 | The Braggard Captain |  |
203
ACT IV.
SCENE I.
Enter PYRGOPOLINICES and PALÆSTRIO.PYRGOPOLINICES.
It is a pleasure, whatsoe'er you do,
If fairly it succeed, and to your mind.—
I have dispatch'd my parasite to-day
To king Seleucus, to conduct the troops
That I have levied to defend his kingdom,
While I indulge in leisure and repose.
Pal.
Think rather of your own concerns, nor heed
Seleucus.—What a fair and new proposal
Is offer'd to you through my mediation!
Pyrg.
Well then,—all other matters I postpone,
204
I do surrender up to thy disposal.
Pal.
Look round, lest some one catch our conversation:
For I was order'd to transact this business
In private with you.
Pyrg.
There is no one near us.
Pal.
First, take this pledge of love.
(giving a ring.
Pyrg.
Ha! what is this?
Whence comes it?
Pal.
From a fair and buxom dame;
One that adores you, doats upon your beauty.—
I had it of her maid to bring to you.
Pyrg.
What is she?—Is she gentle by her birth,
Or once a bond-woman, but since made free?
Pal.
Ah, do you think, that I would dare to play
The go-between for one that was a slave,
Knowing so many ladies wooe you to them.
Pyrg.
Is she a wife, or widow?
Pal.
Wife, and widow.
Pyrg.
How is it possible she can be both,—
Widow and wife?
Pal.
Because she's young, and married
To an old fellow.
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Well—so much the better.
Pal.
Then such a person!
Pyrg.
See thou liest not, sirrah.
Pal.
O she alone is worthy of your charms!
Pyrg.
Thou mak'st her out indeed a beauty.—But
Who is she?
Pal.
She's the wife of this old fellow
Periplectomenes, our neighbour here.
She's dying for you, and about to leave him:
The dotard she detests, and order'd me
To beg you would vouchsafe your favour to her.
Pyrg.
Well, well then,—I'm content,—if she desire it.
Pal.
If she desire it!
Pyrg.
How shall we dispose
Of her I have at home, that other wench?
Pal.
E'en bid her to be gone, where-e'er she lifts;
For,—do you know?—her mother and twin-sister
Are come to Ephesus to fetch her home.
Pyrg.
How say you?—is the mother come to Ephesus?
Pal.
They told me, that should know.
Pyrg.
By Hercules
A charming opportunity to turn
The baggage out of doors.
Pal.
But would you do
The thing that's handsome?
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What would'st thou advise?
Pal.
Have you a mind forthwith to send her packing
With a good grace?
Pyrg.
I have,—tis my desire.
Pal.
Then this you ought to do.—You have enough
Of riches:—bid her take by way of present
The cloaths and trinkets you supplied her with,
To carry with her wheresoe'er she pleases.
Pyrg.
It likes me what thou say'st. But hold,—suppose
I lose Her, and that other change her mind.
Pal.
Ah,—sure you are in jest.—She change her mind?
What she,—who loves you, as she loves her eyes?
Pyrg.
By Venus am I favour'd.
Pal.
Hist!—the door
Is opening.—Step aside this way, and hide you.—
This is her fly-boat, that is coming forth,
Her go-between.
Pyrg.
What mean'st thou by her fly-boat?
Pal.
It is her maid, that's coming forth,—the same,
That brought the ring I gave you.
Pyrg.
By my troth
A likely wench.
Pal.
Oh, she is monkey-faced,—
207
Mark, how she hunts round with her eyes, and spreads
Her ears, like toils, to catch each passing sound!
[They stand aloof.
SCENE II.
Enter MILPHIDIPPA.Is this the Circus, here before the house,
Where I must hold my sports?—I'll make pretence
As though I did not see them, did not know
That they are here.
Pyrg.
Hush!—let us hearken, if
She'll mention ought of me.
Mil.
Is no one near?
No meddler, that minds others businesses
208
To see what I'm about? no dieter
At his own cost, who's not in search for supper?—
I am afraid, lest any such as these
Stand in the way, and be an hindrance, when
My mistress comes,—poor soul! who doats upon
This all enchanting, this too handsome man,
This gallant captain Pyrgopolinices.
Pyrg.
She doats upon me too; commends my beauty.—
'Tis a clean-spoken wench,—she needs no ashes.
Pal.
What do you mean?
Pyrg.
To scour her words:—she speaks
Most daintily; and she's a dainty girl.—
Faith I begin to feel some liking for her.
209
What! ere you have set eyes upon the other?
Pyrg.
I've faith in what I see.—By her discourse
She forces me to love her.
Pal.
On my soul
You must not love her: she's betroth'd to me:
If you the mistress wed, I take the maid.
Pyrg.
Why art thou backward then in speaking to her?
Pal.
True,—come along.
Pyrg.
I lacquey you at heels.
Mil.
O that I could but meet him, for whose sake
I am come forth here!
Pal.
(Advancing towards her.)
You shall have your wish:
Take courage: fear not:—there's a certain person
Knows where he is, whom you are looking for.
Milp.
Who's that I hear?
Pal.
The partner of your secrets,—
Your fellow-counsellor.
Mil.
I don't conceal then
What I conceal.
Pal.
Nay, but you do conceal
Ev'n what you don't conceal.
Mil.
How make you that out?
Pal.
From the untrusty you conceal your secrets:
But I am of a firm unshaken faith.
Mil.
Give me a token, if you're of the Bacchæ.
210
A certain lady loves a certain gentleman.
Mil.
In troth, and so do many.
Pal.
But not many,
That send them presents, and from off their fingers.
Mil.
Oh, now I know:—you've made the matter plain.—
Is no one near?
Pal.
There is, or there is not.
Mil.
I want to talk with you alone in private.
Pal.
Will it be short or long you have to say?
Mil.
Three words.
Pal.
(To Pyrg.)
I will return to you this instant.
Pyrg.
What?—shall I stand here, I who am renown'd
For my exploits and beauty, but a moment
Idle and unemploy'd?
Pal.
Content yourself,—
Stay here:—it is your service I'm upon.
Pyrg.
I'm tortur'd with impatience.
Pal.
Soft and fair:
You know, Sir; in commodities of this kind
We're wont to deal thus.
Pyrg.
Well then, as it suits thee.
Pal.
(Aside.)
No stone can be more senseless than this lack-wit.
(To Pyrg.)
I'll soon return to you.— (To Milph.)
What would you with me?
Mil.
To take of you directions as before.
211
Say, she is dying for him.
Mil.
That I know.
Pal.
Commend his person, and extoll his bravery.
Mil.
For that I'm arm'd at all points, as I shew'd you.
Pal.
The rest you'll manage:—you have got your cue.
Pyrg.
Prithee allow me some share in the business.—
(To Pal.)
Sirrah, come here this instant.
Pal.
Here I am:—
Command me,—what's your will?
Pyrg.
What says she to thee?
Pal.
She says her mistress takes on grievously,
Poor soul! and sore afflicts herself with crying,
Because you are not with her:—for that reason
She was dispatch'd to you.
Pyrg.
Bid her approach.
Pal.
But know you how to act now?—Bear yourself
Disdainfully, as though you like it not;
And rate me soundly, that I dare presume
To stale you to the vulgar.
Pyrg.
I'll remember,
And follow thy instructions.
Pal.
Please you, I
Should call her?
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If she wants me, let her come.
Pal.
Come hither, woman, if you want my master.
Mil.
(Advancing.)
Save you, Prince Prettiman!
Pyrg.
Ha!—who could tell her,
That was my name?—Heav'n grant you all you wish!
Mil.
To pass life with you, is—
Pyrg.
You wish too much.
Mil.
Myself I mean not, but my mistress, who
Is dying for you.
Pyrg.
Many wish the same,
But to no end.
Mil.
In sooth I wonder not,
That you should put such value on yourself,
A gentleman so handsome! so renown'd
For beauty, valour, and for bright atchievements!
Lives there, who more deserves the name of man?
Pal.
(Aside.)
Then there is nothing human:—by my faith
I think there's more humanity in a vulture.
213
Now will I make myself of consequence,
Since she's so lavish of her commendations.—
Pal.
Look at the block-head, how he puffs and swells!—
Will you not answer her, good Sir?—she comes
A suiter from the lady,—
Pyrg.
From what lady?
There are so many ladies court my favour,
I can't remember them.
Mil.
I come from her,
Who to adorn your fingers strips her own:
That ring I brought from her, and gave your servant.
Pyrg.
Well, woman, what is't you would have? explain.
Mil.
That you would not disdain her who adores you,
Who lives but in your life, whose hope is placed
In you alone, whether she live or dye.
Pal.
What's her desire?
Mil.
To talk with, and embrace you:
If you refuse to comfort her, she'll perish.—
Come, my Achilles,—grant what I request,
And save this fair one,—call forth your benevolence,
Stormer of cities, conqueror of kings!
Pyrg.
O how vexatious this!—How often, rascal,
Have I forbade you thus to make me common?
Pal.
Woman, d'ye hear?—I told you this before,
And now repeat it,—you must pay him well.
Mil.
We'll give him any price he asks.
214
A talent
Of gold:—he'll take no less of any one.
Mil.
Nay, that indeed now is too cheap.
Pyrg.
In me
Did avarice never spring: I'm rich enough:
I have of gold more than a thousand measures
In Philippeans.
Pal.
Then, besides this treasure,
He has of silver, I'll not call them piles,
But mountains;—Ætna's self is not so high.
Mil.
(To Pal. aside.)
Thou monstrous fibber!
Pal.
(To Milph.)
How I play him off!
Mil.
And I too,—how I gull the fool!
Pal.
Most rarely.
Mil.
Pray you, sweet Sir, dismiss me out of hand.
Pal.
Make her some answer,—that you will, or will not.
Why give the lady so much pain, that never
Deserv'd ill of you?
Pyrg.
Well then,—bid her come
To me in person,—tell her I will do
All she desires.
Mil.
You act as it behoves you,
215
Pal.
He's a sweet soul.—
Mil.
And that you have not scorn'd me poor petitioner,
But suffer'd me to win your fair consent.—
(Aside to Pal.)
So—how I tickle him!
Pal.
By heav'ns I can't
Restrain myself from laughing: therefore have I
Turn'd away from you.
Pyrg.
O thou know'st not, wench,
How much I honour her.
Mil.
I know, and will
Acquaint her with it.
Pal.
He might have sold his favours
Much dearer to another.
Mil.
I believe you.
Pal.
Those, that by him are happy mothers made,
Bring forth sheer warriours; and his children live
Eight hundred years.
Mil.
Fye on you for a fibber.
Pyrg.
Nay, but they live, I say, a thousand years,
Reckoning from age to age.
Pal.
I spoke within bounds,
216
Mil.
(Aside.)
I burst, I dye.—How many years must he
Himself live, when his children live so long?
Pyrg.
Wench, I was born upon the day next that,
When Jove was born of Ops.
Pal.
O had his birth
Preceeded Jove's one day, he had possess'd
The kingdom of the skies.
Mil.
Enough, sweet souls:
Let me be gone.
Pal.
Why don't you go then, since
You have your answer?
Mil.
I will go and bring
My mistress here.—Would you ought further with me?
Pyrg.
O may I ne'er be fairer than I am!
My beauty's such a plague to me.
Pal.
Why stay you?
Why don't you go?
(Aside to Mil.)
Mil.
I'm gone.
Pal.
And hearkye.—Tell her
All that has past.
Mil.
Her heart will leap within her.
Pal.
And tell Philocomasium, if she's yonder,
She must come home, for that the captain's here.
217
She's yonder with my mistress, slily hearkening
Our conversation.
Pal.
'Tis well done:—they'll learn
The better how to act from having heard us.
Mil.
You hinder me.
Pal.
I leave you, I don't hinder you,
Nor do I touch you, nor—I say no more.
Pyrg.
Bid her come forth to us with instant speed:
All other matters we'll postpone to this.
[Milphidippa goes in.
SCENE III.
PYRGOPOLINICES and PALÆSTRIO.PYRGOPOLINICES.
Palæstria, what would'st thou advise me now
To do about my mistress? for by no means
Can I receive this here into my house,
Till I've dismiss'd the other.
Pal.
Why consult
Me what you ought to do? I've told you, how
It may be carried with all gentleness.
Her trinkets, baubles, all her women's geer,
With which you furnish'd her, e'en let her have,
218
She should go home again; tell her, her mother
And her twin-sister are arriv'd, with whom
She may depart.
Pyrg.
How know'st thou, they are come?
Pal.
I saw her sister here with my own eyes.
Pyrg.
What, have they met?
Pal.
They have.
Pyrg.
How does she look?
Is she a brave piece?
Pal.
You would have them all.
Pyrg.
Where was her mother, did the sister say?
Pal.
The master of the ship, that brought them, told me,
She had an inflammation in her eyes,
And was on board: He's lodg'd too at next door.
Pyrg.
But to the point.
Pal.
Well.
Pyrg.
What would'st thou advise?
I'd have thee talk to her upon the subject:
'Twill come better from thee.
Pal.
Nay, rather go
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Tell her, you needs must marry,—you're persuaded
By your relations, urg'd to't by your friends.
Pyrg.
And dost thou think so?
Pal.
How can I think other?
Pyrg.
I'll in then, and do thou mean time keep watch
Before the house, that thou mayst call me out,
When th'other comes.
Pal.
Mind what you do.
Pyrg.
I shall.
For, if she go not of her own accord,
I'll turn her out by force.
Pal.
No, do not so,
But rather let her go with a good grace:
Give her the things I mention'd; let her take
Her trinkets, and her geer.
Pyrg.
With all my heart.
Pal.
You'll easily, I think, prevail with her.—
But get you in, don't loiter.—
Pyrg.
I obey you.
[Pyrgopolinices goes in.
Pal.
(To the spectators.)
Doth he appear ought chang'd from what I told you
A while ago he was, this wenching captain?—
Now do I want Acroteleutium
To come here, and her maid, and Pleusides.—
220
Befriends me on all sides!—for those I wish'd
To see, are coming hither from our neighbour's.
SCENE IV.
Enter ACROTELEUTIUM, MILPHIDIPPA, and PLEUSIDES.ACROTELEUTIUM.
Follow me,—at the same time look around,
Lest any one observe us.
Mil.
No one see I,
Save him that we would meet.
Pal.
As I would you.
Mil.
Our architect! how fare you?
Pal.
I your architect?
Ah—
Mil.
How now?
Pal.
I'm not worthy, if compar'd
With you, to stick a peg into a wall.
Acr.
No to be sure!
Pal.
O she's a clever jade,
When mischief's set on foot. How charmingly
She smooth'd our captain o'er!
Acr.
But not sufficient.
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Courage—our business prospers to our wish,
If you continue but to lend assistance.
For know, the captain is himself gone in
To ask his mistress, that she would depart
For Athens with her sister and her mother.
Acr.
Good! very good!
Pal.
Nay more,—he gives her all
The cloaths, and trinkets, which he had provided,
So she be gone:—myself advis'd him to it.
Pleu.
That's easily agreed, if she is willing,
And he desire it too.
Pal.
Do you not know,
When from the bottom of a well you've mounted
Up to the top, then there's the greatest danger,
Lest from the brink you topple back again?
Now our affair stands tottering, as it were,
Upon the brink and summit of the well;
For should the captain chance to smell us out,
We shall get nothing from him:—wherefore now
We need erect our batteries.
Pleu.
We have got
Sufficient store of timber for that purpose;—
Three women,—you yourself make a fourth person,
And I a fifth,—and our old host a sixth.
Pal.
What heaps of stratagems we've fell'd already!
No town whatever could hold out against us,
222
Acr.
For that purpose
Are we come out to you to know your pleasure.
Pal.
'Tis sweetly done in you.—Then this I order
As your department. (To Acr.)
Acr.
You're our general,—
Command me what you will, that's in my power.
Pal.
I'd have you play this captain off most finely.
Acr.
Good—your command's a pleasure.
Pal.
Know you how?
Acr.
To wit, that I should feign myself distracted
With love for him.
Pal.
The thing.
Acr.
And for that love
I have foregone my marriage here, much longing
To match with him.
Pal.
Right, you proceed in order.
Only this one thing,—you must also say,
This house is settled on you for your dowry,
And that the old man after your divorce
Had quitted it,—lest bye and bye the captain
Should fear to enter in another's house.
Acr.
Well you advise me.
Pal.
But when he appears,
I'd have you stand aloof, and seem as though
You scorn'd your beauty in compare with his,
And was awe-struck with his vast opulence:
Be sure you praise his loveliness of mein,
His air, his face, his beauty altogether.—
223
Acr.
I am perfect.
Will it suffice, if I produce my work
So finish'd, that you shall not find a fault?
Pal.
I am content. (to Pleu.)
Now hearken in your turn
What I command you.
Pleu.
Speak.
Pal.
When this is done,
As soon as she has enter'd, come you hither
Accoutred like the master of a ship,
With broad-brim'd hat and of an russet grey,
And hold a woollen compress 'fore your eyes;
Have on a short cloak, of an russet grey too,
(For that's your seaman's colour) fasten it
On your left shoulder, your right arm stuck out;
And tye a belt about your waist:—thus drest,
224
Your good old host here can equip you throughly,
For he has fishermen.
Pleu.
When thus accoutred,
What must I do?
Pal.
Come here, and call upon
Philocomasium in her mother's name;
Tell her, if now she would return to Athens,
She must with you directly to the port,
And order to be carried to the ship,
If any thing she has to put on board;
Say bluntly, if she did not go that instant,
You must weigh anchor, for the wind was fair.
Pleu.
I like your picture well enough.—Proceed.
Pal.
Our gull will strait exhort her to be gone,
Bid her make haste, nor let her mother wait.
Pleu.
You've an extensive genius.
Pal.
I will tell her
To ask my master, that he'd let me carry
Her baggage to the port; when he at once
Will bid me to attend her.—What do I?
I'll tell you,—I am off with you for Athens.
Pleu.
And when you come there, I'll not let you serve
Three days, before you shall be free.
Pal.
Then go,
And strait equip you.
Pleu.
Any thing besides?
Pal.
Only—remember.
Pleu.
I am gone.
[Pleusides goes in.
225
(To the Women.)
And you
Go, get you in directly, for I know
He will come out this instant.
Acr.
Your commands
Must be obey'd.
Pal.
Come, prithee now be gone.
[The Women go in.
See—the door opens opportunely.—Out
He comes, quite joyous:—he has gain'd his suit.
Poor wretch! he longs for what he'll ne'er possess.
SCENE V.
Enter PYRGOPOLINICES.Philocomasium now at length has granted
What I implor'd by friendship and by favour.
Pal.
What kept you, Sir, within so long a time?
Pyrg.
O I was never sensible till now,
How much the damsel doated on me.
Pal.
Why?
Pyrg.
So many words she made! so slow my progress!
But at the last I won her fair consent.—
I gave her all she wish'd, and all she ask'd;—
With thee too I presented her.
Pal.
What! me too?—
How can I live without you?
226
Prithee, man,
Be of good heart; I'll also make thee free.
I striv'd, if possibly by any means
I could prevail upon her to depart
Without her taking you along: but she
Constrain'd me.
Pal.
In the Gods I'll place my hope,
And last in you:—yet though 'tis bitter to me,
Seeing that I shall lose so good a master,
I have at least this pleasure, that the power
Of your resistless beauty has procur'd you
This neighbour lady through my mediation.
Pyrg.
Needs there more said?—I'll give thee liberty,
And wealth besides, if thou canst win her for me.
Pal.
I'll win her.
Pyrg.
But I long.
Pal.
Hold—softly, Sir:
Be moderate in your love, and not so hot.—
But here's the lady,—see, she's coming forth.
SCENE VI.
Enter ACROTELEUTIUM and MILPHIDIPPA.MILPHIDIPPA.
Look, mistress, there's the captain.
Acr.
Ha!—Where is he?
Mil.
There, to the left.
Acr.
I see him.
Mil.
Only cast
227
We see him.
Acr.
So—I view him.—On my troth
Now is the time to prove our utmost art.
Mil.
You must begin.
Acr.
(Aloud.)
Pray was you with him?—
(to Mil. aside)
Don't
Be sparing of your voice, but let him hear you.
Mil.
(Aloud.)
I talk'd with him at ease, and at my leisure,
And as I lik'd, and at my own discretion,
And as I would.
Pyrg.
So—hear'st thou what she says?
Pal.
I hear.—How pleas'd she is, that she approach'd you!
Acr.
O happy wench!
Pyrg.
How she's enamour'd of me!
Pal.
You merit it.
Acr.
'Tis strange, what you relate,—
That you approach'd him, and prevail'd: they say,
He never is address'd but by dispatches,
Or by ambassadours, all like a monarch.
Mil.
True, 'twas with difficulty I procured
An audience to prefer my suit.
228
How great
Your fame among the women!
Pyr.
I must bear it,
Since Venus wills it so.
Acr.
My grateful thanks
I pay to Venus, and beseech the goddess,
That I may win his favour whom I doat on,
That he may gentle prove, nor take amiss
What I desire.
Mil.
I hope it will be so;
Though many ladies seek his love: but he
Disdains them, holds himself estrang'd to all,
Save you alone.
Acr.
Therefore this fear torments me,
That, when he sees me, since he's so disdainful,
His eyes will change his sentiments, his own
Bright beauty make him scorn my homelier form.
Mil.
Be of good heart;—he will not do it.
Pyrg.
How
She flights herself!
Acr.
I fear too, your account
Has set me off too well.—
Mil.
I've taken care,
That you shall shew still fairer than you stand
In his opinion.
Acr.
Verily if he will not
Take me for wife, I will embrace his knees,
Implore, beseech him:—If I don't prevail,
Why then by my own hand I'll dye:—I know,
I cannot live without him.
Pyrg.
I must save her,—
229
Pal.
No, by no means.—You'll make yourself too cheap,
To give yourself so lavishly away:
First let her come to you, let her seek you,
Express her fond desire and expectation.
What—would you lose that glory which you have?
For never did it happen but to two,—
You and the Lesbian Phaon,—to be lov'd
So desperately.
Acr.
I'll go in to him.—
You, Milphidippa, go, and call him forth.
Mil.
Let's rather wait, till some one shall come out.
Acr.
I cannot stay, but I must in.
Mil.
The door
Is shut.
Acr.
I'll break it open.
Mil.
You are mad.
Acr.
If he has ever lov'd, or if he owns
An understanding equal to his beauty,
Whatever I shall rashly do through love,
I know he will have mercy, and forgive me.
Pal.
Poor soul, she's over head and ears in love!
Pyrg.
'Tis mutual in us.
Pal.
Hush,—she'll hear you else.
230
Why stand you stupified?—why don't you knock?
Acr.
Because he's not within here, whom I want.
Mil.
How do you know?
Acr.
I know it:—if he were,
My nose would scent him.
Pyrg.
She divines:—because
She loves me, Venus has bestow'd upon her
The gift of prophecy.
Acr.
I know not where
He is, whose sight I long for,—but I know,
He's not far off;—I smell him.
Pal.
Why she sees
More with her nose than eyes.
Pyrg.
She's blind with love.
Acr.
Prithee support me,—
Mil.
Why?
Acr.
—Or I shall fall.
Mil.
Why so?
Acr.
Because I cannot stand,—my spirits
Are sunk so through my eyes.
Mil.
What! have you seen
The captain?
Arc.
Yes.
Mil.
I see him not,—where is he?
Acr.
Verily you would see him, if you lov'd.
Mil.
Nay, by my troth you cannot love him more
Than I do,—with your leave.
Pal.
Well,—ev'ry woman,
Soon as she sees you, is in love with you.
Pyrg.
I know not, whether I have told you:—I
Am Venus' grand-son.
231
Prithee, Milphidippa,
Go and hold converse with him.
Pyrg.
How I awe her!
Pal.
She's coming t'wards us.
Mil.
(Advancing.)
I would speak with you.
Pyrg.
And we with you.
Mil.
I've brought my mistress here,
As you commanded me.
Pyrg.
I see her.
Mil.
Well then,
Bid her approach.
Pyrg.
I have prevail'd upon
My heart, at thy entreaty, not to loath her
Like others of her sex.
Mil.
She'd not be able
To speak a word, were she to come but near you.
E'en while she's looking at you, by her eyes
She's tongue-tied.
Pyrg.
Her disorder I must cure.
Mil.
See, how she trembles! how she's struck with fear,
Since she beheld you!
Pyrg.
Warriors do the same,
No wonder then a woman.—But what is it,
She'd have me do?
Mil.
Come home to her: with you
She longs to live, with you to pass her days.
232
What! I come home to her, when she is married?—
Her husband's to be dreaded.
Mil.
For your sake
She turn'd her husband out.
Pyrg.
How could she do it?
Mil.
Because the house is her's, seeing 'twas settled
Upon her for her dowry.
Pyrg.
Is it so?
Mil.
'Tis so, by heav'ns.
Pyrg.
Then tell her to go home:—
I'll come to her this instant.
Mil.
Do not keep her
In expectation; for 'twill vex her soul.
Pyrg.
In sooth I will not.—Go then.
Mil.
We are gone.
[Acroteleutium and Milphidippa go in.
Pyrg.
What do I see?
Pal.
What see you?
Pyrg.
Some one comes,
I know not who, drest in a sailor's habit.
Pal.
Perhaps he wants us.—Oh, it is the pilot.
Pyrg.
He comes forsooth to fetch our wench.
Pal.
I think so.
SCENE VII.
Enter PLEUSIDES at a distance, in a Sailor's habit.Were I not sensible, that other men
In other ways have done as vile for love,
I should be more asham'd to wear this garb
On the account of love: but I have learn'd,
That many have committed many actions
233
I speak not of Achilles, how he suffer'd
His comrades to be slain, and all for love.—
But see Palæstrio standing with the captain;—
And I must change the fashion of my phrase.—
Sure woman's born of tardiness itself;
For ev'ry other, though the same delay,
Seems less delay than that, which woman makes:—
They do it, one would fancy, all from custom.—
I'm come to call upon Philocomasium:—
And here's the door, I'll knock.—Hoa—who's within there?
Pal.
How now, my lad?—what say you?—why d'ye knock here?
Pleu.
I want Philocomasium:—from her mother
I'm come:—if she's for going, let her come then.—
She stays us all; and we would fain weigh anchor.
Pyrg.
All is in readiness, and long has been so.—
Hearkye, Palæstrio, let her take her trinkets,
Her gold, apparell, all things valuable:
Take with you some assistants, that may help you
To bear them to the ship:—they are all pack'd,
All that I've giv'n her to take off.
234
I go.
Pleu.
Prithee now, do make haste.
Pyrg.
He will not tarry.
[Palæstrio goes in.
Pyrg.
(To Pleu. who holds up a compress to his eye.)
Hey, what's the matter? prithee, what hast thou
Done with thine eye?
Pleu.
Why, ha'n't I got my eye?
Pyrg.
The left I mean.
Pleu.
I'll tell you:—I less use
This eye, by reason of my occupation:
Were't not for that, I should use both alike.—
But they too long detain me.
Pyrg.
Here they come.
SCENE VII.
Enter PALÆSTRIO and PHILOCOMASIUM.PALÆSTRIO,
(To Phil.)
Pray, will you never make an end of weeping?
Phil.
How can I chuse but weep?—I'm going hence,
Where I have pass'd my days with so much pleasure.
Pal.
See you the man there, who is come to you
From your twin-sister and your mother?
235
Ah,
I see him.
Pyrg.
Hearkye me, Palæstrio.
Pal.
What's
Your pleasure?
Pyrg.
You will order all her things
To be brought out.
Pleu.
Philocomasium,
Your servant.
Phil.
Your's.
Pleu.
Your mother and your sister
Bade me to give their love and blessing to you.
Phil.
Heav'ns bless them both!
Pleu.
They pray you to make haste,
That we may set sail, while the wind is fair:
Your mother, if her eyes had not been bad,
Had come along with me.
Phil.
I'll go then, though
'Tis with regret: but duty does compell me.
Pleu.
You're wise now.
Pyrg.
If she had not been with me,
She to this day had liv'd in ignorance.
236
O it is torture this,—to be estrang'd
From such a man as you! for you can make
A woman all accomplish'd; and because
I liv'd with you, I had a lofty spirit:—
But now that greatness I shall lose for ever. (weeping.)
Pyrg.
She weeps excessively.
Phil.
I cannot help it,
While that I look upon you.
Pal.
Come,—take heart.—
Ah me! and I feel what afflicts me too.—
I nothing wonder, 'twas a pleasure to you
To live with him: his beauteous form, his manners,
His bravery have attach'd your soul unto him.—
I too, his servant, weep, when I look on him,
To think we shall be parted.
Phil.
I beseech you,
Let me embrace you once, before I go.
Pyrg.
I give permission.
Phil.
(Embracing him.)
O my eyes! my soul!
(Upon quitting him she seems ready to swoon.)
Pal.
(Taking hold of her.)
For heaven's sake support her, or she'll fall.
Pyrg.
Ha! what's the matter?
Pal.
Soon as she had left you,
Poor soul! she fell into a fit.
Pyrg.
(To his attendants.)
Run in,
And bring some water quick.
Pal.
I want no water.
Pyrg.
Why?
237
I had rather—Don't you interpose,
(Stopping the Captain from going to Phil.)
I pray you, till her senses are restor'd.
Pyrg.
(Observing Pleu. who holds Phil. in his arms.)
They have their heads methinks too closely join'd:—
I like it not:—their lips seem glued together.
Pleu.
How sharp is her disorder!—I was trying,
Whether she breath'd or not.
Pyrg.
He should have put
His ear then to her mouth.
Pleu.
(To Pyrg.)
If you had rather,
I'll leave them both.
Pyrg.
No.— (To Pal.)
Let him take you with him.
Pal.
Ah me! I cannot chuse but weep.
Pyrg.
(To the servants within.)
Bring out
The things, that I have giv'n her.
238
Houshold God!
I now salute you, ere I do depart:—
My fellow-servants, male and female, all
Farewell! may happiness and health attend you!
And let me have your pray'rs, though absent from you.
Pyrg.
Come, come, be of good heart, Palæstrio.
Pal.
Oh,
I cannot chuse but weep, since I must leave you.
Pyrg.
Bear it with patience.
Pal.
O too well I know
What cause I have to grieve.
Phil.
(Seeming to recover.)
Ha! how is this?—
Who are these people?—what do I behold?—
Hail, light!
Pleu.
Are you recover'd?
Phil.
I beseech you,
What man is't I embrace?—I'm lost,—I'm gone—
Am I myself?
Pleu.
(In a low voice.)
Fear nothing, my delight.
Pyrg.
What's all this?
Pal.
Oh, Sir, she had lost her senses.
(Aside)
I fear, our plot will be at length discover'd.
Pyrg.
What say'st thou?
239
That will turn to your discredit,
When they shall see us through the city bear
This load of luggage.
Pyrg.
Of my own I've given,
Not theirs:—I care not what they say:—Away then,
Go—and the favour of the Gods attend you!
Pal.
'Tis for your sake I speak it.
Pyrg.
I believe thee.
Pal.
Farewell!
Pyrg.
Farewell to thee!
Pal.
(To Pleu. and Phil.)
Haste on before,—
I'll overtake you presently:—I've yet
A word or two to say unto my master.
[Pleusides and Philocomasium go off.
SCENE VIII.
PALÆSTRIO and PYRGOPOLINICES.PALÆSTRIO.
Though in your estimation you have ever
Held other slaves more faithful than myself,
I owe you many thanks for all your favours;
And, if it were your will, I'd rather be
A slave to you than freed-man to another.
240
Pluck up thy courage, man.
Pal.
Ah! woe is me,
When I reflect my manners must be chang'd,—
That I must learn the womanish, and forget
The military.
Pyrg.
See thou mind thy duty.
Pal.
I cannot,—I have lost all inclination.
Pyrg.
Go, follow them,—don't loiter.
Pal.
Fare you well.
Pyrg.
The same to thee.
Pal.
I pray you to remember,—
If haply I am freed, I'll send you notice,
That you may not desert me.
Pyrg.
'Tis not in me.
Pal.
Think too on my fidelity towards you.—
If you do that, you then at length will know
The difference 'twixt a bad and honest servant.
Pyrg.
I know, and I have tried thee oft before,
But more to-day than ever.
Pal.
You will know,
And you shall find it still more true hereafter.
Pyrg.
I hardly can refrain from bidding you
To stay.
Pal.
Ah, have a care, Sir—don't do that.—
They'll say you are a lyar, void of truth,
And without faith.—Well, sure it must be own'd,
All servants I exceed in honesty;—
For if I thought you could with honour do it,
241
Ah, have a care you don't.—
Pyrg.
I'll be content,
Whatever happen,—go.
Pal.
Then fare you well.
Pyrg.
'Twere better, thou should'st go.
Pal.
Once more—farewell.
[Palæstrio goes off.
Pyrg.
(Alone.)
I've always look'd upon him until now
As a most villainous rascal; but I find,
The fellow's trusty to me.—On reflection,
I have done foolishly to part with him.—
I'll in now to my love here.—But I hear
The door go.
SCENE IX.
Enter a LAD, speaking to some within.Say no more,—I know my office:—
I warrant you, I find him out of hand:—
Where'er he be, I'll search him out:—I'll not
Be sparing of my pains.
Pyrg.
'Tis me he seeks.—
I'll meet the lad.
Lad.
Oh, I was looking for you.
Save you, sweet gentleman, whom fair Occasion
242
Do chiefly favour.
Pyrg.
What two?
Lad.
Mars and Venus.
Pyrg.
A sprightly boy!
Lad.
My lady, Sir, intreats,
That you would enter:—she is waiting for you,
Dying with expectation.—O relieve
Her love-sick soul.—Why stay?—why don't you enter?
Pyrg.
I go.
[Pyrgopolinices goes in.
Lad.
So—he's entangled in the toils:—
The snare is spread:—th'old gentleman stands ready
To fasten on the letcher, who forsooth
So proud is of his beauty, that the fool
Think ev'ry woman is in love with him,
Who sees him.—He's the scorn and detestation
Of men as well as women.—Hark—I hear
The uproar is begun within already:—
Now will I in, and mingle in the tumult.
The End of the Fourth Act.
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