University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

Enter CHALINUS.
Sta.
May all the gods and goddesses confound him!

[aside, and seeing Chal. entering.
Chal.
Your wife, sir, told me that you wanted me.

Sta.
'Tis true, I order'd her to send you to me.

Cha.
Tell me your pleasure.

Sta.
First, I'd have you speak
With a more open countenance.

Cha.
'Twould be
A folly to be gloomy in his presence,
Who has such power o'er me.

Sta.
Long ago
I've look'd upon thee as an honest fellow.

Cha.
I know so. Yet if that was your opinion,
Why have you not before this time bestow'd
My freedom on me?

Sta.
I have wish'd to do it.
But my intention will not signify,
Unless you now assist me with your actions.

Cha.
I should be glad to know what you'd command me.

Sta.
Attend—I'll tell you—I have promised
To marry Casina to our Olympio.

Cha.
But both your wife and son have promised
To marry her to me.

Sta.
I know it well.
But would you rather live a single man,
And have your freedom giv'n you; or be married,
And you and all your children still be slaves?
You have your choice; so take which likes you best.

Cha.
I must preserve my life at my own peril,
Should I be free; 'tis now preserv'd at yours.
For Casina, to no man born I'll yield her.

Sta.
Go in, and call my wife directly hither.
And bring the urn, some water, and the lots—

Cha.
Content—

Sta.
Her plot I some how will defeat.
For if I can get nothing by persuasion,
At least I'll try my fate by lot. And there
I may avenge myself on your abettors.

Cha.
Yet for all that the lot may fall on me.

Sta.
That with vexation you may burst yourself.

Cha.
Yet I will marry her, plot what you will,
And in whatever way—

Sta.
Hence from my sight!

Cha.
I know you look at me against your will:
Yet notwithstanding I may live the longer.

[Exit.
Sta.
And am not I a wretch! All things go contrary.
I am afraid my wife may have prevail'd
Upon Olympio not to marry Casina.
'Tis over with me then in my old age.
If she has not prevail'd, I have some hope
In the decision of my fate by lot.
If too the lot deceives me, I've no more
To do, but make a pillow of my sword,
And lay me down upon't—Things howe'er
Go well; for see, Olympio coming hither.

[stands apart.