Diminutive dramas

“This is one of those rare and delightful books, in which the reader is invited to smile rather than to laugh, and to think even when he is most amused.”--_The Globe._

DIDO. Yes; he threatens to attack Carthage at once. He cannot get over the fact that we really are married, and that I have a brave, dear, faithful, darling husband to love and...

GIOVANNI. I am a dying man, and this is our last bargain. It has consequently no effect on future dealings. The time at your disposal is short; dying men don’t bluff, you must h...

THE AUTHOR. Dark, if you please. People are always saying I’m making portraits. So, if you’re dark, nobody can say I meant the character for the Queen or for Mistress Mary Fytton.

SCENE.--_A large banqueting table in the centre of a bridge, which stretches for three miles between Puteoli and Baiæ. The_ EMPEROR CALIGULA _is reclining in the place of honour...

DON JUAN. The birth, the growth, and the nature of our friendship. May not I claim to be a friend? You surely do not wish to regard me as an enemy?

CLODIA. Well, that’s just what I wanted to explain. Metellus says you’ve asked Catullus, and last night we were all dining with Pollio, and Catullus was there. Of course, I don’...

HELIODORE. I don’t mind personally a bit. I don’t happen to care for him; but I have asked thirty people to come in afterwards to meet him, and I do think it’s selfish.

ELEANOR (_solemnly_). By an act of willing self-sacrifice on your part. That is to say, by your death--self-inflicted, of course. If you give up your life you will save your lov...

XANTIPPE. I think you might at least answer when you’re spoken to. I am far from expecting you to treat me with consideration or respect; but I do expect ordinary civility.