 | The Treasure |  |
SCENE I.
Enter CHARMIDES.To the high ruler of the sea, Jove's brother,
And to his Thetis, I give praise and thanks
With joy and gratitude; to the salt floods,
That having in their pow'r my life, my all,
From their dread realms restor'd me to my country.
To you, great Neptune, above other Gods,
I pay my utmost thanks.—Men call you cruel,
Rude, and severe, of greedy disposition,
Blood-thirsty, fierce, unsufferable, outragious:
But I have prov'd you other; in the deep
I found you of an easy clement nature,
And mild as I could wish.—I've heard before
This commendation of you, and from great ones,
That you were wont to spare the indigent,
And crush the wealthy.—I applaud your justice
In treating men according to their merits.—
'Tis worthy of the Gods to have respect
Unto the poor.—I know you may be trusted,
Though they proclaim you treacherous: for without
Your aid your wild attendants in the deep
Had maul'd me sorely, scatter'd all I have,
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Fierce hurricanes beset the ship, like dogs:
Rain, winds, and waves had broke the masts and yards,
And split the sails, if with propitious peace
You had not been at hand.—Away then, I'm
Resolv'd henceforth to give me up to ease.—
I've got enough.—O with what troubles have I
Struggled, in seeking riches for my son?
But who is this, that's entering now our street?—
A stranger in appearance, and in dress.—
Well,—though I needs must long to be at home,
I'll wait awhile, and see what he's about.
| The Treasure | |