Scene IV Enter Callidamates, at a Distance, Drunk, and Delphium
followed by a SERVANT.
CALL. (to his SERVANT). I want you to come for me in good time to the house of Philolaches; listen you; well then! those are your orders. (Exit SERVANT.) For from the place where I was, thence did I betake myself off; so confoundedly tired was I there with the entertainment and the discourse. Now I’ll go to Philolaches to have a bout; there he’ll receive us with jovial feelings and handsomely. Do I seem to you to be fairly drenched, my bubsy?
DEL. You ought always to live pursuing this course of life.
CALL. Should you like, then, for me to hug you, and you me? DEL. If you’ve a mind to do so, of course.
CALL. You are a charming one. (He stumbles.) Do hold me up, there’s a dear.
DEL. (holding him by the arm). Take care you don’t fall. Stand up.
CALL. O! you are the apple of my eye. I’m your fosterling, my honey. (He stumbles.)
DEL. (still holding him up). Only do take care that you don’t recline in the street, before we get to a place where a couch is ready laid.
CALL. Do let me fall.
DEL. Well, I’ll let you. (Lets go.)
CALL. (dragging her as he falls). But that as well which I’ve got hold of in my hand.
DEL. If you fall, you shan’t fall without me falling with you. Then some one shall pick us both up as we lie. (Aside.) The man’s quite drenched.
CALL. (overhearing). Do you say that I am drenched, my bubsy?
DEL. Give me your hand; I really do not want you hurt.
CALL. (giving his hand). There now, take it.
DEL. Come, move on with me.
CALL. Where am I going, do you know?
DEL. I know.
CALL. It has just come into my head: why, of course I’m going home for a booze.
DEL. Why yes, really now I do remember that.
PHILO. Won’t you let me go to find them, my life? Of all persons I wish well to him especially. I’ll return just now. (Goes forward towards the door.)
PHILE. That “just now” is a long time to me.
CALL. (going to the door and knocking). Is there any person here?
PHILO. ’Tis he.
CALL. (turning round). Bravo! Philolaches, good day to you, most friendly to me of all men.
PHILO. May the Gods bless you. (Pointing to a couch.) Take your place, Callidamates. (He takes his place.) Whence are you betaking yourself?
CALL. Whence a drunken man does.
PHILO. Well said. But, my Delphium, do take your place, there’s a dear. (She takes her place on a couch.)
CALL. Give her something to drink. I shall go to sleep directly. (Nods and goes to sleep.)
PHILO. He doesn’t do anything wonderful or strange. What shall I do with him then, my dear?
DEL. Let him alone just as he is.
PHILO. Come, you boy. Meanwhile, speedily pass the goblet round, beginning with Delphium.
{Footnote 1: You to come for me)—Ver. 306. Though none of the Editions say so, it is not improbable that this is said to Phaniscus, who, in the sequel, comes to fetch Callidamates home. The duties of the “adversitor” have been alluded to in a previous Note.}