CLAUDIUS. Everything has been got ready As you ordered. This apartment Opening on the garden terrace Has been draped and covered over With the costliest silks and velvets, Leaving certain spaces bare For the painter's magic pencil, Where, so cunning is his art, That it nature's self resembles. Flowers more fair than in the garden, Pinks and roses are presented: But what wonder when the fountains Still run after to reflect them?-- All things else have been provided, Music, dances, gala dresses; And for all that, Rome yet knows not What in truth is here projected; 'T is a fair Academy, In whose floral halls assemble Beauty, wit, and grace, a sight That we see but very seldom. All the ladies too of Rome Have prepared for the contention With due circumspection, since As his wife will be selected She who best doth please him; thus There are none but will present them In these gardens, some to see him, Others to show off themselves here. POLEMIUS. Oh, my Claudius, would to Jove That all this could dispossess me Of my dark foreboding fancies, Of the terrors that oppress me!-- (Enter Aurelius.) AURELIUS. Sir, a very learned physician Comes to proffer his best service To Chrysanthus, led by rumour Of his illness. POLEMIUS. Bid him enter. [Aurelius retires, and returns immediately with Carpophorus, disguised as a physician.] CARPOPHORUS (aside). Heaven, that I may do the work That this day I have attempted, Grant me strength a little while; For I know my death impendeth!-- Mighty lord, thy victor hand, [aloud. Let me kiss and kneeling press it. POLEMIUS. Venerable elder, rise From the ground; thy very presence Gives me joy, a certain instinct Even at sight of thee doth tell me Thou alone canst save my son. CARPOPHORUS. Heaven but grant the cure be perfect! POLEMIUS. Whence, sir, art thou? CARPOPHORUS. Sir, from Athens. POLEMIUS. 'T is a city that excelleth All the world in knowledge. CARPOPHORUS. There All are teachers, all are learners. The sole wish to be of use Has on this occasion led me From my home. Inform me then How Chrysanthus is affected. POLEMIUS. With an overwhelming sadness; Or to speak it more correctly (Since when we consult a doctor Even suspicions should be mentioned), He, my son, has been bewitched;-- Thus it is these Christian perverts Take revenge through him on me: In particular an elder Called Carpophorus, a wizard . . . May the day soon come for vengeance! CARPOPHORUS. May heaven grant it . . . (aside, For that day I the martyr's crown may merit). Where at present is Chrysanthus? POLEMIUS. He is just about to enter:-- You can see him; all his ailment In the soul you 'll find is centered. CARPOPHORUS. In the soul then I will cure him, If my skill heaven only blesses. [Music is heard from within.