Act 1 Scene 1

 1.1    Location: the British royal court (the play moves between ancient Britain and Rome)

    1    but frowns who does not frown    bloods dispositions, temperaments

    3    Still…king mimic the king’s emotions;    seem suggests a lack of sincerity

    6    purposed to intended for, i.e., to marry

    7    late recently    referred…Unto given herself to/chosen

    9    all…heart i.e., Cymbeline is deeply wounded whereas the courtiers’    outward sorrow is false

  13    He…her i.e., Cloten

  15    bent inclination

  19    missed failed to win; also suggests Innogen’s lucky escape    thing contemptuous being, beneath humanity

  22    creature living being, suggesting he is beyond common humanity

  24    his like like him    something…compare anyone chosen for comparison would have some fault to distinguish them

  26    outward physical appearance    stuff substance, quality

  27    Endows…he so enriches/is to be found in any other

  28    speak him far speak highly of him

  29    extend…himself i.e., praise him no further than he deserves

  31    measure true capacity

  32    birth parentage/social status

  33    delve…root properly trace his family history

  34    honour fame, renown; also himself and his forces

  35    Cassibelan Cymbeline’s uncle

  36    by from, under    Tenantius Cymbeline’s father

  38    sur-addition added title    Leonatus means “born of a lion” (Latin)

  42    fond of issue doting on his children

  44    Big of pregnant with

  47    of his bedchamber a personal servant

  48    learnings education    time age/experience

  50    fast as fast

  51    in’s…harvest reached maturity even in his youth

  52    rare unusual

  53    sample example, model

  54    glass mirror    feated them displayed them to themselves    graver more important, influential persons

  55    dotards old fools

  56    her own price the price she paid/her personal merit

  57    Proclaims shows, proves    how to what extent/in what manner    his…read the very fact that she chose Posthumus demonstrates his worth

  60    even out of based only on

  65    I’th’swathing clothes in the swaddling (i.e., baby) clothes

  70    conveyed taken away, stolen

  71    slackly negligently, loosely

  73    Howsoe’er ’tis strange strange as it may seem

  77    forbear cease/give way    Posthumus meaning “after death” (Latin); so named from the deaths of his parents before and at his birth, with the name “Leonatus” living on in him    Innogen Folio’s “Imogen” is probably a misprint or scribal error; she is called Innogen in Shakespeare’s source material, which suggests “innocence”

  80    After the slander as in the conventional unjust image

  83    restraint loss of liberty, perhaps an actual prison cell

  84    win win over, persuade

  85    marry by the Virgin Mary, i.e., indeed

  87    leaned unto went along with, obeyed    with…you with what resignation, compliance you must decide

  89    Please if it please

  90    from hence leave here

  91    peril danger (in staying since Posthumus is banished)

  92    fetch a turn take a walk    pitying because I pity

  93    pangs…affections pains caused by forbidden love

  94    charged ordered

  95    dissembling false, feigned, deceitful

  98    reserved…duty having always dutifully obeyed him as a daughter

100    hourly shot continual glare; the eye was thought to emit beams at objects in order to see them

106    more…man i.e., join you in crying; not considered appropriate for a man

108    plight troth take marriage vows; the phrase was more often associated with engagement

111    thither there, to that place

113    gall an excrescence produced by insects on oak trees used to make ink/bile (a bitter secretion of the liver), hence bitterness of spirit, rancor

118    buy interpret, believe (wrongly)

121    term period of time

122    loathness reluctance, unwillingness

125    petty inadequate

131    cere wrap in a burial cloth

133    sense the ability to feel/control one’s actions

134    As…you just as you gave up more than me for our marriage, you do so again in our exchange of gifts

135    trifles small, insignificant tokens

138    fairest prisoner i.e., Innogen’s arm

140    see meet, see each other

141    Alack expression of sorrow, regret

142    basest most worthless (morally and socially)    avoid hence get away

143    fraught burden/trouble

147    good remainders remaining courtiers/virtuous courtiers

149    pinch pain, torment

152    repair restore, renew, prolong

156    senseless of insensible to    touch more rare greater pain (caused by Posthumus’ departure)

159    past grace Cymbeline means beyond filial duty, but Innogen shifts the sense to “beyond heavenly grace/salvation”

162    puttock kite, seen as an inferior bird to the eagle/greedy scavenger

170    overbuys…pays i.e., the price he has paid is almost twice my worth

174    neatherd cowherd

178    after in accordance with

180    Beseech I beg

183    best advice calm meditation on the matter

184    languish…folly grow weak by loss of a    drop of blood a day for the rest of her life until she is old and dies

187    Fie…way unclear as to whether this is said to Innogen or the departing Cymbeline

189    drew i.e., his sword

194    no…anger wasn’t angry enough to fight seriously

197    takes his part does his duty/takes the king’s side

199    Afric i.e., a desert or remote place where they could fight without intervention

201    goer-back one who retreats, backs off

202    suffer allow

203    haven harbor

207    lay wager

Act 1 Scene 2

    1    shift a shirt change your shirt    violence…sacrifice i.e., your fight (with Posthumus) has made you smell (through sweat or fear) like a sacrificial animal

    2    where…vent the air you give out (vent) is more wholesome than the air that comes in to replace it (ironic flattery)    abroad outside (you)

    4    then to then I would

    5    not…as nothing more than

    6    passable carcass would pass for a dead body/a body that can be stabbed (passed) through

    8    His…town Cloten’s sword (steel) rather went round the back streets like a debtor trying to avoid a creditor

    9    stand me stand his ground/stand up to me

  13    As…oceans i.e., none at all    Puppies! Conceited young fools!

  15    till…ground i.e., until you were fallen prostrate on the ground

  18    election choice, with a pun on salvation; in Calvinist doctrine, the predestined elect were to be saved

  19    She’s…sign she has a good physical appearance

  20    reflection evidence, indication; the Second Lord shifts the sense to “the literal reflection of light” (i.e., her radiance, which fools are unable to absorb and would dazzle her)    wit intelligence, judgment (perhaps with sexual connotation of “genitals”)

  22    would there had I wish there had

  23    ass i.e., Cloten

  28    Well very well

Act 1 Scene 3

    1    grew’st unto took root like a plant (by remaining there so long)

    2    And…sail scrutinized every approaching ship

    4    offered mercy perhaps God’s mercy, but a letter (paper) seems to favor the image of a king’s pardon arriving too late

    5    spake spoke

    9    Senseless inanimate

  12    make me make me out, distinguish me

  13    keep remain on

  15    as as though    fits…mind mental anguish, unsettled thoughts

  16    slow…on reluctant he was to leave

  18    Thou…crow you should have waited until he appeared no bigger than a crow

  19    ere left before you ceased

  20    after-eye gaze after

  22    eyestrings muscles, nerves in the eye; thought to break when a person died or went blind

  23    diminution of space reduction, contraction of the size of everything

  24    pointed fashioned to a point, i.e., made him as small as her    needle’s point

  30    With…vantage at his next opportunity

  35    shes women

  36    interest right

  37    At…midnight three of the hours specified for prayer by the Christian Church

  38    T’encounter…him i.e., they can meet in heaven through prayer    orisons prayers

  41    charming acting as a charm, a spell to ward off evil

  42    north the north wind, which    shakes buds as it blows, and stops them growing

Act 1 Scene 4

 1.4    Location: Rome    Philario means “loving, dear” (Greek)    Iachimo the modern Italian spelling is Giacomo (James)

    1    of…note growing in reputation, like a crescent moon

    2    been…of been recognized as

    3    without…admiration without feeling any particular sense of admiration for him

    4    endowments qualities, attributes    tabled listed

    8    behold…he i.e., there were many as noble as Posthumus there; eagles, the noblest birds, were thought to be able to stare at the sun

  10    weighed judged, assessed

  11    words…matter allows for him to be described in ways that falsely magnify his own worth

  14    approbation approval, praise    divorce physical separation    under her colours from her side

  15    be it but if only    fortify support, justify

  16    battery military assault

  17    sojourn temporarily stay    creeps acquaintance has he insinuated himself into your acquaintance

  20    suits is appropriate, suitable

  21    knowing knowledge/experience of the world

  23    story…hearing speak about him/sing his praises in front of him

  25    we…together we have been acquainted

  26    which…still which I will spend forever repaying, although I will still be in debt

  28    atone make peace between, reconcile

  29    put together set in opposition with each other

  30    mortal deadly, fatal

  32    rather…experiences preferred not to go along with what others said

  36    arbitrament of settlement (of the dispute) by

  40    suffer the report bear recounting    fell out took place

  41    our country mistresses the women of our own countries/the women we have sex with (country puns on “cunt”)

  42    vouching claiming, swearing    and…affirmation with a pledge to back up what he said with bloodshed if necessary

  43    attemptable able to be seduced

  45    by…out by now is worn out

  46    holds retains    mind opinion

  48    abate her nothing not budge in any part of my high opinion of her

  49    profess myself confess I am

  50    hand-in-hand comparison that seeks to imply equality

  51    went before surpassed, were superior to

  55    rated estimated

  56    esteem value

  57    enjoys possesses

  58    unparagoned unequaled, matchless    outprized…trifle surpassed in value by an insignificant thing (the ring)

  59    or either

  64    You…yours you may be able to call her yours in the legal sense (because you are married)    strange…ponds i.e., a man’s neighbor may visit (and seduce) his wife; there are also cruder sexual undercurrents; strange was an epithet for “an illicit sexual partner”; fowl was a term for “a prostitute”; pond also means “vagina”

  65    ring plays on sexual sense of (Innogen’s) “vagina”    brace pair    unprizable estimations objects considered beyond value

  66    frail subject to human weakness    casual subject to mischance, precarious    that-way-accomplished courtier i.e., a womanizer, one who can court successfully

  68    convince persuade/overcome

  70    store plenty, an abundance

  71    leave here leave off now

  73    familiar at first on familiar terms right from the start

  74    get…yielding succeed in advancing upon; fencing terminology with strong sexual undertones

  76    friend befriend/become intimate with (with sexual implication)

  78    pawn the moiety wager one half    to against

  79    something somewhat

  80    bar your offence prevent you taking it as a personal affront

  82    abused deceived    persuasion conviction

  83    you…of you will get what you deserve

  87    came in came about

  89    put my estate bet all my capital    th’approbation the proof

  92    ten thousand ducats anachronistic; ducats were gold coins used in Italy in Shakespeare’s time, not in ancient Rome; a huge sum even for a rich nobleman

  93    commend if you recommend

  94    conference meeting

  95    reserved preserved/averse to displays of emotion

  96    wage pledge, bet

  98    friend…wiser i.e., as her lover you know her well

  99    dram very small amount    preserve stop, prevent    But…fear perhaps alluding to Psalm 3:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”    that since

101    but…tongue just your way of speaking, i.e., just idle talk    graver more serious

102    undergo undertake

105    covenants drawn between’s terms of (legal) agreement drawn up between us

107    have…lay not allow this wager

108    testimony proof

110    come off fail

112    commendation (letter of) introduction, recommendation    free entertainment informal, friendly reception (both words are capable of a sexual interpretation)

113    articles betwixt us i.e., a legal agreement, drawn up

114    make…her seduce her; with blatant sexual connotations

119    covenant agreement, i.e., let’s shake on it

120    lest…starve i.e., in case we have time to calm down and reflect, and end up calling it off

123    Will this hold will they really go through with this

124    from it back down

Act 1 Scene 5

 1.5    Location: Britain, the royal court

    1    Whiles…ground while the dew is still on the ground; plants were believed to be at their freshest, most potent when covered with dew

    2    note list

    4    Dispatch see it done

    7    without offence without (wishing to cause) offense

    8    wherefore why

    9    compounds compounded drugs, i.e., drugs made by mixing different chemical elements together

  10    are…of cause    languishing long and drawn-out

  11    But…deadly and although they work slowly, they are, nevertheless, deadly

  14    learned taught

  15    Distil? Preserve? extract the essences from plants and preserve them    Yea so indeed so well

  17    confections mixtures (drugs)

  18    meet appropriate

  19    amplify…conclusions extend my knowledge through other experiments

  20    try test    forces effects

  23    vigour strength

  24    Allayments antidotes    act effect

  25    several various

  29    noisome and infectious physically noxious, harmful/morally corrupting

  30    content thee don’t worry

  40    Strange rare, unfamiliar/special, powerful    ling’ring poisons poisons that cause a slow painful death

  44    prove test, try

  45    higher in the chain of being, i.e., on people

  46    show appearance, illusion

  47    locking-up…time temporary disappearance of the signs of life

  48    reviving upon reviving

  55    quench cool down, settle down    instructions good advice

  56    Do thou work i.e., on persuading Innogen to forget Posthumus and marry Cloten

  60    fortunes…gasp i.e., Posthumus’ state and reputation are like a deathbed patient about to die

  62    shift his being change his dwelling place

  64    every…him i.e., every day is wasted since he has no future

  66    depender dependant    leans is unstable

  73    What…cordial anything more restorative

  74    earnest instalment, foretaste

  76    as from thyself i.e., as if it were your own opinion on the matter

  77    Think…on think how your fortunes will improve by switching sides

  78    Thou…still you won’t lose Innogen    to boot also, as well/to (your) advantage

  79    take…thee acknowledge your service and make sure you are preferred    I’ll…desire I’ll persuade the king to confer on you any kind of rank, social advancement you wish

  82    set…desert persuaded you to go for this reward

  83    load reward

  84    constant loyal, devoted, firm

  85    shaked shaken (in his loyalty)

  86    remembrancer officer responsible for the collection of debts/reminder

  87    handfast marriage contract

  88    unpeople…sweet i.e., it will kill Pisanio if he takes it;    sweet sweetheart

  89    liegers ambassadors, servants

  90    Except…humour unless she changes her attitude

  93    closet private room

Act 1 Scene 6

    1    stepdame stepmother

    3    husband banished i.e., whose husband is banished

    5    thief-stol’n stolen by a thief

    7    glorious lofty, ambitious

    8    mean lowly, humble, poor    wills wishes, plays on sense of “sexual desires”

    9    seasons adds spice to/matures with time/seasons of the year    Fie! exclamation of reproach

  12    Change you i.e., your color, but the phrase plays upon an ambiguous sense—“have your affections changed?”

  17    out of door external/visible

  18    furnished equipped, endowed    rare exceptional

  19    th’Arabian bird the phoenix, a mythical bird, of which, according to legend, only one could exist at any time, therefore a symbol of true uniqueness

  21    Arm me audacity may audacity arm me/may    boldness arm me with audacity

  22    Parthian…fight fight as I retreat like the Parthians: ancient inhabitants of what is now Iraq known for their battle tactic of retreating on horseback while firing arrows at their pursuing enemies

  23    Rather, directly fly or retreat outright

  24    note reputation, distinction

  25    Reflect bestow attention    as…trust to the same degree as you value the quality of trust in yourself/as you value your trust in me/as you value your duty as a wife

  26    So far thus much

  34    vaulted arch i.e., the sky

  35    which i.e., men’s eyes

  36    fiery orbs stars/planets    twinned identical

  37    th’unnumbered the uncountable

  38    Partition distinction    spectacles so precious miraculous organs of sight/such wondrous sights, i.e., Innogen

  40    makes your admiration causes your amazement, wonder

  42    shes women    chatter this way signal approval by their chattering

  43    Contemn scorn, slight    mows grimaces

  44    idiots…definite even an idiot presiding over this case of beauty (favor) would be resolute as would a wise judge

  45    appetite sexual desire

  46    Sluttery sluttishness    neat elegant

  47    vomit emptiness i.e., retch

  48    allured offered, tempted    feed plays on sense of “have sex with her”

  49    trow in truth

  50    cloyèd sated, surfeited    will sexual desire; plays on sense of “genitals,” usually “penis”

  52    running emptying, running over    ravening ravenously devouring

  53    garbage offal, intestines

  55    raps possesses, transports

  57    Desire…abode ask my manservant to remain

  58    strange a stranger    peevish temperamental, irritable

  65    gamesome lively, sportive/lusty, i.e., with sexual implication

  68    sadness gravity, seriousness

  71    one an one (who is) an

  73    Gallian French    furnaces…sighs sighing frequently like a furnace

  75    from’s free lungs openly, without restraint;    free has connotations of licentiousness

  77    proof experience

  87    but…thankfully although he could be more appreciative of the gifts heaven has bestowed upon him, especially of Innogen

  88    ’tis i.e., heaven’s bounty is

  89    account reckon    talents personal qualities/monetary account

  98    hide me hide myself

  99    snuff candle end

104    enjoy take pleasure in, with sexual innuendo

105    office duty    venge avenge

109    doubting…ill suspecting things are going badly

111    timely knowing learning in time

112    born found    discover…stop reveal to me what makes your speech start and    stop (the image is from horse riding)

114    Had I if I had

116    feeler’s i.e., the person who felt the touch (of Innogen’s hand)

117    this object Innogen herself/her eye

118    Takes…motion transfixes the restless gaze

119    Firing setting it aflame (with desire)

120    Slaver flatter/wet with saliva    common…Capitol i.e., used by everyone    Capitol the national temple of Rome dedicated to Jupiter

122    falsehood…labour i.e., just as manual labor hardens the hands, habitual falsehood hardens the heart

123    by-peeping glancing sideways

124    illustrous lackluster, dull

125    fed with produced by    tallow animal fat, used to make candles    fit right, appropriate

127    Encounter such revolt punish such a transgression

130    Not…pronounce it gives me no pleasure to reveal this news

138    empery empire

139    Would…double which would double the power of even the greatest king    partnered equated, considered alongside

140    tomboys prostitutes    self-exhibition same allowance of money

141    ventures hazards/prostitutes

142    play gamble    infirmities diseases

143    boiled stuff women who have been made to sweat in steam rooms: a treatment for venereal disease

146    Recoil…stock degenerate from your royal lineage

153    Diana’s priest Diana was the goddess of chastity, whose female priests were virgins    cold chaste, sexless

154    vaulting to mount sexually    variable ramps various prostitutes    ramp a bold, vulgar woman

155    In your despite in contempt, scorn of you    upon your purse at your expense

157    runagate runaway, vagabond

158    fast constant, firm

161    Let…lips allow me to kiss you

163    attended listened, paid attention to    thee less polite than you as a term of address, used to inferiors but also to intimates

172    saucy impudent, insolent    mart do business; literally “marketplace”

173    Romish stew Roman brothel

174    us the royal plural pronoun

178    credit trust, belief, good reputation, plays on economic sense

184    affiance trothplight, marriage promise

186    new o’er all over again

187    truest mannered most honestly given, most faithful    holy witch i.e., good wizard who uses holy magic

195    try your taking test how you would take

197    In…rare in choosing such an exceptional husband

199    fan winnow; blow air through grain to separate the wheat from the chaff or husks

200    chaffless without chaff or refuse

203    but only

204    moment importance, significance

209    best…wing best among our group of friends    mingled sums all contributed money

211    factor agent

212    plate gold or silver utensils/tableware    rare device exceptional craftwork, carving

214    something curious somewhat anxious    strange a stranger, foreigner

218    pawn lay down

219    interest a stake, a share

226    short fall short of, not live up to

227    Gallia France

235    outstood outstayed    material crucial

236    tender giving

Act 2 Scene 1

    1    kissed the jack bowling term, i.e., Cloten’s bowl touched the small target ball    upon an upcast meaning uncertain: by accident/tossing a throw up/on the last shot (as in upshot)

    2    jackanapes upstart/impertinent fellow

    3    take me up rebuke me    oaths swearwords    of from

    4    spend…pleasure utter them when I please

    5    pate head

    6    If…out i.e., Cloten’s brain is thin, poor stuff

    7    gentleman i.e., a nobleman

    8    curtail cut short

  10    rank status, plays on secondary sense of “smell”

  12    a pox on’t expression of anger    pox any disease characterized by pustules/venereal disease

  13    so as

  14    jack-slave low-born person

  15    cock cockerel, plays on sense of “penis”

  16    capon castrated cockerel/idiot    comb i.e., like a fool; cock and comb together make “cockscomb” a jester’s cap/fool

  17    Sayest thou? What did you say?

  18    undertake take on, fight    companion fellow

  20    commit offence take on in fight/be offensive to

  21    fit…only i.e., only you would show such ill breeding (although on the surface the First Lord means “it is your right alone”)

  27    whatsoever whoever

  30    derogation disgrace, loss of dignity

  31    You cannot derogate i.e., because you have no dignity to lose in the first place

  33    issues deeds, puns on “children”

  40    Bears all down crushes everything that stands in her way

  41    for his heart for the life of him

  44    Betwixt between

  45    mother i.e., stepmother    coining devising, creating

  46    expulsion banishment

  48    he’d make i.e., which he would make happen, in order to marry her himself

Act 2 Scene 2

    5    weak tired

    6    leaf page left left off

    7    taper candle

  11    fairies believed to be malign in folklore    tempters…night presumably evil spirits, perhaps incubi, male demons believed to have sex with sleeping women

  13    crickets sing indicates that it is night and very quiet    o’er-laboured sense overworked capacity for feeling

  14    Our Tarquin Sextus Tarquinius raped Lucrece after which the Tarquins were driven from Rome and the republic was born (events narrated by Shakespeare in The Rape of Lucrece); Iachimo’s use of    our, i.e., a fellow Roman suggests a more sinister affinity

  15    rushes reeds strewn on the floor as a covering    ere before

  16    Cytherea Venus, goddess of love

  17    bravely thou becom’st how finely, admirably you adorn your bed    lily an emblem of purity and chastity

  19    Rubies i.e., Innogen’s red lips    unparagoned unequaled, matchless

  20    dearly exquisitely    do’t i.e., kiss; possibly confirms that he does kiss her on the previous line

  22    underpeep her lids peep under her eyelids

  23    lights i.e., her eyes    canopied covered

  24    windows shutters, i.e., her eyelids    azure bright blue    laced ornamented

  25    tinct color    But my design but back to my purpose

  28    Th’adornment the decoration    arras tapestry wall hanging    figures either sewn into the tapestry or carved into the mantelpiece

  29    contents subject matter

  30    notes distinctive marks    about upon

  31    Above more than    meaner less important/convincing as evidence    movables items of furniture, property

  32    testify…inventory give credibility to my list of evidence

  33    ape mimic    dull heavy

  34    sense senses    monument carved statue of a figure lying on a tomb

  36    Gordian knot that was tied by the Phrygian King Gordias and was so    hard that no one could untie it; a prophecy said that whoever did so would conquer Asia, which Alexander the Great fulfilled by cutting through the knot with his sword

  37    witness outwardly serve as proof

  39    th’madding the maddening

  40    cinque-spotted having five spots    drops spots

  41    cowslip wild spring flower, yellow in color (which does indeed have five spots inside)    voucher piece of evidence; in legal terms offering a warranty of title

  42    secret intimate fact, detail

  43    picked i.e., a delicate and skillful operation, implying he seduced her into giving up her honor to him as opposed to taking it by force

  47    Tereus another famous rapist: King of Thrace, he ravished Philomel, his sister-in-law, and cut out her tongue to stop her revealing the crime

  48    gave up was forced to yield/succumbed, surrendered

  49    spring lock, catch

  50    dragons…night night was imagined as a chariot drawn by dragons    dawning…eye ravens, considered birds of ill omen, were believed to wake at dawn

  52    this i.e., Innogen

Act 2 Scene 3

    1    most coldest least passionate

    2    ace the lowest score in dice

    3    cold gloomy, dispirited

    4    after according to, following the example of    temper temperament

  10    penetrate i.e., move her emotionally, plays on sexual sense

  11    fingering i.e., your playing, with obvious secondary image of penetrating the vagina with fingers    so so much the better    with tongue i.e., with voices, with the secondary image of “cunnilingus”

  12    remain stay as she is

  13    good-conceited thing well devised, fanciful piece    air solo song

  16    Phoebus Apollo, the sun god    ’gins begins to

  17    springs…lies water from the dew that collects in flowers

  18    chaliced cuplike

  19    winking sleeping    Mary-buds marigold buds

  23    horsehairs used for the bows of stringed instruments    calves’ guts used for the strings

  24    unpaved without stones (testicles), i.e., castrated    to boot into the bargain

  27    fatherly as a father, i.e., approve of me as a husband for Innogen

  29    Attend you here are you waiting here (at)

  31    vouchsafes grants, confers

  32    minion favorite

  34    wear bear/wear out

  36    bound indebted

  37    vantages advantageous opportunities

  38    prefer recommend    frame…solicits adjust your conduct to well-mannered solicitations

  39    be…season i.e., behaving as the situation demands will work to your advantage

  40    denials (Innogen’s) rejections

  44    dismission dismissal

  45    senseless insensible, i.e., deaf, which Cloten shifts in next line to meaning “stupid”

  47    So like you if you please

  50    Albeit although

  51    receive welcome

  52    his sender Augustus Caesar, the Roman emperor

  53    forspent exhausted

  54    notice attention

  61    line i.e., with money

  63    Diana’s rangers attendants on Diana, goddess of chastity and hunting    false betray

  64    th’stand o’th’stealer the poacher’s hidden shooting position

  65    true honest

  68    lawyer to me i.e., plead on my behalf

  69    I yet not I still don’t    understand the case comprehend the situation; plays on sexual meanings of stand, “erection,” and case, “vagina”

  75    That’s…of i.e., expensive clothes are all that distinguish his noble birth

  80    keep remain in, stay inside

  82    Sell…report i.e., let me bribe you to speak well of me to Innogen

  85    sister stepsister    your (give me) your

  86    lay out expend

  87    but only

  91    deep moving, effective

  92    still forever

  95    But…silent i.e., to prevent you taking my silence as consent

  97    unfold display, offer

  98    knowing knowledge

107    put me cause me

108    verbal talkative

109    which who

113    boast overt exclamation

116    pretend claim    base wretch i.e., Posthumus

117    bred of alms brought up on (Cymbeline’s) charity

119    meaner parties persons of lower social rank

122    self-figured knot bond made by themselves

123    curbed…enlargement restrained from that freedom of choice

124    consequence o’th’crown importance of the crown (and the fact that you are its heir)    foil dishonor

125    note renown, distinction

126    hilding good-for-nothing    livery uniform worn by servants, bearing their master’s insignia    squire’s cloth servant’s outfit

127    pantler servant in the pantry

130    thou wert you would (still) be

131    groom servant    thou…envy you would be elevated enough to make others envy you

133    comparative…virtues i.e., if your personal merits were compared (you and Posthumus)    styled given the title, position of

134    under-hangman assistant hangman

135    For…well for being promoted even that highly

136    south-fog damp fog brought by the south wind, thought to carry diseases

138    named of thee named, mentioned by you    meanest garment lowliest item of clothing

139    clipped encompassed, embraced

141    made such men turned into men such as you

145    sprited tormented, haunted (as if by a spirit)    with by

148    ’Shrew beshrew, may evil befall

154    aught any, i.e., anyone

160    action lawsuit

163    conceive…me think, I hope, only the worst of me

Act 2 Scene 4

 2.4    Location: Rome

    2    win win over, persuade    bold confident

    4    means approaches

    6    winter’s state i.e., his relationship with Cymbeline

    7    seared withered

    8    gratify repay    they failing if they fail altogether, i.e., his hopes

  11    By this by this time

  12    Hath heard of will have heard from

  13    throughly thoroughly

  14    He’ll i.e., Cymbeline will    th’arrearages the arrears (overdue payments of tribute)

  15    look upon face    whose remembrance the memory of whom

  16    yet still

  18    Statist politician

  19    prove prove to be, come to

  23    more ordered better disciplined

  25    frowning i.e., with worry

  27    their approvers those who put them to the test    such…world whose reputation has gone up in the eyes of the world

  30    harts deer; i.e., Iachimo’s horses have run as fast as the swiftest deer    posted swiftly conveyed, like a post-horse

  31    of…corners from all directions

  34    your answer i.e., the answer she gave you    made is the cause of

  38    therewithal in addition

  39    casement window, i.e., as prostitutes did when trying to attract customers

  42    tenor content, drift

  43    ’Tis very like it’s very likely

  47    approached arrived

  49    Sparkles…wont i.e., does this diamond sparkle as brightly as it was accustomed to

  57    Not a whit not at all

  60    sport amusement

  63    keep covenant keep to our bargain

  64    knowledge i.e., carnal knowledge

  65    question further put this to further dispute

  69    wills wishes; plays on sense of “sexual desire”

  71    tasted had intercourse with, experienced    my hand i.e., a reconciliatory handshake

  73    gains…mine i.e., in a duel

  74    or…them i.e., because we will have killed each other

  76    circumstances list of evidence

  80    spare omit

  85    watching staying awake for

  86    silver silver lace

  88    Cydnus river in modern-day Turkey where Antony and Cleopatra first met; the story is recounted in Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra Act 2 Scene 2    or either

  89    press crowd, throng    pride i.e., in carrying Antony and Cleopatra

  90    bravely splendidly, excellently

  92    rarely excellently

102    chimney-piece ornamental carving on the mantel

103    Chaste Dian bathing perhaps depicting the story of Diana and Actaeon; according to classical mythology, Actaeon came upon Diana bathing, for which she turned him into a stag and he was destroyed by his own hounds

104    report themselves i.e., speak    cutter carver, sculptor

105    outwent her and outdid her, i.e., nature, in perfection

106    Motion…out except that they could not move or breathe

108    relation likewise reap i.e., have also learned about through hearsay

111    fretted decorated with elaborate carvings    andirons firedogs, i.e., a pair of decorative metal supports for burning wood in a fireplace

112    winking i.e., with closed eyes;    Cupid the god of love, was traditionally depicted as blind

113    nicely skillfully, ingeniously

114    Depending…brands leaning on their flaming torches

117    remembrance memory, gift for recollection

118    nothing saves in no way wins/redeems

121    leave permission, opportunity    air show, expose it to the open air

122    up away, hidden

128    I…yet I can still see her now

129    outsell exceed in value

131    prized valued, treasured    once at one time

136    basilisk a mythical reptile with a fatal gaze

138    semblance seeming, outward appearance

140    bondage binding force, obligation

145    probable capable of being proved/likely

146    corrupted bribed

149    so in this manner, thus    Back give back

150    corporal sign piece of physical evidence/a sign relating to her body

151    evident conclusive

156    sworn i.e., they have sworn oaths of loyalty

157    enjoyed her i.e., sexually

158    cognizance badge, token    incontinency lack of self-restraint, faithlessness

159    she…dearly i.e., this is what she has paid for the name of whore

160    hire payment, fee

161    you i.e., you and her (Innogen)

164    persuaded who you are persuaded

166    colted mounted sexually

171    present immediate, instant

173    stain mark (the mole); Posthumus shifts sense to “moral blot”

178    turns i.e., the number of times you had sex

179    Once…million i.e., if you’ve had her once, you may as well have had her a million times

184    Thou’st thou hast (you have)    cuckold a husband whose wife was unfaithful

186    limb-meal limb from limb

189    besides beyond, outside of

190    government control, management

191    pervert avert, turn aside

195    half-workers co-workers, i.e., is there no way for men to live without women?    We…bastards i.e., because there are no faithful women in the world

196    venerable old and worthy of respect

198    stamped made, conceived    coiner counterfeit coin maker

201    nonpareil unrivaled person

202    lawful pleasure i.e., marital sex

203    prayed…forbearance often entreated me to restrain my desire

204    pudency modesty    rosy presumably referring to her blushes    view on’t sight of it

205    Saturn Roman god associated with melancholy and coldness

207    yellow sallow, i.e., dark-complexioned

208    at first straight away

209    full-acorned boar well-fed male pig    German i.e., fierce and fat

211    looked for anticipated

212    encounter sexual encounter

213    woman’s part fault specific to women; plays on sense of “vagina”    motion impulse

217    rank lascivious

218    covetings desires for material objects    change of prides continually changing (or variety of) excesses

219    Nice longing wanton desires    mutability changeableness, inconsistency

223    still always, constantly

224    but of only

225    so as

226    skill wisdom

227    have their will get their way, have their sexual desires fulfilled

Act 3 Scene 1

 3.1    Location: Britain, the royal court

    2    remembrance memory    yet still

    4    theme topic of discussion

    6    Famous…it famous because Caesar praised him, but equally for the feats he performed to earn that praise

    7    for…succession on behalf of himself and his successors, i.e., future British kings

    9    pounds i.e., pounds weight

  10    untendered unpaid

  11    kill the marvel put an end to the surprise

  13    be may/will be

  18    from’s from us    resume…again we have to take back again

  19    liege lord, used to a feudal superior owed duty and allegiance

  21    bravery…isle beauty of the land/courage of the inhabitants

  22    Neptune’s of Neptune, Roman god of the sea    park tract of land held by royal grant used for hunting; also used for an enclosed body of water in which oysters or fish are bred    paled in fenced with pales (long, vertical stakes); the coastline was densely forested with trees that formed a sort of unscalable (hard to climb) perimeter fence

  24    bear support

  25    suck…th’topmast i.e., like quicksand they will suck the ships under until only the topmast (formerly the uppermost mast) is visible

  27    ‘came…overcame’ Caesar reported his victory at the battle of Zela in 47 BC with this phrase in Latin: veni, vidi, vici

  30    ignorant baubles foolish, inexperienced toys

  33    at point ready, just about

  34    giglot whore (i.e., fickle, disloyal)    master overcome, defeat

  35    Lud’s town i.e., London, after King Lud, Cymbeline’s grandfather

  39    crooked i.e., hooked, Roman    owe own    straight powerful, forceful

  41    grip i.e., the handle of a sword

  44    else otherwise

  46    injurious insulting/malicious

  49    against all colour without any pretext; perhaps playing on “collar” in conjunction with yoke in the next line meaning “wooden collar fastened to a pair of animals and attached to a plough or cart”

  51    Becomes is appropriate for

  53    Mulmutius supposedly the first British king (from fourth century BC)    which who

  54    use application, practice (of the laws)

  55    repair restoration    franchise enfranchisement

  65    confusion destruction

  66    pronounce proclaim

  67    Thus defied i.e., now that I have issued this declaration

  72    perforce by necessity

  73    Behoves…utterance obliges me to defend it to the death    perfect well aware/reliably informed

  74    Pannonians and Dalmatians ancient inhabitants of what are now Hungary and the Balkans

  75    precedent example

  76    read interpret    cold lacking spirit

  78    Let proof speak let the outcome of the battle/the battle itself do the talking

  79    Make pastime stay

  80    saltwater girdle the sea

  81    adventure attempt    crows birds that feed on carrion, i.e., dead flesh

  83    So so be it

  84    pleasure desire, aim

  85    the remain that remains (to say)

Act 3 Scene 2

    1    How? What?    Wherefore why

    5    As…handed as capable a poisoner by word as by hand

    7    truth loyalty    undergoes endures

    9    take in defeat, conquer    some virtue some people’s virtue

  12    Upon because of

  17    fact deed

  20    senseless bauble unfeeling, worthless thing

  21    fedary confederate, accomplice

  23    ignorant in to pretend to be ignorant of

  27    astronomer includes sense of an “astrologer”

  28    characters handwriting

  30    relish taste

  31    not i.e., not his content

  33    med’cinable restorative, able to heal

  34    physic love i.e., being apart makes love healthier, stronger

  35    wax i.e., used to seal the letter    thy leave by thy leave; Innogen is asking its permission for her to break it and read the letter

  36    locks of counsel seals to secrecy, private matters

  38    forfeiters defaulters of contracts

  39    Cupid’s of Cupid, Roman god of love    tables writing tablets

  41    even renew could not restore

  42    Cambria Wales    Milford Haven most southwesterly Welsh port

  47    mean affairs trivial business

  51    bate abate, i.e., qualify what I have just said

  52    fainter kind more moderate fashion

  53    mine my longing (to see Posthumus)    thick fast, the words crammed together

  54    bores of hearing i.e., ears

  55    smothering overwhelming

  56    by th’way on the way

  59    steal creep away, surreptitiously go

  61    to excuse i.e., how to explain our absence    how get hence how to get away

  62    Why…begot? i.e., why should an excuse be made before the act that needs excusing has been performed

  64    score twenty    well possibly/comfortably

  65    ’Twixt…hour i.e., in an hour

  66    ’twixt…sun i.e., in a day

  69    riding wagers horse races with bets on them

  71    i’th’clock’s behalf in place of a clock, i.e., an hourglass

  72    feign pretend to be affected by

  73    home go home    presently immediately

  74    fit be suitable for

  75    franklin small landowner, below the rank of a gentleman

  76    you’re best you had better

  77    before me what’s in front of me    nor neither

  78    what ensues what will happen    but but that they

  81    none no route

Act 3 Scene 3

 3.3    Location: Wales, outside Belarius’ cave

    1    keep house stay inside    with such among those

    2    gate entrance

    3    Instructs…heavens i.e., by forcing you to bow

    4    office divine service

    5    jet strut

    6    impious turbans i.e., non-Christian (giants were frequently imaged as Saracens in Romance literature)

    8    use treat    hardly badly

    9    prouder livers those who live more ostentatiously

  13    these flats this plain

  15    place physical position/social rank    lessens…off diminishes and enhances

  16    revolve consider/turn over in the mind

  17    tricks accidents

  19    so allowed acknowledged as such    apprehend thus look at things in this way

  22    sharded living in dung/with scaly wings    hold stronghold, refuge

  24    attending serving/awaiting    for in exchange for    check rebuke

  25    robe i.e., robe of office

  27    Such those who do so    gain…fine gain the respect (by doffing the cap) of the tailor that provides their fine clothes

  28    Yet…uncrossed i.e., the debts in his account book never get crossed off    to compared to

  29    proof experience    unfledged young things; literally of young birds “not yet covered with feathers”

  31    air’s from home the air is like away from home    Haply perhaps

  34    stiff rigid, not flexible or pliant

  35    travelling abed i.e., in the imagination, dreaming of going places

  37    stride a limit step over the threshold, go out

  41    pinching bitingly cold/narrowly restricting

  43    beastly beastlike

  44    Like as

  45    what flies what runs away, i.e., food or prey (as opposed to men who would stand and fight)

  49    usuries corrupt financial practices

  50    knowingly i.e., from experience    art artifice/artfulness

  51    keep stay in

  54    pain labor, effort

  56    oft often

  57    record…act i.e., report of good deeds

  58    Doth ill deserve i.e., is ill rewarded

  59    curtsy…censure bow at the (unjust) reproof

  61    report reputation

  62    best of note most renowned, distinguished

  63    theme topic of discussion

  64    as like

  67    mellow hangings ripe fruit

  68    weather bad weather i.e., ill fortune

  69    favour goodwill, especially of a superior or multitude

  72    perfect unblemished, true

  74    this these

  75    demesnes lands, domains

  76    at in

  78    fore-end early part    time life

  80    venison deer

  81    minister be servants

  82    attends…state is an ever-present threat in places of greater status, pomp

  84    sparks of nature signs of inherent qualities

  87    trained…meanly brought up in such a humble way/in such lowly surroundings

  88    they bow i.e., because the roof is so low    hit i.e., reach as high as

  90    prince it behave like princes

  91    trick capacity, skill

  94    three-foot i.e., having three legs (a modest item of furniture)

  96    say when I say

  99    nerves sinews

101    in…figure in a similar fashion/posture

102    much more i.e., than Guiderius

103    conceiving understanding (of the story)    Hark…roused! Listen, the quarry (the animal being hunted) is driven from cover!

105    whereon for which reason

107    bar deprive    succession successors (to the throne)

108    reft’st robbed

109    nurse wet nurse, i.e., a woman employed to suckle another woman’s children

110    her i.e., Euriphile’s

Act 3 Scene 4

 3.4    Location: near Milford Haven

    1    came from horse dismounted

    2    ne’er…now i.e., the longing I have now (to see Posthumus) exceeds my mother’s longing to see me for the first time

    6    but painted thus i.e., who looked like that in a picture

    7    perplexed troubled, distressed/confused

    8    self-explication the ability to explain themselves    Put…fear i.e., don’t act in such a frightening way

    9    ere before

  10    staider calmer, more settled

  11    tender’st thou do you offer    paper letter

  12    summer i.e., good

  13    to’t before i.e., before giving it to me/in accordance with it (the good news)    winterly i.e., bad

  14    But only    hand handwriting

  15    drug-damned Italy Italians had a reputation for knowledge of poisons and other substances    out-craftied outwitted through guile

  16    hard point tight spot, difficult situation    tongue…extremity i.e., telling me what’s in it may help me bear the worst

  18    mortal fatal

  23    testimonies evidence    lies…me i.e., has cut me to the quick

  24    grief injury/anguish

  25    tainted contaminated

  28    pander procurer, pimp

  30    What why, for what purpose

  33    Outvenoms is more poisonous than    worms of Nile serpents of the Nile; the allusion is to the asp, which Cleopatra used to kill herself

  34    posting winds i.e., speeding, like a post-horse, the winds carry the slanderous news far and wide    belie deceive, spread lies over

  35    states people of high rank, statesmen/countries

  40    ’twixt…clock from hour to hour    charge overcomes, i.e., so that I go to sleep

  44    Thy conscience witness perhaps addressed to the absent Posthumus

  45    incontinency unchastity, lack of sexual self-control

  47    favour’s appearance is    jay whore, literally a brightly colored bird

  48    painting use of cosmetics

  49    stale out of date/a lover made the object of ridicule for a rival’s amusement

  50    richer…th’walls too valuable to just hang on a wall (like an old coat)

  51    ripped torn up for reusing/violently destroyed

  52    seeming outward show, appearance

  53    revolt reversal of ideas/betrayal

  54    born where’t grows natural

  55    worn deliberately put on    bait lure, temptation

  57    being heard like who were heard to speak like    Aeneas hero of Virgil’s Aeneid, who swore love to, and then deserted, Dido, who committed suicide as a result

  58    Sinon wept crocodile tears outside the walls of Troy to persuade the Trojans to admit the wooden horse containing the Greek warriors who destroyed the city

  59    scandal discredit, disgrace    took…wretchedness prevented truly wretched cases from receiving any pity

  61    leaven agent for fermenting dough

  63    fail failure

  65    witness testify to

  67    mansion dwelling place

  73    vile instrument i.e., his sword

  77    self-slaughter suicide

  79    cravens makes a coward of

  80    afore’t in front of it    soft not so fast, wait    we’ll no defence I shan’t defend myself

  81    Obedient…scabbard i.e., as willing to receive the sword as the scabbard is

  82    scriptures…heresy Posthumus’ letters are likened to sacred writings, which, because of his breaking faith with love, are now heretical, sacrilegious

  84    faith truth/honesty

  85    stomachers decorative breast coverings

  88    Stands…woe is worse off (because guilty)

  89    set up initiate, instigate

  90    suits love-suits, wooing

  91    princely royal/fine

  92    It…rareness my love for you/my disobedience against my father was no ordinary thing, but one born of exceptional qualities, circumstances

  94    disedged dulled, blunted, plays on sexual sense

  95    tirest feeds (ravenously, like a bird of prey)

  96    panged afflicted by pangs of conscience    Prithee please, literally “I pray thee”    dispatch hurry up/make an end (of me)

104    wake…first stay awake until my eyeballs drop out before I do that

106    abused deceived/made bad use of

109    inviting thee i.e., by providing such a good opportunity

110    whereunto to which, where

111    Purpose intend to

112    be unbent change your mind; the image is of the bent, drawn hunter’s bow being unbent again without firing at the quarry    stand hidden shooting position

113    Th’elected the chosen

116    course i.e., of action

119    strumpet prostitute

120    Therein false struck in that matter falsely wounded    take receive

121    tent surgical probe to assess the depth of a wound/roll of lint to clean a wound    bottom probe the depths/go deeper than

123    back go back

124    Most like that’s very likely

128    purpose would prove plan would turn out

129    abused deceived

130    singular unrivaled

132    courtesan one attached to a prince’s court/prostitute

139    bide abide, live

151    not but only    I’th’world’s volume in the book of the world; Britain is likened to a page torn out of it

153    swan’s nest i.e., built in the middle of a pool

154    livers people who live

158    wear a mind entertain an idea/follow a course of action

160    That i.e., her female identity

161    self-danger bringing danger upon yourself, i.e., as a woman alone

162    view prospects    haply perhaps

163    nigh near

165    render bring/describe

168    modesty chastity    death on’t its loss

169    adventure take the risk

172    Command into obedience i.e., from a princess to a servant    niceness coyness/fastidiousness

173    handmaids i.e., qualities/attributes

174    it i.e., her    waggish roguish; “wag” was a term for a saucy boy, habitual joker

175    Ready in gibes ready to make mocking remarks    quick-answered quick in reply

176    quarrellous quarrelsome

177    Forget neglect    rarest…cheek i.e., pale complexion, signifying her social rank

180    common-kissing Titan the sun, who shines on everybody alike

181    laboursome…trims beautifully made and pretty clothes

182    Juno wife of the supreme Roman god Jupiter, was jealous of her husband’s attraction to beautiful mortals

184    end purpose, intention

187    Forethinking anticipating    fit ready

188    doublet close-fitting padded men’s jacket    hose clothing for the legs

189    answer to belong with, go with    in their serving with them serving you, i.e., using them as a disguise

191    season age

192    his service to serve him

193    Wherein you’re happy in what ways you are accomplished    make him know convince him

194    If…music if he has any appreciation for music at all

196    means abroad resources away from home

198    Beginning nor supplyment i.e., beginning nor continuing to supply you with money

200    diet feed, supply

201    even keep up with

203    soldier to willing to fight for/bravely prepared for    abide endure

205    short brief, hurried

207    Your carriage taking you away

211    distemper illness    shade cover

212    fit you adapt, adjust yourself

Act 3 Scene 5

 3.5    Location: Britain

    1    Thus far i.e., this is as far (as I will accompany you)

    7    ourself myself using the royal plural pronoun

    8    must needs can only

  10    So very good, so be it

  11    conduct safe conduct/escort

  12    befall come to

  13    office duty, task (i.e., accompanying Lucius)

  14    honour i.e., the honor due to Lucius as an ambassador    point small way

  19    event battle/outcome

  22    Severn river bordering England and Wales

  23    it honours us it does us credit (because we have been patriotic and defiant)

  24    cause reason, grounds

  28    fits us befits us, is appropriate that we    ripely immediately (because the time is ripe)

  31    drawn to head brought to full strength

  36    forward prepared

  39    duty…day daily greeting she owes Cymbeline as her father and king    looks us appears to me (us)

  42    slight in sufferance lax in allowing such behavior

  44    retired withdrawn, reclusive

  47    Forbear hold back, refrain from

  48    tender of sensitive to

  51    answered accounted for, excused

  56    close private, secluded

  57    Whereto…infirmity to which she is compelled by her illness

  59    proffer offer, present

  69    stand’st so for support/represent

  71    Proceed by result from

  73    Haply it may be, perhaps

  76    end aim, design

  78    placing arranging, disposal

  84    forestall…day prevent him from seeing tomorrow

  85    her Innogen    for because

  86    that because    parts qualities

  87    from…hath as though she has taken the best qualities from each and every woman

  88    compounded made up

  89    Outsells exceeds in value

  91    slanders discredits

  92    rare exceptional about her

  95    packing plotting, scheming/running away, leaving    sirrah fellow (addressed to a social inferior)

  96    pander bawd, sexual go-between

  98    Thou…fiends i.e., I will instantly kill you, sending your soul to hell

101    Close secretive

104    weights i.e., weights and measures

105    dram a tiny measure

109    Come nearer get to the point/come (physically) closer to me

110    halting hesitation    home completely

114    Discover reveal

120    Touching regarding

123    Or…perish i.e., either show him the letter or be killed

125    travel literally “traveling”; plays on “travail,” meaning “tronble”/”labor”

132    undergo undertake    employments tasks

133    serious careful, meticulous    industry application, diligence

135    want lack    relief assistance    voice…preferment support for your promotion, advancement

138    course ordinary way

139    but other than

141    Hast do you have    late i.e., former

150    upon a time once

153    her eyes i.e., in her sight

155    insultment scornful, contemptuous triumph

157    knock beat    foot kick

164    voluntary mute i.e., willingly silent; mutes were servants whose tongues were cut out to stop them telling secrets

165    tender offer, present

167    to my loss i.e., to lose my honor

169    him…true i.e., Posthumus

172    crossed hindered, thwarted    meed reward

Act 3 Scene 6

 3.6    Location: Wales, outside Belarius’ cave

    2    tired exhausted/dressed (attired)

    6    ken sight

    7    Foundations…wretched things recede as the poor or desperate approach/charitable organizations fail those who need them most

  11    trial test of their moral character/endurance

  12    scarce hardly ever    lapse in fullness do wrong when in a state of prosperity

  13    sorer worse

  15    on of, about

  16    even before only a moment ago

  17    At point ready, just about

  18    hold stronghold, lair

  19    were best had better

  20    Ere…nature i.e., before it kills me    it nature

  22    hardness…mother hardship always gives rise to (is the mother of) endurance

  24    Take or lend take my life/money, or give me food, help me

  25    Best I had better

  27    Such…heavens! i.e., she begs the heavens to let it be a foe of that sort

  28    woodman hunter

  30    match bargain, agreement

  31    The…to i.e., no one would work if it weren’t for some purpose

  33    homely plain

  34    flint hard, stony ground    resty sloth well-rested laziness

  35    down feather

  36    keep’st thyself i.e., looks after itself, is uninhabited

  37    throughly thoroughly, utterly

  39    browse nibble

  42    But that if it weren’t for the fact that    victuals food

  46    paragon outstanding example

  50    good troth in good truth

  51    nought nothing

  52    i’th’floor on the floor/in among the rushes on the floor

  53    board table    so as

  54    parted departed

  58    reckoned valued, esteemed    but of except by

  61    should would

  62    made committed

  63    Whither bound? Where are you going?

  66    Fidele means “the faithful one” (Latin)

  68    spent exhausted

  69    in into

  71    churls impolite, mean-spirited people/peasants

  72    rude uncivilized

  73    cheer food/entertainment

  74    thanks our approval

  77    hard vigorously, boldly    but be but to be/if I could not otherwise be    in honesty your honest, loyal husband/by honorable means

  78    Ay…buy i.e., woo you in the same way as I would love you as your husband

  83    sprightly cheerful

  84    ’Mongst…brothers I must be among friends if I am among brothers

  86    prize…ballasting value would be less since she would no longer be next in line to the throne and thus more equal to Posthumus; puns on    prize as “cargo, booty in a captured ship”

  89    wrings writhes/wrings his hands

  90    free’t remove the trouble

  96    attend themselves i.e., had no servants

  97    sealed them confirmed in them    laying by setting aside

  98    nothing-gift worthless gift (flattery, adulation)    differing multitudes fickle crowds

  99    out-peer surpass    twain two

101    Leonatus’ Leonatus is

103    dress our hunt i.e., prepare what we have caught for cooking

104    Discourse…fasting speech is tedious while hungry

105    mannerly politely    demand ask

108    The…welcome i.e., not even the night to the owl or the morning to the lark are as welcome to us

Act 3 Scene 7

 3.7    Location: Rome

    1    tenor substance    writ order

    2    men soldiers

    3    Pannonians and Dalmatians ancient inhabitants of what are now Hungary and the Balkans

    5    Full very

    6    fall’n off rebellious/defaulting    incite summon/stir up

    9    commands appoints

  10    absolute commission complete authority

  16    supplyant ready to supply troops/supplementary

Act 4 Scene 1

 4.1    Location: Wales

    2    fit fittingly, perfectly

    3    fit inclined, plays on sense of “sexually compatible”    saving…word standard apology for coarse language; in this case fitness, meaning “sexual inclination”

    4    fits fits and starts    play the workman use my skill like a craftsman

    5    vainglory idle boasting    glass mirror

    8    advantage…time i.e., current favorable circumstances    alike conversant equally experienced    general services military operations serving alongside others, probably with bawdy connotations

    9    single oppositions individual combats    imperceiverant imperceptive

  10    in my despite in spite of my qualities/to spite me    mortality mankind/existence/death

  11    enforced forced, constrained/raped

  12    spurn kick

  13    haply perhaps    usage treatment

  14    power of control over    testiness short temper/rashness    commendations credit, renown

  15    sore grievous, violent; bawdy quibble on sword (penis) and sore (wound/vagina)    Fortune may Fortune

Act 4 Scene 2

  10    citizen city-bred    wanton weakling/spoiled child/unchaste, lewd person

  11    ere before

  12    journal daily, usual routine    breach of custom disruption of usual habit

  14    amend me make me better    Society company

  16    reason of talk (lucidly) about

  17    none no one

  18    Stealing so poorly i.e., if I steal from those who have so little

  20    weight intensity

  23    yoke me am joined, associated

  26    bier at door if the coffin were at the door

  29    strain offspring, stock/inherited character/disposition

  30    breed lineage, ancestry

  32    meal and bran grain and husks

  33    yet…me it is a miracle that they should love this boy, whoever he, is more than me

  38    So…sir at your service, sir (to Belarius)

  41    but except

  44    tributary subsidiary

  47    stir move, persuade

  48    gentle well-born

  49    Dishonestly afflicted unjustly oppressed/troubled by others’ dishonesty

  52    To th’field i.e., let’s go hunting

  58    bound tied, allied/indebted

  60    distressed troubled, afflicted

  63    roots vegetables    characters shapes, especially letters

  64    as as though    Juno wife of Jupiter and queen of the gods

  65    dieter one who regulates the diet/feeder

  66    yokes ties together, attaches

  68    that what

  70    commix mingle

  71    rail utter abusive language

  74    spurs tree roots

  75    Grow…vine the wish is that    grief, like a    stinking elder (which had an evil reputation because of its pungent smell), will disentangle its deadly roots from those of the growing vine (patience)

  77    with from

  78    great morning broad daylight

  79    runagates runaways/rogues

  80    mocked tricked, fooled

  85    held regarded

  86    but only

  87    companies followers, others

  89    Soft not so fast

  90    fly run away, flee from

  94    A…knock I never did anything more slavelike than responding to an insulting slave/someone calling me a slave without beating, hitting them

  99    I…mouth i.e., I am not all talk when it comes to fighting

103    clothes i.e., courtly clothes, showing rank

107    varlet scoundrel

111    loath reluctant

112    injurious insulting

120    mere confusion absolute destruction/agitation of the mind

122    not seeming since you don’t seem

123    So as

128    proper own

130    on…heads the heads of traitors were fixed on poles at the gateway to London Bridge

132    abroad around, about

133    sure clearly

135    lines of favour facial lines, lineaments

136    snatches catches, hesitancy

137    absolute certain

138    very indeed

140    make…with to do well against

141    fell fierce

142    Being…man being intellectually defective/barely come to manhood

143    apprehension perception, understanding

144    judgement reason, i.e., the rational mind

148    Hercules classical hero, who wielded a club, and performed a series of impossible tasks

150    I…this if I hadn’t done this

153    perfect well aware

154    after according to

156    take us in capture us

161    The…us i.e., because they are banished

162    tender meek/submissive

163    threat threaten

165    For because

168    safe sane, sound

169    humour disposition, frame of mind

170    mutation changeableness (of mood)

175    Cave dwell in caves

176    make…head assemble a stronger force

177    like him just like him, in his nature    might break out he might burst out

178    fetch us in capture us and bring us before the court

179    To come that he would come

180    suffering allowing

181    tail i.e., a group coming after him

183    ord’nance what is ordained

184    foresay predict/determine    howsoe’er however it may turn out/nevertheless

186    mind inclination

188    way long forth way forward seem long

192    to i.e., flow to

194    reck care

199    So so that

201    I would I wish that (all the)

202    possible strength power we might muster    meet i.e., in battle

203    put…answer force us to answer them in battle/cause us to show them what we’re made of

208    hasty rash, impetuous

211    gain restore

212    let…blood bloodletting or bleeding a patient was a common medical procedure; Arviragus is proposing a different kind of bloodletting here, shedding the blood of (killing) a parish full of Clotens to make Innogen well

215    blazon’st are depicted

217    zephyrs soft winds, breezes; the    zephyr is the west wind

218    wagging moving/disturbing

219    enchafed heated, aroused    rud’st roughest (rudest)

222    frame train, direct/fit, suit

224    seen from other not learned from others

225    wildly naturally, without being cultivated

230    clotpoll blockhead

233    ingenious skillfully constructed

234    occasion reason

235    give it motion i.e., play it

239    speak emit sound

240    answer correspond to    accidents events

241    Triumphs public celebrations    lamenting toys lamentation over trivial, inconsequential things

242    jollity for apes i.e., only an imitation of jollity    grief for boys considered emotionally fickle

248    on of

250    turned…crutch i.e., turned my youth into old age

253    the…well half as well

256    sound thy bottom measure your depths    Find…in the experience of melancholy is likened to being in a small boat sailing sluggishly through a muddy river of unknowable depth, with no way of knowing the easiest route to harbor    Find explore

257    ooze i.e., the wet mud and slime at the bottom of a river    sluggish slow-moving    crare small trading boat

258    easiliest most easily

260    rare exceptional

262    Stark stiff

263    as…slumber as though some fly had tickled him while he was sleeping

264    Not…at not as though he was laughing at death’s arrow

268    leagued folded

269    clouted brogues hobnailed boots    rudeness roughness

270    Answered…loud i.e., made his steps echo too loudly

271    but only, merely

272    he’ll…bed i.e., because he looks more like someone asleep

279    azured bright blue-colored    harebell a native plant with delicate blue flowers on slender stems, often called “bluebell” but actually a distinct species

280    eglantine sweetbriar (wild rose)

281    ruddock robin (in folklore believed to cover the dead by strewing them with leaves and flowers, hence charitable bill)

286    winter-ground cover and protect in winter

288    wench-like womanish

290    admiration i.e., of Innogen/amazement, wonder

291    due debt the debt that needs to be paid, i.e., burial

292    shall’s shall us (i.e., shall we)

296    Have…crack i.e., have broken

297    once we once did for    like the same

298    Save except

300    word speak

302    fanes temples

304    med’cine the less cure lesser ones

306    came came here as

307    paid given his payment, i.e., death    mean…dust i.e., both high and low come to the same end

308    reverence respect, deference

314    Thersites in Homer’s Iliad, the most scurrilous and cowardly of all the Greek warriors at the siege of Troy    Ajax heroic Greek warrior in the Iliad

317    the whilst in the meanwhile

318    to th’east emphasizing the pagan setting since it is the opposite in Christian practice

321    remove move

326    Home i.e., heaven    ta’en thy wages payment for the worldly task

327    Golden…dust i.e., the rich must die as surely as the poor; dandelions were known as chimney sweepers in Warwickshire

328    As like

333    sceptre, learning, physic i.e., kings, scholars, doctors

336    thunder-stone thunderbolt

340    Consign to thee seal the same contract with/entrust to your charge

341    exorcizer one who conjures or raises spirits

342    charm cast a spell on

343    Ghost…thee let any ghost that has not been laid to rest stay away from you

345    consummation end, fulfillment

347    obsequies funeral rites

350    upon their faces meaning is unclear; possibly “strew the flowers on the front of their bodies”/”turn the bodies face down”/”strew the flowers on their faces”

352    herblets shall small herbs will also (wither)

353    apart…knees let us go and pray

354    gave them first i.e., bore them

358    ’Od’s pittikins a diminutive of “God’s pity,” reduced to its mildest form

359    gone journeyed

360    But…bedfellow! But wait, I don’t remember any bedfellow!

362    care on’t its (the world’s) grief

363    so in the same way, i.e., dreaming

365    bolt arrow

366    fumes bodily vapors, thought to rise from the body to the brain, thus causing dreams

370    wren’s eye i.e., a tiny amount, the wren being regarded as the smallest bird    a part give me some of it

372    Without…me outside me (a physical reality), as it was inside me (in my imagination, dream)    felt tangible

375    His…face Innogen likens bodily attributes to those of gods and heroes; Mercury was the messenger of the gods, Mars the god of war,    Hercules a hero famed for his strength, and Jove (Jupiter) king of the gods

376    brawns muscles

378    madded maddened    Hecuba wife of Priam, King of Troy; accounts describe her frenzied grief, cursing the Greeks as they sacked Troy and murdered Priam

379    darted shot like darts (arrows)

380    Conspired i.e., having conspired    irregulous lawless

384    this…vessel i.e., Posthumus, likened to a ship    bravest most excellent/handsome/courageous, strong    of in

385    Struck the main-top chopped off the top part of the ship’s mainsail, i.e., his head

389    lucre greed for money

390    laid inflicted/placed, laid out    pregnant obvious, clear

392    cordial healthful, restorative

393    home i.e., to my heart

395    Give…blood i.e., she smears his blood on her cheeks

396    horrider more ghastly, intimidating

397    Which chance who happen    Soothsayer one who foretells the future

398    Gallia France

399    After in accordance with    attending waiting for

403    confiners those dwelling within the confines, inhabitants (presumably means common men, as opposed to gentlemen)

407    Siena Duke of Siena

409    benefit advantage

410    forwardness diligence, industriousness/promptness

413    purpose outcome

415    fast fasted    intelligence information, message

416    winged flying, on the wing

417    spongy damp

418    portends indicates

419    sins…divination earthly sins distort my ability to communicate with the gods

420    host army

422    trunk body

423    his its    speaks suggests, attests

425    Or either

426    nature doth abhor i.e., living creatures naturally detest

427    defunct deceased

430    instruct us of tell us about

432    crave…demanded beg to be asked about

435    altered…picture i.e., by cutting off the head

436    wreck ruin, catastrophe/mutilated person

442    is are

443    occident west    service masters to serve

446    ’Lack alas (alack)

447    complaining lamenting, mourning

451    Say you did you speak

454    approve…same i.e., prove yourself true to your name (Fidele means “the faithful one” in Latin)

460    prefer recommend

461    an’t if it

463    poor pickaxes i.e., her fingers

465    century of hundred

466    can am able to

468    So…me if it please you to take me into your service

474    pikes pointed metal tips of a staff or spear    partisans long-handled spears with broad blades

475    arm him take him up in your arms    preferred commended

477    can are, have the right to be

Act 4 Scene 3

 4.3    Location: Britain

    1    Again i.e., go back again

    2    with due to

    3    of as a result of

    4    touch wound, afflict

    6    Upon…bed i.e., she is desperately ill

    8    present i.e., present moment

  11    enforce…thee force it out of you

  15    nothing know know nothing about

  16    purposes intends to

  17    Hold consider

  21    subjection duty as a subject

  22    wants lacks

  23    will he will

  25    slip…season let you be for a while    jealousy suspicion

  26    Does yet depend still hangs in the balance/remains

  30    gentlemen i.e., officers

  31    Now for if only I now had

  32    amazed with matter overwhelmed by all these matters

  34    affront confront, face

  35    Come more if more come

  36    The…but the only thing now needed is

  40    annoy harm

  41    chances events

  42    no letter i.e., no news

  46    is betid has happened

  49    find reveal, prove

  50    Even…o’th’king even to the point where the king takes note    fall die, perish

  52    Fortune…steered i.e., even some boats that are cast adrift are brought safely back to harbor by good fortune

Act 4 Scene 4

 4.4    Location: Wales, outside Belarius’ cave

    1    noise i.e., of the armies preparing for battle

    3    lock it lock it away

    6    This way if we do this

    7    or for either as    receive…use recruit us, thinking us rebels to make use of and then kill us

  11    secure us make ourselves safe, find a stronghold

  13    not…bands i.e., not listed among the forces    mustered enlisted as soldiers

  14    drive…render force us to give an account of

  15    extort from’s extract from us

  16    answer reward, recompense

  17    Drawn on with brought about by

  23    quartered fires campfires (from their quarters in the field)

  24    cloyed importantly clogged, filled with important matters

  25    upon our note in taking notice of us

  28    Of by

  29    then was then    wore effaced, removed

  30    remembrance memory

  32    want of breeding lack of education, cultivation

  33    certainty inevitability    aye hopeless forever without hope

  34    courtesy respect/refined manners    cradle i.e., your circumstances at birth

  35    still forever    tanlings i.e., those tanned by constant exposure to the sun

  36    shrinking as    slaves will recoil from and tremble at punishment, so the    winter cold makes one shiver

  40    out of thought forgotten about    thereto so o’ergrown in that respect your memory obscured/your face covered with hair

  41    questioned suspected

  43    thing is’t ashameful thing it is

  45    hot lecherous    venison deer

  47    rowel Nor iron i.e., spurs    rowel the rotating blade at the end of the spur    iron the framework that attaches it

  54    care attention, caution

  55    hazard therefore due chance, danger coming to me

  60    cracked i.e., because old

  61    country country’s

  63    their…out their mettle, noble spirit/royal blood, stock despises everything until it may break out/be shed in battle

Act 5 Scene 1

5.1    Location: Wales

    1    bloody cloth sent by Pisanio to Posthumus as proof that he had murdered Innogen

    3    course i.e., of action

    5    wrying erring, going astray

    6    does not does not carry out

    7    No bond but there is no obligation except

    8    Should have had

    9    put on this instigate Innogen’s murder/take such a fault upon myself/wear these clothes

  10    repent i.e., her supposed unfaithfulness

  11    worth deserving

  13    fall i.e., sin

  14    second support/follow up    elder later, next (with the implication that evils mature with time)/earlier, with the more recent evils diminishing in severity until finally repentance sets in

  15    make…it i.e., make the perpetrators fearful and repentant    thrift gain, advantage (by becoming saved through repentance)

  23    weeds clothes    suit dress

  25    part side

  28    Pitied neither pitied

  30    habits peasant’s clothes/customary behavior

  32    guise custom, practice

  33    less…within i.e., to privilege inner qualities over outward finery

Act 5 Scene 2

    1    bosom heart

    2    off away    belied slandered, lied about

    3    on’t of it

    4    or could or else could    carl bondman, peasant

    5    very…nature’s natural-born slave

    6    profession i.e., as a soldier

    7    but of scorn only a mockery

    8    go before outgo, excel

    9    odds likelihood

  12    routs defeats    seconds give said to

  17    As as though    hoodwinked blindfolded

  19    or…fly let’s either reinforce our numbers or flee before it’s too late

Act 5 Scene 3

    3    fliers i.e., those who fled

    6    But had it not been

    7    wings flank of the army

    8    but only

    9    strait narrow    full-hearted full of confidence

  10    Lolling the tongue i.e., slavering like dogs, their tongues hanging out

  12    mortally fatally    touched wounded

  13    dammed blocked up, like a dam

  15    lengthened i.e., after spending the rest of their lives in shame

  18    ancient old/noble

  19    who…to who deserved to have lived as long a life as his white beard showed he had

  22    striplings young men    run…base play the rural children’s game of “prisoner’s base,” where players run between two opposing camps or bases and try to capture players on the other team

  24    masks worn by women to protect their delicate complexions from the sun (preservation), or for modesty’s sake (shame)

  26    Made good defended

  27    harts male deer, plays on “hearts”

  28    To…backwards to hell, damnation with those swift (fleet) souls who flee

  29    that i.e., a fight

  30    Like beasts with beastlike ferocity    beastly cowardly

  31    frown i.e., anger, resolved to fight

  32    Three…many as confident as if they were three thousand, and having the effect in their actions as if they were

  33    file entire force, (from front file to rear)

  35    Accommodated aided    charming spellbinding

  37    distaff spindle used in spinning wool, i.e., a housewife would have turned soldier at their example    gilded pale looks restored color to pale, cowardly faces

  38    Part it was partly through

  39    But by example only by imitating the first beginners (those who first began to flee)

  40    ’gan…did began to turn and face the way they (Belarius, Guiderius, and Arviragus) did

  41    grin i.e., bare their teeth, snarl    lions…o’th’hunters cornered lions, kept at bay with (rather than skewered by) the hunters’ spears

  43    stop i’th’chaser halt on the part of the pursuer    retire retreat    anon at once

  45    they…eagles they flee like chickens along the same path they swooped down (stooped) as eagles    slaves…made like slaves along the same path they strode as victors

  47    Like…need like scraps of food, gathered up as a last resort on tough voyages at sea, which become the source of life in a time of desperate need

  48    having…hearts i.e., the Romans had dropped their guard, making it easy for the British cowards to attack them (possibly literally means stab them in the heart through their backs) as they ran away

  50    Some…twenty i.e., Britons who earlier were cut down, dying, trampled, cowardly (ten being chased by one Roman), are now all the killers of twenty Romans each    some…wave some of their friends knocked down in the previous attack/some who their friends knocked down in the previous retreat

  53    or ere resist before they would fight back    are grown have now become

  54    mortal bugs deadly terrors    o’th’field of the battlefield

  57    wonder at it be amazed by it

  59    work any perform any (wondrous deeds)    upon’t upon the subject, about it

  60    vent utter, proclaim    for a mock’ry as a joke

  61    twice a boy proverbial, “old men are twice children”

  62    bane ruin

  64    ’Lack…end? Alas, why should I get angry?

  65    stand stand up to, face

  66    made naturally inclined

  67    fly my friendship run from my friendship (so I won’t have to put up with him anymore)

  70    going running away    O noble misery what a miserable specimen of a noble/what a miserable state for one who is supposedly noble

  72    honours reputations/titles

  73    Took…do’t ran away to do it

  74    too anyway    in…charmed protected, kept safe (as if by a magical spell) by my own misery

  78    ministers agents

  80    For…Briton because he (death) now favors the Britons, I’ll no longer be a Briton

  82    part role/side

  83    veriest hind merest timid creature    hind female deer

  84    touch my shoulder i.e., arrest me

  85    made committed    Roman Romans    answer retribution, retaliation    be will be

  87    either side i.e., either dying for the Britons or the Romans    spend use up/waste

  88    keep preserve    bear again bear away again

  92    silly habit simple rustic clothes (referring to Posthumus)

  93    th’affront attack

  97    seconds reinforcements

  98    answered him supported him/acted as he did

100    A…return i.e., not even the smallest part of Rome shall return there

102    note high rank

104    You…pasture pastured animals had weights tied to one leg to prevent them escaping or being    stolen

105    stomach appetite

109    Groan…perpetuity i.e., put up with the pain forever

111    T’unbar to unlock

112    shanks legs

113    The…bolt the means of penitence to release my conscience

114    Then ever then (I shall be) free forever, i.e., in death

115    temporal worldly, as opposed to “heavenly”

116    Must I if I must

117    gyves fetters, chains

118    constrained forced (on me)    satisfy atone for my sins

119    If…part if it (atonement) is the most important element in freeing my conscience

120    render repayment

121    clement merciful    vile men general humanity, specifically, usurers, moneylenders

122    of from    broken debtors bankrupts, those who can no longer repay their debts

124    their abatement i.e., the little that’s left over by the creditors for the debtors to go on living

126    coined created, stamping it like a new coin

127    stamp coin

128    light underweight/morally deficient    pieces coins    figure’s sake the symbolic sake of the figure stamped on the coin

129    You…yours i.e., you should accept mine since yours is the image stamped onto it

130    audit account

131    bonds legal/mortal/literal, i.e., his fetters

133    thou thunder-master Jupiter, king of the gods, believed to have thunder and lightning at his command

134    flies i.e., people, whom the gods squash like flies

136    That who

137    rates scolds, berates/reckons

138    aught anything

141    Attending nature’s law i.e., staying the full nine months in the womb, according to nature

145    earth-vexing smart suffering that afflicts earthly, mortal men

146    Lucina Roman goddess of childbirth

147    took i.e., to death    in my throes while I was in labor

148    That so that    ripped i.e., born by Cesarean section

152    stuff substance

155    When once when the time came that    mature for man i.e., grown to manhood

158    fruitful gifted, promising/producing love’s fruits

160    deem his dignity judge his worth

161    wherefore why

163    Leonati seat ancestral home of the Leonati (Britain)/family seat of the Leonati (family honor)

166    suffer allow

167    Slight worthless, contemptible

168    taint infect

170    geck dupe

172    stiller seats quieter resting places, i.e., the fields of Elysium (in classical mythology, a paradise inhabited by the good after death)

176    fealty loyalty (to a lord)    Tenantius’ right duty owed to Tenantius, Cymbeline’s father

178    Like hardiment similar deeds of valor

181    adjourned deferred, delayed

182    graces rewards

183    dolours sorrows

184    crystal transparent, like crystal    ope open

186    race breed/family

190    marble mansion i.e., the heavens

192    synod…rest assembly of the other gods

194    appeal i.e., to the other assembled gods, as in a tribunal

196    region low Elysium, which was below Jupiter’s palace on Mount Olympus

199    Sky-planted rooted in the heavens

200    Elysium classical equivalent of heaven

202    mortal accidents human events

205    delighted (the more) delighted (in)

207    well are spent are very nearly over/have been undergone to good effect

208    jovial star the planet Jupiter, supposed to bring good fortune, which was in the ascendant when Posthumus was born

212    tablet a single sheet, richly bound

213    confine enclose, contain

218    sulphurous it is very likely that small fireworks were used to create lightning effects that would have left a sulphurous smell

219    Stooped…us swooped down as if to seize us in its talons

220    sweet calm/sweet-smelling

221    Prunes preens, uses his beak to trim his feathers    claws his beak scratches his beak with his talons

222    As when because/whenever

224    marble pavement the floor of the heavens

226    behest command

229    O scorn what a bitter joke

230    so as

232    greatness’ favor the favor of powerful men at court

233    swerve digress/go astray

234    dream…deserve don’t dream of finding anything, and neither do they deserve to

237    A book i.e., the tablet    rare exceptional

238    fangled foppish, novelty-obsessed

239    effects contents

241    As…good i.e., as they promise to be

242    Whenas when    whelp cub

243    piece creature, individual    tender air a false etymology for Latin mulier, meaning “woman”

244    jointed grafted

245    stock trunk

247    stuff nonsense

248    Tongue…not speak without comprehending the meaning    both i.e., a dream and madness

251    which i.e., the tablet

256    the…shot the meal justifies its price    shot tavern bill

257    reckoning settlement

261    paid punished    heavier…light duller/sleepier as a result of being drunk (light-headed)

262    drawn of heaviness emptied of that which made it heavy i.e., money    Of from

263    contradiction being light and heavy i.e., drunk    you…quit you shall from now on be acquitted, freed    penny cord i.e., very cheap hangman’s rope    sums up pays the reckoning for/disposes of

264    in a trice instantly    debitor and creditor account book (referring to the headings of the two columns in a ledger)

265    discharge payment    counters tokens used for accounting

266    acquittance receipt

270    officer i.e., the hangman

272    death death’s head—a skull    pictured depicted; death’s heads usually have empty eye sockets

273    take upon them profess, claim

274    jump the after-inquiry hazard the final judgment

275    speed fare

276    on of

277    want lack

278    wink shut their eyes

279    mock jest

280    winking i.e., closing the eyes permanently

284    bolts manacles

286    prone eager (to go to the gallows)    verier truer    for all even though

289    there were desolation that would be the end of    profit source of income

290    preferment promotion, either because a world that didn’t need jailers and executions would afford better jobs, or there would be a reward in the afterlife

Act 5 Scene 4

    3    richly nobly, profitably

    4    naked unprotected (by armor)

    5    Stepped before stood at the front of (the British)/stood in opposition to (the Romans)    targes of proof shields of proven strength

    7    grace favor

  13    searched sought

  16    heir…reward inheritor of the reward I should have given to him

  17    liver…brain believed to control passion, affection, and judgment respectively

  18    grant acknowledge, affirm

  19    of…are where you are from

  21    Cambria Wales    are were

  25    knights o’th’battle knights created on the battlefield (an especial honor)

  26    fit supply

  27    estates i.e., new rank as knights

  28    business serious concern

  42    trip me correct me/catch me out

  46    Affected desired, longed for    by through

  50    but if it weren’t for the fact that

  51    opening revealing, disclosing

  52    bore in hand pretended, professed

  55    had Ta’en off would have destroyed

  57    delicate beautiful/crafty, skillful

  60    mortal mineral fatal poison

  61    by the minute minute by minute

  62    By…you consume you little by little    purposed intended

  63    watching i.e., at your bedside by night    tendance attention

  64    show pretence

  65    fitted molded, shaped

  66    th’adoption…crown i.e., becoming adopted heir to the crown

  67    end purpose, design

  68    opened revealed

  76    Mine ears nor were mine ears

  77    seeming appearance    had been vicious would have been reprehensible

  80    feeling emotions/experience

  82    razed out erased

  83    made suit appealed

  84    their i.e., those killed in battle

  86    estate spiritual state

  88    had…us had we been the victors

  92    called named as/taken for    sufficeth it is enough that

  94    think on’t i.e., consider a strategy (with the unspoken implication “and then revenge it”)

  95    peculiar care personal concerns

  99    tender…occasions sensitive to his master’s needs

100    feat deft, graceful

104    And even if you

106    favour face, countenance

107    looked…grace won my favor by your looks

109    Ne’er…master i.e., because I don’t even know why I’m sparing you myself, but it’s not due to his pleading on your behalf

110    boon request

111    state rank

120    shuffle shift, look out

122    briefly quickly

123    truth loyalty, fidelity

124    perplexed distressed

130    vassal subject

131    Am something nearer i.e., I am more closely connected to you by being a British subject

132    Wherefore…so? Why do you stare at him in that way?

145    eyes sees    forbear have patience

148    But…dead but we see him who we know to be dead

158    Winnow separate, like grain from chaff

159    render declare, state

164    Thou’lt torture me i.e., if you had any idea what I have to say, you’d torture me

173    All…this everything relating to this matter

178    while nature will for as long as nature will have it/for the remainder of your natural life

179    ere before

183    viands food

184    heaved to head raised to my mouth

187    rar’st most exceptional    sadly soberly, reservedly

189    made barren rendered impotent

190    feature shape/comeliness/form of face    laming crippling by comparison

191    shrine veneration, idolizing    Venus Roman goddess of love    straight-pight straight pitched, i.e., erect, upright in bearing    Minerva Roman goddess of arts and war

192    beyond surpassing    brief nature the brevity of mortal life    condition character, personality

193    shop storehouse

194    hook of wiving i.e., beauty, which is bait for marriage

196    I…fire i.e., I am burning with impatience

197    matter point

201    hint cue/opportunity

205    mind put in’t described her character

206    cracked of boastfully uttered about    kitchen-trulls kitchen maids    trull wench/trollop

207    unspeaking sots fools/drunkards, incapable of articulate speech

208    to th’purpose get to the point

210    as Dian as though Diana (Roman goddess of chastity)    hot erotic, lustful

211    she i.e., Innogen    cold chaste

212    scruple doubt

215    In suit by courtship

219    carbuncle precious stone, mythical gem said to emit light in the dark

220    Of Phoebus’ wheel from the chariot wheel of Phoebus Apollo, the sun god    might so might have done so

221    of’s car of his chariot

222    Post hurry

224    Of by

227    duller Britain refers to the idea that cold, northern countries produced slower-witted people than those from the hot south

228    vantage profit, gain

230    simular simulated, specious

232    renown reputation

233    thus, and thus of this and that kind    averring affirming

237    cracked broken

238    forfeit that which is due when a contract is breached

242    anything any name, title

243    in being present

244    cord rope

245    justicer judge

246    ingenious masterly, skillful

247    th’abhorrèd the detested    amend make seem better

251    sacrilegious thief because he sacked the    temple that was Innogen

252    she herself i.e., virtue

254    bay bark at

256    Be…’twas i.e., by comparing it with what I have done

260    Shall’s have shall we make

261    There…part play your part by lying on the ground

267    staggers giddiness, dizziness; a disease in animals that causes them to walk unsteadily

270    mortal earthly, human/deadly, fatal

275    tune voice

276    stones of sulphur thunderbolts

283    approve prove

284    confection mixture (drug)

285    for cordial as a restorative

289    temper mix, concoct    still pretending always claiming

292    esteem value, worth

294    cease halt, arrest

296    offices of nature natural faculties/bodily parts

298    Most like very likely

301    sure definitely

306    the tree i.e., himself

308    mak’st…act do you cast me as an idiot

312    motive reason

315    mother’s i.e., stepmother is

317    naught nothing/wicked    long of because of (along of)

318    strangely as strangers/in unusual circumstances

322    missing absence

324    discovered revealed

325    accident chance

326    feignèd letter i.e., the letter falsely claiming that Posthumus was waiting at Milford Haven

330    enforced took by force    posts hurries

336    forfend forbid

339    Deny’t again take it back again, unsay it

341    He…prince i.e., killing him is therefore treasonable and merits death

342    incivil unmannerly

347    To…mine i.e., to tell you that he had cut off my head

348    sorrow sorry/filled with sorrow

350    dead condemned to die

357    As well descended of as good lineage, family stock

358    of from    merited deserved

359    Had…for ever deserved for their wounds in battle

362    worth…for the reward you have not yet been given

363    tasting of experiencing, feeling

366    thou i.e., Belarius

368    But I will unless I    on’s of us

369    given out him declared him (Guiderius) to be

370    For…speech i.e., what I am about to say will prove dangerous to me

371    haply perhaps, with luck    well for beneficial to

374    by leave with your permission

380    Assumed this age attained this aged appearance

384    hot hasty

386    it i.e., the payment    confiscate all all confiscated    so as

389    saucy impudent

390    prefer raise in social stature

395    blood offspring

398    sometime once

399    mere whole

400    That…did i.e., I did no harm at all, unless you think my suffering harmful

404    put into teach

407    moved persuaded

408    Having…then i.e., he had already been unjustly banished for treason, but stealing the children was actually a treasonable offense

409    Beaten being beaten

410    Excited provoked, incited

411    of by    shaped Unto fitted, suited

412    end of purpose in (to make Cymbeline suffer)

419    service i.e., in battle

420    Unlike unlikely, amazing

423    Be pleased awhile permit me to speak for a few more moments

425    as yours as your son

427    lapped wrapped

428    curious exquisite

429    probation proof

432    sanguine bloodred

435    natural stamp birthmark

436    end…donation purpose in giving it

440    deliverance in giving birth    pray I pray

441    starting…orbs displacement from your spheres

443    Thou…kingdom because Guiderius and Arviragus are immediate heirs to the throne

447    But anything other than

455    rare exceptional

456    fierce abridgement drastically compressed account

457    branches details

458    Distinction…in need to be distinguished fully from one another/should prove plentiful once they have been distinguished from one another

462    your…to what motives the three of you (Belarius, Guiderius, and Arviragus) had for joining

463    demanded asked about

464    by-dependences side issues, related matters

465    chance happening, occurrence    nor neither

466    Will serve are suited to    interrogatories interrogations

467    anchors concentrates his looks, attention

468    throws her eye gazes

470    counterchange…all each reciprocates the looks of the others

471    quit this ground leave this place

472    smoke fill with smoke (from incense or sacrificial fires)

473    hold consider

474    relieve me help/rescue me

475    gracious season joyous occasion

477    Save except

478    taste our comfort feel, experience our mercy/share in our happiness

482    forlorn wretched, destitute

483    becomed become, suited    graced done honor to/made rich

486    company accompany

487    beseeming appearance, i.e., his peasant’s garb    fitment preparation

490    you finish an end of you

492    sinks makes bend, weighs down

494    often many times over

501    doomed judged, sentenced

502    freeness generosity, benevolence

504    holp helped

505    As as if

506    Joyed overjoyed

509    upon…backed riding upon his eagle’s back

510    spritely shows ghostly visions

512    label sheet of paper (the tablet)    containing contents

513    so…hardness i.e., hard to understand

514    collection of deduction, inference from

515    construction interpretation

516    Philharmonus i.e., lover of harmony

519    whelp cub

526    leo-natus born of a lion    import signify, mean

528    mollis aer Latin for “soft air”; a false etymology of    mulier, Latin for “woman”

529    divine interpret (by divine inspiration)

532    clipped about embraced

534    seeming plausibility

535    cedar the tree was an emblem of sovereignty, especially in the Bible

536    Personates stands for    point…forth indicate your two sons

539    issue offspring, descendants

545    wonted usual, accustomed

547    Whom on whom

551    stroke action, onset

555    Lessened herself i.e., by disappearing into the distance

559    west understood in classical geography as the location of Britain

560    Laud praise

561    crookèd curling

562    Publish announce

563    Set we forward let’s set on, begin marching

564    ensign standard, banner

567    seal confirm

568    Set on there! Onward, forward march!