Chapter 23

_followed by a_ SERVANT.

CALL. (_to his_ SERVANT). I want you to come for me [1] in good time to the house of Philolaches; listen you; well then! those are your orders. (_Exit_ SERVANT.) For from the place where I was, thence did I betake myself off; so confoundedly tired was I there with the entertainment and the discourse. Now I'll go to Philolaches to have a bout; there he'll receive us with jovial feelings and handsomely. Do I seem to you to be fairly drenched, my bubsy?

DEL. You ought always to live pursuing this course of life.

CALL. Should you like, _then_, for me to hug you, and you me? DEL. If you've a mind to do so, of course.

CALL. You are a charming one. (_He stumbles._) Do hold me up, there's a dear.

DEL. (_holding him by the arm_). Take care you don't fall. Stand up.

CALL. O! you are the apple of my eye. I'm your fosterling, my honey. (_He stumbles._)

DEL. (_still holding him up_). Only do take care that you don't recline in the street, before we get to a place where a couch is ready laid.

CALL. Do let me fall.

DEL. _Well_, I'll let you. (_Lets go._)

CALL. (_dragging her as he falls_). But that as well which I've got hold of in my hand.

DEL. If you fall, you shan't fall without me falling with you. Then some one shall pick us both up as we lie. (_Aside._) The man's quite drenched.

CALL. (_overhearing_). Do you say that I am drenched, my bubsy?

DEL. Give me your hand; I really do not want you hurt.

CALL. (_giving his hand_). There now, take it.

DEL. Come, move on with me.

CALL. Where am I going, do you know?

DEL. I know.

CALL. It has just come into my head: why, of course I'm going home for a booze.

DEL. Why yes, really now I do remember that.

PHILO. Won't you let me go to find them, my life? Of all persons I wish well to him especially. I'll return just now. (_Goes forward towards the door._)

PHILE. That "just now" is a long time to me.

CALL. (_going to the door and knocking_). Is there any person here?

PHILO. 'Tis he.

CALL. (_turning round_). Bravo! Philolaches, good day to you, most friendly to me of all men.

PHILO. May the Gods bless you. (_Pointing to a couch._) Take your place, Callidamates. (_He takes his place._) Whence are you betaking yourself?

CALL. Whence a drunken man _does_.

PHILO. Well said. But, my Delphium, do take your place, there's a dear. (_She takes her place on a couch._)

CALL. Give her something to drink. I shall go to sleep directly. (_Nods and goes to sleep._)

PHILO. He doesn't do anything wonderful or strange. What shall I do with him then, my dear?

DEL. Let him alone just as he is.

PHILO. Come, you _boy_. Meanwhile, speedily pass the goblet round, beginning with Delphium.

[Footnote 1: _You to come for me_)--Ver. 306. Though none of the Editions say so, it is not improbable that this is said to Phaniscus, who, in the sequel, comes to fetch Callidamates home. The duties of the "adversitor" have been alluded to in a previous Note.]