Part 15 (1/2)

Well, my memory is not strong.

It requires consideration To admit that pleasant fact.

CHRYSANTHUS.

What of me do people say?--

ESCARPIN.

Shall I speak it?

CHRYSANTHUS.

Speak.

ESCARPIN.

Why, they Say, my lord, that you are cracked.

CHRYSANTHUS.

For what reason? Why this blame?

ESCARPIN.

Reason, sir, need not be had, For the wisest man is mad If he only gets the name.

CHRYSANTHUS.

Well, it was not wrongly given, If they only knew that I Have consented even to die So to reach the wished-for heaven Of a sovereign beauty's favour.

ESCARPIN.

For a lady's favour you Have agreed to die?

CHRYSANTHUS.

'T is true.

ESCARPIN.

Does not this a certain savour Of insanity give your sadness?

CHRYSANTHUS.

Were I certain as of breath I could claim it after death, There was method in my madness.

ESCARPIN.

A brave soldier of the line, On his death-bed lying ill, Spoke thus, ”Item, 't is my will, Gallant friends and comrades mine, That you 'll bear me to my grave, And although I 've little wealth, Thirty reals to drink my health Shall you for your kindness have”.

Thus the hope as vain must be After death one's love to wed, As to drink one's health when dead.

[Nisida advances from the garden.]

CHRYSANTHUS.

But what maid is this I see Hither through the garden wending?

ESCARPIN.

If you take a stroll with me Plenty of her sort you 'll see.

NISIDA.

One who would effect the ending Of thy sadness.

CHRYSANTHUS (aside).

Now comes near thee, O my heart, thy threatened trial!

Lady, pardon the denial, But I would nor see nor hear thee.

NISIDA.