How many people have seen or read Cymbeline? Not I!
The scene is set in a cave in the Welsh mountains, where the exiled Imogen, disguised as the boy Fidele, is staying with Belarius and his two sons, who are actually Cymbeline's long-lost sons, Polydore and Cadwal (real names are Guiderius and Arviragus).
A farce of mistaken identities? Cross-dressing boys with mesmerising charm? It could only be Shakespeare.
Imogen, disguised as Fidele, has been taken in by Belarius and his sons, who have no idea of her true identity. They have formed a bond, treating her as a younger brother.
Cloten, the Queen's son, has followed Imogen to Wales, intending to kill Posthumus and ravish Imogen. However, he encounters Guiderius, who kills him in a fight.
Imogen, still disguised, discovers Cloten's body dressed in Posthumus's clothes and, believing it to be her husband's corpse, faints.
The song is sung by Guiderius and Arviragus, who believe Fidele (Imogen) has died. They sing it as a funeral dirge to honor their seemingly deceased friend.
And the song, a meditation on death and the peace it brings, contrasting the turmoil of life with the tranquility of death.
Fear no more the heat o’ the sun,
Nor the furious winter’s rages;
Thou thy worldly task hast done,
Home art gone, and ta’en thy wages:
Golden lads and girls all must,
As chimney-sweepers, come to dust.Fear no more the frown o’ the great;
Thou art past the tyrant’s stroke;
Care no more to clothe and eat;
To thee the reed is as the oak:
The scepter, learning, physic, must
All follow this, and come to dust.Fear no more the lightning flash,
Nor the all-dreaded thunder stone;
Fear not slander, censure rash;
Thou hast finished joy and moan:
All lovers young, all lovers must
Consign to thee, and come to dust.No exorciser harm thee!
Nor no witchcraft charm thee!
Ghost unlaid forbear thee!
Nothing ill come near thee!
Quiet consummation have;
And renownèd be thy grave!