 | The Bride |  |
The second Scene.
To him Theophilus and Bride.Y'are welcome sir.
The.
The Master of the house!
Squi.
The poore owner of some goods and chattels; moveables
and immoveables, with a small stock to drive a trade.
The.
We would desire the use of a roome.
Squi.
You shall be accommodated.
We expect a frieind; 'till he comes this may serve.
Squi.
What you please sir. A towell sirrah quickly.
Exit.
Bri.
Thou seem'st sweet hart as if th'hadst feares within thee.
We may securely now discourse our loves,
And weary time with words, 'till we are fit
To act our wishes.
The.
The fulnesse of my joyes
Happ'ning so suddaine ere I was prepar'd
To taste them with an appetite, hath bred
A surfet in me.
Bri.
Now you smell of flattery
I would not have you court what you possesse
with any attribute above its merit.
If my being yours you count your happinesse,
Let us be suddain to confirme our selves
Mutually happy, e're our parents rage
Can reach us to prevent it.
The.
That word parents.
Makes me reflect on my ingratitude:
Being greater far then infamous recordes
Did ever punish; and like pleasant dreames
My joyes are chang'd to nothing.
Bri.
Suddaine dumbs:
Whence are they? to my selfe I am not guilty
Of a behaviour that should merrit this.
I prethee let me blush, and kisse away
The clowdes hang on thy brow. No discontent
Should interpose where equall love hath mixt
Equall desires; and for the noble end
No base dependance. For could I but think
Thy soule did harbor any bastard thought
Which goodnesse might not father, I would back
To my disgrace; and confidently meet
My parents anger; all th'affronts of rumor;
And what the rabble pleas'd rather then stay
To nurse it to a growth.
The.
Then pray' return;
But not to your disgrace; all shall be thrown
Upon my guilt. And though my love (unstain'd
Gave th'act allowance, I'le belye my self,
And say I did enforce you; which the law
May punish with my life. I'le give it up,
To end th'affliction of my soule; divided
'Twixt love to you, and duty to that man
I have so wrong'd.
Bri.
Can love admit such scruples?
Or is't thy coldnesse? I was too too credulous.
But the necessity deny'd more tryall.
Here's a pretence indeed.
The.
Can there be greater?
Ingratitude's a monster. Shall I then
Repay that man with injurie, that gave
My almost starv'd life warmth, and made me breathe
Though to be miserable
Bri.
Thou dost surely
Want the best part of man, and art not capable.
Of resolution. Such a coward spirit
Lodgeth not here. I now suspect thy worth,
And blame my rashnesse.
The.
Why should I be taxt
With such defect? Know then I dare deserve you
By any enterprize that may be credible.
Invention cannot fancy an employment
I would not manage to confirm my love
Worthy your best opinion, only this
My conscience frights me from.
Bri.
Why then farewell.
Passion will guide me some where, goodnesse guard me
From a despaire; and whatsoever end
I am dispos'd for, I'le remember thee
Deny'st thy self good in denying me.
Offers to go away.
| The Bride | |