THE ANDRIAN.ACTI.SceneI.Simo,Sosia,and Slaves, carrying Provisions.
Simo,Sosia,and Slaves, carrying Provisions.
Simo.[60]Carry in those things, directly. (Exeunt Slaves.) Do you come hither Sosia; I have something to say to you.
Sosia.You mean, I suppose, that I should take care that these provisions are properly drest.
Simo.No; it’s quite another matter.
Sosia.In what else can my skill be of any service?
Simo.There is no need of your skill in the management of the affair I am now engaged in; all that I require of you is faithfulness and secrecy; qualities I know you to possess.
Sosia.I long to hear your commands.
Simo.You well know, Sosia, that from the time when I first bought you as my slave;[61]even from your childhood until the present moment; I have been a just and gentle master: you served me with a free spirit; and I gave you freedom;[62]as the greatest reward in my power to bestow.
Sosia.Believe me, Sir, I have not forgotten it.
Simo.Nor have you given me any cause to repent that I did so.[63]
Sosia.I am very glad, Simo, that my past, and present conduct has been pleasing to you; and I am grateful for your goodness in receiving my poor services so favourably: but it pains me to be thus reminded of the benefits you have conferred upon me, as it seems to upbraid me with having forgotten them.[64]Pray, Sir, let me request to know your will at once.
Simo.You shall; but first I must inform you that my son’s marriage, which you expect to take place, is only a feigned marriage.
Sosia.But why do you make use of this deceit?
Simo.[65]You shall hear every thing from the beginning; by which means you will learn my son’s course of life, my intentions, and the part I wish you to take in this affair. When my son, Pamphilus, arrived at man’s estate,[66]of course he was able to live more according to his own inclination: for, until a man has attained that age, his disposition does not discover itself, being kept in check either by his tutor, or by bashfulness, or by his tender years.
Sosia.That is very true.
Simo.Most young men attach themselves chiefly to one particular pursuit; such, for instance, as breeding horses, keeping hounds, or frequenting the schools of the philosophers.[67]He did not devote himself entirely to any one of these: but employed a moderate portion of his time in each; and I was much pleased to see it.
Sosia.As well you might, for I think that every man, in the conduct of his life, should adhere to this precept, “Avoid excess.”
Simo.This was his way of life; he bore patiently with every one, accommodated himself to the tempers of his associates; and fell in with them in their pursuits; avoided quarrels; and never arrogantly preferred himself before his companions. Conduct like this will ensure a man praise without envy, and gain many friends.
Sosia.This was indeed a wise course of life; for in these times[68], flattery makes friends; truth, foes.
Simo.Meantime, about three years ago, a certain woman, exceedingly beautiful, and in the flower of her age, removed into this neighbourhood; she came from the Island of Andros[69]; being compelled to quit it by her poverty and the neglect of her relations[70].
Sosia.I augur no good from this woman of Andros.
Simo.At first she lived chastely, and penuriously, and laboured hard, managing with difficulty to gain a livelihood[71]with the distaff and the loom: but soon afterwards several lovers made their addresses to her[72]; promising to repay her favours with rich presents; and as we all are naturally prone to pleasure, and averse to labour, she was induced to accept their offers; and at last admitted all her lovers without scruple. It happened that some of them with much persuasion prevailed on my son to accompany them to her house. Aha! thought I, he is caught[73]: he is certainly in love with her. In the morning I watched their pages going to her house and returning; I called one of them; Hark ye, boy, prithee tell me who was the favourite of Chrysis, yesterday? For this was the Andrian’s name.
Sosia.I understand you, Sir.
Simo.I was answered that it was Phædrus, or Clinia, or Niceratus; for all these were her lovers at that time: well, said I, and what did Pamphilus there! oh! he paid[74]his share and supped with the rest. Another day I inquired and received the same answer; and I was extremely rejoiced that I could learn nothing to attach any blame to my son. Then I thought that I had proved him sufficiently; and that he was a miracle of chastity:—for he who has to contend against the example of men of such vicious inclinations, and can preserve his mind from its pernicious influence, may very safely be trusted with the regulation of his own conduct. To increase my satisfaction, every body joined as if with one voice in the praise of Pamphilus, every one extolled his virtues, and my happiness, in possessing a son endued with so excellent a disposition. In short, this his high reputation induced my friend Chremes to come to me of his own accord, and offer to give his daughter to Pamphilus with a large dowry[75]. I contracted[76]my son, as I was much pleased with the match, which was to have taken place on this very day.
Sosia.And what has happened to prevent it?
Simo.You shall hear: within a few days of this time our neighbour Chrysis died.
Sosia.O happy news! I was still fearful of some mischief from this Andrian.
Simo.Upon this occasion my son was continually at the house with the lovers of Chrysis, and joined with them in the care of her funeral; meantime he was sad, and sometimes would even weep. Still I was pleased with all this; if, thought I, he is so much concerned at the death of so slight an acquaintance, how would he be afflicted at the loss of one whom he himself loved, or at my death. I attributed every thing to his humane and affectionate disposition; in short, I myself, for his sake, attended the funeral, even yet suspecting nothing.
Sosia.Ah! what has happened then?
Simo.I will tell you. The corpse is carried out; we follow: in the mean time, among the women who were there[77], I saw one young girl, with a formso——
Sosia.Lovely, without doubt.
Simo.And with a face, Sosia, so modest, and so charming, that nothing can surpass it; and as she appeared more afflicted than the others who were there, and so pre-eminently beautiful[78], and of so noble a carriage, I approach the women who were following the body[79], and inquire who she is: they answer, The sister of the deceased. Instantly the whole truth burst upon me at once: hence then, thought I, proceed those tears; this sister it is, who is the cause of all his affliction.
Sosia.How I dread to hear the end of all this!
Simo.In the mean time the procession advances; we follow, and arrive at the tomb[80]: the corpse is placed on the pile[81], and quickly enveloped in flames; they weep; while the sister I was speaking of, rushed forward in an agony of grief toward the fire; and her imprudence exposed her to great danger. Then, then it was, that Pamphilus, half dead with terror, publicly betrayed the love he had hitherto so well concealed: he flew to the spot, and throwing his arms around her with all the tenderness imaginable; my dearest Glycera, cried he, what are you about to do? Why do you rush upon destruction? Upon which she threw herself weeping upon his bosom in so affectionate a manner, that it was easy enough to perceive their mutual love.
Sosia.How! is this possible!
Simo.I returned home, scarcely able to contain my anger; but yet I had not sufficient cause to chide Pamphilus openly; as he might have replied to me, What have I done amiss, my father? or how have I offended you? of what am I guilty? I have preserved the life of one who was going to throw herself into the flames: I prevented her: this would have been a plausible excuse.
Sosia.You consider this rightly, Sir; for if he who has helped to save a life is to be blamed for it; what must be done to him who is guilty of violence and injustice?
Simo.The next day Chremes came to me, and complained of being shamefully used, as he had discovered for a certainty that Pamphilus had actually married this strange woman[82]. I positively denied that this was the case, and he as obstinately insisted on the truth of it: at last I left him, as he was absolutely resolved to break off the match.
Sosia.Did you not then rebuke Pamphilus?
Simo.No: there was nothing yet so flagrant as to justify my rebuke.
Sosia.How so, Sir, pray explain?
Simo.He might have answered me thus: you yourself, my father, have fixed the time when this liberty must cease; and the period is at hand when I must conform myself to the pleasure of another: permit me then, I beseech you, for the short space that remains to me, to live as my own will prompts me.
Sosia.True. What cause of complaint can you then find against him?
Simo.If he is induced by his love for this stranger, to refuse to marry Philumena in obedience to my commands, that offence will lay him open to my anger; and I am now endeavouring by means of this feigned marriage, to find a just cause of complaint against him: and, at the same time, if that rogue Davus has any subtle scheme on foot, this will induce him to bring it forward now, when it can do no harm; as I believe that rascal will leave no stone unturned in the affair; though more for the sake of tormenting me, than with a view to serve or gratify my son.
Sosia.Why do you suspect that?
Simo.Why? because of a wicked mind one can expect nothing but wicked intentions[83]. But if I catch him at his tricks—However, ’tis in vain to say more: if it appear, as I trust it will, that my son makes no objection to the marriage, I have only to gain Chremes, whom I must prevail upon by entreaty; and I have great hopes that I shall accomplish it. What I wish you to do is, to assist me in giving out this marriage for truth, to terrify Davus, and to watch the conduct of my son, what he does; and what course he and his hopeful servant resolve upon.
Sosia.It is enough, Sir; I will take care to obey you. Now, I suppose, we may go in.
Simo.Go, I will follow presently[84].
[ExitSosia.
SceneII.
Simo,Davus.
Simo.My son, I have no doubt, will refuse to marry; for I observed that Davus seemed terribly perplexed just now, when he heard that the match was to take place: but here he comes[85].
Davus.(not seeing Simo.) I wondered that this affair seemed likely to pass off so easily! and always mistrusted the drift of my old master’s extraordinary patience and gentleness; who, though he was refused the wife he wished for, for his son, never mentioned a word of it to us, or seemed to take any thing amiss.
Simo.(aside.) But now he will, as you shall feel, rascal.
Davus.His design was to entrap us while we were indulging in an ill-founded joy, and fancied ourselves quite secure. He wished to take advantage of our heedlessness, and make up the match before we could prevent him: what a crafty old fellow!
Simo.How this rascal prates[86]!
Davus.Here is my master! he has overheard me! I never saw him!
Simo.Davus.
Davus.Who calls Davus?
Simo.Come hither, sirrah.
Davus.(aside.) What can he want with me?
Simo.What were you saying?
Davus.About what, Sir?
Simo.About what, Sir? The world says that my son has an intrigue.
Davus.Oh! Sir, the world cares a great deal about that, no doubt.
Simo.Are you attending to this, Sir?
Davus.Yes, Sir, certainly.
Simo.It does not become me to inquire too strictly into the truth of these reports. I shall not concern myself in what he has done hitherto; for as long as circumstances allowed of it, I left him to himself: but it is now high time that he should alter and lead a new life. Therefore, Davus, I command, and even entreat, that you will prevail on him to amend his conduct.
Davus.What is the meaning of all this discourse?
Simo.Those who have love intrigues on their hands are generally very averse to marriage.
Davus.So I have heard.
Simo.And if any of them manage such an affair after the counsel of a knave, ’tis a hundred to one but the rogue will take advantage of their weakness, and lead them a step further, from being love-sick to some still greater scrape or imprudence.
Davus.Truly, Sir, I don’t understand what you said last.
Simo.No! not understand it!
Davus.No. I am not Œdipus[87]but Davus.
Simo.Then you wish that what I have to say should be explained openly and without reserve.
Davus.Certainly I do.
Simo.Then, sirrah, if I discover that you endeavour to prevent my son’s marriage by any of your crafty tricks; or interfere in this business to show your cunning; you may rely on receiving a few scores of lashes, and a situation in the grinding-house[88]for life: upon this token, moreover, that when I liberate you from thence, I will grind in your stead. Is this plain enough for you, or don’t you understand yet?
Davus.Oh, perfectly! you come to the point at once: you don’t use much circumlocution, i’faith.
Simo.Remember! In this affair above all others, if you begin plotting, I will never forgive it.
Davus.Softly, worthy Sir, softly, good words I beg of you.
Simo.So! you are merry upon it, are you, but I am not to be imposed upon. I advise you, finally, to take care what you do: you cannot say you have not had fair warning.
[Exit.
SceneIII[89].
Davus.
In truth, friend Davus, from what I have just heard from the old man about the marriage, I think thou hast no time to lose. This affair must be[90]handled dexterously, or either my young master or I must be quite undone. Nor have I yet resolved which side to take; whether I shall assist Pamphilus, or obey his father. If I abandon the son, I fear his happiness will be destroyed: if I help him, I dread the threats of the old man, who is as crafty as a fox. First, he has discovered his son’s intrigue, and keeps a jealous eye upon me, lest I should set some scheme a-foot to retard the marriage. If he finds out the least thing, I am undone[91], for right or wrong, if he once takes the whim into his head, he will soon find a pretence for sending me to grind in the mill for my life; and, to crown our disasters, this Andrian, Pamphilus’s wife or mistress, I know not which, is with child by him: ’tis strange enough to hear their presumption. I think their[92]intentions savour more of madness than of any thing else: boy or girl, say they, the child shall be brought up[93]. They have made up among them too, some story or other, to prove that she is a citizen of Athens[94]. Thus runs the tale. Once upon a time there was a certain old merchant[95], who was shipwrecked upon the island of Andros, where he afterwards died, and the father of Chrysis took in his helpless little orphan, who was this very Glycera. Fables! for my part I don’t believe a word of it: however, they themselves are vastly pleased with the story. But here comes her maid Mysis. Well, I’ll betake myself to the Forum[96], and look for Pamphilus: lest his father should surprise him with this marriage before I can tell him any thing of the matter.
[Exit.
SceneIV.
Mysis.
[97]I understand you, Archillis: you need not stun me with the same thing over so often: you want me to fetch the midwife Lesbia: in truth, she’s very fond of the dram-bottle, and very headstrong; and I should think she was hardly skilful enough to attend a woman in her first labour.—However, I’ll bring her.——Mark how[98]importunate this[99]old baggage is to have her fellow-gossip, that they may tipple together. Well, may Diana grant my[100]poor mistress a happy minute; and that Lesbia’s want of skill may be shewn any where rather than here. But what do I see? here comes Pamphilus, seemingly half-distracted, surely something is the matter. I will stay and see whether this agitation is not the forerunner of some misfortune.
SceneV.
Pamphilus, Mysis[101].
Pam.Heavens! is it possible that any human being, much less a father, could be guilty of an action like this?
Mysis.(aside.) What can be the matter?
Pam.By the faith of gods and men, if ever any one was unworthily treated, I am. He peremptorily resolved that I should be married on this very day. Why was not I informed of this before? Why was not I consulted?
Mysis.(aside.) Miserable woman that I am! what do I hear?
Pam.And why has Chremes changed his mind, who obstinately persisted in refusing me his daughter, after he heard of my imprudence[102]? Can he do this to tear me from my dearest Glycera? Alas! if I lose her, I am utterly undone. Was there ever such an unfortunate lover?—was there ever such an unhappy man as I am? Heavens and earth! will this persecution never end? Shall I never hear the last of this detested marriage? How have I been insulted; how have I been slighted! First of all, the match is agreed on, every thing is prepared, then I am rejected, now I am courted again. I cannot, for the soul of me, discover the reason of all this; however, I shrewdly suspect that this daughter of Chremes is either hideously[103]ugly, or that something is amiss in her; and so, because he can find no one else to take her off his hands, he comes to me.
Mysis.(aside.) Bless me! I’m almost frightened out of my senses.
Pam.But what shall I say of my father’s behaviour? Ought an affair of such consequence to be treated so lightly? Meeting me just now in the Forum, Pamphilus, said he, you are to be married to-day, get ready, make haste home; it seemed as if he said, go quickly and hang yourself. I stood amazed and motionless; not one single word could I pronounce; not one single excuse could I make, though it had been ever so absurd, false, or unreasonable: I was quite speechless. If any one were to ask me now, what I would have done, if I had known of this before? I answer, I would have done any thing in the world to prevent this hateful marriage; but now what course can I take? A thousand cares distract my mind. On one side, I am called upon by love and my compassion for this unfortunate: on the other by their continued importunities for my marriage with Philumena, and a fear of offending my father, who has been hitherto so indulgent to me, and complied with my every wish; and can I now oppose his will? Alas! I am still wavering; I can resolve upon nothing.
Mysis.Unhappy wretch that I am. I dread how this wavering may end at last; but now it is of the utmost consequence either that I should say something to him respecting my mistress, or that he should see her himself; for the least thing in the world may turn the scale, while the mind is in suspense.
Pam.Whose voice is that? Oh, Mysis, welcome.
Mysis.Oh! Sir, well met.
Pam.How is your mistress?
Mysis.Do you not know? she is in labour[104], and her anguish is increased tenfold at the thought of this being the day formerly appointed for your marriage. Her greatest fear is lest you should forsake her.
Pam.Heavens! could I have the heart even to think of so base an action? Can I deceive an unfortunate who has intrusted her all to me? and whom I have always tenderly loved as my wife? Can I suffer that she, who has been brought up in the paths of modesty and virtue, should be exposed to want;[105]and perhaps even to dishonour? I never can, I never will permit it!
Mysis.Ah! Sir, if you were your own master, I should fear nothing; but I dread lest you should not be able to withstand your father’s commands.
Pam.Do you then think me so cowardly, so ungrateful too, so inhuman, and so cruel, that neither our intimate connexion, nor love, nor even shame can prevail upon me, or influence me to keep my promise?
Mysis.I am sure of this; she does not deserve that you should forget her.
Pam.Forget her! O Mysis, Mysis, the last words that Chrysis spoke to me, are still engraved upon my heart, already at the point of death; she calls for me; I approach; you all retire: we are alone with her: she speaks thus,—My dear Pamphilus; you see the youth and beauty of this dear girl; I need not tell you how little these endowments are calculated to secure either her property or her honour; I call upon you then, by the pledge of this hand you now extend to me, and by the natural goodness of your disposition[106]; by your plighted faith, and by her helpless situation, I conjure you not to forsake her. If ever I have loved you as my brother, if ever she has obeyed you as her husband, take her, I implore you, as your wife; be to her a[107]friend, a guardian, a parent; to you I confide our little wealth; in your honour I put all my trust.—She placed the hand of Glycera in mine, and expired. I received the precious gift, and never will I relinquish it.
Mysis.Heaven forbid you ever should!
Pam.But why are you abroad at this time?
Mysis.I am going for the midwife.
Pam.Make haste then; and Mysis, do you hear; say not a word to your mistress about this marriage, lest that should increase her sufferings.
Mysis.I understand you, Sir.
END OF THE FIRST ACT.