King Arthur - Free Audiobook

SONG

OF A SCHOLAR AND HIS MISTRESS, WHO, BEING CROSSED BY THEIR FRIENDS, FELL MAD FOR ONE ANOTHER, AND NOW FIRST MEET IN BEDLAM.

In "The Pilgrim," as originally written by Beaumont and Fletcher, one scene is laid in a mad-house, where the humours of the different persons confined are described with some pleasantry. Amongst others is introduced a Scholar, who has solicited dismission from his confinement, and who, after having been carefully examined by two gentlemen, whom his patron had appointed to visit him, is on the point of being discharged as possessed of his perfect understanding. The Dialogue, which follows, probably formed the introduction to our Author's Song.

1st Gent. What flaws and whils of weather,

Or rather storms, have been aloft these three days!

How dark and hot, and full of mutiny,

And still grows louder.—

Mas. It has been stubborn weather.

2d Gent. Strange work at sea: I fear me there's old tumbling.

1st Gent. Bless my old uncle's bark! I have a venture.

2d Gent. And I more than I'd wish to lose.

Schol. Do you fear?

2nd Gent. Ha! how he looks!

Mas. Nay, mark him better, gentlemen.

2d Gent. Mercy upon me! how his eyes are altered!

Mas. Now, tell me how you like him; whether now

He be that perfect man you credited?

Schol. Does the sea stagger ye?

Mas. Now ye have hit the nick.

Schol. Do ye fear the billows?

1st Gent. What ails him? who has stirred him?

Schol. Be not shaken,

Nor let the singing of the storm shoot through you:

Let it blow on, blow on! Let the clouds wrestle,

And let the vapours of the earth turn mutinous;

The sea in hideous mountains rise, and tumble

Upon a dolphin's back! I'll make all tremble,

For I am Neptune!

Mas. Now, what think ye of him?

2d Gent. Alas, poor man!

Schol. Your bark shall plow through all,

And not a surge so saucy as disturb her.

I'll see her safe; my power shall sail before her.

Down, ye angry waters all,

Ye loud whistling whirlwinds, fall!

Down, ye proud waves, ye storms cease;

I command ye, be at peace!

Fright not with your churlish notes,

Nor bruise the keel of bark that floats

No devouring fish come nigh,

Nor monster in my empery,

Once shew his head, or terror bring,

But let the weary sailor sing.

Amphitrite, with white arms,

Strike my lute, I'll sing thy charms.

Mas. He must have music now; I must observe him;

This fit will grow too full else.

[Music and Song.]

Here it seems probable the following Mad Song, betwixt the Scholar and his Mistress, was introduced. Probably the Dialogue sustained some alterations in the action, to render the introduction of Phillis more natural; for, in the original, the Scholar, far from having lost his senses by being crossed in love, disclaims acquaintance with the passion during his previous examination.

1st Gent. Is there no unkindness

You have conceived from any friend or parent,

Or scorn from what you loved?

Schol. No, truly, sir,

I never yet was master of a faith

So poor and weak to doubt my friend or kindred;

And what love is, unless it be in learning,

I think I'm ignorant.

This passage is retained in "The Pilgrim," as altered by Sir John Vanburgh; so that it does not appear what alterations were made, to accommodate the Song to the Scholar's previous appearance. The idea of the character is copied from the story told by the Curate, in the First Chapter of the Second Part of the Adventures of the Knight of La Mancha, and applied by him to the relapse of that doughty champion.