What then? An nescis longas regibus esse manus?
It is no safe talking of them that strikes afar off.
But leaving kings’ matters, I pray you show me this courtesy,
To describe in few words the state of this city.
A traveller I am, desirous to know
The state of each country, wherever I go:
Not to the hurt of any state, but to get experience thereby.
It is not for nought, that the poet doth cry,
Dic mihi musa virum, captæ post tempora Trojæ,
Qui mores hominum multorum vidit et urbes. [49]
In which verses, as some writers do scan,
The poet describeth a perfect wise man:
Even so I, being a stranger, addicted to philosophy,
To see the state of countries myself I apply.
Carisophus. Sir, I like this intent, but may I ask your name without scorn?
Damon. My name is Damon, well known in my country, a gentleman born.
Carisophus. You do wisely to search the state of each country
To bear intelligence thereof, whither you lust. He is a spy, [Aside.
Sir, I pray you, have patience awhile, for I have to do hereby:
View this weak part of this city as you stand, and I very quickly
Will return to you again, and then will I show
The state of all this country, and of the court also.
Damon. I thank you for your courtesy.
[Exit Caris.]
This chanceth well, that I
Met with this gentleman so happily,
Which, as it seemeth, misliketh something,
Else he would not talk so boldly of the king,
And that to a stranger: but lo, where he comes in haste.
Here entereth Carisophus and Snap.
Carisophus. This is the[50] fellow: Snap, snap him up: away with him.
Snap. Good fellow, thou must go with me to the court.
Damon. To the court, sir? and why?
Carisophus. Well, we will dispute that before the king. Away with him quickly.
Damon. Is this the courtesy you promised me, and that very lately?
Carisophus. Away with him, I say.
Damon. Use no violence, I will go with you quietly.
[Exeunt omnes.
Here entereth Aristippus.
Aristippus. Ah, sirrah, by’r Lady, Aristippus likes Dionysius’ court very well,
Which in passing joys and pleasures doth excel.
Where he hath dapsiles cœnas, geniales lectos, et auro
Fulgentem tyranni zonam.[51]
I have plied the harvest, and stroke when the iron was hot;
When I spied my time, I was not squeamish to crave, God wot!
But with some pleasant toy[52] I crept into the king’s bosom,
For which Dionysius gave me Auri talentum magnum—
A large reward for so simple services.
What, then? the king’s praise standeth chiefly in bountifulness:
Which thing though I told the king very pleasantly,
Yet can I prove it by good writers of great antiquity:
But that shall not need at this time, since that I have abundantly:
When I lack hereafter, I will use this point of philosophy:
But now, whereas I have felt the king’s liberality,
As princely as it came, I will spend it as regally:
Money is current, men say, and current comes of Currendo:
Then will I make money run, as his nature requireth, I trow.
For what becomes a philosopher best,
But to despise money above the rest?
And yet not so despise it, but to have in store
Enough to serve his own turn, and somewhat more.
With sundry sports and taunts yesternight I delighted the king,
That with his loud laughter the whole court did ring,
And I thought he laugh’d not merrier than I, when I got this money.
But, mumbudget,[53] for Carisophus I espy
In haste to come hither: I must handle the knave finely.
Here entereth Carisophus.
O Carisophus, my dearest friend, my trusty companion!
What news with you? where have you been so long?
Carisophus. My best beloved friend Aristippus, I am come at last;
I have not spent all my time in waste.
I have got a prey, and that a good one, I trow.
Aristippus. What prey is that? fain would I know.
Carisophus. Such a crafty spy I have caught, I dare say,
As never was in Sicilia before this day;
Such a one as viewed every weak place in the city,
Surviewed the haven and each bulwark in talk very witty:
And yet by some words himself he did bewray.
Aristippus. I think so in good faith, as you did handle him.
Carisophus. I handled him clerkly, I joined in talk with him courteously:
But when we were entered, I let
