University of Virginia Library

Scene III.

—A room adjoining the feasting-hall in the house of Philidas.
(Two Servants in waiting enter on the same side.)
1st Servt.

They are coming now. I heard a knocking at
the gate.

2nd Servt.

No—'tis not they. Our master said they were
not expected till much later.

1st Servt.

Then will Archias be so drunk, he will never be
able to look through his brimstone loopholes upon them. His
eyelids will be as heavy as the city-gates; and his strength to
uplift them as if a child should try to shoulder away the
citadel.

2nd Servt.

Faith! 'twixt him and Philip, there will not be
the difference of a drachm's weight. In truth they are all
rascally drunk already.

(Enter Charon with the Messenger.)
Charon.
Go, tell the Archons I await their pleasure.
[Exit a Servant.
You're jovial here to-night. How's Philidas?

Servt.
I thank you, sir—exceeding well.

(Enter, from the feasting-hall, Philip, Archias, and Philidas, followed by the Servant.)
Philidas
(to the Servant).
Go—get you hence,—and wait till you are called.

[Exeunt Servants.
Charon.
Good-even to you, lords;—you find me prompt
T'obey your summons.

Philip.
(to Messenger.)
Sir, you may retire.

[Exit Messenger.
Archias.
Charon,—who are these strangers, lately come
Into the city,—and somewhere conceal'd,—
And countenanc'd by certain citizens?
Philip—I'll not be prompted;—'tis the way:—
If you can question better, so—I've done.

Philip.
Who are these strangers, Charon?

Charon.
Good my lords—
I cannot answer you. I know none such.
I'm an unfrequent stirrer from my home,
And pick up news oft when all Thebes hath lost it.
Who are the men you speak of?—and whence come?
And by whom harbour'd?

Philip.
Nay—We ask you that—
A rumour is abroad that such are here,—
And your name coupled with it.

Charon.
My good lords—
Be not your minds disturb'd with such vain talk.—
Rumour's a subtle wizard, who, from straws,
Or very atoms that our eye scarce notes,
Will pile you up a fortress, mountain-high,
Shall seem to threaten heav'n:—yet—do but touch—
And all is gone!—A word, dropt by a beggar,
He catches up, and multiplies to seem
The shoutings of a host. There is no knave
That lies like Rumour:—for he's like the wind,
Whispering at once into ten thousand chinks,
All glad to catch the whisper: through he glides,
And hastens on,—and to ten thousand more
Whispers the lie ten thousand different ways;—
Oh! trust him not, my lords:—when he speaks truth
He is no longer Rumour.

Archias.
Art thou drunk,
Most noble Charon—that thou talk'st so well?

Charon.
No, Archias,—I'm not drunk.

Archias.
Then, by the Gods!
Thou shalt be:—for I'd love to hear thee speak,
Strengthen'd by liquor;—seeing that, all cold
And dull in sober sense, thou talk'st so well.—
Come in—and get thee drunk.—Didst mark him, Philip?
Rumour—and fortress—beggar—mountain high—
Ten million chinks—and whispers—and what not?
I call that speaking.—Come, and get thee drunk.—
Charon—I'll have thee drunk.

Charon.
Excuse me, sir.
My health is frail. I am forbidden wine.
For those same strangers that you talk about,
'Twere better perhaps not disregarded quite;—
I'll make enquiry—and return anon,
If so 'twill pleasure you.

Philidas.
I'd wager now
'Tis some low fellow that hath got this up
To vex you at the banquet.

Philip.
Very like!
Good Charon, see about it.—Very like!
With this small sting t'avenge the good we did
His brother, friend, or father,—sending him
By a short cut to Pluto's pleasure-ground.
No, Charon—heed it not.—If we should chase
Each gnat that buzzes round us, we should kill
Ourselves with killing.

Archias.
Philip—Philip—hark!
They've struck up a new tune.—I love that tune
Better than wine.—Come in—I will not miss it.
Charon, return—and be a God with us.
We shall be drunk anon.—‘Oh! love and wine.’

(Goes out, singing.)
Philip.
Anon he will be drunk.—Now I am drunk;
And, knowing it, do prove me partly sober.
Charon, good-night.—Anon he will be drunk.
Ha—ha—I like the wag.—Anon—ha—ha—

[Exit.
Philidas.
Charon,—get quickly home, and arm thyself.
Pelopidas must wait some half-hour still.
Bid him take Melon with him. With the rest
Return upon the spur. I'll single out
Some six for the first blow;—'twill be enough.
The others will be near for every chance.—
Thou'st play'd thy part most bravely.—Speak not now,—
But haste away.

Charon.
My sword shall be my tongue.

(Charon goes out, and Philidas returns to the banqueting-room.)
The foregoing scene draws away, and discovers