University of Virginia Library

Simus—Eudicus
SIMUS
I tell thee, light thy tripod, lose no time,
Set thy prophetic gear in working trim
And bring me these four words “Orestes goes
As hostage.” Spin the rest out as you please,
About God's will or man's moralities—
Despatch, I'll hear your scruples afterwards.
Tell the god it was my fault, if you please.

EUDICUS
Kinsman, I owe you all things, and I were,
Without you, as the meanest leprous thing
Huddled in rags upon our temple stair:
Yet, I entreat you, bear me not too hard.
I have sold the god before at your great word,
And live to say it with my brazen lips,
Daring to crawl in the sun's sacred eye;
Abject I am; and now you bid me sell
My king—nay, let me speak, for speak I will—
These kinsmen are as treacherous as the grave;
And I must sell Orestes to their fangs,
Making God murder that have made God lie.

SIMUS
I never knew a priest who'd yet do wrong
Without some prelude of his good intentions,
The worthy men cling to appearance so,
Well, now you've had your say and get this done.
I say you must: still stubborn? Well, hark here;
You have a daughter: she's a tender maid
And you are tender of her. But maids' feet
Are apt to slip. I hope this one's may not,
But, trust me, Sir, I fear it if I find
You stubborn to my wish. 'Tis not so easy
To hold my hot rash soldiers under rein,
Whom the law dares but wink at. There, it's done;
Since your eyes tell me you consent, my friend,
And you shall bring me in this oracle
With all the inspiration hot upon it.