Urge all thy pow'rs to make thy passion prosper : Pol. Heaven blast me if I do. Cast. If't prove thy fortune, Polydore, to conquer, (For thou hast all the arts of soft persuasion) Trust me, and let me know thy love's success, That I may ever after stifle mine. Pol. Though she be dearer to my soul than rest To weary pilgrims, or to misers gold, To great men pow'r, or wealthy cities pride, 220 [Exeunt Castalio and Polydore. Enter MONIMIA. Mon. So soon return'd from hunting? This fair day Mon. Sure some ill fate's upon me. My foolish heart; and, like a tender child, Page. Why, madam, have I done you any wrong? Mon. I never see you now; you have been kinder ? Sat by my bed, and sung me pretty songs; 241 Perhaps I've been ungrateful. Here's money for you: Will you oblige me? Shall I see you oft❜ner? Page. Madam, I'd serve you with my soul: "But in the morning when you call me to you, "As by your bed I stand, and tell you stories, "I am asham'd to see your swelling breasts, "It makes me blush, they are so very white. "Mon. Oh, men! for flatt'ry and deceit renown'd! "Thus, when y'are young, ye learn it all like him, "'Till as your years increase, that strengthens too, "T'undo poor maids, and make our ruin easy." Tell me, Cordelio, for thou oft hast heard Their friendly converse, and their bosom secrets; Sometimes, at least, have they not talk'd of me? Page. Oh, madam, very wickedly they have talk'd! But I am afraid to name it; for, they say, Boys must be whipp'd that tell their master's secrets. 260 Mon. Fear not, Cordelio; it shall ne'er be known; I'll furnish thee with all thy harmless sports, Methinks you love me better than my lord; Mon. Inform me how thou'st heard Castalio, and his brother, use my name. Page. With all the tenderness of love; Page. Not to quarrel for you. Mon. I would not have 'em; by my dearest hope, I wou'd not be the argument of strife. But surely my Castalio won't forsake me, Page. Yes, to seek you, madam. And fairly try the fortune of his wishes. 280 Mam. Am I then grown so cheap, just to be made A common stake, a prize for love in jest? Was not Castalio very loth to yield it? Page. The fault was Polydore's. Castalio play'd with love, and smiling shew'd C He said, no woman's smiles should buy his freedom; And marriage is a mortifying thing. Mon. Then I am ruin'd, if Castalio's false. Where is there faith and honour to be found? Ye gods that guard the innocent, and guide 300 Oh, but I love him! There's the rock will wreck me! Yet want the cunning to conceal its follies? Enter CASTALIO and POLYDORE alone. He comes, the conqueror comes! lie still, my heart, And learn to bear thy injuries with scorn. Cast. Madam, my brother begs he may have leave To tell you something that concerns you nearly. I leave you, as becomes me, and withdraw. Mon. My lord, Castalio! Cast. Madam ? Mon. Have you purpos'd To abuse me palpably? What means this usage? Why am I left with Polydore alone? Cast. He best can tell you. Business of importance Calls me away; I must attend my father. Mon. Will you then leave me thus ? Cast. But for a moment. Mon. It has been otherwise; the time has been, 320 When business might have staid, and I been heard. Cast. I could for ever hear thee; but this time Matters of such odd circumstances press me, That I must go [Exit. Mon. Then go, and, if't be possible, for ever. Mon. Talk not of love, my Lord, I must not hear it. Pol. Who can behold such beauty and be silent? Desire first taught us words. Man, when created, At first alone long wander'd up and down, Forlorn, and silent as his vassal-beasts; But when a heav'n-born maid, like you, appear'd, Pol. Oh! I could talk to thee for ever. Thus On those dear eyes; for every glance they send Darts through my soul, and almost gives enjoyment. Man. How can you labour thus for my undoing? |