 | Amphitryon |  |
SCENE I.
Enter MERCURY running, at the further End of the stage.Stand by, make room, all clear the way before me,
Nor any be so bold to stop my speed.
[To the Spectators.]
Why may not I, who am a deity,
Have the same licence as a slave in comedies,
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He comes to tell th'arrival of a ship,
Or the approach of an enrag'd old man:
I am Jove's messenger, and hither now
Have hied me at his bidding: therefore is it
More fitting, they should clear the way for me.
My father calls, I follow him, and pay
Attention to his orders: I'm to him,
Such as a good son should be to his father.
I second his amours, encourage him,
Assist him, counsel him, rejoice with him:
If any thing's a pleasure to my father,
The pleasure is to me the greater far.
He loves, and he is wise; and he does right,
When he persues the bent of his desire;
Which all men should, in a legitimate way.—
Now would he have Amphitryon play'd upon:—
I'll do it rarely,—here before your eyes,
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And sham the drunkard, get me up above,
And drive him hence, this husband, with a vengeance.
As soon as he approaches, from above
I'll give him such a sluicing, ye shall say,
He's sober, yet in liquor. Sosia then
Will suffer for't, accus'd of having done
What I shall do.—But what is that to me?
It is my duty to obey my father,
And be subservient to his will and pleasure.—
But lo! Amphitryon comes.—Now, if you'll lend
Attention, ye shall see him bravely fool'd.—
I'll in, and strait equip me for my part,
Then to the house-top, and thence drive him off.
[Mercury goes in.
| Amphitryon | |