CURIO.

Why, you can praise too!

APOLLONIUS.

As well as I dispraise :-They're both in one,
Since you're disparaged when I talk of graces.
For example, when I say that he I spoke of
Is no wild sin-monger-no sot-no dicer,
No blasphemer o' th' gods-no shameless scoffer,
No apeno braggart-no foul libertine-
Oh no-

He hugs no witching wanton to his heart,
He keeps no vices he's obliged to muffle

But pays a filial honor to gray hairs,

e;—

And guides him by that voice, Divine Philosophy.

GALLO.

Well, he's a miracle !-and what's he called?

(ALL.)

Ay, who is he?-who is he?

APOLLONIUS.

His name is Lycius.

CURIO.

Then he's coming yonder :

Lord, how these island fogs delude our eyes!
I could have sworn to a girl too with him.

APOLLONIUS.

Ay, ay—you know these eyes can shoot so far,
Or else the jest were but a sorry one.

CURIO.

Mercutius sees her too.

MERCUTIUS.

In faith, I do, sir.

APOLLONIUS.

Peace, puppies!-nine days hence you will see truer.

Nay, but by all the gods—

CURIO.

GALLO.

We'll take our oath on't.

APOLLONIUS.

Peace, peace! (aside) I see her too-This is some mockery, Illusion, damned illusion!-

What, bo! Lycius!

[LYorus (entering) wishes to pass aside. LAMIA clings close to him.

LAMIA.

Hark-who is that?-quick, fold me in your mantle;
Don't let him see my face !—

LYCIUS.

Nay, fear not, sweet

'Tis but old Apollonius, my sage guide.

LAMIA.

Don't speak to him-don't stay him-let him pass !-
I have a terror of those graybeard men—

They frown on Love with such cold churlish brows,
That sometimes he hath flown!-

LYCIUS.

Ay, he will chide me;

But do not you fear aught. Why, how you tremble!

LAMIA.

Pray shroud me closer. I am cold-death cold!

[Old APOLLONIUS comes up, followed by the Gallants.

APOLLONIUS.

Well, let me see it;

I have some trifling skill in augury,

And can divine from its beak and eyes

you

What sort of fowl it is.

LYCIUS.

I have learned that, sir;

'Tis what is called—a dove—sacred to Venus :—

[The Youths laugh and pluck APOLLONIUS by the sleeve.

Ay, ay, old Graybeard, you say well for once;
Let's see it;-let's see it !—

APOLLONIUS.

And sure it is no snake-to suit the fable

You've nestled in your bosom?

LAMIA (under the mantle).

Lost! lost! lost!

MERCUTIUS.

Hark! the dove speaks-I knew it was a parrot!

APOLLONIUS.

Dear Lycius-my own son (at least till now),
Let me forewarn you, boy !-

LYCIUS.

No, peace, I will not.

CURIO.

There spoke a model for you.

APOLLONIUS.

O Lycius, Lycius!

My eyes are shocked, and half my age is killed,
To see your noble self so ill accompanied !-

LYCIUS.

And, sir, my eyes are shocked too-Fie! is this
A proper retinue for those gray hairs?
A troop of scoffing boys!-Sirs, by your leave
I must and will pass on.

MERCUTIUS.

[To the Gallants.

That as you can, sir

LYCIUS.

Why then this arm has cleared a dozen such.

[They scuffle: in the tumult APOLLONIUS is overturned

APOLLONIUS.

Unhappy boy!--this overthrow's your own!

[LYCIUS frees himself and LAMIA, and calls back.

LYCIUS.

Lift-help him-pick him up!-fools-braggarts-apes—

Step after me who dares !

[Exit with LAMIA.

GALLO.

Whew!-here's a model !—

How fare you, sir (to APOLLONIUS)—your head?—I fear

Your wisdom has suffered by this fall.

O Lycius! Lycius !—

'Twas a brave pattern.

APOLLONIUS.

My heart aches more.

CURIO.

Hark! he calls his model !-
We shall never match him.

Such wisdom and such virtues-in a youth too!
He keeps no muffled vices.

MERCUTIUS.

No! no! not he!—

Nor hugs no naughty wantons in his arms—

CURIO.

But pays a filial honor to gray hairs,

And listens to thy voice--Divine Philosophy!

[They run off, laughing and mocking.

APOLLONIUS.

You have my leave to jest. The gods unravel
This hellish witchery that hides my scholar!
O Lycius! Lycius!

[Exit APOLLONIUS.

SCENE III.

A rich Chamber, with Pictures and Statues.

Enter Domus unsteadily, with a flask in his hand.

Here's a brave palace!

DOMUS.

[Looking round.

Why, when this was spread Gold was as cheap as sunshine. How it's stuck

All round about the walls. Your health, brave palace! Ha! Brother Picus! Look! are you engaged too?