Chapter 31

PHILIP. -- PAUL.

PAUL [aside]. God be with you both! But scarce Has one vanished, when another Comes to haunt me. Why, I'm tempted By strange phantoms and hobgoblins Like another San Antonio:-- In this doorway I'll ensconce me, Till my friend here kindly passes.

PHILIP. Love, ambitious, bold, deep-plotted, With the favours of a kingdom Me thou mak'st a prosperous lover. To the desert fled Polonia, Where, mid savage rocks and forests, Citizen of mighty mountains, Islander of lonely grottoes, She doth dwell, to Lesbia leaving Crown and kingdom; through a stronger Greed than love I Lesbia court,-- For a queen is worth my homage. From her trellis I have come, From a sweet and pleasant converse. But, what's this? Each night I stumble On a man here at my doorstep. Who is there?

PAUL [aside]. To me he's coming. Why on earth should every goblin Pounce on me?

PHILIP. Sir, Caballero.

PAUL. These are names I don't acknowledge; He can't speak to ME.

PHILIP. This house Is my home.

PAUL. Which I don't covet; May you for an age enjoy it, Without billets.

PHILIP. If important Business in this street detains you (Not a word whereon I offer), Give me room that I may pass.

PAUL [aside]. Somewhat timid, though quite proper, Goblins can be cowards too.-- Yes, sir, for a certain office I am here; go in, and welcome; I no gentleman would stop here Bound for bed, nor is it right.

PHILIP. The condition I acknowledge.-- [Aside. Well, fine spectres, to be sure, Haunt this street: each night I notice That a man here comes before me, But when I approach him softly, Hereabouts on my own threshold, I, as now, have always lost him. But what matters this to me? [Exit.

[PAUL draws his sword and makes several flourishes. PAUL. As he's gone, the right and proper Thing is this:-- Stay, stay, cold shadow, Whether you're a ghost or ghostess, I can't reach it. Why, by heaven! Air alone I cut and chop here. But if this is he we wait for In the night-time like two blockheads Faith! he is a lucky fellow To have got to bed so promptly. But another noise I hear Sounding from that dark street yonder. 'Tis of swords and angry voices:-- There I run to reconnoitre. [Exit.

* * * * *