Volume I Part 82 (1/2)

_Alon._ Would to G.o.d 'twere come but to that, I was just upon the Point of it when you enter'd. But I know not what the Devil there is in that Face of yours, but it has debauch'd every sober Thought about me: Faith, do not let us marry yet.

_Euph._ If we had not proceeded too far to retreat, I should be content.

_Alon._ What shall I come to? all on the sudden to leave delicious whoring, drinking and fighting, and be condemn'd to a dull honest Wife.

Well, if it be my ill Fortune, may this Curse light on thee that has brought me to't: may I love thee even after we are married to that troublesome Degree, that I may grow most d.a.m.nable jealous of thee, and keep thee from the Sight of all Mankind, but thy own natural Husband, that so thou may'st be depriv'd of the greatest Pleasure of this Life, the Blessing of Change.

_Euph._ I am sorry to find so much ill Nature in you; would you have the Conscience to tie me to harder Conditions than I would you?

_Alon._ Nay, I do not think I shall be so wickedly loving; but I am resolv'd to marry thee and try.

_Euph._ My Father, Sir, on with your Disguise. [To them _Carlo_.

_Car._ Well, Sir, how do you like my Daughter?

_Alon._ So, so, she'll serve for a Wife.

_Car._ But do you find her willing to be so?

_Alon._ 'Tis not a half-penny matter for that, as long as my Father and you are agreed upon the matter,

_Car._ Well, _Euphemia_, setting all foolish Modesty aside, how do you like this Man?

_Euph._ As one, whom in Obedience to you, I am content to cast my self away upon.

_Car._ How seems his Humour to you?

_Euph._ Indifferent, Sir, he is not very courtly, something rough and hasty.

_Car._ I fear she has found his ill Quality of Valour too; and since 'tis certain 'tis so, why should it be said that I ruin'd a Child to satisfy my Appet.i.te of Riches?

[Aside.

Come, Daughter, can you love him, or can you not? For I'll make but short Work on't; you are my Daughter, and have a Fortune great enough to inrich any Man; and I'm resolv'd to put no Force upon your Inclinations.

_Euph._ How's this! nay, then 'tis time I left dissembling.

[Aside.] Sir, this Bounty in you has strangely overcome me, and makes me asham'd to have withstood your Will so long.

_Car._ Do not dissemble with me, I say do not; for I am resolv'd you shall be happy.

_Euph._ Sir, my Obedience shall--

_Car._ No more of your Obedience; I say again, do not dissemble, for I'm not pleas'd with your Obedience.

_Euph._ This Alteration is very strange and sudden; pray Heaven he have not found the Cheat.

[Aside.

Love, Sir, they say will come after Marriage; pray let me try it.

_Car._ Few have found it so; nor shall you experience it at so dear a Rate as your Ruin.

_Euph._ But, Sir, methinks I am grown to love him more since he spoke to me, than before.