Shakespeare's [Works] Volume 6

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1898 Excerpt: ...was cool, have threaten'd Our prisoners with the sword. But since the gods Will have it thus, that nothing but our lives May be call'd ransom, let it come; sufficeth 80 A Roman with a Roman's heart can suffer. Augustus lives to think on 't; and so much For my peculiar care. This one thing only I will entreat: my boy, a Briton born, Let him be ransom'd; never master had A page so kind, so duteous, diligent, So tender over his occasions, true, So feat, so nurse-like. Let his virtue join With my request, which I '11 make bold your highness Cannot deny; he hath done no Briton harm, 90 Though he have serv'd a Roman. Save him, sir, And spare no blood beside. Cymbeline. I have surely seen him; His favour is familiar to me.--Boy, Thou hast look'd thyself into my grace, And art mine own. I know not why nor wherefore To say live, boy: ne'er thank thy master; live. And ask of Cymbeline what boon thou wilt, Fitting my bounty and thy state, I '11 give it; Yea, though thou do demand a prisoner, The noblest ta'en. Imogen. I humbly thank your highness. 100 Lucius. I do not bid thee beg my life, good lad; And yet I know thou wilt. Imogen. No, no: alack, There 's other work in hand.--I see a thing Bitter to me as death.--Your life, good master, Must shuffle for itself. Lucius. The boy disdains me, He leaves me, scorns me; briefly die their joys That place them on the truth of girls and boys.--Why stands he so perplex'd? Cymbeline. What wouldst thou, boy? I love thee more and more; think more and more What's best to ask. Knovv'st him thou look'st on? speak. Wilt have him live? Is he thy kin? thy friend? m Imogen. He is a Roman; no more kin to me Than I to your highness, who, being born your vassal, Am something nearer. Cymbeline. Wherefore eyest him so? Imogen. I '11 tell you...