[454] [MS. and former edit., have _hide--book_; which appears to be nonsense; nor is the text, as amended, satisfactory.] [455] [The MS. reads _nor_, with the edition of 1824.] [456] [MS. and former edit., _is his_.] [457] [Former edit., _peace_.] [458] [The metre halts much here, in consequence of alterations having been made, and passages scored out, without proper care.] ACT II.[459], SCENE I. _Enter the_ LADY OF GOVIANUS _with a Servant_. LADY. Who is't would speak with us? SERV. My lord your father. LADY. Pray make haste; he waits too long. Entreat him hither. In despite of all [_Exit Servant._ The tyrant's cruelties, we have got the[460] friendship E'en of the guard that he has plac'd about us, My lord and I have free access together, As much as I would ask of liberty; They'll trust us largely now, and keep sometimes Three hours from us, a rare courtesy In jailers' children; some mild news, I hope, Comes with my father. _Enter_ HELVETIUS. No, his looks are sad; There is some further tyranny; let it fall! Our constant sufferings shall amaze it all. [_She kneels._ HEL. Rise. I will not bless thee: thy obedience Is after custom, as most rich men pray, Whose saint is only fashion and vainglory; So 'tis with thee in thy dissembled duty, There's no religion in't, no reverent love: Only for fashion and the praise of men. LADY. Why should you think so, sir? HEL. Think? I know't and see't. I'll sooner give my blessing to a drunkard, Whom the ridiculous power of wine makes humble, As foolish use makes thee. Base-spirited girl, That can'st not think above disgrace and beggary, When glory is set for thee and thy seed, Advancement for thy father, beside joy Able to make a latter spring in me In this my fourscore-summer, and renew me With a reversion yet of heat and youth! But the dejection of thy mind and spirit Makes me (thy father) guilty of a fault That draws thy birth in question, and e'en wrongs Thy mother in her ashes, being at peace With heav'n and man. Had not her life and virtues Been seals unto her faith, I should think thee now The work of some hir'd servant, some house-tailor, And no one part of my endeavour in thee. Had I neglected greatness; or not rather Pursu'd ['t] almost to my eternal hazard, Thou'dst ne'er been a lord's daughter! LADY. Had I been A shepherd's, I'd been happier and more peaceful. HEL. Thy very seed will curse thee in thy age, When they shall hear the story of thy weakness: How in thy youth thy fortunes tender'd thee A kingdom for thy servant, which thou left'st Basely to serve thyself; what dost thou in this, But merely cosen thy posterity Of royalty and succession, and thyself Of dignity present?