ENDYMION, THE MAN IN THE MOON
Reading edition
BY JOHN LYLY
[DRAMATIS PERSONAE
Endymion, in love with Cynthia.
Eumenides, his friend, in love with Semele.
Corsites, a Captain, in love with Tellus.
Panelion, } Lords of Cynthia’s Court.
Zontes,
Pythagoras, the Greek Philosopher.
Gyptes, an Egyptian Soothsayer.
Geron, an old man, husband to Dipsas.
Sir Tophas, a Braggart.
Dares, Page to Eumenides.
Samias, Page to Endymion.
Epiton, Page to Sir Tophas.
Master Constable.
First Watchman.
Second Watchman.
Cynthia, the Queen.
Tellus, in love with Endymion.
Floscula, her friend.
Semele, loved by Eumenides.
Scintilla, } Waiting-maids.
Favilla,
Dipsas, an old Enchantress.
Bagoa, her servant.
Watchmen; Fairies; Three Ladies and an Old Man in the Dumb Show.]
THE PROLOGUE
Most high and happy Princess, we must tell you a tale of the Man in the Moon, which, if it seem ridiculous for the method, or superfluous for the matter, or for the means incredible, for three faults we can make but one excuse: it is a tale of the Man in the Moon.
It was forbidden in old time to dispute of Chimæra because it was a fiction: we hope in our times none will apply pastimes,[1] because they are fancies; for there liveth none under the sun that knows what to make of the Man in the Moon. We present neither comedy, nor tragedy, nor story, nor anything but that whosoever heareth may say this: Why, here is a tale of the Man in the Moon.