The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 05Dryden, John
History
The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 05
Dryden, John
English literature
_Har. Jun._ Sir, my father, I hope, has in part satisfied you, that
what I spoke was only an effect of sudden passion, of which I am now
ashamed; and desire it may be no longer lodged in your remembrance,
than it is now in my intention to do you any injury.
_Tow._ Your father may command me to more difficult employments, than
to receive the friendship of a man, of whom I did not willingly
embrace an ill opinion.
_Har. Jun._ Nothing henceforward shall have power to take from me that
happiness, in which you are so generously pleased to reinstate me.
_Har. Sen._ Why this is as it should be; trust me, I weep for joy.
_Beam._ Towerson is easy, and too credulous. I fear 'tis all
dissembled on their parts. [_Aside._
_Har. Sen._ Now set we forward to the castle; the bride is there
before us.
_Tow._ Sir, I wait you. [_Exeunt_ HARMAN _Sen._ TOWERSON, BEAMONT,
_and_ VAN HERRING.
_Enter Captain_ PEREZ.
_Fisc._ Now, captain, when perform you what you promised, concerning
Towerson's death?
_Per._ Never.--There, Judas, take your hire of blood again.
[_Throws him a purse._
_Har. Jun._ Your reason for this sudden change?
_Per._ I cannot own the name of man, and do it.
_Har. Jun._ Your head shall answer the neglect of what you were
commanded.
_Per._ If it must, I cannot shun my destiny.
_Fisc._ Harman, you are too rash; pray hear his reasons first.
_Per._ I have them to myself, I'll give you none.
_Fisc._ None? that's hard; well, you can be secret, captain, for your
own sake, I hope?
_Per._ That I have sworn already, my oath binds me.
_Fisc._ That's enough: we have now chang'd our minds, and do not wish
his death,--at least as you shall know. [_Aside._
_Per._ I am glad on't, for he's a brave and worthy gentleman; I would
not for the wealth of both the Indies have had his blood upon my soul
to answer.
_Fisc._ [_Aside to_ HARMAN.] I shall find a time to take back our
secret from him, at the price of his life, when he least dreams of it;
meantime 'tis fit we speak him fair. [_To_ PEREZ.] Captain, a reward
attends you, greater than you could hope; we only meant to try your
honesty. I am more than satisfied of your reasons.
_Per._ I still shall labour to deserve your kindness in any honourable
way. [_Exit_ PEREZ.
_Har. Jun._ I told you that this Spaniard had not courage enough for
such an enterprise.
_Fisc._ He rather had too much of honesty.
_Har. Jun._ Oh, you have ruined me; you promised me this day the death
of Towerson, and now, instead of that, I see him happy! I'll go and
fight him yet; I swear he never shall enjoy her.
_Fisc._ He shall not, that I swear with you; but you are too rash, the
business can never be done your way.
_Har. Jun._ I'll trust no other arm but my own with it.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account