Volume Iii Part 4 (2/2)

_Dull Animal! The G.o.ds cou'd ne'er decree So bright a Maid shou'd be possest by thee_.

[Exeunt.

ACT II.

SCENE I. _A Palace_.

_Enter_ Nurse _with a Light_.

_Nur_. Well, 'tis an endless trouble to have the Tuition of a Maid in love, here is such Wis.h.i.+ng and Longing.--And yet one must force them to what they most desire, before they will admit of it--Here am I sent out a Scout of the Forlorn Hope, to discover the Approach of the Enemy--Well --Mr. _Bellmour_, you are not to know, 'tis with the Consent of _Celinda_, that you come--I must bear all the blame, what Mischief soever comes of these Night-Works.

_Enter_ Bellmour.

Oh, are you come--Your Hour was Twelve, and now 'tis almost Two.

_Bel_. I could not get from _Friendlove_--Thou hast not told _Celinda_ of my coming?

_Nur_. No, no, e'en make Peace for me, and your self too.

_Bel_. I warrant thee, Nurse--Oh, how I hope and fear this Night's Success!

[_Exeunt_.

SCENE II. _A Chamber_.

Celinda _in her Night-Attire, leaning on a Table.

Enter to her_ Bellmour _and_ Nurse.

_Cel_. Oh Heavens! Mr. _Bellmour_ at this late Hour in my Chamber!

_Bel_. Yes, Madam; but will approach no nearer till you permit me; And sure you know my Soul too well to fear.

_Cel_. I do, Sir, and you may approach yet nearer, And let me know your Business.

_Bel_. Love is my bus'ness, that of all the World; Only my Flame as much surmounts the rest, As is the Object's Beauty I adore.

_Cel_. If this be all, to tell me of your Love, To morrow might have done as well.

_Bel_. Oh, no, to morrow would have been too late, Too late to make returns to all my Pain.

--What disagreeing thing offends your Eyes?

I've no Deformity about my Person; I'm young, and have a Fortune great as any That do pretend to serve you; And yet I find my Interest in your Heart, Below those happy ones that are my Rivals.

Nay, every Fool that can but plead his t.i.tle, And the poor Interest that a Parent gives him, Can merit more than I.

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