University of Virginia Library

Scene II.—A Room in Raymond's House opening to a Garden.

Enter Three Gentlemen.
FIRST GENTLEMAN
Will he be seen to-day?

SECOND GENTLEMAN
Aye, in an hour;
If your name's on his list, you take your turn
Among the audiences.

FIRST GENTLEMAN
Was ever rise
So swift as this? twelve little months ago
Unheard of—now a column of the State!
Pray Heaven he reel not, but such sudden growths
Are seldom deeply rooted.

THIRD GENTLEMAN
I have heard
He seeks the public course with such a passion,
Being less than happy in his proper home.

FIRST GENTLEMAN
Why, he hath a fair wife.

THIRD GENTLEMAN
Tush, there's the reason!
A woman may be too fair for a wife.

SECOND GENTLEMAN
For shame! For shame!

THIRD GENTLEMAN
Nay, I malign her not;
She may be pure as starlight, but you want
A comfortable candle for your book
When you sit back i' the evening.

SECOND GENTLEMAN
(looking from the window)
Come aside.
She is with him now. I saw them cross the lawn.
He passes to his cabinet by this,
And if he find us here before the time
'Twill grieve him deeply.

THIRD GENTLEMAN
Or, in simpler phrase,
He'll rate you soundly?

SECOND GENTLEMAN
Well, his courtesies
Do sometimes take the shape of anger.

THIRD GENTLEMAN
Ah,
We'll spare you. Come away.

[Exeunt Gentlemen by a side door.