Tich. [Aside, noting Aristocles' groan] Ho, for ill that's past and ill that is to come, philosophy has ever a saw, but in a present pinch speaks not for groaning!... My lord, the lady Aratea asks for word with you.

Aris. [Hesitating] Tell her ... I come.

[Curtain]


ACT II

Scene 1. An outer court, Dioniysius' palace. Two entrances to palace on the right. Columns rear. Sea and sky seen between them. Behind columns a street. At left a garden. Speusippus and lords pass from street toward garden.

Speu. Dion, my lords, has gathered friends in Athens,

And waits your invitation to set sail