 | The Surprisal |  |
ACT. IV.
SCEN. I.
Enter Montalto, and his two Companions.1 Com.
Troth, Captain, I did not perceive
That daring Valour you talk of.
Mont.
Thy fears blinded thee, else thou might'st have seen
What furious thrusts I exchang'd with that Devil
In a Friars Habit. You are a courteous Gentleman,
To lend your Sword at such a time.
2 Com.
He came behind me on the sudden,
And wrench'd it from me:
Who wou'd have suspected a Friar for such tricks?
1 Com.
All our reward is lost; if we might have it,
I think we shou'd be asham'd to ask it;
He that hir'd us was hurt himself.
Mont.
Why, 'twas his own cause, and his own fault;
As for example, I'le shew you what he shou'd have done;
Observe me.—
Enter Miranzo, and Baptista following at a distance.
How now—what apparition's this, as a Friar?
I hope 'tis not another fighting Friar.
'Slid, 'tis he; my villainous apprehensions
Go as true as a Sun-dial.
What an unluckie posture he has found me in,
Wou'd my sword were up to th'hilts in him
Or a dunghill, or any thing that wou'd but hide it.
Mir.
What, more mischief towards? I am provided for them now;
They are those very rascals:—I know that blustring
Fellow again: Now Heav'n prosper my designs;
I have a fair occasion to improve them.
How now, Gentlemen? what means a weapon drawn?
Mont.
We, Sir, are men that have been us'd
To handle Swords; when there's no War to imploy them,
We play with 'um in peace: I hope 'tis no offence
To have a kindness for our best Friends.
Sure he knows us not.—
[Aside.
1 Com.
Alter your countenance as much as possible,
Captain; perhaps he may not know us.
2 Com.
I'le seem blowing my nose, and so hide my face.—
41
Mir.
You stare as if you did not know me.
Mon.
Know you? how shou'd we know you?
Mir.
No? that's strange; one of you was so civil
To lend me a Sword lately;
Can you yet call me to remembrance?
Mon.
We know not what you mean; if we were friends,
We are not now at leisure to answer idle questions.
[He offers to g.
Mir.
Nay, you must stay; come no blustring;
I am provided now, look you—
[He shews a Sword under his Gown.
I shall not trouble you for a Sword again.
Mont.
Wou'd he he had mine, where I cou'd wish it.
Mir.
I am sorry I have an unpleasant question to ask you;
But yet it must be answer'd.
Mon.
Must!
Mir.
Yes, must; and you will do it calmly,
For all your stormy looks.
Bladder, if thou continuest thus to swell,
I'le make an hole to let out your vain humour.
Mon.
'Tis well you are a man of peace, or else—
1 Com.
Not half so much as he is.
Mir.
Never at peace with Murtherers; Impudent Villains,
Who hir'd you to that damn'd act
Of murthering the generous Cialto?
Had not your feet been nimbler then the Sword,
I'de paid you your just hire, Sir.—Come, confess.
1 Com.
We are undone.—Lord, how our Captain looks big,
And trembles all at once!
Mon.
We do not understand you.
Mir.
Well, I cannot stay to parley;
Here, take away these Rascals Swords.
Mon.
How, our Swords!
Mir.
Come, come; nay, it must be so;
I know your gentle natures.
Mon.
Why, Sir, I deny nothing to one of your Coat,
Or else—
Mir.
You wou'd deliver them however.
1, 2 Com.
Good Sir, disgrace us not.
Mon.
Pox on't, wou'd that were the worst;
How the Rogues stand upon their credit?
Mir.
Disgrace you! is that possible? Come, deliver, deliver,
Or you shall have ours, d' see, where you do not wish them.
Mon.
Well, our Religion obliges me to this; but it shall be upon
Condition you use it well till you return it;
'Tis a good Blade.
[They deliver their Swords.
Mir.
If the Blade be good you shall have a Knife out of it,
'Tis your only Weapon, this was not well mounted.
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Well Sir, you are merry, and we take our leaves.
Mir.
O, by no means; you must deliver your selves up too.
Here carry these Gentlemen Murtherers
To Cialto's Kinsman; these are the Rogues
He has been looking for; I leave them to his Examination.
Mon.
O, good Sir, we wil do any thing.
Mir.
Away with them; I'le follow at a distance,
If they stir; and d' hear—
He whispers to Baptista.
Bapt.
Yes, Sir.—Come, my Masters.
[Exit Miranzo.
Mon.
What say you Friends? umh—
This was a good Bargain; we shall never have such another:
How plaguily you guess'd! we are not likely
To live to make another: What say you
To a dialogue with Fear and Conscience?
1 Com.
Why, if we hang we shall be in no more wants,
And you'l be in no more frights, Captain.
Bapt.
Come along, Gentlemen of the peaceable Blade:
But, d' hear? if you can yet be honest,
And confess truly and penitently,
You may scape, I'le undertake it.
Mon.
We will confess all we know, Sir.
1 Com.
Yes, and more too, if that will do't.
Bapt.
Come, despair not then.
[Exeunt.
SCENE II.
Enter, as to the Nunnery, Castruccio, Moreno, Brancadoro, and Bottolo.Bran.
If they be here, we'l fetch them out with a vengeance;
Knock Bottolo, break the Gate down.
[Bottolo knocks.
Bot.
They are deaf, or else at prayers.
Bran.
I, so they had need, to ask forgivness
For all their tricks. How out of countenance, Uncle,
Will my Mistress be when she sees me?
Cast.
And my Mistress too, Nephew.
Bran.
Why there's one comfort yet, they did not run
After other men; I'de have made any man smoak
That shou'd have been so bold to have ventur'd
On my Mistress.—What, no body come yet?—Knock again;
These be fine tricks.
[Bottolo knocks.
Bot.
Not a distressed Damsel yet appears
Out of the sacred Castle:—Now one bolts;
[Enter Nun.
We shall have a godly Exhortation,
Whither we get any Women, or no.
Nun.
What means this earnest knocking at the Gates?
Bran.
What a foolish question's that? we wou'd come in.
43
Our Laws forbid that men shou'd enter here.
Bran.
Fiddle faddle, I'le come in, and fetch others out too;
See who shall say me nay.
Nun.
Use no rude force, 'twill be a disrespect
To Heaven, as well as want of manners:
Is there a cause for all this passion?
Bran.
Yes, that there is; here you shelter every Run-away;
Bring 'um out, or I'le feeze you.
Bot.
Why he'l beat her; 'tis a fierce Hector.
Nun.
What is it you demand, or whom?
Bran.
Why, we demand Samira and Emilia;
Here is her Uncle, and the others Father:
My name's Signior Brancadoro; you have heard on't
I warrant you, e're now.
Nun.
I know not what you mean.
Mor.
'Tis true, holy Maid, such we have lost,
And hither they are fled.
Nun.
Certainly, Sir, there are none such here.
But I'le go in and ask the truth.
Cast.
We thank you.
[Exit Nun.
Bran.
'Slid, if she had not left her tricks and denials
I wou'd have hit her a dowse in the chops.
Bot.
Like enough; perhaps he ne're struck any body in his life,
And now wou'd flesh himself upon a Woman.
Enter Nun.
Nun.
Here are no such persons as you enquire for.
Mor.
How, how! why my Daughter Emilia left a Letter
Upon her Table, expressing she fled hither,
For some trouble she had within her.
Nun.
There's some abuse in this; for but e'ne now
There was a Friar that enquir'd for these Ladies;
He held a Gentleman seem'd hurt to death:
He was earnest, as you are; but he was satisfi'd,
As you may please to be.
Bran.
No, it does not please us to be satisfi'd;
Nor will we be satisfied; let's in and search.
—That hurt Gentleman was Cialto, without question.
—Now if I cou'd but find my Mistress.
[Aside.
Nun.
I hope you do not mean to be injurious.
Cast.
I hope you do not think it lawful
To conceal Children from their Parents; this wou'd be
The refuge then of every wilful Child.
Nun.
Pray believe you are not now abus'd;
By our best hopes there are no such Persons
Within our Walls; we wou'd not for a world deny a Truth.
Mor.
This is strange; but we must believe.
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But we may chuse whither we will or no.
Nun.
Heaven restore all you have lost,
And then preserve it to you.
Cast.
We thank you.
[Exit Nun.
Bran.
I'le not thank her; a pox of her truths;
I'le not be couzen'd by any holy Jugler of them all.
Mor.
Come, let's not neglect to enquire some other way;
'Tis vain to linger here.
Signior Brancadoro, what course take you?
Bran.
I'le go about a little business, and presently
Set some to enquire; if she be above-ground, I'le have her.
Cast.
Farewel, Signior; we'l lose no time neither.
[Exit Castruccio and Moreno.
Bran.
Some comfort yet, that I have such fair hopes:
Cialto's dead; now I shall keep my Estate quietly;
And if I cou'd but find my Mistress, I shou'd have her too.
Now the roaring Lion's dead, I dare look after my prey.
Well,—what's best to do? let me consider.
Enter Villerotto.
Vill.
What, is he studying? why the devil
Does he thus seem to search for prudent thoughts,
That has not lodging in his brains for one?
Yet he studies; somthing is in the matter.
Fortune, that brought those beautious Prisoners under
My power, prosper me now in driving of my bargain.—Sir.
Bran.
How now?—O Villerotto, come just in the nick;
I want thy advise and help; my Mistress
Is not here at the Nunnery.
Vil.
How, Sir! not at the Nunnery! why, you told me that
Emilia had left a Note upon her Table,
That she was fled hither; and is neither here?
Bran.
Pox of her Note; neither she nor Samira are here.
Vill.
Who told you this?
Bran.
Why a little harlotry Nun.
Vill.
She lied sure.
Bran.
I said so; I was going once to hit her a cuff o'th' ear,
But that she told me some good news.
Vill.
What was that?
Bran.
She told me a Gentleman was dying, and a Friar
Has carried him away; that's you know who.
Hast heard any news?
Vill.
Yes, your enemy is dead.
Bran.
For certain?
Vill.
So 'tis reported generally.
Bran.
Why, I have nothing then to fear but his ghost;
And if that shou'd be troublesom, I'le quiet him,
45
Now if I cou'd but find my Mistress.—But Uillerotto,
If any of the Rogues shou'd be taken that know thee.
Vill.
I hope not, Sir.
Bran.
Hope!—is't come to that? Art not sure,—ha?
Now shall not I sleep one wink this night;
I shall do nothing but think and dream,
And dream, and think of Judges, Serjeants, Bars,
And Hangmen; wou'd I had ne're medled with it.
Vill.
There is a way, Sir, to secure you.
Bran.
Name it, name it, good Villerotto.
Vill.
I must go plant, Sir, in another Country;
Then you are safe.
Bran.
Why, faith and troth I shall be loth to part with thee;
But what must be, must be; Friends must part.
—Wou'd I were well rid of him.
[Aside.
If thou think'st it fit, I shall be rul'd.
Vill.
And consent I shall be gone.
Bran.
But against my will, as I'me an honest man;
For let the worst come to the worst, I know thou woud'st not
Betray me,—wou'dst thou, Villerotto?—ha?
Vill.
Nay, I cannot tell what operation
A Rack and Torture might have on me; I am flesh and blood.
Bran.
So am I too, I know it by my shaking.
This was a bugs word;—wou'd he were gone.
[Aside.
Nay, Villerotto, 'tis for thy safety too as well as mine,
That I consent; when wou'd'st go?
Vill.
Soft, Sir, somthing is first to be consider'd on.
Bran.
What's that? what's that?
Vill.
First tell me, Sir, is there no news of the Ladies?
Bran.
No, no; neither tale nor tidings.
Vill.
Have Signior Castruccio nor Moreno
Heard nothing neither?
Bran.
Not a syllable; I have told you all.
Vill.
Are not the old Gentlemen much troubled?
You bear your losses pretty well, Sir.
Bran.
I have took on too, that I have,
As much as the best of 'um; it has made me
Ready to hang my self; but while my money's left
I shan't part with this world easily; yet I wou'd give somwhat
More than I'le say, to get my Mistress once again.
Vill.
What wou'd you give, Sir?
Bran.
Nay, nothing, unless I were sure to have her,
And then sure she wou'd not run away agen.
Vill.
What wou'd you give to marry her?
Bran.
I, I, that's the business that I am to look after;
I must get some Heirs quickly,
For fear the Brancadoro's Race shou'd cease.
46
That were pity.—
[Aside.
But if I cou'd be instrumental, nay, the only means
To find your Mistress out, and then marry her to you, what then?
Bran.
Why, she may run away afterwards, for ought I know.
Vill.
But what if I shou'd put you to bed together? after that
'Twill bee too late for her to take her flight.
Bran.
I marry sir; do this, and Ile give thee twenty Crowns.
Vill.
I thought so—You are wondrous bountiful:
But not to trifle longer, look you, Sir,
If you sign this for my comfortable subsistence, I'le be gone;
[He shews a Writing.
'Tis to secure you in a certain Safety:
And into the bargain I'le help you to your Mistress;
You shall wed her, and bed her.
Bran.
What is't? let's see.
Vill.
There's the Sum, Sir.
[He points in the writing. Brancadoro reads it.
Bran.
How! Two thousand Crowns a year!
I'le give two thousand of my Teeth as soon.
Vill.
Why then, Sir, take your chance, and I'le take mine:
I must not starve, nor will I.
Bran.
But if thou shoud'st not help me to her.
Vill.
Then I'le be gone, and forfeit my reward.
Bran.
I wou'd fain have her; but I wou'd fain keep my money:
But if I don't he'l betray me, or cut my throat;
[Aside.
'Tis a terrible dogged Fellow.
Well, Villerotto, I'le think on't; come along, we'l go try
If we can drive a bargain:—But dost know where she is?
Vill.
That I do not tell you; 'tis enough, I'le run the venture.
Hark you, Sir.
[He whispers.
Enter Miranzo.
Mir.
Ha!—'tis he; 'tis Brancadoro and his Rascal,
That did attempt Cialto's life: Fortune sure
Has offer'd them thus fairly to me, to make some use of:
I hope they know me not; I'le try:
Save you, Gentlemen;—may it not appear rude to ask you
If you know one call'd Signior Brancadoro?
Bran.
Yes, I know him as well as I know my self.
Mir.
I have a little business with him, Sir,
And wou'd be glad to know where I might find him.
Bran.
Why, did not I tell you I knew him as well as my self?
That's as much as to say, I am he, if you mean
The Honorable Brancadoro, Son
And Heir to Brancadoro, who was lately
The great rich Senator.
Mir.
'Tis he, Sir, I mean, whose known worth
47
Of a black scandal some wild tongues have cast upon him.
Bran.
What's the business? if they talk of me,
I'le make 'em hold their Tongues.
Vill.
How's this!
[Aside.
Mir.
It will deserve your ear, Sir:
The cause that made me knowing of your wrongs,
Such I dare call 'um, was by some discourse
That happen'd of the unfortunate Cialto's death;
There 'twas reported, that an idle Fellow,
Who takes on him the title of a Captain,
Gives out that he was hir'd by a Servant of yours
To murder him; and they talk as if the Captain,
And his leud Companions, had been secur'd,
At least search'd after, by the direction of a Friar,
But what Friar I cou'd not hear.
Vill.
Plague on that holy Rascal.
[Aside.
Bran.
Hey, hey, a Friar! what Friar, Villerotto?
Vill.
Why the devil do you ask me? I know no Friar.
O the damn'd Coxcomb!
[Aside.
Mir.
They grow concern'd; it works.
[Aside.
Bran.
Villerotto, d' hear? if thou cou'dst be sure to help me
To Samira, and then woud'st be gone into another Country,
I wou'd sign the Writing.
Vill.
I'le do it, Sir; nor shall you set your hand too't,
Till I have shew'd you I can do it:—But hark you, Sir,
If you shall then refuse it, I'le betray all.
Bran.
Like enough; I must do't.
[Aside.
Vill.
Ha,—a lucky phancy mingles on the sudden
Among my crouding thoughts; 'tis excellent;
This Friar may be a fit person,—I'le try him.—
Let me see,—'tis right.—If I joyn Brancadoro to his Mistress,
That way my Fortune's gain'd; and to be safe,
This Friar shall make Emilia mine;
That done, her Friends will ne're endure to see
Her Husband hang'd; though Brancadoro share part of the Feast,
Yet by his leave I'le taste both dishes first.—Sir,
Pray give me leave to ask this honest Friar
Some questions in relation to your service.
Bran.
With all my heart.
Vill.
You cannot tell, Sir, whither these Rascals
Are yet in custody, or not?
Mir.
No, Sir.
Vill.
Nor cou'd you hear what Friar this is?
Mir.
I am almost a stranger in Sienna.
Vill.
I like that.—
[Aside.
You have express'd a great kindness and respect
For my Master Brancadoro; possibly, Sir,
I cou'd propose a service you might do him
48
Mir.
I shou'd be glad to have that in my power, Sir.
Vill.
Perhaps men of your Profession may scruple
To do a thing in private, without the allowance of all Parties.
Mir.
What mean you, Sir?
Vill.
Hark you, a word in private.
Mir.
Let me alone, Sir, to make good the title,
And fit the party ready for possession.
Vil.
O happy accident! I am ravish'd with my good fortune.
Mir.
What means all this? I'le try the bottom of it.
[Aside.
Vil.
Come, Sir, be chearful, and be confident
[To Brancad.
In a few hours I'le make you safe and happy.
If your occasions, reverend Sir, permit you
To undertake what I have mention'd to you,
I'le shew you suddenly your Clients.
Mir.
I am ready, Sir.
Vill.
You must engage to secresie.
Mir.
Upon my holiness.
Vill.
Nay, you have forsworn that already in your discourse.
Mir.
Upon my life, Sir.
Vill.
Come, Sir, to your house then, there you shall see
What I will do in order to my promise.—Sir,
I hope this reverend person shall receive
Rewards proportionable to that service
He is engag'd to do you:—but—
When we come there you must be pleas'd to use
A little patience, till I have brought together
The persons you must tye in sacred Bonds.
I'le on before, Sir.
[Exit Villerotto.
Mir.
I shall observe all you direct.
Bran.
What does he mean tro?
Mir.
I cannot guess; but I beiieve 'tis somthing
In order to your service.
Bran.
Nay, 'tis a notable Fellow; and you wou'd say so,
Did you know as much as I:
As cunning as my Mistress is, he'l go near
To hunt her out, let her make as many doubles as she will.
Come, Sir, I'le bid you welcom at my house;
'Tis not the worst in Sienna; you shall take a full view of it.
Mir.
You oblige me, Sir.
[Exeunt.
SCENE III.
Enter Villerotto solus.Vill.
So, now to my Prisoners:
A single Beauty cou'd not have the power
To keep my blood thus at high tide; if one
Permits my veins to find but the least ebb,
49
Flowing by one or to'thers eyes:
And like my blood, my flames finde no retreat:
—I must allay my fires,—or wast
In this expence of heat.—Come forth, come forth,
Enter Samira, and Emilia, and Taccola.
My Lady Brides, you shou'd have made such fools
Of men.—'tis not amiss to give you joy.
Sam.
What means the Villain?
Em.
O give him gentle words, his looks are dreadful.
Sam.
Give him Rats-bane.
Em.
O speak gently to him! when I was a girle
They us'd to frighten me with such a one.—I tremble.
Sam.
Fear not, Emilia; the villain dares not wrong us.
Vil.
But the villain dares revenge his wrongs.
Sam.
Who has injur'd thee?
Vil.
He that did it will do so no more,
I can assure you.
Sam.
What dost thou mean?
Vil.
Why, this Wound, as shallow as it is,
Was fathom'd by Cialto's Sword,
Sam.
Pish.
Vil.
'Tis true indeed; but I was more bold with him,
And put in farther; he had no time
To make a Will; I doubt he left you nothing.
Sam.
What do'st thou mean, screech-Owle?
Vil.
Oh, you have no minde to understand;
This 'tis plainly, Cialto's dead;
I kill'd him in my own defence.
Sam.
Villain thou lyest, in every thing thou lyest;
He cou'd do nothing basely; nor could thy power
Reach his generous life.
Vil.
Why, in good truth, 'twas he that stir'd my blood,
And made this hole to let it out at; but
As luck wou'd have it, 'twas not deep enough:
I saw his error, and did rectifie it;
I thrust my Sword two or three inches deeper,
And that laid him to rest.
Sam.
O heaven protect us.
Vil.
Why now you run on that mistake again;
No help can come so quickly as you'l want it.
Tac.
Thou dost not mean to ravish us, dost thou, Varlet?
Vil.
Us! canst thou be ravish'd, old willingness?
Tac.
How do you know Jackanapes,
Whether I am willing or no? you never try'd yet.
Vil.
Nor ever will: This she devil will ravish me.
Be quiet, or I'le slit your tongue; d'see this.
[He shews a Dagger.
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O for some help! I'le tear the Villain.
Em.
Peace, pray peace, let me beg again;
Good Sir let's go, why do you fright us so?
You dare not be so wicked as you talk.
Vill.
Pretty; their different tempers bring to my enjoyment
Variety of bliss; in her embraces
I shall enjoy a calm, and childish innocence;
In th'other, loftiness of minde, and spirit,
As if kinde nature had presented now
All that she cou'd produce for me to rifle.
Emil.
Do you not hear me Sir? I pray release us:
You have no cause to keep us prisoners;
Yet we will pay a ransome.
Vill.
Why, so you shall before you go,
Pretty one: is't more unjust for you to be my Prisoners,
Then me to be your Slave?
Sam.
Our Slave!
Vil.
Nay, put not on a scornful look;
I shall not beg your pitty.
Em.
But we are willing to beg yours, good gentle Sir.
Sam.
Beg not so meanly, he dares not injure us.
Vil.
O, by no means; why that Frown?
Those storms shall cast away no heart of mine;
I'le force my way to harbour in your armes.
Sam.
What do you mean?
Vil.
I mean to make my self as fortunate
As man can be in his full crown'd wishes;
I will enjoy you both.
Tac.
Which two d'you mean?
Vil.
Pox on thee, wou'dst thou be one?—
Nay wonder not, nor bless your selves, unless
It be in admiration of my justice,
Shew'd to the equal power of your beauties;
You may see the image of it every day;
'Tis in the labouring Bee, that gathers sweetness
From every Flower that contends in beauty.
Tac.
By that simile he should go near
To venture on us all.
Sam.
Monster, dar'st thou entertain a thought of such a villlany?
Vil.
Alas, 'tis past that, I am almost ready for action;
Yet for all that you shall be honest women
When I have done.
Em.
For heavens sake, Sir, what mean these dark expressions?
I hope they include no evil.
Vill.
Not any; perhaps you may scruple it
A little at the first. But I'le allow you
Some small time to consider on't:
What an excellent contrivance 'twill be!
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And yet be honest; come prepare.
Sam.
For what?
Vill.
For my embraces.
Sam.
For those of Snakes first.
Vill.
O, mine are gentler far.
Sam.
Villain, thou—
Emil.
Pray peace, and let me beg once more,
Upon my knees; pray Sir do not affright us,
I know you cannot mean the thing you threaten;
You are too wise, by our unhappiness
To bring on your own ruine.
Vill.
Ha, ha, why you will not publish your own shame;
This will not do; no, if I were sure
That death waited for me, as soon as I had crown'd
My passion and revenge, I wou'd think it
A good bargain, to chop a little time for so much satisfaction.
Sam.
Be merciful, and kill us.
Vill.
That's to be cruel to my self—but I trifle time,
A little business calls me; be wise, and meet
My embraces willingly; if not, know your doom;
For by those powers that govern me, Love and Revenge,
I'le sacrifice both your enjoyments to them,—
So ponder till I return.
[Exit Villerotto.
Em.
Ah Madam, what shall we do?
Sam.
Dye, Emilia.
Em.
When Madam?
Sam.
Presently.
Em.
Alas, I tremble at your naming it.
Sam.
Why do you shake? you must dye one day?
Em.
I know it, by that time I may be willing;
Old age, or a Disease may make it welcome,
At least more gentle, then it now appears
By an approaching violence—but—
Sam.
O rather with a juster apprehension
Recount the lingering Torments a Sickness
Or old Age may bring on; a violent Feaver
May make the body a furnace for the soul
To suffer, not to live in; or old Age
May take away our reason, and the use of sense and faculties,
And rob the body and soul both of their eyes: this way
A minutes pain assures felicity for ever.
Em.
Which way shou'd we do it?
Sam.
See, this I had still about me in all my fears
She draws a short Dagger.
Of being forc'd to be made Brancadoro
Why do you wink? the brightness of it shines
Most lovely in my eyes, when I but think
What service it may do in sending us
52
Emil.
Can a soul be carried through a stream of Blood,
To peace in to'ther world? is't not a Sin to destroy life?
Sam.
'Tis to avoid a greater sin we do it:
Dare you, nay, can you live stain'd with this—
I tremble more to name or think on that,
Then on the death that will prevent it.
But I have given you my opinion,
And will afford you my example:
If you stay behinde me you will repent,
Among those miseries that I am freed from.
Emil.
Oh! do not speak of leaving me behinde you,
To the rude passions of this horrid villain;
I know not how to live without you,
Nor dye, but as you teach me;
Pray blame me not, nor take it ill of me:
Sick men, though they are told, and do believe
That health is offer'd in a bitter potion,
Shrink at the taking of it; 'tis no more in me:
I know, at last I shall chuse death, rather then shame;
—Yet I know not how I shall endure to hurt my self,
I have cryed when I have but cut my Finger.
Sam.
That only was, because 'twas unexpected;
Your resolution now for a just cause
Will make this welcome, and prepare you for it.
Emil.
I fear I shall hardly strike home,—
Then I may suffer all that shame and mischief
I would avoid; pray therefore grant me one thing.
Sam.
What is't?
Em.
To kill me first.
Sam.
That were to commit murder.
Em.
Why, have a better title to your own life,
Then unto mine; you purchas'd one no more
Then you did 'tother; there is no contract, or permission,
Granted from Heaven, that allows the difference.
Sam.
But alas, my sweet Emilia,
I never shall endure to hurt thee.
Em.
Nor your self neither, did not that vertue prompt you
Which bids me beg it, and then the Argument's the same for me.
Sam.
Pretty reason'd; but it will be needless
To dispute this; I know my fair example,
In dying first, will arme thy feeble hand,
With double strength, to force a passage
For thy unstained soul to fly with mine,
Where every thing is in perpetual lustre.
Em.
Shall we know one another there?
Sam.
No question of it, else this bad world
In something might exceed the best.
53
You have confirm'd me, Madam, pray forgive
My simple, if not unbeseeming fears;
'Twas no dispute my vertue did admit of,
But a confusion brought upon me suddenly,
By nature, and still flattering hope, reasons, and vertues enemies.
Come dear Emilia, we'l prepare our selves,
And make the circumstances of our death
Familiar to us; for 'tis practice only
Takes the sharp nature off from things,
And gives them new ones, that at the last
We shall be so much strangers to the thoughts
Or the desires of life, that all will seem
Already done, which we resolve to try,
And we shall both seem dead before we dye.
[Exeunt.
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