To second our endeavours.---When I first Began to play this piece, the sturdy boxers, The increasing crowds, the noise, and women's clamour Oblig'd me to retire before my time. I, upon this occasion, had recourse To my old way. I brought it on again. In the first act I please: meanwhile there spreads The people flock together, riot, roar, And fight for places. I meanwhile my place 'Tis your's to give these games their proper grace1o. Admit this plea for my sake, and be silent; To play new pieces, bought at my expence". PER THE STEP-MOTHER, ACT I. SCENE I. PHILOTIS, SYRA. Phil. Now, by my troth, a woman of the town Scarce ever finds a faithful lover, Syra. This very Pamphilus, how many times He swore to Bacchis, swore so solemnly, One could not but believe him, that he never Would, in her life-time, marry! See, he's married. Syra. I warn you therefore, and most earnestly Conjure you, to have pity upon none : But plunder, fleece, and beggar every man That falls into your pow'r. Phil. What! spare none? For know, there is not one of all your sparks But studies to cajole you with fine speeches, And have his will as cheaply as he can. Should not you then endeavour to fool them? Phil. But to treat all alike is Syra. What! wrong? wrong. To be reveng'd upon your enemies? Or to snare those who spread their snares for you? ---Alas! why have not I your youth and beauty, Or you my sentiments? U SCENE SCENE II. Enter PARMENO. Par. to Scirtus within.] If our old gentleman D'ye understand my meaning, Scirtus? If he asks, That this excuse may serve another time. [comes forward. -But is not that Philotis? Whence comes she? Philotis! save you! Phil. Save you, Parmeno! Syra. Save you, good Parmeno! Par. And save you, Syra! ---Tell me, Philotis, where have you been gadding, Taking your pleasure this long time ? Phil. I've taken No pleasure, Parmeno, indeed. I went With a most brutal captain hence to Corinth. There have I led a wretched life with him, For two whole years. Par. Ay, ay, I warrant you That you have often wish'd to be in Athens; Phil. Oh, 'Tis quite impossible to tell how much I long'd to be at home, how much I long'd Par. Par. "Twas cruel in him thus to tie your tongue : At least, I'll warrant, that you thought it so. Phil. But what's this business, Parmeno? this story I could not have believ'd that Pamphilus Par. Marry truly! Phil. Why he is married: is not he? But I'm afraid 'twill prove a crazy match, And will not hold together long." Phil. Heav'n grant it, So it turn out to Bacchis's advantage!and mor Tell me. Par. It is not fit it should be told. Enquire no more. Phil. For fear I should divulge it? Par. No, no: Fair words, Philótis, sha'n't prevail on me Don't tell me, Parmeno.---As if you had not Much rather tell this secret, than I hear it! Phil. Now You're like yourself again. I give my word. Speak. |