Part 11 (1/2)

DAVUS. Certainly, Sir.

PAM. What, as you did just now?

DAVUS. Better, I hope.

PAM. And can you then believe That I would trust you, rascal? You amend My broken fortunes, or redeem them lost?

You, who to-day, from the most happy state, Have thrown me upon marriage.--Did not I Foretell it would be thus?

DAVUS. You did indeed.

PAM. And what do you deserve for this?

DAVUS. The gallows.

--Yet suffer me to take a little breath, I'll devise something presently.

PAM. Alas, I have not leisure for your punishment.

The time demands attention to myself, Nor will be wasted in revenge on you.

[Changes:

_Harper_ But will at least take vengeance on him.

DAVUS. If I can but escape this mischief now _Colman 1768_ But will at least take vengeance upon him.

DAVUS. Let me but once escape the present danger]

ACT THE FOURTH.

SCENE I.

_CHARINUS alone._

Is this to be believ'd, or to be told?

Can then such inbred malice live in man, To joy in ill, and from another's woes To draw his own delight?--Ah, is't then so?

--Yes, such there are, the meanest of mankind, Who, from a sneaking bashfulness, at first Dare not refuse; but when the time comes on To make their promise good, then force perforce Open themselves and fear: yet must deny.

Then too, oh shameless impudence, they cry, ”Who then are you? and what are you to me?

Why should I render up my love to you?

Faith, neighbor, charity begins at home.”

--Speak of their broken faith, they blush not, they, Now throwing off that shame they ought to wear, Which they before a.s.sum'd without a cause.

--What shall I do? go to him? on my wrongs Expostulate, and throw reproaches on him?

What will that profit, say you?----very much.

I shall at least imbitter his delight, And gratify my anger.

[Changes: