University of Virginia Library

SCENE, at a trifling Distance from the Palace of Canterbury.
Lodowicke and Canterbury.
Lodowicke.
I would 'twere done! it lies oppressive here,
[Laying his hand on his bosom.
Tho' wrapp'd in thin design. How are we form'd,
That, while we start, e'en at the horrid purpose,
We do the deed accurst?

Canterbury.
Mere fancy all:
Men are machines, nor act by nice precision;
Necessity of circumstances bind
The will upon the act, or we should sleep
Dispirited life away—Unruly passions,
Dissolving wishes, appetites, and wants,
Are springs that move stupendous order.

Lodowicke
(holding a paper.)
Go!
And leave me to fulfil this dreadful oath.

Canterbury.
Give me that paper—my revengeful soul
Shall feed on its contents: this oath will sooth
My unappeased spirit as I move
Insulted thro' the world. Retire with me,
And I'll absolve thee from the sin, but leave
Thee pow'r to execute. O fell despair!
When innocence is lost, we fly to thee.

[Exeunt.