# Scene IV explained — Cymbeline

> Chapter companion for Cymbeline by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

In Rome, at Philario's house, Posthumus Leonatus is introduced to a group of gentlemen including Iachimo, a Frenchman, a Dutchman, and a Spaniard. The conversation turns to a debate about the virtue of Posthumus's wife, Imogen, leading Iachimo to wager ten thousand ducats against Posthumus's ring that he can seduce her. Despite Philario's attempt to stop the bet, Posthumus and Iachimo agree to the wager and prepare to have articles drawn up.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Fidelity

Posthumus's unwavering defense of Imogen's chastity and his willingness to wager on it highlight the theme of marital fidelity.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Iachimo's confident boasts and the wager itself set up a contrast between outward appearances and the true nature of virtue.

## Character check-ins

### Posthumus Leonatus

Defends his wife Imogen's chastity and accepts Iachimo's wager, betting his ring against ten thousand ducats.

### Iachimo

Provokes Posthumus by questioning Imogen's virtue and proposes the wager to seduce her.

### Philario

Hosts the gathering and attempts to stop the wager, but ultimately follows the men as they proceed.

### Frenchman

Recalls a past quarrel in France where Posthumus defended his mistress's honor.

## Key lines

> I will lay you ten thousand ducats to your ring, that, commend me to the court where your lady is, with no more advantage than the opportunity of a second conference, and I will bring from thence that honour of hers which you imagine so reserved.

I bet you ten thousand ducats against your ring that if you send me to your wife's court with just a chance to talk to her twice, I will take away the honor you think she keeps so safe.

_Iachimo formally proposes the wager to Posthumus, challenging Imogen's chastity._

> I embrace these conditions; let us have articles betwixt us.

I accept these terms; let's draw up a formal agreement between us.

_Posthumus agrees to the wager and calls for a written contract._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cymbeline_se/chapters/act-i-scene-iv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cymbeline_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cymbeline_se/chapters