University of Virginia Library

Scœn. 8.

Menander
, Evphorbvs, Laelio, Perillvs, Bvfo, Lvcilla, Mantesio.
Our Scœne is Aiax; the most valiant soule
Of which tall Champion, truely doth possesse
My corpulent square limbs; then (subiects) call,
Call mee braue Aiax that renowned Peere
AEquall to Agamemnon, yee presume
By our Tragœdians Art to Deify:
Lælio must Act Vlysses.

Lae.
I agree.

Men.
Mantesio and Lucilla must like mutes
Expect vpon my rage all counterfeit,
As did the sauage throng that Aiax slew;
Robes shall not make a metamorphosis;
Wee may suppose you whom the Scœne requires
Some sauage couple fit for Aiax wrath.

Am.
You may command vs.

Me.
but braue Messala
Acts Agamemnon.

Ev.
Brother I am glad
To thanke your æstimation of my parts
And I will striue to please you sir, though mad.

Me.
Bufo, Perillus, both be Chiefe-taines too,
Attentiue to decide the argument
Of our contention, striuing to deserue
The honour of Achilles after death.

Am.
Wee both be vassailes to your celsitude.

Me.
Each take his part and study to rehearse
That none may stumble at an easy verse.

Bvf.
Mænander is a Delphicke Oracle.

Men.
Be silent, leaue this big Hyperbole,
And shew thy breeding modest.

Bvf.
Sir I am
A Gallant, thankes to Tailors, and good clothes,
Yet keepe no crafty Page to picke a purse:
Nor doe I often play the Sodomite,
Will, with a liuely posture personate
The Scœne of Aiax, and inioy our fate.

Men.
Enough, the solemne festiuall of ioy
Which doth ensue, exacts your diligence,
To giue some testimoniall indeed
Of true deseruings; thinke mee bountifull
If any Actor in my troupe excell.
Fortune I doe contemne thee; sirs aduance
And in despight of death, vse vigilance.