 | Love's Dominion |  |
SCENE III.
Philena, Euphanes.Eup.
Now shall I
Be vext even to madnesse with her importunity,
Lest truly I prevent her, and with one importunity
6
For in you I meet my wishes.
Phi.
Most happy I, if my hopes now don't delude
And flatter me into deceit.
[aside]
Eup.
Thou know'st my life
So much depends on th'Fortune of this day,
As should Bellinda part hence, I of
Necessity must part with Life and all,
Whose Love the Fates have with so strong a Tye
Fastn'd to my very heart strings, they cannot snatch
Her hence, but they must rend and tear my heart
Out of my bosom too—Go prethee, go then,
And in this last moment when the Fates are busiest
At work in finishing their design, Indear
Thy diligence, and redeem thy Tardiness.
“Time is a Treasure few or none do care
“To save till 't's almost lost—
Thou knowst those softer minutes when Nymphs minds
Are best dispos'd for the Impressions of Love:
Couldst thou but instamp me in her bosom then,
And glide a thought of me into her memory,
Iust as she passes to the Temple, thou shouldst infinitely
Oblige Euphanes, and make him ever happy.
Phi.
And my self ever unhappy by't, ah me!
Was ever any more miserable than I
[aside]
To be made confident of my Rivals Love
Against my self?
Eup.
What should I say more? tell her
How much I love her,—yet that is not enough,
7
Phi.
I do;—& will you hear me now?
Eup.
If th'hast any thing new to say I will;
But of old businesses I pray no more.
Phi.
That cann't be old that's every day renew'd.
Eup.
Rather that cann't be new, that every day
Needs renovation,—but of this enough.
See how thou stand'st now! as if my life were not
Concerned in thy hast; Go, prethee go;
And if perchance th'art ought concern'd in't, know
'Less thou dost this to day, th'ast seen the last
Of wretched Euphanes.
Exit.
Phi.
And if I do't to day,
The world has seen the last of more wretched
Philena,—Oh me! I now do see
“Love is a burthen two hearts equally
“Should bear, and then 'tis light and pleasant, but
“Grievous and intollerable when th'one
“Does bear it all alone.
Mean time what shall I do? he well deserves
To find no pity, who affords me none:
But Love ne'r stands upon such nice respects,
Who there where unfeignedly 't does Love profess,
't does never sin, but in officiousness.
I am resolv'd to plead for him then against
My self; and though my heart do disavow
All my tongue says, spight of my heart, (in fine)
't shall say't, or I'll not avow it to be mine.
Exit.
| Love's Dominion | |