POLEMIUS. All my house is in confusion, Full of terrors, full of horrors;[11] Ah! how true it is a son Is the source of many sorrows!-- CLAUDIUS. But, my lord, reflect . . . ESCARPIN. Consider . . . Think . . . POLEMIUS. Why think, when misery follows?-- Cease: you add to my affliction, And in no way bring me solace. Since you see that in his madness He is now more firm and constant, Falling sick of new diseases, Ere he 's well of old disorders: Since one young and beauteous maiden, Whom love wished to him to proffer, Free from every spot and blemish, Pure and perfect in her fondness, Is the one whose fatal charms Give to him such grief and torment, That each moment he may perish, That he may expire each moment; How then can you hope that I Now shall list to words of comfort?-- CLAUDIUS. Why not give this beauteous maiden To your son to be his consort, Since you see his inclination? POLEMIUS. For this reason: when the project I proposed, the two made answer, That before they wed, some problem, Some dispute that lay between them Should be settled: this seemed proper: But when I would know its nature I could not the cause discover. From this closeness I infer That some secret of importance Lies between them, and that this Is the source of all my sorrows. AURELIUS. Sir, my loyalty, my duty Will not let me any longer Silence keep, too clearly seeing How the evil has passed onward. On that day we searched the mountain. . . . POLEMIUS (aside). Woe is me! could he have known then All this time it was Chrysanthus? AURELIUS. I approaching, where with shoulders Turned against me stood one figure, Saw the countenance of another, And methinks he was . . . POLEMIUS (aside). Ye gods! Yes, he saw him! help! support me! AURELIUS. The same person who came hither Lately in the garb of a doctor, Who to-day to cure Chrysanthus Such unusual treatment orders. Do you ascertain if he Is Carpophorus; let no portent Fright you, on yourself rely, And you 'll find that all will prosper. POLEMIUS. Thanks, Aurelius, for your warning, Though 't is somewhat tardily offered. Whether you are right or wrong, I to-day will solve the problem. For the sudden palpitation Of my heart that beats and throbbeth 'Gainst my breast, doth prove how true Are the suspicions that it fostered. And if so, then Rome will see Such examples made, such torments, That one bleeding corse will show Wounds enough for myriad corses. [Exeunt Aurelius and Polemius. CLAUDIUS. Good Escarpin . . . ESCARPIN. Sir. CLAUDIUS. I know not How to address you in my sorrow. Do you say that Cynthia was One of those not over-modest Beauties who to court Chrysanthus Hither came, and who (strange portent!) Had some share of his bewitchment In the stupor that came on them?