Volume Iv Part 115 (1/2)

_Geo._ Perhaps I may before the Morning's dawn.

_Prince._ Ha, prove it here--here, in this very House!

_Geo._ Ay, here, Sir.

_Prince._ What, in my Lodgings will she receive her Spark--by Heaven, were he the darling Son of a Monarch, an Empire's Hope, and Joy of all the Fair, he shou'd not live to rifle me of Peace.--Come, shew me this destin'd Victim to my Rage.

_Geo._ No, my Revenge is only comical--If you wou'd see how Woman can dissemble, come on, and follow me.

_Prince._ What, disturb her Rest! Didst thou not see her fainting with the Fatigues this Night had given her, and begg'd me I would leave her to Repose?

_Geo._ Yes, and wonder'd at her Art; and when you begg'd to watch by her Bed-side, with what dear Promises she put you off; while every word fell feebly from her Tongue, as if't had been her last, so very sick she was--till you were gone--Hark--a Door opens--I will obscure the Lights.

[Puts away the Lights.

Enter _Olivia._ They retire a little.

_Oliv._ Was ever Maid so near to being undone? Oh Heavens! in bed with the dear Man I love, ready to be betray'd by every Sigh.

[_George_ peeps.

_Geo._ 'Tis _Olivia_.

Enter _Manage_ groping.

_Man._ I left him here--what, by dark? _Endimion_, young, handsome Sir, where are you?

[Calls _Olivia_.

_Geo._ Do you hear that, Sir?

_Man._ Oh, are you here?-- [Runs against _Olivia_.

_Oliv._ 'Slife, 'tis _Manage_--how shall I escape?-- [Aside.

_Man._ Come, Sir, my Lady _Mirtilla_ has dismiss'd her troublesome Lovers, for your more agreeable Company.

_Geo._ D'ye hear that, Sir?

_Man._ Come softly on, Sir, and follow me.

_Oliv._ I'm all Obedience--

She cannot ravish me, and that's a Comfort. [Aside, going out.

_Prince._ Oh, _Lejere_--can this be possible? Can there be such a Woman?

_Geo._ Follow him, Sir, and see--

_Prince._ See what!--be witness of her Infamy? h.e.l.l! h.e.l.l, and all the Fires of l.u.s.t possess her! when she's so old and leud, all Mankind shun her.--I'll be a Coward in my own dire Revenge, and use no manly Mercy.--But oh, I faint, I faint with Rage and Love, which like two meeting Tides, swell into Storms.--Bear me a minute to my Couch within.

_Geo._ What have I done! now I repent my Rashness.