The Magnificent Lovers | Page 4

CLITIDAS.
ARI. (to IPHICRATES). Prince, I cannot say too much, there is no
spectacle in the world which can vie in magnificence with this one you
have just given us. This entertainment had wonderful attractions, which
will make it surpass all that can ever be seen. We have witnessed
something so noble, so grand and glorious that heaven itself could do
no more; and I feel sure there is nothing in the world that could be
compared to it.
TIM. This is a display that cannot he expected in all entertainments,
and I greatly fear, Madam, for the simplicity of the little festival which
I am preparing to give you in the wood of Diana.
ARI. I feel sure that we shall see nothing there but what is delightful;
and we must acknowledge that the country ought to appear very
beautiful to us, and that we have no time left for dulness in this
charming place, which all poets have celebrated under the name of
Tempe. For, not to mention the pleasures of hunting, which we can
enjoy at any hour, and the solemnity of the Pythian Games which are
about to be celebrated, you both take care to supply us with pleasures
that would charm away the sorrows of the most melancholy. How is it,
Sostratus, that we did not meet you in our walks?
SOS. A slight indisposition, Madam, prevented me from going there.
IPH. Sostratus is one of those men who think it unbecoming to be
curious like others, and who esteem it better to affect not to go where

everybody is anxious to be.
SOS. My Lord, affectation has little share in anything I do, and,
without paying you a compliment, there were things to be seen in this
festival which would have attracted me if some other motive had not
hindered me.
ARI. And has Clitidas seen it all?
CLI. Yes, Madam, but from the shore.
ARI. And why from the shore?
CLI. Well, Madam, I feared one of those accidents which generally
happen in such large crowds. Last night I dreamt of dead fish and
broken eggs, and I have learnt from Anaxarchus that broken eggs and
dead fish forebode ill luck.
ANA. I observe one thing, that Clitidas would have nothing to say if he
did not speak of me.
CLI. It is because there are so many things that can be said of you that
one can never say too much.
ANA. You might choose some other subject of conversation,
particularly since I have asked you to do so.
CLI. How can I? Do you not say that destiny is stronger than
everything? And if it is written in the stars that I shall speak of you,
how can I resist my fate?
ANA. With all the respect due to you, Madam, allow me to say that
there is one thing in your court which it is sad to find there. It is that
everybody takes the liberty of talking, and that the most honourable
man is exposed to the scoffing of the first buffoon he meets.
CLI. I thank you for the honour you do me.
ARI. (to ANAXARCHUS). Why be put out by what he says?
CLI. With all due respect to you, Madam, there is one thing which
amazes me in astrology; it is that people who know the secrets of the
gods, and who have such knowledge as to place themselves above all
other men, should have need of paying court and of asking for
anything.
ANA. This is a paltry joke, and you should earn your money by giving
your mistress wittier and better ones.
CLI. Upon my word, I give what I have. You speak most comfortably
about it; the trade of a buffoon is not like that of an astrologer. To tell
lies well and to joke well are things altogether different, and it is far

easier to deceive people than to make them laugh.
ARI. Ha! what is the meaning of that?
CLI. (_speaking to himself_). Peace, fool that you are! Do you not
know that astrology is an affair of state, and that you must not play
upon that string? I have often told you that you are getting a great deal
too bold, and that you take certain liberties which will bring trouble
upon you. You will see that some day you will be kicked out like a
knave. Hold your peace if you be wise.
ARI. Where is my daughter?
TIM. She is gone away, Madam. I offered her my arm, which she
refused to accept.
ARI. Princes, since in your love for Eriphyle you have consented to
submit to the laws I had imposed upon you, since it has been possible
for me to obtain that you should be rivals without being