University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

Bellmour, Courtney.
Bell.
Did he then threaten Woodly?

Court.
Doubt it not.
Woodly, he says, must pay your Debts, or lie
His Prisoner.

Bell.
Oh!

Court.
Sir, if I might advise,
Consent to this Alliance.

Bell.
'Twere in vain.
Bargrave wou'd not forgive my Friend, nor me,
Ev'n were Belinda his.

Court.
Yet might indulge you
With farther Time; who knows what then might happen?

Bell.
Courtney, persuade me not. Fix'd as a Rock,
Here let me stand—I'll never give Consent.

Court.
Suppose Belinda marry him without it—

Bell.
She will not, sure.

Court.
What if she loves him still?

Bell.
Impossible.

Court.
Belinda's but a Woman.
Passion will work—and Interest sways the best.
Now, granting, you shou'd never be a Gainer,
Say, is it just to oppose your Sister's Good?

Bell.
Good! do you call it? Can it be a Good,
A Blessing, to be wedded to a Villain?
What are his Riches? do they make him virtuous,
Excuse his Crimes, or buy him from the Devil?
I tell you, Courtney, I'll not see her ruin'd.
Are we not miserable enough already?
Let us not be more wretched. It is Time,
Now, to grow frugal, and to manage well
Our little Wealth, and poor Remains of Honour.