University of Virginia Library

SCEN. 9.

Enter Menander wounded, and a Surgeon.
Men.
Artemia , Oraculous Artemia

Sur.
How came you Sir, to these wounds on both sides.

Men.
Nay, tell me how I may come by the cure

Sur.
They may be painful, but not dangerous;

[He dresseth him.
Men.
This on my right side, made with push of pike,
One of the Isaacan party gave to me,
For th'other hack with sword, I have cause to thank,
One that was of Andronicus his guard:

Sur.
You'd bad success.

Men.
As good as I deserv'd,
This 'tis to be a Neuter of no side,
I am drowsie.

Sur.
Its good to forbear sleep a while.

Men.
Ile rouze my self,

Sur.
In what state was Andronicus?

Men.
A sad one;
No Emperor of Greece, but Lord o'th'Soil,
With dirt and filth the people loaded him,
I ne're saw such a shower of mire before.

Sur.
A pleasant heart's best balsom for your wounds.

Exit Surgeon.
Men.
Artemia, oraculous Artemia;
Thou diedst Loyalties Martyr, and I live
Confessor to my folly; All this before
Thou propheciedst, but I would not beleeve thee;
The weaker Sex sometimes speaks strongest sense;
The Country life I thought an heavy Task,
Cause there we saw no Revels, there no Mask
This made me come again to Court, where I
My self am made a Tragedy almost.
Home will I hast, see me at Court again,
And say who now is hurt, shall then be slain.