Part 17 (2/2)

I am glad you're ready, for I'm all in arms To bear the widow off. Come! Don't be sad; All must go merrily, you know, to-day!-- She still doth bear him hard, I see! The girl Affects him not, and Trueworth is at fault, Though clear it is that he doth die for her. [Aside.]

Well, daughter?--So I see you're ready too.

[Enter CONSTANCE.]

Why, what's amiss with thee?

_Phoebe_. [Entering.] The coach is here.

_Sir Wil_. Come, Wildrake, offer her your arm.

_Con_. [To WILDRAKE.] I thank you!

I am not an invalid!--can use my limbs!

He knows not how to make an arm, befits A lady lean upon.

_Sir Wil_. Why, teach him, then.

_Con_. Teach him! Teach Master Wildrake! Teach, indeed!

I taught my dog to beg, because I knew That he could learn it.

_Sir Wil_. Peace, thou little shrew!

I'll have no wrangling on my wedding-day!

Here, take my arm.

_Con_. I'll not!--I'll walk alone!

Live, die alone! I do abominate The fool and all his s.e.x!

_Sir Wil_. Again!

_Con_. I have done.

When do you marry, Master Wildrake? She Will want a husband goes to church with thee!

[They go out.]

SCENE II.--Widow Green's Dressing-room.

[WIDOW GREEN discovered at her Toilet, attended by AMELIA, WALLER'S Letter to LYDIA in her hand.]

_W. Green_. Oh, bond of destiny!--Fair bond, that seal'st My fate in happiness! I'll read thee yet Again--although thou'rt written on my heart.

But here his hand, indicting thee, did lie!

And this the tracing of his fingers! So I read thee that could rhyme thee, as my prayers!

”At morn to-morrow I will make you mine.

Will you accept from me the name of wife-- The name of husband give me in exchange?”

The traitress! to break ope my billet-doux, And take the envelope!--But I forgive her, Since she did leave the rich contents behind.

Amelia, give this feather more a slope, That it sit droopingly. I would look all Dissolvement, nought about me to bespeak Boldness! I would appear a timid bride, Trembling upon the verge of wifehood, as I ne'er before had stood there! That will do.

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