Volume Iii Part 75 (1/2)

_Dia_. Are you his Advocate, Sir? [_In scorn_.

_Bea_. For want of a better-- [_Stands behind him, pus.h.i.+ng him on_.

_Bred_. An Advocate for Love I am, And bring you such a Message from a Heart--

_Bea_. Meaning mine, dear Madam.

_Bred_. That when you hear it, you will pity it.

_Bea_. Or the Devil's in her--

_Dia_. Sir, I have many Reasons to believe, It is my Fortune you pursue, not Person.

_Bea_. There is something in that, I must confess. [_Behind him_.

But say what you will, _Ned_.

_Bred_. May all the Mischiefs of despairing Love Fall on me if it be.

_Bea_. That's well enough--

_Bred_. No, were you born an humble Village-Maid, That fed a Flock upon the neighbouring Plain; With all that s.h.i.+ning Vertue in your Soul, By Heaven, I wou'd adore you--love you--wed you-- Though the gay World were lost by such a Nuptial.

[Bear. _looks on him_.

--This--I wou'd do, were I my Friend the Squire [_Recollecting_.

_Bea_. Ay, if you were me--you might do what you pleas'd; but I'm of another mind.

_Dia_. Shou'd I consent, my Father is a Man whom Interest sways, not Honour; and whatsoever Promises he 'as made you, he means to break 'em all, and I am destin'd to another.

_Bea_. How, another--his Name, his Name, Madam--here's _Ned_ and I fear ne'er a single Man i'th' Nation, What is he--what is he?--

_Dia_. A Fop, a Fool, a beaten a.s.s--a Blockhead.

_Bea_. What a d.a.m.n'd Shame's this, that Women shou'd be sacrificed to Fools, and Fops must run away with Heiresses--whilst we Men of Wit and Parts dress and dance, and c.o.c.k and travel for nothing but to be tame Keepers.

_Dia_. But I, by Heaven, will never be that Victim: But where my Soul is vow'd, 'tis fix'd for ever.

_Bred_. Are you resolv'd, are you confirm'd in this? Oh my _Diana_, speak it o'er again. [_Runs to her, and embraces her_.

Bless me, and make me happier than a Monarch.

_Bea_. Hold, hold, dear _Ned_--that's my part, I take it.

_Bred_. Your Pardon, Sir, I had forgot my self.

--But time is short--what's to be done in this?

_Bea_. Done! I'll enter the House with Fire and Sword, d'ye see, not that I care this--but I'll not be fob'd off--what, do they take me for a Fool--an a.s.s?

_Bred_. Madam, dare you run the risk of your Father's Displeasure, and run away with the Man you love?

_Dia_. With all my Soul--