University of Virginia Library

The fourth Scene

Enter Francina alone.
Fran.
How quiet are my thoughts, me thinks since I
Resolv'd to go, into a Nunnery!
Since I resolv'd, to bid this world adieu,
And with its follies, have no more to do.
The time that I have spent, to make me brave,
And nee're so much as thought, upon a Grave.
Nee're call'd to mind, this body which I fed
VVith so much care, must one day Earth re-wed.
The howers I at Cards, have play'd away,
And never thought, upon my latter day!
Nee're thought upon, the Count which I must give,
For all my actions, when I cease to live!
How I have study'd, mortals for to move,
And been with ev'ry thing, but Heav'n in love!
Kind Heav'n forgive me, and accept the vow
VVhich I intend to make, unto you now.
Madam, the business I do come about,
Symphrona enters.
VVill make you wonder, and admire no doubt.
It is a thing, so hard for to believe,
That you'le have pain, it meerly to conceive.

Sym.
Pray save me so much pain, and let me hear
That which you think, will so much stun my ear.
Yet if that one may judge, by outward show,
Your habit speaks you, to this world a foe.

Fran.
You have it Madam, I am so indeed,
And so will make it, to appear with speed.
I hate this world, and all that is in it,
And am resolv'd, it utterly to quit.
The sweet discourse, you made of Heav'n above,
Did take me so, that I'me thereof in love.
And do intend, to pass my dayes with you,
If you so Madam, please to let me do.

Sym.
With all my soul sweet Madam, I rejoyce
That you at last, have made so good a choice.
And cannot chuse, but wonder as you say,
That you shoo'd fancy, so divine a way.
You may be sure, the husband you do take,
Will use you well, and never you forsake,
As other husbands, too too often do,
To such as merit otherwise you know.
Besides for Dowry, he will give you Heav'n,
Which is the greatest gift, that can be g'ven.
Not for a moment, but for e're and e're,
Which is a term, 'mongst men you'le meet with nee're.
Come sister, let us go, and make an end,
Of that which you do tell me, you intend.
For that's the name I'le henceforth call you by,
Since you resolve, to vow Virginity.

Fran.
'Tis too much honour Madam, to be so,
Pray Heav'n in vertue, I may like you grow.