The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 06 — John Shaqi
The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 06Dryden, John
General
The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 06
Dryden, John
English literature
_Enter_ TRICKSY, _with a box of essences._
Here she comes, this heir-apparent of a sempstress, and a cobler! and
yet, as she's adorned, she looks like any princess of the blood.
[_Salutes her._
_Trick._ [_Aside._] What a difference there is between this gentleman,
and my feeble keeper, Mr Limberham! he's to my wish, if he would but
make the least advances to me.--Father Aldo tells me, sir, you are a
traveller: What adventures have you had in foreign countries?
_Wood._ I have no adventures of my own, can deserve your curiosity;
but, now I think on it, I can tell you one that happened to a French
cavalier, a friend of mine, at Tripoli.
_Trick._ No wars, I beseech you: I am so weary of father Aldo's
Loraine and Crequi.
_Wood._ Then this is as you would desire it, a love-adventure. This
French gentleman was made a slave to the Dey of Tripoli; by his good
qualities, gained his master's favour; and after, by corrupting an
eunuch, was brought into the seraglio privately, to see the Dey's
mistress.
_Trick._ This is somewhat; proceed, sweet sir.
_Wood._ He was so much amazed, when he first beheld her leaning over a
balcony, that he scarcely dared to lift his eyes, or speak to her.
_Trick._ [_Aside._] I find him now.--But what followed of this dumb
interview?
_Wood._ The nymph was gracious, and came down to him; but with so
goddess-like a presence, that the poor gentleman was thunder-struck
again.
_Trick._ That savoured little of the monsieur's gallantry, especially
when the lady gave him encouragement.
_Wood_ The gentleman was not so dull, but he understood the favour,
and was presuming enough to try if she were mortal. He advanced with
more assurance, and took her fair hands: was he not too bold, madam?
and would not you have drawn back yours, had you been in the sultana's
place?
_Trick._ If the sultana liked him well enough to come down into the
garden to him, I suppose she came not thither to gather nosegays.
_Wood._ Give me leave, madam, to thank you, in my friend's behalf, for
your favourable judgment. [_Kisses her hand._] He kissed her hand with
an exceeding transport; and finding that she prest his at the same
instant, he proceeded with a greater eagerness to her lips--but,
madam, the story would be without life, unless you give me leave to
act the circumstances. [_Kisses her._
_Trick._ Well, I'll swear you are the most natural historian!
_Wood._ But now, madam, my heart beats with joy, when I come to tell
you the sweetest part of his adventure: opportunity was favourable,
and love was on his side; he told her, the chamber was more private,
and a fitter scene for pleasure. Then, looking on her eyes, he found
them languishing; he saw her cheeks blushing, and heard her voice
faultering in a half-denial: he seized her hand with an amorous
ecstacy, and-- [_Takes her hand._
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