 | The Apparition |  |
SCENE I.
Enter PHANISCUS.Slaves, who tho' not in fault, fear punishment,
Are useful servants—Such as nothing fear
When once they merit punishment, embrace
Most foolish counsels: take to their heels and fly:
But if once caught, heap up a hoard of punishment,
Which they ne'er could of their own property—
From little faults at first, scraping a treasure
For their own backs—My resolution is
To have the fear of punishment before me,
And keep my back as free from stripes as may be:
Back, be advis'd by me, keep on thy cloaths;
When the storm falls on others, thou'lt be dry.
As servants choose to have their master be,
Such is he. Good to the good, but to the bad
Cruel and harsh. Such are our rogues at home.
They're lavish of their backs, their only property.
Stripe-bearing villains! when they're call'd upon
To see their master home, then 'tis, I won't—
Plague me not—Oh! I know where you are going—
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Yes, mule, you will to pasturage abroad.
Taught to behave, from these I reap advantage.
So must be gone—Out of so many slaves,
I am the only one to meet my master.
When he hears this, they'll rue it in the morning,
When their backs bear the spoils of the bull's hide;
But I had rather theirs should have't than mine,
And see them hide-bound, than myself be rope-bound—
| The Apparition | |