Part 72 (1/2)

aeSCH. (_to CTESIPHO_). Ha! well met: I long'd to see you How is it, Ctesipho? All's safe. Away With melancholy!

CTES. Melancholy! I Be melancholy, who have such a brother?

Oh my dear aeschinus! thou best of brothers, --Ah, I'm asham'd to praise you to your face, Lest it appear to come from flattery, Rather than grat.i.tude.

aeSCH. Away, you fool!

As if we did not know each other, Ctesipho.

It only grieves me, we so lately knew this, When things were almost come to such a pa.s.s, That all the world, had they desir'd to do it, Could not a.s.sist you.

CTES. 'Twas my modesty.

aeSCH. Pshaw! it was folly, and not modesty.

For such a trifle, almost fly your country?

Heaven forbid it!--fie, fie, Ctesipho!

CTES. I've been to blame.

aeSCH. Well, what says Sannio?

SYRUS. He's pacified at last.

aeSCH. I'll to the Forum, And pay him off.--You, Ctesipho, go in To the poor girl.

SAN. Now urge the matter, Syrus! (_Apart to SYRUS._)

SYRUS. Let's go; for Sannio wants to be at Cyprus.

SAN. Not in such haste: though truly I have no cause To loiter here.

SYRUS. You shall be paid: ne'er fear!

SAN. But all?

SYRUS. Yes, all: so hold your tongue, and follow!

SAN. I will. (_Exit after aeSCHINUS--SYRUS going._

CTES. Hist! hark ye, Syrus!

SYRUS (_turning back._) Well, what now?

CTES. For Heaven's sake discharge that scurvy fellow Immediately; for fear, if further urg'd, This tale should reach my father's ears: and then I am undone forever.

SYRUS. It sha'n't be.

Be of good courage! meanwhile, get you in, And entertain yourself with her; and order The couches to be spread, and all prepar'd.

For, these preliminaries once dispatch'd, I shall march homeward with provisions.

CTES. Do!