Lords and Lovers, and Other Dramas

by Olive Tilford Dargan

First courtier. Tame, tame. I'd not have left my couch at the bath for such. And Dracon's tongue was middle of a pretty tale.

Nau. But the banquet—why stayed you not for that?

Second courtier. Have you not heard? The seven evil winds have struck the feast, and left but fruit and wine. My wife's as good a cook. Can serve a plate of figs!

Nau. What's this?

First courtier. As we say. Our delectable gardens are smit with sudden prudent frost. The mullein and the plantain shortly will grow where we have plucked luxuriance' rose.

[Enter Aratea and Aristocles]

Nau. What do you mean, my lord?

First courtier. [Looking at Aristocles] The wind is all too near that wrought this havoc.

Aris. Nay, have no fear for Dion. You wrong this hour of promise. Your brother yields us much.