How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #7
BELARIUS
If in your country wars you chance to die,
That is my bed too, lads, and there I'll lie. (4.4.61-62)
When Belarius decides to go with the boys to fight for Britain, we feel a pang of guilt for writing him off as just a kidnaper. It looks like he's got morals and gusto, too—and he uses it to stand by his (kidnapped) sons and his (off-limits) country.
Quote #8
POSTHUMUS
I am brought hither
Among th' Italian gentry, and to fight
Against my lady's kingdom. 'Tis enough
That, Britain, I have kill'd thy mistress. Peace,
I'll give no wound to thee. (5.1.17-21)
When war is about to break out, Posthumus delivers a speech about whom he will fight for. He's too patriotic to fight against his country, even though he was wronged in it. We see that he cares a lot about Britain, and will risk his life trying to save it. What is less clear is whether he wants to fight for Britain just because he loves Britain, or whether he wants to fight for Britain because he's in love with a woman who (it would seem) will eventually be the queen of the country.
Quote #9
POSTHUMUS
'Our Britain's harts die flying, not our men.
To darkness fleet souls that fly backwards. Stand,
Or we are Romans and will give you that
Like beasts which you shun beastly, and may save...' (5.3.27-30)
After Britain has won the war, Posthumus gets talking to some cowardly lords about the battle. Notice how he characterizes each side: it's not quite as simple as "Britain is good" and "Rome is bad." Was either side actually good or bad in this war?