Part 5 (1/2)

_Wild_. Does she sing Such songs to thee?

_True_. Oh, yes, and constantly.

For such I ever ask her.

_Wild_. Forward minx! [Aside.]

Maids should not sing love-songs to gentlemen!

Think'st neighbour Constance is a girl to love?

_True_. A girl to love?--Ay, and with all her soul!

_Wild_. How know you that?

_True_. I have studied close the s.e.x.

_Wild_. You town-rakes are the devil for the s.e.x! [Aside.]

_True_. Not your most sensitive and serious maid I'd always take for deep impressions. Mind The adage of the bow. The pensive brow I have oft seen bright in wedlock, and anon O'ercast in widowhood; then, bright again.

Ere half the season of the weeds was out; While, in the airy one, I have known one cloud Forerunner of a gloom that ne'er cleared up-- So would it prove with neighbour Constance. Not On superficial grounds she'll ever love; But once she does, the odds are ten to one Her first love is her last!

_Wild_. I wish I ne'er Had come to town! I was a happy man Among my dogs and horses. [Aside.] Hast thou broke Thy pa.s.sion to her?

_True_. Never.

_Wild_. Never?

_True_. No.

I hoped you'd act my proxy there.

_Wild_. I thank you.

_True_. I knew 'twould be a pleasure to you.

_Wild_. Yes; A pleasure!--an unutterable pleasure!

_True_. Thank you! You make my happiness your own.

_Wild_. I do.

_True_. I see you do. Dear Master Wildrake!

Oh, what a blessing is a friend in need!

You'll go and court your neighbour for me?

_Wild_. Yes.

_True_. And says she ”nay” at first, you'll press again?

_Wild_. Ay, and again!

_True_. There's one thing I mistrust--yea, most mistrust, That of my poor deserts you'll make too much.

_Wild_. Fear anything but that.