_Y. Book._ Oh! but ladies are no philosophers; but as to being drubbed (these stockings too), you must fix your imagination upon some other object, and you may, by force of thought, suspend your feeling. The body is but the instrument of the mind, and you may command an instrument. _Lat._ No, sir, I'll have you to know, I'll save my carcass by mere dint of eloquence. You have no other orders? _Y. Book._ No; but may persuasion, grace, and elocution hang on thy lips. But if you can come in to Victoria, she and the wine you've drank will inspire you. Farewell. [_Exit._ _Lat._ This is the enchanted castle which the lady fair inhabits. Ha! Mr. Simon, sir, I am your most humble servant. My dear friend---- _Enter_ SIMON. _Sim._ Your servant, good sir; my lady is with Madam Victoria at cards. She'll lie here to-night--but all's ruined; they are both huge angry with your master. But Lettice, having taken a fancy to you, Mr. John, spoke up rarely, that she did indeed. _Lat._ Can't one come to the speech of her? _Sim._ I was ordered to have a strict eye to the door, and let nobody in whatever. I don't care for going up, because she'll see I have made a cap of one of the finest napkins, for which she'll make a plaguy noise. _Lat._ Nay, nay, you are exactly of my mind; I love to avoid anger. _Sim._ You are a little disguised in drink, though, Mr. John--but I ain't seen you, not I. Go straight up: Mrs. Lettice is in the ante-chamber. _Lat._ I thank you, dear friend. My master bids me upon these occasions----[_Gives him money._ _Sim._ I beg your pardon, good Mr. John. _Lat._ Look you, I am a servant as well as you; what do you mean, Mr. Simon? Come, come, time's precious. When your lady's married, all these vails will end. _Sim._ Nay, I said behind your back, Mr. John, that you were very well spoken. Well, put up briskly. I'll stand your friend as much as one servant can to another, against all masters and mistresses whatever. _Lat._ Thanks, good Mr. Simon. [_Exeunt._ SCENE II.--PENELOPE'S _Lodgings._ LETTICE, _discovered reading, by a small candle; two large ones by her unlighted._ _Lett._ 'Tis a most sad thing, one dare not light a large candle except company's coming in, and I scarce can see to read this piteous story. Well, in all these distresses and misfortunes, the faithful Argalus was renowned all over the plains of Arca--Arca--Arcadia--for his loyal and true affection to his charming paramour, Parthenia.[70] Blessings on his heart for it; there are no such suitors nowadays. [_Weeping._] But I hope they'll come together again at the end of the book, and marry, and have several children. Oh! Bless me! A man here! [_Turns over the leaves._]--The gentleman's pretty man----[_Aside._ _Enter_ LATINE. I wonder by what means, with that impudence, you could offer to come upstairs at this time of the night, and my lady in the next room. I protest I'll cry out. [_In a low voice all._ _Lat._ Dear Mrs. Lettice, my love to you. [_Aloud._