University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

Mrs. Briar enters.
Charlotte.

My dearest mother, help to break the storm that's
low'ring over me. My unkind father, tho he means
me well, is taring me from all that I hold dear on
earth, except himself and you, from my lov'd Freeman.

Mrs. Briar.

With the submission of an humble wife, I do intreat
my husband to recollect the vows he pay'd to me. Had
I, when of our daughter's age, been torne from you,
I shou'd not now, so well I know my heart, have
liv'd to intercede for her to you.

Briar.

The woman's always contradicting me. Do'st thou
imagine that thou lov'st the girl better than I do? or
do'st thou think thyself more wise and able to contrive
her good than is thy husband?

Mrs. Briar.

I neither think myself so wise and able to contrive as
you; nor do I think my love exceeds your own for

our dear child: but I think I know the workings of her
tender heart by what I well remember to have felt myself
for you.

Briar.

Tho you do thwart my will, I cannot hate you; for
you have always been a good and an obedient wife.

Charlotte.

Heaven give her words success!

(To herself.
Briar.

But if I once resolve, your words are spent in vain;
they pass

Like gentle winds over the standing corn,
Ruffle the ears, but leave no trace behind.

My brother's son shall make her a happy bride: I'm
going to prepare her for her journey: do you prepare
the girl to bear it well.

(He goes.