University of Virginia Library

A Dialogue between Charon and Philomel.

Charon , O gentle Charon!
Phil.

Charon , O gentle Charon! let me woo thee with tears, and pity now to come to me.

Char.

What voyce so sweet and charming do I hear? Say what thou art?

Phil.

I prethee first draw near.

Char.

A sound I hear, but nothing yet I see: Speak where thou art?

Phil.

O Charon, pitty me! I am a shade, & though no name I tell, my mournfull voyce will say I'm Philomel.

Char.

What's that to me? I waft, nor fish, nor fowl, nor beast, Fond thing, but only humane souls.

Phil.

Alas for me!

Char.

Shame on thy warbling note, that made me hoise my sail, and bring my boat, but Ile return: what mischief brought thee hither?

Phil.

A

deal of love, and much, much grief together.

Char.

What's thy request?

Phil.

That since she's now beneath that fed my life, I follow her in death.

Char.

And's that all? I'm gone.

Phil.

For love I pray thee.

Char.

Talk not of love, all pray, but no souls pay me.

Phil.

I'le give thee sighs and tears.

Char.

Can tears pay scores for patching sails, or mending boat, or oars?

Phil.

I'le beg a penny, or I'le sing so long, till thou shalt say I'ave pay'd thee in a Song.

Char.

Why, then begin.

Chorus

both together.
And all the while we make our sloathful passage o're the Stygian Lake, thou and Ile sing, thou and Ile sing, to make these dull shades merry; who else with tears will doubtless drown our Ferry.