Amphitryon in this is a student of Greek learning, and the awkwardness
of Alcmena's situation, after Jupiter's visit is got over, by her
assuring her confiding husband that she thinks the whole affair must
have been a dream."
JACK JUGGLER.
THE PROLOGUE.
_Interpone tuis interdum gaudia curis,
Vt possis animo quemvis sufferre laborem_.
Do any of you know what Latin is this?
Or else would you have an Expositorem
To declare it in English _per sensum planiorem?_
It is best I speak English, or else within a while
I may percase mine own self with my Latin beguile.
The two verses, which I rehearsed before,
I find written in the Book of Cato the wise
Among good precepts of living a thousand more,
Which to follow there he doth all men avise
And they may be Englished briefly in this wise:
Among thy careful business use sometime mirth and joy,
That no bodily work thy wits break or 'noy.
For the mind (saith he), in serious matters occupied,
If it have not some quiet mirth and recreation
Interchangeable admixed, must needs be soon wearied,
And (as who should say) tried through continual operation
Of labour and business without relaxation.
Therefore intermix honest mirth in such wise
That your strength may be refreshed, and to labours suffice.
For as meat and drink, natural rest and sleep,
For the conservation and health of the body,
Must needs be had, so the mind and wits to keep
Pregnant, fresh, industrious, quick and lusty,
Honest mirth and pastime is requisite and necessary;
For, _Quod caret alterna requie durabile non est_:
Nothing may endure (saith Ouid) without some rest.
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