Part 15 (2/2)

_Mod_. Well! What more wouldst have me say?

I think I've said enough.

_Helen_. And so think I.

I did but jest with you. You are not angry?

Shake hands! Why, cousin, do you squeeze me so?

_Mod_. [Letting her go.] I swear I squeezed you not.

_Helen_. You did not?

_Mod_. No. I'll die if I did!

_Helen_. Why then you did not, cousin, So let's shake hands again-- [He takes her hand as before.] O go and now Read Ovid! Cousin, will you tell me one thing: Wore lovers ruffs in Master Ovid's time?

Behoved him teach them, then, to put them on;-- And that you have to learn. Hold up your head!

Why, cousin, how you blus.h.!.+ Plague on the ruff!

I cannot give't a set. You're blus.h.i.+ng still!

Why do you blush, dear cousin? So!--'twill beat me!

I'll give it up.

_Mod_. Nay, prithee, don't--try on!

_Helen_. And if I do, I fear you'll think me bold.

_Mod_. For what?

_Helen_. To trust my face so near to thine.

_Mod_. I know not what you mean.

_Helen_. I'm glad you don't!

Cousin, I own right well behaved you are, Most marvellously well behaved! They've bred You well at college. With another man My lips would be in danger! Hang the ruff!

_Mod_. Nay, give it up, nor plague thyself, dear cousin.

_Helen_. Dear fool! [Throws the ruff on the ground.]

I swear the ruff is good for just As little as its master! There!--'Tis spoiled-- You'll have to get another! Hie for it, And wear it in the fas.h.i.+on of a wisp, Ere I adjust it for thee! Farewell, cousin!

You'd need to study Ovid's Art of Love.

[HELEN goes out.]

_Mod_. [Solus.] Went she in anger! I will follow her,-- No, I will not! Heigho! I love my cousin!

O would that she loved me! Why did she taunt me With backwardness in love? What could she mean?

Sees she I love her, and so laughs at me, Because I lack the front to woo her? Nay, I'll woo her then! Her lips shall be in danger, When next she trusts them near me! Looked she at me To-day as never did she look before!

A bold heart, Master Modus! 'Tis a saying A faint one never won fair lady yet!

I'll woo my cousin, come what will on't. Yes:

[Begins reading again, throws down the book.]

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