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
_Are._ What devill? How I tremble. _Ale._ Have a heart,
Twas a shee devill too, a most insatiate
Abominable devill with a taile
Thus long. _Are._ Goodnesse defend me, did you see her?
_Al._ No twas i'th darke, but she appeard first to me
I'th likenesse of a Bedlam, and was brought
I know not how, nor whither, by two Goblins,
More hooded than a Hawke. _Are._ But would you venter
Vpon a devill? _Al._ I for meanes. _Are._ How blacke
An impudence is this? But are you sure
It was the devill you enjoy'd. _Al._ Say nothing,
I did the best to please her, but as sure
As you live, twas a Helcat. _Are._ Dee not quake?
_Al._ I found my selfe the very same i'th morning,
Where two of her familiars had left me. _Enter Servant._
_Ser._ My Lord is come to visite you. _Al._ No words,
As you respect my safety, I ha told tales
Out of the devills schoole, if it be knowne
I lose a friend, tis now about the time
I promis'd her to meete agen, at my
Returne Ile tell you wonders, not a word. _Exit._
_Are._ Tis a false glasse, sure I am more deform'd,
What have I done, my soule is miserable. _Enter Lord._
_Lor._ I sent you a letter Madam. _Are._ You exprest
Your noble care of me my Lord. _Enter Bornwell, Celestina._
_Bor._ Your Lordship
Does me an honour. _Lor._ Madam I am glad
To see you here, I meant to have kist your hand
Ere my returne to Court. _Cel._ Sir _Thomas_ has
Prevaild to bring me to his trouble hither.
_Lor._ You doe him grace. _Bor._ Why whats the matter Madam?
Your eyes are tuning _Lachrimæ_. _Are._ As you
Doe hope for heaven withdraw, and give me but
The patience of ten minutes. _Born._ Wonderfull!
I wonot heare you above that proportion,
Shee talkes of heaven, come, where must we to counsell?
_Ar._ You shall conclude me when you please. _Bo._ I follow.
_Lor._ What alteration is this? I that so late
Stood the temptation of her eye, and voyce,
Boasted a heart, 'bove all licentious flame,
At second veiw turne renegade, and thinke
I was too superstitious, and full
Of phlegme not to reward her amorous Courtship
With manly freedome. _Cel._ I obey you sir.
_Bor._ Ile waite upon your Lordship presently.
_Lor._ She could not want a cunning to seeme honest
When I neglected her, I am resolv'd,
You still looke pleasant Madam. _Cel._ I have cause
My Lord, the rather for your presence, which
Hath power to charme all trouble in my thoughts.
_Lor._ I must translate that complement and owe
All that is cheerefull in my selfe to these
All quickning smiles, and rather than such bright
Eyes should repent their influence upon me,
I would release the aspects, and quit the bountie
Of all the other starres; Did you not thinke me
A strange and melancholy gentleman
To use you so unkindly. _Cel._ Me my Lord?
_Lor._ I hope you made no loude complaint, I wod not
Be tride by a Jury of Ladies. _Cel._ For what my Lord?
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