Cymbeline · Chapter
Scene III explained
Cymbeline, distressed by Imogen's disappearance and the Queen's illness, learns of Roman legions landing in Britain.
What happens
Cymbeline, distressed by Imogen's disappearance and the Queen's illness, learns of Roman legions landing in Britain. He interrogates Pisanio, who feigns ignorance of Imogen's whereabouts. After the court leaves, Pisanio reflects on the conflicting reports he has sent and received, and resolves to serve his country in the coming war.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Betrayal
Pisanio maintains his loyalty to Imogen by concealing her whereabouts, even under threat of torture from Cymbeline.
Power and Political Conflict
The impending Roman invasion creates a backdrop of political and military crisis, compounding Cymbeline's personal troubles.
Appearance vs. Reality
Pisanio appears ignorant to Cymbeline but is secretly loyal to Imogen; he reflects on being 'false' to be 'true.'
Characters to notice
- Cymbeline
Distraught over Imogen's disappearance and the Queen's illness, and troubled by the Roman invasion; threatens Pisanio with torture.
- Pisanio
Remains loyal to Imogen, claiming ignorance of her whereabouts; later reflects on the lack of news from Posthumus and Imogen, and resolves to fight for Britain.
- First Lord
Defends Pisanio's loyalty to Cymbeline and reports the landing of Roman legions from Gaul.
- Imogen
Mentioned as missing; her departure is the cause of Cymbeline's grief and the Queen's reported madness.
- Queen
Reported to be on a desperate bed, suffering from a fever and madness due to Cloten's absence.
- Cloten
Mentioned as missing; Cymbeline notes his absence is keenly felt in the time of war.
Key passages
“A fever with the absence of her son, A madness, of which her life's in danger.”
The Queen is dangerously ill, driven to fever and madness by Cloten's disappearance.
Cymbeline describes the Queen's condition as a result of Cloten's absence.
“The Roman legions, all from Gallia drawn, Are landed on your coast, with a supply Of Roman gentlemen, by the senate sent.”
Roman legions from Gaul have landed in Britain, accompanied by Roman nobles sent by the Senate.
The First Lord informs Cymbeline of the Roman invasion force.
“Wherein I am false I am honest; not true, to be true.”
In being deceitful (about Imogen), I am actually being loyal; I am not truthful in order to remain faithful.
Pisanio reflects on the paradox of his deception serving his true loyalty.