University of Virginia Library

SCENE, a room in Arden's house.
Enter Alicia with a letter.
He doubts me; yet he dares not tell me so,
But thus, by Green, whets my unsettled mind.
[Reads.
“Strike home, or not at all. In case you fail,
“We have found instruments by means of Bradshaw.”
He shall not find me undetermined now.
Hark!—Michael's on the watch.—If Arden sleeps,
(For so he seem'd dispos'd,) he'll bring me word.
That, that's the safest time. This promis'd marriage
With Mosby's sister, has remov'd his qualms.
Enter Michael.
Why dost thou break upon me unawares?
What of your master?

Mich.
He's scarce sunk to rest,
But full of meditated rage 'gainst Mosby.

Alic.
He'll sleep in peace ere long.—

Mich.
Think not on that.
O did Maria bless me with her smiles,
As you do Mosby, had I twenty lives,
I'd risque 'em all to win her to my arms.

Alic.
I prithee leave me, Michael. [Exit Michael.]
What is nature!
There is a pow'r in love, subdues to itself
All other passions in the human mind.
This wretch, more fearful than the lonely murderer,
Whom with inquiring eyes some stranger views,
Wou'd meet the king of terrors undismay'd,
For her he loves, and dare him to the combat.
And shall not I preserve my Mosby's life,
And shall not I—A husband!—What's a husband?
I have a soul above th'unnatural tie,
That tells me, I'm his right, and only his,
Who won my virgin heart.—Ye tender parents,
Whose cruel kindness made your child thus wretched,
Turn not your eyes towards earth to view this scene;
'Twill make you sad in heav'n.

[Exit.