Faith's Fraud A Tragedy in Five Acts |
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| 2. | SCENE II. |
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 | Faith's Fraud |  |
127
SCENE II.
Chamber.Screitch and Barbara.
BARBARA.
Who stepped between the quarrellers first?
SCREITCH.
Not I.
It is a foolish thing to mix with quarrels—
Wait ever till they end. The time for peace
Is after strife, when men will honour reason.
But while the swords are out, the ears are heedless;
I never meddle then.
BARBARA.
Methinks thou art
Less apt for war than council, Screitch—being agèd.
SCREITCH.
Believe me, no.
BARBARA.
Indeed?
SCREITCH.
I thought to fight
A great deal once.
BARBARA.
Didst think of fighting much,
Or much of fighting? He who thinks so greatly
Before he fights, may fight at last but little.
Whom didst thou quarrel with, and what about?
SCREITCH.
With Rudestein, and about thyself.
BARBARA.
Alas!
But wherefore didst not fight him, then?
SCREITCH.
Because
I thought that strife might yield thee no great praise—
And me still less. It argues pride—pride, folly.
BARBARA.
Well—this is wise!
SCREITCH.
The wise leave well alone.
128
Perfect on both sides, bearing and forbearing!
I would not have thee fight.
SCREITCH.
Lest he should slay me?
BARBARA.
Fie! any fools may fight with swords who wear them.
But why should wisdom cast her harness off,
Weapons of proof and ancient mastery—
Or bare the reverend crown to blows?
SCREITCH.
So far
This Rudestein's brains are safe enough, beyond
The chance of lessening. Why does Barbara yield
Her company to the sot?
BARBARA.
Didst not conspire so?
To bridle lips which else might bruit abroad
The love I bear thee?
SCREITCH.
Dost thou love me, Bab?
BARBARA.
Not I.
SCREITCH.
Ah, ah!
BARBARA.
Well, was it not agreed?
SCREITCH.
It was—but look, thy mistress leaves at last.
In this I make my comfort. Bab, henceforth,
Lives free to love and wedlock.
BARBARA.
I lose my mistress!
SCREITCH.
Thou shalt gain patience by mine aid: we two
Will read what Rusmundanus lately left us,
Myself interpreting the tongue.
BARBARA.
On patience?
'Twere better after marriage, when we need it.
Teach Rudestein patience, too, for charity:
He will lose all.
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I yield the crowns he hath—
And horse; but lend no more.
BARBARA.
He may not ask;
Else were it good to grant them him.
SCREITCH.
Why so?
BARBARA.
To prove whose state is happiest, wealthiest, wisest,
Thine own, or his. To justify my choice.
SCREITCH.
The debt grows great, as love and reverence lessen.
At first, his suit was urged with modesty.
Himself he likened, then, to Philip's son—
Me to the Stagyrite.
BARBARA.
He owns thee wiser.
SCREITCH.
I mean to prove his judgment right in this,
And lend no more.
BARBARA.
Thus is advantage maimed!
So must I suffer both ways!
SCREITCH.
How?
BARBARA.
There be
Dues pertinent to wedlock—Hymen's offerings—
Rings, ear-rings, bracelets, buckles, stomachers,
With chains of gold, and mantles made of fur.
All these do suitors tender on their knees,
And we, the sought, receive in gentleness.
Thou, pressed by graver cares, art slack and slow;
Rudestein, meanwhile, is poor withal. Through him
Who hunts thy venison for thee, toil is spared.
Do thou provide fit instruments for the chase,
And send him duly furnished—else I look
Direct to thee.
SCREITCH.
Well, do so. I will bring thee
Gifts far beyond the worth of purest gold—
Wisdom, good sooth, which is a crown of glory,
And meekness for a chain about thy neck;
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Thy mantle lined with fur! Come, kiss me, Barbara.
[Exeunt.
| Faith's Fraud | |