Fluent in words, and bold in peaceful counsels, Yet, with these coward's virtues, he undid This son, if fame mistakes not, is more hot, More open and unartful-Ha! he's here! [Seeing him. Loth. Damnation! He again!—This second time To-day he has cross'd me, like my evil genius. Hor. I sought you, Sir. Loth. 'Tis well then I am found. Hor. 'Tis well you are. friend 200 The man who wrongs my To the earth's utmost verge I would pursue. No place, tho' e'er so holy should protect him; No shape that artful fear e'er form'd should hide him, 'Till he fair answer made, and did me justice. Loth. Ha! dost thou know me, that I am Lothario ? As great a name as this proud city boasts of. Hor. The brave, 'tis true, do never shun the light; Just are their thoughts, and open are their tempers, Freely without disguise they love and hate, Still are they found in the fair face of day, And Heav'n and men are judges of their actions. And what I once durst do, have dar'd to justify. 2. 221 Hor. Where was this open boldness, this free spirit, When but this very morning I surpriz'd thee, In base, dishonest privacy, consulting And bribing a poor mercenary wretch, To sell her lady's secrets, stain her honour, And, with a forg'd contrivance, blast her virtue ?— At sight of me thou fled'st. Loth. Ha! fled from thee? Hor. Thou fled'st, and guilt was on thee, like a thief, A pilferer, descry'd in some dark corner, Who there had lodg'd, with mischievous intent, And do a midnight murder on the sleepers. [Offers to draw, Rossano holds him. Ros. Hold, my lord! think where you are, Think how unsafe and hurtful to your honour It were to urge a quarrel in this place, And shock the peaceful city with a broil. Loth. Then since thou dost provoke my vengeance, know I would not, for this city's wealth, for all Which the sea wafts to our Ligurian shore, But that the joys I reap'd with that fond wanton, As is the noon-day sun, air, earth, or water, Or any common benefit of nature. 240 Think'st thou I meant the shame should be conceal'd? Oh, no! by hell and vengeance, all I wanted Was some fit messenger to bear the news To the dull doating husband: now I have found him, And thou art he. Hor. I hold thee base enough To break through law, and spurn at sacred order, Yet mark me well, young lord; I think Calista These are the mean dishonest arts of cowards, Ransack for mistresses th' unwholesome stews, And never know the worth of virtuous love. Loth. Think'st thou I forg'd the letter? Think so 'Till the broad shame come staring in thy face, Hor. Away! no woman could descend so low: Loth. But that I do not hold it worth my leisure; I could produce such damning proof Hor. 'Tis false ! You blast the fair with lies, because they scorn you, Hate you like age, like ugliness and impotence: 280 Rather than make you blest, they would die virgins, And stop the propagation of mankind. Loth. It is the curse of fools to be secure, And that be thine and Altamont's. Dream on; And hold it far beyond thy pow'r to hurt; Loth. What if we pass beyond this solemn order, And, in defiance of the stern Horatio, Indulge our gayer thoughts, let laughter loose, 300 Which my soul yet has uncontrol'd pursu'd, But like the birds, great Nature's happy commoners, Hor. What liberty has vain presumptuous youth, Exact from those who wrong 'em much, ev'n death; Loth. Is then my way in Genoa prescrib'd 320 Hor. Away! thy speech is fouler than thy manners. Loth. Or, if there be a name more vile, his parasite; A beggar's parasite! Hor. Now learn humanity, [Offers to strike him, Rossano interposes. Since brutes and boys are only taught with blows. Loth. Damnation ! Ros. Hold, this goes no further here. Horatio, 'tis too much; already see The crowd are gath'ring to us. Loth. Oh, Rossano! [They draw. Or give me way, or thou'rt no more my friend. |