 | The Discovery |  |
SCENE II.
Enter STRATIPPOCLES and CHÆRIBULUS.Stra.
I've told you the whole story, Chæribulus,
Giv'n you the sum both of my griefs and loves.
Chæ.
You are a fool, Stratippocles, beyond
Your age and courage. Are you then asham'd,
115
Of a good family? who is there, that
Will blame you for it?
Stra.
By this deed, I've found
All those my enemies that envy me:
Yet have I never offer'd violence,
Or stain to her fair chastity.
Chæ.
In this
You, in my judgment, shew yourself most honest:
Since you maintain a temperance in love.
Stra.
The man that comforts a desponding friend
With words alone, does nothing. He's a friend
Indeed, who proves himself a friend in need.
Chæ.
What would you have me do to serve you?
Stra.
This.
Lend forty minæ, to repay the banker,
Of whom I took them up at interest.
Chæ.
'Troth! if I had them, I would not deny you.
Stra.
What signifies beneficence in words,
If you are cold to help me in reality?
116
Nay, but myself am teiz'd to death; with duns
Am torn to pieces.
Stra.
I had rather see
Such friends at bottom of the sea. But now,
Now would I buy the assistance of Epidicus
E'en at a precious price. I'll send the rascal
To the back-kneaders, and well work'd with yeast,
If he procure not for me forty minæ
E're the last syllable be spoke.—the money.
117
[aside.]
All's well! his promises are fair. I hope
He'll keep them too. [ironically.]
At no expence of mine
My shoulders will be treated.—I'll accost him.
[Going up to Stratippocles.]
Epidicus, your slave, Sir, greets you well
On your arrival from abroad.
Stra.
Where is he?
Epi.
Here.—I rejoice, Sir, at your safe arrival.
Stra.
I do believe you, even as myself.
Epi.
Have you been well in health, Sir?
Stra.
Well in body,
But sick in mind.
Epi.
All that belong'd to me,
I've taken care of; what you order'd me
I've done; purchas'd the maiden, as you often
Urg'd me by letter.
Stra.
You have lost your labour.
Epi.
How, wherefore have I lost it?
Stra.
For she is not
Dear to my heart; nor do I like her.
118
Why, then
Was you so pressing in your charges? Why
Write me so oft?
Stra.
I lov'd her heretofore,
But now my heart's engag'd another way.
Epi.
How grievous is it to find a man ungrateful
When you have serv'd him?—Thus by a good turn
It seems I've done an evil one—'Cause your love
Has shifted sides now.
Stra.
When I sent those letters
I was not in my senses.
Epi.
And must I
Atone then for your folly? Shall my back
Be offer'd up a second victim for it?
Chæ.
What signifies this prate? Our youth hath need
Of forty minæ piping hot, directly,
Which you must pay, and quickly, to the banker.
Epi.
Where would you have me take it up? what banker
Must I apply to?
Stra.
Where you please: but if
You get it not e'er the sun set, my doors
You shall not enter, but away to the workhouse.
119
'Tis easy talking with a heart at ease,
Sans care or danger: but I knew our folks:
And when I'm thrash'd, it pains me.
Stra.
Prithee! now,
Wilt let me kill myself?
Epi.
No, do not that.
Rather than so, I'll put me to the hazard,
And buckle to the daring.
Stra.
Now thou lik'st me.
Now I commend thee.
Epi.
I will undergo
Whate'er you'd have me.
Stra.
So.—This musick-girl
Which you have bought, what's to be done with her?
Epi.
Something shall be found out, some way or other
I'll disengage, I'll extricate me some how.
Stra.
Thou hast a pregnant wit: I know thee well.
Epi.
There is a captain of Euboa, rich
And strong in cash; who, when he comes to know
That you've bought this, and brought that other home,
Will press you straight, to make this over to him.
But where's that other?
Stra.
She shall be forthcoming.
Chæ.
What's to be done, now?
120
We will to your house
And have a pleasant day of't.
Epi.
Get you in there.
[Exit Stratippocles.
Epi.
Now will I call a council in my breast
On ways and means, and ponder against whom
To declare war, and raise the money.—Mind
What you're about, Epidicus, the business
Is put upon you hastily: the time
Is not for sleep, nor yet delay—but daring—
The project is resolv'd on.—I'll attack
This same old fellow—Go, go, get you in.
[to Chærubulus.]
And caution our young Sir, to keep within doors,
Lest he should chance to light upon his father.
[Exit.
| The Discovery | |