 | The Lots |  |
SCENE II.
Enter OLYMPIO and CLEOSTRATA, following him at a distance.Olym.
Whither to fly, or where to hide myself,
Or how I shall conceal this vile disgrace
I know not—Can my master, or can I
Survive the infamy of these our nuptials—
I'm so asham'd, am so beside myself,
To think we both shall be the common town talk—
Attend and you shall hear my wedding feats;
[to the spectators.
They're worth your hearing, and will make you laugh
Most heartily, I fancy! when you know
All that has past within; 'tis so ridiculous
That you must burst with laughter at the tale—
As soon as I had brought this spouse of mine
Into the chamber, first I bolt the door—
Myr.
[to Cleo.]
See there Olympio is—Accost him strait.
Cle.
Where's your new bride? For heaven's sake inform me.
350
[aside.]
I'm lost—All's blown—
Cle.
Come, tell us all in order,
As it has pass'd within: You'll give us pleasure.
Olym.
I can't for shame relate it.
Cle.
We must have it
Exactly as it pass'd—
Olym.
I cannot, shame forbids
To tell such privacies—
Cle.
Come, tell us roundly
All, and begin your story from the time
You and your bride were bolted in together.
Olym.
When then I call'd her Casina, my Casina,
My darling bride, why do you spurn your husband?
Indeed 'tis not well done, to treat me thus,
Me, who to all have given you the preference—
She answers not a word—I then attempted
To kiss her, mark ye; but I find a beard
Against my lips, quite prickly, stiff as bristles.
At length she kicks my stomach with such force,
I tumble backward from the bed; and she
Jumps out upon me, and bemauls my face
With both her fists most heartily—At last
I steal away in silence, in this trim
You see me in—Heaven grant! at least, my master
May drink of the same cup that I have tasted.
Cle.
'Tis excellent indeed! But where's your cloak?
Olym.
My cloak's within doors—Yes, I left it there.
Cle.
Well, think you not our business well conducted?
Olym.
Yes truly, I deserve it.
351
Hark! The doors
Are opening surely—
Olym.
Sure she will not follow me.
[Exeunt.
| The Lots | |