|
|
By
Richard Edwards |
|
First
Published 1571 |
|
Newly
Imprinted, as the same was shewed Be- |
|
The Speakers’ Names: |
|
The Foreigners: |
|
Damon, a Gentleman of Greece. |
|
Pithias, a Gentleman of Greece. |
|
Stephano, Servant to Damon And Pithias. |
|
The Syracusans: |
|
Dionysius, the King of Syracuse. |
|
Eubulus, the King's Councillor. |
|
Aristippus, A Pleasant Gentleman. |
|
Will, Aristippus' Lackey. |
|
Carisophus, A Parasite. |
|
Jack, Carisophus' Lackey. |
|
Snap, the Porter. |
|
Gronno, The Hangman. |
|
Grim, The Collier. |
|
Settings,
Scenes, Asides and Stage Directions. |
|
The entire play takes place in Syracuse
in Sicily. All scene settings are the suggestion of the editor. |
|
THE PROLOGUE. |
|
1 |
ON every side, whereas I glance my
roving eye, |
2 |
Silence in all ears bent I plainly
do espy: |
But if your eager looks do long
such toys to see, |
|
4 |
As heretofore in comical wise were
wont abroad to be, |
Your lust is lost, and all the
pleasures that you sought |
|
6 |
Is frustrate quite of toying
plays. A sudden change is |
For lo, our author's muse, that
maskčd in delight, |
|
8 |
Hath forced his pen against his
kind no more such sports |
Muse he that lust (right
worshipful), for chance hath made |
|
10 |
For that to some he seemed too
much in young desires to |
In which, right glad to please,
seeing that he did offend, |
|
12 |
Of all he humbly pardon craves:
his pen that shall amend. |
And yet (worshipful audience) thus
much I dare avouch, |
|
14 |
In comedies the greatest skill is
this, rightly to touch |
All things to the quick; and eke
to frame each person so, |
|
16 |
That by his common talk you may
his nature rightly know. |
A roister ought not preach, that
were too strange to hear; |
|
18 |
But as from virtue he doth swerve,
so ought his words |
The old man is sober, the young
man rash, the lover |
|
20 |
The matron grave, the harlot wild,
and full of wanton toys. |
Which all in one course they no
wise do agree; |
|
22 |
So correspondent to their kind
their speeches ought to be. |
Which speeches well-pronounced,
with action lively framed, |
|
24 |
If this offend the lookers on, let
Horace then be blamed, |
Which hath our author taught at
school, from whom he |
|
26 |
In all such kind of exercise
decorum to observe. |
Thus much for his defence (he
saith), as poets erst have |
|
28 |
Which heretofore in comedies the
self-same race did run. |
But now for to be brief, the
matter to express, |
|
30 |
Which here we shall present, is
this: Damon and Pithias. |
A rare ensample of friendship true
− it is no legend-lie, |
|
32 |
But a thing once done indeed, as
histories do descry − |
Which done of yore in long time
past, yet present shall be |
|
34 |
Even as it were in doing now, so
lively it shall appear. |
Lo, here in Syracusae th' ancient
town, which once the |
|
36 |
Here Dionysius' palace, within
whose court this thing most |
Which matter mixed with mirth and
care, a just name to |
|
38 |
As seems most fit, we have it
termed a tragical comedy, |
Wherein talking of courtly toys
− we do protest this flat! − |
|
40 |
We talk of Dionysius’ court, we
mean no court but that. |
And that we do so mean, who wisely
calleth to mind |
|
42 |
The time, the place, the author,
here most plainly shall |
Lo, this I speak for our defence,
lest of others we should |
|
44 |
But, worthy audience, we you pray,
take things as they be |
Whose upright judgment we do crave
with heedful ear |
|
46 |
To hear the cause and see th' effect
of this new tragical |
48 |
[Exit.] |
SCENE I. |
|
In Town. |
|
Here
entereth Aristippus. |
|
1 |
Arist. Too strange
(perhaps) it seems to some |
2 |
That I, Aristippus, a courtier am
become: |
A philosopher of late, not of the
meanest name, |
|
4 |
But now to the courtly behaviour
my life I frame. |
Muse he that lust; to you of good
skill |
|
6 |
I say that I am a philosopher
still. |
Lovers of wisdom are termed
philosophy − |
|
8 |
Then who is a philosopher so
rightly as I? |
For in loving of wisdom proof doth
this try, |
|
10 |
That frustra sapit, qui non
sapit sibi. |
I am wise for myself: then tell me
of troth, |
|
12 |
Is not that great wisdom, as the
world go'th? |
Some philosophers in the street go
ragged and torn, |
|
14 |
And feeds on vile roots, whom boys
laugh to scorn: |
But I in fine silks haunt
Dionysius' palace, |
|
16 |
Wherein with dainty fare myself I
do solace. |
I can talk of philosophy as well
as the best, |
|
18 |
But the strait kind of life I
leave to the rest. |
And I profess now the courtly
philosophy, |
|
20 |
To crouch, to speak fair, myself I
apply |
To feed the king's humour with
pleasant devices, |
|
22 |
For which I am called Regius
canis. |
But wot ye who named me first the
king's dog? |
|
24 |
It was the rogue Diogenes, that
vile grunting hog. |
Let him roll in his tub, to win a
vain praise: |
|
26 |
In the court pleasantly I will
spend all my days; |
Wherein what to do I am not to
learn, |
|
28 |
What will serve mine own turn I
can quickly discern. |
All my time at school I have not
spent vainly, |
|
30 |
I can help one: is not that a good
point of philosophy? |
32 |
Here
entereth Carisophus. |
34 |
Caris. I
beshrew your fine ears, since you came from |
In the court you have made many a
wise man a fool: |
|
36 |
And though you paint out your
feigned philosophy, |
So God help me, it is but a plain
kind of flattery, |
|
38 |
Which you use so finely in so
pleasant a sort, |
That none but Aristippus now makes
the king sport. |
|
40 |
Ere you came hither, poor I was
somebody; |
The king delighted in me, now I am
but a noddy. |
|
42 |
|
Arist. In faith,
Carisophus, you know yourself best, |
|
44 |
But I will not call you noddy, but
only in jest. |
And thus I assure you, though I
came from school |
|
46 |
To serve in this court, I came not
yet to be the king's fool; |
Or to fill his ears with servile
squirrility. |
|
48 |
That office is yours, you know it
right perfectly. |
Of parasites and sycophants you
are a grave bencher, |
|
50 |
The king feeds you often from his
own trencher. |
I envy not your state, nor yet
your great favour − |
|
52 |
Then grudge not at all, if in my
behaviour |
I make the king merry with
pleasant urbanity, |
|
54 |
Whom I never abused to any man's
injury. |
56 |
Caris. By
Cock, sir, yet in the court you do best thrive, |
For you get more in one day than I
do in five. |
|
58 |
|
Arist. Why, man, in the
court do you not see |
|
60 |
Rewards given for virtue to every
degree? |
To reward the unworthy −
that world is done: |
|
62 |
The court is changed, a good
thread hath been spun |
Of dog's wool heretofore; and why?
because it was liked, |
|
64 |
And not for that it was best
trimmed and picked: |
But now men's ears are finer, such
gross toys are not set by; |
|
66 |
Therefore to a trimmer kind of
mirth myself I apply: |
Wherein though I please, it cometh
not of my desert, |
|
68 |
But of the king's favour. |
70 |
Caris. It may so be; yet in your prosperity |
Despise not an old courtier:
Carisophus is he, |
|
72 |
Which hath long time fed
Dionysius' humour: |
Diligently to please still at
hand: there was never rumour |
|
74 |
Spread in this town of any small
thing, but I |
Brought it to the king in post by
and by. |
|
76 |
Yet now I crave your friendship,
which if I may attain, |
Most sure and unfeigned friendship
I promise you again: |
|
78 |
So we two linked in friendship,
brother and brother, |
Full well in the court may help one
another. |
|
80 |
|
Arist. By'r Lady,
Carisophus, though you know not |
|
82 |
Yet surely you are a better
courtier than I: |
And yet I not so evil a courtier,
that will seem to despise |
|
84 |
Such an old courtier as you, so
expert and so wise. |
But where as you crave mine, and
offer your friendship so |
|
86 |
With heart I give you thanks for
this your great courtesy: |
Assuring of friendship both with
tooth and nail, |
|
88 |
Whiles life lasteth, never to
fail. |
90 |
Caris. A thousand thanks I
give you, O friend Aristippus. |
92 |
Arist. O friend
Carisophus. |
94 |
Caris. How
joyful am I, sith I have to friend Aristippus |
96 |
Arist. None so glad of
Carisophus' friendship as I, I make |
I speak as I think, believe me. |
|
98 |
|
Caris. Sith
we are now so friendly joined, it seemeth to me |
|
100 |
That one of us help each other in
every degree: |
Prefer you my cause, when you are
in presence, |
|
102 |
To further your matters to the
king let me alone in your |
104 |
Arist. Friend Carisophus,
this shall be done as you would |
But I pray you tell me thus much
by the way, |
|
106 |
Whither now from this place will
you take your journey? |
108 |
Caris. I will not
dissemble; that were against friendship. |
I go into the city some knaves to
nip |
|
110 |
For talk, with their goods to
increase the king's treasure − |
In such kind of service I set my
chief pleasure: |
|
112 |
Farewell, friend Aristippus, now
for a time. |
114 |
[Exit
Carisophus.] |
116 |
Arist. Adieu, friend
Carisophus − in good faith now, |
Of force I must laugh at this
solemn vow. |
|
118 |
Is Aristippus linked in friendship
with Carisophus? |
Quid cum tanto asino talis
philosophus? |
|
120 |
They say, Morum similitudo
consultat amicitias; |
Then how can this friendship
between us two come to pass? |
|
122 |
We are as like in condition as
Jack Fletcher and his bolt; |
I brought up in learning, but he
is a very dolt |
|
124 |
As touching good letters; but
otherwise such a crafty knave, |
If you seek a whole region, his
like you cannot have: |
|
126 |
A villain for his life, a varlet
dyed in grain, |
You lose money by him if you sell
him for one knave, for |
|
128 |
A flattering parasite, a sycophant
also, |
A common accuser of men, to the
good an open foe. |
|
130 |
Of half a word he can make a
legend of lies, |
Which he will avouch with such
tragical cries, |
|
132 |
As though all were true that comes
out of his mouth. |
Where, indeed, to be hanged by and
by, |
|
134 |
He cannot tell one tale but twice
he must lie. |
He spareth no man's life to get
the king's favour, |
|
136 |
In which kind of service he hath
got such a savour |
That he will never leave. Methink
then that I |
|
138 |
Have done very wisely to join in
friendship with him, lest |
Coming in his way might be nipped;
for such knaves in |
|
140 |
We see ofttimes put honest men to
silence: |
Yet I have played with his beard
in knitting this knot: |
|
142 |
I promised friendship; but −
you love few words − I spake |
Who marks this friendship between
us two |
|
144 |
Shall judge of the worldly
friendship without any more ado. |
It may be a right patron thereof;
but true friendship indeed |
|
146 |
Of nought but of virtue doth truly
proceed. |
But why do I now enter into
philosophy |
|
148 |
Which do profess the fine kind of courtesy?
|
I will hence to the court with all
haste I may; |
|
150 |
I think the king be stirring, it
is now bright day. |
To wait at a pinch still in sight
I mean, |
|
152 |
For wot ye what? a new broom
sweeps clean. |
As to high honour I mind not to
climb, |
|
154 |
So I mean in the court to lose no
time: |
Wherein, happy man be his dole, I
trust that I |
|
156 |
Shall not speed worst, and that
very quickly. |
158 |
[Exit.] |
SCENE II. |
|
In Town. |
|
Here
entereth Damon and Pithias like mariners.
|
|
1 |
Damon. O
Neptune, immortal be thy praise, |
2 |
For that so safe from Greece we
have passed the seas |
To this noble city Syracusae,
where we |
|
4 |
The ancient reign of the Romans
may see. |
Whose force Greece also heretofore
hath known, |
|
6 |
Whose virtue the shrill trump of
fame so far hath blown. |
8 |
Pith. My
Damon, of right high praise we ought to give |
To Neptune and all the gods, that
we safely did arrive: |
|
10 |
The seas, I think, with contrary
winds never raged so; |
I am even yet so seasick that I
faint as I go; |
|
12 |
Therefore let us get some lodging
quickly. |
But where is Stephano? |
|
14 |
|
Here
entereth Stephano. |
|
16 |
|
Steph. Not
far hence: a pox take these mariner-knaves; |
|
18 |
Not one would help me to carry
this stuff; such drunken |
I think be accursed of the gods'
own mouths. |
|
20 |
|
Damon. Stephano,
leave thy raging, and let us enter |
|
22 |
We will provide lodging, and thou
shalt be eased of thy |
24 |
Steph. Good
master, make haste, for I tell you plain
|
This heavy burden puts poor Stephano
to much pain. |
|
26 |
|
Pith. Come
on thy ways, thou shalt be eased, and that anon. |
|
28 |
|
[Exeunt.] |
|
SCENE III. |
|
In Town. |
|
Enter
Carisophus. |
|
1 |
Caris. It is a true
saying, that oft hath been spoken, |
2 |
The pitcher goeth so long to the
water that he cometh |
My own proof this hath taught me,
for truth, sith I |
|
4 |
In the city have used to walk very
slyly, |
Not with one can I meet, that will
in talk join with me, |
|
6 |
And to creep into men's bosoms,
some talk for to snatch, |
By which into one trip or other, I
might trimly them catch, |
|
8 |
And so accuse them − now, not
with one can I meet |
That will join in talk with me, I
am shunned like a devil |
|
10 |
My credit is cracked where I am
known; but yet I hear say, |
Certain strangers are arrived,
they were a good prey. |
|
12 |
If happily I might meet with them,
I fear not, I, |
But in talk I should trip them,
and that very finely. |
|
14 |
Which thing, I assure you, I do
for mine own gain, |
Or else I would not plod thus up
and down, I tell you plain. |
|
16 |
Well, I will for a while to the
court, to see |
What Aristippus doth; I would be
loth in favour he should |
|
18 |
He is a subtle child, he
flattereth so finely, that I fear me |
He will lick all the fat from my
lips, and so outweary me. |
|
20 |
Therefore I will not be long
absent, but at hand, |
That all his fine drifts I may
understand. |
|
22 |
|
[Exit.] |
|
SCENE IV. |
|
In Town. |
|
Here
entereth Will and Jack. |
|
1 |
Will. I
wonder what my master Aristippus means |
2 |
That he leaveth philosophy, and
seeks to please |
King Dionysius with such merry
toys: |
|
4 |
In Dionysius' court now he only
joys, |
As trim a courtier as the best, |
|
6 |
Ready to answer, quick in taunts,
pleasant to jest; |
A lusty companion to devise with
fine dames, |
|
8 |
Whose humour to feed his wily wit
he frames. |
10 |
Jack. By
Cock, as you say, your master is a minion: |
A foul coil he keeps in this
court; Aristippus alone |
|
12 |
Now rules the roast with his
pleasant devices, |
That I fear he will put out of
conceit my master Carisophus. |
|
14 |
|
Will. Fear
not that, Jack; for, like brother and brother, |
|
16 |
They are knit in true friendship
the one with the other; |
They are fellows, you know, and
honest men both, |
|
18 |
Therefore the one to hinder the
other they will be loth. |
20 |
Jack. Yea,
but I have heard say there is falsehood in |
In the court sometimes one gives
another finely the slip: |
|
22 |
Which when it is spied, it is
laughed out with a scoff, |
And with sporting and playing
quietly shaken off: |
|
24 |
In which kind of toying thy master
hath such a grace, |
That he will never blush, he hath
a wooden face. |
|
26 |
But, Will, my master hath bees in
his head; |
If he find me here prating I am
but dead. |
|
28 |
He is still trotting in the city,
there is somewhat in the wind; |
His looks bewray his inward
troubled mind. |
|
30 |
Therefore I will be packing to the
court by and by; |
If he be once angry, Jack shall
cry, woe the pie! |
|
32 |
|
Will. By'r
Lady, if I tarry long here, of the same sauce |
|
34 |
For my master sent me on an
errand, and bade me make |
Therefore we will depart together.
|
|
36 |
|
[Exeunt.]
|
|
SCENE V. |
|
In Town. |
|
Here
entereth Stephano. |
|
|
|
1 |
Steph. Ofttimes I have
heard, before I came hether, |
2 |
That no man can serve two masters
together; |
A sentence so true, as most men do
take it, |
|
4 |
At any time false that no man can
make it: |
And yet by their leave, that first
have it spoken, |
|
6 |
How that may prove false, even
here I will open: |
For I, Stephano, lo, so named by
my father, |
|
8 |
At this time serve two masters
together, |
And love them alike: the one and
the other |
|
10 |
I duly obey, I can do no other. |
A bondman I am, so nature hath
wrought me, |
|
12 |
One Damon of Greece, a gentleman,
bought me. |
To him I stand bound, yet serve I
another, |
|
14 |
Whom Damon my master loves as his
own brother: |
A gentleman too, and Pithias he is
named, |
|
16 |
Fraught with virtue, whom vice
never defamed. |
These two, since at school they
fell acquainted, |
|
18 |
In mutual friendship at no time
have fainted. |
But lovčd so kindly and friendly
each other, |
|
20 |
As though they were brothers by
father and mother. |
Pythagoras' learning these two
have embraced, |
|
22 |
Which both are in virtue so
narrowly laced, |
That all their whole doings do
fall to this issue, |
|
24 |
To have no respect but only to
virtue: |
All one in effect, all one in
their going, |
|
26 |
All one in their study, all one in
their doing. |
These gentlemen both, being of one
condition, |
|
28 |
Both alike of my service have all
the fruition: |
Pithias is joyful, if Damon be
pleased: |
|
30 |
If Pithias be served, then Damon
is eased. |
Serve one, serve both (so near),
who would win them: |
|
32 |
I think they have but one heart
between them. |
In travelling countries we three
have contrived |
|
34 |
Full many a year, and this day
arrived |
At Syracusae in Sicilia, that
ancient town, |
|
36 |
Where my masters are lodged; and I
up and down |
Go seeking to learn what news here
are walking |
|
38 |
To hark of what things the people
are talking. |
I like not this soil, for as I go
plodding, |
|
40 |
I mark there two, there three,
their heads always nodding, |
In close secret wise, still
whispering together. |
|
42 |
If I ask any question, no man doth
answer: |
But shaking their heads, they go
their ways speaking; |
|
44 |
I mark how with tears their wet
eyes are leaking; |
Some strangeness there is, that
breedeth this musing. |
|
46 |
Well, I will to my masters, and
tell of their using, |
That they may learn, and walk
wisely together: |
|
48 |
I fear we shall curse the time we
came hether. |
50 |
Exit. |
SCENE VI. |
|
The Palace. |
|
Here
entereth Aristippus and Will. |
|
1 |
Arist. Will, didst thou
hear the ladies so talk of me? |
2 |
What aileth them? from their nips
shall I never be free? |
4 |
Will. Good
faith, sir, all the ladies in the court do plainly |
That without mention of them you
can make no sport: |
|
6 |
They are your plain-song to sing
descant upon; |
If they were not, your mirth were
gone. |
|
8 |
Therefore, master, jest no more
with women in any wise; |
If you do, by Cock, you are like
to know the price. |
|
10 |
|
Arist. By'r
Lady, Will, this is good counsel: plainly to jest |
|
12 |
Of women, proof hath taught me, it
is not the best: |
I will change my copy, howbeit I
care not a quinch; |
|
14 |
I know the galled horse will
soonest winch: |
But learn thou secretly what
privily they talk |
|
16 |
Of me in the court: among them
slyly walk, |
And bring me true news thereof. |
|
18 |
|
Will. I
will sir, master thereof have no doubt, for I |
|
20 |
Where they talk of you will inform
you perfectly. |
22 |
Arist. Do
so, my boy: if thou bring it finely to pass, |
For thy good service thou shalt go
in thine old coat at |
|
24 |
|
[Exeunt.] |
|
SCENE VII. |
|
In Town. |
|
Enter
Damon, Pithias, Stephano. |
|
|
|
1 |
Damon. Stephano,
is all this true that thou hast told me? |
2 |
|
Steph. Sir, for lies
hitherto ye never controlled me. |
|
4 |
O, that we had never set foot on
this land, |
Where Dionysius reigns with so
bloody a hand! |
|
6 |
Every day he showeth some token of
cruelty, |
With blood he hath filled all the
streets in the city: |
|
8 |
I tremble to hear the people's
murmuring, |
I lament to see his most cruel
dealing: |
|
10 |
I think there is no such tyrant
under the sun. |
O, my dear masters, this morning
what hath he done! |
|
12 |
|
Damon. What
is that? tell us quickly. |
|
14 |
|
Steph.
As I this morning passed in the street, |
|
16 |
With a woful man (going to his
death) did I meet. |
Many people followed, and I of one
secretly |
|
18 |
Asked the cause, why he was
condemned to die. |
[Who] whispered in mine ear, nought
hath he done but thus, |
|
20 |
In his sleep he dreamed he had
killed Dionysius: |
Which dream told abroad, was
brought to the king in post, |
|
22 |
By whom, condemned for suspicion,
his life he hath lost, |
Marcia was his name, as the people
said. |
|
24 |
|
Pith. My dear friend Damon, I blame not Stephano |
|
26 |
For wishing we had not come
hither, seeing it is so, |
That for so small cause such cruel
death doth ensue. |
|
28 |
|
Damon. My
Pithias, where tyrants reign, such cases are |
|
30 |
Which fearing their own state for
great cruelty, |
To sit fast as they think, do
execute speedily |
|
32 |
All such as any light suspicion
have tainted. |
34 |
Steph. [Aside]
With such quick carvers I list not be |
36 |
Damon. So
are they never in quiet, but in suspicion still, |
When one is made away, they take
occasion another to kill: |
|
38 |
Ever in fear, having no trusty
friend, void of all peoples' |
And in their own conscience a
continual hell they prove. |
|
40 |
|
Pith. As
things by their contraries are always best proved, |
|
42 |
How happy are then merciful
princes, of their people |
Having sure friends everywhere, no
fear doth touch them: |
|
44 |
They may safely spend the day
pleasantly, at night securč |
O my Damon, if choice were offered
me, I would choose |
|
46 |
As I am (Damon's friend) rather
than to be King Dionysius. |
48 |
Steph. And good cause
why; for you are entirely beloved |
And as far as I hear, Dionysius is
beloved of none. |
|
50 |
|
Damon. That
state is most miserable; thrice happy are we, |
|
52 |
Whom true love hath joined in
perfect amity: |
Which amity first sprung −
without vaunting be it spoken, |
|
54 |
Of likeness of manners, took root
by company, and now is |
Which virtue always through
worldly things do not frame, |
|
56 |
Yet doth she achieve to her
followers immortal fame: |
Whereof if men were careful for
virtue's sake only, |
|
58 |
They would honour friendship, and
not for commodity. |
But such as for profit in
friendship do link, |
|
60 |
When storms come, they slide away
sooner than a man will |
My Pithias, the sum of my talk
falls to this issue, |
|
62 |
To prove no friendship is sure,
but that which is grounded |
64 |
Pith. My
Damon, of this thing there needs no proof to me, |
The gods forbid, but that Pithias
with Damon in all things |
|
66 |
For why is it said, Amicus
alter ipse, |
But that true friends should be
two in body, but one in mind? |
|
68 |
As it were, one transformed into
another? which against kind |
Though it seem, yet in good faith,
when I am alone, |
|
70 |
I forget I am Pithias, methinks I
am Damon. |
72 |
Steph. [Aside]
That could I never do, to forget myself; full |
Wheresoever I go, that I am pauper
Stephano: − |
|
74 |
But I pray you, sir, for all your
philosophy, |
See that in this court you walk
very wisely. |
|
76 |
You are but newly come hither;
being strangers, ye know |
Many eyes are bent on you in the
streets as ye go: |
|
78 |
Many spies are abroad, you can not
be too circumspect. |
80 |
Damon. Stephano,
because thou art careful of me, thy |
Yet think this for a surety: no
state to displease |
|
82 |
By talk or otherwise my friend and
I intend: we will here, |
As men that come to see the soil
and manners of all men of |
|
84 |
Pythagoras said, that this world
was like a stage, |
Whereon many play their parts: the
lookers-on, the sage. |
|
86 |
Philosophers are, saith he, whose
part is to learn |
The manners of all nations, and
the good from the bad to |
|
88 |
|
Steph. Good faith, sir,
concerning the people they are |
|
90 |
And as far as I see, they be
mummers; for nought they say, |
For the most part, whatsoever you
ask them. |
|
92 |
The soil is such, that to live
here I cannot like. |
94 |
Damon. Thou
speakest according to thy learning, but I say, |
Omnis solum fortis patria, a wise man may live |
|
96 |
Therefore, my dear friend Pithias,
|
Let us view this town in every
place, |
|
98 |
And then consider the people's
manners also. |
100 |
Pith. As
you will, my Damon; − but how say you, |
Is it not best, ere we go further,
to take some repast? |
|
102 |
|
Steph. In faith, I like
well this question, sir: for all your |
|
104 |
To eat somewhat I pray you think
it no folly; |
It is high dinner time, I know by
my belly. |
|
106 |
|
Damon. Then
let us to our lodging depart: when dinner is |
|
108 |
We will view this city as we have
begun. |
110 |
[Exeunt.] |
SCENE VIII. |
|
In Town. |
|
Here
entereth Carisophus. |
|
1 |
Caris. Once again in hope
of good wind, I hoise up my sail, |
2 |
I go into the city to find some
prey for mine avail: |
I hunger while I may see these
strangers that lately |
|
4 |
Arrived: I were safe, if once I
might meet them happily. |
Let them bark that lust at this
kind of gain, |
|
6 |
He is a fool that for his profit
will not pain: |
Though it be joined with other
men's hurt, I care not at all: |
|
8 |
For profit I will accuse any man,
hap what shall. |
But soft, sirs, I pray you hush:
what are they that comes |
|
10 |
By their apparel and countenance
some strangers they |
I will shroud myself secretly,
even here for a while, |
|
12 |
To hear all their talk, that I may
them beguile. |
14 |
Here
entereth Damon and Stephano. |
|
|
16 |
Steph. A short horse soon
curried; my belly waxeth thinner, |
I am as hungry now, as when I went
to dinner: |
|
18 |
Your philosophical diet is so fine
and small |
That you may eat your dinner and
supper at once, and not |
|
20 |
|
Damon. Stephano,
much meat breeds heaviness: thin diet |
|
22 |
|
Steph. I may be lighter
thereby, but I shall never run the |
|
24 |
|
Damon. I
have had sufficiently discourse of amity, |
|
26 |
Which I had at dinner with
Pithias; and his pleasant company |
Hath fully satisfied me: it doth
me good to feed mine eyes |
|
28 |
|
Steph. Course or
discourse, your course is very coarse; |
|
30 |
You had but one bare course, and
that was pike, rise, and |
And surely, for all your talk of
philosophy, |
|
32 |
I never heard that a man with
words could fill his belly. |
Feed your eyes, quoth you? the
reason from my wisdom |
|
34 |
I stared on you both, and yet my
belly starveth. |
36 |
Damon. Ah,
Stephano, small diet maketh a fine memory. |
38 |
Steph. I care not for
your crafty sophistry. |
You two are fine, let me be fed
like a gross knave still; |
|
40 |
I pray you, licence me for a while
to have my will, |
At home to tarry, whiles you take
view of this city! |
|
42 |
To find some odd victuals in a
corner I am very witty. |
44 |
Damon. At
your pleasure, sir: I will wait on myself this day; |
Yet attend upon Pithias, which for
a purpose tarrieth at |
|
46 |
So doing, you wait upon me also. |
48 |
Steph. With wings on my
feet I go. |
50 |
[Exit
Stephano.] |
52 |
Damon. Not
in vain the poet saith, Naturam furcâ expellas, |
For train up a bondman to never so
good a behaviour, |
|
54 |
Yet in some point of servility he
will savour: |
As this Stephano, trusty to me his
master, loving and kind, |
|
56 |
Yet touching his belly a very
bondman I him find. |
He is to be borne withal, being so
just and true, |
|
58 |
I assure you, I would not change
him for no new. − |
But methinks this is a pleasant
city; |
|
60 |
The seat is good, and yet not
strong; and that is great pity. |
62 |
Caris. [Aside] I
am safe, he is mine own. |
64 |
Damon. The
air subtle and fine, the people should be witty |
That dwell under this climate in
so pure a region: |
|
66 |
A trimmer plot I have not seen in
my peregrination. |
Nothing misliketh me in this
country, |
|
68 |
But that I heard such muttering of
cruelty: |
Fame reporteth strange things of
Dionysius, |
|
70 |
But kings' matters passing our
reach, pertain not to us. |
72 |
[Carisophus
comes forward.] |
74 |
Caris. Dionysius, quoth
you? since the world began, |
In Sicilia never reigned so cruel
a man: |
|
76 |
A despiteful tyrant to all men; I
marvel, I, |
That none makes him away, and that
suddenly. |
|
78 |
|
Damon. My
friend, the gods forbid so cruel a thing
|
|
80 |
That any man should lift up his
sword against the king! |
Or seek other means by death him
to prevent, |
|
82 |
Whom to rule on earth the mighty
gods have sent. |
But, my friend, leave off this
talk of King Dionysius. |
|
84 |
|
Caris. Why, sir? he
cannot hear us. |
|
86 |
|
Damon. What
then? An nescis longas regibus esse manus? |
|
88 |
It is no safe talking of them that
strikes afar off. |
But leaving kings' matters, I pray
you show me this courtesy, |
|
90 |
To describe in few words the state
of this city. |
A traveller I am, desirous to know
|
|
92 |
The state of each country,
wherever I go: |
Not to the hurt of any state, but
to get experience thereby. |
|
94 |
It is not for nought, that the
poet doth cry, |
Die mihi musa virum, captae post
tempore Trojae, |
|
96 |
Qui mores hominum multorum vidit
et urbes. |
In which verses, as some writers
do scan, |
|
98 |
The poet describeth a perfect wise
man: |
Even so I, being a stranger,
addicted to philosophy, |
|
100 |
To see the state of countries
myself I apply. |
102 |
Caris. Sir, I like this
intent, but may I ask your name |
104 |
Damon. My
name is Damon, well known in my country, |
106 |
Caris. You do wisely to search the state of each
country |
To bear intelligence thereof,
whither you lust. − |
|
108 |
[Aside] He is a spy. − |
Sir, I pray you, have patience
awhile, for I have to do hereby: |
|
110 |
View this weak part of this city
as you stand, and I very |
Will return to you again, and then
will I show |
|
112 |
The state of all this country, and
of the court also. |
114 |
[Exit
Carisophus.] |
116 |
Damon. I
thank you for your courtesy. This chanceth well |
Met with this gentleman so
happily, |
|
118 |
Which, as it seemeth, misliketh
something, |
Else he would not talk so boldly
of the king, |
|
120 |
And that to a stranger: but lo,
where he comes in haste. |
122 |
Enter
Carisophus and Snap. |
124 |
Caris. This is he, fellow
Snap, snap him up: away with him. |
126 |
Snap. Good
fellow, thou must go with me to the court. |
128 |
Damon. To
the court, sir? and why? |
130 |
Caris. Well, we will
dispute that before the king. Away |
132 |
Damon. Is
this the courtesy you promised me, and that |
134 |
Caris. Away with him, I
say. |
136 |
Damon. Use no violence, I will go with you quietly. |
138 |
[Exeunt
omnes.] |
SCENE IX. |
|
The Palace. |
|
Here
entereth Aristippus. |
|
1 |
Arist. Ah, sirrah, by'r
Lady, Aristippus likes Dionysius’ |
2 |
Which in passing joys and
pleasures doth excel. |
Where he hath dapsiles caenas,
geniales lectos, et auro, |
|
4 |
Fulgentem tyranni zonam. |
I have plied the harvest, and
stroke when the iron was hot; |
|
6 |
When I spied my time, I was not
squeamish to crave, |
But with some pleasant toy I crept
into the king's bosom, |
|
8 |
For which Dionysius gave me Auri
talentum magnum − |
A large reward for so simple
services. |
|
10 |
What then? the king's praise
standeth chiefly in |
Which thing though I told the king
very pleasantly, |
|
12 |
Yet can I prove it by good writers
of great antiquity: |
But that shall not need at this
time, since that I have |
|
14 |
When I lack hereafter, I will use
this point of philosophy: |
But now, whereas I have felt the
king's liberality, |
|
16 |
As princely as it came, I will
spend it as regally: |
Money is current, men say, and
current comes of Currendo: |
|
18 |
Then will I make money run, as his
nature requireth, I trow. |
For what becomes a philosopher
best, |
|
20 |
But to despise money above the
rest? |
And yet not so despise it, but to
have in store |
|
22 |
Enough to serve his own turn, and
somewhat more. |
With sundry sports and taunts
yesternight I delighted the |
|
24 |
That with his loud laughter the
whole court did ring, |
And I thought he laughed not
merrier than I, when I got this |
|
26 |
But, mumbudget, for Carisophus I
espy |
In haste to come hither: I must
handle the knave finely. |
|
28 |
|
Here
entereth Carisophus [with
Jack.] |
|
30 |
|
O Carisophus, my dearest friend,
my trusty companion! |
|
32 |
What news with you? where have you
been so long? |
34 |
Caris. My best beloved
friend Aristippus, I am come at last; |
I have not spent all my time in
waste. |
|
36 |
I have got a prey, and that a good
one, I trow. |
38 |
Arist. What prey is that? fain would I know. |
40 |
Caris. Such
a crafty spy I have caught, I dare say, |
As never was in Sicilia before
this day; |
|
42 |
Such a one as viewed every weak
place in the city, |
Surviewed the haven and each
bulwark in talk very witty: |
|
44 |
And yet by some words himself he
did bewray. |
46 |
Arist. I think so in good
faith, as you did handle him. |
48 |
Caris. I
handled him clerkly, I joined in talk with him |
But when we were entered, I let
him speak his will, and I |
|
50 |
Sucked out thus much of his words,
that I made him say |
He was come hither to know the
state of the city; |
|
52 |
And not only this, but that he
would understand |
The state of Dionysius' court and
of the whole land. |
|
54 |
Which words when I heard, I
desired him to stay, |
Till I had done a little business
of the way, |
|
56 |
Promising him to return again
quickly; and so did convey |
Myself to the court for Snap the
tipstaff, which came and |
|
58 |
Brought him to the court, and in
the porter's lodge |
After I ran to Dionysius, as fast
as I could, |
|
60 |
And bewrayed this matter to him,
which I have you told; |
Which thing when he heard, being
very merry before, |
|
62 |
He suddenly fell in a dump, and
foaming like a boar, |
At last he swore in great rage
that he should die |
|
64 |
By the sword or the wheel, and
that very shortly. |
I am too shamefast: for my travail
and toil |
|
66 |
I crave nothing of Dionysius, but
only his spoil: |
Little hath he about him, but a
few motheaten crowns of |
|
68 |
Cha pouched them up already, they
are sure in hold: |
And now I go into the city, to say
sooth, |
|
70 |
To see what he hath at his lodging
to make up my mouth. |
72 |
Arist. My Carisophus, you
have done good service. But |
74 |
Caris. He is called
Damon, born in Greece, from whence |
76 |
Arist. By my troth, I will
go see him, and speak with him |
78 |
Caris. Do
so, I pray you; but yet by the way, |
As occasion serveth, commend my
service to the king. |
|
80 |
|
Arist. Dictum sapienti
sat est: friend Carisophus, shall I |
|
82 |
No, I warrant you: though I say
little to your face, |
I will lay on mouth for you to
Dionysius, when I am in |
|
84 |
[Aside] If I speak one word
for such a knave, hang me. |
86 |
Exit
Aristippus. |
88 |
Caris. Our
fine philosopher, our trim learned elf, |
Is gone to see as false a spy as
himself. |
|
90 |
Damon smatters as well as he of
crafty philosophy, |
And can turn cat in the pan very
prettily: |
|
92 |
But Carisophus hath given him such
a mighty check, |
As I think in the end will break
his neck. |
|
94 |
What care I for that? why would he
then pry, |
And learn the secret estate of our
country and city? |
|
96 |
He is but a stranger, by his fall
let others be wise: |
I care not who fall, so that I may
rise. |
|
98 |
As for fine Aristippus, I will
keep in with him − |
He is a shrewd fool to deal
withal, he can swim: |
|
100 |
And yet by my troth, to speak my
conscience plainly, |
I will use his friendship to mine
own commodity. |
|
102 |
|
But if the king once frown on him,
then good night, Tomalin: |
|
104 |
He shall be as strange as though I
never saw him before. |
But I tarry too long, I will prate
no more. − |
|
106 |
Jack, come away. |
108 |
Jack. At hand, sir. |
110 |
Caris. At Damon's lodging, if that you see |
Any stir to arise, be still at
hand by me: |
|
112 |
Rather than I will lose the spoil
I will blade it out. |
114 |
[Exeunt.]
|
SCENE X. |
|
In Town. |
|
Here
entereth Pithias and Stephano. |
|
|
|
1 |
Pith. What
strange news are these! ah, my Stephano, |
2 |
Is my Damon in prison, as the
voice doth go? |
4 |
Steph. It is true, O
cruel hap! he is taken for a spy, |
And as they say, by Dionysius' own
mouth condemned to |
|
6 |
|
Pith. To
die! Alas! For what cause? |
|
8 |
|
Steph. A sycophant
falsely accused him: other cause there |
|
10 |
That, O Jupiter, of all wrongs the
revenger, |
Seest thou this unjustice, and
wilt thou stay any longer |
|
12 |
From heaven to send down thy hot
consuming fire, |
To destroy the workers of wrong,
which provoke thy just |
|
14 |
Alas! Master Pithias, what shall
we do, |
Being in a strange country, void
of friends and acquaintance |
|
16 |
Ah, poor Stephano, hast thou lived
to see this day |
To see thy true master unjustly
made away? |
|
18 |
|
Pith. Stephano,
seeing the matter is come to this extremity, |
|
20 |
Let us make virtue our friend of
mere necessity. |
Run thou to the court, and
understand secretly |
|
22 |
As much as thou canst of Damon's
cause, and I |
Will make some means to entreat
Aristippus: |
|
24 |
He can do much, as I hear, with
King Dionysius. |
26 |
Steph. I am gone, sir.
Ah, I would to God my travail and |
Might restore my master to his
liberty again! |
|
28 |
|
[Exit
Stephano.] |
|
30 |
|
Pith. Ah
woful Pithias! sith now I am alone, |
|
32 |
What way shall I first begin to
make my moan? |
What words shall I find apt for my
complaint? |
|
34 |
Damon, my friend, my joy, my life,
is in peril. Of force I |
But, O music, as in joyful times
thy merry notes did borrow, |
|
36 |
So now lend me thy yearnful tunes
to utter my sorrow. |
38 |
Here
Pithias sings and the regals play.
|
40 |
Awake, ye woful wights, |
That long have wept in woe: |
|
42 |
Resign to me your plaints and
tears, |
My hapless hap to show. |
|
44 |
My woe no tongue can tell, |
Ne pen can well descry: |
|
46 |
O, what a death is this to hear, |
Damon my friend must die! |
|
48 |
|
The loss of worldly wealth |
|
50 |
Man's wisdom may restore, |
And physic hath provided too |
|
52 |
A salve for every sore: |
But my true friend once lost, |
|
54 |
No art can well supply: |
Then, what a death is this to hear, |
|
56 |
Damon my friend should die! |
58 |
My mouth, refuse the food, |
That should my limbs sustain: |
|
60 |
Let sorrow sink into my breast, |
And ransack every vein: |
|
62 |
You Furies, all at once |
On me your torments try: |
|
64 |
Why should I live, since that I hear |
Damon my friend should die! |
|
66 |
|
Gripe me, you greedy grief |
|
68 |
And present pangs of death, |
You sisters three, with cruël
hands |
|
70 |
With speed now stop my breath: |
Shrine me in clay alive, |
|
72 |
Some good man stop mine eye: |
O death, come now, seeing I hear |
|
74 |
Damon my friend must die! |
76 |
He
speaketh this after the song.
|
78 |
In vain I call for death, which
heareth not my complaint: − |
But what wisdom is this, in such
extremity to faint? |
|
80 |
Multum juvat in re malâ animus
bonus. |
I will to the court myself, to
make friends, and that presently. |
|
82 |
I will never forsake my friend in
time of misery − |
But do I see Stephano amazed
hither to run? |
|
84 |
|
Here
entereth Stephano. |
|
86 |
|
Steph. O
Pithias, Pithias, we are all undone! |
|
88 |
Mine own ears have sucked in mine
own sorrow; |
I heard Dionysius swear that Damon
should die to-morrow. |
|
90 |
|
Pith. How
earnest thou so near the presence of the king, |
|
92 |
That thou mightest hear Dionysius
speak this thing? |
94 |
Steph. By friendship I
gat into the court, where in great |
I heard Dionysius with his own
mouth give this cruel |
|
96 |
By these express words: that Damon
the Greek, that crafty |
Without further judgment to-morrow
should die: |
|
98 |
Believe me, Pithias, with these
ears I heard it myself. |
100 |
Pith. Then
how near is my death also! Ah, woe is me! |
Ah my Damon, another myself, shall
I forego thee? |
|
102 |
|
Steph. Sir,
there is no time of lamenting now: it behoveth us |
|
104 |
To make means to them which can do
much with Dionysius, |
That he be not made away, ere his
cause be fully heard; for |
|
106 |
By evil report things be made to
princes far worse than they |
But lo, yonder cometh Aristippus,
in great favour with King |
|
108 |
Entreat him to speak a good word
to the king for us, |
And in the mean season I will to
your lodging to see all |
|
110 |
|
[Exit
Stephano.] |
|
112 |
|
Pith. To
that I agree: but let us slip aside his talk to hear. |
|
114 |
|
[Pithias
retires.] |
|
116 |
|
Here
entereth Aristippus |
|
118 |
|
Arist. Here is a sudden
change indeed, a strange |
|
120 |
This court is clean altered: who
would have thought this? |
Dionysius, of late so pleasant and
merry, |
|
122 |
Is quite changed now into such
melancholy, |
That nothing can please him: he
walketh up and down, |
|
124 |
Fretting and chaffing, on every
man he doth frown; |
Insomuch that, when I in pleasant
words began to play, |
|
126 |
So sternly he frowned on me, and
knit me up so short − |
I perceive it is no safe playing
with lions but when it please |
|
128 |
If you claw where it itch not you
shall disease them, |
And so perhaps get a clap; mine
own proof taught me this, |
|
130 |
That it is very good to be merry
and wise. |
The only cause of this hurly-burly
is Carisophus, that |
|
132 |
Which lately took Damon for a spy,
a poor gentleman, |
And hath incensed the king against
him so despitefully, |
|
134 |
That Dionysius hath judged him
to-morrow to die. |
I have talked with Damon, whom
though in words I found |
|
136 |
Yet was he more curious than wise
in viewing this city: |
But truly, for aught I can learn,
there is no cause why |
|
138 |
So suddenly and cruelly he should
be condemned to die: |
Howsoever it be, this is the short
and long, |
|
140 |
I dare not gainsay the king, be it
right or wrong: |
I am sorry, and that is all I may
or can do in this case: |
|
142 |
Nought availeth persuasion where
froward opinion taketh |
144 |
[Pithias
comes forward.] |
146 |
Pith. Sir,
if humble suits you would not despise, |
Then bow on me your pitiful eyes. |
|
148 |
My name is Pithias, in Greece well
known, |
A perfect friend to that woful
Damon, |
|
150 |
Which now a poor captive in this
court doth lie, |
By the king's own mouth, as I
hear, condemned to die; |
|
152 |
For whom I crave your mastership's
goodness, |
To stand his friend in this his
great distress. |
|
154 |
Nought hath he done worthy of
death; but very fondly, |
Being a stranger, he viewed this
city: |
|
156 |
For no evil practices, but to feed
his eyes. |
But seeing Dionysius is informed
otherwise, |
|
158 |
My suit is to you, when you see
time and place, |
To assuage the king's anger, and
to purchase his grace: |
|
160 |
In which doing you shall not do
good to one only, |
But you shall further two, and
that fully. |
|
162 |
|
Arist. My friend, in this
case I can do you no pleasure. |
|
164 |
|
Pith. Sir,
you serve in the court, as fame doth tell. |
|
166 |
|
Arist. I am of the court
indeed, but none of the council. |
|
168 |
|
Pith. As
I hear, none is in greater favour with the king than |
|
170 |
|
Arist. The more in favour,
the less I dare say. |
|
172 |
|
Pith. It
is a courtier's praise to help strangers in misery. |
|
174 |
|
Arist. To help another,
and hurt myself, it is an evil point |
|
176 |
|
Pith. You
shall not hurt yourself to speak for the innocent. |
|
178 |
|
Arist. He is not innocent
whom the king judgeth nocent. |
|
180 |
|
Pith. Why,
sir, do you think this matter past all remedy? |
|
182 |
|
Arist. So far past that
Dionysius hath sworn Damon |
|
184 |
|
Pith. This
word my trembling heart cutteth in two. |
|
186 |
Ah, sir, in this woful case what
wist I best to do? |
188 |
Arist. Best to content
yourself when there is no remedy, |
He is well relieved that
foreknoweth his misery: |
|
190 |
Yet, if any comfort be, it resteth
in Eubulus, |
The chiefest councillor about King
Dionysius: |
|
192 |
Which pitieth Damon's case in this
great extremity, |
Persuading the king from all kind
of cruelty. |
|
194 |
|
Pith. The
mighty gods preserve you for this word of |
|
196 |
Taking my leave of your goodness,
I will now resort |
To Eubulus, that good councillor: |
|
198 |
But hark! methink I hear a trumpet
blow. |
200 |
Arist. The king is at
hand, stand close in the prease. Beware, |
You are friend to Damon he will
take you for a spy also. |
|
202 |
Farewell, I dare not be seen with
you. |
204 |
Here
entereth King Dionysius, Eubulus |
the
Councillor, and Gronno the Hangman.
|
|
206 |
|
Diony. Gronno,
do my commandment: strike off Damon's |
|
208 |
Then bring him forth, I myself
will see him executed |
210 |
Gron. O
mighty king, your commandment will I do |
212 |
Diony. Eubulus,
thou hast talked in vain, for sure he shall |
Shall I suffer my life to stand in
peril of every spy? |
|
214 |
|
Eub. That
he conspired against your person his accuser |
|
216 |
He only viewed your city, and will
you for that make him |
218 |
Diony. What
he would have done the guess is great: he |
That came so slyly to search out
the secret estate of my court. |
|
220 |
Shall I still live in fear? no,
no: I will cut off such imps |
Lest that to my farther danger too
high they climb. |
|
222 |
|
Eub. Yet
have the mighty gods immortal fame assigned |
|
224 |
To all worldly princes, which in
mercy be inclined. |
226 |
Diony. Let
fame talk what she list, so I may live in safety. |
228 |
Eub. The
only mean to that is to use mercy. |
230 |
Diony. A
mild prince the people despiseth. |
232 |
Eub. A
cruel king the people hateth. |
234 |
Diony. Let
them hate me, so they fear me. |
236 |
Eub. That
is not the way to live in safety. |
238 |
Diony. My
sword and power shall purchase my quietness. |
240 |
Eub. That
is sooner procured by mercy and gentleness. |
242 |
Diony. Dionysius
ought to be feared. |
244 |
Eub. Better
for him to be well beloved. |
246 |
Diony. Fortune
maketh all things subject to my power. |
248 |
Eub. Believe
her not, she is a light goddess; she can laugh |
250 |
Diony. A
king's praise standeth in the revenging of his |
252 |
Eub. A
greater praise to win him by clemency. |
254 |
Diony. To
suffer the wicked live it is no mercy. |
256 |
Eub. To
kill the innocent it is great cruelty. |
258 |
Diony. Is
Damon innocent, which so craftily undermined |
To understand what he could of
King Dionysius? |
|
260 |
Which surviewed the haven and each
bulwark in the city, |
Where battery might be laid, what
way best to approach? |
|
262 |
Suffer such a one to live, that
worketh me such despite? |
No, he shall die, then I am safe:
a dead dog cannot bite. |
|
264 |
|
Eub. But
yet, O mighty [king], my duty bindeth me |
|
266 |
To give such counsel, as with your
honour may best agree: |
The strongest pillars of princely
dignity, |
|
268 |
I find this justice with mercy and
prudent liberality: |
The one judgeth all things by
upright equity, |
|
270 |
The other rewardeth the worthy,
flying each extremity. |
As to spare those which offend
maliciously, |
|
272 |
It may be called no justice, but
extreme injury: |
So upon suspicion of such things
not well-proved, |
|
274 |
To put to death presently whom
envious flattery accused, |
It seemeth of tyranny; and upon
what fickle ground all |
|
276 |
Athens and Lacedemon can teach
you, if it be rightly |
And not only these citizens, but
who curiously seeks |
|
278 |
The whole histories of all the
world, not only of Romans |
Shall well perceive of all tyrants
the ruinous fall, |
|
280 |
Their state uncertain, beloved of
none, but hated of all. |
Of merciful princes to set out the
passing felicity |
|
282 |
I need not: enough of that even
these days do testify. |
They live devoid of fear, their
sleeps are sound, they dread |
|
284 |
They are feared and loved, and
why? they rule with justice |
Extending justice to such as
wickedly from justice have |
|
286 |
Mercy unto those where opinion,
simpleness have mercy |
Of liberty nought I say, but only
this thing, |
|
288 |
Liberty upholdeth the state of a
king |
Whose large bountifulness ought to
fall to this issue, |
|
290 |
To reward none but such as deserve
it for virtue. |
Which merciful justice if you
would follow, and provident |
|
292 |
Neither the caterpillars of all
courts, et fruges consumere |
Parasites with wealth puffed up,
should not look so high; |
|
294 |
Nor yet for this simple fact poor
Damon should die. |
296 |
Diony. With
pain mine ears have heard this vain talk of |
I tell thee, fear and terror
defendeth kings only: |
|
298 |
Till he be gone whom I suspect,
how shall I live quietly, |
Whose memory with chilling horror
fills my breast day and |
|
300 |
My dreadful dreams of him bereaves
my rest; on bed I lie |
Shaking and trembling, as one
ready to yield his throat to |
|
302 |
This quaking dread nothing but
Damon's blood can stay: |
Better he die than I to be
tormented with fear alway. |
|
304 |
He shall die, though Eubulus
consent not thereto: |
It is lawful, for kings, as they
list, all things to do. |
|
306 |
|
Here
Gronno [and Snap] bring in |
|
308 |
Damon,
and Pithias meeteth him by the way.
|
310 |
Pith. O
my Damon! |
|
|
312 |
Damon. O
my Pithias! seeing death must part us, farewell |
314 |
Pith. O
Damon, O my sweet friend! |
316 |
Snap. Away
from the prisoner: what a prease have we here? |
318 |
Gron. As
you commanded, O mighty king, we have brought |
320 |
Diony. Then
go to: make ready. I will not stir out of this |
Till I see his head stroken off
before my face. |
|
322 |
|
Gron. It
shall be done, sir. |
|
324 |
[To Damon] Because your eyes
have made such a-do |
I will knock down this your
lantern, and shut up your shop- |
|
326 |
|
Damon. O
mighty king, whereas no truth my innocent life |
|
328 |
But that so greedily you thrust my
guiltless blood to have, |
Albeit (even for thought) for
ought against your person: |
|
330 |
Yet now I plead not for life, ne
will I crave your pardon. |
But seeing in Greece my country,
where well I am known, |
|
332 |
I have worldly things fit for mine
alliance, when I am gone, |
To dispose them, ere I die, if I
might obtain leisure, |
|
334 |
I would account it (O king) for a
passing great pleasure: |
Not to prolong my life thereby,
for which I reckon not this, |
|
336 |
But to set my things in a stay:
and surely I will not miss, |
Upon the faith which all gentlemen
ought to embrace, |
|
338 |
To return again, at your time to
appoint, to yield my body |
Grant me (O king) such time to
despatch this injury, |
|
340 |
And I will not fail when you
appoint, even here my life |
342 |
Diony. [Aside]
A pleasant request! as though I could trust |
Whom in no wise I cannot trust
being present. − |
|
344 |
And yet though I swear the
contrary, do that I require, |
Give me a pledge for thy return,
and have thine own desire. − |
|
346 |
[Aside] He is as near now
as he was before. |
348 |
Damon. There
is no surer nor greater pledge than the faith |
350 |
Diony. It
was wont to be, but otherwise now the world |
Therefore do as I say, else
presently yield thy neck to the |
|
352 |
If I might with my honour, I would
recall my word. |
354 |
Pith. Stand
to your word, O king, for kings ought nothing |
But that they would perform in
perfect deeds always; |
|
356 |
A pledge you did require, when
Damon his suit did meve, |
For which with heart and stretched
hands most humble |
|
358 |
And that you may not say but Damon
hath a friend |
That loves him better than his own
life, and will do to his |
|
360 |
Take me, O mighty king: my life I
pawn for his: |
Strike off my head if Damon hap at
his day to miss. |
|
362 |
|
Diony. What
art thou, that chargest me with my word so |
|
364 |
|
Pith. I
am Pithias, a Greek born, which hold Damon my |
|
366 |
|
Diony. Too
dear perhaps, to hazard thy life for him: what |
|
368 |
|
Pith. No
fondness at all, but perfect amity. |
|
370 |
|
Diony. A
mad kind of amity! advise thyself well: if Damon |
|
372 |
Which shall be justly appointed,
wilt thou die for him, to me |
374 |
Pith. Most
willingly, O mighty king: if Damon fail, let |
376 |
Diony. Thou
seemest to trust his words that pawnest thy |
378 |
Pith. What
Damon saith, Pithias believeth assuredly. |
380 |
Diony. Take
heed for life, worldly men break promise in |
382 |
Pith. Though
worldly men do so, it never haps amongst |
384 |
Diony. What callest thou
friends? are they not men, is not |
386 |
Pith. Men
they be, but such men as love one another only |
388 |
Diony. For
what virtue dost thou love this spy, this Damon? |
390 |
Pith. For
that virtue which yet to you is unknown. |
392 |
Diony. Eubulus,
what shall I do? I would despatch this |
But this foolish fellow so
chargeth me that I may not call |
|
394 |
|
Eub. The
reverent majesty of a king stands chiefly in |
|
396 |
What you have said this whole
court beareth witness, |
Save your honour, whatsoever you
do. |
|
398 |
|
Diony. For
saving mine honour, I must forbear my will: |
|
400 |
Pithias, seeing thou tookest me at
my word, take Damon to |
For two months he is thine:
− unbind him, I set him free; |
|
402 |
Which time once expired, if he
appear not the next day by |
Without further delay thou shalt
lose thy life, and that full |
|
404 |
Whether he die by the way, or lie
sick in his bed, |
If he return not then, thou shalt
either hang or lose thy head. |
|
406 |
|
Pith. For
this, O mighty king, I yield immortal thanks. O |
|
408 |
|
Diony. Gronno,
take him to thee: bind him, see him kept |
|
410 |
If he escape, assure thyself for
him thou shalt die. − |
Eubulus, let us depart, to talk of
this strange thing within. |
|
412 |
|
Eub. I
follow. |
|
414 |
|
[Exeunt.] |
|
416 |
|
Gron. Damon,
thou servest the gods well to-day; be thou |
|
418 |
As for you, sir, I think you will
be hanged in sport. |
You heard what the king said; I
must keep you safely: |
|
420 |
By Cock, so I will; you shall
rather hang than I. |
Come on your way. |
|
422 |
|
Pith. My
Damon, farewell; the gods have thee in keeping. |
|
424 |
|
Damon. O
my Pithias, my pledge, farewell; I part from |
|
426 |
But joyful at my day appointed I
will return again, |
When I will deliver thee from all
trouble and pain. |
|
428 |
Stephano will I leave behind me to
wait upon thee in prison |
And I, whom fortune hath reserved
to this misery, will walk |
|
430 |
Ah my Pithias, my pledge, my life,
my friend, farewell. |
432 |
Pith. Farewell,
my Damon. |
434 |
Damon. Loth
am I to depart. Sith sobs my trembling |
O music, sound my doleful plaints,
when I am gone my way. |
|
436 |
|
[Exit
Damon.] |
|
438 |
|
Gron. I
am glad he is gone, I had almost wept too. Come, |
|
440 |
So God help me, I am sorry for thy
foolish case. |
Wilt thou venter thy life for a
man so fondly? |
|
442 |
|
Pith. It
is no venter: my friend is just, for whom I desire to |
|
444 |
|
Gron. Here
is a madman! I tell thee, I have a wife whom I |
|
446 |
And if ich would die for her,
chould ich were in hell. |
Wilt thou do more for a man than I
would for a woman? |
|
448 |
|
Pith. Yea,
that I will. |
|
450 |
|
Gron. Then
come on your ways, you must to prison haste. |
|
452 |
I fear you will repent this folly
at last. |
454 |
Pith. That
shalt thou never see. But O music, as my Damon |
Sound out thy doleful tunes in
this time of calamity. |
|
456 |
|
[Exeunt.] |
|
458 |
|
Here
the regals play a mourning song. |
|
SCENE XI. |
|
The Room of Damon and Pithias. |
|
Damon
cometh in in mariner apparel, |
|
and
Stephano with him. |
|
1 |
Damon. Weep
no more, Stephano, this is but destiny: |
2 |
Had not this happed, yet I know I
am born to die: |
Where or in what place, the gods
know alone, |
|
4 |
To whose judgment myself I commit.
Therefore leave off |
And wait upon Pithias in prison
till I return again, |
|
6 |
In whom my joy, my care and life
doth only remain. |
8 |
Steph. O my dear master,
let me go with you; for my poor |
Shall be some small comfort in
this time of misery. |
|
10 |
|
Damon. O
Stephano, hast thou been so long with me, |
|
12 |
And yet dost not know the force of
true amity? |
I tell thee once again, my friend
and I are but one: |
|
14 |
Wait upon Pithias, and think thou
art with Damon. |
Whereof I may not now discourse,
the time passeth away; |
|
16 |
The sooner I am gone, the shorter
shall be my journey: |
Therefore farewell, Stephano,
commend me to my friend |
|
18 |
Whom I trust to deliver in time
out of this woful case. |
20 |
Steph. Farewell,
my dear master, since your pleasure is so. − |
O cruel hap! O poor Stephano! |
|
22 |
O cursed Carisophus, that first
moved this tragedy! − |
But what a noise is this? is all
well within, trow ye? |
|
24 |
I fear all be not well within, I
will go see. − |
Come out, you weasel: are you
seeking eggs in Damon's |
|
26 |
Come out, I say: wilt thou be
packing? by Cock, you were |
28 |
[Carisophus
and Jack enter; Stephano grabs Carisophus.] |
30 |
Caris. How
durst thou, villain, to lay hands on me? |
32 |
Steph. Out,
sir knave, or I will send ye. |
Art thou not content to accuse
Damon wrongfully, |
|
34 |
But wilt thou rob him also, and
that openly? |
36 |
Caris. The
king gave me the spoil: to take mine own wilt |
38 |
Steph. Thine own,
villain! where is thine authority? |
40 |
Caris. I am authority of
myself; dost thou not know? |
42 |
Steph. By'r Lady, that is
somewhat; but have you no more |
44 |
Caris. What if I have
not? |
46 |
Steph. Then for an
earnest penny take this blow. |
48 |
[Stephano
beats Carisophus.] |
50 |
I shall bumbast you, you mocking
knave; chill put pro in my |
52 |
Caris. Jack,
give me my sword and target. |
54 |
[Stephano
steps between Carisophus and Jack.] |
56 |
Jack. I
cannot come to you, master, this knave doth me let. |
58 |
Steph. Away, Jackanapes,
else I will colpheg you by and |
Ye slave, I will have my
pennyworths of thee therefore, if |
|
60 |
About, villain! |
62 |
Caris. O
citizens, help to defend me. |
64 |
Steph. Nay, they will
rather help to hang thee. |
66 |
Caris. Good fellow, let
us reason this matter quietly: beat |
68 |
Steph. Of this condition
I will stay, if thou swear, as thou |
Thou wilt say nothing to the king
of this when I am gone. |
|
70 |
|
Caris. I
will say nothing: here is my hand, as I am an honest |
|
72 |
|
Steph. [Aside]
Then say on thy mind: I have taken a wise |
|
74 |
To trust such a false knave upon
his honesty? |
As he is an honest man (quoth you?)
he may bewray all to |
|
76 |
And break his oath for this never
a whit − but, my franion, I |
If you disclose this I will devise
such a way, |
|
78 |
That whilst thou livest, thou
shalt remember this day. |
80 |
Caris. You need not
devise for that, for this day is printed |
I warrant you, I shall remember
this beating till I die: |
|
82 |
But seeing of courtesy you have
granted that we should talk |
Methinks in calling me knave you
do me much injury. |
|
84 |
|
Steph. Why so, I pray
thee heartily? |
|
86 |
|
Caris. Because I am the king's man: keeps the king
any |
|
88 |
|
Steph. He should not; but
what he doth, it is evident by thee, |
|
90 |
And as far as I can learn or
understand, |
There is none better able to keep
knaves in all the land. |
|
92 |
|
Caris. O sir, I am a courtier: when courtiers shall
hear tell |
|
94 |
How you have used me, they will
not take it well. |
96 |
Steph. Nay, all right
courtiers will ken me thank; and wot |
Because I handled a counterfeit
courtier in his kind so finely. |
|
98 |
What, sir? all are not courtiers
that have a counterfeit show: |
In a troop of honest men some
knaves may stand, ye know, |
|
100 |
Such as by stealth creep in under
the colour of honesty, |
Which sort under that cloak do all
kinds of villainy. |
|
102 |
A right courtier is virtuous,
gentle, and full of urbanity, |
Hurting no man, good to all,
devoid of villainy: |
|
104 |
But such as thou art, fountains of
squirrility and vain |
Though you hang by the court, you
are but flatt'ring |
|
106 |
As well deserving the right name
of courtesy, |
As the coward knight the true
praise of chivalry. |
|
108 |
I could say more, but I will not,
for that I am your |
In faith, Carisophus, you are no
courtier but a caterpillar, |
|
110 |
A sycophant, a parasite, a
flatterer, and a knave. |
Whether I will or no, these names
you must have: |
|
112 |
How well you deserve this by your
deeds it is known, |
For that so unjustly thou hast
accused poor Damon, |
|
114 |
Whose woful case the gods help
alone. |
116 |
Caris. Sir, are you his servant, that you pity his
case so? |
118 |
Steph. No, bum troth,
goodman Grumb, his name is |
I am called Onaphets, if needs you
will know. |
|
120 |
[Aside] The knave beginneth
to sift me, but I turn my name |
Cretizo cum Cretense, to make him a lout. |
|
122 |
|
Caris. What mumble you with yourself, Master
Onaphets? |
|
124 |
|
Steph. I am reckoning
with myself how I may pay my debts. |
|
126 |
|
Caris. You have paid me more than you did owe me. |
|
128 |
|
Steph. Nay, upon a
farther reckoning, I will pay you more, |
|
130 |
Either you talk of that is done,
or by your sycophantical envy |
You prick forth Dionysius the
sooner, that Damon may die: |
|
132 |
I will so pay thee, that thy bones
shall rattle in thy skin. |
Remember what I have said;
Onaphets is my name. |
|
134 |
|
[Exit.] |
|
136 |
|
Caris. The sturdy knave is gone, the devil him
take; |
|
138 |
He hath made my head, shoulders,
arms, sides, and all to |
Thou whoreson villain boy, why
didst thou wait no better? |
|
140 |
As he paid me, so will I not die
thy debtor. |
142 |
[Strikes
him.] |
144 |
Jack. Master,
why do you fight with me? I am not your |
You durst not fight with him that
is gone, and will you |
|
146 |
|
Caris. Thou villain, by thee I have lost mine
honour. |
|
148 |
Beaten with a cudgel like a slave,
a vacaboun, or a lazy |
And not given one blow again. Hast
thou handled me well? |
|
150 |
|
Jack. Master,
I handled you not, but who did handle you |
|
152 |
|
Caris. Handsomely! thou crack-rope. |
|
154 |
|
Jack. Yea,
sir, very handsomely: I hold you a groat |
|
156 |
He handled you so handsomely that
he left not one mote in |
158 |
Caris. O, I had firked him trimly, thou villain, if
thou hadst |
160 |
Jack. It
is better as it is, master, believe me, at a word. |
If he had seen your weapon, he
would have been fiercer, |
|
162 |
And so perhaps beat you worse, I
speak it with my heart. |
You were never at the dealing of
fence-blows, but you had |
|
164 |
It is but your luck, you are man
good enough; |
But the Welsh Onaphets was a
vengeance-knave, and rough. |
|
166 |
Master, you were best go home and
rest in your bed, |
Methinks your cap waxeth too
little for your head. |
|
168 |
|
Caris. What!
doth my head swell? |
|
170 |
|
Jack. Yea,
as big as a codshead, and bleeds too. |
|
172 |
|
Caris. I
am ashamed to show my face with this hue, |
|
174 |
|
Jack. No
shame at all; men have been beaten far better |
|
176 |
|
Caris. I
must go to the chirurgeon's; what shall I say, when |
|
178 |
|
Jack. You
may say truly you met with a knave's blessing. |
|
180 |
|
[Exeunt.] |
|
182 |
|
SCENE XII. |
|
The Palace. |
|
Here
entereth Aristippus. |
|
1 |
Arist. By mine own
experience I prove true that many men |
2 |
To live in court not beloved,
better be in hell: |
What crying out, what cursing is
there within of Carisophus, |
|
4 |
Because he accused Damon to King
Dionysius! |
Even now he came whining and
crying into the court for the |
|
6 |
Showing that one Onaphets had
broke his knave’s sconce. |
Which strange name when they heard
every man laughed |
|
8 |