C. H. B. KITCHIN
(EXETER)
OPENING SCENE FROM “AMPHITRYON”
ALCMENA. THREE ASTROLOGERS
Alcmena
I HAVE commanded you as often of old
To ply the doctor’s trade with my disease,
To cure me or to kill; for in whose veins
Courses the age-long poison of despair,
Seeks for himself no gentle surgery,
Nor wishes for the touch of tender hands
Upon his body.
First Astrologer
Something of your need
Has been revealed us. Yet should there remain
No secret hid from the physician’s eye.
Alcmena
It has been said that from the lips of queens
Should come no word more bitter than sweet honey.
If you adjudge me queen, let this too pass
That I must act unqueenly. In my soul
Drips wine more bitter than the taste of gall.