Poetical Works of Robert Bridges, Volume 4Bridges, Robert
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Poetical Works of Robert Bridges, Volume 4
Bridges, Robert
English drama; English poetry
_Mar._ Give rein to jealousy,
Ay, spur it on to falling. Fear the worst, 530
Believe the worst. Thou shalt suspect my brother;
He trifles, loves this lady: choose your tale:
Thou wilt not doubt again.
_Con._ I do not doubt him.
Nay, I will bid him tell me all.
_Mar._ And so
Betray thy doubt to him. Be wiser, madam!
Look to thy cure: indulge thy jealousy:
To which end I encourage it. Indeed,
I am come to think there’s cause, and thy suspicion
Hath much enhanced my mystery. Go thou home:
There make thyself unhappy. I meanwhile 540
Will root this out, and since I am housekeeper
I can go where I will.
_Con._ I pray thee, Margaret ...
_Mar._ I must be jealous where my brother is wronged.
Thou art the accuser, and the evidence
Tells now for thee: ’tis my part to acquit us.
Hinder me not.
_Con._ When wilt thou know?
_Mar._ Maybe
’Tis as thou fearest.
_Con._ Wilt thou mock me so?
_Mar._ I bid thee go. Be sure I’ll come to thee,
Or send thee word.
_Con._ But when?
_Mar._ I make no promise.
I cannot pity thee, and till thou goest 550
I can do nothing.
_Con._ Promise me to send.
_Mar._ I have promised that. Farewell!
_Con._ To-day?
_Mar._ To-day.
Trust me, I go at once. [_Exeunt._
SCENE 2
_Room in the Palace. Enter BLASCO._
_BLASCO._
I have sucked this Ferdinand. Duke Philip bears
Secret despatches sealed, not to be broken
Save on emergency; from which I gather
That if emergency arise, this Philip
Will be our viceroy. Palicio being escaped
Must make the emergency.—Then, where am I?
Packed off to Spain with Hugo’s broken service, 560
To answer his impeachment. ’Tis high time
I cast by these old friends, such as they are,
And turn my face to the rising sun, this Philip.
I see the way too. Manuel’s love for Constance
Hath roused again his former love for her
To a burning jealousy; if I feed that
I win his ear, and make my foe his foe.
As for Palicio, should he hold back
I have a way with him, and can contrive
He shall seize Hugo, or himself be seized, 570
As may suit best. The mischief set on foot,
Philip must break his seals; and I come in
With him as friendly to the people’s rights,
And trusted servant of the crown. By heav’n,
I shall deserve their credit. See, here he comes.
_Enter Philip._
Good morrow to your grace.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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