 | The Parasite |  |
SCENE III.
Re-enter BAWD, leading in PLANESIUM.Bawd.
Go softly forth—Take heed, my dear Planesium,
The doors make not a noise, nor hinges creak,
For fear my master hear what we're about.
Stay, stay, I'll sprinkle some cold water on 'em.
Pal.
I like this palsied jade's prescription tho'—
She's learn'd so much, to take the wine herself,
And leave the water for the doors to drink.
129
Come near, where art thou? You, who surety are
For my recognizance to Venus—Where?
Who in her name thus cit'st me to appear?
Behold me here. Being call'd, I make my appearance,
And call on you to do the same.
Phæ.
I'm here,
My sweet; or else, I would submit to judgment.
Pla.
My soul! It is not meet for a true lover
To be far distant from us—
Phæ.
Palinurus!
O Palinurus!
Pal.
Why is it you call
On Palinurus?—Pray speak out—
Phæ.
You think she is
Agreeable—
Pal.
Too much so—
Phæ.
I'm a god—
Pal.
A paltry god!
Phæ.
What have you ever seen
Nearer the gods, in happiness than I am?
Pal.
You're not in your right senses, that I see,
And grieve to see.
Phæ.
You grow impertinent;
Be dumb.
130
The man, who sees all that he loves,
Nor yet enjoys it, while 'tis in his power,
Is sure a self-tormentor.
Phæ.
Well he chides me.
There's nought on earth I have so long desir'd.
Pla.
Then take me—To your arms I—
Phæ.
This, this it is,
That makes me fond of life. 'Tis this restraint
Laid on you by your master, makes you dearer.
Pla.
Restraint? He never can restrain me from thee;
Nor shall, 'till death shall separate our souls.
Pal.
I cannot hold, but must give him a schooling.
'Tis good to love a little, and discreetly:
'Tis bad to love to a degree of madness—
But 'tis my master's case to be in love
Phæ.
Let kings their kingdoms keep unto themselves,
The rich their riches—Let each man enjoy
His own, his honours, virtues, duels, battles,
So they with envy look not on my joys—
Pal.
Sir, have you vow'd to watch this night to Venus?
'Twill soon be break of day, by Pollux' temple!
Phæ.
Peace! hold your tongue!
Pal.
Why should I hold my tongue!
Unless that you may sleep—
Phæ.
Well, I'll to sleep.
Make not so great a noise.
131
[aside.]
Undone! by Hercules!
What's this I learn?
Epi.
The truth.—On hearing this
I edg'd myself a little nearer to them
As if the crowd had push'd me on that way.
Per.
I understand you.—
Epi.
But, how know you this?
Said t'other, tell me who 'twas told you so?
She had a letter from him but this day,
This very day, said she, a letter came
That he had taken up money of a banker
At interest; that he had it in his hands,
And brought it with him for that very purpose.
Per.
Yes, yes, 'tis over with me.
Epi.
Then she added,
She had it from the girl herself, as well
As from the letter.
Per.
What's now to be done?
I must advise with my Apæcides.
Apoe.
We've nothing else to do, but to find out
Some feasible expedient, piping hot—
For if the young man is not here already,
He will be very soon, by Hercules!
Epi.
Wer't not to seem more wise than both my masters,
I could propose a clever project, which,
In my opinion, you would both approve of.
132
What is't, Epidicus?
Epi.
And feasible
Enough.
Apoe.
Why dost delay to speak it then?
Epi.
You've wiser heads than I; do you speak first,
I'll give you my opinion afterwards.
Apoe.
Psha! prithee tell us.
Epi.
No, you'll laugh at me.
Apoe.
No, in good truth.
Epi.
Well, if you like the project
Put it in practice; if you approve it not,
Find out a better—I nor sow nor reap
Ought for myself; my whole concern's for you.
Per.
Thank you for that: but let us know your scheme.
Epi.
Find out a wife directly for your son;
And wreak your vengeance on this musick-girl,
He's all for freeing, who debauches him;
Nor ever give her freedom while she lives.
Apoe.
That's right, as can be.
Per.
I'm for any measure
So that the thing be done once.
Epi.
Never fear—
Now is the time, e're he arrives, to do it:
To-day's our own, as he'll be here to-morrow.
Per.
How know you it?
133
Our love as now clandestinely, by stealth?
Phæ.
By no means. 'Tis four days since I dispatch'd
My parasite to Caria, to procure
Some money: He'll be here this very day.
Pla.
Time much too long you take, contriving means.
Phæ.
May Venus never be propitious to me,
If you are three days longer in this house,
Before I make you free!
Pla.
Do as you say.
Before I go, this kiss.
[kisses him.
Phæ.
Should any one
Now offer me a kingdom, I'd not take it
With greater pleasure. Say, when shall I see you?
Pla.
When will you make me free? answer that question.
134
Be sure bid what he'll not refuse—Adieu!
[Exit.
Phæ.
Quit me so soon! I die, my Palinurus.
Pal.
And I—with blows and want of sleep!
Phæ.
Then follow me.
[Exeunt.
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