# Scene II explained — Cymbeline

> Chapter companion for Cymbeline by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Pisanio receives a letter from Posthumus ordering him to murder Imogen, but he is horrified and refuses. Imogen then enters, excited by a letter from Posthumus directing her to meet him at Milford Haven, and she eagerly plans their escape from the court.

## Themes in this chapter

### Appearance vs. Reality

Posthumus's letter appears loving but conceals a murder plot; Pisanio sees through the deception.

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Pisanio's loyalty to Imogen conflicts with Posthumus's command, highlighting the tension between different forms of fidelity.

## Character check-ins

### Pisanio

Horrified by Posthumus's letter ordering Imogen's murder, he resolves to disobey.

### Imogen

Overjoyed by Posthumus's letter, she eagerly plans to travel to Milford Haven.

## Key lines

> How? of adultery? Wherefore write you not What monster’s her accuser?

Pisanio is shocked that Posthumus accuses Imogen of adultery without naming her accuser.

_Pisanio's disbelief at the baseless accusation._

> O, for a horse with wings!

Imogen wishes she could fly to Milford Haven.

_Imogen's eagerness to reunite with Posthumus._

## Links

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