umus his
life, but consented to acknowledge him for his son-in-law.

Bellarius chose this time of joy and reconciliation to make his
confession. He presented Polydore and Cadwal to the king, telling him
they were his two lost sons, Guiderius and Arviragus.

Cymbeline forgave old Bellarius; for who could think of punishments at a
season of such universal happiness? To find his daughter living, and his
lost sons in the persons of his young deliverers, that he had seen so
bravely fight in his defence, was unlooked-for joy indeed!

Imogen was now at leisure to perform good services for her late master,
the Roman general Lucius, whose life the king her father readily granted
at her request; and by the mediation of the same Lucius a peace was
concluded between the Romans and the Britons, which was kept inviolate
many years.

How Cymbeline's wicked queen, through despair of bringing her projects
to pass, and touched with remorse of conscience, sickened and died,
having first lived to see her foolish son Cloten slain in a quarrel
which he had provoked, are events too tragical to interrupt this happy
conclusion by more than merely touching upon. It is sufficient that all
were made happy who were deserving; and even the treacherous Iachimo, in
consideration of his villany having missed its final aim, was dismissed
without punishment.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

KING LEAR

Lear, King of Britain, had three daughters; Goneril, wife to the Duke of
Albany; Regan, wife to the Duke of Cornwall; and Cordelia, a young maid,
for whose love the King of France and Duke of Burgundy were joint
suitors, and were at this time making stay for that purpose in the court
of Lear.

[Illustration: CORDELIA]

The old king, worn out with age and the fatigues of government, he being
more than fourscore years old, determined to take no further part in
state affairs, but to leave the management to younger strengths, that he
might have time to prepare for death, which must at no long period
ensue. With this intent he called his three daughters to him, to know
from their own lips which of them loved him best, that he might part his
kingdom among them in such proportions as their affection for him should
seem to deserve.

Goneril, the eldest, declared that she loved her father more than words
could give out, that he was dearer to her than the light of her own
eyes, dearer than life and liberty, with a deal of such professing
stuff