WhenDamonfirst began to love,He languisht in a soft Desire,And knew not how the Gods to move,To lessen or increase his Fire,ForCæliain her charming EyesWore all Love’s Sweet, and all his Cruelties.II.But as beneath a Shade he lay,Weaving of Flow’rs forCælia’sHair,She chanc’d to lead her Flock that way,And saw the am’rous Shepherd there.She gaz’d around upon the Place,And saw the Grove (resembling Night)To all the Joys of Love invite,Whilst guilty Smiles and Blushes drest her Face.At this the bashful Youth all Transport grew,And with kind Force he taught the Virgin howTo yield what all his Sighs cou’d never do.Ant.By Heav’n she’s charming fair![Angelicathrows open the Curtains, and bows toAntonio, who pulls off his Vizard, and bows and blows up Kisses.Pedrounseen looks in his Face.Pedro.’Tis he, the falseAntonio!Ant.Friend, where must I pay my offering of Love?[To theBravo.]My Thousand Crowns I mean.Pedro.That Offering I have design’d to make,And yours will come too late.Ant.Prithee be gone, I shall grow angry else,And then thou art not safe.Pedro.My Anger may be fatal, Sir, as yours;And he that enters here may prove this Truth.Ant.I know not who thou art, but I am sure thou’rt worth my killing, and aiming atAngelica.[They draw and fight.EnterWillmoreandBlunt, who draw and part ’em.Blunt.’Sheartlikins, here’s fine doings.Will.Tilting for the Wench I’m sure—nay gad, if that wou’d win her, I have as good a Sword as the best of ye—Put up—put up, and take another time and place, for this is design’d for Lovers only.[They all put up.Pedro.We are prevented; dare you meet me to morrow on theMolo?For I’ve a Title to a better quarrel,That ofFlorinda, in whose credulous HeartThou’st made an Int’rest, and destroy’d my Hopes.Ant.Dare?I’ll meet thee there as early as the Day.Pedro.We will come thus disguis’d, that whosoever chance to get the better, he may escape unknown.Ant.It shall be so.[Ex.PedroandStephano.]Who shou’d this Rival be? unless theEnglishColonel, of whom I’ve often heard DonPedrospeak; it must be he, and time he were removed, who lays a Claim to all my Happiness.[Willmorehaving gaz’d all this while on the Picture, pulls down a little one.Will.This posture’s loose and negligent,The sight on’t wou’d beget a warm desireIn Souls, whom Impotence and Age had chill’d.—This must along with me.Brav.What means this rudeness, Sir?—restore the Picture.Ant.Ha! Rudeness committed to the fairAngelica!—Restore the Picture, Sir.Will.Indeed I will not, Sir.Ant.By Heav’n but you shall.Will.Nay, do not shew your Sword; if you do, by this dear Beauty—I will shew mine too.Ant.What right can you pretend to’t?Will.That of Possession which I will maintain—you perhaps have 1000 Crowns to give for the Original.Ant.No matter, Sir, you shall restore the Picture.Ang.Oh,Moretta!what’s the matter?[Ang.andMoret.above.Ant.Or leave your Life behind.Will.Death! you lye—I will do neither.Ang.Hold, I command you, if for me you fight.[They fight, the Spaniards join withAntonio,Bluntlaying on like mad. They leave off and bow.Will.How heavenly fair she is!—ah Plague of her Price.Ang.You Sir in Buff, you that appear a Soldier, that first began this Insolence.Will.’Tis true, I did so, if you call it Insolence for a Man to preserve himself; I saw your charming Picture, and was wounded: quite thro my Soul each pointed Beauty ran; and wanting a Thousand Crowns to procure my Remedy, I laid this little Picture to my Bosom—which if you cannot allow me, I’ll resign.Ang.No, you may keep the Trifle.Ant.You shall first ask my leave, and this.[Fight again as before.EnterBelv.andFred.who join with the English.Ang.Hold; will you ruin me?—Biskey,Sebastian, part them.[TheSpaniardsare beaten off.Moret.Oh Madam, we’re undone, a pox upon that rude Fellow, he’s set on to ruin us: we shall never see good days, till all these fighting poor Rogues are sent to the Gallies.EnterBelvile,BluntandWillmore, withhis shirt bloody.Blunt.’Sheartlikins, beat me at this Sport, and I’ll ne’er wear Sword more.Belv.The Devil’s in thee for a mad Fellow, thou art always one at an unlucky Adventure.—Come, let’s be gone whilst we’re safe, and remember these areSpaniards, a sort of People that know how to revenge an Affront.Fred.You bleed; I hope you are not wounded.[ToWill.Will.Not much:—a plague upon your Dons, if they fight no better they’ll ne’er recoverFlanders.—What the Devil was’t to them that I took down the Picture?Blunt.Took it! ’Sheartlikins, we’ll have the great one too; ’tis ours by Conquest.—Prithee, help me up, and I’ll pull it down.—Ang.Stay, Sir, and e’er you affront me further, let me know how you durst commit this Outrage—To you I speak, Sir, for you appear like a Gentleman.Will.To me, Madam?—Gentlemen, your Servant.[Belv.stays him.Belv.Is the Devil in thee? Do’st know the danger of entring the house of an incens’d Curtezan?Will.I thank you for your care—but there are other matters in hand, there are, tho we have no great Temptation.—Death! let me go.Fred.Yes, to your Lodging, if you will, but not in here.—Damn these gay Harlots—by this Hand I’ll have as sound and handsome a Whore for aPatacoone.—Death, Man, she’ll murder thee.Will.Oh! fear me not, shall I not venture where a Beauty calls? a lovely charming Beauty? for fear of danger! when by Heaven there’s none so great as to long for her, whilst I want Money to purchase her.Fred.Therefore ’tis loss of time, unless you had the thousand Crowns to pay.Will.It may be she may give a Favour, at least I shall have the pleasure of saluting her when I enter, and when I depart.Belv.Pox, she’ll as soon lie with thee, as kiss thee, and sooner stab than do either—you shall not go.Ang.Fear not, Sir, all I have to wound with, is my Eyes.Blunt.Let him go, ’Sheartlikins, I believe the Gentle-woman means well.Belv.Well, take thy Fortune, we’ll expect you in the next Street.—Farewell Fool,—farewell—Will.B’ye Colonel—[Goes in.Fred.The Rogue’s stark mad for a Wench.[Exeunt.Scene II.A Fine Chamber.EnterWillmore,Angelica, andMoretta.Ang.Insolent Sir, how durst you pull down my Picture?Will.Rather, how durst you set it up, to tempt poor amorous Mortals with so much Excellence? which I find you have but too well consulted by the unmerciful price you set upon’t.—Is all this Heaven of Beauty shewn to move Despair in those that cannot buy? and can you think the effects of that Despair shou’d be less extravagant than I have shewn?Ang.I sent for you to ask my Pardon, Sir, not to aggravate your Crime.—I thought I shou’d have seen you at my Feet imploring it.Will.You are deceived, I came to rail at you, and talk such Truths, too, as shall let you see the Vanity of that Pride, which taught you how to set such a Price on Sin. For such it is, whilst that which is Love’s due is meanly barter’d for.Ang.Ha, ha, ha, alas, good Captain, what pity ’tis your edifying Doctrine will do no good upon me—Moretta, fetch the Gentleman a Glass, and let him survey himself, to see what Charms he has,—and guess my Business.[Aside in a soft tone.Moret.He knows himself of old, I believe those Breeches and he have been acquainted ever since he was beaten atWorcester.Ang.Nay, do not abuse the poor Creature.—Moret.Good Weather-beaten Corporal, will you march off? we have no need of your Doctrine, tho you have of our Charity; but at present we have no Scraps, we can afford no kindness for God’s sake; in fine, Sirrah, the Price is toohigh i’th’ Mouthfor you, therefore troop, I say.Will.Here, good Fore-Woman of the Shop, serve me, and I’ll be gone.Moret.Keep it to pay your Landress, your Linen stinks of the Gun-Room; for here’s no selling by Retail.Will.Thou hast sold plenty of thy stale Ware at a cheap Rate.Moret.Ay, the more silly kind Heart I, but this is an Age wherein Beauty is at higher Rates.—In fine, you know the price of this.Will.I grant you ’tis here set down a thousand Crowns a Month—Baud, take your black Lead and sum it up, that I may havea Pistole-worthof these vain gay things, and I’ll trouble you no more.Moret.Pox on him, he’ll fret me to Death:—abominable Fellow, I tell thee, we only sell by the whole Piece.Will.’Tis very hard, the whole Cargo or nothing—Faith, Madam, my Stock will not reach it, I cannot be your Chapman.—Yet I have Countrymen, in Town, Merchants of Love, like me; I’ll see if they’l put for a share, we cannot lose much by it, and what we have no use for, we’ll sell upon theFriday’sMart, at—Who gives more?I am studying, Madam, how to purchase you, tho at present I am unprovided of Money.Ang.Sure, this from any other Man would anger me—nor shall he know the Conquest he has made—Poor angry Man, how I despise this railing.Will.Yes, I am poor—but I’m a Gentleman,And one that scorns this Baseness which you practise.Poor as I am, I would not sell my self,No, not to gain your charming high-priz’d Person.Tho I admire you strangely for your Beauty,Yet I contemn your Mind.—And yet I wou’d at any rate enjoy you;At your own rate—but cannot—See hereThe only Sum I can command on Earth;I know not where to eat when this is gone:Yet such a Slave I am to Love and Beauty,This last reserveI’ll sacrifice to enjoy you.—Nay, do not frown, I know you are to be bought,And wou’d be boughtby me, by me,For a mean trifling Sum, if I could pay it down.Which happy knowledge I will still repeat,And lay it to my Heart, it has a Virtue in’t,And soon willcurethose Wounds your Eyes have made.—And yet—there’s something so divinely powerful there—Nay, I will gaze—to let you see my Strength.[Holds her, looks on her, and pauses and sighs.By Heaven, bright Creature—I would not for the WorldThy Fame were half so fair as is thy Face.[Turns her away from him.Ang.His words go thro me to the very Soul.[Aside.]—If you have nothing else to say to me.Will.Yes, you shall hear how infamous you are—For which I do not hate thee:But that secures my Heart, and all the Flames it feelsAre but so many Lusts,I know it by their sudden bold intrusion.The Fire’s impatient and betrays, ’tis false—For had it been the purer Flame of Love,I should have pin’d and languished at your Feet,E’er found the Impudence to have discover’d it.I now dare stand your Scorn, and your Denial.Moret.Sure she’s bewitcht, that she can stand thus tamely, and hear his saucy railing.—Sirrah, will you be gone?Ang.How dare you take this liberty?—Withdraw. [ToMoret.]—Pray, tell me, Sir, are not you guilty of the same mercenary Crime? When a Lady is proposed to you for a Wife, you never ask, how fair, discreet, or virtuous she is; but what’s her Fortune—which if but small, you cry—She will not do my business—and basely leave her, tho she languish for you.—Say, is not this as poor?Will.It is a barbarous Custom, which I will scorn to defend in our Sex, and do despise in yours.Ang.Thou art a brave Fellow!put up thy Gold, and know,That were thy Fortune large, as is thy Soul,Thou shouldst not buy my Love,Couldst thou forget those mean Effects of Vanity,Which set me out to sale; and as a Lover, prizeMy yielding Joys.Canst thou believe they’l be entirely thine,Without considering they were mercenary?Will.I cannot tell, I must bethink me first—ha, Death, I’m going to believe her.[Aside.Ang.Prithee, confirm that Faith—or if thou canst not—flatter me a little, ’twill please me from thy Mouth.Will.Curse on thy charming Tongue! dost thou returnMy feign’d Contempt with so much subtilty?[Aside.Thou’st found the easiest way into my Heart,Tho I yet know that all thou say’st is false.[Turning from her in a Rage.Ang.By all that’s good ’tis real,I never lov’d before, tho oft a Mistress.—Shall my first Vows be slighted?Will.What can she mean?[Aside.Ang.I find you cannot credit me.[In an angry tone.Will.I know you take me for an errant Ass,An Ass that may be sooth’d into Belief,And then be us’d at pleasure.—But, Madam I have been so often cheatedBy perjur’d, soft, deluding Hypocrites,That I’ve no Faith left for the cozening Sex,Especially for Women of your Trade.Ang.The low esteem you have of me, perhapsMay bring my Heart again:For I have Pride that yet surmounts my Love.[She turns with Pride, he holds her.Will.Throw off this Pride, this Enemy to Bliss,And shew the Power of Love: ’tis with those ArmsI can be only vanquisht, made a Slave.Ang.Is all my mighty Expectation vanisht?—No, I will not hear thee talk,—thou hast a CharmIn every word, that draws my Heart away.And all the thousand Trophies I design’d,Thou hast undone—Why art thou soft?Thy Looks are bravely rough, and meant for War.Could thou not storm on still?I then perhaps had been as free as thou.Will.Death! how she throws her Fire about my Soul![Aside.—Take heed, fair Creature, how you raise my Hopes,Which once assum’d pretend to all Dominion.There’s not a Joy thou hast in storeI shall not then command:For which I’ll pay thee back my Soul, my Life.Come, let’s begin th’ account this happy minute.Ang.And will you pay me then the Price I ask?Will.Oh, why dost thou draw me from an awful Worship,By shewing thou art no Divinity?Conceal the Fiend, and shew me all the Angel;Keep me but ignorant, and I’ll be devout,And pay my Vows for ever at this Shrine.[Kneels, and kisses her Hand.Ang.The Pay I mean is but thy Love for mine.—Can you give that?Will.Intirely—come, let’s withdraw: where I’ll renewmy Vows,—and breathe ’em with such Ardour, thou shall not doubt my Zeal.Ang.Thou hast a Power too strong to be resisted.[Ex.Will.andAngelica.Moret.Now my Curse go with you—Is all our Project fallen to this? to love the only Enemy to our Trade? Nay, to love such aShameroon, a very Beggar; nay, a Pirate-Beggar, whose Business is to rifle and be gone, a No-Purchase, No-Pay Tatterdemalion, anEnglishPiccaroon; a Rogue that fights for daily Drink, and takes a Pride in being loyally lousy—Oh, I could curse now, if I durst—This is the Fate of most Whores.Trophies, which from believing Fops we win,Are Spoils to those who cozen us again.ACT III.Scene I.A Street.EnterFlorinda,Valeria,Hellena, in Antick different Dresses from what they were in before,Callisattending.Flor.I wonder what should make my Brother in so ill a Humour: I hope he has not found out our Ramble this Morning.Hell.No, if he had, we should have heard on’t at both Ears, and have been mew’d up this Afternoon; which I would not for the World should have happen’d—Hey ho! I’m sad as a Lover’s Lute.Val.Well, methinks we have learnt this Trade of Gipsies as readily as if we had been bred upon the Road toLoretto: and yet I did so fumble, when I told the Stranger his Fortune, that I was afraid I should have told my own and yours by mistake—But methinksHellenahas been very serious ever since.Flor.I would give my Garters she were in love, to be reveng’d upon her, for abusing me—How is’t,Hellena?Hell.Ah!—would I had never seen my mad Monsieur—and yet for all your laughing I am not in love— and yet this small Acquaintance, o my Conscience, will never out of my Head.Val.Ha, ha, ha—I laugh to think how thou art fitted with a Lover, a Fellow that, I warrant, loves every new Face he sees.Hell.Hum—he has not kept his Word with me here—and may be taken up—that thought is not very pleasant to me—what the Duce should this be now that I feel?Val.What is’t like?Hell.Nay, the Lord knows—but if I should be hanged, I cannot chuse but be angry and afraid, when I think that mad Fellow should be in love with any Body but me—What to think of my self I know not—Would I could meet with some true damn’d Gipsy, that I might know my Fortune.Val.Know it! why there’s nothing so easy; thou wilt love this wandring Inconstant till thou find’st thy self hanged about his Neck, and then be as mad to get free again.Flor.Yes,Valeria; we shall see her bestride his Baggage-horse, and follow him to the Campaign.Hell.So, so; now you are provided for, there’s no care taken of poor me—But since you have set my Heart a wishing, I am resolv’d to know for what. I will not die of the Pip, so I will not.Flor.Art thou mad to talk so? Who will like thee well enough to have thee, that hears what a mad Wench thou art?Hell.Like me! I don’t intend, every he that likes me shall have me, but he that I like: I shou’d have staid in the Nunnery still, if I had lik’d my Lady Abbess as well as she lik’d me. No, I came thence, not (as my wise Brother imagines) to take an eternal Farewel of the World, but to love and to be belov’d; and I will be belov’d or I’ll get one of your Men, so I will.Val.Am I put into the Number of Lovers?Hell.You! my Couz, I know thou art too good natur’dto leave us in any Design:Thou wou’tventure a Cast, tho thou comest off a Loser, especially with such a Gamester—I observ’d your Man, and your willing Ears incline that way; and if you are not a Lover, ’tis an Art soon learnt—that I find.[Sighs.Flor.I wonder how you learnt to love so easily, I had a thousand Charms to meet my Eyes and Ears, e’er I cou’d yield; and ’twas the knowledge ofBelvile’sMerit, not the surprising Person, took my Soul—Thou art too rash to give a Heart at first sight.Hell.Hang your considering Lover; I ne’er thought beyond the Fancy, that ’twas a very pretty, idle, silly kind of Pleasure to pass ones time with, to write little, soft, nonsensical Billets, and with great difficulty and danger receive Answers; in which I shall have my Beauty prais’d, my Wit admir’d (tho little or none) and have the Vanity and Power to know I am desirable; then I have the more Inclination that way, because I am to be a Nun, and so shall not be suspected to have any such earthly Thoughts about me—But when I walk thus—and sigh thus—they’ll think my Mind’s upon my Monastery, and cry, how happy ’tis she’s so resolv’d!—But not a Word of Man.Flor.What a mad Creature’s this!Hell.I’ll warrant, if my Brother hears either of you sigh, he cries (gravely)—I fear you have the Indiscretion to be in love, but take heed of the Honour of our House, and your own unspotted Fame; and so he conjures on till he has laid the soft-wing’d God in your Hearts, or broke the Birds-nest—But see here comes your Lover: but where’s my inconstant? let’s step aside, and we may learn something.[Go aside.EnterBelvile,Fred.andBlunt.Belv.What means this? the Picture’s taken in.Blunt.It may be the Wench is good natur’d, and will be kindgratis. Your Friend’s a proper handsom Fellow.Belv.I rather think she has cut his Throat and is fled: I am mad he should throw himself into Dangers—Pox on’t, I shall want him to night—let’s knock and ask for him.Hell.My heart goes a-pit a-pat, for fear ’tis my Man they talk of.[Knock,Morettaabove.More.What would you have?Belv.Tell the Stranger that enter’d here about two Hoursago, that his Friends stay here for him.Moret.A Curse upon him forMoretta, would he were at the Devil—but he’s coming to you.[EnterWilmore.Hell.I, I, ’tis he. Oh how this vexes me.Belv.And how, and how, dear Lad, has Fortune smil’d? Are we to break her Windows, or raise up Altars to her! hah!Will.Does not my Fortune sit triumphant on my Brow? dost not see the little wanton God there all gay and smiling? have I not an Air about my Face and Eyes, that distinguish me from the Croud of common Lovers? By Heav’n,Cupid’sQuiver has not half so many Darts as her Eyes—Oh such aBona Rota, to sleep in her Arms is lying in Fresco, all perfum’d Air about me.Hell.Here’s fine encouragement for me to fool on.[Aside.Will.Hark ye, where didst thou purchase that rich Canary we drank to-day? Tell me, that I may adore the Spigot, and sacrifice to the Butt: the Juice was divine, into which I must dip my Rosary, and then bless all things that I would have bold or fortunate.Belv.Well, Sir, let’s go take a Bottle, and hear the Story of your Success.Fred.Would notFrenchWine do better?Will.Damn the hungry Balderdash; cheerful Sack has a generous Virtue in’t, inspiring a successful Confidence, gives Eloquence to the Tongue, and Vigour to the Soul; and has in a few Hours compleated all my Hopes and Wishes. There’s nothing left to raise a new Desire in me—Come let’s be gay and wanton—and, Gentlemen, study, study what you want, for here are Friends,—that willsupply, Gentlemen,—hark! what a charming sound they make—’tis he and she Gold whilst here, shall beget new Pleasures every moment.Blunt.But hark ye, Sir, you are not married, are you?Will.All the Honey of Matrimony, but none of the Sting, Friend.Blunt.’Sheartlikins, thou’rt a fortunate Rogue.Will.I am so, Sir, let these inform you.—Ha, how sweetly they chime! Pox of Poverty, it makes a Man a Slave, makes Wit and Honour sneak, my Soul grew lean and rusty for want of Credit.Blunt.’Sheartlikins, this I like well, it looks like my lucky Bargain! Oh how I long for the Approach of my Squire, that is to conduct me to her House again. Why! here’s two provided for.Fred.By this light y’re happy Men.Blunt.Fortune is pleased to smile on us, Gentlemen,—to smile on us.EnterSancho, and pullsBluntby the Sleeve. They go aside.Sancho.Sir, my Lady expects you—she has remov’d all that might oppose your Will and Pleasure—and is impatient till you come.Blunt.Sir, I’ll attend you—Oh the happiest Rogue! I’ll take no leave, lest they either dog me, or stay me.[Ex. withSancho.Belv.But then the little Gipsy is forgot?Will.A Mischief on thee for putting her into my thoughts; I had quite forgot her else, and this Night’s Debauch had drunk her quite down.Hell.Had it so, good Captain?[Claps him on the Back.Will.Ha! I hope she did not hear.Hell.What, afraid of such a Champion!Will.Oh! you’re a fine Lady of your word, are you not? to make a Man languish a whole day—Hell.In tedious search of me.Will.Egad, Child, thou’rt in the right, hadst thou seen what a melancholy Dog I have been ever since I was a Lover, how I have walkt the Streets like aCapuchin, with my Hands in my Sleeves—Faith, Sweetheart, thou wouldst pity me.Hell.Now, if I should be hang’d, I can’t be angry with him, he dissembles so heartily—Alas, good Captain, what pains you have taken—Now were I ungrateful not to reward so true a Servant.Will.Poor Soul! that’s kindly said, I see thou bearest a Conscience—come then for a beginning shew me thy dear Face.Hell.I’m afraid, my small Acquaintance, you have been staying that swinging stomach you boasted of this morning; I remember then my little Collation would have gone down with you, without the Sauce of a handsom Face—Is your Stomach so quesy now?Will.Faith long fasting, Child, spoils a Man’s Appetite—yet if you durst treat, I could so lay about me still.Hell.And would you fall to, before a Priest says Grace?Will.Oh fie, fie, what an old out-of-fashion’d thing hast thou nam’d? Thou could’st not dash me more out of Countenance, shouldst thou shew me an ugly Face.Whilst he is seemingly courtingHellena, enterAngelica,Moretta,Biskey, andSebastian, all in Masquerade:Ang.seesWill.andstarts.Ang.Heavens, is’t he? and passionately fond to see another Woman?Moret.What cou’d you expect less from such a Swaggerer?Ang.Expect! as much as I paid him, a Heart intire,Which I had pride enough to think when e’er I gaveIt would have rais’d the Man above the Vulgar,Made him all Soul, and that all soft and constant.Hell.You see, Captain, how willing I am to be Friendswith you, till Time and Ill-luck make us Lovers; and ask you the Question first, rather than put your Modesty to the blush, by asking me: for alas, I know you Captains are such strict Men, severe Observers of your Vows to Chastity, that ’twill be hard to prevail with your tender Conscience to marry a young willing Maid.Will.Do not abuse me, for fear I should take thee at thy word, and marry thee indeed, which I’m sure will be Revenge sufficient.Hell.O’ my Conscience, that will be our Destiny, because we are both of one humour; I am as inconstant as you, for I have considered, Captain, that a handsom Woman has a great deal to do whilst her Face is good, for then is our Harvest-time to gather Friends; and should I in these days of my Youth, catch a fit of foolish Constancy, I were undone; ’tis loitering by day-light in our great Journey: therefore declare, I’ll allow but one year for Love, one year for Indifference, and one year for Hate—and then—go hang your self—for I profess myself the gay, the kind, and the inconstant—the Devil’s in’t if this won’t please you.Will.Oh most damnably!—I have a Heart with a hole quite thro it too, no Prison like mine to keep a Mistress in.Ang.Perjur’d Man! how I believe thee now![Aside.Hell.Well, I see our Business as well as Humours are alike, yours to cozen as many Maids as will trust you, and I as many Men as have Faith—See if I have not as desperate a lying look, as you can have for the heart of you.[Pulls off her Vizard; he starts.—How do you like it, Captain?Will.Like it! by Heav’n, I never saw so much Beauty. Oh the Charms of those sprightly black Eyes, that strangely fair Face, full of Smiles and Dimples! those soft round melting cherry Lips! and small even white Teeth! not to be exprest, but silently adored!—Oh one Look more, and strike me dumb, or I shall repeat nothing else till I am mad.[He seems to court her to pull off her Vizard: she refuses.Ang.I can endure no more—nor is it fit to interrupt him; for if I do, my Jealousy has so destroy’d my Reason,—I shall undo him—Therefore I’ll retire. And youSebastian[To one of her Bravoes]follow that Woman, and learn who ’tis; while you tell the Fugitive, I would speak to him instantly.[To the other Bravo.[Exit.[This whileFlor.is talking toBelvile, who stands sullenly.Fred.courting Valeria.Val.Prithee, dear Stranger, be not so sullen; for tho you have lost your Love, you see my Friend frankly offers you hers, to play with in the mean time.Belv.Faith, Madam, I am sorry I can’t play at her Game.Fred.Pray leave your Intercession, and mind your own Affair, they’ll better agree apart; he’s a model Sigher in Company, but alone no Woman escapes him.Flor.Sure he does butrally—yet if it should be true—I’ll tempt him farther—Believe me, noble Stranger, I’m no common Mistress—and for a little proof on’t—wear this Jewel—nay, take it, Sir, ’tis right, and Bills of Exchange may sometimes miscarry.Belv.Madam, why am I chose out of all Mankind to be the Object of your Bounty?Val.There’s another civil Question askt.Fred.Pox of’s Modesty, it spoils his own Markets, and hinders mine.Flor.Sir, from my Window I have often seen you; and Women of Quality have so few opportunities for Love, that we ought to lose none.Fred.Ay, this is something! here’s a Woman!—When shall I be blest with so much kindness from your fair Mouth?—Take the Jewel, Fool.[Aside toBelv.Belv.You tempt me strangely, Madam, every way.Flor.So, if I find him false, my whole Repose is gone.[Aside.Belv.And but for a Vow I’ve made to a very fine Lady, this Goodness had subdu’d me.Fred.Pox on’t be kind, in pity to me be kind, for I am to thrive here but as you treat her Friend.Hell.Tell me what did you in yonder House, and I’ll unmasque.Will.Yonder House—oh—I went to—a—to—why, there’s a Friend of mine lives there.Hell.What a she, or a he Friend?Will.A Man upon my Honour! a Man—A She Friend! no, no, Madam, you have done my Business, I thank you.Hell.And was’t your Man Friend, that had more Darts in’s Eyes thanCupidcarries in a whole Budget of Arrows?Will.So—Hell.Ah such aBona Roba: to be in her Arms is lying inFresco, all perfumed Air about me—Was this your Man Friend too?Will.So—Hell.That gave you the He, and the She—Gold, that begets young Pleasures.Will.Well, well, Madam, then you see there are Ladies in the World, that will not be cruel—there are, Madam, there are—Hell.And there be Men too as fine, wild, inconstant Fellows as your self, there be, Captain, there be, if you go to that now—therefore I’m resolv’d—Will.Oh!Hell.To see your Face no more—Will.Oh!Hell.Till to morrow.Will.Egad you frighted me.Hell.Nor then neither, unless you’l swear never to see that Lady more.Will.See her!—why! never to think of Womankind again?Hell.Kneel, and swear.[Kneels, she gives him her hand.Hell.I do, never to think—to see—to love—nor lie with any but thy self.Hell.Kiss the Book.Will.Oh, most religiously.[Kisses her Hand.Hell.Now what a wicked Creature am I, to damn a proper Fellow.Call.Madam, I’ll stay no longer, ’tis e’en dark.[ToFlor.Flor.However, Sir, I’ll leave this with you—that when I’m gone, you may repent the opportunity you have lost by your modesty.[Gives him the Jewel, which is her Picture, and Ex.Hegazes after her.Will.’Twill be an Age till to morrow,—and till then I will most impatiently expect you—Adieu, my dear pretty Angel.[Ex. all the Women.Belv.Ha!Florinda’sPicture! ’twas she her self—what a dull Dog was I? I would have given the World for one minute’s discourse with her.—Fred.This comes of your Modesty,—ah pox on your Vow,’twas ten to one but we had lost the Jewel by’t.Belv.Willmore!the blessed’st Opportunity lost!—Florinda, Friends,Florinda!Will.Ah Rogue! such black Eyes, such a Face, such a Mouth, such Teeth,—and so much Wit!Belv.All, all, and a thousand Charms besides.Will.Why, dost thou know her?Belv.Know her! ay, ay, and a Pox take me with all my Heart for being modest.Will.But hark ye, Friend of mine, are you my Rival? and have I been only beating the Bush all this while?Belv.I understand thee not—I’m mad—see here—[Shews the Picture.Will.Ha! whose Picture is this?—’tis a fine Wench.Fred.The Colonel’s Mistress, Sir.Will.Oh, oh, here—I thought it had been another Prize—come, come, a Bottle will set thee right again.[Gives the Picture back.Belv.I am content to try, and by that time ’twill be late enough for our Design.Will.Agreed.
WhenDamonfirst began to love,He languisht in a soft Desire,And knew not how the Gods to move,To lessen or increase his Fire,ForCæliain her charming EyesWore all Love’s Sweet, and all his Cruelties.
WhenDamonfirst began to love,He languisht in a soft Desire,And knew not how the Gods to move,To lessen or increase his Fire,ForCæliain her charming Eyes
WhenDamonfirst began to love,
He languisht in a soft Desire,
And knew not how the Gods to move,
To lessen or increase his Fire,
ForCæliain her charming Eyes
Wore all Love’s Sweet, and all his Cruelties.
But as beneath a Shade he lay,Weaving of Flow’rs forCælia’sHair,She chanc’d to lead her Flock that way,And saw the am’rous Shepherd there.She gaz’d around upon the Place,And saw the Grove (resembling Night)To all the Joys of Love invite,Whilst guilty Smiles and Blushes drest her Face.At this the bashful Youth all Transport grew,And with kind Force he taught the Virgin howTo yield what all his Sighs cou’d never do.
But as beneath a Shade he lay,Weaving of Flow’rs forCælia’sHair,She chanc’d to lead her Flock that way,And saw the am’rous Shepherd there.She gaz’d around upon the Place,And saw the Grove (resembling Night)To all the Joys of Love invite,
But as beneath a Shade he lay,
Weaving of Flow’rs forCælia’sHair,
She chanc’d to lead her Flock that way,
And saw the am’rous Shepherd there.
She gaz’d around upon the Place,
And saw the Grove (resembling Night)
To all the Joys of Love invite,
Whilst guilty Smiles and Blushes drest her Face.
At this the bashful Youth all Transport grew,
And with kind Force he taught the Virgin how
To yield what all his Sighs cou’d never do.
Ant.By Heav’n she’s charming fair!
[Angelicathrows open the Curtains, and bows toAntonio, who pulls off his Vizard, and bows and blows up Kisses.Pedrounseen looks in his Face.
Pedro.’Tis he, the falseAntonio!
Ant.Friend, where must I pay my offering of Love?[To theBravo.]My Thousand Crowns I mean.
Pedro.That Offering I have design’d to make,And yours will come too late.
Pedro.That Offering I have design’d to make,
And yours will come too late.
Ant.Prithee be gone, I shall grow angry else,And then thou art not safe.
Ant.Prithee be gone, I shall grow angry else,
And then thou art not safe.
Pedro.My Anger may be fatal, Sir, as yours;And he that enters here may prove this Truth.
Pedro.My Anger may be fatal, Sir, as yours;
And he that enters here may prove this Truth.
Ant.I know not who thou art, but I am sure thou’rt worth my killing, and aiming atAngelica.[They draw and fight.
EnterWillmoreandBlunt, who draw and part ’em.
Blunt.’Sheartlikins, here’s fine doings.
Will.Tilting for the Wench I’m sure—nay gad, if that wou’d win her, I have as good a Sword as the best of ye—Put up—put up, and take another time and place, for this is design’d for Lovers only.[They all put up.
Pedro.We are prevented; dare you meet me to morrow on theMolo?For I’ve a Title to a better quarrel,That ofFlorinda, in whose credulous HeartThou’st made an Int’rest, and destroy’d my Hopes.
Pedro.We are prevented; dare you meet me to morrow on theMolo?
For I’ve a Title to a better quarrel,
That ofFlorinda, in whose credulous Heart
Thou’st made an Int’rest, and destroy’d my Hopes.
Ant.Dare?I’ll meet thee there as early as the Day.
Pedro.We will come thus disguis’d, that whosoever chance to get the better, he may escape unknown.
Ant.It shall be so.[Ex.PedroandStephano.]Who shou’d this Rival be? unless theEnglishColonel, of whom I’ve often heard DonPedrospeak; it must be he, and time he were removed, who lays a Claim to all my Happiness.
[Willmorehaving gaz’d all this while on the Picture, pulls down a little one.
Will.This posture’s loose and negligent,The sight on’t wou’d beget a warm desireIn Souls, whom Impotence and Age had chill’d.—This must along with me.
Will.This posture’s loose and negligent,
The sight on’t wou’d beget a warm desire
In Souls, whom Impotence and Age had chill’d.
—This must along with me.
Brav.What means this rudeness, Sir?—restore the Picture.
Ant.Ha! Rudeness committed to the fairAngelica!—Restore the Picture, Sir.
Will.Indeed I will not, Sir.
Ant.By Heav’n but you shall.
Will.Nay, do not shew your Sword; if you do, by this dear Beauty—I will shew mine too.
Ant.What right can you pretend to’t?
Will.That of Possession which I will maintain—you perhaps have 1000 Crowns to give for the Original.
Ant.No matter, Sir, you shall restore the Picture.
Ang.Oh,Moretta!what’s the matter?[Ang.andMoret.above.
Ant.Or leave your Life behind.
Will.Death! you lye—I will do neither.
Ang.Hold, I command you, if for me you fight.
[They fight, the Spaniards join withAntonio,Bluntlaying on like mad. They leave off and bow.
Will.How heavenly fair she is!—ah Plague of her Price.
Ang.You Sir in Buff, you that appear a Soldier, that first began this Insolence.
Will.’Tis true, I did so, if you call it Insolence for a Man to preserve himself; I saw your charming Picture, and was wounded: quite thro my Soul each pointed Beauty ran; and wanting a Thousand Crowns to procure my Remedy, I laid this little Picture to my Bosom—which if you cannot allow me, I’ll resign.
Ang.No, you may keep the Trifle.
Ant.You shall first ask my leave, and this.[Fight again as before.
EnterBelv.andFred.who join with the English.
Ang.Hold; will you ruin me?—Biskey,Sebastian, part them.[TheSpaniardsare beaten off.
Moret.Oh Madam, we’re undone, a pox upon that rude Fellow, he’s set on to ruin us: we shall never see good days, till all these fighting poor Rogues are sent to the Gallies.
EnterBelvile,BluntandWillmore, withhis shirt bloody.
Blunt.’Sheartlikins, beat me at this Sport, and I’ll ne’er wear Sword more.
Belv.The Devil’s in thee for a mad Fellow, thou art always one at an unlucky Adventure.—Come, let’s be gone whilst we’re safe, and remember these areSpaniards, a sort of People that know how to revenge an Affront.
Fred.You bleed; I hope you are not wounded.[ToWill.
Will.Not much:—a plague upon your Dons, if they fight no better they’ll ne’er recoverFlanders.—What the Devil was’t to them that I took down the Picture?
Blunt.Took it! ’Sheartlikins, we’ll have the great one too; ’tis ours by Conquest.—Prithee, help me up, and I’ll pull it down.—
Ang.Stay, Sir, and e’er you affront me further, let me know how you durst commit this Outrage—To you I speak, Sir, for you appear like a Gentleman.
Will.To me, Madam?—Gentlemen, your Servant.[Belv.stays him.
Belv.Is the Devil in thee? Do’st know the danger of entring the house of an incens’d Curtezan?
Will.I thank you for your care—but there are other matters in hand, there are, tho we have no great Temptation.—Death! let me go.
Fred.Yes, to your Lodging, if you will, but not in here.—Damn these gay Harlots—by this Hand I’ll have as sound and handsome a Whore for aPatacoone.—Death, Man, she’ll murder thee.
Will.Oh! fear me not, shall I not venture where a Beauty calls? a lovely charming Beauty? for fear of danger! when by Heaven there’s none so great as to long for her, whilst I want Money to purchase her.
Fred.Therefore ’tis loss of time, unless you had the thousand Crowns to pay.
Will.It may be she may give a Favour, at least I shall have the pleasure of saluting her when I enter, and when I depart.
Belv.Pox, she’ll as soon lie with thee, as kiss thee, and sooner stab than do either—you shall not go.
Ang.Fear not, Sir, all I have to wound with, is my Eyes.
Blunt.Let him go, ’Sheartlikins, I believe the Gentle-woman means well.
Belv.Well, take thy Fortune, we’ll expect you in the next Street.—Farewell Fool,—farewell—
Will.B’ye Colonel—[Goes in.
Fred.The Rogue’s stark mad for a Wench.[Exeunt.
Scene II.A Fine Chamber.
EnterWillmore,Angelica, andMoretta.
Ang.Insolent Sir, how durst you pull down my Picture?
Will.Rather, how durst you set it up, to tempt poor amorous Mortals with so much Excellence? which I find you have but too well consulted by the unmerciful price you set upon’t.—Is all this Heaven of Beauty shewn to move Despair in those that cannot buy? and can you think the effects of that Despair shou’d be less extravagant than I have shewn?
Ang.I sent for you to ask my Pardon, Sir, not to aggravate your Crime.—I thought I shou’d have seen you at my Feet imploring it.
Will.You are deceived, I came to rail at you, and talk such Truths, too, as shall let you see the Vanity of that Pride, which taught you how to set such a Price on Sin. For such it is, whilst that which is Love’s due is meanly barter’d for.
Ang.Ha, ha, ha, alas, good Captain, what pity ’tis your edifying Doctrine will do no good upon me—Moretta, fetch the Gentleman a Glass, and let him survey himself, to see what Charms he has,—and guess my Business.[Aside in a soft tone.
Moret.He knows himself of old, I believe those Breeches and he have been acquainted ever since he was beaten atWorcester.
Ang.Nay, do not abuse the poor Creature.—
Moret.Good Weather-beaten Corporal, will you march off? we have no need of your Doctrine, tho you have of our Charity; but at present we have no Scraps, we can afford no kindness for God’s sake; in fine, Sirrah, the Price is toohigh i’th’ Mouthfor you, therefore troop, I say.
Will.Here, good Fore-Woman of the Shop, serve me, and I’ll be gone.
Moret.Keep it to pay your Landress, your Linen stinks of the Gun-Room; for here’s no selling by Retail.
Will.Thou hast sold plenty of thy stale Ware at a cheap Rate.
Moret.Ay, the more silly kind Heart I, but this is an Age wherein Beauty is at higher Rates.—In fine, you know the price of this.
Will.I grant you ’tis here set down a thousand Crowns a Month—Baud, take your black Lead and sum it up, that I may havea Pistole-worthof these vain gay things, and I’ll trouble you no more.
Moret.Pox on him, he’ll fret me to Death:—abominable Fellow, I tell thee, we only sell by the whole Piece.
Will.’Tis very hard, the whole Cargo or nothing—Faith, Madam, my Stock will not reach it, I cannot be your Chapman.—Yet I have Countrymen, in Town, Merchants of Love, like me; I’ll see if they’l put for a share, we cannot lose much by it, and what we have no use for, we’ll sell upon theFriday’sMart, at—Who gives more?I am studying, Madam, how to purchase you, tho at present I am unprovided of Money.
Ang.Sure, this from any other Man would anger me—nor shall he know the Conquest he has made—Poor angry Man, how I despise this railing.
Will.Yes, I am poor—but I’m a Gentleman,And one that scorns this Baseness which you practise.Poor as I am, I would not sell my self,No, not to gain your charming high-priz’d Person.Tho I admire you strangely for your Beauty,Yet I contemn your Mind.—And yet I wou’d at any rate enjoy you;At your own rate—but cannot—See hereThe only Sum I can command on Earth;I know not where to eat when this is gone:Yet such a Slave I am to Love and Beauty,This last reserveI’ll sacrifice to enjoy you.—Nay, do not frown, I know you are to be bought,And wou’d be boughtby me, by me,For a mean trifling Sum, if I could pay it down.Which happy knowledge I will still repeat,And lay it to my Heart, it has a Virtue in’t,And soon willcurethose Wounds your Eyes have made.—And yet—there’s something so divinely powerful there—Nay, I will gaze—to let you see my Strength.[Holds her, looks on her, and pauses and sighs.By Heaven, bright Creature—I would not for the WorldThy Fame were half so fair as is thy Face.[Turns her away from him.
Will.Yes, I am poor—but I’m a Gentleman,
And one that scorns this Baseness which you practise.
Poor as I am, I would not sell my self,
No, not to gain your charming high-priz’d Person.
Tho I admire you strangely for your Beauty,
Yet I contemn your Mind.
—And yet I wou’d at any rate enjoy you;
At your own rate—but cannot—See here
The only Sum I can command on Earth;
I know not where to eat when this is gone:
Yet such a Slave I am to Love and Beauty,
This last reserveI’ll sacrifice to enjoy you.
—Nay, do not frown, I know you are to be bought,
And wou’d be boughtby me, by me,
For a mean trifling Sum, if I could pay it down.
Which happy knowledge I will still repeat,
And lay it to my Heart, it has a Virtue in’t,
And soon willcurethose Wounds your Eyes have made.
—And yet—there’s something so divinely powerful there—
Nay, I will gaze—to let you see my Strength.[Holds her, looks on her, and pauses and sighs.
By Heaven, bright Creature—I would not for the World
Thy Fame were half so fair as is thy Face.[Turns her away from him.
Ang.His words go thro me to the very Soul.[Aside.]—If you have nothing else to say to me.
Will.Yes, you shall hear how infamous you are—For which I do not hate thee:But that secures my Heart, and all the Flames it feelsAre but so many Lusts,I know it by their sudden bold intrusion.The Fire’s impatient and betrays, ’tis false—For had it been the purer Flame of Love,I should have pin’d and languished at your Feet,E’er found the Impudence to have discover’d it.I now dare stand your Scorn, and your Denial.
Will.Yes, you shall hear how infamous you are—
For which I do not hate thee:
But that secures my Heart, and all the Flames it feels
Are but so many Lusts,
I know it by their sudden bold intrusion.
The Fire’s impatient and betrays, ’tis false—
For had it been the purer Flame of Love,
I should have pin’d and languished at your Feet,
E’er found the Impudence to have discover’d it.
I now dare stand your Scorn, and your Denial.
Moret.Sure she’s bewitcht, that she can stand thus tamely, and hear his saucy railing.—Sirrah, will you be gone?
Ang.How dare you take this liberty?—Withdraw. [ToMoret.]—Pray, tell me, Sir, are not you guilty of the same mercenary Crime? When a Lady is proposed to you for a Wife, you never ask, how fair, discreet, or virtuous she is; but what’s her Fortune—which if but small, you cry—She will not do my business—and basely leave her, tho she languish for you.—Say, is not this as poor?
Will.It is a barbarous Custom, which I will scorn to defend in our Sex, and do despise in yours.
Ang.Thou art a brave Fellow!put up thy Gold, and know,That were thy Fortune large, as is thy Soul,Thou shouldst not buy my Love,Couldst thou forget those mean Effects of Vanity,Which set me out to sale; and as a Lover, prizeMy yielding Joys.Canst thou believe they’l be entirely thine,Without considering they were mercenary?
Ang.Thou art a brave Fellow!put up thy Gold, and know,
That were thy Fortune large, as is thy Soul,
Thou shouldst not buy my Love,
Couldst thou forget those mean Effects of Vanity,
Which set me out to sale; and as a Lover, prize
My yielding Joys.
Canst thou believe they’l be entirely thine,
Without considering they were mercenary?
Will.I cannot tell, I must bethink me first—ha, Death, I’m going to believe her.[Aside.
Ang.Prithee, confirm that Faith—or if thou canst not—flatter me a little, ’twill please me from thy Mouth.
Will.Curse on thy charming Tongue! dost thou returnMy feign’d Contempt with so much subtilty?[Aside.Thou’st found the easiest way into my Heart,Tho I yet know that all thou say’st is false.[Turning from her in a Rage.
Will.Curse on thy charming Tongue! dost thou return
My feign’d Contempt with so much subtilty?[Aside.
Thou’st found the easiest way into my Heart,
Tho I yet know that all thou say’st is false.[Turning from her in a Rage.
Ang.By all that’s good ’tis real,I never lov’d before, tho oft a Mistress.—Shall my first Vows be slighted?
Ang.By all that’s good ’tis real,
I never lov’d before, tho oft a Mistress.
—Shall my first Vows be slighted?
Will.What can she mean?[Aside.
Will.What can she mean?[Aside.
Ang.I find you cannot credit me.[In an angry tone.
Ang.I find you cannot credit me.[In an angry tone.
Will.I know you take me for an errant Ass,An Ass that may be sooth’d into Belief,And then be us’d at pleasure.—But, Madam I have been so often cheatedBy perjur’d, soft, deluding Hypocrites,That I’ve no Faith left for the cozening Sex,Especially for Women of your Trade.
Will.I know you take me for an errant Ass,
An Ass that may be sooth’d into Belief,
And then be us’d at pleasure.
—But, Madam I have been so often cheated
By perjur’d, soft, deluding Hypocrites,
That I’ve no Faith left for the cozening Sex,
Especially for Women of your Trade.
Ang.The low esteem you have of me, perhapsMay bring my Heart again:For I have Pride that yet surmounts my Love.[She turns with Pride, he holds her.
Ang.The low esteem you have of me, perhaps
May bring my Heart again:
For I have Pride that yet surmounts my Love.[She turns with Pride, he holds her.
Will.Throw off this Pride, this Enemy to Bliss,And shew the Power of Love: ’tis with those ArmsI can be only vanquisht, made a Slave.
Will.Throw off this Pride, this Enemy to Bliss,
And shew the Power of Love: ’tis with those Arms
I can be only vanquisht, made a Slave.
Ang.Is all my mighty Expectation vanisht?—No, I will not hear thee talk,—thou hast a CharmIn every word, that draws my Heart away.And all the thousand Trophies I design’d,Thou hast undone—Why art thou soft?Thy Looks are bravely rough, and meant for War.Could thou not storm on still?I then perhaps had been as free as thou.
Ang.Is all my mighty Expectation vanisht?
—No, I will not hear thee talk,—thou hast a Charm
In every word, that draws my Heart away.
And all the thousand Trophies I design’d,
Thou hast undone—Why art thou soft?
Thy Looks are bravely rough, and meant for War.
Could thou not storm on still?
I then perhaps had been as free as thou.
Will.Death! how she throws her Fire about my Soul![Aside.—Take heed, fair Creature, how you raise my Hopes,Which once assum’d pretend to all Dominion.There’s not a Joy thou hast in storeI shall not then command:For which I’ll pay thee back my Soul, my Life.Come, let’s begin th’ account this happy minute.
Will.Death! how she throws her Fire about my Soul![Aside.
—Take heed, fair Creature, how you raise my Hopes,
Which once assum’d pretend to all Dominion.
There’s not a Joy thou hast in store
I shall not then command:
For which I’ll pay thee back my Soul, my Life.
Come, let’s begin th’ account this happy minute.
Ang.And will you pay me then the Price I ask?
Ang.And will you pay me then the Price I ask?
Will.Oh, why dost thou draw me from an awful Worship,By shewing thou art no Divinity?Conceal the Fiend, and shew me all the Angel;Keep me but ignorant, and I’ll be devout,And pay my Vows for ever at this Shrine.[Kneels, and kisses her Hand.
Will.Oh, why dost thou draw me from an awful Worship,
By shewing thou art no Divinity?
Conceal the Fiend, and shew me all the Angel;
Keep me but ignorant, and I’ll be devout,
And pay my Vows for ever at this Shrine.[Kneels, and kisses her Hand.
Ang.The Pay I mean is but thy Love for mine.—Can you give that?
Will.Intirely—come, let’s withdraw: where I’ll renewmy Vows,—and breathe ’em with such Ardour, thou shall not doubt my Zeal.
Ang.Thou hast a Power too strong to be resisted.[Ex.Will.andAngelica.
Moret.Now my Curse go with you—Is all our Project fallen to this? to love the only Enemy to our Trade? Nay, to love such aShameroon, a very Beggar; nay, a Pirate-Beggar, whose Business is to rifle and be gone, a No-Purchase, No-Pay Tatterdemalion, anEnglishPiccaroon; a Rogue that fights for daily Drink, and takes a Pride in being loyally lousy—Oh, I could curse now, if I durst—This is the Fate of most Whores.
Trophies, which from believing Fops we win,Are Spoils to those who cozen us again.
Trophies, which from believing Fops we win,
Are Spoils to those who cozen us again.
ACT III.
Scene I.A Street.
EnterFlorinda,Valeria,Hellena, in Antick different Dresses from what they were in before,Callisattending.
Flor.I wonder what should make my Brother in so ill a Humour: I hope he has not found out our Ramble this Morning.
Hell.No, if he had, we should have heard on’t at both Ears, and have been mew’d up this Afternoon; which I would not for the World should have happen’d—Hey ho! I’m sad as a Lover’s Lute.
Val.Well, methinks we have learnt this Trade of Gipsies as readily as if we had been bred upon the Road toLoretto: and yet I did so fumble, when I told the Stranger his Fortune, that I was afraid I should have told my own and yours by mistake—But methinksHellenahas been very serious ever since.
Flor.I would give my Garters she were in love, to be reveng’d upon her, for abusing me—How is’t,Hellena?
Hell.Ah!—would I had never seen my mad Monsieur—and yet for all your laughing I am not in love— and yet this small Acquaintance, o my Conscience, will never out of my Head.
Val.Ha, ha, ha—I laugh to think how thou art fitted with a Lover, a Fellow that, I warrant, loves every new Face he sees.
Hell.Hum—he has not kept his Word with me here—and may be taken up—that thought is not very pleasant to me—what the Duce should this be now that I feel?
Val.What is’t like?
Hell.Nay, the Lord knows—but if I should be hanged, I cannot chuse but be angry and afraid, when I think that mad Fellow should be in love with any Body but me—What to think of my self I know not—Would I could meet with some true damn’d Gipsy, that I might know my Fortune.
Val.Know it! why there’s nothing so easy; thou wilt love this wandring Inconstant till thou find’st thy self hanged about his Neck, and then be as mad to get free again.
Flor.Yes,Valeria; we shall see her bestride his Baggage-horse, and follow him to the Campaign.
Hell.So, so; now you are provided for, there’s no care taken of poor me—But since you have set my Heart a wishing, I am resolv’d to know for what. I will not die of the Pip, so I will not.
Flor.Art thou mad to talk so? Who will like thee well enough to have thee, that hears what a mad Wench thou art?
Hell.Like me! I don’t intend, every he that likes me shall have me, but he that I like: I shou’d have staid in the Nunnery still, if I had lik’d my Lady Abbess as well as she lik’d me. No, I came thence, not (as my wise Brother imagines) to take an eternal Farewel of the World, but to love and to be belov’d; and I will be belov’d or I’ll get one of your Men, so I will.
Val.Am I put into the Number of Lovers?
Hell.You! my Couz, I know thou art too good natur’dto leave us in any Design:Thou wou’tventure a Cast, tho thou comest off a Loser, especially with such a Gamester—I observ’d your Man, and your willing Ears incline that way; and if you are not a Lover, ’tis an Art soon learnt—that I find.[Sighs.
Flor.I wonder how you learnt to love so easily, I had a thousand Charms to meet my Eyes and Ears, e’er I cou’d yield; and ’twas the knowledge ofBelvile’sMerit, not the surprising Person, took my Soul—Thou art too rash to give a Heart at first sight.
Hell.Hang your considering Lover; I ne’er thought beyond the Fancy, that ’twas a very pretty, idle, silly kind of Pleasure to pass ones time with, to write little, soft, nonsensical Billets, and with great difficulty and danger receive Answers; in which I shall have my Beauty prais’d, my Wit admir’d (tho little or none) and have the Vanity and Power to know I am desirable; then I have the more Inclination that way, because I am to be a Nun, and so shall not be suspected to have any such earthly Thoughts about me—But when I walk thus—and sigh thus—they’ll think my Mind’s upon my Monastery, and cry, how happy ’tis she’s so resolv’d!—But not a Word of Man.
Flor.What a mad Creature’s this!
Hell.I’ll warrant, if my Brother hears either of you sigh, he cries (gravely)—I fear you have the Indiscretion to be in love, but take heed of the Honour of our House, and your own unspotted Fame; and so he conjures on till he has laid the soft-wing’d God in your Hearts, or broke the Birds-nest—But see here comes your Lover: but where’s my inconstant? let’s step aside, and we may learn something.[Go aside.
EnterBelvile,Fred.andBlunt.
Belv.What means this? the Picture’s taken in.
Blunt.It may be the Wench is good natur’d, and will be kindgratis. Your Friend’s a proper handsom Fellow.
Belv.I rather think she has cut his Throat and is fled: I am mad he should throw himself into Dangers—Pox on’t, I shall want him to night—let’s knock and ask for him.
Hell.My heart goes a-pit a-pat, for fear ’tis my Man they talk of.[Knock,Morettaabove.
More.What would you have?
Belv.Tell the Stranger that enter’d here about two Hoursago, that his Friends stay here for him.
Moret.A Curse upon him forMoretta, would he were at the Devil—but he’s coming to you.[EnterWilmore.
Hell.I, I, ’tis he. Oh how this vexes me.
Belv.And how, and how, dear Lad, has Fortune smil’d? Are we to break her Windows, or raise up Altars to her! hah!
Will.Does not my Fortune sit triumphant on my Brow? dost not see the little wanton God there all gay and smiling? have I not an Air about my Face and Eyes, that distinguish me from the Croud of common Lovers? By Heav’n,Cupid’sQuiver has not half so many Darts as her Eyes—Oh such aBona Rota, to sleep in her Arms is lying in Fresco, all perfum’d Air about me.
Hell.Here’s fine encouragement for me to fool on.[Aside.
Will.Hark ye, where didst thou purchase that rich Canary we drank to-day? Tell me, that I may adore the Spigot, and sacrifice to the Butt: the Juice was divine, into which I must dip my Rosary, and then bless all things that I would have bold or fortunate.
Belv.Well, Sir, let’s go take a Bottle, and hear the Story of your Success.
Fred.Would notFrenchWine do better?
Will.Damn the hungry Balderdash; cheerful Sack has a generous Virtue in’t, inspiring a successful Confidence, gives Eloquence to the Tongue, and Vigour to the Soul; and has in a few Hours compleated all my Hopes and Wishes. There’s nothing left to raise a new Desire in me—Come let’s be gay and wanton—and, Gentlemen, study, study what you want, for here are Friends,—that willsupply, Gentlemen,—hark! what a charming sound they make—’tis he and she Gold whilst here, shall beget new Pleasures every moment.
Blunt.But hark ye, Sir, you are not married, are you?
Will.All the Honey of Matrimony, but none of the Sting, Friend.
Blunt.’Sheartlikins, thou’rt a fortunate Rogue.
Will.I am so, Sir, let these inform you.—Ha, how sweetly they chime! Pox of Poverty, it makes a Man a Slave, makes Wit and Honour sneak, my Soul grew lean and rusty for want of Credit.
Blunt.’Sheartlikins, this I like well, it looks like my lucky Bargain! Oh how I long for the Approach of my Squire, that is to conduct me to her House again. Why! here’s two provided for.
Fred.By this light y’re happy Men.
Blunt.Fortune is pleased to smile on us, Gentlemen,—to smile on us.
EnterSancho, and pullsBluntby the Sleeve. They go aside.
Sancho.Sir, my Lady expects you—she has remov’d all that might oppose your Will and Pleasure—and is impatient till you come.
Blunt.Sir, I’ll attend you—Oh the happiest Rogue! I’ll take no leave, lest they either dog me, or stay me.[Ex. withSancho.
Belv.But then the little Gipsy is forgot?
Will.A Mischief on thee for putting her into my thoughts; I had quite forgot her else, and this Night’s Debauch had drunk her quite down.
Hell.Had it so, good Captain?[Claps him on the Back.
Will.Ha! I hope she did not hear.
Hell.What, afraid of such a Champion!
Will.Oh! you’re a fine Lady of your word, are you not? to make a Man languish a whole day—
Hell.In tedious search of me.
Will.Egad, Child, thou’rt in the right, hadst thou seen what a melancholy Dog I have been ever since I was a Lover, how I have walkt the Streets like aCapuchin, with my Hands in my Sleeves—Faith, Sweetheart, thou wouldst pity me.
Hell.Now, if I should be hang’d, I can’t be angry with him, he dissembles so heartily—Alas, good Captain, what pains you have taken—Now were I ungrateful not to reward so true a Servant.
Will.Poor Soul! that’s kindly said, I see thou bearest a Conscience—come then for a beginning shew me thy dear Face.
Hell.I’m afraid, my small Acquaintance, you have been staying that swinging stomach you boasted of this morning; I remember then my little Collation would have gone down with you, without the Sauce of a handsom Face—Is your Stomach so quesy now?
Will.Faith long fasting, Child, spoils a Man’s Appetite—yet if you durst treat, I could so lay about me still.
Hell.And would you fall to, before a Priest says Grace?
Will.Oh fie, fie, what an old out-of-fashion’d thing hast thou nam’d? Thou could’st not dash me more out of Countenance, shouldst thou shew me an ugly Face.
Whilst he is seemingly courtingHellena, enterAngelica,Moretta,Biskey, andSebastian, all in Masquerade:Ang.seesWill.andstarts.
Ang.Heavens, is’t he? and passionately fond to see another Woman?
Moret.What cou’d you expect less from such a Swaggerer?
Ang.Expect! as much as I paid him, a Heart intire,Which I had pride enough to think when e’er I gaveIt would have rais’d the Man above the Vulgar,Made him all Soul, and that all soft and constant.
Ang.Expect! as much as I paid him, a Heart intire,
Which I had pride enough to think when e’er I gave
It would have rais’d the Man above the Vulgar,
Made him all Soul, and that all soft and constant.
Hell.You see, Captain, how willing I am to be Friendswith you, till Time and Ill-luck make us Lovers; and ask you the Question first, rather than put your Modesty to the blush, by asking me: for alas, I know you Captains are such strict Men, severe Observers of your Vows to Chastity, that ’twill be hard to prevail with your tender Conscience to marry a young willing Maid.
Will.Do not abuse me, for fear I should take thee at thy word, and marry thee indeed, which I’m sure will be Revenge sufficient.
Hell.O’ my Conscience, that will be our Destiny, because we are both of one humour; I am as inconstant as you, for I have considered, Captain, that a handsom Woman has a great deal to do whilst her Face is good, for then is our Harvest-time to gather Friends; and should I in these days of my Youth, catch a fit of foolish Constancy, I were undone; ’tis loitering by day-light in our great Journey: therefore declare, I’ll allow but one year for Love, one year for Indifference, and one year for Hate—and then—go hang your self—for I profess myself the gay, the kind, and the inconstant—the Devil’s in’t if this won’t please you.
Will.Oh most damnably!—I have a Heart with a hole quite thro it too, no Prison like mine to keep a Mistress in.
Ang.Perjur’d Man! how I believe thee now![Aside.
Hell.Well, I see our Business as well as Humours are alike, yours to cozen as many Maids as will trust you, and I as many Men as have Faith—See if I have not as desperate a lying look, as you can have for the heart of you.[Pulls off her Vizard; he starts.
—How do you like it, Captain?
Will.Like it! by Heav’n, I never saw so much Beauty. Oh the Charms of those sprightly black Eyes, that strangely fair Face, full of Smiles and Dimples! those soft round melting cherry Lips! and small even white Teeth! not to be exprest, but silently adored!—Oh one Look more, and strike me dumb, or I shall repeat nothing else till I am mad.[He seems to court her to pull off her Vizard: she refuses.
Ang.I can endure no more—nor is it fit to interrupt him; for if I do, my Jealousy has so destroy’d my Reason,—I shall undo him—Therefore I’ll retire. And youSebastian[To one of her Bravoes]follow that Woman, and learn who ’tis; while you tell the Fugitive, I would speak to him instantly.[To the other Bravo.[Exit.
[This whileFlor.is talking toBelvile, who stands sullenly.Fred.courting Valeria.
Val.Prithee, dear Stranger, be not so sullen; for tho you have lost your Love, you see my Friend frankly offers you hers, to play with in the mean time.
Belv.Faith, Madam, I am sorry I can’t play at her Game.
Fred.Pray leave your Intercession, and mind your own Affair, they’ll better agree apart; he’s a model Sigher in Company, but alone no Woman escapes him.
Flor.Sure he does butrally—yet if it should be true—I’ll tempt him farther—Believe me, noble Stranger, I’m no common Mistress—and for a little proof on’t—wear this Jewel—nay, take it, Sir, ’tis right, and Bills of Exchange may sometimes miscarry.
Belv.Madam, why am I chose out of all Mankind to be the Object of your Bounty?
Val.There’s another civil Question askt.
Fred.Pox of’s Modesty, it spoils his own Markets, and hinders mine.
Flor.Sir, from my Window I have often seen you; and Women of Quality have so few opportunities for Love, that we ought to lose none.
Fred.Ay, this is something! here’s a Woman!—When shall I be blest with so much kindness from your fair Mouth?—Take the Jewel, Fool.[Aside toBelv.
Belv.You tempt me strangely, Madam, every way.
Flor.So, if I find him false, my whole Repose is gone.[Aside.
Belv.And but for a Vow I’ve made to a very fine Lady, this Goodness had subdu’d me.
Fred.Pox on’t be kind, in pity to me be kind, for I am to thrive here but as you treat her Friend.
Hell.Tell me what did you in yonder House, and I’ll unmasque.
Will.Yonder House—oh—I went to—a—to—why, there’s a Friend of mine lives there.
Hell.What a she, or a he Friend?
Will.A Man upon my Honour! a Man—A She Friend! no, no, Madam, you have done my Business, I thank you.
Hell.And was’t your Man Friend, that had more Darts in’s Eyes thanCupidcarries in a whole Budget of Arrows?
Will.So—
Hell.Ah such aBona Roba: to be in her Arms is lying inFresco, all perfumed Air about me—Was this your Man Friend too?
Will.So—
Hell.That gave you the He, and the She—Gold, that begets young Pleasures.
Will.Well, well, Madam, then you see there are Ladies in the World, that will not be cruel—there are, Madam, there are—
Hell.And there be Men too as fine, wild, inconstant Fellows as your self, there be, Captain, there be, if you go to that now—therefore I’m resolv’d—
Will.Oh!
Hell.To see your Face no more—
Will.Oh!
Hell.Till to morrow.
Will.Egad you frighted me.
Hell.Nor then neither, unless you’l swear never to see that Lady more.
Will.See her!—why! never to think of Womankind again?
Hell.Kneel, and swear.[Kneels, she gives him her hand.
Hell.I do, never to think—to see—to love—nor lie with any but thy self.
Hell.Kiss the Book.
Will.Oh, most religiously.[Kisses her Hand.
Hell.Now what a wicked Creature am I, to damn a proper Fellow.
Call.Madam, I’ll stay no longer, ’tis e’en dark.[ToFlor.
Flor.However, Sir, I’ll leave this with you—that when I’m gone, you may repent the opportunity you have lost by your modesty.[Gives him the Jewel, which is her Picture, and Ex.Hegazes after her.
Will.’Twill be an Age till to morrow,—and till then I will most impatiently expect you—Adieu, my dear pretty Angel.[Ex. all the Women.
Belv.Ha!Florinda’sPicture! ’twas she her self—what a dull Dog was I? I would have given the World for one minute’s discourse with her.—
Fred.This comes of your Modesty,—ah pox on your Vow,’twas ten to one but we had lost the Jewel by’t.
Belv.Willmore!the blessed’st Opportunity lost!—Florinda, Friends,Florinda!
Will.Ah Rogue! such black Eyes, such a Face, such a Mouth, such Teeth,—and so much Wit!
Belv.All, all, and a thousand Charms besides.
Will.Why, dost thou know her?
Belv.Know her! ay, ay, and a Pox take me with all my Heart for being modest.
Will.But hark ye, Friend of mine, are you my Rival? and have I been only beating the Bush all this while?
Belv.I understand thee not—I’m mad—see here—[Shews the Picture.
Will.Ha! whose Picture is this?—’tis a fine Wench.
Fred.The Colonel’s Mistress, Sir.
Will.Oh, oh, here—I thought it had been another Prize—come, come, a Bottle will set thee right again.[Gives the Picture back.
Belv.I am content to try, and by that time ’twill be late enough for our Design.
Will.Agreed.