Text	Circles	Dramatis Personae	Synopsis	All Definitions

show Original text show Modern text show Definitions show Key line Printer Friendly View Modern text Original text Modern text with Definitions Original text with Definitions Modern text with Key line Act 1 > Scene 1 Act 1 > Scene 2 Act 1 > Scene 3 Act 1 > Scene 4 Act 1 > Scene 5 Act 1 > Scene 6 Act 1 > Scene 7 Act 2 > Scene 1 Act 2 > Scene 2 Act 2 > Scene 3 Act 2 > Scene 4 Act 3 > Scene 1 Act 3 > Scene 2 Act 3 > Scene 3 Act 3 > Scene 4 Act 3 > Scene 5 Act 3 > Scene 6 Act 3 > Scene 7 Act 3 > Scene 8 Act 4 > Scene 1 Act 4 > Scene 2 Act 4 > Scene 3 Act 4 > Scene 4 Act 5 > Scene 1 Act 5 > Scene 2 Act 5 > Scene 3 Act 5 > Scene 4 Act 5 > Scene 5 All text Act I scene IIIIIIIVVVIVII Act II scene IIIIIIIV Act III scene IIIIIIIVVVIVIIVIII Act IV scene IIIIIIIV Act V scene IIIIIIIVV First folio Modern text Definitions Key line Enter Philario, Iachimo: a Frenchman, a Dutchman, Enter Philario, Iachimo, a Frenchman, a Dutchman,   Cym I.v.1.1 and a Spaniard. and a Spaniard   Cym I.v.1.2 Iach. IACHIMO   Beleeue it Sir, I haue seene him in Britaine; hee was then Believe it sir, I have seen him in Britain: he was then   Cym I.v.1 of a Cressent note, expected to proue so woorthy, as of a crescent note, expected to prove so worthy as note (n.)attention, notice, regard Cym I.v.2 crescent (adj.) old form: Cressent growing, increasing, developing since he hath beene allowed the name of. But I could since he hath been allowed the name of. But I could   Cym I.v.3 then haue look'd on him, without the help of Admiration, then have looked on him without the help of admiration, admiration (n.)amazement, astonishment, wonder Cym I.v.4 though the Catalogue of his endowments had though the catalogue of his endowments had   Cym I.v.5 bin tabled by his side, and I to peruse him by Items. been tabled by his side and I to peruse him by items. item (n.)entry, detail, point Cym I.v.6 table (v.)tabulate, list, itemize Phil. PHILARIO   You speake of him when he was lesse furnish'd, then You speak of him when he was less furnished than furnish (v.) old form: furnish'dendow, equip, have qualities Cym I.v.7 now hee is, with that which makes him both without, now he is with that which makes him both without without (adv.)externally, on the outside Cym I.v.8 and within. and within.   Cym I.v.9 French. FRENCHMAN   I haue seene him in France: wee had very many I have seen him in France: we had very many   Cym I.v.10 there, could behold the Sunne, with as firme eyes as hee. there could behold the sun with as firm eyes as he.   Cym I.v.11 Iach. IACHIMO   This matter of marrying his Kings Daughter, wherein This matter of marrying his king's daughter, wherein   Cym I.v.12 he must be weighed rather by her valew, then his he must be weighed rather by her value than his value (n.) old form: valewworth, estimation, valuation Cym I.v.13 owne, words him (I doubt not) a great deale from the own, words him – I doubt not – a great deal from the word (v.)represent in words, give a reputation Cym I.v.14 matter. matter.   Cym I.v.15 French. FRENCHMAN   And then his banishment. And then his banishment.   Cym I.v.16 Iach. IACHIMO   I, and the approbation of those that weepe this Ay, and the approbation of those that weep this approbation (n.)expression of approval, pleasurable confirmation, ready sanctioning Cym I.v.17 lamentable diuorce vnder her colours, are wonderfully lamentable divorce under her colours are wonderfully colours (n.)battle-flags, ensigns, standards, banners Cym I.v.18 to extend him, be it but to fortifie her iudgement, to extend him; be it but to fortify her judgement, extend (v.)exaggerate, magnify, blow up Cym I.v.19 which else an easie battery might lay flat, for which else an easy battery might lay flat, for battery (n.)assault, bombardment, blitz Cym I.v.20 taking a Begger without lesse quality. But how comes taking a beggar without less quality. But how comes quality (n.)rank, standing, position Cym I.v.21 it, he is to soiourne with you? How creepes it he is to sojourn with you? How creeps sojourn (v.) old form: soiournepause, reside, stay for a while Cym I.v.22 creep (v.) old form: creepes steal into, worm one's way into acquaintance? acquaintance?   Cym I.v.23 Phil. PHILARIO   His Father and I were Souldiers together, to whom I His father and I were soldiers together, to whom I   Cym I.v.24 haue bin often bound for no lesse then my life. have been often bound for no less than my life. –   Cym I.v.25 Heere comes the Britaine. Let him be so entertained Here comes the Briton. Let him be so entertained   Cym I.v.26 among'st you, as suites with Gentlemen of your knowing, amongst you as suits, with gentlemen of your knowing, knowing (n.)knowledge of the world, experience, savoir-faire Cym I.v.27 to a Stranger of his quality. to a stranger of his quality. quality (n.)rank, standing, position Cym I.v.28 Enter Posthumus. Enter Posthumus   Cym I.v.29 I beseech you all be better knowne to this Gentleman, I beseech you all be better known to this gentleman,   Cym I.v.29 whom I commend to you, as a Noble Friend of mine. whom I commend to you as a noble friend of mine. commend (v.)present, introduce, bring [for favourable acceptance] Cym I.v.30 How Worthy he is, I will leaue to appeare hereafter, How worthy he is I will leave to appear hereafter,   Cym I.v.31 rather then story him in his owne hearing. rather than story him in his own hearing. story (v.)give an account of, portray Cym I.v.32 French. FRENCHMAN   Sir, we haue knowne togither in Orleance. Sir, we have known together in Orleans. know (v.) old form: knowne be acquainted, meet before Cym I.v.33 Post. POSTHUMUS   Since when, I haue bin debtor to you for courtesies, Since when I have been debtor to you for courtesies   Cym I.v.34 which I will be euer to pay, and yet pay still. which I will be ever to pay, and yet pay still. still (adv.)constantly, always, continually Cym I.v.35 French. FRENCHMAN   Sir, you o're-rate my poore kindnesse, I was glad I Sir, you o'errate my poor kindness: I was glad I   Cym I.v.36 did attone my Countryman and you: it had beene pitty did atone my countryman and you: it had been pity atone (v.) old form: attone unite, join, reconcile Cym I.v.37 you should haue beene put together, with so mortall a you should have been put together, with so mortal a put together (v.)set against each other, oppose in combat Cym I.v.38 purpose, as then each bore, vpon importance of so purpose as then each bore, upon importance of so importance (n.)import, subject-matter Cym I.v.39 purpose (n.)intention, aim, plan slight and triuiall a nature. slight and trivial a nature.   Cym I.v.40 Post. POSTHUMUS   By your pardon Sir, I was then a young Traueller, By your pardon, sir, I was then a young traveller, young (adj.)immature, inexperienced, raw Cym I.v.41 rather shun'd to go euen with what I heard, then in rather shunned to go even with what I heard than in shun (v.) old form: shun'd refuse, avoid, refrain from Cym I.v.42 go even old form: euen agree, give assent [to] my euery action to be guided by others experiences: my every action to be guided by others' experiences:   Cym I.v.43 but vpon my mended iudgement (if I offend to but upon my mended judgement – if I offend not to mended (adj.)improved, made better Cym I.v.44 say it is mended) my Quarrell was not altogether say it is mended – my quarrel was not altogether   Cym I.v.45 slight. slight.   Cym I.v.46 French. FRENCHMAN   Faith yes, to be put to the arbiterment of Swords, Faith yes, to be put to the arbitrement of swords, arbitrament, arbitrement (n.) old form: arbiterment deciding of a dispute, determination, settlement Cym I.v.47 and by such two, that would by all likelyhood haue and by such two, that would by all likelihood have   Cym I.v.48 confounded one the other, or haue falne both. confounded one the other, or have fallen both. confound (v.)destroy, overthrow, ruin Cym I.v.49 Iach. IACHIMO   Can we with manners, aske what was the difference? Can we with manners ask what was the difference? difference (n.)cause of argument, nature of disagreement Cym I.v.50 French. FRENCHMAN   Safely, I thinke, 'twas a contention in publicke, Safely, I think: 'twas a contention in public, contention (n.)quarrel, dispute, strife Cym I.v.51 which may (without contradiction) suffer the report. which may – without contradiction – suffer the report. suffer (v.)bear, endure, stand Cym I.v.52 It was much like an argument that fell out last night, It was much like an argument that fell out last night,   Cym I.v.53 where each of vs fell in praise of our Country-Mistresses. where each of us fell in praise of our country mistresses;   Cym I.v.54 This Gentleman, at that time vouching (and this gentleman at that time vouching – and   Cym I.v.55 vpon warrant of bloody affirmation) his to be more upon warrant of bloody affirmation – his to be more warrant (n.)assurance, pledge, guarantee Cym I.v.56 Faire, Vertuous, Wise, Chaste, Constant, Qualified, and fair, virtuous, wise, chaste, constant, qualified and qualified (adj.)endowed with good qualities, accomplished Cym I.v.57 constant (adj.)faithful, steadfast, true lesse attemptible then any, the rarest of our Ladies in less attemptable than any the rarest of our ladies in rare (adj.)marvellous, splendid, excellent Cym I.v.58 attemptable (adj.) old form: attemptible capable of being seduced Fraunce. France.   Cym I.v.59 Iach. IACHIMO   That Lady is not now liuing; or this Gentlemans That lady is not now living; or this gentleman's   Cym I.v.60 opinion by this, worne out. opinion, by this, worn out.   Cym I.v.61 Post. POSTHUMUS   She holds her Vertue still, and I my mind. She holds her virtue still, and I my mind. still (adv.)ever, now [as before] Cym I.v.62 Iach. IACHIMO   You must not so farre preferre her, 'fore ours of Italy. You must not so far prefer her 'fore ours of Italy. prefer (v.) old form: preferre promote, advance, recommend Cym I.v.63 Posth. POSTHUMUS   Being so farre prouok'd as I was in France: I would Being so far provoked as I was in France, I would   Cym I.v.64 abate her nothing, though I professe my selfe her abate her nothing, though I profess myself her abate (v.)lessen, lower, diminish Cym I.v.65 Adorer, not her Friend. adorer, not her friend. friend (n.)lover, sweetheart, suitor Cym I.v.66 Iach. IACHIMO   As faire, and as good: a kind of hand in hand As fair, and as good – a kind of hand-in-hand hand-in-hand (adj.) old form: hand in handclaiming equality, equally balanced Cym I.v.67 comparison, had beene something too faire, and too good comparison – had been something too fair, and too good something (adv.)somewhat, rather Cym I.v.68 for any Lady in Britanie; if she went before others. I for any lady in Britany. If she went before others I Britany (n.)early form of the name Britain Cym I.v.69 haue seene as that Diamond of yours out-lusters many have seen, as that diamond of yours outlustres many   Cym I.v.70 I haue beheld, I could not beleeue she excelled many: I have beheld, I could not believe she excelled many:   Cym I.v.71 but I haue not seene the most pretious Diamond that but I have not seen the most precious diamond that   Cym I.v.72 is, nor you the Lady. is, nor you the lady.   Cym I.v.73 Post. POSTHUMUS   I prais'd her, as I rated her: so do I my Stone. I praised her as I rated her: so do I my stone.   Cym I.v.74 Iach. IACHIMO   What do you esteeme it at? What do you esteem it at?   Cym I.v.75 Post. POSTHUMUS   More then the world enioyes. More than the world enjoys. enjoy (v.) old form: enioyespossess, have, own Cym I.v.76 Iach. IACHIMO   Either your vnparagon'd Mistirs is dead, or she's Either your unparagoned mistress is dead, or she's unparagoned (adj.) old form: vnparagon'd unsurpassable, matchless, not able to be excelled Cym I.v.77 out-priz'd by a trifle. outprized by a trifle.   Cym I.v.78 Post. POSTHUMUS   You are mistaken: the one may be solde or giuen, or You are mistaken: the one may be sold or given, or   Cym I.v.79 if there were wealth enough for the purchases, or if there were wealth enough for the purchase, or   Cym I.v.80 merite for the guift. The other is not a thing for sale, merit for the gift. The other is not a thing for sale,   Cym I.v.81 and onely the guift of the Gods. and only the gift of the gods.   Cym I.v.82 Iach. IACHIMO   Which the Gods haue giuen you? Which the gods have given you?   Cym I.v.83 Post. POSTHUMUS   Which by their Graces I will keepe. Which by their graces I will keep.   Cym I.v.84 Iach. IACHIMO   You may weare her in title yours: but you know You may wear her in title yours: but you know wear (v.) old form: weare possess, enjoy, have Cym I.v.85 title (n.)[legal] right, claim, entitlement strange Fowle light vpon neighbouring Ponds. Your strange fowl light upon neighbouring ponds. Your   Cym I.v.86 Ring may be stolne too, so your brace of vnprizeable ring may be stolen too: so your brace of unprizable unprizable (adj.) old form: vnprizeableinestimable, beyond price Cym I.v.87 brace (n.)group of two, couple, pair Estimations, the one is but fraile, and the other Casuall;. estimations, the one is but frail and the other casual; estimation (n.)valued object, treasure Cym I.v.88 casual (adj.) old form: Casuallaccidental, subject to mischance A cunning Thiefe, or a (that way) accomplish'd Courtier, a cunning thief, or a – that way – accomplished courtier,   Cym I.v.89 would hazzard the winning both of first and last. would hazard the winning both of first and last.   Cym I.v.90 Post. POSTHUMUS   Your Italy, containes none so accomplish'd a Courtier Your Italy contains none so accomplished a courtier   Cym I.v.91 to conuince the Honour of my Mistris: if in the holding to convince the honour of my mistress, if in the holding convince (v.) old form: conuince defeat, overcome, overpower Cym I.v.92 or losse of that, you terme her fraile, I do nothing or loss of that, you term her frail: I do nothing   Cym I.v.93 doubt you haue store of Theeues, notwithstanding I doubt you have store of thieves; notwithstanding, I store (n.)abundance, plenty, surplus, quantity Cym I.v.94 feare not my Ring. fear not my ring.   Cym I.v.95 Phil. PHILARIO   Let vs leaue heere, Gentlemen? Let us leave here, gentlemen. leave (v.) old form: leaue cease, stop, give up Cym I.v.96 Post. POSTHUMUS   Sir, with all my heart. This worthy Signior I thanke Sir, with all my heart. This worthy signior, I thank   Cym I.v.97 him, makes no stranger of me, we are familiar at him, makes no stranger of me; we are familiar at first, atat once, immediately, from the start Cym I.v.98 first. first.   Cym I.v.99 Iach. IACHIMO   With fiue times so much conuersation, I should get With five times so much conversation, I should get conversation (n.) old form: conuersationsocial interaction, society, dealings Cym I.v.100 ground of your faire Mistris; make her go backe, ground of your fair mistress; make her go back, ground (n.)advantage, upper hand, edge Cym I.v.101 euen to the yeilding, had I admittance, and opportunitie even to the yielding, had I admittance, and opportunity yielding (n.) old form: yeildingconsent, compliance, agreement Cym I.v.102 to friend. to friend. friend (v.)befriend, become intimate Cym I.v.103 Post. POSTHUMUS   No, no. No, no.   Cym I.v.104 Iach. IACHIMO   I dare thereupon pawne the moytie of my Estate, to I dare thereupon pawn the moiety of my estate, to moiety (n.) old form: moytie half, equal share Cym I.v.105 your Ring, which in my opinion o're-values it something: your ring, which in my opinion o'ervalues it something: overvalue (v.) old form: o're-values exceed in value Cym I.v.106 but I make my wager rather against your but I make my wager rather against your   Cym I.v.107 Confidence, then her Reputation. And to barre your confidence than her reputation. And to bar your bar (v.) old form: barre prevent, obstruct, block Cym I.v.108 offence heerein to, I durst attempt it against any offence herein too, I durst attempt it against any attempt (v.)endeavour, venture, strive [for] Cym I.v.109 Lady in the world. lady in the world.   Cym I.v.110 Post. POSTHUMUS   You are a great deale abus'd in too bold a perswasion, You are a great deal abused in too bold a persuasion, persuasion (n.) old form: perswasionconviction, principle, opinion Cym I.v.111 abuse (v.) old form: abus'd deceive, mislead, fool, cheat and I doubt not you sustaine what y'are and I doubt not you sustain what you're sustain (v.) old form: sustaine receive, undergo, experience Cym I.v.112 worthy of, by your Attempt. worthy of by your attempt.   Cym I.v.113 Iach. IACHIMO   What's that? What's that?   Cym I.v.114 Posth. POSTHUMUS   A Repulse though your Attempt (as you call it) A repulse: though your attempt – as you call it –   Cym I.v.115 deserue more; a punishment too. deserve more; a punishment too.   Cym I.v.116 Phi. PHILARIO   Gentlemen enough of this, it came in too sodainely, Gentlemen, enough of this, it came in too suddenly;   Cym I.v.117 let it dye as it was borne, and I pray you be better let it die as it was born, and I pray you be better   Cym I.v.118 acquainted. acquainted.   Cym I.v.119 Iach. IACHIMO   Would I had put my Estate, and my Neighbors on Would I had put my estate and my neighbour's on   Cym I.v.120 th'approbation of what I haue spoke. th' approbation of what I have spoke! approbation (n.)proof, confirmation, attestation Cym I.v.121 Post. POSTHUMUS   What Lady would you chuse to assaile? What lady would you choose to assail?   Cym I.v.122 Iach. IACHIMO   Yours, whom in constancie you thinke stands so safe. Yours, whom in constancy you think stands so safe.   Cym I.v.123 I will lay you ten thousands Duckets to your Ring, that I will lay you ten thousand ducats to your ring, that, lay (v.)wager, stake, bet Cym I.v.124 ducat (n.)gold (sometimes silver) coin used in several European countries commend me to the Court where your Lady is, with commend me to the court where your lady is, with commend (v.)present, introduce, bring [for favourable acceptance] Cym I.v.125 no more aduantage then the opportunitie of a no more advantage than the opportunity of a   Cym I.v.126 second conference, and I will bring from thence, that second conference, and I will bring from thence   Cym I.v.127 Honor of hers, which you imagine so reseru'd. that honour of hers, which you imagine so reserved.   Cym I.v.128 Posthmus. POSTHUMUS   I will wage against your Gold, Gold to I will wage against your gold, gold to it: my ring I wage (v.)stake, hazard Cym I.v.129 it: My Ring I holde deere as my finger, 'tis part of it. hold dear as my finger, 'tis part of it.   Cym I.v.130 Iach. IACHIMO   You are a Friend, and there in the wiser: if you buy You are a friend, and therein the wiser. If you buy   Cym I.v.131 Ladies flesh at a Million a Dram, you cannot preseure ladies' flesh at a million a dram, you cannot preserve dram (n.)tiny amount, small quantity Cym I.v.132 it from tainting; but I see you haue some Religion in it from tainting; but I see you have some religion in taint (v.)sully, infect, stain Cym I.v.133 religion (n.)religious belief; or: fear, superstition you, that you feare. you, that you fear.   Cym I.v.134 Posthu. POSTHUMUS   This is but a custome in your tongue: you beare a This is but a custom in your tongue: you bear a custom (n.) old form: custome habit, usual practice, customary use Cym I.v.135 grauer purpose I hope. graver purpose I hope. purpose (n.)intention, aim, plan Cym I.v.136 Iach. IACHIMO   I am the Master of my speeches, and would vnder-go I am the master of my speeches, and would undergo undergo (v.) old form: vnder-go undertake, carry out, perform Cym I.v.137 what's spoken, I sweare. what's spoken, I swear.   Cym I.v.138 Posthu. POSTHUMUS   Will you? I shall but lend my Diamond till your Will you? I shall but lend my diamond till your   Cym I.v.139 returne: let there be Couenants drawne between's. return: let there be covenants drawn between's. covenant (n.) old form: Couenants contract, legal agreement, compact Cym I.v.140 My Mistris exceedes in goodnesse, the hugenesse of My mistress exceeds in goodness the hugeness of   Cym I.v.141 your vnworthy thinking. I dare you to this match: your unworthy thinking. I dare you to this match:   Cym I.v.142 heere's my Ring. here's my ring.   Cym I.v.143 Phil. PHILARIO   I will haue it no lay. I will have it no lay. lay (n.)wager, stake, bet Cym I.v.144 Iach. IACHIMO   By the Gods it is one: if I bring you no sufficient By the gods, it is one. If I bring you no sufficient   Cym I.v.145 testimony that I haue enioy'd the deerest bodily testimony that I have enjoyed the dearest bodily   Cym I.v.146 part of your Mistris: my ten thousand Duckets are part of your mistress, my ten thousand ducats are   Cym I.v.147 yours, so is your Diamond too: if I come off, and yours, so is your diamond too: if I come off, and come off (v.)come away, leave Cym I.v.148 leaue her in such honour as you haue trust in; Shee leave her in such honour as you have trust in, she   Cym I.v.149 your Iewell, this your Iewell, and my Gold are yours: your jewel, this your jewel, and my gold are yours:   Cym I.v.150 prouided, I haue your commendation, for my more provided I have your commendation for my more commendation (n.)introduction, approval, endorsement Cym I.v.151 free entertainment. free entertainment. entertainment (n.)pleasant reception, favourable welcome Cym I.v.152 free (adj.)liberal, lavish, generous Post. POSTHUMUS   I embrace these Conditions, let vs haue Articles betwixt I embrace these conditions, let us have articles betwixt article (n.)clause, term, provision Cym I.v.153 vs: onely thus farre you shall answere, if you us. Only, thus far you shall answer: if you   Cym I.v.154 make your voyage vpon her, and giue me directly make your voyage upon her, and give me directly directly (adv.)plainly, clearly, evidently Cym I.v.155 to vnderstand, you haue preuayl'd, I am no further to understand you have prevailed, I am no further   Cym I.v.156 your Enemy, shee is not worth our debate. If shee your enemy; she is not worth our debate. If she   Cym I.v.157 remaine vnseduc'd, you not making it appeare otherwise: remain unseduced, you not making it appear otherwise,   Cym I.v.158 for your ill opinion, and th'assault you haue for your ill opinion, and th' assault you have ill (adj.)bad, adverse, unfavourable Cym I.v.159 made to her chastity, you shall answer me with your made to her chastity, you shall answer me with your answer (v.)satisfy, discharge, requite Cym I.v.160 Sword. sword.   Cym I.v.161 Iach. IACHIMO   Your hand, a Couenant: wee will haue these things Your hand, a covenant: we will have these things covenant (n.) old form: Couenantcontract, legal agreement, compact Cym I.v.162 set downe by lawfull Counsell, and straight away for set down by lawful counsel, and straight away for   Cym I.v.163 Britaine, least the Bargaine should catch colde, and Britain, lest the bargain should catch cold and   Cym I.v.164 sterue: I will fetch my Gold, and haue our two starve. I will fetch my gold, and have our two starve (v.) old form: steruedie, perish Cym I.v.165 Wagers recorded. wagers recorded.   Cym I.v.166 Post. POSTHUMUS   Agreed. Agreed.   Cym I.v.167 Exeunt Posthumus and Iachimo   Cym I.v.167 French. FRENCHMAN   Will this hold, thinke you. Will this hold, think you?   Cym I.v.168 Phil. PHILARIO   Signior Iachimo will not from it. / Pray let vs follow Signior Iachimo will not from it. Pray, let us follow   Cym I.v.169 'em. 'em.   Cym I.v.170 Exeunt Exeunt   Cym I.v.170 ACT I. Act I. > scene I. Act I. > scene II. Act I. > scene III. Act I. > scene IV. Act I. > scene V. Act I. > scene VI. Act I. > scene VII. ACT II. Act II. > scene I. Act II. > scene II. Act II. > scene III. Act II. > scene IV. ACT III. Act III. > scene I. Act III. > scene II. Act III. > scene III. Act III. > scene IV. Act III. > scene V. Act III. > scene VI. Act III. > scene VII. Act III. > scene VIII. ACT IV. Act IV. > scene I. Act IV. > scene II. Act IV. > scene III. Act IV. > scene IV. ACT V. Act V. > scene I. Act V. > scene II. Act V. > scene III. Act V. > scene IV. Act V. > scene V.  Previous Act I, Scene V Next