Read the full text of Cymbeline Act 1 Scene 5 with a side-by-side translation HERE.
- Enter Iachimo, an Italian talking with a Frenchman, a Dutchman, and a Spaniard about everything that's going on with the British royal family. Looks like the news has made it to Rome (where this scene is set).
- Posthumus has also made it to Rome, where's he lying low in banishment.
- Posthumus introduces himself to the lads, and the conversation quickly turns to—what else?—women.
- Iachimo thinks any woman can be seduced. Just name the time and place, and he's there.
- But Posthumus disagrees. Not his new bride: she's too virtuous and honest to ever cheat on him.
- "Prove it," says Iachimo. He's convinced that there isn't a woman around who could refuse his charms. He'll head on over to England and seduce Imogen. Seriously, this dude is actually suggesting an international seduction plot.
- If Iachimo succeeds, he'll take Posthumus's fancy ring (the one from Imogen). He'll also acquire mad bragging rights.
- Posthumus is confident enough to take that bet. His terms: if Iachimo strikes out with Imogen, then he'll have to pay Posthumus 10,000 ducats.
- Challenge accepted.
- As the men leave to write down the terms of their wager with a lawyer, the Frenchmen and Philario talk about what just happened. They let us in on a secret about Iachimo: he's not one to let go of things. Uh-oh.