 | Life is a Dream |  |
Scene II.
Clarin and Clotaldo.Clarin
(aside).
Four good blows are all it cost me
To come here, inflicted smartly
By a red-robed halberdier,
With a beard to match his jacket,
At that price I see the show,
For no window's half so handy
As that which, without entreating
Tickets of the ticket-master,
A man carries with himself;
Since for all the feasts and galas
Cool effrontery is the window
Whence at ease he gazes at them.
45
(aside).
This is Clarin, heavens! of her,
Yes, I say, of her the valet,
She, who dealing in misfortunes,
Has my pain to Poland carried;—
Any news, friend Clarin?
Clarin.
News?
Yes, sir, since your great compassion
Is disposed Rosaura's outrage
To revenge, she has changed her habit,
And resumed her proper dress.
Clotaldo.
'Tis quite right, lest possible scandal
Might arise.
Clarin.
More news: her name
Having changed and wisely bartered
For your niece's name, she now
So in honour has advanced her,
That among Estrella's ladies
She here with her in the palace
Lives.
Clotaldo.
'Tis right that I once more
Should her honour re-establish.
Clarin.
News; that anxiously she waiteth
For that very thing to happen,
When you may have time to try it.
Clotaldo.
Most discreetly has she acted;
Soon the time will come, believe me,
Happily to end this matter.
Clarin.
News, too; that she's well regaled,
Feasted like a queen, and flattered
On the strength of being your niece.
And the last news, and the saddest,
Is that I who here came with her
Am with hunger almost famished.
None remember me, or think
I am Clarin, clarion rather,
46
All the Court would know what passes.
For there are two things, to wit,
A brass clarion and a lackey,
That are bad at keeping secrets;
And it so may chance, if haply
I am forced to break my silence,
They of me may sing this passage:
“Never, when the day is near,
Does clarion sound more clear.”
Clotaldo.
Your complaint is too well-founded;
I will get you satisfaction,
Meanwhile you may wait on me.
Clarin.
See, sir, Sigismund advances.
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