A Select Collection of Old English Plays Volume Ix Part 71

VIS. Had he not wings upon his feet and shoulders?

MEN. Yes, yes, and a fine wand in his hand, Curiously wrapped with a pair of snakes.

TAC. Will half content you? pish, 'twill ne'er be known.

GUS. My life, 'twas Mercury.

MEN. I do not know his name; But this I'm sure, his hat had wings upon't.

VIS. Doubtless 'twas he; but say, my boy, what did he?

MEN. First I beheld him hovering in the air, And then down stooping with an hundred gyres:[196]

His feet he fixed on Mount Cephalon;[197]

From whence he flew and lighted on that plain, And with disdainful steps soon glided thither: Whither arrived, he suddenly unfolds A gorgeous robe and glittering ornament, And lays them all upon that hillock: This done, he wafts his wand, took wing again, And in a moment vanish'd out of sight.

With that mine eyes 'gan stare, and heart grew cold, And all my quiv'ring joints with sweat bedew'd: My heels (methought) had wings as well as his, And so away I ran; but by the way I met a man, as I thought, coming thither.

GUS. What marks had he?

MEN. He had a great--what! this is he, this is he.

VIS. What, Tactus?

GUS. This was the plague vex'd him so: Tactus, your grave gapes for you; are you ready?

VIS. Since you must needs die, do as others do, Leave all your goods behind you; bequeath The crown and robe to your executors.

TAC. No such matter; I, like the Egyptian kings,[198]

For the more state will be buried in them.

VIS. Come, come, deliver.

[VISUS _s.n.a.t.c.heth the crown, and sees letters graven in it_.

TAC. What, will you take my purse from me?

VIS. No, but a crown, that's just more than your own.

Ha, what's this? 'tis a very small hand, What inscription is this?

_He of the five that proves himself the best, Shall have his temples with this coronet blest_.

This crown is mine, and mine this garment is; For I have always been accounted best--

TAC. Next after me--high[199] as yourself at any time: Besides, I found it first, therefore 'tis mine.

GUS. Neither of yours, but mine as much as both.

AUD. And mine the most of any of you all.

VIS. Give me it, or else--

TAC. I'll make you late repent it--

GUS. Presumptuous as you are--

AUD. Spite of your teeth--

MEN. Never till now. Ha, ha! it works apace. [_Aside_.

Visus, I know 'tis yours; and yet methinks, Auditus, you should have some challenge to it; But that your t.i.tle, Tactus, is so good, Gustus, I would swear the coronet were yours: What, will you all go brawl about a trifle?

View but the pleasant coast of Microcosm, Is't not great pity to be rent with wars?

Is't not a shame to stain with brinish tears The smiling cheeks of ever-cheerful peace?

Is't not far better to live quietly, Than broil in fury of dissension?

Give me the crown, ye shall not disagree, If I can please you. I'll play Paris' part, And, most impartial, judge the controversy.

VIS. Sauce-box! go meddle with your lady's fan, And prate not here.

MEN. I speak not for myself, But for my country's sole[200] commodity.

VIS. Sirrah, be still.

MEN. Nay, and you be so hot, the devil part you!

I'll to Olfactus, and send him amongst you.

O, that I were Alecto for your sakes!

How liberally would I bestow my snakes!

[_Exit_ MENDACIO.

VIS. Tactus, upon thine honour, I challenge thee to meet me here, Strong as thou canst provide, in th'afternoon.

TAC. I undertake the challenge, and here's my hand, In sign thou shalt be answered.

GUS. Tactus, I'll join with thee, on this condition That, if we win, he that fought best of us Shall have the crown, the other wear the robe.

TAC. Give me your hand: I like the motion.

VIS. Auditus, shall we make our forces double Upon the same terms?

AUD. Very willingly.

VIS. Come, let's away: fear not the victory; Right's more advantage than an host of soldiers.

[_Exeunt omnes_.

ACTUS SECUNDUS, SCAENA PRIMA.

APPEt.i.tUS, _a long, lean, raw-boned fellow, in a soldier's coat, a sword, &c_.

MENDACIO, APPEt.i.tUS.