Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 06 of 10Fletcher, John
General
Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 06 of 10
Fletcher, John
English drama
_Phi._ Nay, do not think me less than such a cure,
_Antonio_ was not; And 'tis possible
_Philippo_ may succeed: My bloud and house
Are as deep rooted: and as fairly spread,
As _Mark-antonio_['_s_], and in that, all seek,
Fortune hath given him no precedency:
As for our thanks to Nature I may burn
Incense as much as he; I ever durst
Walk with _Antonio_ by the self-same light
At any feast, or triumph, and ne'r car'd
Which side my Lady or her woman took
In their survey; I durst have told my tale too
Though his discourse new ended.
_Leo._ My repulse.
_Phil._ Let not that torture you, w[h]ich makes me happy
Nor think that conscience (fair) which is no shame
'Twas no repulse, [I] was your Dowry rather:
For then methought a thousand graces met
To make you lovely, and ten thousand stories
Of constant virtue, which you then out-reach'd,
In one example did proclaim you rich:
Nor do I think you wretched, or disgrac'd,
After this suffering, and do therefore take
Advantage of your need; but rather know
You are the charge and business of those powers,
Who, like best Tutors, do inflict hard tasks
Upon great Natures, and of noblest hopes;
Read trivial Lessons, and halfe lines to sluggs;
They that live long, and never feel mischance,
Spend more than halfe their age in ignorance.
_Leo._ 'Tis well you think so.
_Phi._ You shall think so too,
You shall sweet _Leocadia_, and do so.
_Leo._ Good Sir no more; you have too fair a shape
To play so foul a part in, as the Tempter:
Say that I [could] make peace with fortune, who,
Who should absolve me of my vow yet; ha?
My Contract made?
_Phi._ Your Contract?
_Leo._ Yes, my Contract,
Am I not his? his wife?
_Phi._ Sweet, nothing less.
_Leo._ I have no name then?
_Phi._ Truly then you have not;
How can you be his wife, who was before
Anothers Husband?
_Leo._ Oh, though he dispence
With his faith given, I cannot with mine.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account