University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

To Marcellus, Durazzo, and Mentevole.
The ruddy hue your visage owns, my lord,
I see with pleasure is sound health's true ensign:
Your eye's quick spirit too, proclaims you fresh
As when the race of careless youth began.

DURAZZO.
Such is your wish, Marcellus, and I thank you.
O welcome, to thy country! thy smooth cheek
Has chang'd its down for manhood since we parted.
But for these well-known kindred lineaments,
I scarce durst swear, thou wert that playful boy,
Whose frolicks used to mar our gravity,
And make us smile while chiding.

MARCELLUS.
I remember
Your goodness always; now entreat your favour,
To recommend me to this lord's esteem,
As, by the title of my brother's friend,
He claims already mine.

DURAZZO.
Mentevole,
Give him your hand.

MENTEVOLE.
My heart too, 'twas his brother's;
And by that pledge grows thus at once acquainted.

DURAZZO.
Marcellus, you must tell me of your wars,
Your mines, your sallies, ambuscades, and dangers.
Though now 'tis long since I was cased in steel,
The cresent of our swarthy foe has felt me.

MARCELLUS.
They are slugglish soldiers, but right obstinate:
So numerous too, it seems an easier task
To kill, than count them. Now twice fifty thousand,
And more, have fall'n, in sacking one poor isle;
Yet, like light foam chaf'd by the curling surge,
Each hour new turbans whiten round its shores.—
But yet I have not visited my mother,
And she by this expects me.

DURAZZO.
Get thee to her.
Unhappy lady, may your presence cheer her!

[Exit Marcellus.