Org. I would possess my wife; the equity Of very reason bids me. Pen. Is that all? Org. Why, 't is the all of me, myself. Pen. Remove Your steps some distance from me; at this space A few words I dare change; but first put on Your borrow'd shape.' Org. You are obey'd; 't is done. [He resumes his disguise. Pen. How, Orgilus, by promise, I was thine, Which might give deeper wounds to discontents. people This barren age with virtues in thy issue! Org. Part! yet advise thee better: -but first put on Your borrow'd shape.] This, as I have elsewhere observed, is the green-room term for a dress of disguise. In the opening of the next act, Orgilus, who had resumed his usual habit, is said to appear in his own shape.-GIFFORD. Org. How! Pen. Hear me; in a word I'll tell thee why. Should I outlive my bondage, let me meet Org. Penthea, now I tell you, you grow wanton in my sufferance; Pen. Uncivil sir, forbear, Or I can turn affection into vengeance; Lies bleeding at my feet. Unworthy man, And curse my stars for forfeit of my judgment. [Exit. Pen. He sigh'd my name, sure, as he parted from me; I fear I was too rough. Alas, poor gentleman! How much we fight with weakness to preserve thee! [Walks aside. Enter BASSANES and GRAUSIS. Bass. Fie on thee, rotten maggot! Sleep! sleep at court! and now! Aches, convulsions, Imposthumes, rheums, gouts, palsies, clog thy bones A dozen years more yet! Grau. Now you are in humours. Bass. She's by herself, there's hope of that; she's sad too; She's in strong contemplation; yes, and fix'd; Grau. Very wholesome, truly. Bass. Hold your chops, nightmare!-Lady, come; your brother Is carried to his closet; you must thither. Bass. A sudden fit, 't will off; Some surfeit or disorder.-How dost, dearest? Enter PROPHILUS. Pro. The chief of men, The excellentest Ithocles, desires Bass. We are hasting to him. Pen. In vain we labour in this course of life To piece our journey out at length, or crave Respite of breath; our home is in the grave. Bass. Perfect philosophy! Pen. Then let us care To live so, that our reckonings may fall even, Pro. He cannot fear Who builds on noble grounds; sickness or pain Your virtuous brother to the world is known. Speak comfort to him, lady, be all gentle; [Exeunt. ACT III. SCENE I. The Study of TECNICUS. Enter TECNICUS, and ORGILUS in his usual dress. Tec. Be well advised; let not a resolution Of giddy rashness choke the breath of reason. Org. It shall not, most sage master. Tec. I am jealous; For if the borrow'd shape so late put on Org. Learned Tecnicus, Such doubts are causeless; and, to clear the truth Our kingdom's heir; besides, mine only sister, Tec. Just ones, Orgilus, Not to be contradicted: yet, beware Of an unsure foundation; no fair colours 1 I am jealous,] i. e. I am fearful, suspicious of it.-GIFFORD Can fortify a building faintly jointed. I have observ'd a growth in thy aspect Org. My aspect! could art Run through mine inmost thoughts, it should not sift An inclination there, more than what suited Tec. I believe it. But know then, Orgilus, what honour is : By doing any act that feeds content, Brave in appearance, 'cause we think it brave; Commits thefts, murther, treasons, and adulteries, Of what becomes the grace of real honour, Wishing success to all thy virtuous meanings. Org. The gods increase thy wisdom, reverend oracle, And in thy precepts make me ever thrifty! [Exit. Tec. I thank thy wish.-Much mystery of fate Lies hid in that man's fortunes; curiosity |