Enter POSTHUMUS and PHILARIO POSTHUMUS LEONATUS Fear it not, sir: I would I were so sure To win the king as I am bold her honour Will remain hers. PHILARIO What means do you make to him? POSTHUMUS LEONATUS Not any, but abide the change of time, Quake in the present winter's state and wish That warmer days would come: in these sear'd hopes, I barely gratify your love; they failing, I must die much your debtor. PHILARIO Your very goodness and your company O'erpays all I can do. By this, your king Hath heard of great Augustus: Caius Lucius Will do's commission throughly: and I think He'll grant the tribute, send the arrearages, Or look upon our Romans, whose remembrance Is yet fresh in their grief. POSTHUMUS LEONATUS I do believe, Statist though I am none, nor like to be, That this will prove a war; and you shall hear The legions now in Gallia sooner landed In our not-fearing Britain than have tidings Of any penny tribute paid. Our countrymen Are men more order'd than when Julius Caesar Smiled at their lack of skill, but found their courage Worthy his frowning at: their discipline, Now mingled with their courages, will make known To their approvers they are people such That mend upon the world.
Enter IACHIMO PHILARIO See! Iachimo! POSTHUMUS LEONATUS The swiftest harts have posted you by land;And winds of all the comers kiss'd your sails, To make your vessel nimble. PHILARIO Welcome, sir. POSTHUMUS LEONATUS I hope the briefness of your answer made The speediness of your return. IACHIMO Your lady Is one of the fairest that I have look'd upon. POSTHUMUS LEONATUS And therewithal the best; or let her beauty Look through a casement to allure false hearts And be false with them. IACHIMO Here are letters for you. POSTHUMUS LEONATUS Their tenor good, I trust. IACHIMO 'Tis very like. PHILARIO Was Caius Lucius in the Britain court When you were there? IACHIMO He was expected then, But not approach'd. POSTHUMUS LEONATUS All is well yet.
Sparkles this stone as it was wont? or is't not Too dull for your good wearing? IACHIMO If I had lost it, I should have lost the worth of it in gold.
