University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Enter OLYMPIO, as STALINO had described him, with MINSTRELS.
Olym.
Pipers, come on;
And, while they hither lead the new made bride,
Play a soft hymenæal, nuptial air;
Make the whole street resound. Sing,

Sta.
How fare you, my preserver?

Olym.
Very hungry,
By Hercules! and therefore not so thirsty.

Sta.
But I am in love.

Olym.
I shall do nought, O love,
To bring your empire into danger; no,
My inwards grumble; and with emptiness.

Sta.
Why this delay within? 'tis done on purpose:
The more I haste myself, the slower are they.

Olym.
Suppose I serenade them with a song?
Sing Hymenæe to them?

Sta.
'Twould not be
Amiss—I'll join you, as we both are married.

Olym. and Sta.
Io, Hymen! Hymenæe! Io, Hymen!
[singing.

Sta.
Oh! I am gone; poor I have burst my lungs
With singing Hymen! Hymen! Hymenæe!
If I was running now the race I'd wish
To run, I never could hold out—

Olym.
By Pollux!
Was you a horse, you never would be tam'd.

Sta.
Why so? and for what reason?

Olym.
You're too resty.
But the door creaks—Oh! ho! they're coming out.

Sta.
The gods preserve me! all goes very well.
I at a distance smell out Casina.