The Lady of Pleasure: A Comedie, as It Was Acted by Her Majesties Servants, at the Private House in Drury LaneShirley, James
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The Lady of Pleasure: A Comedie, as It Was Acted by Her Majesties Servants, at the Private House in Drury Lane
Shirley, James
Comedy plays; English drama -- 17th century
_Lor._ I see men would dissect me to a fibre,
But doe you beleeve this? _Cel._ It is my wonder!
I must confesse a man of nobler earth
Then goes to vulgar composition,
Borne and bred high, so unconfind, so rich
In fortunes, and so read in all that summe
Vp humane knowledge, to feed gloriously,
And live at court, the onely spheare wherein
True beauty moves, natures most wealthy garden,
Where every blossome is more worth, than all
The _Hesperian_ fruite, by jealous Dragon watch'd
Where all delights doe circle appetite,
And pleasures multiply by being tasted,
Should be so lost with thought of one, turne ashes.
There's nothing left my Lord that can excuse you,
Vnlesse you pleade, what I am asham'd to prompt
Your wisedome too? _Lo._ What that? _Cel._ That you have plaid
The Surgeon with your selfe. _Lo._ And am made Eunuch.
_Cel._ It were much pitty. _Lo._ Trouble not your selfe,
I could convince your feares with demonstration
That I am man enough, but knew not where
Vntill this meeting beauty dwelt; the court
You talk'd of must be where the queene of love is,
Which moves but with your person, in your eye
Her glory shines, and onely at that flame
Her wanton boy doth light his quickning torch.
_Cel._ Nay now you complement, I would it did
My Lord for your owne sake. _Lor._ You would be kind,
And love me then. _Cel._ My Lord I should be loving
Where I found worth to invite it, and should cherish
A constant man. _Lor._ Then you should me Madam.
_Cel._ But is the ice about your heart fallen off,
Can you returne to doe what love commands?
_Cupid_ thou shalt have instand sacrifice,
And I dare be the Priest. _Lor._ Your hand, your lip,
Now I am proofe gainst all temptation.
_Cel._ Your meaning my good Lord. _Lor._ I that have strength
Against thy voyce and beauty, after this
May dare the charmes of womankind, thou art
_Bella Maria_ unprophaned yet,
This Magicke has no power upon my bloud.
Farewell Madam, if you durst be the example
Of chaste as well as faire, thou wert a brave one.
_Cel._ I hope your Lordship meanes not this for earnest,
Be pleasd to grace a banquet. _Lo._ Pardon Madam.
_Will Sentlove_ follow, I must laugh at you.
_Cel._ My Lord I must beseech you stay, for honour
For her whose memory you love best. _Lo._ Your pleasure.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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