Part 9 (1/2)

I'll lead thee to the church on Monday week.

Till then, farewell and then, farewell for ever!

O Julia, I have ventured for thy love, As the bold merchant, who, for only hope Of some rich gain, all former gains will risk.

Before I asked a portion of thy heart, I perilled all my own; and now, all's lost!

[CLIFFORD and MODUS go out.]

_Julia_. Helen!

_Helen_. What ails you, sweet?

_Julia_. I cannot breathe--quick, loose my girdle, oh!

[Faints.]

[MASTER WALTER and MASTER HEARTWELL come forward.]

_Wal_. Good Master Heartwell, help to take her in, Whilst I make after him! and look to her!

Unlucky chance that took me out of town!

[They go out severally.]

SCENE III.--The Street.

[Enter CLIFFORD and STEPHEN, meeting.]

_Ste_. Letters, Sir Thomas.

_Clif_. Take them home again, I shall not read them now.

_Ste_. Your pardon, sir, But here is one directed strangely.

_Clif_. How?

_Ste_. ”To Master Clifford, gentleman, now styled Sir Thomas Clifford, baronet.”

_Clif_. Indeed!

Whence comes that letter?

_Ste_. From abroad.

_Clif_. Which is it?

_Ste_. So please you, this, Sir Thomas.

_Clif_. Give it me.

_Ste_. That letter brings not news to wish him joy upon. If he was disturbed before, which I guessed by his looks he was, he is not more at ease now. His hand to his head! A most unwelcome letter! If it brings him news of disaster, fortune does not give him his deserts; for never waited servant upon a kinder master.

_Clif_. Stephen!

_Ste_. Sir Thomas!