University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

Enter GELASIMUS.
Gel.
My books I have consulted, and am confident
My fund of drollery will well secure
My patron to myself—Now I am looking
When he returns from port, to sweeten him
Upon his first arrival—

Epig.
Sure it is
The Parasite Gelasimus I see.

Gel.
With lucky omens I came forth to-day:
A weasel snatch'd a mouse up at my feet,
And eat it at a mouthful in my sight.
Thus as the weasel found to-day a dinner,
I am in hopes I shall—The omen speaks it.
Behold Epignomus that's standing there:
I'll go and speak to him—Epignomus,
How glad am I to see you!—How my tears
Gush out for joy!—Have you enjoy'd your health?

Epig.
I have with care—

Gel.
Why that's well said, and friendly.
The gods be still propitious to your wants!
I wish you health, Sir, to my heart and soul.
You'll sup with me now on my first arrival?

Epig.
I am oblig'd to you—But am promis'd forth.

Gel.
Give me your word—

Epig.
'Tis fix'd.

Gel.
I prithee, do.

Epig.
'Tis an agreement—

Gel.
Troth, 'twill give me pleasure.

Epig.
I doubt not that—When time shall serve, I'll come.

Gel.
The time serves now—

Epig.
By Pollux' temple! no.
I cannot come.

Gel.
What hinders? Come,—I know
You'll come—Yet,what at hand I have to give you
I cannot say—

Epig.
Nay go—And for to-day
Invite some other guest.

Gel.
You promise then?

Epig.
If it was possible,—I'd not refuse you.

Gel.
This I can promise—None shall be more welcome.

Epig.
Adieu!

Gel.
Is it resolv'd?

Epig.
It is—I sup
At home.

Gel.
Since you'll not promise me this favour,
Say, shall I sup with you?

Epig.
You should if possible;
But I have nine to sup with me already.

Gel.
A fellow I—you may put any where.

Epig.
They are ambassadors, great men
With powers plenipo'—and from Ambracia.

Gel.
Why then, let your ambassadors, great men
Take place;—the lowest of the low serves me.

Epig.
'Twould not look well to mix you with ambassadors.

Gel.
Suppose I say, I'm an ambassador.

Epig.
No—But to-morrow—You will find the scraps.
Farewel—

[Exit.
Gel.
I'm a dead man—Plain—Out of doubt—
There's one man less by thee, Gelasimus—
I'll ne'er give credit to a weasel more.
A most uncertain animal it is,
And ever changing place ten times a day.
Yet I could trust her with my life, my food.
I am determin'd to convene my friends
Upon this question—How to starve in form—

[Exit.