Some shameful minion here is entertain'd- Balt. Have patience, sir-O, let it not be thus; Plead, on her part, some cause to you unknown; And let us to the Tiger, all to dinner; For ever hous'd, when once it gets possession. And, in despite of wrath, try to be merry. I know a wench of excellent discourse, Pretty and witty-wild, and yet right gentle; To her will we to dinner. Get you home, For there's the house, and there will I bestow it, (Be it for nothing but to spite my wife) Upon mine hostess. Good sir, use despatch. Angelo. I'll meet you at that place some hour, sir, hence. [Exit. Ant. of Eph. I thank you, sir.-And now, my dain ty wife, Checking my rage, I'll leave SCENE II. [Exeunt. A Garden. ANTIPHOLIS OF SYRACUSE, ADRIANA, LUCIANA, and HERMIA, discovered. Adr. Why, why was I to this keen mock'ry born? How at your hands have I deserv'd this coldness ? In sooth, you do me wrong. There was a time When I believ'd, so fond was.my credulity, The sun was scarce so true unto the day, As you to me. Ant. of Syr. I would, some friendly light, Might chase away the mist, that clouds our fancies, I see imperial Phoebus' trembling beam Adr. So glides away Thy hasty love, (O apt illusion !) And mocks my constant and attentive care, Luc. Dearest brother, Why turn on me your eyes? Regard my sister, Adr. It cannot be, But that some phrensy hath possess'd his mind, O'er such entranced dispositions, Hath oft a magic power, and can recall The wand'ring faculties. Good cousin, Hermia, Lysander's truant heart. SONG. HERMIA. Stray not to those distant plains; Listen to the woodlark's note, Hark! the throstle's mellow throat, All uniting, carol love: See the limpid brooks around, Winding through the varied grove; This is passion's fairy ground, Adr. Sister, there is some magic in thine eye, That hath infected his-Perchance to thee, He may unfold the source of his distemp'rature: For me, no longer will I sue for that, My right may claim; loose infidelity Or hurl the name of husband in my face, And tear the stain'd skin off my harlot brow? I know thou wouldst, and therefore, see, thou do it; Preserve then, equal league with the fair bed; [Exit, with HERMIA. Luc. And may it be, that you have quite forgot A husband's office? Shall, Antipholis, Ev'n in the spring of love, thy love passion fade? you did wed my sister for her wealth, If Then, for her wealth's sake, use her with more kind ness; Or, if you like elsewhere, do it in secret; Let not my sister read it in your eye; Ant. of Syn. Now, by the air we breathe, I vow, My senses are all smother'd up in wonder; I will not wish the mystery unfolded, But to your chidings pay submissive awe, Luc. Be secret false-why need she be acquainted? What simple thief brags of his own bad deeds? 'Tis double wrong to truant with your bed, And let her read it in your looks at board. Ill deeds are doubled by an evil word. Alas, poor women!-make us but believe (Being compast of credit) that you love, We, in your motions turn, are led by you, And easily accord to what we wish. And call my sister, wife-comfort her-cheer her'Tis holy sport to be a little false, When the sweet breath of flattery conquers strife. Ant. of Syr. Sweet mistress, let me call you by that name, Teach me, oh teach me how to think, and answer! The folded meaning of your sugar'd words. Your weeping sister is no wife to me. [Kneels. Then train me not, sweet mermaid, with thy voice, 1 |