University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

Enter CLEOSTRATA.
Cle.
And was it then for this, by Castor!
My husband press'd me with such earnestness
To invite my neighbour to my house directly,
That her's might be at liberty for him
To introduce his Casina into?
But I shan't press the invitation,
Nor be the means of giving such old bell-weathers
An opportunity to indulge their lusts.
But see! look there, the pillar of the state,
The prop of the republick coming hither,
My neighbour, who would make an offer of
His house, my husband to accommodate.
That wit he has, was bought at no cheap rate.

Alc.
[coming forward.]
I wonder much what can the reason be
They have not yet sent over for my wife.
She is at home quite dress'd, and waiting for them.
But see! I think they now are come to call her.
Good day, Cleostrata—

Cle.
The like to you,
Alcesimus—Where is your wife?

Alc.
Within;
And waiting your commands—Your husband begg'd
I'd send her to your house, in order that
She might assist you—Shall I call her to you?

Cle.
No matter: by no means, if she is busy.

Alc.
She is at leisure.

Cle.
Well, it is no matter.
I would not willingly be troublesome.
I'll call upon her at some future time.

Alc.
Are you not here preparing for a wedding?

Cle.
We're now about it.

Alc.
Do you then not want
Assistance?

Cle.
No, we have enough at home.
When every thing is ready for the ceremony,
I'll call upon her—Now farewell, and pay
My compliments unto her.

Alc.
Well, what now
Is to be done? Unhappy as I am!
I have embark'd me in a base affair,
Only to oblige this vile, old, toothless goat,
Who has engag'd me in't—I've promis'd too,
My wife to assist abroad, as puppies do.
Then this old debauchee! who told me too
His wife would ask mine over to his house:
And now she tells me, she does not expect her.
I should not be surpriz'd, by Pollux' temple!
If after all, my neighbour here, Cleostrata,
Should smell a rat—But yet, on t'other side,
When I consider this affair, should it
Be so, she would apply herself to me.
Well, I'll go in, and privily convey
My vessel once more into dock.

[Exit.
Cle.
In troth!
He has been most finely play'd upon. How fast
These pitiful old fellows hurry on,
And to no purpose—Now I well could wish
My good for nothing, old decrepid husband
Would come along this way, that I might make
A fool of him, just as I've done of t'other.
'Twould give me pleasure could I make them quarrel.
But see, he's coming—Look upon his gravity,
And you would take him for a sober man.

[stands apart.