iteatsourvictuals，orI
shouldthinkitwasafairy。”
“Whatisthematter，sir？“saidtheyoungmen。
“ByJupiter！“saidBellarius，again，“thereisanangelinthecave，orifnot，anearthlyparagon。”SobeautifuldidImogenlookinherboy”sapparel。
She，hearingthesoundofvoices，cameforthfromthecaveandaddressedtheminthesewords：“Goodmasters，donotharmme。
BeforeIenteredyourcaveIhadthoughttohavebeggedorboughtwhatIhaveeaten。Indeed，Ihavestolennothing，norwouldI，thoughIhadfoundgoldstrewedonthefloor。Hereismoneyformymeat，whichIwouldhaveleftontheboardwhenIhadmademymeal，andpartedwithprayersfortheprovider。”
Theyrefusedhermoneywithgreatearnestness。
“Iseeyouareangrywithme，“saidthetimidImogen；“but，sirs，ifyoukillmeformyfault，knowthatIshouldhavediedifI
hadnotmadeit。”
“Whitherareyoubound，“askedBellarius，“andwhatisyourname？“
“Fideleismyname，“answeredImogen。“IhaveakinsmanwhoisboundforItaly；heembarkedatMilfordHaven，towhombeinggoing，almostspentwithhunger，Iamfallenintothisoffense。”
“Prithee，fairyouth，“saidoldBellarius，“donotthinkuschurls，normeasureourgoodmindsbythisrudeplacewelivein。”Youarewellencountered；itisalmostnight。Youshallhavebettercheerbeforeyoudepart，andthankstostayandeatit。
Boys，bidhimwelcome。”
Thegentleyouths，herbrothers，thenwelcomedImogentotheircavewithmanykindexpressions，sayingtheywouldloveher(or，astheysaid，HIM)asabrother；andtheyenteredthecave，where(theyhavingkilledvenisonwhentheywerehunting)Imogendelightedthemwithherneathousewifery，assistingtheminpreparingtheirsupper；for，thoughitisnotthecustomnowforyoungwomenofhighbirthtounderstandcookery，itwasthen，andImogenexcelledinthisusefulart；and，asherbrothersprettilyexpressedit，Fidelecuttheirrootsincharacters，andsaucedtheirbroth，asifJunohadbeensickandFidelewereherdieter。
“Andthen，“saidPolydoretohisbrother，“howangel-likehesings！“
TheyalsoremarkedtoeachotherthatthoughFidelesmiledsosweetly，yetsosadamelancholydidovercloudhislovelyface，asifgriefandpatiencehadtogethertakenpossessionofhim。
Forthesehergentlequalities(orperhapsitwastheirnearrelationship，thoughtheyknewitnot)Imogen(or，astheboyscalledher，Fidele)becamethedoting-pieceofherbrothers，andshescarcelylesslovedthem，thinkingthatbutforthememoryofherdearPosthumusshecouldliveanddieinthecavewiththesewildforestyouths；andshegladlyconsentedtostaywiththemtillshewasenoughrestedfromthefatigueoftravelingtopursueherwaytoMilfordHaven。
Whenthevenisontheyhadtakenwasalleatenandtheyweregoingouttohuntformore，Fidelecouldnotaccompanythembecauseshewasunwell。Sorrow，nodoubt，forherhusband”scruelusage，aswellasthefatigueofwanderingintheforest，wasthecauseofherillness。
Theythenbidherfarewell，andwenttotheirhunt，praisingallthewaythenoblepartsandgracefuldemeanoroftheyouthFidele。
ImogenwasnosoonerleftalonethansherecollectedthecordialPisaniohadgivenher，anddrankitoff，andpresentlyfellintoasoundanddeathlikesleep。
WhenBellariusandherbrothersreturnedfromhunting，Polydorewentfirstintothecave，and，supposingherasleep，pulledoffhisheavyshoes，thathemighttreadsoftlyandnotawakeher(sodidtruegentlenessspringupinthemindsoftheseprincelyforesters)；buthesoondiscoveredthatshecouldnotbeawakenedbyanynoise，andconcludedhertobedead，andPolydorelamentedoverherwithdearandbrotherlyregret，asiftheyhadneverfromtheirinfancybeenparted。
Bellariusalsoproposedtocarryheroutintotheforest，andtherecelebrateherfuneralwithsongsandsolemndirges，aswasthenthecustom。
Imogen”stwobrothersthencarriedhertoashadycovert，andthere，layinghergentlyonthegrass，theysangreposetoherdepartedspirit，and，coveringheroverwithleavesandflowers，Polydoresaid：
“WhilesummerlastsandIlivehere，Fidele，Iwilldailystrewthygrave。Thepaleprimrose，thatflowermostlikethyface；thebluebell，likethyclearveins；andtheleafofeglantine，whichisnotsweeterthanwasthybreath-allthesewillIstrewoverthee。Yea，andthefurredmossinwinter，whentherearenoflowerstocoverthysweetcorse。”
Whentheyhadfinishedherfuneralobsequiestheydeparted，verysorrowful。
Imogenhadnotbeenlongleftalonewhen，theeffectofthesleepydruggoingoff，sheawaked，andeasilyshakingofftheslightcoveringofleavesandflowerstheyhadthrownoverher，shearose，and，imaginingshehadbeendreaming，shesaid：
“IthoughtIwasacave-keeperandcooktohonestcreatures。HowcameIherecoveredwithflowers？“
Notbeingabletofindherwaybacktothecave，andseeingnothingofhernewcompanions，sheconcludeditwascertainlyalladream；andoncemoreImogensetoutonherwearypilgrimage，hopingatlastsheshouldfindherwaytoMilfordHaven，andthencegetapassageinsomeshipboundforItaly；forallherthoughtswerestillwithherhusband，Posthumus，whomsheintendedtoseekinthedisguiseofapage。
Butgreateventswerehappeningatthistime，ofwhichImogenknewnothing；forawarhadsuddenlybrokenoutbetweentheRomanEmperorAugustusCaesarandCymbeline，theKingofBritain；andaRomanarmyhadlandedtoinvadeBritain，andwasadvancedintotheveryforestoverwhichImogenwasjourneying。WiththisarmycamePosthumus。
ThoughPosthumuscameovertoBritainwiththeRomanarmy，hedidnotmeantofightontheirsideagainsthisowncountrymen，butintendedtojointhearmyofBritainandfightinthecauseofhiskingwhohadbanishedhim。
HestillbelievedImogenfalsetohim；yetthedeathofherhehadsofondlyloved，andbyhisownorders，too(Pisaniohavingwrittenhimalettertosayhehadobeyedhiscommand，andthatImogenwasdead)，satheavyonhisheart，andthereforehereturnedtoBritain，desiringeithertobeslaininbattleortobeputtodeathbyCymbelineforreturninghomefrombanishment。
Imogen，beforeshereachedMilfordHaven，fellintothehandsoftheRomanarmy，and，herpresenceanddeportmentrecommendingher，shewasmadeapagetoLucius，theRomangeneral。
Cymbeline”sarmynowadvancedtomeettheenemy，andwhentheyenteredthisforestPolydoreandCadwaljoinedtheking”sarmy。
Theyoungmenwereeagertoengageinactsofvalor，thoughtheylittlethoughttheyweregoingtofightfortheirownroyalfather；andoldBellariuswentwiththemtothebattle。
HehadlongsincerepentedoftheinjuryhehaddonetoCymbelineincarryingawayhissons；and，havingbeenawarriorinhisyouth，hegladlyjoinedthearmytofightforthekinghehadsoinjured。
Andnowagreatbattlecommencedbetweenthetwoarmies，andtheBritonswouldhavebeendefeated，andCymbelinehimselfkilled，butfortheextraordinaryvalorofPosthumusandBellariusandthetwosonsofCymbeline。Theyrescuedthekingandsavedhislife，andsoentirelyturnedthefortuneofthedaythattheBritonsgainedthevictory。
Whenthebattlewasover，Posthumus，whohadnotfoundthedeathhesoughtfor，surrenderedhimselfuptooneoftheofficersofCymbeline，willingtosufferthedeathwhichwastobehispunishmentifhereturnedfrombanishment。
ImogenandthemastersheservedweretakenprisonersandbroughtbeforeCymbeline，aswasalsoheroldenemy，Iachimo，whowasanofficerintheRomanarmy。Andwhentheseprisonerswerebeforetheking，Posthumuswasbroughtintoreceivehissentenceofdeath；andatthisstrangejunctureoftimeBellariuswithPolydoreandCadwalwerealsobroughtbeforeCymbeline，toreceivetherewardsduetothegreatservicestheyhadbytheirvalordonefortheking。Pisanio，beingoneoftheking”sattendants，waslikewisepresent。
Thereforetherewerenowstandingintheking”spresence(butwithverydifferenthopesandfears)PosthumusandImogen，withhernewmastertheRomangeneral；thefaithfulservantPisanioandthefalsefriendIachimo；andlikewisethetwolostsonsofCymbeline，withBellarius，whohadstolenthemaway。
TheRomangeneralwasthefirstwhospoke；thereststoodsilentbeforetheking，thoughtherewasmanyabeatingheartamongthem。
ImogensawPosthumus，andknewhim，thoughhewasinthedisguiseofapeasant；buthedidnotknowherinhermaleattire。AndsheknewIachimo，andshesawaringonhisfingerwhichsheperceivedtobeherown。，butshedidnotknowhimasyettohavebeentheauthorofallhertroubles；andshestoodbeforeherownfatheraprisonerofwar。
PisanioknewImogen，foritwashewhohaddressedherinthegarbofaboy。“Itismymistress，“thoughthe。“Sincesheisliving，letthetimerunontogoodorbad。”Bellariusknewher，too，andsoftlysaidtoCadwal，“Isnotthisboyrevivedfromdeath？“
“Onesand，“repliedCadwal，“doesnotmoreresembleanotherthanthatsweet，rosyladislikethedeadFidele。”
“Thesamedeadthingalive，“saidPolydore。
“Peace，peace，“saidBellarius。“Ifitwerehe，Iamsurebewouldhavespokentous。”
“Butwesawhimdead，“，againwhisperedPolydore。
“Besilent，“repliedBellarius。
Posthumuswaitedinsilencetohearthewelcomesentenceofhisowndeath；andheresolvednottodisclosetothekingthathehadsavedhislifeinthebattle，lestthatshouldmoveCymbelinetopardonhim。
Lucius，theRomangeneral，whohadtakenImogenunderhisprotectionashispage，wasthefirst(ashasbeenbeforesaid)
whospoketotheking。Hewasamanofhighcourageandnobleandthiswashisspeechtotheking：
“Ihearyoutakenoransomforyourprisoners，butdoomthemalltodeath。IamaRoman，andwithaRomanheartwillsuffer，death。ButthereisonethingforwhichIwouldentreat。”ThenbringingImogenbeforetheking，hesaid：“ThisboyisaBritonborn。Lethimberansomed。Heismypage。Nevermasterhadapagesokind，soduteous，sodiligentonalloccasions，sotrue，sonurselike。HehathdonenoBritonwrong，thoughhehathservedaRoman。Savehim，ifyousparenoonebeside。”
CymbelinelookedearnestlyonhisdaughterImogen。Heknewhernotinthatdisguise；butitseemedthatall-powerfulNaturespakeinhisheart，forhesaid：“Ihavesurelyseenhim；hisfaceappearsfamiliartome。IknownotwhyorwhereforeIsay，live，boy，butIgiveyouyourlife；andaskofmewhatboonyouwillandIwillgrantityou。Yea，eventhoughitbethelifeofthenoblestprisonerIhave。”
“IhumblythankyourHighness，“saidImogen。
Whatwasthencalledgrantingaboonwasthesameasapromisetogiveanyonething，whateveritmightbe，。thatthepersononwhomthatfavorwasconferredchosetoaskfor。
Theyallwereattentivetohearwhatthingthepagewouldaskfor；andLucius，hermaster，saidtoher：
“Idonotbegmylife，goodlad，butIknowthatiswhatyouwillaskfor。”
“No，no，alas！“saidImogen。“Ihaveotherworkinhand，goodmaster。YourlifeIcannotaskfor。”
ThisseemingwantofgratitudeintheboyastonishedtheRomangeneral。
Imogenthen，fixinghereyeonIachimo，demandednootherboonthanthis：thatIachimoshouldbemadetoconfesswhencehehadtheringheworeonhisfinger。
Cymbelinegrantedherthisboon，andthreatenedIachimowiththetortureifhedidnotconfesshowhecamebythediamondringonhisfinger。
Iachimothenmadeafullacknowledgmentofallhisvillainy，intelling，ashasbeenbeforerelated，thewholestoryofhiswagerwithPosthumusandhowhehadsucceededinimposinguponiscredulity。
WhatPosthumusfeltathearingthisproofoftheinnocenceofhisladycannotbeexpressed。HeinstantlycameforwardandconfessedtoCymbelinethecruelsentencewhichhehadenjoinedPisaniotoexecuteupontheprincess，exclaiming，wildly：
“OImogen，myqueen，mylife，mywife！OImogen，Imogen，Imogen！“
Imogencouldnotseeherbelovedhusbandinthisdistresswithoutdiscoveringherself，totheunutterablejoyofPosthumus，whowasthusrelievedfromaweightofguiltandwoe，andrestoredtothegoodgracesofthedearladyhehadsocruellytreated。
Cymbeline，almostasmuchoverwhelmedashewithjoy，atfindinghislostdaughtersostrangelyrecovered，receivedhertoherformerplaceinhisfatherlyaffection，andnotonlygaveherhusbandPosthumushislife，butconsentedtoacknowledgehimforhisson-in-law。
Bellariuschosethistimeofjoyandreconciliationtomakehisconfession。HepresentedPolydoreandCadwaltotheking，tellinghimtheywerehistwolostsons，GuideriusandArviragus。
CymbelineforgaveoldBellarius；forwhocouldthinkofpunishmentsataseasonofsuchuniversalhappiness？Tofindhisdaughterliving，andhislostsonsinthepersonsofhisyoungdeliverers，thathehadseensobravelyfightinhisdefense，wasunlooked-forjoyindeed！
Imogenwasnowatleisuretoperformgoodservicesforherlatemaster，theRomangeneral，Lucius，whoselifetheking，herfather，readilygrantedatherrequest；andbythemediationofthesameLuciusapeacewasconcludedbetweentheRomansandtheBritonswhichwaskeptinviolatemanyyears。
HowCymbeline”swickedqueen，throughdespairofbringingherprojectstopass，andtouchedwithremorseofconscience，sickenedanddied，havingfirstlivedtoseeherfoolishsonClotenslaininaquarrelwhichhehadprovoked，areeventstootragicaltointerruptthishappyconclusionbymorethanmerelytouchingupon。Itissufficientthatallweremadehappywhoweredeserving；andeventhetreacherousIachimo，inconsiderationofhisvillainyhavingmisseditsfinalaim，wasdismissedwithoutpunishment。
KINGLEAR
Lear，KingofBritain，hadthreedaughters：Goneril，wifetotheDukeofAlbany；Regan，wifetotheDukeofCornwall；andCordelia，ayoungmaid，forwhoselovetheKingofFranceandDukeofBurgundywerejointsuitors，andwereatthistimemakingstayforthatpurposeinthecourtofLear。
Theoldking，wornoutwithageandthefatiguesofgovernment，hebeingmorethanfourscoreyearsold，determinedtotakenofurtherpartinstateaffairs，buttoleavethemanagementtoyoungerstrengths，thathemighthavetimetopreparefordeath，whichmustatnolongperiodensue。Withthisintenthecalledhisthreedaughterstohim，toknowfromtheirownlipswhichofthemlovedhimbest，thathemightparthiskingdomamongtheminsuchproportionsastheiraffectionforhimshouldseemtodeserve。
Goneril，theeldest，declaredthatshelovedherfathermorethanwordscouldgiveout，thathewasdearertoherthanthelightofherowneyes，dearerthanlifeandliberty，withadealofsuchprofessingstuff，whichiseasytocounterfeitwherethereisnoreallove，onlyafewfinewordsdeliveredwithconfidencebeingwantedinthatcase。Theking，delightedtohearfromherownmouththisassuranceofherlove，andthinkingtrulythatherheartwentwithit，inafitoffatherlyfondnessbestoweduponherandherhusbandone-thirdofhisamplekingdom。
Thencallingtohimhisseconddaughterhedemandedwhatshehadtosay。Regan，whowasmadeofthesamehollowmetalashersister，wasnotawhitbehindinherprofessions，butratherdeclaredthatwhathersisterhadspokencameshortofthelovewhichsheprofessedtobearforhisHighness；insomuchthatshefoundallotherjoysdeadincomparisonwiththepleasurewhichshetookintheloveofherdearkingandfather。
Learblessedhimselfinhavingsuchlovingchildren，ashethought；andcoulddonoless，afterthehandsomeassuranceswhichReganhadmade，thanbestowathirdofhiskingdomuponherandherhusband，equalinsizetothatwhichhehadalreadygivenawaytoGoneril。
Thenturningtohisyoungestdaughter，Cordelia，whomhecalledhisjoy，heaskedwhatshehadtosay，thinkingnodoubtthatshewouldgladhisearswiththesamelovingspeecheswhichhersistershaduttered，orratherthatherexpressionswouldbesomuchstrongerthantheirs，asshehadalwaysbeenhisdarling，andfavoredbyhimaboveeitherofthem。ButCordelia，disgustedwiththeflatteryofhersisters，whoseheartssheknewwerefarfromtheirlips，andseeingthatalltheircoaxingspeecheswereonlyintendedtowheedletheoldkingoutofhisdominions，thattheyandtheirhusbandsmightreigninhislifetime，madenootherreplybutthis——thatshelovedhisMajestyaccordingtoherduty，neithermorenorless。
Theking，shockedwiththisappearanceofingratitudeinhisfavoritechild，desiredhertoconsiderherwordsandtomendherspeech，lestitshouldmarherfortunes。
Cordeliathentoldherfatherthathewasherfather，thathehadgivenherbreeding，andlovedher；thatshereturnedthosedutiesbackaswasmostfit，anddidobeyhim，lovehim，andmosthonorhim。Butthatshecouldnotframehermouthtosuchlargespeechesashersistershaddone，orpromisetolovenothingelseintheworld。Whyhadhersistershusbandsif(astheysaid)theyhadnoloveforanythingbuttheirfather？Ifsheshouldeverwed，shewassurethelordtowhomshegaveherhusbandwouldwanthalfherlove，halfofhercareandduty；sheshouldnevermarrylikehersisters，toloveherfatherall。
Cordelia，whoinearnestlovedheroldfatherevenalmostextravagantlyashersisterspretendedtodo，wouldhaveplainlytoldhimsoatanyothertime，inmoredaughter-likeandlovingterms，andwithoutthesequalifications，whichdidindeedsoundalittleungracious；butafterthecrafty，flatteringspeechesofhersisters，whichshehadseendrawsuchextravagantrewards，shethoughtthehandsomestthingshecoulddowastoloveandbesilent。Thisputheraffectionoutofsuspicionofmercenaryends，andshowedthatsheloved，butnotforgain；andthatherprofessions，thelessostentatioustheywere，hadsomuchthemoreoftruthandsinceritythanhersisters”。
Thisplainnessofspeech，whichLearcalledpride，soenragedtheoldmonarch——whoinhisbestoftimesalwaysshowedmuchofspleenandrashness，andinwhomthedotageincidenttooldagehadsocloudedoverhisreasonthathecouldnotdiscerntruthfromflattery，noragaypaintedspeechfromwordsthatcamefromtheheart——thatinafuryofresentmentheretractedthethirdpartofhiskingdomwhichyetremained，andwhichhehadreservedforCordelia，andgaveitawayfromher，sharingitequallybetweenhertwosistersandtheirhusbands，theDukesofAlbanyandCornwall，whomhenowcalledtohimandinpresenceofallhiscourtiers，bestowingacoronetbetweenthem，investedthemjointlywithallthepower，revenue，andexecutionofgovernment，onlyretainingtohimselfthenameofking；alltherestofroyaltyheresigned，withthisreservation，thathimself，withahundredknightsforhisattendants，wastobemaintainedbymonthlycourseineachofhisdaughters”palacesinturn。
Sopreposterousadisposalofhiskingdom，solittleguidedbyreason，andsomuchbypassion，filledallhiscourtierswithastonishmentandsorrow；butnoneofthemhadthecouragetointerposebetweenthisincensedkingandhiswrath，excepttheEarlofKent，whowasbeginningtospeakagoodwordforCordelia，whenthepassionateLearonpainofdeathcommandedhimtodesist；butthegoodKentwasnotsotoberepelled。HehadbeeneverloyaltoLear，whomhehadhonoredasaking，lovedasafather，followedasamaster；andhehadneveresteemedhislifefurtherthanasapawntowageagainsthisroyalmaster”senemies，norfearedtoloseitwhenLear”ssafetywasthemotive；
nor，nowthatLearwasmosthisownenemy，didthisfaithfulservantofthekingforgethisoldprinciples，butmanfullyopposedLeartodoLeargood；andwasunmannerlyonlybecauseLearwasmad。Hehadbeenamostfaithfulcounselorintimespasttotheking，andhebesoughthimnowthathewouldseewithhiseyes(ashehaddoneinmanyweightymatters)andgobyhisadvicestill，andinhisbestconsiderationrecallthishideousrashness；forhewouldanswerwithhislifehisjudgmentthatLear”syoungestdaughterdidnotlovehimleast，norwerethoseempty-heartedwhoselowsoundgavenotokenofhollowness。Whenpowerbowedtoflattery，honorwasboundtoplainness。ForLear”sthreats，whatcouldhedotohimwhoselifewasalreadyathisservice？Thatshouldnothinderdutyfromspeaking。
ThehonestfreedomofthisgoodEarlofKentonlystirreduptheking”swraththemore，and，likeafranticpatientwhokillshisphysicianandloveshismortaldisease，hebanishedthistrueservant，andallottedhimbutfivedaystomakehispreparationsfordeparture；butifonthesixthhishatedpersonwasfoundwithintherealmofBritain，thatmomentwastobehisdeath。AndKentbadefarewelltotheking，andsaidthat，sincehechosetoshowhimselfinsuchfashion，itwasbutbanishmenttostaythere；andbeforehewentherecommendedCordeliatotheprotectionofthegods，themaidwhohadsorightlythoughtandsodiscreetlyspoken；andonlywishedthathersisters”largespeechesmightbeansweredwithdeedsoflove；andthenhewent，ashesaid，toshapehisoldcoursetoanewcountry。
TheKingofFranceandDukeofBurgundywerenowcalledintohearthedeterminationofLearabouthisyoungestdaughter，andtoknowwhethertheywouldpersistintheircourtshiptoCordelia，nowthatshewasunderherfather”sdispleasureandhadnofortunebutherownpersontorecommendher。AndtheDukeofBurgundydeclinedthematch，andwouldnottakehertowifeuponsuchconditions。ButtheKingofFrance，understandingwhatthenatureofthefaulthadbeenwhichhadlosthertheloveofherfather——thatitwasonlyatardinessofspeechandthenotbeingabletoframehertonguetoflatterylikehersisters——tookthisyoungmaidbythehandand，sayingthathervirtueswereadowryaboveakingdom，badeCordeliatotakefarewellofhersistersandofherfather，thoughhehadbeenunkind，andsheshouldgowithhimandbeQueenofhimandoffairFrance，andreignoverfairerpossessionsthanhersisters。AndhecalledtheDukeofBurgundy，incontempt，awaterishduke，becausehisloveforthisyoungmaidhadinamomentrunallawaylikewater。
ThenCordeliawithweepingeyestookleaveofhersisters，andbesoughtthemtolovetheirfatherwellandmakegoodtheirprofessions；andtheysullenlytoldhernottoprescribetothem，fortheyknewtheirduty，buttostrivetocontentherhusband，whohadtakenher(astheytauntinglyexpressedit)asFortune”salms。AndCordeliawithaheavyheartdeparted，forsheknewthecunningofhersistersandshewishedherfatherinbetterhandsthanshewasabouttoleavehimin。
Cordeliawasnosoonergonethanthedevilishdispositionsofhersistersbegantoshowthemselves”intheirtruecolors。Evenbeforetheexpirationofthefirstmonth，whichLearwastospendbyagreement，withhis，daughter，Goneril，theoldkingbegantofindoutthedifferencebetweenpromisesandperformances。Thiswretch，havinggotfromherfatherallthathehadtobestow，eventothegivingawayofthecrownfromoffhishead，begantogrudgeeventhosesmallremnantsofroyaltywhichtheoldmanhadreservedtohimself，topleasehisfancywiththeideaofbeingstillaking。Shecouldnotbeartoseehimandhisknights。
Everytimeshemetherfathersheputonafrowningcountenance；
andwhentheoldmanwantedtospeakwithhershewouldfeignsicknessoranythingtogetridofthesightofhim，foritwasplainthatsheesteemedhisoldageauselessburdenandhisattendantsanunnecessaryexpense；notonlysheherselfslackenedinherexpressionsofdutytotheking，butbyherexample，and(itistobefeared)notwithoutherprivateinstructions，herveryservantsaffectedtotreathimwithneglect，andwouldeitherrefusetoobeyhisordersorstillmorecontemptuouslypretendnottohearthem。Learcouldnotbutperceivethisalterationinthebehaviorofhisdaughter，butheshuthiseyesagainstitaslongashecould，aspeoplecommonlyareunwillingtobelievetheunpleasantconsequenceswhichtheirownmistakesandobstinacyhavebroughtuponthem。
TrueloveandfidelityarenomoretobeestrangedbyILL，thanfalsehoodandhollow-heartednesscanbeconciliatedbyGOOD，USAGE。ThiseminentlyappearsintheinstanceofthegoodEarlofKent，who，thoughbanishedbyLear，andhislifemadeforfeitifhewerefoundinBritain，chosetostayandabideallconsequencesaslongastherewasachanceofhisbeingusefultothekinghismaster。Seetowhatmeanshiftsanddisguisespoorloyaltyisforcedtosubmitsometimes；yetitcountsnothingbaseorunworthysoasitcanbutdoservicewhereitowesanobligation！Inthedisguiseofaserving-man，allhisgreatnessandpomplaidaside，thisgoodearlprofferedhisservicestotheking，who，notknowinghimtobeKentinthatdisguise，butpleasedwithacertainplainness，orratherbluntness，inhisanswers，whichtheearlputon(sodifferentfromthatsmooth，oilyflatterywhichhehadsomuchreasontobesickof，havingfoundtheeffectsnotanswerableinhisdaughter)，abargainwasquicklystruck，andLeartookKentintohisservicebythenameofCaius，ashecalledhimself，neversuspectinghimtobehisoncegreatfavorite，thehighandmightyEarlofKent。
ThisCaiusquicklyfoundmeanstoshowhisfidelityandlovetohisroyalmaster，for，Goneril”sstewardthatsamedaybehavinginadisrespectfulmannertoLear，andgivinghimsaucylooksandlanguage，asnodoubthewassecretlyencouragedtodobyhismistress，Caius，notenduringtohearsoopenanaffrontputuponhisMajesty，madenomoreado，butpresentlytrippeduphisheelsandlaidtheunmannerlyslaveinthekennel；forwhichfriendlyserviceLearbecamemoreandmoreattachedtohim。
NorwasKenttheonlyfriendLearhad。Inhisdegree，andasfarassoinsignificantapersonagecouldshowhislove，thepoorfool，orjester，thathadbeenofhispalacewhileLearhadapalace，asitwasthecustomofkingsandgreatpersonagesatthattimetokeepafool(ashewascalled)tomakethemsportafterseriousbusiness——thispoorfoolclungtoLearafterhehadgivenawayhiscrown，andbyhiswittysayingswouldkeepuphisgood-humor，thoughhecouldnotrefrainsometimesfromjeeringathismasterforhisimprudenceinuncrowninghimselfandgivingallawaytohisdaughters；atwhichtime，asherhyminglyexpressedit，thesedaughters——
“Forsuddenjoydidweep，AndIforsorrowsung，Thatsuchakingshouldplaybo-peepAndgothefoolsamong。”
Andinsuchwildsayings，andscrapsofsongs，ofwhichhehadplenty，thispleasant，honestfoolpouredouthishearteveninthepresenceofGonerilherself，inmanyabittertauntandjestwhichcuttothequick，suchascomparingthekingtothehedgesparrow，whofeedstheyoungofthecuckootilltheygrowoldenough，andthenhasitsheadbitoffforitspains；andsayingthatanassmayknowwhenthecartdrawsthehorse(meaningthatLear”sdaughters，thatoughttogobehind，nowrankedbeforetheirfather)；andthatLearwasnolongerLear，buttheshadowofLear。Forwhichfreespeecheshewasonceortwicethreatenedtobewhipped。
ThecoolnessandfallingoffofrespectwhichLearhadbeguntoperceivewerenotallwhichthisfoolishfondfatherwastosufferfromhisunworthydaughter。Shenowplainlytoldhimthathisstayinginherpalacewasinconvenientsolongasheinsisteduponkeepingupanestablishmentofahundredknights；thatthisestablishmentwasuselessandexpensiveandonlyservedtofillhercourtwithriotandfeasting；andsheprayedhimthathewouldlessentheirnumberandkeepnonebutoldmenabouthim，suchashimself，andfittinghisage。
Learatfirstcouldnotbelievehiseyesorears，northatitwashisdaughterwhospokesounkindly。Hecouldnotbelievethatshewhohadreceivedacrownfromhimcouldseektocutoffhistrainandgrudgehimtherespectduetohisoldage。Butshepersistinginherundutifuldemand，theoldman”sragewassoexcitedthathecalledheradetestedkiteandsaidthatshespokeanuntruth；
andsoindeedshedid，forthehundredknightswereallmenofchoicebehaviorandsobrietyofmanners，skilledinallparticularsofduty，andnotgiventoriotingorfeasting，asshesaid。Andhebidhishorsestobeprepared，forhewouldgotohisotherdaughter，Regan，heandhishundredknights；andhespokeofingratitude，andsaiditwasamarble-hearteddevil，andshowedmorehideousinachildthanthesea-monster。Andhecursedhiseldestdaughter，Goneril，soaswasterribletohear，prayingthatshemightneverhaveachild，or，ifshehad，thatitmightlivetoreturnthatscornandcontemptuponherwhichshehadshowntohim；thatshemightfeelhowsharperthanaserpent”stoothitwastohaveathanklesschild。AndGoneril”shusband，theDukeofAlbany，beginningtoexcusehimselfforanysharewhichLearmightsupposehehadintheunkindness，Learwouldnothearhimout，butinarageorderedhishorsestobesaddledandsetoutwithhisfollowersfortheabodeofRegan，hisotherdaughter。AndLearthoughttohimselfhowsmallthefaultofCordelia(ifitwasafault)nowappearedincomparisonwithhersister”s，andhewept；andthenhewasashamedthatsuchacreatureasGonerilshouldhavesomuchpoweroverhismanhoodastomakehimweep。
Reganandherhusbandwerekeepingtheircourtingreatpompandstateattheirpalace；andLeardespatchedhisservantCaiuswithletterstohisdaughter，thatshemightbepreparedforhisreception，whileheandhistrainfollowedafter。ButitseemsthatGonerilhadbeenbeforehandwithhim，sendinglettersalsotoRegan，accusingherfatherofwaywardnessandill-humors，andadvisinghernottoreceivesogreatatrainashewasbringingwithhim。ThismessengerarrivedatthesametimewithCaius，andCaiusandhemet，andwhoshoulditbebutCaius”soldenemythesteward，whomhehadformerlytrippedupbytheheelsforhissaucybehaviortoLear。Caiusnotlikingthefellow”slook，and，suspectingwhathecamefor，begantorevilehimandchallengedhimtofight，whichthefellowrefusing，Caius，inafitofhonestpassion，beathimsoundly，assuchamischief-makerandcarrierofwickedmessagesdeserved；whichcomingtotheearsofReganandherhusband，theyorderedCaiustobeputinthestocks，thoughhewasamessengerfromthekingherfatherandinthatcharacterdemandedthehighestrespect。SothatthefirstthingthekingsawwhenheenteredthecastlewashisfaithfulservantCaiussittinginthatdisgracefulsituation。
Thiswasbutabadomenofthereceptionwhichhewastoexpect；
butaworsefollowedwhen，uponinquiryforhisdaughterandherhusband，hewastoldtheywerewearywithtravelingallnightandcouldnotseehim；andwhen，lastly，uponhisinsistinginapositiveandangrymannertoseethem，theycametogreethim，whomshouldheseeintheircompanybutthehatedGoneril，whohadcometotellherownstoryandsethersisteragainstthekingherfather！
Thissightmuchmovedtheoldman，andstillmoretoseeRegantakeherbythehand；andheaskedGonerilifshewasnotashamedtolookuponhisoldwhitebeard。AndReganadvisedhimtogohomeagainwithGoneril，andlivewithherpeaceably，dismissinghalfofhisattendants，andtoaskherforgiveness；forhewasoldandwanteddiscretion，andmustberuledandledbypersonsthathadmorediscretionthanhimself。AndLearshowedhowpreposterousthatwouldsound，ifheweretogodownonhiskneesandbegofhisowndaughterforfoodandraiment；andhearguedagainstsuchanunnaturaldependence，declaringhisresolutionnevertoreturnwithher，buttostaywherehewaswithRegan，heandhishundredknights；forhesaidthatshehadnotforgotthehalfofthekingdomwhichhehadendowedherwith，andthathereyeswerenotfiercelikeGoneril”s，butmildandkind。AndhesaidthatratherthanreturntoGoneril，withhalfhistraincutoff，hewouldgoovertoFranceandbegawretchedpensionofthekingthere，whohadmarriedhisyoungestdaughterwithoutaportion。
ButhewasmistakeninexpectingkindertreatmentofReganthanhehadexperiencedfromhersisterGoneril。Asifwillingtooutdohersisterinunfilialbehavior，shedeclaredthatshethoughtfiftyknightstoomanytowaituponhim；thatfive-and-twentywereenough。ThenLear，nighheartbroken，turnedtoGonerilandsaidthathewouldgobackwithher，forherfiftydoubledfive-and-twenty，andsoherlovewastwiceasmuchasRegan”s。ButGonerilexcusedherself，andsaid，whatneedofsomanyasfive-andtwenty？oreventen？orfive？whenhemightbewaiteduponbyherservantsorhersister”sservants？Sothesetwowickeddaughters，asiftheystrovetoexceedeachotherincrueltytotheiroldfather，whohadbeensogoodtothem，bylittleandlittlewouldhaveabatedhimofallhistrain，allrespect(littleenoughforhimthatoncecommandedakingdom)
whichwaslefthimtoshowthathehadoncebeenaking！Notthatasplendidtrainisessentialtohappiness，butfromakingtoabeggarisahardchange，fromcommandingmillionstobewithoutoneattendant；anditwastheingratitudeinhisdaughters”
denyingmorethanwhathewouldsufferbythewantofit，whichpiercedthispoorkingtotheheart；insomuchthat，withthisdoubleill-usage，andvexationforhavingsofoolishlygivenawayakingdom，hiswitsbegantobeunsettled，andwhilehesaidheknewnotwhat，hevowedrevengeagainstthoseunnaturalhagsandtomakeexamplesofthemthatshouldbeaterrortotheearth！
Whilehewasthusidlythreateningwhathisweakarmcouldneverexecute，nightcameon，andaloudstormofthunderandlightningwithrain；andhisdaughtersstillpersistingintheirresolutionnottoadmithisfollowers，hecalledforhishorses，andchoserathertoencountertheutmostfuryofthestormabroadthanstayunderthesameroofwiththeseungratefuldaughters；andthey，sayingthattheinjurieswhichwilfulmenprocuretothemselvesaretheirjustpunishment，sufferedhimtogointhatconditionandshuttheirdoorsuponhim。
Thewindswerehigh，andtherainandstormincreased，whentheoldmansalliedforthtocombatwiththeelements，lesssharpthanhisdaughters”unkindness。Formanymilesabouttherewasscarceabush；andthereuponaheath，exposedtothefuryofthestorminadarknight，didKingLearwanderout，anddefythewindsandthethunder；andhebidthewindstoblowtheearthintothesea，orswellthewavesoftheseatilltheydrownedtheearth，thatnotokenmightremainofanysuchungratefulanimalasman。Theoldkingwasnowleftwithnoothercompanionthanthepoorfool，whostillabidedwithhim，withhismerryconceitsstrivingtooutjestmisfortune，sayingitwasbutanaughtynighttoswimin，andtrulythekinghadbettergoinandaskhisdaughter”sblessing：
Buthethathasalittletinywit——
Withheighho，thewindandtherain，——
MustmakecontentwithhisfortunesfitThoughtherainitrainetheveryday，andswearingitwasabravenighttocoolalady”spride。
Thuspoorlyaccompanied，thisoncegreatmonarchwasfoundbyhisever-faithfulservantthegoodEarlofKent，nowtransformedtoCaius，whoeverfollowedcloseathisside，thoughthekingdidnotknowhimtobetheearl；andbesaid：
“Alas，sir，areyouhere？Creaturesthatlovenightlovenotsuchnightsasthese。Thisdreadfulstormhasdriventhebeaststotheirhiding-places。Man”snaturecannotenduretheafflictionorthefear。”
AndLearrebukedhimandsaidtheselesserevilswerenotfeltwhereagreatermaladywasfixed。Whenthemindisateasethebodyhasleisuretobedelicate，butthetempestinhisminddidtakeallfeelingelsefromhissensesbutofthatwhichbeatathisheart。Andhespokeoffilialingratitude，andsaiditwasalloneasifthemouthshouldtearthehandforliftingfoodtoit；forparentswerehandsandfoodandeverythingtochildren。
ButthegoodCaiusstillpersistinginhisentreatiesthatthekingwouldnotstayoutintheopenair，atlastpersuadedhimtoenteralittlewretchedhovelwhichstoodupontheheath，wherethefoolfirstentering，suddenlyranbackterrified，sayingthathehadseenaspirit。ButuponexaminationthisspiritprovedtobenothingmorethanapoorBedlambeggarwhohadcreptintothisdesertedhovelforshelter，andwithhistalkaboutdevilsfrightedthefool，oneofthosepoorlunaticswhoareeithermad，orfeigntobeso，thebettertoextortcharityfromthecompassionatecountrypeople，whogoaboutthecountrycallingthemselvespoorTomandpoorTurlygood，saying，“WhogivesanythingtopoorTom？“stickingpinsandnailsandsprigsofrosemaryintotheirarmstomakethembleed；andwithhorribleactions，partlybyprayers，andpartlywithlunaticcurses，theymoveorterrifytheignorantcountryfolkintogivingthemalms。
Thispoorfellowwassuchaone；andtheking，seeinghiminsowretchedaplight，withnothingbutablanketabouthisloinstocoverhisnakedness，couldnotbepersuadedbutthatthefellowwassomefatherwhohadgivenallawaytohisdaughtersandbroughthimselftothatpass；fornothing，hethought，couldbringamantosuchwretchednessbutthehavingunkinddaughters。
AndfromthisandmanysuchwildspeecheswhichheutteredthegoodCaiusplainlyperceivedthathewasnotinhisperfectmind，butthathisdaughters”ill-usagehadreallymadehimgomad。AndnowtheloyaltyofthisworthyEarlofKentshoweditselfinmoreessentialservicesthanhehadhithertofoundopportunitytoperform。Forwiththeassistanceofsomeoftheking”sattendantswhoremainedloyalhehadthepersonofhisroyalmasterremovedatdaybreaktothecastleofDover，wherehisownfriendsandinfluence，asEarlofKent，chieflylay；andhimself，embarkingforFrance，hastenedtothecourtofCordelia，anddidthereinsuchmovingtermsrepresentthepitifulconditionofherroyalfather，andsetoutinsuchlivelycolorstheinhumanityofhersisters，thatthisgoodandlovingchildwithmanytearsbesoughttheking，herhusband，thathewouldgiveherleavetoembarkforEngland，withasufficientpowertosubduethesecrueldaughtersandtheirhusbandsandrestoretheoldking，herfather，tohisthrone；whichbeinggranted，shesetforth，andwitharoyalarmylandedatDover。
Lear，havingbysomechanceescapedfromtheguardianswhich”thegoodEarlofKenthadputoverhimtotakecareofhiminhislunacy，wasfoundbysomeofCordelia”strain，wanderingaboutthefieldsnearDover，inapitiablecondition，starkmad，andsingingaloudtohimself，withacrownuponhisheadwhichhehadmadeofstrawandnettlesandotherwildweedsthathehadpickedupinthecorn-fields。Bytheadviceofthephysicians，Cordelia，thoughearnestlydesirousofseeingherfather，wasprevailedupontoputoffthemeetingtill，bysleepandtheoperationofherbswhichtheygavehim，heshouldberestoredtogreatercomposure。Bytheaidoftheseskilfulphysicians，towhomCordeliapromisedallhergoldandjewelsfortherecoveryoftheoldking，Learwassooninaconditiontoseehisdaughter。
Atendersightitwastoseethemeetingbetweenthisfatheranddaughter；toseethestrugglesbetweenthejoyofthispooroldkingatbeholdingagainhisoncedarlingchild，andtheshameatreceivingsuchfilialkindnessfromherwhomhehadcastoffforsosmallafaultinhisdispleasure；boththesepassionsstrugglingwiththeremainsofhismalady，whichinhishalf-crazedbrainsometimesmadehimthathescarcerememberedwherehewasorwhoitwastbatsokindlykissedhimandspoketohim。Andthenhewouldbegthestanders-bynottolaughathimifheweremistakeninthinkingthisladytobehisdaughterCordelia！Andthentoseehimfallonhiskneestobegpardonofhischild；andshe，goodlady，kneelingallthewhiletoaskablessingofhim，andtellinghimthatitdidnotbecomehimtokneel，butitwasherduty，forshewashischild，histrueandverychildCordelia！Andshekissedhim(asshesaid)tokissawayallhersisters”unkindness，andsaidthattheymightbeashamedofthemselves，toturntheiroldkindfatherwithhiswhitebeardoutintothecoldair，whenherenemy”sdog，thoughithadbither(assheprettilyexpressedit)，shouldhavestayedbyherfiresuchanightasthat，andwarmedhimself。AndshetoldherfatherhowshehadcomefromFrancewithpurposetobringhimassistance；andhesaidthatshemustforgetandforgive，forhewasoldandfoolishanddidnotknowwhathedid；
butthattobesureshehadgreatcausenottolovehim，buthersistershadnone。AndCordeliasaidthatshehadnocause，nomorethantheyhad。
