Classic Poem

ACT. V. Scene VI.

To them Machessa ushering Lerinus, Iringus, and Ganyctor, as Embassadors . Ler .

Most Gratious, most Renowned, and most Beautious. Cos .
Pray y' be not troublesome; We're taken up
Wholy with the Affairs o'th' Kingdom now. Irin .
When will your Ladiship have a Vacancy? Pan .
You are Impertinent; True Politicians
Do never use to answer on the sudden. Rho .
It is not now as heretofore; the times
Are grown more wise, and more reserv'd; there are
Matters on foot far greater; you must wait — —
You are Embassadors. Gan .
We should not think so,
But that you're pleas'd to tell us so; your usage
Hath a far different Dialect from your Tongue. Cos .
Were there not Women in your Kingdom fit
For this Imployment? I perceive your State
Is utterly unfurnish'd, that it cannot
Send forth three Female Agents. Irin .
'Tis not, Madam,
The custome of our Master to commit
His Kingdom's secrets to a peece of Chrystall;
That were not to Negotiate, but Betray. Pa .
You shall meet Women here, that are not Crystal,
Those that will find out you, and hide themselves. Rho .
You shall not need the help of an Interpreter
When we give Audience: Speak what Tongue you will
You shall be understood, each one of us
Hath more than one. Ler .
We easily beleeve it.
Though you should speak none else besides your Native. Cos .
Pray stand you by, and wait a while. Ler .
We obey. Cos .
Now will they think the better of us; 'tis
The way to bring our selves in Credit by
Neglecting of 'em thus. I'd have 'em know
We were to be saluted at their coming. Pan .
Their State is very unhappy, that it is
So unprovided: I beleeve these are
The very wisest in the Kingdom; for
They have no Manners. Rho .
You guess rightly, Madam:
The greatest Counsellors and Lawyers scarce
Know how to make a Leg.