_Harper_ --I'll but speak with the bride and Sostrata _Colman 1768_ --I'll go and warn the bride and Sostrata]
Jove, what a life! what manners! what distraction! A bride just coming home without a portion; A Music-Girl already there in keeping: A house of waste; the youth a libertine; Th' old man a dotard!--'Tis not in the pow'r Of Providence herself, howe'er desirous, To save from ruin such a family.
SYRUS. (_to himself_). Faith, little Syrus, you've ta'en special care Of your sweet self, and play'd your part most rarely. --Well, go your ways:--but having had my fill Of ev'ry thing within, I've now march'd forth To take a turn or two abroad.
DEM. (_behind_). Look there! A pattern of instruction!
SYRUS. (_seeing him_). But see there: Yonder's old Demea. (_Going up to him._) What's the matter now? And why so melancholy?
SYRUS. What! are you spouting sentences, old wisdom?
SYRUS. You'd be plaguy rich, And settle your affairs most wonderfully.
DEM. Why, Sirrah?--In the midst of the disturbance, And in the heat of a most heavy crime, While all is yet confusion, you've got drunk, As if for joy, you rascal!
SYRUS. Why the plague Did not I keep within? (_Aside._)
DROMO. Here! hark ye, Syrus! Ctesipho begs that you'd come back.
SYRUS. It is another. Of the same name--a little parasite---- D'ye know him?
SYRUS. (_stopping him_). What now? where now?
DEM. Hands off! what won't you? must I brain you, rascal? (_Disengages himself from SYRUS, and Exit._
He's gone--gone in--and faith no welcome roarer---- --Especially to Ctesipho.--But what Can I do now; unless, till this blows over, I sneak into some corner, and sleep off This wine that lies upon my head?--I'll do't. (_Exit reeling._
MICIO. (_to SOSTRATA within_). All is prepar'd: and we are ready, Sostrata, As I have already told you, when you please. (_Comes forward._) But who's this forces open our street door With so much violence?
DEM. Confusion! death! What shall I do? or how resolve? where vent My cries and exclamations? Heav'n! Earth! Sea!
MICIO (_behind._) So! all's discover'd: that's the thing he raves at. --Now for a quarrel!--I must help the boy.
DEM. (_seeing him._) Oh, there's the grand corrupter of our children!
MICIO. Appease your wrath, and be yourself again!