Content Warning: This section of the guide includes references to a threat of death.

One gentleman tells another about recent events: Cymbeline has discovered that his daughter Imogen has secretly married Posthumus. He is furious, as Posthumus is not of high birth. He has banished Posthumus and imprisoned Imogen. The Queen and her son, Cloten, both wanted Imogen to marry Cloten, so they are also upset. However, the courtiers are only pretending to sympathize with Cymbeline—they all believe that Posthumus is worthy and virtuous, and Cloten is wicked. 

Posthumus’s family died fighting for the British against the Romans when he was a baby, and Cymbeline brought him up in his court. Cymbeline’s own sons, Imogen’s brothers, were kidnapped and vanished without a trace as babies. This is partly why he is so angry with Imogen: As his only heir, there is more pressure on her marriage.

The Queen promises Imogen and Posthumus that she will argue their cause to Cymbeline and go easy on imprisoning Imogen, but she advises Posthumus to obey his banishment for the time being. Imogen and Posthumus don’t trust her. They are distraught at parting and swap tokens: Imogen gives Posthumus a ring, and he gives her a bracelet.