_True_. Impossible! Most possible of things-- If thou'rt in love! Where merit lies itself, What matters it to want the name, which weighed, Is not the worth of so much breath as it takes To utter it! If, but from Nature's hand, She is all you could expect of gentle blood, Face, form, mien, speech; with these, what to belong To lady more behoves--thoughts delicate, Affections generous, and modesty-- Perfectionating, brightening crown of all!-- If she hath these--true titles to thy heart-- What does she lack that's title to thy hand? The name of lady, which is none of these, But may belong without? Thou mightst do worse Than marry her. Thou wouldst, undoing her, Yea, by my mother's name, a shameful act Most shamefully performed! _Wal_. [Starting up and drawing.] Sir! _Nev_. [And the others, interposing.] Gentlemen! _True_. All's right! Sit down!--I will not draw again. A word with you: If--as a man--thou sayest, Upon thy honour, I have spoken wrong, I'll ask thy pardon!--though I never hold Communion with thee more! _Wal_. [After a pause, putting up his sword.] My sword is sheathed! Wilt let me take thy hand? _True_. 'Tis thine, good sir, And faster than before--A fault confessed Is a new virtue added to a man! Yet let me own some blame was mine. A truth May be too harshly told--but 'tis a theme I am tender on--I had a sister, sir, You understand me!--'Twas my happiness To own her once--I would forget her now!-- I have forgotten!--I know not if she lives!-- Things of such strain as we were speaking of, Spite of myself, remind me of her!--So!-- _Nev_. Sit down! Let's have more wine. _Wild_. Not so, good sirs. Partaking of your hospitality, I have overlooked good friends I came to visit, And who have late become sojourners here-- Old country friends and neighbours, and with whom I e'en take up my quarters. Master Trueworth, Bear witness for me. _True_. It is even so. Sir William Fondlove and his charming daughter. _Wild_. Ay, neighbour Constance. Charming, does he say? Yes, neighbour Constance is a charming girl To those that do not know her. If she plies me As hard as was her custom in the country, I should not wonder though, this very day, I seek the home I quitted for a month! [Aside.] Good even, gentlemen. _Hum_. Nay, if you go, We all break up, and sally forth together. _Wal_. Be it so--Your hand again, good Master Trueworth! I am sorry I did pain you. _True_. It is thine, sir. [They go out.] SCENE III.--Sir William Fondlove's House.--A Room. [Enter SIR WILLIAM FONDLOVE.]