Act 2 — SCENE II.
Reading edition
The same. A Room in Cleon's House.
Enter Asotus, driving in Gracculo.
Asot. You slave! you dog! down, cur!
Grac. Hold, good young master, For pity's sake!
Asot. Now am I in my kingdom:— Who says I am not valiant? I begin To frown again: quake, villain!
Grac. So I do, sir; Your looks are agues to me.
Asot. Are they so, sir! 'Slight, if I had them at this bay that flout me, And say I look like a sheep and an ass, I'd make them Feel that I am a lion.
Grac. Do not roar, sir, As you are a valiant beast: but do you know Why you use me thus?
Asot. I'll beat thee a little more, Then study for a reason. O! I have it: One brake a jest on me, and then I swore, (Because I durst not strike him,) when I came home, That I would break thy head.
Grac. Plague on his mirth! I am sure I mourn for 't.
Asot. Remember too, I charge you, To teach my horse good manners yet; this morning, As I rode to take the air, the untutor'd jade Threw me, and kick'd me.
Grac. I thank him for 't. [Aside.
Asot. What's that?
Grac. I say, sir, I will teach him to hold his heels, If you will rule your fingers.
Asot. I'll think upon 't.
Grac. I am bruised to jelly: better be a dog, Than slave to a fool or coward. [Aside.
Asot. Here's my mother,
Enter Corisca and Zanthia.
She is chastising too: how brave we live, That have our slaves to beat, to keep us in breath When we want exercise!
Coris. Careless creature, [Striking her. Look to 't; if a curl fall, or wind or sun Take my complexion off, I will not leave One hair upon thine head.
Grac. Here's a second show Of the family of pride! [Aside.
Coris. Fie on these wars! I'm starved for want of action. When were you with Your mistress, fair Cleora?
Asot. Two days sithence; But she's so coy, forsooth, that ere I can Speak a penn'd speech I have bought and studied for her, Her woman calls her away.
Coris. Here's a dull thing!
Zant. Madam, my lord.
Enter Cleon.
Cleon. Where are you, wife? I fain would go abroad, But cannot find my slaves that bear my litter; I am tired. Your shoulder, son;—nay, sweet, thy hand too: A turn or two in the garden, and then to supper, And so to bed.
Asot. Never to rise, I hope, more. [Aside. [Exeunt.