_W. Green_. Oh, bond of destiny!--Fair bond, that seal'st My fate in happiness! I'll read thee yet Again--although thou'rt written on my heart. But here his hand, indicting thee, did lie! And this the tracing of his fingers! So I read thee that could rhyme thee, as my prayers! "At morn to-morrow I will make you mine. Will you accept from me the name of wife-- The name of husband give me in exchange?" The traitress! to break ope my billet-doux, And take the envelope!--But I forgive her, Since she did leave the rich contents behind. Amelia, give this feather more a slope, That it sit droopingly. I would look all Dissolvement, nought about me to bespeak Boldness! I would appear a timid bride, Trembling upon the verge of wifehood, as I ne'er before had stood there! That will do. Oh dear!--How I am agitated--don't I look so? I have found a secret out,-- Nothing in woman strikes a man so much As to look interesting! Hang this cheek Of mine! It is too saucy; what a pity To have a colour of one's own!--Amelia! Could you contrive, dear girl, to bleach my cheek, How I would thank you! I could give it then What tint I chose, and that should be the hectic Bespeaks a heart in delicate commotion. I am much too florid! Stick a rose in my hair, The brightest you can find, 'twill help, my girl, Subdue my rebel colour--Nay, the rose Doth lose complexion, not my cheek! Exchange it For a carnation. That's the flower, Amelia! You see how it doth triumph o'er my cheek. Are you content with me? _Amelia_. I am, my lady. _W. Green_. And whither think you has the hussy gone, Whose place you fill so well?--Into the country? Or fancy you she stops in town? _Amelia_. I can't Conjecture. _W. Green_. Shame upon her!--Leave her place Without a moment's warning!--with a man, too! Seemed he a gentleman that took her hence? _Amelia_. He did. _W. Green_. You never saw him here before? _Amelia_. Never. _W. Green_. Not lounging on the other side Of the street, and reconnoitring the windows? _Amelia_. Never. _W. Green_. 'Twas planned by letter. Notes, you know, Have often come to her--But I forgive her, Since this advice she chanced to leave behind Of gentle Master Waller's wishes, which I bless myself in blessing!--Gods, a knock! 'Tis he! Show in those ladies are so kind To act my bridemaids for me on this brief And agitating notice. [AMELIA goes out.] Yes, I look A bride sufficiently! And this the hand That gives away my liberty again. Upon my life it is a pretty hand, A delicate and sentimental hand! No lotion equals gloves; no woman knows The use of them that does not sleep in them! My neck hath kept its colour wondrously! Well; after all it is no miracle That I should win the heart of a young man. My bridemaids come!--Oh dear! [Enter two Ladies.] _First Lady_. How do you, love? A good morning to you--Poor dear, How much you are affected! Why we thought You ne'er would summon us.