The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 02Dryden, John
General
The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 02
Dryden, John
English literature
_Fail_. One way there is.--Sir Timorous, pray walk a turn, while
Burr and I confer a little upon this matter.--Look you, Burr, there is
but one remedy in nature, I vow to gad; that is, for you to have a new
Sir Timorous, exceeding this person in bounty to you. Observe, then;
in Sir Timorous' place will I go, and, egad, I'll marry my lady
Constance; and then, from the bowels of friendship, bless thee with a
thousand pounds, besides lodging and diet for thy life, boy.
_Burr_. Umph, very well thought on.--No, sir! you shall trust
to my bounty; I'll go in his place. Murmur or repine, speak the least
word, or give thy lips the least motion, and I'll beat thee till thou
art not in condition to go.
_Fail_. I vow to gad, this is extreme injustice.--Was it not my
invention?
_Burr_. Why, dost thou think thou art worthy to make use of thy
own invention?--Speak another word, d'ye see!--Come, help me quickly
to strip Sir Timorous; his coat may conduce to the deceit.--Sir
Timorous, by your leave. [_Fatts on him_.
_Tim_. O, Lord! what's the matter?--Murder? murder!
_Burr_. D'ye open? I have something in my pocket that will serve
for a gag, now I think on't.
[_Gags, and binds him_.
So, lie there, knight. Come, sir, and help to make me Sir Timorous;
and, when I am married, remember to increase your manners with my
fortune.--Yet we'll always drink together. [_Exeunt_.
ACT V. SCENE I.
_Enter_ CONSTANCE, ISABELLA, _and_ NONSUCH.
_Const_. This is just the knight's hour; and lovers seldom come
after their time.
_Non_. Good night, daughter; I'll to bed, and give you joy
to-morrow morning. [_Exit_.
_Isa_. I'm glad he's gone: What, your train takes?
_Const_. Yes, yes; Loveby will come: Setstone has been with him
in disguise; and promised him golden mountains, if he will not be
wanting to his own fortune.
_Isa_. Is your habit provided too?
_Const_. All is ready.
_Isa_. Away then; for this is the place where we must part like
knights errant, that take several paths to their adventures.
_Const_. 'Tis time, for I hear somebody come along the alley;
without question 'tis Timorous. Farewell; the chaplain stays for me in
the chamber.
_Isa_. And I'll post after you to matrimony; I have laid a fresh
parson at the next stage, that shall carry me tantivy.
[_Exit_ CONSTANCE.
_Enter_ BURR _with_ TIMOROUS'S _coat on_.
_Burr_. My lady Constance!
_Isa_. The same: Sir Timorous?
_Burr_. The same.
_Isa_. Sir Timorous takes me for my cousin.
[_Aside_.
_Burr_. My lady Constance mistakes me for the knight.
[_Aside_.
_Isa_. Here, sir; through the dark walk: 'tis but a little way
about--He's my own beyond redemption--
[_Aside_.
_Burr_. The Indies are mine; and a handsome lady into the
bargain.
[_Excunt_.
_Enter_ FAILER, _dogging them, as they go off_.
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