Soldiers, servants, people, music, etc.


SCENE: Rome and its environs.




ACT THE FIRST.



SCENE I.--A Room in the house of Polemius at Rome.


Chrysanthus is seen seated near a writing table on which are several
books: he is reading a small volume with deep attention.

CHRYSANTHUS.
Ah! how shallow is my mind!
How confined! and how restricted![3]
Ah! how driftless are my words!
And my thoughts themselves how driftless!
Since I cannot comprehend,
Cannot pierce the secrets hidden
In this little book that I
Found by chance with others mingled.
I its meaning cannot reach,
Howsoe'er my mind I rivet,
Though to this, and this alone,