University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

CHARINUS
alone.
Now am not I a wretch, a wretch indeed,
To whom no place can minister repose?
If I'm at home, my mind is gone abroad;
If I'm abroad, my mind remains at home.
Love in my breast and heart so fiercely burns,
Did not a sluice of tears defend my eyes,
My head would be in flames.—Some hope remains;
Safety is fled; if ever to return,
As yet I am uncertain. If my father
Should seize, as he has threaten'd, Pasicompsa,
Safety is gone for ever. If my friend
Return successful, he brings safety with him.
And yet had that same tardy Eutychus
Been crippled with the gout, he might have been
Here from the Port ere now.—Oh, he is slow,
When I could wish him nimble as my thoughts.
—But who comes running hither?—Ha! 'tis he.
I'll meet him.—And Oh Thou, who seest all deeds
Of Gods and men, the sovereign governess
Of ev'ry mortal accident, I thank thee
For bringing me this hope!—But may I hope?
Ah, I'm undone! His aspect likes me not.
Mournful he comes.—My bosom burns; I doubt;
—He shakes his head.—Well, friend!