 | Imperiale, a tragedie |  |
Scena Prima.
Angelica, Nugella.Ang.
Although my father hath resolv'd all doubts
My reason could obiect; yet still I feele
A chilling vapor hover in my brest,
Which many times breakes forth in suddaine sighes,
For which I can assigne no other cause
Than that the world cannot affoord a Ioy
Vnmixt with reall or supposed sorrow;
Hence is it that most Brides are found to weepe,
Yet know not why upon their wedding day.
Nug.
Such follies are too common, I confesse,
But should I have the happines to see
Young Hymen in his yellow socks my guest,
I'de entertaine him with no other teares
Than such as from prest grapes in Autumne flowe,
Werewith his drowsy head and wither'd garland
I would bedewe; till to his twinkling eyes
Each tapour should present a double light,
While waggish Boyes should with their wanton Songs
Prepare our thoughts to our insuing pleasures.
Fie, fie, Nugella, no laciviousnes
Can ere become solemnities, that must
Create us Matrons; there is cause to feare
Their chastity, that unchaste songs can heare.
Nug.
Is it a shame to lend our eares to that
We are allow'd to do?
Ang.
Yes many things
Are lawfull, and yet shamefull to be don
Or spoken publikely.
Nug.
A woman may
Be free in outward Gesture, yet preserve
An inward chastity; and I know many
Both rich and Noble Ladies so dispos'd.
Ang.
T'is not the glittering canopie of greatnes,
But th'humble vaile of modesty must guard
A womans fame; which being once throwne off
Leaves her expos'd to every bould assault.
Nug.
But when she's found impregnable, twi'll stop
Their vaine attempts.
Ang.
A fort cannot be thought
Impregnable, that offers frequent parlies.
Nug.
Yet that (as I have heard) is often don
To gaine advantage and delude the foe.
Ang.
Can it beseeme a Virgin or a Wife
To play with all th'allurements of desire;
And thinke her honour's safe, if she abstaine
From the bare act, the duller part of lust.
Nug.
They do but imitate those Chariot drivers
That you were wont to reade of, whose praise was
To come as neere as might be, and not touch;
Love hath ordained by an antique lawe
Newly reviv'd, that every place and roome
In Uenus pallace, be alow'd for sport,
Except her cabinet, that, must not be
Open'd nor touch't, at least not willingly.
Ang.
Thou wilt be waggish still, But hark who knocks?
This wench that never felt the fire of love
Thinks like a wanton Child, it may be plaid with,
Than that which fierce Medæa did convey
Into Creusas robe: how now? who is't?
Nug.
A stranger, with a letter, which he saies
He must present to your owne hand.
Ang.
Admit him;
If it be from my Doria, I feare
Some unexpected accident, wherein
His honour is concern'd, retards his comming;
But I must likewise arme my selfe for wiles:
Such love as ours, cannot want envious plots.
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