Volume Xi Part 7 (1/2)

NEV. Yes, sir; 'tis for the great marriage 'twixt----

SCUD. Pray, hold there; I know it too-too well.

The tokens and the letters I have still.

The dangers I have pa.s.s'd for her dear sake By day and night, to satisfy her wishes!

That letter I so lately did receive, And yet this morn she's married to a lord!

O memory, thou blessing to all men, Thou art my curse and cause of misery, That tell'st me what I have been in her eyes, And what I am! As it is impossible To find one good in the whole world of women-- But how I lose myself and the remembrance Of my dear friend who said he would meet me here.

What is this priest, that walks before the church?

Why walk you here so early, sir?

NEV. I am appointed Here to attend the coming of the brides, Old Sir John Worldly's daughters.

SCUD. Are there two?

NEV. Yes, sir: the eldest marries Count Frederick.

SCUD. O!

NEV. The middlemost wears willow for his sake; The youngest marries the rich merchant Strange.

SCUD. He is right worthy, and my well-known friend.

But, parson, if you marry Bellafront, The horror of thy conscience shall exceed A murderer's. Thou shalt not walk alone, Nor eat nor sleep, but a sad lover's groans And curses shall appear and fright thy soul.

I tell thee, priest, they're sights more terrible Than ghosts or sprites, of which old wives tell tales.

Thou shalt run mad! thou shalt be d.a.m.n'd indeed!

NEV. Now G.o.d forfend! the reason, sir, I pray?

SCUD. She is contracted, sir--nay, married Unto another man, though it want form: And such strange pa.s.sages and mutual vows, 'Twould make your short hair start through your black cap Should you but hear it!

NEV. Sir, I'll take no notice Of things I do not know: the injur'd gentleman May bring 'em after into the spiritual court, And have a fair pull on't--a poor gentleman (For so I take him by his being deceiv'd) 'Gainst a great count and an old wealthy knight.

SCUD. Thou Pancridge parson![26] O, for my friend Nevill!

Some wile or other might remove this priest, And give us[27] breathing to cross their intent. [_Aside._

NEV. Alas! my dear friend. [_Aside._

SCUD. Sir, do but you refuse to join them.

NEV. Upon what acquaintance, sir?

They are great persons, and I mean to rise: I hope in time to have three livings, man; And this were not the way, I take it, sir.

SCUD. Why, look thee; there is gold.

NEV. O, by no means.

SCUD. I seldom knew't refus'd yet by thy coat, But where it would have been a cause of good.

NEV. But look ye; you shall see, I'm a divine Of conscience quite opposite to a lawyer: I'll give you counsel, sir, without a fee.

This way they are to come; if you dare do't, Challenge her as your own at the church-door: I will not hinder you. [_Music plays._