The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 08Dryden, John
General
The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 08
Dryden, John
English drama -- 17th century
_2d Gent._ Strange work at sea: I fear me there's old tumbling.
_1st Gent._ Bless my old uncle's bark! I have a venture.
_2d Gent._ And I more than I'd wish to lose.
_Schol._ Do you fear?
_2nd Gent._ Ha! how he looks!
_Mas._ Nay, mark him better, gentlemen.
_2d Gent._ Mercy upon me! how his eyes are altered!
_Mas._ Now, tell me how you like him; whether now
He be that perfect man you credited?
_Schol._ Does the sea stagger ye?
_Mas._ Now ye have hit the nick.
_Schol._ Do ye fear the billows?
_1st Gent._ What ails him? who has stirred him?
_Schol._ Be not shaken,
Nor let the singing of the storm shoot through you:
Let it blow on, blow on! Let the clouds wrestle,
And let the vapours of the earth turn mutinous;
The sea in hideous mountains rise, and tumble
Upon a dolphin's back! I'll make all tremble,
For I am Neptune!
_Mas._ Now, what think ye of him?
_2d Gent._ Alas, poor man!
_Schol._ Your bark shall plow through all,
And not a surge so saucy as disturb her.
I'll see her safe; my power shall sail before her.
Down, ye angry waters all,
Ye loud whistling whirlwinds, fall!
Down, ye proud waves, ye storms cease;
I command ye, be at peace!
Fright not with your churlish notes,
Nor bruise the keel of bark that floats
No devouring fish come nigh,
Nor monster in my empery,
Once shew his head, or terror bring,
But let the weary sailor sing.
Amphitrite, with white arms,
Strike my lute, I'll sing thy charms.
_Mas._ He must have music now; I must observe him;
This fit will grow too full else.
[_Music and Song._]
Here it seems probable the following Mad Song, betwixt the Scholar
and his Mistress, was introduced. Probably the Dialogue sustained
some alterations in the action, to render the introduction of Phillis
more natural; for, in the original, the Scholar, far from having lost
his senses by being crossed in love, disclaims acquaintance with the
passion during his previous examination.
_1st Gent._ Is there no unkindness
You have conceived from any friend or parent,
Or scorn from what you loved?
_Schol._ No, truly, sir,
I never yet was master of a faith
So poor and weak to doubt my friend or kindred;
And what love is, unless it be in learning,
I think I'm ignorant.
This passage is retained in "The Pilgrim," as altered by Sir John
Vanburgh; so that it does not appear what alterations were made, to
accommodate the Song to the Scholar's previous appearance. The idea
of the character is copied from the story told by the Curate, in the
First Chapter of the Second Part of the Adventures of the Knight of La
Mancha, and applied by him to the relapse of that doughty champion.
SONG.
MUSIC WITHIN.
_The Lovers enter at opposite Doors, each held by a Keeper._
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account