Volume Ii Part 93 (1/2)

_Gal_. How now! what's the cold fit coming on? [_Pauses_.

_Fil_. I have no power to go--where this--invites me-- By which I prove 'tis no encrease of Flame that warms my Heart, But a new Fire just kindled from those Eyes-- Whose Rays I find more piercing than _Marcella's_.

_Gal_.--Ay, Gad, a thousand times--prithee, what's the matter?

_Mar_. Oh, this false-souled Man--wou'd I had leisure To be reveng'd for this Inconstancy! [_Aside_.

_Fil_.--But still she wants that Virtue I admire.

_Gal_. Virtue! 'S'death thou art always fumbling upon that dull string that makes no Musick.--What Letter's that? [_Reads_.] If the first Confession I ever made of Love be grateful to you, come arm'd to night with a Friend or two; and behind the Garden of the Fountains, you will receive--hah, _Marcella!_--Oh, d.a.m.n it, from your honest Woman!--Well, I see the Devil's never so busy with a Man, as when he has resolv'd upon any Goodness! S'death, what a rub's here in a fair cast,--how is't man?

Alegremente! bear up, defy him and all his Works.

_Fil_. But I have sworn, sworn that I lov'd _Marcella;_ And Honour, Friend, obliges me to go, Take her away and marry her.

--And I conjure thee to a.s.sist me too.

_Gal_. What, to night, this might, that I have given to _Silvianetta!_ and you have promis'd to the fair--_Euphemia!_

_Lau_. If he shou'd go, he ruins my design, [_Aside_.

--Nay, if your word, Sir--be already past--

_Fil_. 'Tis true, I gave my promise to _Euphemia;_ but that, to Women of her Trade, is easily absolv'd.

_Gal_. Men keep not Oaths for the sakes of the wise Magistrates to whom they are made, but their own Honour, _Harry_.--And is't not much a greater crime to rob a gallant, hospitable Man of his Niece, who has treated you with Confidence and Friends.h.i.+p, than to keep touch with a well-meaning Wh.o.r.e, my conscientious Friend?

_Lau_. Infinite degrees, Sir.

_Gal_. Besides, thou'st an hour or two good, between this and the time requir'd to meet _Marcella_.

_Lau_. Which an industrious Lover would manage to the best advantage.

_Gal_. That were not given over to Virtue and Constancy; two the best excuses I know for Idleness.

_Fil_.--Yes--I may see this Woman.

_Gal_. Why, Gad-a-mercy, Lad.

_Fil_.--And break my Chains, if possible.

_Gal_. Thou wilt give a good essay to that I'll warrant thee, Before she part with thee; come let's about it.

[_They are going out on either side of_ Fil. _persuading him_.

_Mar_. He's gone, the Curtezan has got the day, [_Aside_.

Vice has the start of Virtue every way; And for one Blessing honest Wives obtain, The happier Mistress does a thousand gain.

I'll home--and practise all their Art to prove, That nothing is so cheaply gain'd as Love.

[_Exit_.

_Gal_. Stay, what Farce is this--prithee let's see a little.

[_Offering to go_.