Part 5 (2/2)

_Julia_. But snow may clothe them then.

_Clif_. I like them full As well in snow!

_Julia_. You do?

_Clif_. I do.

_Julia_. But night Will hide both snow and them, and that sets in Ere afternoon is out. A heavy thing, A country fireside in a winter's night, To one bred in the town,--where winter's said, For sun of gaiety and sportiveness, To beggar s.h.i.+ning summer.

_Clif_. I should like A country winter's night especially!

_Julia_. You'd sleep by the fire.

_Clif_. Not I; I'd talk to thee.

_Julia_. You'd tire of that!

_Clif_. I'd read to thee.

_Julia_. And that!

_Clif_. I'd talk to thee again.

_Julia_. And sooner tire Than first you did, and fall asleep at last.

You'd never do to lead a country life.

_Clif_. You deal too harshly with me! Matchless maid, As loved instructor brightens dullest wit, Fear not to undertake the charge of me!

A willing pupil kneels to thee, and lays His t.i.tle and his fortune at your feet.

_Julia_. His t.i.tle and his fortune!

[Enter MASTER WALTER and HELEN.--JULIA, disconcerted, retires with the latter.--CLIFFORD rises.]

_Wal_. So, Sir Thomas!

Aha! you husband time! Well, was I right?

Is't not the jewel that I told you 'twas?

Wouldst thou not give thine eyes to wear it? Eh?

It has an owner, though,--nay, start not,--one That may be bought to part with't, and with whom I'll stand thy friend--I will--I say, I will!

A strange man, sir, and unaccountable: But I can humour him--will humour him For thy sake, good Sir Thomas; for I like thee.

Well, is't a bargain? Come, thy hand upon it.

A word or two with thee.

[They retire. JULIA and HELEN come forward.]

_Julia_. Go up to town!

_Helen_. Have I not said it ten times o'er to thee?

But if thou likest it not, protest against it.

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