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
_Limb._ You may go, madam; but I shall beseech your ladyship to leave
the key of the still-house door behind you: I have a mind to some of
the sweet-meats you have locked up there; you understand me. Now, for
the old dog-trick! you have lost the key, I know already, but I am
prepared for that; you shall know you have no fool to deal with.
_Trick._ No; here is the key: Take it, and satisfy your foolish
curiosity.
_Limb._ [_Aside._] This confidence amazes me! If those two gipsies
have abused me, and I should not find him there now, this would make
an immortal quarrel.
_Trick._ [_Aside._] I have put him to a stand.
_Limb._ Hang it, it is no matter; I will be satisfied: If it comes to
a rupture, I know the way to buy my peace. Pug, produce the key.
_Trick._ [_Takes him about the neck._] My dear, I have it for you:
come, and kiss me. Why would you be so unkind to suspect my faith now!
when I have forsaken all the world for you.--[_Kiss again._] But I am
not in the mood of quarrelling to-night; I take this jealousy the best
way, as the effect of your passion. Come up, and we will go to bed
together, and be friends. [_Kiss again._
_Limb._ [_Aside._] Pug is in a pure humour to-night, and it would vex
a man to lose it; but yet I must be satisfied:--and therefore, upon
mature consideration, give me the key.
_Trick._ You are resolved, then?
_Limb._ Yes, I am resolved; for I have sworn to myself by Styx; and
that is an irrevocable oath.
_Trick._ Now, see your folly: There's the key. [_Gives it him._
_Limb._ Why, that is a loving Pug; I will prove thee innocent
immediately: And that will put an end to all controversies betwixt us.
_Trick._ Yes, it shall put an end to all our quarrels: Farewell for
the last time, sir. Look well upon my face, that you may remember it;
for, from this time forward, I have sworn it irrevocably too, that you
shall never see it more.
_Limb._ Nay, but hold a little, Pug. What's the meaning of this new
commotion?
_Trick._ No more; but satisfy your foolish fancy, for you are master:
and, besides, I am willing to be justified.
_Limb._ Then you shall be justified. [_Puts the Key in the Door._
_Trick._ I know I shall: Farewell.
_Limb._ But, are you sure you shall?
_Trick._ No, no, he is there: You'll find him up in the chimney, or
behind the door; or, it may be, crowded into some little galley-pot.
_Limb._ But you will not leave me, if I should look?
_Trick._ You are not worthy my answer: I am gone. [_Going out._
_Limb._ Hold, hold, divine Pug, and let me recollect a little.--This
is no time for meditation neither: while I deliberate, she may be
gone. She must be innocent, or she could never be so confident and
careless.--Sweet Pug, forgive me. [_Kneels._
_Trick._ I am provoked too far.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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