Iachimo

[ Eák´.ĭ.mo ], an Italian libertine. When Posthu´mus, the husband of Imogen, was banished for marrying the king’s daughter, he went to Rome, and in the house of Philario the conversation fell on the fidelity of wives. Post humus bet a diamond ring that nothing could change the fidelity of Imogen, and Iachimo accepted the wager. The libertine contrived to get into a chest in Imogen’s chamber, made himself master of certain details, and took away with him a bracelet belonging to Imogen. With these vouchers, Iachimo easily persuaded Post humus that he had won the bet, and Post humus handed over to him the ring. A battle subsequently ensued, in which Iachimo and other Romans, with Imogen disguised as a page, were made prisoners, and brought before King Cymbeline. Imogen was set free, and told to ask a boon. She asked that Iachimo might be compelled to say how he came by the ring which he had on his finger, and the whole villainy was brought to light. Post humus was pardoned, and all ended happily—Shakespeare, Cymbeline (1605). ⁂ The tale of Cymbeline is from the Decameron of Boccaccio (day ii. 9), in which Iachimo is called “Ambrose,” Imogen is “Zineura,” her husband, Bernard “Lomellin,” and Cymbeline is the “sultan.” The a umed name of Imogen is “Fidelê,” but in Boccaccio it is “Sicurano da Finale.”