Poetical Works of Robert Bridges, Volume 6Bridges, Robert
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Poetical Works of Robert Bridges, Volume 6
Bridges, Robert
English drama; English poetry
_Pam._ Now,
If this is true, I see you are safe. You would not find
The servant a slattern, where there’s a lover.
_Clin._ Pray go on.
_Ph._ When I told her that you were returned, and had sent for her.
She suddenly stopped in her work; the tears ran down her cheeks
In such a way, it was easy to see ’twas for love of you.—
_Clin._ Perdition take me now, if I know where I am for joy.
I was so afraid.
_Pam._ And Gorgo is coming?
_Ph._ Ay, no fear.
But don’t forget who’s who.
_Pam._ And have you taught the ladies
Their parts?
_Ph._ Antiphila’s part is nothing to learn at all;
Except she must not call your friend by his right name:
But Gorgo—
_Pam._ What?
_Ph._ Why she was hard to persuade, but once
Persuaded, I do not fear her. I am more afraid of you;
Don’t you forget that she doesn’t belong to you, mind!
The slip 573
Of a word might ruin all. And don’t make signs.
_Pam._ Trust me.
See here they come.
_Clin._ I see them.
_Ph._ Stay; let us stand aside;
And watch them till they see us.
_Clin._ Why now?
_Ph._ I say, stand back.
(_They retire._)
_Enter Gorgo and Antiphila._
_GORGO._
Upon my word, my dear Antiphila, I do praise
And envy you too, when I see how all your study has been
To make your mind as charming and sweet as your face. Lord love
you! 579
I’m not surprised at any one wanting to marry you.
I see from what you’ve said what kind of person you are;
And when I come to think of the sort of life, which you
And people like you, lead, who keep admirers off
At arms’-length, then no wonder, I say, that you sh^d be
Just what you are, and others, like me, so different.
Then once your mind made up to share and spend your days
With the man whose disposition is most congenial to you,
He never leaves you more: for mutual benefits
Must bind you so closely, that no misfortune can ever come
To cross your love.
_ANTIPHILA._
I cannot tell what others do; 590
But I know I always have wished, and done my best, to find
My happiness in what pleased him.
_Clin._ (_aside_). Ah, my Antiphila,
And that is why I love you, why I am now returned.
_Gor._ Who is that young man who is standing to look at us?
_Ant._ Ah, hold me up!
_Gor._ Why, what in the world’s the matter, my dear?
_Ant._ I shall die; I shall die.
_Gor._ Do say, what is it astonishes you?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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