Part 18 (1/2)

Oh dear!--How I am agitated--don't I look so? I have found a secret out,-- Nothing in woman strikes a man so much As to look interesting! Hang this cheek Of mine! It is too saucy; what a pity To have a colour of one's own!--Amelia!

Could you contrive, dear girl, to bleach my cheek, How I would thank you! I could give it then What tint I chose, and that should be the hectic Bespeaks a heart in delicate commotion.

I am much too florid! Stick a rose in my hair, The brightest you can find, 'twill help, my girl, Subdue my rebel colour--Nay, the rose Doth lose complexion, not my cheek! Exchange it For a carnation. That's the flower, Amelia!

You see how it doth triumph o'er my cheek.

Are you content with me?

_Amelia_. I am, my lady.

_W. Green_. And whither think you has the hussy gone, Whose place you fill so well?--Into the country?

Or fancy you she stops in town?

_Amelia_. I can't Conjecture.

_W. Green_. Shame upon her!--Leave her place Without a moment's warning!--with a man, too!

Seemed he a gentleman that took her hence?

_Amelia_. He did.

_W. Green_. You never saw him hero before?

_Amelia_. Never.

_W. Green_. Not lounging on the other side Of the street, and reconnoitring the windows?

_Amelia_. Never.

_W. Green_. 'Twas planned by letter. Notes, you know, Have often come to her--But I forgive her, Since this advice she chanced to leave behind Of gentle Master Waller's wishes, which I bless myself in blessing!--G.o.ds, a knock!

'Tis he! Show in those ladies are so kind To act my bridemaids for me on this brief And agitating notice.

[AMELIA goes out.]

Yes, I look A bride sufficiently! And this the hand That gives away my liberty again.

Upon my life it is a pretty hand, A delicate and sentimental hand!

No lotion equals gloves; no woman knows The use of them that does not sleep in them!

My neck hath kept its colour wondrously!

Well; after all it is no miracle That I should win the heart of a young man.

My bridemaids come!--Oh dear!

[Enter two Ladies.]

First Lady. How do you, love? A good morning to you--Poor dear, How much you are affected! Why we thought You ne'er would summon us.

_W. Green_. One takes, you know, When one is flurried, twice the time to dress.

My dears, has either of you salts? I thank you!

They are excellent; the virtue's gone from mine, Nor thought I of renewing them--Indeed, I'm unprovided, quite, for this affair.

_First Lady_. I think the bridegroom's come!

_W. Green_. Don't say so! How You've made my heart jump!

_First Lady_. As you sent for us, A new-launched carriage drove up to the door; The servants all in favours.