University of Virginia Library

SCENE 5.

Enter Menander.
Men.
I cannot live with Countrey Clowns they are,
(Carp not Philosophers) reasonable Brutes,
Have no discourse, can neither teach nor learn.
The countrey doth affoard rich dirt, plump grain
Rank Meadows, Fatter then the sweating swain,
No Masks, no Revels, no Magnifique sport,
The worlds all Prison, which is not the Court;
Pardon my dear Artemia.
In all things else thy Councels are my Laws,
Herein alone my will rebels, for I
Must live at Court or living dye elsewhere

(Enter Cleobulus.
Cle.
Welcome to Court, Menander, on what side,
An Isachist or an Andronichist.

Men.
An honest man.

Cle.
No answer but a shift.

Men.
I am for no side but the blessed Mean

Cle.
A Newter's the worst vermine in our state;
Lukewarm's a temper Heaven and Hell do hate.

Men.
Are these two sides the onely gates which Leads
To happiness.

Cle.
But one gate opens thither,
Honest men must list themselves on one side;
Not hedge like you on both to save your state.
Mean time neglecting all the Publick good.

Men.
The Publick good is onely the result
Of many private mens particular goods,
By saving mine Estate I do advance
The Common-Wealth—

Cle.
Politick Bat, sometimes, Mouse sometimes Bird,
Give me the man who strips his Judgement from
All by respects, seeks naked for the Truth.

Men.
Immodest and unwholsome in cold weather,

Cle.
Critick not on my words give me the man,
Consults not with success but with the cause.
And having found the right engageth all,
Therewith to stand or else to fall therewith.

Men.
I do not know on which side is the right.

Cle.
Affected blindness at noone sees not light.

Men.
So dark things do seem clear to partial eyes.

Cle.
Ile read your destiny because you hope,
Though the great ship of all our state be wrack't.
To wafte your private goods safe to the shore,
In your own fly-boate, know it is the fate;
Dancers on ropes at last mistake their poyse.
For all their skill fall down and break their necks,
Even such be thy success who dost intend
To lose thy Conscience for to keep thy ease,
To please both sides, may you both sides displease,

(Exit Menander.