SCENE I.——ERIPHYLE, CLITIDAS.
Cli. Where shall I go? which way shall I turn? Where am I likely to find the Princess Eriphyle? It is no small pleasure to be the first to bring news. Ah! here she is! Madam, I come to tell you that heaven has just now given you the husband it reserved for you.
Eri. Alas! leave me, Clitidas, to my gloomy sorrow.
Cli. Madam, I beg your pardon, I thought I did well to come and tell you that heaven has given you Sostratus for a husband; but, since it is unpleasant to you, I will pocket my news, and go back just as I came.
Eri. Clitidas! I say, Clitidas!
Cli. I leave you, Madam, to your gloomy melancholy.
Eri. Stay, I tell you; come here. What is it you say?
Cli. Nothing, Madam. One is sometimes too hasty in coming to tell great people things they don't care about, and I pray you to excuse me.
Eri. How cruel you are!
Cli. Another time I will take care not to come and interrupt you.