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254 WILLIAM CONGREVE [ACT iv
Jer. Ah, sir, he's quite gone.
Sir Samp. Gone! what, he is not dead?
Jer. No, sir, not dead.
Sir Samp. What, is he gone out of town? run away, ha!
he has tricked me? speak, varlet.
Jer. No, no, sir, he's safe enough, sir, an he were but as
sound, poor gendeman. He is, indeed, here, sir, and not
here, sir.
Sir Samp. Heyday, rascal, do you banter me? sirrah, d'ye
banter me?—Speak, sirrah, where is he? for I will find him.
Jer. Would you could, sir! for he has lost himself. Indeed,
sir, I have almost broke my heart about him—I can't refrain
tears when I think of him, sir: I'm as melancholy for him as
a passing-bell, sir; or a horse in a pound.
Sir Samp. A pox confound your similitudes, sir!—Speak
to be understood, and tell me in plain terms what the matter
is with him, or I'll crajck your fool's skull.
Jer. Ah, you've hit it, sir! that's the matter with him, sir;
his skull's cracked, poor gentleman! he's stark mad, sir.
Sir Samp. Mad!
Bucl{. What, is he non compos?
Jer. Quite non compos, sir.
Euc[. Why, then all's obliterated, Sir Sampson; if he be
non compos mentis, his act and deed will be of no effect, it
is not good in law.
Sir Samp. 'Dons, I won't believe it! let me see him, sir.—
Mad! I'll make him find his senses.
Jer. Mr. Scandal is with him, sir; I'll knock at the door.
[ Goes to the Scene, which opens.
SCENE II
Another Room at VALENTINE'S Lodgings
Sir SAMPSON, VALENTINE, SCANDAL, JEREMY, and BUCKRAM.
VALENTINE upon a couch, disorderly dressed.
Sir Samp. How now! what's here to do?
Vol. [Starting.} Ha! who's that?
Scan. For Heaven's sake softly, sir, and gently I don't
provoke him.
Vol. Answer me, who is that, and that?
Sir Samp. Gadsobs, does he not know me? Is he mis-