Lord T. He is your friend—and what am I?
Mask. I am answered.

Lord T. Fear not his displeasure; I will put you out of his, and fortune's power: and, for that thou art scrupulously honest, I will secure thy fidelity to him, and give my honour never to own any discovery that you shall make me.-Can you give me a demon

Re-enter MELLEFONT, with MASKWELL. Mel. Maskwell, I have been looking for strative proof? speak. you; 'tis within a quarter of eight.

Mask. I wish I could not. To be plain, my Mask. My lady is just gone into my lord's lord, I intended this evening to have tried all closet; you had best steal into her chamber arguments to dissuade him from a design, before she comes, and lie concealed there; which I suspect; and if I had not succeeded, otherwise she may lock the door when we to have informed your lordship of what I knew. are together, and you not easily get in to sur- Lord T. I thank you. What is the villain's prise us. purpose?

Mel. He! you say true.

Mask. He has owned nothing to me of late; Mask. You had best make haste; for, after and what I mean now is only a bare suspishe has made some apology to the company cion of my own.-If your lordship will meet for her own and my lord's absence all this me a quarter of an hour hence-there-in while, she'll retire to her chamber instantly. that lobby by my lady's bed-chamber, I shall Mel. I go this moment. Now, fortune, I be able to tell you more. defy thee. [Exit. Lord T. I will. Mask. I confess you may be allowed to be secure in your own opinion: the appearance is very fair; but I have an after-game tos play that shall turn the tables; and here come the man that I must manage.

Enter LORD TOUCHWOOD.

Lord T. Maskwell, you are the man I wish'd

to meet.

Mask. My duty to your lordship makes me
do a severe piece of justice.
Lord T. I will be secret, and reward your
honesty beyond your hopes. [Exeunt

SCENE II.-LADY TOUCHWOOD'S Bed-chamber.
Enter MELLEFONT.

Mel. Pray heaven my aunt keep touch with Mask. I am happy to be in the way of her assignation.-O, that her lord were but your lordship's commands. sweating behind this hanging, with the expecLord T. I have always found you prudent tation of what I shall see!-Hist, she comes. and careful in any thing that has concern'd Little does she think what a mine is just ready me, or my family. to spring under her feet.-But to my post.

Enter LADY TOUCHWOOD.

[Retires.

Mask. I were a villain else. I am bound by duty and gratitude, and my own inclination, to be ever your lordship's servant. Lord T. Enough; you are my friend; I Lady T. 'Tis eight o'clock: methinks I should know it: yet there has been a thing in your have found him here. Who does not preknowledge, which has concerned me nearly, vent the hour of love, outstays the time; for, that you have concealed from me. to be duly punctual, is too slow.

Mask. My lord!

Lord T. Nay, I excuse your friendship to

Enter MASKWELL.

my unnatural nephew thus far; but I know I was accusing you of neglect.

you have been privy to his impious designs Mask. I confess you do reproach me when upon my wife. This evening she has told me I see you here before me; but 'tis fit I should all: her good nature concealed it as long as be still behindhand, still to be more and more it was possible; but he perseveres so in vil indebted to your goodness. lany, that she has told me, even you were weary of dissuading him.

Mask. I am sorry, my lord, I can't you an answer: this is an occasion in I would not willingly be silent.

make which

Lady T. You can excuse a fault too well not to have been to blame: a ready answer shows you were prepared.

Mask. Guilt is ever at a loss, and confusion waits upon it; when innocence and bold Lord T. I know you would excuse him; truth are always ready for expression.

and I know as well that you can't.
Mask. Indeed I was in hopes it had been
a youthful heat, that might have soon boiled
over; but-

Lord T. Say on.
Mask. I have nothing more to say, my lord,
but to express my concern; for I think his
frenzy increases daily.

Lady T. Not in love: words are the weak support of cold indifference: love has no language to be heard.

Mask. Excess of joy has made me stupid. -Thus

Lady T. Hold, let me lock the door first. [Goes to the Door. Mask. That I did suppose. 'Twas well I left the private passage open. [Aside. Lady T. So, that's safe. Mask. And so may all your pleasures be,

Lord T. How?- Give me but proof of it, ocular proof, that I may justify my dealing with him to the world-and share my fortunes. Mask. O, my lord, consider that is hard: and secret as this kiss. besides, time may work upon him. Then for me do to it! I have professed an everlasting be thus discovered. friendship to him. Lady T. Ah!

Mel. [Leaps out] And may all treachery

[Shrieks.

Mel. Villain! [Offers to draw. Mask. Nay, then there's but one way. [Runs out. Mel. Say you so? Were you provided for an escape? Hold, madam, you have no more holes to your burrow. I'll stand between you and this sally-port.

Lady T. Shame, grief, and ruin haunt thee for this deceit :-O! I could rack myself, play the vulture to my own heart, and gnaw it piecemeal, for not boding to me this misfortune! Mel. Be patient. Lady T. Patient!

Mel. Consider I have you on the hook; you will but flounder yourself a-weary, and be nevertheless my prisoner.

Lady T. O, my lord! hold, hold, for mercy's sake!

Mel. Confusion! my uncle!-O the cursed sorceress!

Lady T. Moderate your rage, good my lord! he's mad, alas! he's mad; indeed he is, my lord, and knows not what he does. See how wild he looks!

Mel. By heaven, 'twere senseless not to be mad, and see such witchcraft.

Lady T. My lord, you hear him; he talks idly. Lord T. Hence from my sight, thou living infamy to my name! When next I see that face, I'll write villain in't with my sword's point. Mel. Now, by my soul, I will not go till I Lady T. I'll hold my breath and die, but have made known my wrongs; nay, till I have I'll be free. made known yours, which, if possible, are Mel. O madam, have a care of dying un-greater-though she has all the host of hell prepared. I doubt you have some unrepented her servants.

sins that may hang heavy and retard your flight. Lady T. Alas, he raves! talks very poetry! Lady T. What shall I do? whither shall I For heaven's sake, away, my lord; he'll either turn?-Hold in, my passion, and fall, fall a tempt you to extravaganc or commit some little, thou swelling heart! Let me have some himself.

intermission of this rage, and one minute's Mel. Death and furies! will you not hear coolness to dissemble. [Aside. Weeps. me? Why, she laughs, grins, points at you, Me!. You have been to blame. I like those makes you her mark of insult and derision. tears, and hope they are of the purest kind

penitential tears.

[As Lady Touchwood is going, she

turns back and smiles at him. Lord T. I fear he's mad indeed. Let's send Maskwell to him.

Mel. Send him to her.

Lady T. Come, come, good my lord; my heart aches so, I shall faint if I stay.

Lady T. O, the scene was shifted quick before me; I had not time to think; I was surprised to see a monster in the glass, and now I find 'tis myself. Can you have mercy to forgive the faults I have imagined, but never put in practice?-O consider, consider how [Exeunt Lord and Lady Touchwood. fatal you have been to me, you have already Mel. O, I could curse my stars, fate, and killed the quiet of this life. The love of you chance; all causes and accidents of fortune in was the first wandering fire that e'er misled this life! But to what purpose? They talk of my steps; and while I had only that in view, sending Maskwell to me; I never had more I was betrayed into unthought-of ways of ruin. need of him. But what can he do? ImagiMel. May I believe this true? nation cannot form a fairer or more plausible Lady T. O, be not cruelly incredulous. How design than this of his, which has miscarried. can you doubt these streaming eyes? Keep the severest eye o'er all my future conduct; and if I once relapse, let me not hope forgiveness: 'twill ever be in your power to ruin me. My lord shall sign to your desires; I will myself create your happiness, and Cynthia shall this night be your bride-do but conceal my failings, and forgive. [Kneels.

Mel. Upon such terms, I will be ever yours in every honest way.

Lady T. Eternal blessings thank you!
Re-enter MASKWELL, with LORD TOUCHWOOD.
Mask. I have kept my word. He's here;
but I must not be seen.

[Apart to Lord Touchwood, and exit.
Lady T. Ha! my lord listening; then all's
my own.
[Aside.

O, my precious aunt! I shall never thrive,
without I'deal with the devil or another woman.
Women, like flames, have a destroying power,
Ne'er to be quench'd, till they themselves devour.

ACT V.

[Exit.

SCENE I-The Gallery in LORD TOUCHWOOD'S
House.

Enter LADY TOUCHWOOD and MASKWELL.

Lady T. Was't not lucky?

Mask. Lucky! fortune is your own, and 'tis her interest so to be; I believe you can control her power, and she fears it; though" chance brought my lord, 'twas your own art that turned it to advantage.

Lady T. 'Tis true, it might have been my ruin; but yonder's my lord; I believe he's Mel. Nay, I beseech you rise. coming to find you; I'll not be seen. [Exit. Ludy T. Never, never! I'll grow to the Mask. So! I durst not own my introducing ground, be buried quick beneath it, e'er I'll my lord, though it succeeded well for her; be consenting to such a sin as incest! un- for she would have suspected a design, which natural incest! [Aloud. I should have been puzzled to excuse. Mel. Ila! lord is thoughtful; I'll be so too; yet he shall Lady T. O cruel man! will you not let me know my thoughts, or think he does.

go? I'll forgive all that's past. O heaven, you will not force me!

Lord T. Monster! dog! your life shall answer this.

[Draws, and runs at Mellefont;
is held by Lady Touchwood.

What have I done?

My

Enter LORD TOUCHWOOD.

Lord T. Talking to himself!

[Aside.

Mask. 'Twas honest; and shall I be rewarded for it? No, 'twas honest, therefore

I shan't: nay, rather, therefore I ought not; | my lord to consent to my private managefor it rewards itself. ment. He comes opportunely. Now will I, Lord T. Unequalled virtue! [Aside. in my old way, discover the whole and real Mask. But should it be known, then I have truth of the matter to him, that he may not lost a friend. He was an ill man, and I have suspect one word on't. gained; for half myself I lent him, and that have recalled; so I have served myself: and what is yet better, I have served a worthy lord, to whom I owe myself.

Lord T. Excellent man!

No mask, like open truth, to cover lies;
As to go naked is the best disguise.

Enter MELLEFONT.

[Aside. Mel. O, Maskwell, what hopes? I am conMask. Yet I am wretched. O, there is a founded in a maze of thoughts, each leading secret burns within this breast, which, should into one another, and all ending in perplexity. it once blaze forth, would ruin all, consume My uncle will not see nor hear me. my honest character, and brand me with the Mask. No matter, sir; don't trouble your name of villain. head; all's in my power.

Lord T. Ha!

[Aside.

Mel. How, for heaven's sake? Mask. O, should it once be known I love Mask. Little do you think that your aunt fair Cynthia, all this that I have done would has kept her word. How she wrought my look like a rival's malice, false friendship to lord into the dotage I know not; but he's gone my lord, and base self interest. Let me perish to sir Paul about my marriage with Cynthia, first, and from this hour avoid all sight and and has appointed me his heir. speech; and, if I can, all thought of that Mel. The devil he has! What's to be done? pernicious beauty. Mask. I have it: it must be by stratagem; [Seems to start at seeing Lord Touchwood. for it's in vain to make application to him. Lord T. Start not!-let guilty and dishonest I think I have that in my head that cannot souls start at the revelation of their thoughts; fail. Where's Cynthia? but be thou fixed, as is thy virtue. Honest Maskwell! thy and my good genius led me hither: mine, in that I have discovered so for much manly virtue; thine, in that thou shalt have due reward of all thy worth. Give me thy hand: my nephew is the alone remaining branch of all our ancient family; him I thus blow away, and constitute thee in his room, to be my heir.

Mel. In the garden.

Mask. Let us go and consult her. My life yours I cheat my lord.

[Exeunt.

Re-enter LORD and LADY TOUCHWOOD. Lady T. Maskwell your heir, and marry Cynthia!

Lord T. I cannot do too much for so much merit.

Mask. Now fate forbidLady T. But this is a thing of too great Lord T. No more; I have resolved. The moment to be so suddenly resolved. Why writings are ready drawn, and wanted nothing Cynthia? Why must he be married? Is there but to be signed, and have his name inserted: not reward enough in raising his low fortune, yours will the blank as well-I will have but he must mix his blood with mine, and no reply. Let me command this time, for wed my. niece? How know you that my 'tis the last in which I will assume authority: brother will consent, or she? Nay, he himhereafter you shall rule where I have power.

Mask. 1 humbly would petition-
Lord T. Is't for yourself? [Maskwell pauses]
I'll hear of nought for any body else.

Mask. Then witness, heaven, for me, this wealth and honour was not of my seeking; nor would I build my fortune on another's ruin; I had but one desire.

self, perhaps, may have affections elsewhere. Lord T. No; I am convinced he loves her. Lady T. Maskwell love Cynthia? Impossible. Lord T. I tell you he confessed it to me. Lady T. Confusion! how's this? [Aside. Lord T. His humility long stifled his pas sion, and his love of Mellefont would have made him still conceal it; but, by encourageLord T. Thou shalt enjoy it. If all I'm ment, I wrung the secret from him: and worth in wealth or interest can purchase know, he's no way to be rewarded but in her. Cynthia, she is thine. I'm sure sir Paul's con- I'll defer my further proceedings in it till you sent will follow fortune; I'll quickly show him have considered it; but remember how we are which way that is going. both indebted to him. [Exit. Mask. You oppress me with bounty Lady T. Both indebted to him! Yes, we Lord T. I will confirm it, and rejoice with are both indebted to him, if you knew all. thee. [Exit. Villain! Oh, I am wild with this surprise of Mask. This is prosperous indeed! Why, treachery! it is impossible, it cannot be.-He let him find me out a villain: settled in pos- love Cynthia! What, have I been dupe to session of a fair estate, and full fruition of his designs; his property only? Now I see my love, I'll bear the railings of a losing what made him false to Mellefont. What gamester. But should he find me out before shall I do? How shall I think? I cannot 'tis dangerous to delay. Let me think-Should think. All my designs are lost, my love unmy lord proceed to treat openly of my mar- sated, my revenge unfinished, and fresh cause riage with Cynthia, all will be discovered, of fury from unthought-of plagues.

Enter SIR PAUL PLIANT.

and Mellefont can be no longer blinded. It must not be. Nay, should my lady know itay, then were fine work indeed! her fury Sir P. Madam-sister, my lady, sister! did would spare nothing, though she involv'd you see my lady, my wife? herself in ruin. No, it must be by stratagem: I must deceive Mellefont once more,

and get

Lady T. O, torture!

Sir P. 'Gadsbud, I can't find her high

-

nor low: where can she be, think you? Lady T. Where she's serving you as all your sex ought to be served, making you a beast. Don't you know that you're a fool, brother?

Mel. O, I conceive you: you'll tell him so. Mask. Tell hin so! ay; why you don't think I mean to do so?

Mel. No, no; ha, ha! I dare swear thou wilt not,

Sir P. A fool! he, he, he! you're merryMask. Therefore, for our further security, No, no, not I; I know no such matter. I would have you disguised like a parson, Lady T. Why then you don't know half that, if my lord should have curiosity to peep, your happiness. he may not discover you in the coach, but Sir P. That's a jest, with all my heart, faith think the cheat is carried on as he would and troth. But harkye, my lord told me have it.

something of a revolution of things; I don't Mel. Excellent Maskwell! know what to make on't: 'gadsbud, I must Mask. Well, get yourselves ready, and consult my wife. He talks of disinheriting his meet me in half an hour, yonder in my lady's nephew, and I don't know what. Look you, dressing-room: I'll send the chaplain to you sister, I must know what my girl has to trust with his robes: I have made him my own, to, or not a syllable of a wedding, 'gadsbud, and ordered him to meet us to-morrow mornto show you that I am not a fool. ing at St. Alban's; there we will sum up this account to all our satisfaction.

Lady T. Hear me:-consent to the breaking off this marriage, and the promoting any other, without consulting me, and I'll renounce all blood, all relation, and concern with you for ever: nay, I'll be your enemy, and pursue you to destruction; I tear your eyes out, and tread you under my feet.

Lady T. With Careless, fool! most likely. Sir P. O, if she be with Mr. Careless 'tis well enough.

I

Mel. Should I begin to thank or praise thee, should waste the little time we have. [Exit. Musk. Madam, you will be ready? Cyn. I will be punctual to the minute. [Going Mask. Stay, I have a doubt. Upon second Sir P. Why, what's the matter now? Good thoughts we had better meet in the chaplain's Lord, what's all this for? Pho, here's a joke chamber here; there is a back way into it, so indeed. Why, where's my wife? that you need not come through this door, and a pair of private stairs leading down to the stables. It will be more convenient. Cyn. I am guided by you; but Mellefont Lady T. Fool, sot, insensible ox! But will mistake. remember what I said to you, or you had Mask. No, no; I'll after him immediately, better see my face no more; by this light, and tell him. [Exit Cynthia] Why, qui vult you had. [Exit. decipi decipiatur. 'Tis no fault of mine; I Sir P. You're a passionate woman, 'gadsbud; have told 'em in plain terms how easy 'tis for but, to say truth, all our family are choleric; me to cheat 'em; and if they will not hear I am the only peaceable person amongst 'em. the serpent's hiss, they must be stung into [Exit. experience and future caution.-Now to prepare my lord to consent to this. But first, I

Re-enter MELLEFONT and MASKWELL, with must instruct my little Levite; he promised me to be within at this hour. Mr. Saygrace, Mr. Saygrace!

CYNTHIA. Mel. I know no other way but this he has proposed, if you have love enough to run the

venture.

[Goes to the Chamber-door, and knocks. Say. [Within] Sweet sir, I will but pen Cyn. I don't know whether I have love the last line of an acrostic, and be with you enough, but I find I have obstinacy enough in the twinkling of an ejaculation, or before to pursue whatever I have once resolved, and you can

a true female courage to oppose any thing Mask. Nay, good Mr. Saygrace, do not that resists my will, though 'twere reason itself. prolong the time, by describing to me the Mask. That's right. Well, I'll secure the shortness of your stay; rather, if you please, writings, and run the hazard along with you. defer the finishing of your wit, and let us Cyn. But how can the coach be got ready talk about our business; it shall be tithes in without suspicion?、 your way.

Mask. Leave it to my care; that shall be so far from being suspected, that it shall be got ready by my lord's own order.

Mel. How?

Enter SAYGRACE.

Say. You shall prevail; I would break off in the middle of a sermon to do you a pleasure.

Musk. You could not do me a greater, except the business in hand. Have you provided a habit for Mellefont?

Say. I have; it is ready in my chamber, together with a clean-starched band and cuffs.

Mask. Good. Let them be carried to him. Have you stitched the gown sleeve, that he may be puzzled, and waste time in putting it on?

Say. I have; the gown will not be indued
Musk. Meet me in half an hour, here in
When Cynthia comes,
and do not speak, that

Mask. So!-why so: while you're busied in making yourself ready, I'll wheedle her without perplexity. into the coach, and instead of you, borrow my lord's chaplain, and so run away with your own chamber. her myself. let there be no light,

she may not distinguish you from Mellefont. Mel. 'Tis loss of time; I cannot think him false. [Exeunt Careless and Mellefont.

I'll urge haste, to excuse your silence.
Say. You have no more commands?
Mask. None; your text is short.

Say. But pithy; and I will handle it with
discretion.
[Exit.
Mask. It will be the first you have so served.

Re-enter LORD TOUCHWOOD.

Lord T. Sure, I was born to be controlled by those I should command! my very slaves will shortly give me rules how I shall govern them!

Mask. I am concerned to see your lordship discomposed.

Lord T. Have you seen my wife lately, or disobliged her?

Re-enter LORD TOUCHWOOD.

Cyn. My lord musing!

[Aside. Lord T. He has a quick invention, if this were suddenly designed. Yet, he says, he had prepared my chaplain already.

Cyn. How's this? Now I fear, indeed. [Aside. Lord T. Cynthia here! Alone, fair cousin, and melancholy.

Cyn. Your lordship was thoughtful. Lord T. My thoughts were on serious business, not worth your hearing.

Cyn. Mine were on treachery concerning you, and may be worth your hearing. Lord T. Treachery concerning me! Pray be plain. What noise?

Mask. No, my lord. What can this mean? [Aside. Mask. [Within] Will you not hear me? Lord T. Then Mellefont has urged some- Lady T. [Within] No, monster! traitor! No. body to incense her. Something she has Cyn. My lady and Maskwel! This may be heard of you, which carries her beyond the lucky. My lord, let me entreat you to stand bounds of patience. behind this screen and listen; perhaps this Mask. This I feared, [Aside] Did not your chance will give you proof of what you never lordship tell her of the honours you de- could have believed from my suspicions. signed me?

Lord T. Yes.

[They retire behind the Screen. Re-enter MASKWELL, and LADY TOUCHWOOD with a Dagger.

Mask. 'Tis that: know you my lady has a high spirit; she thinks I am unwort y. Lord T. Unworthy! 'tis an ignorant pride Lady T. You want but leisure to invent in her to think so. Honesty to me is true fresh falsehood, and sooth me to a fond belief nobility. However, 'tis my will it shall be so, of all your fictions: but I will stab the lie and that should be convincing to her as much that's forming in your heart, and save a sin as reason. I'll not be wife-ridden. Were it in pity to your soul. possible it should be done this night.

Mask. Ha! he meets my wishes. [Aside] Few things are impossible to willing minds. Lord T. Instruct me how this may be done, and you shall see I want no inclination.

Mask. I had laid a small design for to-1 morrow (as love will be inventing), which 1 thought to communicate to your lordship: but it may be as well done to-night.

Lord T. Here's company: come this way, and tell me. [Exeunt.

Mask. Strike then, since you will have it so. Lady T. Ha! a steady villain to the last! Mask. Come, why do you dally with me thus? Lady T. Thy stubborn temper shocks me, and you knew it would. This is cunning all; know thee well; but thou shalt miss thy aim. Mask. Ha, ha, ha!

Lady T. Ha! do you mock my rage? Then this shall punish your fond rash contempt. Again smile? And such a smile as speaks in ambiguity! Ten thousand meanings lurk in each corner of that various face; O! that they Re-enter CYNTHIA, with CARELESS. were written in thy heart, that I with this Care. Is not that he, now gone out with might lay thee open to my sight! But then my lord? 'twill be too late to know-Thou hast, thou Cyn. I am convinced there's treachery. The hast found the only way to turn my rage; confusion that I saw your father in, my lady too well thou knowest my jealous soul could Touchwood's passion, with what imperfectly never bear uncertainty. Speak then, and tell I overheard between my lord and her, con-me! Yet are you silent? O, I am wildered firm me in my fears. Where's Mellefont?

Care. Here he comes.

Re-enter Mellefont.

Cyn. Did Maskwell tell you any thing of the chaplain's chamber?

Mel. No, my dear. Will you get ready? The things are all in my chamber; I want nothing but the habit.

Care. You are betrayed, and Maskwell is the villain I always thought him.

in all passions! But thus my anger melts. [Weeps] Here, take this poniard; for my very spirits faint, and I want strength to hold it: thou hast disarm'd my soul.

[Gives him the Dagger. Mask. So, 'tis well; let your wild fury have vent: and when you have temper tell me. Lady T. Now, now, now I am calm, and can hear you.

a

Mask. Thanks, my invention; and now I have it for you. [Aside] First, tell me what Cyn. When you were gone, he said his urged you to this violence? for your passion mind was changed; and bid me meet him in broke in such imperfect terms, that yet I am the chaplain's room, pretending immediately to learn the cause. to follow you, and give you notice.

Lady T. My lord himself surprised me with Care. There's Saygrace tripping by with a the news, you were to marry Cynthia; that bundle under his arm. He cannot be ignorant you had owned your love to him; and his that Maskwell means to use his chamber; let's indulgence would assist you to attain your ends. in, and examine him. Mask. I grant you, in appearance, all is