_N._ I have a verse to fit. [_Reciting._ The flowers of dawn are uplifted to hear The birds’enamoured tune, Which tell their love in the pale ear Of the far-flying moon. _D._ That’s very beautiful. Now, tell your love: I fly. [_Goes to Sir Gregory._ Sir Gregory, sit you to the table: These are the articles. [_They sit, D. shews papers._ _GREGORY._ I much regret 1650 The small provision that I make for Laura. But if St. Nicholas doth as he has promised, That will suffice. I see the treaty lacks Nought but the seals. _D._ He will make Laura rich. _G._ My elder brother, as your ladyship knows, Is childless, and next heir to such estates, As fairly promise Laura twenty times As much as what St. Nicholas gives her now. Meanwhile we must not reckon on this chance. _D._ Read it, Sir Gregory. 1660 _L._ (_to N._). The day is fixed, and there my father sits Reading the settlement: what would you more? _N._ O Laura, More gracious words. Who that now heard us talk Would guess we were to marry in two days? _L._ Maybe we are not. _N._ Nay, dear one, do not doubt me: Have I not sworn my faith a thousand times? And were I an emperor.... _L._ Who wants emperors? _N._ Or even a prince. _L._ I do not care for princes. _G._ (_aloud_). Heigh! heigh! Why this will never do. What’s this? _N._ But what can now prevent our marriage, Laura? _L._ Human affairs are ever so uncertain,— 1671 And one of us might die,—and if ’twas you, Think how much needless sorrow I then should suffer For having loved you now. And, seeing the risk, ’Twere scarcely prudent to commit myself More than is necessary. _N._ O cruel wisdom! Are women all so careful of their feelings? _G._ Why, what a blundering fellow! _D._ What is’t, Sir Gregory? _G._ Heigh! _N._ But when we are married thou wilt love me, Laura? _L._ Yes, when we are married. 1680 _N._ I can wait for that: ’Tis but two days;—and now we speak of it, I wish that thou wouldst tell me in what colour ’Twould please thee that I dressed. Or wilt thou come, O’erlook the suits my tailor has prepared, And say which pleases best. _L._ Sir, since you strike The very root of the chord, I’ll tell you how You may best please me. There was once a man I liked, whose custom it was to dress in black: If you will dress like him.... _N._ In black! _G._ (_Laura listens._) Your ladyship, 1690 I cannot sign this contract—the provision I look for is not here; the scribe has blundered. This is no settlement at all. Who drew it? _D._ Frederick.