Act II, Scene VI
SCENE SIX.
-- Interior of the Hermit's Cave.
STRUTT and PEASANTS discovered seated round a
table.
Strut.
Well, upon my soul, it's a monstrous pleasant retreat. And now
for the little store of choice Falernian.
Peasa. (who has been hunting about the cave)
Here it is, Master Strutt; here's his reverence's holy water.
Strut.
Out with it, then, and in with it. If his reverence should miss
it when he comes home, he knows where to get more. Old Quadro's
sins will always keep his cellar well stocked. So now my lads,
charge your cups. (PEASANTS have meanwhile placed on the table
several flagons of wine, horns, &c.) Now for it, fill
all, and mind it's a bumper. (all fill) Here's confusion
to any creature that would harm a defenceless woman and a
helpless child; for be their shape what it may, they must be
monsters indeed.
Peasa.
{37} Bravo! with all my heart! (all drink.)
Strut.
And now I'll give you another. Here's our noble selves, and may
all our future enterprizes be crowned with as complete success as
that which we have now so gloriously achieved.
(They have their cups raised to their lips, when the
MONSTER, still lowering himself by his rope, descends from an
aperture in the roof of the cavern, and stands on the table in
the midst of them -- they all shrink back in terror with loud
cries -- and fly in extreme fear -- the MONSTER in rage dashes
about the seats -- STRUTT takes an opportunity to stab him in he
back, and flies leaving the dagger in the wound -- the MONSTER
extracts it, and roaring with pain rushes off, L.
Act
Scene
