Digitized by tine Internet Arciiive in 2007 witii funding from IVIicrosoft Corporation littp://www.arcliive.org/details/comedyoferrorsinOOsliakricli THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, Six d?tS)« ^CtS!. "WITH ALTERATIONS, ADDITIONS, AND WITH Songs, DuetSy Glees, and Choriisses, SELECTED ENTIRELY FROM THE PLAYS, POEMS, AND SONNETS OF t PERFORMED AT THE THEATRE ROTAL, COVENT GARDEN. , The Overture and new Music composed, and the Glees arranged, by Mr. Bishop. FROM Dr. Jrrie, Sir J. Stevenson, Stevens, and Mozart, Eonftott : PRINTED BY AND FOR SAMPSON LOW, 42, LAMB's CONDUIT STREET. 1819. '/3/ C ^r^ ADVERTISEMENT. The admirers of Shakspeare having long regretted, that most of his Lyrical Compositions y have never been sung in a Theatre, the Comedy of Errors, (one of the shortest and most Hvely of his Comedies) has been selected as the best vehicle for their introduction. — A few additional scenes and passages were absolutely necessary for this purpose; and however deficient these may be found, it is hoped they will be readily pardoned, as having served to bring on the stage, more of the " native wood notes wild/' of our Immortal Bard! Dec. 8th, I8I9. 543 DRAMATIS PERSONS. Solinus, Duhe of Ephesus - Mr. Egerton -^geon ------- Mr. Chapman Antipholis of Ephesus - - Mr. Duruset Antipholis of Syracuse - - Mr, Jones Dromio of Ephesus - - - Mr. W. Farren Dromio of Syracuse - - - Mr. Liston Angelo ------- Mr. Connor Cleon ------- Mr. Treby Chares ------- Mr. Comer Doctor Pinch ----- Mr. Blanchard Officer ------- Mr. King Balthazar ------ Mr. Taylor Cerimon --,--- Mr. Pyne Escanes ------- Mr. Hunt Ctesiphon ------ Mr. J. Isaacs Abbess ------- Mrs. Faucit Adriana ------- Miss Stephens Luciana ------- Miss M. Tree ' Lesbia ------- Mrs. T. Hill Hermia ------- Miss Green Kitchen Maid - - - - - Miss Leserve Gentlemen, attendant 07i Doctor Pinch — Sisters of the Convent y ^c. Scene — Ephesus. THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. ACT I, SCENE I. A HALL IN THE PALACE OF THE DUKE. The Duke discovered seated on his Throne and surrounded by his Officers of State, — Mgeon in Chains. — Flourish. ^geon. Proceed, Solinus, to procure my fall ; And terminate, by this thy rig'rous doom, -^geon's life and miseries together. Duke. Merchant of Syracusa, plead no more : The enmity and discord which, of late. Sprung from the ranc'rous outrage of your duke To merchants, our well-dealing countrymen, — Who wanting guilders to redeem their lives. Have seal'd his rig'rous statutes with their blood, — Excludes all pity from our threat'ning looks. For, since the mortal and intestine jars 'Twixt thy seditious countrymen and us. It hath in solemn synods been decreed. Both by the Syracusans and ourselves, T' admit no ti'affic to our adverse towns : B 2 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. Nay, more ; — If any, born at Ephesus, Be seen at Syracusan marts or fairs, — Again ; — If any Syracusan bom Come to the bay of Epbesas, — he dies : His goods confiscate to the duke's dispose ;, Unless a thousand marks be levied. To quit the penalty and ransom him. Thy substance, valued at the highest rate^ Cannot amount unto an hundred marks ; Therefore by law tbpu art condemn d to die. JEgeo7i. This comfort then, the wretch's last resource, At least, I gain from the severe decree, My woes must finish ere the setting sun. Duke. Yet, Syracusan, say to me, in brief, Why thou departedst from thy native honie; And for what cause thou cam'st to Ephesus. JBlgeon. A heavier task could not have been, impos'd ; Yet will I utter what my grief permits. In Syracusa was I born ; and wed Unto a woman, happy but for me ! With her I liv'd in joy ; our wealth increased; By prosperous traffick, *till my factors death Drew us unwillingly to Epidamnum : There had we not been long, but she became A joyful mother of two goodly sons ; And, strange to hear, the one so like the other. They hardly by ourselves could be distinguish'd. That very hour, and in the self-same house. THE COMEDY OF EHRORS. A poor mean woman was delivered Of such a burden^, male twins, both alike. These, for their parents were exceeding poor, I bought, and brought up, to attend my sons. My wife, not meanly proud of her two boys. Made daily motions for our home return : Unwilling I agreed. We came aboard — O, bitter recollection ! ^ ., Duke. Stop thy tears : — I long, yet almost dread, to hear the rest. jEgeon. A league from Epidamnum had we saifd, Before the always wind-obeying deep Gave any tragic instance of our harm : But longer did we not retain much hope ; For what obscured light the heavens did grant. Did but convey into our fearful minds A dreadful warrant of immediate death. The sailors sought for safety by our boat. And left the ship, then sinking-ripe, to us. My wife, more careful for the elder-born. Had fasten'd him unto a small spare mast ; To him, one of the other twins was bound ; While I had been like heedful of the younger. The children thus disposed, my wife and I Fasten'd ourselves at either end the mast. And, floating straight obedient to the stream, Were carried towards Corinth, as we thought. At length the sea wax'd calm ; and we discover d Two ships^ from far, making amain to us : 4 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, But ere they came Duke, Pursue thy tale^ old man. jfEgeon, Being encountered by a mighty rock^ Our helpless raft was splitted in the midst : Her part,— poor soul ! — burden'd with lesser weight. Was carried with more speed before the wind ; And, in our sight, they three were taken up By fishermen of Corinth. At length, another ship had seiz'd on us ; And would have 'reft those fishers of their prey. Had not their bark been very slow of sail. Duke. Relate at full What hath befallen to them, and thee, 'till now. jEgeon. My youngest boy, and yet my eldest care. At eighteen years, became inquisitive After his brother ; and importun d me That his attendant — for his case was like, 'Reft of his brother, but retain'd his name, — Might bear him company, in quest of him. Whom while I labour'd of a love to see, I yielded to the loss ©f him I lov'd ; Since which unhappy time no news arriving What course their wayward stars had hurried them. Five summers have I spent in furthest Greece, Roaming ev'n through the bounds of Asia ; And, coasting homeward, came to Ephesus : But here must end the story of my life ; And happy were I in my timely death. Could all my travels warrant me, they live. THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. Duhe. Hapless ^geon^ whom the fates have iiiark'd To bear th' extremity of dire mishap ! Now trust me, were it not against our laws, Against my crown, my oath, my dignity. My soul should sue as advocate for thee : But though thou art adjudged to the death. And passed sentence cannot be recall'd, Without our honour's great disparagement. Yet will I favour thee in what I can : I therefore, merchant, limit thee this day. To seek thy life by beneficial help : Try all the friends thou hast in Ephesus ; Beg thou, or borrow, to make up the sum. And live ; if not, then art thou doom'd to die. [Exeunt the Duhe <§' Officers of State. — Flourish. jEgeon, What friends, alas! can misery expect? This pity but prolongs the date of pain : And to a sure, though short-protracted end Helpless and hopeless doth -^geon wend. [Exit with the Officers, « THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. SCENE 11. THE HOUSE AND GARDEN OF ANTIIPHOLIS. Enter' Luciana. Luciana. Why does Antipholis so long delay^ And give his wife new cause for jealousy? In vain I still preach patience — for she says That should I live to see these griefs my own. My boasted reasoning would be thrown aside. Well, I will marry one day but to try — Yet all things must combine to tempt me to it» First, the season — not when drear winter chiHs ; But when, as good old calendars assert^ Wedlock's apt season, merry spring time cotties I SONG.— (As you like it.) I. It was a lover and his lass, With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino, That der the green corn-field did pass. In the spring time, the only pretty ring time, Wher^ birds do sifig, hey ding, a-ding, ding, Sweet lovers love the spring, II. This cai^ol they began that hour. With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino, How that Tife was but a flower. In the spring time, Sfc, THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. % SCENE III. THE MART. VIEW OF THE HARBOUH IN THE BACK.. Enter Antipholis of Syracuse and Cleon. Cle, Therefore give out you are of Epidamnum :: Lest that your goods be forfeit to the state. This very day a Syracusan merchant Is apprehended for arrival here ; And, not being able to buy out his life. Dies ere the weary sun sets in the west. — There is your money which 1 had to keep. Ant, of Syr. Where is that loitering knave ? — Dromio ! Dromio ! [Calling hmio. Enter Dromio of Syracuse, Dr, of Syr. Here Sir — here ! Ant. of Syr, Go, bear this .money to the Centaur^., where we host ; And stay there, sirrah, till I come to thee. Within this hour it will be dinner-time; ^Till then, I'll view the manners of the town, Peruse the traders, gaze upon the buildings. And then return, and sleep within mine inn ;, For with long travel I am sick and weary. Get thee away ! Dr. of Syr. Many a man would take you at your word, 8 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. And go away indeed, having so great A treasure in his charge. — Of what strength do You conceive my honesty, good master, That you dare put it to such temptation ? Ant, of Syr. Of proof against a greater charge than this : Were it remiss, thy love would strengthen it ; I think, thou would'st not wrong me, if thou could'st. Dr. of Syr. I hope, I should not, sir ; but there is such A thing as trusting too far. Odd's heart, 'tis A weighty matter; and, if balanced in A stilliard against my honesty, I doubt Ant. of Syr. That very doubt is my security ; No further argument, but speed away. Dr. of Syr. Ay ; but, master, you know the old saying,— Ant. of Syr. Then thou hast no occasion to tell it me. Begone I say. — [Exit Dromio of Syracuse. A trusty villain, sir, that very oft When I am dull with care and melancholy. Lightens my humour with his merry jests. — What, will you walk with me about the town. And then go to the inn, and dine with me ? Cle. I am invited, sir, to certain merchants, Of whom I hope to make much benefit : I crave your pardon : but, at five o'clock. THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 9 Please you, I'll meet you here upon the mart ; And afterwards consort with you 'till bed-time. My present business calls me from you now. Ant, of Syr, Farewell, 'till then. — I will go lose myself, And wander up and down, to view the city. Cle, Sir, I commend you to your own content. [Exit Cleon. Ant, of Syr, He that commends me to my own content, Commends me to the thing I cannot get. I, to the world, am like a drop of water That in the ocean seeks another drop ; Who, failing there to find his fellow out, Unseen, inquisitive, confounds himself: So I, to find a mother and a brother, In search of them, unhappy, lose myself. — Enter Dromio of Ephesus, How now ? How chance thou art return'd so soon ? Dr, of Eph, Return'd so soon! rather approach'd too late : The capon burns, the pig falls from the spit ; The clock hath strucken twelve upon the bell. My mistress made it one upon my cheek ; She is so hot, because the meat is cold : The meat is cold, because you come not home ; Yofi come not home, because you have no stomach ; You have no stomach, having broke your fa^ : But we, that know what 't is to fast and pray, C 10 THE CQMEDY OF JSRRORS. Are penit^pt for youv default tord^y. Ant of Syr, Stop in your wind, §ir: Tell me ^hisi, I pray. Where h^ve you left the money that I gave yqu ? Dr. of Eph. Money! — O, the money that I had on Wednesday last, to pay for mending my Mis^iws's s^(jdje. The §^dler had it, sir : \ kept '}X np^. An^. qf Sy.]^. J am not in a sportive humour now; Tell me, and dally not, where is the money? We being strangers here, how dar st thou trnst So great a charge from thine own custody ? Dr. of Eph. I pray you, jest, sir, as ypu sit ^t dinner. I from my mistiness come to yqu in haste : Methinks your stomach, Jik^ naina, should be your clock, And send you home without a messenger. AnU of Syr. Come, Dromio, come, these jests aF^ out of season ; Reserve them 'till a merrier hour than this. Where is the gold I gave in charge to thee ? Dr. of Eph. To me, sir! — Why, you gave no gold to me. Ant. of Syr. Come, come, have done your fopl- ishness ; And tell me how thou hast disposed my charge. Dr. of Eph. My charge was but to fetch yon from the mart Home to yoyr house, the Phoenix, sir, to din^er ; TttE COMlfiDY OF EtlftORS. li My mistress and het sister stay for ydu. Ant. of Syr. Now, as I am a Christian,-^ Answei* me, In what safe place yoa have bestow'd my money ; Or I shall break that iiierry sconce of yours. That stands on tricks, when I am undisposed. Where are the thousand matks thbU hadst of me ? Dr. of Eph. I have some rtiarks of youi-s bpbii my pate ; Some of my mistress' marks upon my shoulders ; Between you both, they make, perhaps, a thousand : If I should pay your \^orship these again, Perchance, you will not take it patiently. Ant. of Syr. Thy mistress' marks ! — What mis- tresSj slave, hast thou? Dr. of Eph. Your worship's wife, my mistress, at the Phoetiix ; She that doth fast, ^till you come home to dinner. And prays that yOu will haste you. Ant. of Syr. What, wilt thou flout me thus untd tny face. Being forbid ? There, take you that, sir knave. Dr. of Eph. What mean yoii sir? — ^for heaven's sake, hold your hands : Nay, an you will hot, sir, I'll take my heels. [_Exit Dromio of Eph^Sm. Ant. of Syr. Uponrliy life, by soitife detit'e dt other, The villain has been trick'd of all triy fndney. They say, this town is full of coXenage; If it prove so, I will be gone the ^doner. 12 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. Misguided by my hopes, in doubt I stray. To seek what I, perchance, may never find» May not the cruel hand of destiny. Ere this, have rendered all my searches vain ? If so, how wretched has my folly made me ! In luckless hour, alas ! I left my home ; Left the fond comforts of a father's love. The only bliss my fortune had in store. For dubious pleasures on a foreign shore. \_Exit. SCENE IV, AN ANTI-CHAMBER IN BALTHAZAR's HOUSE. Enter Balthazar and Antipholis of Ephesus. Ant of Eph. In sooth, Balthazar, you must now excuse me ; My wife is shrewish if I keep not hours. And it grows late. BaL Come — yet carouse with us — another glass ? Ant. of Eph, Another time — good night. BaL Go to, Antipholis — you are to blame. To nurse and nourish thus her wayward spirit. Were I the lady Adriana's husband ! — Ant. of Eph. Like me, Balthazar, Regretting that the canker jealousy Infected such a fair and beauteous flower, Thoud^st try by gentle watchfulness and care. To cure and to preserve it. THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 13 BaL Not I, Antipholis. Her beauty's triumph may enslave my friend ; With me, it should not last — Ant of Eph. Nor can it last. SO^^E^I,— (Antipholis of EphesusJ beauty's valuation. I. Beauty is hut a vain, and doubtful good, A shining gloss, that fadeth suddenly — A flower that dies when first it 'gins to bud, A brittle glass, thafs brohen presently. A doubtful goody a gloss, a glass, a flower ! Lost, faded, broken, dead within an hour ! II. And, as goods lost, are seldom — never found, As faded gloss no rubbing will refresh ; As flowers dead, lie wither d on the ground, As broken glass no cement can redress. So beauty blemisJid once, for evers lost. In spite of art, of painting, pain and cost. BaL 'Tis well— good night — and yet forsooth, 'tis strange If such the power of Adriana's charms. Another's glances should but now so wound ! [^AntiphGlis looks confused^ 14 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. Deny it not-— deny not that within^ Sharing our revelry ; even at first sight Circean Lesbia's smiles — Ant. of' Eph, (agitated.) Lesbia's ! Bait, Aye, Lesbia's ! and not thyself, hast thoH to thank For this thy honourable safe retreat. But a bold rival — ha ! behold he comes ! And with him — Cerimon. Enter Cerimon and Etesiphon. Cer, How now, forsooth ! Break up our social board ! leave us Antipholis ? Bal. As 'tis his custom — love is still victorious. That senior-junior, giant dwarf, Dan Cupid ; Regent of love rhimes, lord of folded arms. The anointed sovereign of sighs and groans ; Dread prince of plackets, and great general Of trotting paritors — he, this whimpering, whining, Pur-blind boy, still leads him to a wife — A woman, that is like a German clock — Ever repairing Ant, of Eph. Nay — nay — Balthazar — Cer, (taking his hand) Come, be prevailed on — For once, at least, Antipholis, — and hark ! — The hollow murmuring of the wind Forebodes a stormy night. Ant, of Eph. Well ! — since you'll have it so— But think not that I heed the storm. No — no— my friends. T«E COMEDY OF JlRRQRSf. 1^ GLEE.— (As you Like it.) Blow, blow, thou wintry ivind. Thou art not so unkind As man's ingratitude : Thy tooth is not so keen, Because thou art not seen, Although thy breath be rude. Heigh, ho ! sing heigh, ho ! unto the green holly ; Most friendship is failing, — most loving mere folly. Then heigh, ho ! the holly ! This life is most Jolly. [Exeunt. END OF THE FJI^ST ACT. 115 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. ACT II. SCENE L A ROOM IN THE HOUSE OF ANTIPHOLIS OF EPHESUS. Enter Luciaiia, Luc, Where is my sister — where my Adriana? oh ! she comes. Enter Adriana. Adr. Neither my husband, nor the slave retmn d. That, in such haste, I sent to look for him ? Sure, Luciana, it is two o'clock. Luc. Perhaps, some merchant has invited him. And, from the mart, he's somewhere gone to dinner. Good sister, let us dine and never fret, A man is master of his liberty ; Will come, or go; therefore be patient, sister. Adr. Why should their liberty be more than ours ? Luc. Because their business still lies out of door. Adr. Look, when I serve him so, he takes it ill. Luc. He is the bridle of your actions, sister. Adr. None, but an idiot, would be bridled so. Luc. Why, headstrong liberty belongs to man, And ill befits a woman's gentle mind. ^ There's nothing situate under Heaven s eye. But hath its bound, in earth, in sea, and air : The beasts, the fishes, a^d the winged tribes. Are their males' subjects, and at their controul : Man, more divine, the master of them all, THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 17 Indu d with intellectual sense and soul. Is master to his female ; nay, her lord : Let then your will attend on his commands. Adr. This servitude makes you remain unwed. Luc. Not this ; but troubles of the marriage state. Adr. But, were you wedded, you would bear some rule. Luc. Before I wed, I'll practice to obey. Adr. How, if your husband start some other where ? Luc. With all the gentle, artificial means That patient meekness and domestic cares Could bring to my relief, I would beguile The intervening hours, 'till he, tir d out With empty transient pleasures, should return. To seek content and happiness at home : With smiles I'd welcome him, and put in practice Each soothing art that kindness could suggest. To wean his mind from such delusive joys. Adr. O special reasoning! Well may they be ,,,,, patient. Who never had a cause for anger given them. How easily we cure another's grief! But were we burden'd with like weight of woe. As much, or more, we should ourselves complain : Patience I've none — no — I shall haply share The fate of her, we have so oft Uimentedf — Poor love-lorn Barbara ! Luc. Barbara! — nay sister- [^Taklng her hand. 18 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. Adr, She had a song of— willow ! — An old thing It was ; but it expressed her fortune. SONG.— (Othello.) The poor soul sat sighing hy a sycamore tree, Sing all a green willoiv : Her hand on her bosom, her head on her knee, Sing loillow, willow, willow : The fresh stream ran by her, and murmur d her moans, Sing willow, willow, willow : Her soft tears fell from her, and soften'' d the stones, Sing willow, willow, willow, Luc. Here comes your man ; now is your hus- band near. Enter Dromio of Ephesus. Adr. Say, is your tardy master now at hand ? Dr, of Eph, Nay, he's at two hands with me, and that my two ears can witness. Adr. Say, didst thou speak with him ? know'st thou his mind ? Dr, of Eph. Ay, ay ; he told his mind upon my ear : Beshrew his hand, I scarce could understand it. Luc, Spake he so doubtfully, thou could'st not find His meaning ? THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 19 Dr, of Eph. Nay ; he struck so plainly, I could too well feel his blows ; and with all so doubtfully, that I could scarce understand them. Adr. But say, I pray thee, is he coming home ? It seems, he hath great care to please his wife ! Dr. of Eph, Why, mistress, sure, my master is horn-mad. Luc, Horn-mad, thou villain ! Dr of Eph, I mean not cuckold-mad ; but, sure, stark- mad. When I desir d him to come home to dinner, He ask'd me for a thousand marks of gold. 'Tis dinner-time, quoth I : — My gold, quoth he — Your meat doth burn, quoth I :- -My gold quoth he : Where are the thousand marks I gave thee, villain ? — The pig, quoth I, is bum'd: — My gold, quoth he : — My mistress, sir, quoth I : — Hang up thy mistress ! I do not know thy mistress : — out on thy mistress ! Luc, Quoth who ? Dr of Eph, Quoth my master : I know, quoth he, no house, no wife, no mistress ; So that, my errand, due unto my tongue, I thank him, I bare home upon my shoulders ; For, in conclusion, he did beat me hither. Adr, Go back again, thou slave, and fetch him home. Dr, of Eph. Go back again, and be new beaten home ? For heaven's sake, send some other messenger. 20 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. Adr. Hence prating peasant ! fetch tby master home. Dr. of Eph, Am I so round with you, as you with me, That^ like a foot-ball^ you do spurn me thus ? You spurn me hence, and he will spurn me hither : If I last in this service, you must case me in leather. \_Exit Dromio of Ephesus. Luc, Fy ! how impatience lowereth on your brow! Adr. His company must do his minions grace. While, I at home, starve for a cheerful look. Do their gay vestments his aifections bait ? That's not my fault ; he/s master of my fortunes. What ruins are in me, that can be found ^ By him not ruin'd ? My decayed beauty, A sunny look of his would soon repair : But, too unruly deer ! he breaks the pale. And feeds from home : poor I am left despis'd. Luc, Self-harming jealousy : Fie! beat it hence. Adr. I know, his eye doth homage other- whea'e ; Or else, what lets it but he would be here ? Sister, you know, he promised me a bracelet: Some stranger fair hath caught his truant eye. And triumphs in the gifts design'd for me. Such trifles yet with ease I could forego, So I were sure he left his heart at home. I see, the jewel best enameled Will lose its lustre: so doth Adriana ; Whom once, unwearied with continual gazing. He fondly call'd the treasure of his life. THE COMEDY OF ERRORS: 21 Luc, And still shall call her so ; come, be of heart. In sooth, for my sake, sister ; 'tis the mere Phantom of your mind — tormenting fancy. Adr, Fancy ! Luc, Aye, fancy— that strange, inexplicable — Dismiss it, sister. Adr, Oh, that I could ; Fll try ; but first— DUET.— (Merchant of Venice.) I. Adriana. Tell me, where is Fancy bredP Or in the heart , or in the head P How begot, how nourished P II. LuciANA. It is engender d in the ei/es, PFith gating fed, and Fancy dies In the cradle where it lies. Let us both ring Fancy s hnell ; ril begin it — Ding, dong, bell. Adriana. Ding, dong, bell ! Both, Ding, dong, bell! [Exeunt. 23 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. SCENE II. THE MART. Enter Antipholis of Syracuse. Ant. of Syr. The gold I gave to Dromio is laid up Safe at the Centaur, and the heedful slave Is wander d forth in care to seek me out. O ! here he comes — Enter Dromio of Syracuse. Hov»r now, sir ? is your merry humour alter'd ? As you love strokes, so jest with me again. You knew no Centaur ! you received no gold ! Your mistress sent to have me home to dinner ! My house was at the Phoenix ! wert thou mad. That thus so strangely thou didst answer me I Dr. of Syr. What answer, sir ? when spake I such a word ? Ant. of Syr. Ev'n now, ev'n here ; not half an hour since. Dr. of Syr. I did not see you, since you sent me hence. Home to the Centaur, with the gold you gave' me. Ant. of Syr. Villain, thou didst deny the gold's receipt, And told'st me of a mistress and a dinner : For which I hope, thou felt'st I was displeas'd. THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 23 Dr, of Syr, Pm glad, to see yon in this merry vein ; What means this jest, I pray you, master, tell me ? Arit. of Syr. What, dost thou jeer, and flout me in the teeth, Think'st thou, I jest ? there take thou that, and that. Dr. of Syr. Hold, sir, for heav'n's sake : now your jest is earnest : Upon what bargain do you give it me ? Ant. of Syr. Because that I familiarly sometimes Do use you for my fool, and chat with yon. Your sauciness will jest upon my love. And make a common of my serious hours. When the sun shines, let foolish gnats make sport ; But creep in crannies, when he hides his beams. If you will jest with me, then know my aspect. And fashion your demeanour to my looks. Dr. of Syr. I pray, sir, why am I beaten r Ant. of Syr. Dost thou uot know ? Dr. of Syr. Nothing ; but that I am beaten. Ant. of Syr. Why, first, for flouting me ; and then, for urging It, in spite of my assertion to the contrary. Is dinner ready? Dr. of Syr. No, sir ; I think, the meat wants what I've got. Ant, of Syr. What's that ? Dr. of Syr. Why, basting, sir. Ant. of Syr. No more, thou knave ! for see, who wafts us yonder : £4 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. This way they haste, and by their gestures seem To point out me. — What should they mean, I trow? Ejitei' Adriana and Luciana. Adr, Aye, aye, AntiphoHs ; look strange and frown ; Some other mistress hath some sweeter aspect : I am not Adriana, nor thy wife. How comes it now, my husband, O ! how comes it, That thou art thus estranged to thyself? Thyself, 1 call it, being strange to me. O ! do not tear thyself away from me ; For know, my love, as easy may'st thou fall A drop of water in the breaking gulf. And take unmingled thence that drop again. As take from me thyself. Ant of Syr. Plead you to me, fair dame ? I know you not : In Ephesus I am but two hours old. As strange unto your town as to your talk. Luc. Fie, brother ! how the world is changed with you ! When were you wont to use my sister thus ? She sent for you by Dromio home to dinner. A7it of Syr. By Dromio ? Dr. of Syr. By me? Adr. By thee ; and thus thou didst return from him, That he did buffet thee, and, in his blows. THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 25 Denied my house^ for his ; me, for his wife. Ant of Syr, Did you converse, sir, with this gentlewoman ? Dr. of Syr. I, sir! — I never saw her ^tifl this moment. Ant. of Syr. Villain, thou liest; for e'en her very words Didst thou deliver to me on the mart. ^ Dr. of Syr. I never spoke with her in all my Hfe. Ant. of Syr. How can she then thus call us by our names, Unless it be by inspiration ? Adr. How ill agrees it with your gravity. To counterfeit thus grossly with your slave. Abetting him to thwart me in my mood l-^ Come, I will fasten thus upon thy arm ; Thou art an elm, my husband ; I, a vine. Whose weakness, married to thy stronger state. Shares in thy virtues and partakes thy strength. If aught possess thee from me, it is dross. Usurping ivy, idle moss, or brier, Who, all for want of pruning, with intrusion Infect thy sap, and live on thy destruction. Ant. of Syr. To me she speaks,^— she moves me for her theme. — What, was I married to her in my sleep ? Or sleep I now? and dream, I bear all this ? What error thus deceives our eyes and ears ? Yet that the mystery I may explore, I'll seem to entertain the fallacy. F 26 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. Luc. Dromio, go bid the servants spread for dinner. Dr. of Syr. Meaning me ? Luc. Ay^ thee, thou slug ! JDr. of Syr. Spread for dinner ! Ant. of Syr. Am I alive ? Am I Antipholis ? Sleeping or waking ? Mad, or well advis'd ? Known unto these^ yet to myself unknown ! Fain would I learn from whence these wonders flow : But that I almost fear to trace the source, So strange is every thing I see and hear. Adr. Come, come, no longer will I be a fool. To put the finger in the eye, and weep. While man and master laugh my woes to scorn. Come, sir, to dinner : — Dromio, keep the gate : Husband, I'll dine above with you to-day. And shrive you of a thousand idle pranks. Sirrah, if any ask you for your master, Say, he dines forth, and let no creature enter. Come, sister : — Dromio, play the porter well. \_Exeunt Adriana, Antipholis of Syracuse, and Luciana. Dr. of Syr. Spread for dinner! I am afraid, I shall Be somewhat aukward, as I am not w ell Acquainted with the customs of the house : Though, I suppose, they'll be so courteous To teach a new-comer — particularly your ladies in waiting — Aye, there they go. — And have taken my master with 'em. Sure, THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 27 We are in the laud of fairies, arid converse With sprites and gobHns. I wish they mayn't have Infected my poor master ; for, even now, He swore to a discourse, I held with him Here on the mart ; when, I can swear, I was Talking to the strong box yonder at the Centaur. — • Mighty odd all this! — (voice without) — Dromio, Dromio — Oh ! a lady in waiting — Dear, sweet, unknown ! thy doating Dromio comes. [Exit. Enter AntiphoUs of Ephesus, Balthazar , Cerimon^ and others. Ant. of Eph, I do repent me I have staid so long. Good night, Balthazar. BaL Prithee, Antipholis, be more resolv'd— ^ And by bold remedy still try to cure Your lady's malady. Ant. of Eph. Aye— in due time— but now — Bal. Wd\ — for to-night return — But if she welcome you with taunts and jeers. Tell her your friends grow jealous in their turn. And missing you, in your accustom'd sports. Will, ere the dawn shall gild yon mountains' tops. Once more awake you w^ith the hunter's peal. • Ant. of Eph. (smiling ivith satisfaction.) The hunter's peal ! 28 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. Cer, Aye — your old pastime ! — to the chace my friend ; And there, if foremost, and you kill the deer — Ant» of Eph, The thought inspires me ! — and if we fail In this our wonted sport — still as before We can recline beneath the greenwood tree And sing, and laugh at the world's empty Vain pursuits. GLEE.— (As you Like it.) Under the greenwood tree, PTho loves to lie with me. And tune his merry note Unto the sweet hirdJs throat, Come hither, come hither, come hither ! Here shall he see No enemy, But winter and rough weather. [Exeunt, END OF THE SECOND ACT. THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. ACT III, SCENE L A STREET, WITH THE HOUSE OF ANTIPHOLIS OF EPHESUS. Enter AntiphoUs of Ephesus^ Cerimorij Angelo, and Dromio of Ephesus. Ant. of Eph. Good Signor Angelo, Say, that I linger d with you, at your shop. To see the making of her bracelet. And that to-morrow you will bring it home. But here's a villain, that would face me down, He met me on the mart, and that I beat him, And charged him with a thousand marks of gold, And that I did deny my wife and house. Thou drunkard thou, what didst thou mean by this? Dr, of Eph. Say what you will, sir, but I know what I know : That you beat me at the mart, I have the marks to witness. Ant, of Eph, Silence, thou sot ; or I shall sober thee. You're sad, Signor Angelo ; pray heaven, our cheer May answer my good-will, and your good welcome. But soft, my door is locked : Sirrah, ring the bell. Dr, of Eph, \Rings.~\ O, he's a little soberer, and he does know bis own house now. 30 * THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. Ant, ofEph. Will they not hear ? Dr, of Eph, In good truths I think they will not. My mistress, sure, means to be quits with you, master : you denied her awhile ago, and now, she's determined to deny you. Ant. of Eph. Have done, thou varlet. Call to them ; bid them let us in. Dr. of Eph. Maud, Hermia, Marian, Cicely, Gillian, Madge! Dr. oj Syr. [Within^ Mome, malt-horse, capon, coxcomb, idiot, patch! — Dost thou conjure for wenches, that thou call'st for such store, when one is one too many ? — Go get thee from the gate. Dr. of Eph. What patch is made our porter? — My master stays in the street. Dr. of Syr. \JVlthin.~] Let him walk from whence he came ; lest he catch cold in his feet. Ant. of Eph. Who talks within there? — Hoa, open the door. Dr. of Syr. [fVithin.'] Right, sir : — I'll tell you when, an you'll tell me wherefore. Ant. of Eph. What art thou, there, that keep'st me from mine own house ? Dr. of Syr. The porter, sir, and my name is Dromio. Dr. of Eph. O, villain, thou hast stolen both mine office and my name. Hermia. [fFithin] Whyj what a coil is there ? — Dromio, who are those at the door ? Dr, of Eph. Let my master in. ' THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 3\ Her, \JVithin,~\ Peace, fool ! my master's here already. Ant, of Eph, Do you hear, you minion ? You 11 let us in, I trow. Her. \JVithin.'] Can you tell for whose sake ? Dr, of Eph. Master, knock at the door hard. Dr, of Syr. [JVith'm.^ Let him knock till it ache. Adriana. [ff^lthin.~\ Who is at the gate, that keeps all this noise ? Ant. of Eph. Are you there, wife ? You might have come before. Adr. [PFlthin.'] Your wife, sir knave !— Go, get you from the gate. Ant of Eph, Get from the gate ! What means this saucy language ? There's something more in this. — Why Adriana! Adr, \fVithin.'] Hence, you familiar coxcomb ! Cease your noise ; Or you shall dearly pay for all this outrage. — Dromio, be sure, you keep fast the doors against 'em. Ant. of Eph, Why, wife, I say,— Dr, of Syr. \^Within.~\ She's gone back to din- ner, sir, to take a refreshing cup ; and has no time to answer idle questions now. Ant. of Eph, Now, on my soul, some strange mysterious guile Lurks underneath this unaccustom'd usage : Some shameful minion here is entertain'd. Ang, Have patience, sir : O, let it not be thus ; Herein you war against your reputation. 3^ THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. And draw within the compass of suspect The inviolated honour of your wife. Cer Aye, sir, your long experience of her wisdom, Her sober virtue, years, and modesty Plead, on her part, some cause to you unknown ; And, doubt it not, but she will well excuse Why at this time, the doors are barred against you. Ant. ojEph. Shall I be thus shut forth from my own house, While they are revelling to my dishonour ? Go, fetch an instrument : Pll break the door. Shatter it all to pieces, but I'll enter. Go. (To Dromio, stamping and menacing). Dromio. Gone ! \_Exit. Ang. Be rul'd by me : depart in patience. And let us to the Tiger go to dinner ; And, about evening, come yourself alone, To know the reason of this strange restraint. If by strong hand you offer to break in, Now, in the stirring passage of the day, A vulgar comment will be made on it ; And that supposed by the common rout, Against your yet ungalled estimation. That may with foul intnision enter in. And dwell upon your grave when you are dead ! For slander lives ev'n to posterity, For ever hous'd, when once it gets possession. Cer\ It does — it does — let him prevail my lord. THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. S3 Ant. of Eph. You have prevail'd : I will depart in quiet ; And, in despite of wrath, try to be merry. I know a wench of excellent discourse, Lesbia by name ; wild, and yet right gentle ; There will we dine : — this woman that I mean. My wife, — but I protest, without desert, — Hatb oftentimes upbraided me withal : To Lesbia we'll to dinner. Get you home. And fetch the Jewel ; by this, I guess, ^tis made : Bring it, I pray you, to the Porcupine ; For there's the house ; and there will I bestow it. Be it for nothing but to spite ftiy wife. Upon this Lesbia. — Use dispatch. Ang\ I will. — Pll meet you at that place some hour, sir, hence. That is, if Fate or evil spirits, say not nay. For I know not why — - Though ne'er to superstition given, I could believe we trod upon enchanted ground. And elves and witches were abroad. [^Exit, Ant. of Eph, And L — And now I recollect, last night I dreamt St. Withold had the desart left, And as the bell toird " one," hover'd and shriek'd Like the ill-omen'd bird, with fatal knell, Around my dwelling. 34 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. DUET.— (King Lear). St, IVithold footed thrice the wold, He met the night-mare, and her ninefold ; — Bid her alight ^ And her troth plight, And aroint thee, witch ! aroint thee, right ! [Exeunt, SCENE IL A GARDEN. Antipholis of Syracuse, Adriatia, and huciana discovered. Adv. Why, why was 1 to this keen mock'ry born ? How at your hands have I deserv'd this coldness r In sooth, you do me wrong : there was a time When I believed, so fond was my creduUty, The sun was scarce so true unto the day, As you to me. Ant, of Syr, I would some friendly light Might chase away the mist that clouds our fancies, And give this dream a meaning! — True, I see These beauteous bowers, in nature's fragrance rich ; Behold the painted children of her hand. Flaunting in gay luxuriance all around ; I see imperial Phoebus' trembling beam Dance on the curly brook ; whose gentk current Glides imperceptibly away, scarce staying To kiss th' embracing bank. THE COMEDY. OF ERRORS. S5 Adr. So glides away Thy hasty love, — O, apt illusion ! — And mocks my constant and attentive care, That seeks in vain to keep it. Luc. Dearest brother, Why turn on me yonr eyes ? — regard my sister, Who with such earnest suit solicits vou To heal her wounded peace. Adr. It cannot be, But that some frenzy hath possest his mind. Else could he not with cold indiiference hear His Adriana pleading. Musics voice 0*er such entranced dispositions Hath oft a magic power, and can recall The wandering faculties. That song, which in Tlie happy morn of life, first won his love, — That song, I'll try again. SONG.— (Sonnets.) Come, live with me, and be my love. And we will all the pleafiure prove. That hill and valleij, dell andjield. And all the craggy mountains yield : There will we sit upon the rocks, And see the shepherds feed their flocks There will 1 make thee beds of roses. With a thousand fragrant posies ; ^ THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. J^ these delights thy mind may move. Then, live with me, and he my love. 11. Come, live with me, and be my dear. And we will revel all the year In plains and groves, on hills and dales. Where fragrant air breathes sweetest gales. There shall you have the beauteous pine. The cedar, and the spreading vine ; The birds, with heavenly tuned throats. Possess wood-echoes with sweet notes : If these delights thy mind may move. Then, live with me, and be my love. Luc. Speak, speak to her, Antipholis. Adr, III vain ; there is some magic in thine eye That hath infected his : Perchance, to thee He may unfold the source of his distemp'rature : For me, no hunger will I sue for that My right may claim : loose infidelity And lawless passion have estrang'd his soul. Yet, think, my husband, could'st thou bear the like? Preserve then equal league with thy true bed ; Keep me unstain'd, thou undishour d live. \_Exit Adriana. Luc, And may it be, that you have quite forgot A husband's office ? Shall, Antipholis, Ev'n in the spring of love, thy passion fade ? If you did wed my sister for her wealth. THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 57 Then, for her wealth^s sake, use her with more kinchie^ss : Or, if you like elsewhere, do it in secret ; Let not my sister read it in your eye. Be not thy tongue thy own shame's orator : Look sweet, speak fair, hecome disloyalty. Apparel vice like virtue's harbinger. Ant. of Syr. Now, by the air we breathe, I vow, sweet lady, My senses are all smother'd up in wonder ; All but my sight ; with that, methinks, I view An angel })leading ; and while, thus delighted, I may peruse the graces of that brow, I will not wish the mystery unfolded ; But to your chidings pay submissive awe. As to a holy mandate : > Speak, speak on. Luc. Be secret false : Why need she be acquainted? What simple thief brags of his own bad deeds ? 'Tis double wrong, to truant with your bed, x\nd let her read it in your looks at board ; Then gentle brother, get you in again ; And call my sister, wife ; comfort her, cheer her ; 'Tis holy sport, to be a little false, * When the sweet breath of flattery conquers strife. Ant. of Syr. Sweet mistress, — let me call you by that name, — Teach me, O teach me how to think, and answer ; Lay open to my shallow gross conceit The folded meaning of your sugar'd words. Against my soul's pure truth, why labour you 38 THE COMEDY OF ERROHS. To make it wander in an unknown path ? Are yon a goddess ? Would you new-create me ? Transform me then, and to yonr power I'll yield: But, if I am Antipholis, I swear, Your weeping sister is no wife to me : O, no ! to you alone my soul inclines ; Then train me not, sweet mermaid, with thy voice, To drown me in thy sister s flood of tears. Sing, syren, for thyself, and I will dote : (Kneels,) Spread o'er the silver waves thy glossy locks, And, as a bed, Fll take thee ; there I'll lie. And in that glorious supposition, think, He gains by death, that hath such means to die. Luc. What, are you id ad, that you do reason thus ? Ant. of Syr, Not mad, — enchanted; how, I do not know. Luc, It is a fault that springeth from your eye. Ant of Syr, From gazing on your dazzHiig beams, fair sun. Luc. Gaze where you should, and that will clear your sight. Ant of Syr. As good to wink, sweet love, as look on darkness. Luc, Why call you me, love ? call my sister so. Ant of Syr. Thy sister's sister. Luc. That's my sister. Ant. of Syr, No ; It is thyself^ my own self's better half, My eye's clear eye, my dear heart's dearer heart. THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. m My food, my fortune, and my sweet hope's aim. Luc. All this my sister is, or else should be, Ant. of Syr. Call thyself sister, sweet ; for thee I mean : Thee will 1 love, with thee would spend my days : Give me thy hand. Luc. O, soft, sir ; hold you still : ril seek my sister, to get her consent, If she approve^ I shall accord, no doubt. [Going, stops. And yet, Antipholis, is it not fit This mockery should end — come, raise, console her. Let not so fair a flower fade, droop and perish. SONG.—" Loves Loss." (Sonnets.) Sweet rose ! fair fiower^ untimely pluclcd^ soon faded, Plucked in the bud, and faded in the spring / Bright orient pearl/ alack! too timely shaded! Fair creature ! kilCd too soon by deaUis dark stingy ! Like a green plum, that hangs upon a tree. And falls (through storms) before that fall ahould be ! [Eoccant. 40 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. SCENE III, THE STREET WITH THE HOUSE OF ANtlPHOLIS OF EPHESUS. Enter from the House of Antipholis of Syracuse , Ant. of Syr, O, subtle power ! O, soil too capable! Scarce had her sun of beauty warrn'd my heart, When the gay flower of love, disclosing fragrance, Sprung up at once, and blossom'd to perfection, Ere well the bud was seen. — Enter Dromio of Syracuse^ from the House ; he passes Antipholis without seeing him, and is hastening off. Why, how now, Dromio ? Where run st thou so fast ? Dr, of Syr. Do you know me, sir? Am I Dro- mio ? Am I your man ? Am I myself r Ant. of Syr. Thou art Dromio, thou art my man, thou art thyself. Dr, of Syr. I am an ass, I am a woman's man, and beside myself. Ant. of Syr. What woman's man ? and how beside thyself? Dr. of Syr. Marry, sir, beside myself, I am due to a woman ; one that claims me, one that haunts me, one that will have me. Afit. of Syr. What claim lays she to thee ? THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 41 Dr. of Syr, Marry, sir, such claim as you would lay to your horse. Ant. of Syr. What is she ? Dr. of Syr. A very reverend body ; and, though I have but lean luck in the match, yet she is a wond'- rous fat marriage : Sir, she's the kitchen-wench, all grease ; and I know not what use to put her to, but to make a lamp of her, and run from her by her own light Ant. of Syr. Til warrant, the rags, and the tal- low in them, will burn a Poland winter. Dr. of Syr. They would, indeed, sir : to con- clude ; this drudge laid claim to me, called meDro- mio, swore I was betrothed to her, told me what secret marks I had about me ; as the marks on my shoulder, the mole in my neck, the great wart on my left arm ; that I, amazed, ran from her, as a witch : and, I think, if my breast had not been made of faith, and my heart of steel, she would have transform'd me to a curtal dog, and made me turn in the wheel. Ant. of Syr. Sure, none but witches can inhabit here ; And therefore 'tis high time that we were hence. Go, hie thee presently, post to the road^ And if the wind blow any way from shore. Twill not harbour in this town to-night. If any bark put forth, come to the mart. Dr. of Syr. I fly with joy; for now I shall be blown safe, G ^^"42 if^HE COMEDY OF ERR&RS. Froiii'this same scullion— this mountain of mad flesh. [^As he is going off, the fat Kitchen fTench suddenly throws up the windoiv in Anti- pholis^s house, and shakes herjist at him. Kitch. fr. Come back, or I'll so baste theeDromio. 'Dr. of Syr, 'Tis she ; As from a bear, a man would run for life, So I from her, who swears she is my wife ! \_Exit Dromio. Ant. of Syr. 'Tis all illusion ! — W ho comes now? Enter Angela zmth a Bracelet, ' Ang. Master Antipholis, — Ant. of Syr. Ay, that's my name. Ang. I know it well, sir :— Lo, here is the brace- let:— I thbught to have ta'en you at the Porcupine ; It being unfinished, made my stay thus long. Ant. of Syr. What is your will that I should do with this ? Ang. Ev'n what you please, sir : I have made it for you. Ant. of Syr. Made it for me, sir : I never once bespoke it. Ang. Not once, nor twice, but twenty times, you have. Go home with it, and please your wife withal 1: About your supper-time I '11 visit you, And tlien receive my money for the bracelet. THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 43^^, Ant, of Syr, I pray you, sir, since you will force it on me, Receive the money now ; For fear you ne'er see that, or jewels, more. An^.,^ Y9U arp a m^ry flian^ sir :— Fare you well. \^Exit Angelo. Ant, of Syr. Wonder on wpnder rises every mo- ment ! What I should think of this, I cannot tell: However strange, here on my arm I ^11 wear it. Preserve it safe, as fortune's happy pledge : Oft' as I look on it, I'll heave a sigh. And say, the self-same hour that gave thee to me, Gave me to gaze on Luciana's eyes : So will 1 make a profit of a chance. And treasure up a comfort in affliction. Unwillingly I go : my wounded soul, Howe'er from Ephesus my body part. Lingers behind in Luciana's heart. [Exit. tr ,44 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. SCENE IV. A River surrounded hy Mountains, whose tops are covered with snow. — Across the River is a rustic Bridge. — Horns heard without — and Balthazar, Cerimon, and others, are seen crossing the Bridge dressed as Hunters, Bal, Here ends our chase : and though Antipholis Declin'd our sport, has he in Ephesus Known more ? Cer. I warrant no, Balthazar. Never did hounds send forth such gallant chiding ! The woods, the mountains, every region round Re-echoed with their cry ! Oh ! who e'er heard So musical a discord, such sweet thunder. Bal. A sound more tuneable Was never hoUa'd to, or cheer d with horn. Go, forester — lead the hounds home, and there We '11 crown the joys of this autumnal day, With fireside pastime — Oh! — to court flies Leave transient summer joys. QUAIiTETTO AND CHORUS. (Love's Labour's Lost.) When icicles hang by the wall. And Dick, the shepherd, blows his nail^ And 2^0771 bears logs unto the hall. And milk comes frozen home in pail; THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 45 When blood is nipp^d^ and wai/s he foul ^ Then nightly sings the staining owly To-who — ^u-whit, to.who, a merry note. While bonny Joan doth keel the pot, II. When all aloud the wind doth blew, And coughing drowns the parson* s saw. And birds sit brooding in the snow. And Marianas nose looks red and raw ! When roasted crabs hiss in the bowl. Then nightly sings the staring owl, To-who — Tu whit, to-who, a merry note. While bonny Joan doth keel the pot. END OF THE THIRD ACT. m^ THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. ACT IV, SCENE L THE MART. Enter Angela, Chares, and an Officer, Cha, You know, since Pentecost the sura is due ; And since, I have not much iinportun'd you : Nor had 1 now, sir, but that I am bound To Persia, and want guilders for my voyage : Therefore make present satisfaction. Or I attach you by this officer. Ang, Ev'n just the sum that I do owe to you. Is growing to me from Antiphoh's ; And, in the instant that I met with you, He had of me a bracelet: at five o'clock, I shall receive the money for the same : Please you but walk with me dqwn tq his house, I will discharge my bond, and thank you too. Off, That labour you may spare ; see where he comes. Enter AntiphoUs of Ephesus and Drofnio of Ephesus. Ant, of Eph, While I go to the goldsmith's house, go thou And buy a rope's-end : that will I bestow Among the base confederates of my wife. THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 47 For locking me out of my doors to-day. — But soft^ I see the goldsmith : — Gdt thee gone To buy the rope, and bring it home to me. [Exit Dromio of Ephesus, A man is well holp up, that trusts to you : I promised me your presence, and the bracelet ; But neither that nor goldsmith came to me. Angi Saving your merry humour, here^^ the note How much your jewel weighs, to th' utmost carat. The fineness of the gold and chargeful fashion Make it amount to three odd ducats, more Than I stand 'debted to this gentleman : I pray you, see him presently discharged ; For he is bdund to sea, and stays but for it. Ant. of Eph. I am not furnish'd with the sum about me ; Besides, 1 have some business in the town. Good signor, take the stranger to my house, And with you take the bracelet : Bid my wife Disburse the sum on the receipt thereof: Perchance, I will be there as soon as you. Ang, Then you will bring the bracelet there yourself? Ant. of Eph, No, do you bear it ; lest I come not time enough. Ang. Well, sir^ I will then : — Have you it about you ? Ant. of Eph. An if I have not, sir, I hope you have ; Or else you may return without your money. 48 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. Ang, Nay, come, I pray you, sir, give me the jewel : Both wind and tide stay for the gentleman. And I, to blame, have held him here too long. Ant. of Eph. I guess you use this dalliance, to excuse Your breach of promise at the Porcupine : I should have chid you for not bringing it ; But, like a shrew, you first begin to brawl. Cha. The hour steals on : I pray you, sir, dis- patch. Ang* You hear how he importunes me : — The bracelet Ant. of Eph. Why, give it to my wife ; and fetch your money. Ang. Come, come, you know, I gave it you even now : Or give it me, or send me by some token. Ant. of Eph. Fie! now you run this humour but of breath : Come, where is it ? I pray you let me see it. Gha. My business cannot brook this dalliance. Good sir, say, if you'll answer me, or no ; If not, I'll leave him to the officer. Ant. of Eph. I answer you ! — what should I answer you ? Ang. The money that you owe me for the bracelet. Ant. of Eph. I owe you none, 'till I. receive the bracelet. Ang. You know, I gave it you half an hour since. THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 49 Ant, of Eph. You gave me none: you wrong me much, to say so. Ang, You wrong me more, sir, in denying it : Consider how it stands upon my credit Cha, Well, officer, arrest him at my suit. Off. I do ; and charge you, in the duke^s name, to obey me. Ang, This touches me, sir, in my reputation; Either consent to pay the sum for me. Or I attach you by this officer. Ant, of Eph, Consent to pay for what I never had ! Arrest me, foolish fellow, if thou dar'st. A7ig. Here is thy fee : arrest him officer : I would not spare my brother in this case, If he should scorn me so apparently. Off] I do arrest you, sir : you hear the suit. Ant. of Eph. I do obey thee, ^till I give thee bail: But, sirrah, you shall buy this sport as dear As all the metal in your shop will answer. Ang. Sir, Sir, I shall have law in Ephosus, To your notorious shame, I doubt it not. Enter Dromio of Syracuse. Dr. of Syr. Master, there is a bark of Epidam- num That stays but 'till her owner comes aboard ; Then, sir, she bears away. Our fraughtage, sir, I have convey'd aboard ; and I have bought The oil, the balsamum and aqua vita? : H 50 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. The ship is in her trim, the merry wind Blows fair from land, they stay for nought at all. But for the owner, master and yourself. Ant. of Eph. How now, madman ? Why, thou peevish sheep. What ship of Epidamnum stays for me ? Dr, of Syr. A ship, you sent me to, sir, to hire waftage. Ant, of Eph. Thou drunken slave, I sent thee for a rope; And told thee to what purpose, and for whom. Dr. of Syr. You sent me to the bay, sir, for a bark. Ant. of Eph. I will debate the matter at more leisure. And teach your ears to list me with more heed. To Adriana, villain, hie thee straight; Give her this key, and tell her, in the desk That's cover d o'er with Turkish tapestry. There is a purse of ducats ; let her send it ; Tell her, I am arrested in the street. And that shall bail me. Hie thee, slave, begone — On, officer, to prison, 'till he comes. [Exeunt Antipholis of EphesuSy Angela, Chares, and Officer. Ih. of Syr. To Adriana's ! — that is, where we din'd. Go there again ? — Surely my poor master's mind is strangely alter d : — But now, he sent me to seek a vessel ; and swore, he would not stay an hour longer : uow he denies it all ; and rather seems in- THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. ^J dined to take up his abode here ; for upon the strength of one visit only, he has got the key of Adriana's treasure, and sends for ducats as famiharly as he would for his own : — Then, how he should come arrested ! — I'll venture, however, to her house once more, and get the money for him; if that Blowzabel, who claim 'd me for her husband, does not set her kitchen-stuff countenance in my way, and fright me from my purpose. [_Exit. SCENE II, A ROOM IN THE HOUSE OF ANTIPHOLIS OF EPHESUS. Enter Adriaiia and Liiciana, Adr, What, Luciana, did he tempt thee so ? Didst thou mark, Look'd he or pale or red, or sad or merry ? Luc, First, he denied you had in him a right. Adi\ He meant, he did me none : the more my wrong. Luc, Then, swore he, that he was a stranger here. Adr, And true he swore ; though yet forsworn he be. Luc. Then pleaded I for you. Adr, What said he then ? Luc, That love I begg'd for you, he begg'd of me. Adr, With what persuasion did he tempt thy love? 52 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. Luc. With words that in an honest suit might move: First, did he praise my beauty, then my speech. Adr, Didst speak him fair ? Luc, Have patience, I beseech you. Adr. I cannot, nor I will not, hold me still. My tongue, though not my heart, must have its scope. O, he is shapeless, crooked, old, and seer, Vicious, ungentle, foolish, rude, unkind, Deform'd in person, more deform'd in soul ! Luc. Yet do not give such way to your affliction, But call your better reason to your aid : O, did my brother's mind but mate his person. Were but his conduct graceful as his visage. What woman might with Adriana boast So vast a fund of hymeneal bliss ! Trust then to time, and fault-repairing wisdom. To change his mind ; nor soil, with partial breath, A form in nature's fairest colours drest. Adr. O, but I think him better than I say,, And wish him kind and fair to me alone. Thus, lap-wing like, far from my nest I cry. To puzzle and mislead intruding eyes That seek to rob me of my treasur'd bliss. Oh ! would that he'd return ! Luc. And if he did, you would upbraid him> sister, Adr. Not much — I'd say to him — THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 5S SONG. (Measure for Measure.) Take^ oh ! take those lips mmy f That so sweetlif were forsworn ^ And those eyes^ the break of day^ Lights^ icihich do ynislead the morn. But my kisses bring again, Seals of love, tho^ seaVd in vain! Enter Dromio of Syracuse. Dr. of Syr, Here, go : — the desk, — the purse — now make haste. Luc, How hast thou lost thy breath ? jDr. of Syr, By running fast. Adr, Where is thy master, Dromio ? is he well ? Dr. of Syr. No, he's in Tartar-limbo,— a devil hath him. One whose hard heart is button'd up with steel ; A fiend, a fury, pitiless and rough ; A back-friend ; one that commands The passages of alleys, creeks and lanes. Adr. Why, man, what is the matter? Dr. of Syr. I do not know the matter ; but he is arrested. Adr. Arrested is he ? — in debt unkown to me ! Tell me at whose suit ? Dr. of Syr, I do not know at whose suit he is H THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. arrested^ but arrested he is : and his suit to you is, that you will send him, mistress, redemption, the money in his desk. Adr. Go fetch it, sister. — [_Ejoit Luciana, This I wonder at — and — (turning to Dromio, who is fanning himself) Why how now ? Thou art faint ! Dr, To be sure I am. Adr, Go — refresh thyself — (Drornio smiles and boips.) Haste — repair thee to the kitchen. Dro. The kitchen! O Lord ! — don^t mention it— I'm quite well, ma'am — quite ! Enter Luciana with a Purse. Adr. Go, Dromio ; there's the money ; bear it strait ; And bring thy master home immediately. [_Ejcit Dromio. Yet, wherefore bring him home, since he has lost All token of regard, and slights the place, Where once, he said, his every comfort dwelt ? Why should I wish him here ? and yet without him What is this home to me ! Luc. Some vague conceit. The phantom of the moment, hath possess'd him : It will away as soon. Adr, ^Pray heaven, it may. For, 'till he shake it of, no mate have I, THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 55 But jealous doubt — Oh Luciana ! Do you not remember well the day^ When first these fears arose — ^Twas in yon grove ! (pointing off,) Luc, I know — On that bright summer morn^ when all around^ Save you and Philomel, who warbl'd near. Were bUthsome, joyous ! DUET.— (Sonnets.) As it fell upon a day In the merry month of May^ Sitting in a pleasant shade, With a grove of myrtles made, Beasts did leap, and birds did sing, Trees did grow, and plants did spring ; Every thing did banish moan. Save the nightingale alone ; She, poor bird, as all for lorn, Leand her breast up-till a thorn ; '^Fie,Jie,/ier now she would cry : " Teren, teren /" by and by. That to hear her so complain. Scarce I could from tears refrain ; For her griefs, so lovely shewn. Made me think upon my own. [E»mnt. 5& THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, SCENE IIL THE GREAT SaUARE IN EPHESCS. Enier Antipholis of Syracuse, with the Bracelet on his arm. Ant, of Syr, There's not a man I meet but doth salute me^ As if I were his well-acquainted friend : And every one doth call me by my name : Some tender money to me, some invite me, Some offer me commodities to buy ; While others give me thanks for kindnesses : Ev'n now, a tailor call'd me in his shop, And show'd me silks that he had bought for me. And therewithal took measure of my body : Stire these are but imaginary wiles, ^ And Lapland sorcerors inhabit here. Enter Dromio of Syracuse, Dr, of Syr, Master, here's the gold you sent me for. — What, have you got rid of the fiend ? Ant, of Syr, What gold is this ? — What fiend dost thou mean ? Dr. of Syr. He that came behind you, sir, like an evil angel, and bid you forsake your liberty. Ant, of Syr, I understand thee not; Dr, of Syr, No ; — why 'tis plain enough. The THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 51 man, sir, that, when gentlemen are tir'd, gives them a fob, and rests them : He, sir, that takes pity on decay'd men, and gives them suits of durance. Ant. of Syr. Mean'st thou an officer ? Dr. of Syr. Aye, sir, the sergeant of the band ; he that brings any man to ansv^er it, that breaks his bond : One that thinks a man always going to bed, and says. Heaven send you good rest ! Ant. of Syr. Well, sir, there rest your foolery. —Is there any ship puts forth to-night ? May we be gone? Dr. of Syr. Why, sir, I brought you word, an hour since, that the bark. Expedition, puts forth to-night; and then were you hinder'd by the sergeant, to tarry for the hoy. Delay. Here are the angels that you sent for, to deliver you. Ant. of Syr. The fellow is distract, and so am I : And here we wander in illusion : Some blessed power deliver us from hence ! Enter Lesbia. Les. Well met, well met, master Antipholis. I see, sir, you have found the goldsmith now : Is this the bracelet you promised me to-day ? Ant. of Syr. What more temptations ? Mistress, you do impeach your modesty. Here in the street, thus to commit yourself Into the hands of one who knows you not. Les. Not kaow me?-— How ? — Am I not Lesbia? And are uot you Antipholis ? — Nay, jest iiot : I 58 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. Return with me, and we will mend our cheer. Ant. of Syr, Have you no bashfulness ? no sense of shame ? No touch of modesty ? Why will you tear Ungentle words from my reluctant tongue ? Les, I would not do so, good Antipholis ; I do but ask for what you promis'd me. Ant. of Syr. I promis'd thee^ Les. Aye, as we sat at dinner. Ant, of Syr. I ne'er beheld thy face, until this instant. Les. And told'st me that thy wife Ant. of Syr. My wife ? — thou sorceress ! Dr, of Syr. Master, you certainly have been married. And have forgot it. Les. Say, did you not, Antipholis ? Ant. of Syr. I tell thee, no. Les. Nor take my ring ? Ant. of Syr. No, no ; nor comprehend What thy false tongue hath utter'd. Dromio, Follow me to our inn : I will not stay, Nor longer listen to thy sorceries. l^Exit Antipholis of Syracuse, Leshia following him. Dr. of Syr. \I)raws his sivord.^ No, you don't: — Here's my charm against witches. Mistress, it is written that evil spirits appear to men like angels of light : Light is an effect of fire, and fire will burn ; ergo, light wenches will burn : therefore we will THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 59 not trust ourselves near you. [_Exit Dromio of Syracuse. Les. Now, out of doubt, Antipholis is mad ; Else would he never so demean himself. A ring he hath of mine worth forty ducats ; And for the same, he promisM me a bracelet : Both one and other he denies me uow. What then remains? What measures shall I take? My way is strait to hie me to his house, And tell his wife that, being lunatic, He rush'd into my house, and took, perforce. My ring away : this course I fittest choose. To right myself against this madman's wrong. [Exit SCENE IV. A STREET. Entei' Antipholis of Ephesus^ and Officer. Ant. of Eph. Fear me not^ man ; I will not break away : I'll give thee, ere I leave thee, so much money To w^arrant thee, as I am 'rested for, My wife is in a wayward mood to day : And will not lightly trust the messenger. That I should be attach'd in Ephesus, I tell you will sound harshly in her ears. Here comes my man ; I think he brings the money m THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. Enter Dromio of Ephesus with a Rope. Ant. of Eph. How now, sir, have you that I sent you for ? Dr. of Eph. Here's that, I'll warrant you, will pay them all. Ant. of Eph. But, where's the mOn^y ? Dr. of Eph. Why, sir, I gave the money for the rope. Ant. of Eph. Five hundred duca:ts, villain, for a rope ? Dr, of Eph. I'll serve you, sir, five thousand at that rate. Ant. of Eph. To what end did I bid thee hie thee hence ? Dr. of Eph. To a rope's end, sir ; and to that end am I return'd. Ant. of Eph. And to that end, sir, will I wel- come you. [Beats him. Off. Good sir, be patient. Dr. of Eph. Nay, 'tis for me to be patient; I am in adversity. Off. Good now, hold thy tongue. Dr. of Eph. Nay, rather persuade him to hold his hands. Ant. of Eph. Thou stupid senseless villaih ! Dr. of Eph. I would I were senseless, sir, that I might not feel your blows. Ant. of Eph. Thou art sensible in nothing, but blows, and so is an ass. THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, 61 Dr. of Eph. I am an ass, indeed ; you may prove it by my endurance. I have serv'd him from the hour of my nativity to this instant, and have had nothing at his hands for my service, but blows : — when I am cold he heats me with beating ; when I am warm, he cools me with beating : I am wakM with it, when I sleep ; rais'd with it, when I sit ; driven out of doors with it, when I go abroad ; welcomed home with it when I return ; nay, I bear it on my shoulders, as a beggar does her brat : and, I think, when he hath lamed me, I shall beg with it from door to door. Ant, of Eph. Well, well along. — My wife is coming yonder. Enter Adriana, Lucianay Lesbia, Dr. Pinch^ and his Servants. Dr. of Eph. Mistress, respicejinem, respect your end :— -or rather, the prophecy, like the parrot, be- ware of the rope's end. Ant. of Eph. Wilt thou still prate? art thou not quieted ? Then take thou that, and that. [Beats him. Off. Good sir, be patient. Les. How say you now ? Is not your husband mad ? Adr. His incivility confirms no less. Good Doctor Pinch, you are a skilful man ; Establish him in his true sense again. And I will pay you what I have i the world. 62 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. Luc. Aids ! how fiery and fierce he looks ! Les. Mark, how he trembles in his ecstacy ! Pinch Give me your hand, and let me feel yom' pulse. Ant. of Eph. There is my hand, and let it feel your ear. [Strikes him. Pinch. I charge thee, devil, hous'd within this man. Civilly yield possession of my patient : Or I sliaH play the devil with thee strait. Ant. of Eph. Peace, doting wizard. Peace ! I am not mad. Adv. Oh, that thou wert not, poor distracted soul ! Ant. of Eph. You minion you, are these your customer^ ? Did this companion, with the saffron face. Revel and feast it at my board to-day. While upon me the guilty doors were shut. And I denied to enter in my houge ? Adr. O, husband, heaven doth know, you din'd at home ; Where 'would you had remained until this time. Free from these slanders and this open shame. Ant, of Eph. I din'd at home! — Thou villain, what say'st thou ? Dr. of Eph. Sir, sooth to say, you did not dine at home. Ant. of Eph. Were not my doors lock'd up, and 1 shut out ? THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 63 Dr. of Eph, In sooth^ your doors were locked, and you shut out. Ant, of Eph, And did not she herself revile me there ? Dr. of Eph. Sans fable, she herself revil'd you there. Ant. of Eph. And did not I, in rage depart from thence ? Dr. of Eph. In verity you did : my bones bear witness^ That since have felt the vigour of your rage. Adr. Is't good, to sooth him in these contraries ? Pinch. It is no blame, the fellow finds his vein, And, yielding to him, humours well his frenzy. Ant. of Eph. Thou hast suborn d the goldsmith to arrest me. Adr. Alas ! I sent you money, to redeem you. By Dromio here, who came in haste for it. Dr. of Eph. Money by me ! — Love and good- will you might ; But surely, master, . not a doit of money. Ant. of Eph. Went'st thou not to her for a purse of ducats ? Adr. He came to me, and I deUvered it. Luc. And I am witness with her, that she did. Dr. of Eph. Heaven, and the rope-maker, can bear me witness That I was sent for nothing but a rope. Ant. of Eph. Liar ! slave ; — but thou {Turning to Adriana) §4> THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. Say, wherefore did'st thou lock me forth to-day? And why dost thou deny the bag of gold ? Adr. I did not, gentle husband, lock thee forth. Dr. q/Eph And gentle master, I received no gold: But I can swear, sii, that we were lock'd out. Adr. Dissembling villain, thou ^peak'st false in hoth. Ant, of Eph, Dissembling harlot, thou art false in all. And art confederate with a damned pack. To make a loathsome abject scorn of me : But with these nails Til pluck out those false eyes That would behold me in this shameful sort. Adr, O ! hold him, hold him, let him not come near me. [^Servants seize him,'] Pinch. More company! — the fiend is strong within him. Ant, of Eph. ' What, will you murder me? — Thou officer, I am thy prisoner : Wilt thou suffer them To make a rescue ? Off. Masters, let him go : He is my prisoner, and you shall not have him. Pinch, Go seize that man, for he is frantic too. Dr.ofEph. (Ruhhing his hands with joy.) Good! seize the gaoler! the shoulder slapper. Pinch. And him ! (Pointing to Dromio,) Seize on that varlet — they are all possess'd, And must be bound and laid in some dark room. Dr. of Eph, I ! I bound in a dark room. THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 65 Off. (To Doctor's servants,) Stand off—- he is my prisoner ; if I let him go, The debt he owes will be required of me. Adr, What wilt thou do thou peevish officer ? Good master doctor see him safe convey'd Home to thy house. — O most unhappy day ! Ant. of Eph, Oh ! most unhappy wanton ! Dr, of Eph, Oh ! most unhappy Dromio ! Pinch, Away — bear them all to my strong room. [^Exeunt Servants^ forcing off Antipholis of Ephesus and Dromio of Ephesus^ followed hy Dr. Pinch, Adr, I will discharge thee ; — (to officer) Lead me forthwith unto his creditor. But say, whose suit is he arrested at ? Off. One Angelo, a goldsmith. Adr. I know the man. What is the sum he owes ? Off, Two hundred ducats. Due for a bracelet which your husband had. Adr. He did bespeak 't for me, but had it not. Les. When as your husband all in rage, to-day Came to my house, and took away my ring, — The ring I saw upon his finger now, — Strait after did I meet him with the bracelet. Adr, It may be so ; but I did never see it. Officer, bring me where the goldsmith is ; I long to know the truth hereof at large. \_Noise without, Luc, Heaven, for thy mercy ! they are loose again! K 66 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. Adr. And come with naked swords. Let's call more help, to have 'em bound again. Off. Away ! they'll kill us ! [Exeunt Enter Aidipholis of Syracuse and Dromio of Syracuse^ with draum swords. Dr. of Syr, She that would be your wife, now ran from you. Ant. of Syr. Come to the Centaur ; fetch your stuff from thence : I long that we were safe and sound on board. I will not stay to-night for all the town. [Ni^ht-roll and Drum without. Hark ! the cry is up — on ev'ry side they come. 'Tis madness all : and I begin to doubt That even love and beauty are but snares To plunge my soul in yet severer cares. \Exeunt. [Night-roll and Drum coniinued. SCENE V. An Apartment in Balthazar's House — in the back a large Dining Table^ on which is Fruity Wine^ Silver Goblets^ Sfc. Bal. (without) Come — this way — cheerily — Enter Balthazar^ Cerimon^ and others, leading in Antipholis of Ephesus. BaL . So— look Tip, Antipholis— you're safe with friends, THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. G7 'Tis I— Balthazar! Ant. of EpL Balthazar ! Bal. Hearing noise^ we left our social bowl And rush'd into the street — there we found you Fast in the clutches of this mountebank — This meer anatomy — this living dead man — We fought — and rescued you. Ant, of Eph, {looMng round) I see — Balthazars house! — thanks! thanks! [Taking his hand. Bat where's the peijur'd and confederate crew — I will have justice! (Going) Bal, {Detaining him.) Not now Antipholis. Wait till the storm blows o'er ; and in calm hour. Appeal unto the Duke — hell see thee righted. Meantime, though a sad truant at the chace. Partake our evening sports. Come, in yon bowl Drown every care ! Ant, of Eph, Why, yes, Balthazar — fill, fill me to the brim. TRIO AND CHORUS. (Antony and Cleopatra.) Come, thou monarch of the vine, Plunfipy Bacchus, with pink eyne / In thy vats, our cares he drowned, With thy grapes our hairs he crowned ; Cup us till the world goes round ! Cup us till the world goes round ! END OF THE FOURTH ACT. 68 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. JCT V. SCENE I. A STREET. Enter Luciana and Hermid. Luc. Now — do you rightly understand me, Hermia — Still is your poor unhappy master lost, And whilst your mistress and the doctor's followers That way pursue him — be it our duty To watch around these walls. Her, I understand, and Heaven grant We may discover and restore my master. Luc, Away — be that your post, whilst this is mine. \_E.vit Hermia, Poor Adriana ! whose love for her ill-fated lord. Still blooms as in its dawn — whose life, made up Of sunshine and of tears, may well be liken'd To an April day. SONG, Luciana. — (Two Gentlemen of Verona.) Oh how this spring of lorn resemhleth right, The uncertain glory of an April day — Which now shews all the glory of the light, And by and by a cloud takes all away, [Exit, THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. (59 SCENE II. A STEEET BEFORE AN ABBEY* Enter Angela and Chares. Ang. I am sorry, sir, that I have hinder'd you 2 But, I protest, he had the jewel of me ; Though most dishonestly he did deny it. Cha, How is the man esteem'd here in the city ? Ang, Of very reverend estimation, sir, Of credit infinite, highly belov'd. Second to none that lives within our walls : His word might bear my wealth at any time. Cha. Speak softly — some one approaches. Ang. Is it Antipholis ? Cha, No — 'tis his wife — the Lady Adriana, Enter Adriana. Adr, I pray ye, have ye seen my lord, my husband ? Cha, No — but we seek him, lady. {sternly. Ang. Peace — Nor by stern look, by action, or by word, Increase her suffering. — Lady, 'tis true — We seek Antipholis, and when the mists Of night disperse, we trust to find and lead Him to his home — come — this way. Chares. l^Exit xvith Chares. 70 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. Adr. Oh ! that 'twere dawn. Enter Luciatia. Now — what tidings, sister ? iwc. Alas ! the darkness of the night precludes our search. Adr. All dreary, dark, — and yet, in yonder east, Am I deceived, or do I not behold Bright, glimmering streaks? — Oh yes, — and hark ! I hear morn's tuneful harbinger ! SONG, Adriana. — (Venus and Adonis.) Zo I here the gentle larkj xveary of rest, From his moist cabinet mounts up on high, And wakes the morning, from whose silver breast The sun ariseth in true majesty, \Ilxeunt, after Song. He-enter Chares and Angela, Cha, 'Tis he ! observe — Ang, E'en so — and that same bracelet on his arm. Ang, Which he forswore most monstrously to have. Good sir, draw near to me : I'll speak to him. Enter Antipholis of Syracuse^ and Dromio of Syracuse. Signor Antipholis, I wonder much That you would put me to this shame and trouble, THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, 71 And not without some scandal to yourself, With circumstance and oatbs so to deny This bracelet which you wear so openly. Besides the charge, the shame, imprisonment, You have done wrong to this my honest friend ; Who, but for staying on our controversy. Had hoisted sail, and put to sea to-day. This jewel you had of me : Can you deny it ? Ant, of Syr, I know I had : I never did deny it. Cha, Yes, that you did, sir, and forswore it too. Ant. of Syr, Who heard me to deny, or to for- swear it? L^ Cha, These ears of mine, thou knowest well, did* hear thee. Fy on thee, wretch ! 'tis pity that thou liv'st, To walk where any honest men resort. Ant, of Syr, Thou art a villain to impeack me thus : I'll prove mine honour and mine honesty Against thee, with my life, if thou dar'st stand it, [^Draws,'] Cha* [^Draws.'] I dare, and do defy thee for a villain. Enter Adriana, Luciana^ Lesbia^ and Doctor Finch's Servants, Adr, Hold! hurt him not, for heaven's sake; he's mad. 72 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. Dr, of Syr. Run, master, run, for heaven's sake : take house : This is some priory ; — in, or we are spoil'd. [^Exeunt into the Abbey. Adr, Pursue them, I beseech ye : — bring them back Enter the Abbess and tzvo Sisters, from the Abbey, Abbess, Be quiet, people ! wherefore throng ye hither ? Adr. To fetch my poor distracted husband hence. Let us come in, that we may bind fast, And bear him home for his recovery. Ang. I knew, he was not in his perfect wits. Cha. I'm sorry now that I did draw upon him. Abbess. How long hath this possession held the man? Adr. This week he hath been heavy, sour, and sad, And much, much different from the man he was : But, till this afternoon, his fatal passion Ne'er broke into extremity of rage. Abbess. Hath he not lost much wealth by wreck at sea ? Buried some dear friend ? Hath not else his eye Stray 'd his affection in unlawful love? A sin, prevailing much in youthful men, Who give their eyes the liberty of gazing ! — Which of these sorrows is he subject to ? Adr. To none of them, except it be the last ; Namely, some love that drew him oTt from home. THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 73 Abbess. You should for that have reprehended him. Adr. Why, so I did. Abbess. Ay, but not rough enough. Adr. As roughly as my modesty would let me. Abbess. Haply, in private. Adr. And in assemblies too. Abbess. Ay, but not enough. Adr. It was the copy of our conference : In bed he slept not, for my urging it ; At board he fed not, for my urgiug it ; Alone, it was the subject of my theme : In company, I often glanc'd at it; Still did 1 tell him, it was vile and base. Abbess. And therefore came it that the man was mad. The venom'd clamours of a jealous woman Poison more deadly than a mad dog's tooth. It seems, his sleeps were hinder'd by thy railing ; And therefore comes it that his head is light : Thou say'st, his meat was sauc'd with thy upbraidings ; Unquiet meals make ill digestions ; Thereof the raging fire of fever 's bred : And what's a fever, but a fit of madness ? Thou say'st, his sports were hinder'd with thy brawls ; Sweet recreation barr'd, what doth ensue, But moody, mopish, and dull melancholy, Kinsman to grim and comfortless despair? And, at her heels, a huge infectious troop Of pale distemperatures and foes to life ? L 74 THE COMEDY QF ERROa^. The consequence is then, thy jealousies Have scar'd thy husband from his better sense. Luc, She never reprehended him but gently, When he demean'd himself rough, rude, and wild. Why bear you these rebukes, and answer not ? Adr. She did betray me to my own reproof. Good people, enter, and lay hold on him. Abbess. No, not a creature enters in my house. Adr, Theii; let ywr servants bring my husband forth. Abbess. Neither : he took this place for sanctuary; And it shall privilege him from your hands, Till I have brought him to his wits agai% Or lose my labour in essaying it. Adr, I will attend my husband ; be his nurse, Diet his sickness ; for it is my office ; And therefore let me have him home with me. Abbess. Be patient ; for I will not let him stir, 'Till I have us'd th' approved means I know, With wholesome syrups, drugs, and holy prayers, To bring hfm to his fornaer state again. It is a branch and parcel of my oath, A charitable duty of my order ; Therefore depart, and leave him here with me. Adr. I will not hence, and leave my husband here, And ill it doth beseem your holiness, To separate the husband and the wife. Abbess. Be quiet, and depart : thou shalt not have him. [Eo^eunt Abbess and Sisters into the Prio?y. THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 1^, Luc, Coraplain unto the duke of this indignity. Adr, Come then, I will fall prostrate at his feet, And never rise, until my prayers and tears Have won his grace to come in person hither, And take perforce my husband from this abbess. Cha, By this, I think, the dial points at five : Shortly, I'm sure, the duke himself, in person, ■ Comes this way to the melancholy vale, The place of death, and sorry execution, Behind the ditches of the abbey here. Ang, Upon what cause ? Cha. To see a reverend Syracusan -merchant ? Who put unluckily into this bay, Against the laws and statutes of this town, Beheaded publicly for his offence. Aug, See, where they come : We will behold his death. Zuc, Kneel to the duke, before he pass the abbey. Enter Duke, Mgeon in chains^ Executioner^ two Officers^ and Gentlemen. Duke. Yet once again proclaim it publicly. If any friend will pay the sum for him, He shall not die ; so much we tender him. Adr, Justice, most sacred duke, against the abbess. Duke, She is a virtuous and a reverend lady ; It cannot be that she hath done thee wrong. Adr, May it please your grace, Antipholis, my husband, — 7a THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. Whom I made lord of me, and all I had, At your important letters, — this ill day A most outrageous fit of madness seiz'd him ; That desperately he hurried through the street, Once did I get him bound, and sent him home ; When, oh ! he broke from those who guarded him. And with his mad attendant, with drawn swords, Met us again, and, madly bent on us, Chas'd us away ; till, raising of more aid. We came again to bind 'em : then they fled Into this abbey ; But here the abbess shuts the gates on us. And will not suffer us to fetch him out ; Therefore, most gracious duke, with thy command, Let him be brought forth, and borne hence for help. Duke, Long since thy husband serv'd me in my wars. And I to thee engag'd a prince's word. When thou didst make him master of thy bed, To do him all the good and grace I could. Go, some of ye, knock at the abbey-gate, And bid the lady-abbess come to me : I will determine this, before I stir. [Ej^'it a Gentleman, Enter Hermia^ Her, O ! mistress, mistress, haste and save yourself; My master and his man are both broke loose. Adr. Peace, fool ! thy master and his man are here, And that is false, thou dost report to us. THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 77 He7\ Mistress, upon my life, I tell you true ; I have not breath'd, almost, since I did see 'em. [Noise withdut,] Hark, hark ! I hear 'em, inistress : fly ! begone ! [Esit, Duke. Fear nothing ; I'll protect you. Adr, Ah, me ! it is my husband ! Enter AntiphoUs of Ephesus, and Dromio of Ephesus. Ant, of Eph. Justice, most gracious duke, O, grant me justice 1 Ev'n for the service that, long since, I did thee, When I bestrode thee in the wars, and took Deep scars to save thy life ; e'en for the blood Which then I lost for thee, now grant me justice. ^geon. Unless the fear of death doth make me dote, I see ray son Antipholis and Dromio. Ant, of Eph. Justice, sweet prince, against that woman there. She whom thou gav'st to me to be my wife ; She hath abused and dishonour'd me. E'en in the strength and height of injury. Duke. Discover how, and thou shalt find me just. A7it. of Eph, This day, great duke, she shut the doors upon me. While she within was feasting with her minions. Duke, A grievous fault! Say, woman, didst thou so? Adi\ No, my good lord ; myself, he, and my sister^ 76 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. To day did dine together : so befall my soul, As that is false, he burdens me withal. Luc. Ne'er may I look on day, nor sleep on night. But she doth tell your highness simple truth ! Ang, O, perjur'd woman ! They are both forsworn ; In this the madman justly chargeth them : My lord, in truth, thus far I witness with him, That he din'd not at home, but was lock'd out. Duke, Why, what an intricate impeach is this ! I think, you all have drunk of Circe's cup. If here you hous'd him, here he would have been. You say, he din'd at home : the goldsmith here Denies that saying : — Sirrah, what say you ? Dr. t)f Eph, Sir, he din'd with her there at th^ Porcupine. Le», He did, and from my finger snatch'd that ring. Ant. of Eph. 'Tis true, my liege, this ring I had of her. Duhe, Saw'st thou him enter at the abbey here? Les, As sure, my liege, as I do see your grace. Duke, This is most strange ! Go, call the abbess hither. [Esit a Gentleman, JEgeonn Most mighty duke, vouchsafe me speak a word ; Haply, I see a friend, will save my life, And pay the sum that may deliver me. Duke. Speak freely, Syracusan, what thou wilt. JEgeon. Is not your name, sir, called Antipholis ? And is not that your bondman, Dromio? THE COMEI>Y OF ERBORS. 7^ Ant, of Eph. True, reverend hapless man, we are so call'd. JEgeon. I am sure both of ye remember me. Ant of Eph, Remember you ! Mgeon. Why look you strange on me ? You know me well. Ant, of Eph. I never saw you in my life, till now. JEgeon. O ! grief hath chang'd me, sinee you savr me last ; And careful hours, with time's deforming hand? Have written strange defeatures in my face : But tell rfne yet, dost thou not know my voice ? Ant. of Eph. Neither. JEgeon, Not know my voice ? O, time's extrermty. Hast thou so crack'd and splitted my poor tongue, In seven short years, that here my only son; Knows not my feeble key of untun'd cares ? Though now this grained face of mine be hid In sap-consuming winter's drizzled snow, And all the conduits of my blood froze up ; Yet hath my night of life some memory, My wasting lamp some fading glimmer left; All these old witnesses — I cannot err, — Tell me thou art my son, Antipholis. Ant. of Eph. I never saw my father in my Tife. JEgeon. But seven years since, in Syracusa, boy. Thou know'st we parted : But, psrhaps, my son, Thou sham'st t'acknowledge me in misery. Ant. of Eph. The duke, and all that know me in the city, 80 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. Can witness with me that it is not so : I ne'er saw Syracusa in my life. Duke, I tell thee, Syracusan, twenty years Have I been patron to Antipholis ; During which time he ne'er saw Syracusa. I see, thy age and dangers make thee dote. Enter Gentlemen^ Abbess^ Antipholis of Syra- cuse^ and Dromio of Syracuse^ from the Abbey. Abbess. Most mighty duke, behold a man much wrong'd. Adr, I see two husbands, or my eyes deceive me Duke, One of these men is genius to the other! But of the two, which is the natural man, And which the spirit ^ who decyphers them ? Ant, of Syr, iEgeon art thou not? O, my dear father ! who hast bound him thus ? Abbess, Whoever bound him, I will loose his bonds^ And gain a husband by his liberty. Speak, old iEgeon, if thou be'st the man That hadst a wife once call'd iEmilia, Who bore thee, at a burden, two fair sons, — O ! if thou be'st the same .^geon, speak. And speak unto the same Emilia. JElgeon, iEmilia! O, support thyself, my soul, 'Till I once more, have caught within my arms Their long-lost happiness ! JEmilia, Thou art iEgeon, then : I do not dream. My husband, take, take my reviving heart, THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 81 Spotless and pure as when it first was thine ; Which from the cloister of religious solitude No voice, but thine, could ever have recall'd. Ant of Syr, If I not interrupt such sacred feelings, Thus let me bend, and mingle tears of rapture, O, raise, my father, raise your reverend hands. And bless your truant son. ^geon. My dearest boy ! This is too much : — O, curb thy joys a moment, And have compassion on thy father's weakness. But, if my feeble brain deceive me not. One anxious question yet remains to ask ; Heart of my heart, resolve me ; where's that son^ Who floated with thee on the fatal raft ? Emilia. By men of Epidamnum he and J, And the twin Dromio, all were taken up : But, by and by, rude fishermen of Corinth By force took Dromio and my son from them, And me they left Avith those of Epidamnum* What then became of them I cannot tell ; J, to this fortune which you see me in, AnL of Eph. And he reserved, to share the hapr pier hours Of his dear parents, whom, till now unknown, He greets with nature's best and fondest feelings, Another jtie my fortune yet allots, And thus I claim it! Apt' of Syr, Welcome, dearest brother ! [They ernbrace.J ]Bofh J)ronp, Welcome^ dearest brother ! [Tk^y embrace.} M 8€ THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. Ant, of Syr, Ne*er may we feel a separation more, Duke. Why here begins his morning story right : These plainly are the parents to these children, Who thus amazingly are met together. JEmilia. Most gracious duke, — Duke. One moment's pause, and all your griefs shall end. Antipholis, thou cam'st from Corinth first ? Ant, of Syr, Not I, my lord; I came from Syracuse. Dro. of Syr, And I with him. Duke. Stay, stand apart : I know not which is which. Ant, of Eph. I came from Corinth, my most gracious lord. Dr, of Eph. And I with him. Ang, And I — why that's the bracelet, sir, you had of me. Ant. of Syr. I think it be, sir ; I deny it not. Ant, of Eph, And you, sir, for the same ar- rested me. Adr. I sent you money, sir, to be your bail. By Dromio : but, I think, he brought it not. Dr. of Eph, No, none by me. Ant. of Syr. This purse of ducats I received for you. And Dromio, my man, did bring 'em me. I see, we still did meet each other's servant, And thereupon these errors all arose. Dr. of Eph, You see, brother, these wise folks can't blame us in these matters. The comedy of ehrorb. 85 Dr. of Syr. Really, brother, I think not. Ant of Eph. These ducats pawn I for my fa- ther here. i>uke. It shall not need— thy father hath his life. Adr. Which of you two did dine with me to-day ? Ant of Syr. I, gentle mistress. Adr, Are you not my husband ? Ant, of Eph, No ; I say, nay to that. Ant, of Syr, And so do I. Mmilla, Renowned duke, vouchsafe to take the pains To go with us into the abbey here, And hear, at large discoursed, all our fortunes ; And all that are assembled in this place, Who've suffered wrong, go, keep us company, And you shall have full satisfaction. The duke, my husband, and my children both, And you, the kalendars of their nativity. Go to a gossip*s feast ; go all with me : After so long grief, such festivity ! Duke^ With all my heart; I'll gossip at this feast, And be a cheerful witness of the blessings, Your pious faith and virtuous resignation Have drawn upon you from relenting heaven. Come. [Flourish, and exeunt into the Abbey, all but the ttvo Dromios. Dr. of Eph. Methinks you are my glass and not my brother. i# tHE COMEBY OF ERRORS 1 see by you I am a sweet-faced youth ! — ^ Will you walk in and see their gossipping? X>r. of Syr. Not I, sir,— you are my elder. Dr. of Eph, That's a question — -how shall we try it ? Dr. of Syr, We will draw cuts for the senior- Till then, lead thou first. Dr of Eph, Nay, then thus :— * We came into the world like brother and brother^ And now let's go hand in hand, not one before the other. [Ea^eunt hand in hand into the Abbey. SCENE THE LAST. Interior of abbey. All the Characters disco*cered, AEmilia> Such is our history — and now The joys that gild the evening of our days Let all partake. Ant. of Syr. (Turning to Luciana.) Ay, all — say you not so, fair gentlewoman ! And what I told you, when you call'd me brother ? The time, the place incites me to make good — May I not hope that a more tender name ? — Luciana. Should I find thee Worthy and constant, as my mind suggests^ The general joy that smiles around, shall not Be damp'd by any vain reserve of mine* THE COMEDY OV ERRORS. 85 Ant, of Syr, (Kneeling to her and taking her hand.) Brother, behold ! tVe lost a sister, but I've gain'd a wife 1 (Rises,) What say*st thou, Dromio ? Dr. of Syr. Say — that, thank fortune, IVe gain'd a sister and have lost a wife ! Brother, my service to the fair, fat queen Of the kitchen. Dr, of Eph, Brother, the less that*s said on that subject *rhe better. Duke, Now to the palace, and there crown our joys- Mmilia, Joys past the reach of hope— our lesson this— That misery past endears our present bliss — Wherein we read with wonder and delight This sacred truth-^" whatever is, is right !" FINALE.— -(Tempest, and Midsummer Night's Dream.) Luc I AN A. Honour, riches, marriage, blessings Long continuance, and increasing ; Hourly joys be still upon you! Heaven showers its blessings on you^ CHORUSi Honours^ riches, S^d 86 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. Lu c I A N A. If we shadows have off'ended, Do but smile, and all is ended^ CHORUS. Honour, riches, S^c. At>RJAifA. Grenties, do not reprehend ; If you pardon, we will mend, CHORUS. Honour, riches^ S^c, i:ND OF THE COMEDY. 14 DAY USE RETURN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWED LOAN DEPT. This book is due on the last date stamped below, or on the date to which renewed. Renewed books are subfea to immediate recall. 22Feb'62^L f^^ l A i c J 1962 ('\ JAN 2 2 1