Part 5 (2/2)

_True_. 'Twere better far You slightly spoke of them.

_Wild_. You think so?

_True_. Yes.

Or rather did not speak of them at all.

_Wild_. You think so?

_True_. Yes.

_Wild_. Then I'll not say a word About them.

_True_. Thank you! A judicious friend Is better than a zealous: you are both!

I see you'll plead my cause as 'twere your own; Then stay in town, and win your neighbour for me; Make me the envy of a score of men That die for her as I do. Make her mine, And when the last ”Amen!” declares complete The mystic tying of the holy knot, And 'fore the priest a blus.h.i.+ng wife she stands, Be thine the right to claim the second kiss She pays for change from maidenhood to wifehood.

[Goes out.]

_Wild_. Take that thyself! The first be mine, or none!

A man in love with neighbour Constance! Never Dreamed I that such a thing could come to pa.s.s!

Such person, such endowments, such a soul!

I never thought to ask myself before If she were man or woman! Suitors, too, Dying for her! I'll e'en make one among 'em!

Woo her to go to church along with him, And for my pains the privilege to take The second kiss? I'll take the second kiss, And first one too--and last! No man shall touch Her lips but me. I'll ma.s.sacre the man That looks upon her! Yet what chance have I With lovers of the town, whose study 'tis To please your lady belles!--who dress, walk, talk, To hit their tastes--what chance, a country squire Like me? Yet your true fair, I have heard, prefers The man before his coat at any time; And such a one may neighbour Constance be.

I'll show a limb with any of them! Silks I'll wear, nor keep my legs in cases more.

I'll learn to dance town-dances, and frequent Their concerts! Die away at melting strains, Or seem to do so--far the easier thing, And as effective quite; leave naught undone To conquer neighbour Constance.

[Enter LASH.]

_Lash_. Sir.

_Wild_. Well, sir?

_Lash_. So please you, sir, your horse is at the door.

_Wild_. Unsaddle him again and put him up.

And, hark you, get a tailor for me, sir-- The rarest can be found.

_Lash_. The man's below, sir, That owns the mare your wors.h.i.+p thought to buy.

_Wild_. Tell him I do not want her, sir.

_Lash_. I vow You will not find her like in Lincolns.h.i.+re.

_Wild_. Go to! She's spavined.

_Lash_. Sir!

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