The Magnificent Lovers | Page 8

what you think you can say in answer to the commands which bring me here.
ERI. Until now I have had no wish to explain myself, and the princess my mother has kindly allowed me to put off the choice which is to bind me. But I should be glad to show to everyone that I am willing to do something for your sake; and if you insist, I may give you this long expected verdict.
SOS. I will not importune you, Madam, and urge a princess who knows well what she has to do.
ERI. Yet it is what the princess my mother expects from you.
SOS. I told her that I was sure to acquit myself but badly of my message.
ERI. Well, tell me, Sostratus; you have far-seeing eyes, and I believe that there are few things that escape you. Have you not been able to discover what everybody is anxious to know? Have you no idea of the inclination of my heart? You see all the attentions that are bestowed on me, all the homage that is paid to me. Which of these two princes do you think I look upon with a most favourable eye?
SOS. The conjectures we make upon such matters generally arise from the greater or less interest we take.
ERI. Which would you prefer of the two, Sostratus? Tell me which one you would have me marry?
SOS. Ah! Madam! your inclination, not my wishes, must decide the matter.
ERI. But if I wished to consult you in this choice?
SOS. If you were to consult me, I should feel very much perplexed.
ERI. You could not tell me which of the two you think most worthy of preference?
SOS. If I were to be judge, I should find no one worthy of that honour. All the princes of the world would be too mean to aspire to you; the gods alone can pretend to you, and you would have from men but incense and sacrifice.
ERI. This is very kind, and I esteem you my friend. But I must have you tell me for which of the two you feel the greatest inclination, and which is the one you reckon your friend?

SCENE V.--ERIPHYLE, SOSTRATUS, CHOROEBUS.
CHO. Madam, the princess is coming to fetch you to go to the wood of Diana.
SOS. (_aside_). Alas! how seasonably you came in.

SCENE VI.--ARISTIONE, ERIPHYLE, IPHICRATES, TIMOCLES, SOSTRATUS, ANAXARCHUS, CLITIDAS.
ARI. You are asked for, my daughter, and there are some who are much pained by your absence.
ERI. I Should think, Madam, that they only asked after me out of compliment, and that no one is as pained as you say.
ARI. There are so many entertainments made for your sake that all our time is taken up, and we have not a moment to lose if we wish to see them all. Let us enter the wood at once, and see what awaits us there. This is the most beautiful place in the world. Let us take our seats quickly.

THIRD INTERLUDE.
The stage represents a forest where the PRINCESS _has been invited to go. A Nymph does the honours, singing; and to amuse the_ PRINCESS, _a small musical comedy is played, the subject of which is as follows:--A shepherd complains to two other shepherds, his friends, of the coldness of her whom he loves; the two friends comfort him; at that moment the beloved shepherdess appears, and all three retire to observe her. After a plaintive love-song, she reclines on the turf, and gives way to sweet slumber. The lover makes his two friends approach to contemplate the beauty of his shepherdess, and invokes everything to contribute to her rest. The shepherdess, on waking up, sees her swain at her feet, complains of his persecution; but taking his constancy into consideration, she grants him his wish, and consents to be loved by him, in the presence of his two friends. The Satyrs arrive, upbraid her with her change, and, distressed by the disgrace into which they have fallen, look for comfort in wine._
CLIMENE, PHILINTE.
PHILINTE. There was a time I pleased you well, Content I lived, and loved the spell; I had not changed for god or throne The sway o'er you I held alone.
CLIMENE. So, when by gentle passion swayed, You held me dear above all maid, The regal crown I would have spurned If for me still your heart had burned.
PHILINTE. Another's faith hath cured the wound I nursed for you within my breast.
CLIMENE. Another's love for me hath found Revenge I sought, and kindly rest.
PHILINTE. Chloris the fair true passion sways, For me she pours her soul in sighs, And I would gladly close my days If so should bid her beauteous eyes.
CLIMENE. Myrtil, of youthful hearts the flower, He loves me true e'en more than light; And I, to prove love's mighty power, Content, would pass to endless