Volume I Part 27 (2/2)

_Will._ Unconscionable Sinner, to bring a Lover so near his Happiness, a vigorous pa.s.sionate Lover, and then not only cheat him of his Moveables, but his Desires too.

_Belv._ Ah, Sir, a Mistress is a Trifle with _Blunt_, he'll have a dozen the next time he looks abroad; his Eyes have Charms not to be resisted: There needs no more than to expose that taking Person to the view of the Fair, and he leads 'em all in Triumph.

_Ped._ Sir, tho I'm a stranger to you, I'm ashamed at the rudeness of my Nation; and could you learn who did it, would a.s.sist you to make an Example of 'em.

_Blunt._ Why, ay, there's one speaks sense now, and handsomly; and let me tell you Gentlemen, I should not have shew'd my self like a Jack-Pudding, thus to have made you Mirth, but that I have revenge within my power; for know, I have got into my possession a Female, who had better have fallen under any Curse, than the Ruin I design her: 'dsheartlikins, she a.s.saulted me here in my own Lodgings, and had doubtless committed a Rape upon me, had not this Sword defended me.

_Fred._ I knew not that, but o' my Conscience thou hadst ravisht her, had she not redeem'd her self with a Ring-- let's see't, _Blunt_.

[_Blunt_ shews the Ring.

_Belv._ Hah!-- the Ring I gave _Florinda_ when we exchang'd our Vows!-- hark ye, _Blunt_-- [Goes to whisper to him.

_Will._ No whispering, good Colonel, there's a Woman in the case, no whispering.

_Belv._ Hark ye, Fool, be advis'd, and conceal both the Ring and the Story, for your Reputation's sake; don't let People know what despis'd Cullies we _English_ are: to be cheated and abus'd by one Wh.o.r.e, and another rather bribe thee than be kind to thee, is an Infamy to our Nation.

_Will._ Come, come, where's the Wench? we'll see her, let her be what she will, we'll see her.

_Ped._ Ay, ay, let us see her, I can soon discover whether she be of Quality, or for your Diversion.

_Blunt._ She's in _Fred's_ Custody.

_Will._ Come, come, the Key.

[To _Fred._ who gives him the Key, they are going.

_Belv._ Death! what shall I do?-- stay, Gentlemen-- yet if I hinder 'em, I shall discover all-- hold, let's go one at once-- give me the Key.

_Will._ Nay, hold there, Colonel, I'll go first.

_Fred._ Nay, no Dispute, _Ned_ and I have the property of her.

_Will._ d.a.m.n Property-- then we'll draw Cuts. [_Belv._ goes to whisper _Will._] Nay, no Corruption, good Colonel: come, the longest Sword carries her.-- [They all draw, forgetting Don _Pedro_, being a Spaniard, had the longest.

_Blunt._ I yield up my Interest to you Gentlemen, and that will be Revenge sufficient.

_Will._ The Wench is yours-- (_To _Ped.__) Pox of his _Toledo_, I had forgot that.

_Fred._ Come, Sir, I'll conduct you to the Lady.

[Ex. _Fred._ and _Ped._

_Belv._ To hinder him will certainly discover-- [Aside.] Dost know, dull Beast, what Mischief thou hast done?

[_Will._ walking up and down out of Humour.

_Will._ Ay, ay, to trust our Fortune to Lots, a Devil on't, 'twas madness, that's the Truth on't.

_Belv._ Oh intolerable Sot!

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