Part 15 (1/2)

_Wild_. How shall I find it out?

_True_. Affect to love Another. Say your pa.s.sion thrives; the day Is fixed; and pray her undertake the part Of bridemaid to your bride. 'Twill bring her out.

_Wild_. You think she'll own her pa.s.sion?

_True_. If she loves.

_Wild_. I thank thee! I will try it! Master Trueworth, What shall I say to thee, to give her up, And love her so?

_True_. Say nothing.

_Wild_. n.o.ble friend!

Kind friend! Instruct another man the way To win thy mistress! Thou'lt not break my heart?

Take my advice, thou shalt not be in love A month! Frequent the playhouse!--walk the Park!

I'll think of fifty ladies that I know, Yet can't remember now--enchanting ones!

And then there's Lancas.h.i.+re!--and I have friends In Berks.h.i.+re and in Wilts.h.i.+re, that have swarms Of daughters! Then my shooting-lodge and stud!

I'll cure thee in a fortnight of thy love!

And now to neighbour Constance--yet almost I fear accosting her--a hundred times Have I essayed to break my mind to her, But still she stops my mouth with restless scorn!

Howe'er, thy scheme I'll try, and may it thrive!

For I am sick for love of neighbour Constance.

Farewell, dear Master Trueworth! Take my counsel-- Conquer thy pa.s.sion! Do so! Be a man!

[Goes out.]

_True_. Feat easy done that does not tax ourselves!

[Enter Phoebe.]

_Phoebe_. A letter, sir.

[Goes out.]

_True_. Good sooth, a roaming one, And yet slow traveller. This should have reached me In Lombardy.--The hand! Give way, weak seal, Thy feeble let too strong for my impatience!

Ha! Wronged!--Let me contain myself!--Compelled To fly the roof that gave her birth!--My sister!

No partner in her flight but her pure honour!

I am again a brother. Pillow, board, I know not till I find her.

[Enter WALLER.]

_Wal_. Master Trueworth!

_True_. Ha! Master Waller! Welcome, Master Waller.

_Wal_. Good Master Trueworth, thank you. Finding you From home, I e'en made bold to follow you, For I esteem you as a man, and fain Would benefit by your kind offices.

But let me tell you first, to your reproof, I am indebted more than e'er I was To praise of any other! I am come, sir, To give you evidence I am not one Who owns advice is right, and acts not on't.

_True_. Pray you explain.