_Jos._ How should we? _Iden._ The river has o'erflowed. _Jos._ Alas! we have known 210 That to our sorrow for these five days; since It keeps us here. _Iden._ But what you don't know is, That a great personage, who fain would cross Against the stream and three postilions' wishes, Is drowned below the ford, with five post-horses, A monkey, and a mastiff--and a valet[163]. _Jos._ Poor creatures! are you sure? _Iden._ Yes, of the monkey, And the valet, and the cattle; but as yet We know not if his Excellency's dead Or no; your noblemen are hard to drown, 220 As it is fit that men in office should be; But what is certain is, that he has swallowed Enough of the Oder[164] to have burst two peasants; And now a Saxon and Hungarian traveller, Who, at their proper peril, snatched him from The whirling river, have sent on to crave A lodging, or a grave, according as It may turn out with the live or dead body. _Jos._ And where will you receive him? here, I hope, If we can be of service--say the word. 230 _Iden._ Here? no; but in the Prince's own apartment, As fits a noble guest:--'tis damp, no doubt, Not having been inhabited these twelve years; But then he comes from a much damper place, So scarcely will catch cold in't, if he be Still liable to cold--and if not, why He'll be worse lodged to-morrow: ne'ertheless, I have ordered fire and all appliances To be got ready for the worst--that is, In case he should survive. _Jos._ Poor gentleman! 240 I hope he will, with all my heart. _Wer._ Intendant, Have you not learned his name? (_Aside to his wife_.) My Josephine, Retire: I'll sift this fool. [_Exit_ JOSEPHINE. _Iden._ His name? oh Lord! Who knows if he hath now a name or no? 'Tis time enough to ask it when he's able To give an answer; or if not, to put His heir's upon his epitaph. Methought Just now you chid me for demanding names? _Wer._ True, true, I did so: you say well and wisely. _Enter_ GABOR.[165] _Gab._ If I intrude, I crave---- _Iden._ Oh, no intrusion! 250 This is the palace; this a stranger like Yourself; I pray you make yourself at home: But where's his Excellency? and how fares he? _Gab._ Wetly and wearily, but out of peril: He paused to change his garments in a cottage (Where I doffed mine for these, and came on hither), And has almost recovered from his drenching. He will be here anon.