Volume Iii Part 5 (2/2)

_Enter_ Friendlove.

_Friend_. So, forward Sister!

_Bel_. Ha, _Friendlove!_

_Friend_. Was it so kindly done, to gain my Sister Without my knowledge?

_Bel_. Ah, Friend! 'Twas from her self alone That I wou'd take the Blessing which I ask.

_Friend_. And I'll a.s.sist her, Sir, to give it you.

Here, take him as an Honour, and be thankful.

_Bel_. I as a Blessing sent from Heaven receive her, And e'er I sleep will justify my Claim, And make her mine.

_Friend_. Be not so hasty, Friend: Endeavour first to reconcile your Uncle to't.

_Bel_. By such Delays we're lost: Hast thou forgot?

To morrow she's design'd another's Bride!

_Friend_. For that let me alone t'evade.

_Bel_. If you must yet delay me, Give me leave not to interest such Wealth without Security.

And I, _Celinda_, will instruct you how to satisfy my Fears.

[_Kneels, and takes her by the Hand_.

Bear witness to my Vows-- May every Plague that Heaven inflicts on Sin, Fall down in Thunder on my Head, If e'er I marry any but _Celinda_ Or if I do not marry thee, fair Maid.

_Nur_. Heartily sworn, as I vow.

_Cel_. And here I wish as solemnly the same: --May all arrive to me, If e'er I marry any Man but _Bellmour_!

_Nur_. We are Witnesses, as good as a thousand.

_Friend_. But now, my Friend, I'd have you take your leave; the day comes on apace, and you've not seen your Uncle since your Arrival.

_Bel_. 'Tis Death to part with thee, my fair Celinda; But our hard Fates impose this Separation: --Farewel--Remember thou'rt all mine.

_Cel_. What have I else of Joy to think upon?

--Go--go--depart.

_Bel_. I will--but 'tis as Misers part with Gold, Or People full of Health depart from Life.

_Friend_. Go, Sister, to your Bed, and dream of him.

[_Ex_. Cel. _and_ Nurse.

_Bel_. Whilst I prepare to meet this Fop to fight him.

_Friend_. Hang him, he'll ne'er meet thee; to beat a Watch, or kick a Drawer, or batter Windows, is the highest pitch of Valour he e'er arriv'd to.

<script>