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| Character | Lysidamus | |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | Male | |
| Age Range(s) | Senior (>50) | |
| Type of monologue / Character is | In love, Persuasive, Inspirational, Talking to the audience, Rejoicing/Excited | |
| Type | Comic | |
| Period | Ancient Roman | |
| Genre | Romance, Comedy | |
| Description | Lysidamus professes his love for Casina | |
| Location | ACT I | |
Summary
Casina is the beautiful servant at the house of an old married couple, Lysidamus and Cleostrata. She was abandoned at their door as a child and raised as a servant. Casina is the love interest of both Lysidamus and his son Ehthynicus. Also their slaves Olympio and Chalinus fight over her. Lysidamus wants his slave Olympio to marry her so that she can become his concubine. Cleostrata, wanting her son to marry Casina, plans to have her slave Chalinus marry her so that when her son comes back from the country, he will be able to have her. Eventually Cleostrata discovers her husband's plan and humiliates him and Olympus by having Chalinus dress up as Casina and meet them in a darkened room. She beats Lysidamus but eventually forgives him. At the end Euthynicus comes back from the country and marries Casina.
In this scene Lysidamus appears for the first time in the play. He talks about the greatness of love in general and then professes his love for Casina.
In this scene Lysidamus appears for the first time in the play. He talks about the greatness of love in general and then professes his love for Casina.
Written by Administrator
| Excerpt |
|---|
| LYSIDAMUS: Ah, yes, yes, there's nothing in the world like love, no bloom like its bloom; not a thing can you mention that has more flavour and more savour. Upon my soul, it's most surprising that cooks, with all their use of spices, don't use this one spice that excels them all. Why, when you spice a dish with love it'll tickle every palate, I do believe. Not a thing can be either salt or sweet without a dash of love: it will turn gall, bitter thought it be, to honey--an old curmudgeon to a [self-consciously] pleasing and polished gentleman. It is more from my own case than from hearsay I draw this conclusion. Now that I'm in love with Casina, how I have bloomed out! I'm more natty than nattiness itself. I keep all the perfumers on the jump; wherever there's a nice scent to be had, I get scented, so as to please her. [preening himself] And it seems to me I do please her. [pauses] But my wife does torment me by--living! [glancing toward his house; stiffens] I see her, standing there with a sour look. And unless she's gone deaf, she's heard every word. Well, I suppose I must greet this bad bargain of mine with some smooth talk. [to audience, hopefully] Unless there's anyone here who would like to substitute for me. [vainly waits for reply; turns to his wife, fondly] And how goes it with my dear and my delight? |
