University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

CTESIPHO, SYRUS.
Ctes.
My father gone into the country, say you?

Syrus.
Long since.

Ctes.
Nay; speak the truth!

Syrus.
He's at his farm,
And hard at work, I warrant you.

Ctes.
I wish,
So that his health were not the worse for it,
He might so heartily fatigue himself,
As to be forc'd to keep his bed these three days!

Syrus.
I wish so too; and more, if possible.

Ctes.
With all my heart: for I wou'd fain consume,
As I've begun, the live-long day in pleasure.
Nor do I hate that farm of our's so much
For any thing, as that it is so near.
For if 'twas at a greater distance, night
Would come upon him, ere he could return.
But now, not finding me, I'm very sure
He'll hobble back again immediately;
Question me where I've been, that I've not seen him
All the day long; and what shall I reply?

Syrus.
What? can you think of nothing?

Ctes.
No, not I.

Syrus.
So much the worse.—Have you no client, friend,
Or guest?

Ctes.
I have. What then?

Syrus.
You've been engag'd
With them.

Ctes.
When not engag'd? It cannot be.

Syrus.
It may.

Ctes.
Ay marry, for the day I grant you.
But if I pass the night here, what excuse
Then, Syrus?

Syrus.
Ah! I would it were the custom
To be engag'd at night too with one's friends!
—But be at ease! I know his mind so well,
That when he raves the loudest, I can make him
As gentle as a lamb.

Ctes.
How so?

Syrus.
He loves
To hear you prais'd. I sing your praises to him,
And make you out a little God.

Ctes.
Me!

Syrus.
You.
And then the old man blubbers like a child,
For very joy.—But have a care!

[looking out.
Ctes.
What now?

Syrus.
The wolf i'th'fable!

Ctes.
What, my father?

Syrus.
He.

Ctes.
What's the best, Syrus?

Syrus.
In! fly! I'll take care.

Ctes.
You have not seen me, if he asks: d'ye hear?

Syrus.
Can't you be quiet?

[pushes out Ctesipho.