Cha. Pr'ythee, why dost thou talk so ? My heart's so tender, should you charge me rough, And search through all the secrets of my soul. Cha. Fear nothing, I will shew myself a brother, A tender, honest, and a loving brother. You've not forgot our father? Mon. I shall never. 220 Cha. Then you'll remember too, he was a man That liv'd up to the standard of his honour, And priz'd that jewel more than mines of wealth. He'd not have done a shameful thing but once, Though kept in darkness from the world, and hidden, He could not have forgiven it to himself. This was the only portion that he left us ; And I more glory in't, than if possest Of all that ever fortune threw on fools. 'Twas a large trust, and must be managed nicely; Now, if by any chance, Monimia, You have soil'd this gem, and taken from its value, Mon. I challenge envy, Malice, and all the practices of hell, To censure all the actions of my past Unhappy life, and taint me if they can! Cha. I'll tell thee, then; three nights ago, as I Lay musing in my bed, all darkness round me, 240 A sudden damp struck to my heart, cold sweat Mon. And for this cause my virtue is suspected! Because in dreams your fancy has been ridden, Cha. Have a care! Labour not to be justify'd too fast. Hear all, and then let justice hold the scale. What follow'd was the riddle that confounds me. 262 Her So there was nothing of a piece about her. Her lower weeds were all o'er coarsely patch'd With diff'rent colour'd rags, black, red, white, yellow, And seem'd to speak variety of wretchedness. I ask'd her of my way, which she inform'd me ; 280 Mon. Hah! Cha. What, alter'd! does your courage fail you! Now, by my father's soul, the witch was honest. Answer me, if thou hast not lost to them Thy honour at a sordid game? Mon. I will, I must, so hardly my misfortune loads me, That both have offer'd me their loves most true. Cha. And 'tis as true too, they have both undone thee. Mon. Though they both with earnest vows Have prest my heart, if e'er in thought I yielded To any but Castalio Cha. But Castalio ! Mon. Still will you cross the line of my discourse. Yes, I confess that he has won my soul 301 By gen'rous love, and honourable vows, Cha. Art thou then spotless? Hast thou still preserv'd Thy virtue white, without a blot, untainted? Mon. When I'm unchase may Heav'n reject my pray'rs ! Or more, to make me wretched, may you know it! Cha. Appear as cold, when next you meet, as great ones 320 When merit begs; then shalt thou see how soon He comes; and for once, oh, love, stand neuter, Enter CASTALIO. Cast. Monimia, Monimia!– -She's gone; And seem'd to part with anger in her eyes; Fast bound in chains, to be chastis'd at will. For bondage, marriage bonds, which I have sworn 340 Hid from his knowledge; and he'll sure forgive The first transgression of a wretched friend, Betray'd to love, and all its little follies. [Exit. Enter POLYDORE and PAGE at the Door. Pol. Here place yourself, and watch my brother thoroughly. If he should chance to meet Monimia, make Just observation on each word and action; Pass not one circumstance without remark: Enter MONIMIA and CASTALIO. Cast. Monimia, my angel! 'twas not kind To leave me like a turtle here alone, To droop and mourn the absence of my mate. |