Volume Ii Part 53 (1/2)

Sir _Anth_. Hold, Sir! by this abrupt departure, I fancy you the Boy's Rival: Come, draw.

[_Draws_.

Sir _Tim_. How, draw, Sir!

Sir _Anth_. Ay, draw, Sir; not my Nephew have the Widow!

Sir _Tim_. With all my Soul, Sir; I love and honour your Nephew. I his Rival! alas, Sir, I'm not so fond of Cuckoldom. Pray, Sir, let me see you and Sir _Charles_ at my House, I may serve him in this business; and so I take my leave, Sir--Draw quoth-a! Pox upon him for an old Tory-rory.

[_Aside_.

[_Exit_.

_Enter as from Church, L_. Galliard, Closet, _and Footman_: Wilding _pa.s.ses carelessly by her, Sir_ Charles Meriwill _following, wrapt up in his Cloke_.

Sir _Anth_. Who's here? _Charles_ m.u.f.fled in a Cloke peering after a Woman?

My own Boy to a Hair! She's handsom too. I'll step aside; for I must see the meaning on't.

[_Goes aside_.

L. _Gal_. Bless me! how unconcern'd he pa.s.s'd!

_Clos_. He bow'd low, Madam.

L. _Gal_. But 'twas in such a fas.h.i.+on, as exprest Indifferency, much worse than Hate from _Wilding_.

_Clos_. Your Ladys.h.i.+p has us'd him ill of late; yet if your Ladys.h.i.+p please, I'll call him back.

L. _Gal_. I'll die first--Hah, he's going! Yet now I think on't I have a Toy of his, which to express my scorn, I'll give him back now--this Ring.

_Clos_. Shall I carry it, Madam?

L. _Gal_. You'll not express Disdain enough in the Delivery; and you may call him back.

[Clos. _goes to_ Wild.

Sir _Char_. By Heaven, she's fond of him. [_Aside_.

_Wild_. Oh, Mrs. Closet! is it you?--Madam, your Servant: By this Disdain, I fear your Woman, Madam, has mistaken her Man. Wou'd your Ladys.h.i.+p speak with me?

L. _Gal_. Yes.--But what? the G.o.d of Love instruct me. [_Aside_.

_Wild_. Command me quickly, Madam; for I have business.

L. _Gal_. Nay, then I cannot be discreet in Love. [_Aside_.

--Your business once was Love, nor had no idle hours To throw away on any other thought; You lov'd, as if you had no other Faculties, As if you'd meant to gain eternal Bliss, By that Devotion only: And see how now you're chang'd.

_Wild_. Not I, by Heaven; 'tis you are only chang'd.

I thought you'd lov'd me too, curse on the dull mistake!

But when I beg'd to reap the mighty Joy That mutual Love affords, You turn'd me off from Honour, That Nothing, fram'd by some old sullen Maid, That wanted Charms to kindle Flames when young.

Sir _Anth_. By George, he's i'th' right. [_Aside_.