Act I

Cymbeline, the king of Britain, has a daughter Imogen from a former marriage. His new queen wants Imogen to marry her son Cloten, also from a former marriage. But Imogen instead marries Posthumus Leonatus, a man very much admired for his courage and his intelligence. Cymbeline banishes Posthumus and confines Imogen to the management of the queen. Just before Posthumus leaves England for the home of Philarius in Italy, the queen allows the couple a few moments to say goodbye. She then informs Cymbeline of their whereabouts, and the displeased king surprises the couple and chases Posthumus away. Posthumus and Imogen only have time to exchange tokens. He gives her a bracelet, and she gives him a diamond ring. Posthumus leaves his servant Pisanio in England to act as a liaison between himself and Imogen. Pisanio enters and reports that Cloten has assaulted Posthumus as the...