Zopyrion monologue (Act 3) — Proserpine and Midas

(_watching Midas off_) He cannot hear me now, and I may laugh! I should have burst had he staid longer here. Two long, smooth asses’ ears that stick upright; Oh, that Apollo had but made him bray! I’ll to the palace; there I’ll laugh my fill With—hold! What were the last words that Midas said? I may not speak—not to my friends disclose The strangest tale? ha! ha! and when I laugh I must not tell the cause? none know the truth? None know King Midas has—but who comes here? It is Asphalion: he knows not this change; I must look grave & sad; for now a smile If Midas knows it may prove capital. Yet when I think of those—oh! I shall die, In either way, by silence or by speech.