 | The Courtezans |  |
56
SCENE III.
Enter MNESILOCHUS.Mne.
Born with a froward, inconsiderate temper,
Ungovernable, hot, and without mean,
Or modesty, or equity or honour,
I'm insolent and rude, hard of belief,
Ungracious, sour, and scarcely in my wits,
By nature ill dispos'd—In short, I am
Myself, the very thing I would not wish
Another man to be—And is this credible?
There's not a more unthrifty wretch, nor one
Who less deserves the favour of the gods,
Whom none will make his friend or his companion.
Not friends, but enemies I ought to have—
'Tis fitter I should have the help of knaves,
Than honest men—All the reproach and shame
That knaves deserve, no man's more worthy of.
Who, madman like, have paid back to my father,
The money which I had in hand—And am I not
Myself a wretch?—And Chrysalus's plot
I've ruin'd—
Pis.
It would be a friendly part
In me, to give him comfort—I'll accost him.
[Aside]
How goes it now, Mnesilochus?
Mne.
Undone!—
Pis.
The gods forbid!
Mne.
Undone!
Pis.
Don't talk so, simpleton.
Mne.
Not talk!—
Pis.
You are not in your perfect mind.
57
Undone!—A thousand sharp and poignant griefs
Distract my soul—Should I have credited
The charge!—I have been angry, and have had
No cause.
Pis.
Have a good heart.
Mne.
Whence have it?—Say.
A dead man's of more worth than I am now.
Pis.
The captain's parasite has just been here,
And to demand the money—I have rattled him;
And drove him out of doors—I've chac'd the rogue
Away—
Mne.
And what avail?—Wretch that I am!
What shall I do?—I've now no money left.
He'll carry her off I know—
Pis.
I'd not engage it,
Had I but money—
Mne.
Why, I know you'd give it—
I've known you long—But, was you not in love,
I should not now so readily believe you.
You've too much business of your own at present;
I can't expect, that you, who are in want
Yourself, can possibly assist your friend.
Pis.
Be silent, and some god will send us aid.
Mne.
'Tis trifling!
[going.
Pis.
Stay—
Mne.
Well, what's the matter now?
Pis.
'Tis your sheet anchor Chrysalus, I see.
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