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Shakespeare plays IMOGEN on stage

A view of the stage, with a sign telling us that we are in the Welsh countryside; there are bushes at the back. Shakespeare is centre-stage, performing as Imogen dressed in Anglo-Saxon style. He looks sorrowful as he profers a sword hilt-first to Pisanio, who steps back holding his hands up in a gesture of horrified refusal

IMOGEN Come, fellow, be thou honest,
Do thou thy master's bidding. When thou see'st him,
A little witness my obedience. Look,
I draw the sword myself, take it, and hit
The innocent mansion of all my love (my heart);
Fear not, 'tis empty of all things, but grief.
Thy master is not there, who was indeed
the riches of it. Do his bidding, strike.

Cymbeline, Act 3 Scene 4

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