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._ Yes, sir, you may speak your pleasure to her; and, if you have
a mind to go to prayers together, the closet is open.
_Wood._ [_To_ TRICK.] You but suspect it at most, and cannot prove it:
if you value me, you will not engage me in a quarrel with her husband.
_Trick._ Well, in hope you will love me, I will obey.
_Brain._ Now, damsel Tricksy, your dream, your dream!
_Trick._ It was something of a flagelet, that a shepherd played upon
so sweetly, that three women followed him for his music, and still one
of them snatched it from the other.
_Pleas._ [_Aside._] I understand her; but I find she is bribed to
secrecy.
_Limb._ That flagelet was, by interpretation,--but let that pass; and
Mr Woodall, there, was the shepherd, that played the _tan ta ra_ upon
it: but a generous heart, like mine, will endure the infamy no longer;
therefore, Pug, I banish thee for ever.
_Trick._ Then farewell.
_Limb._ Is that all you make of me?
_Trick._ I hate to be tormented with your jealous humours, and am glad
to be rid of them.
_Limb._ Bear witness, good people, of her ingratitude! Nothing vexes
me, but that she calls me jealous; when I found him as close as a
butterfly in her closet.
_Trick._ No matter for that; I knew not he was there.
_Limb._ Would I could believe thee!
_Wood._ You have both our words for it.
_Trick._ Why should you persuade him against his will?
_Limb._ Since you won't persuade me, I care not much; here are the
jewels in my possession, and I'll fetch out the settlement
immediately.
_Wood._ [_Shewing the Box._] Look you, sir, I'll spare your pains;
four hundred a-year will serve to comfort a poor cast mistress.
_Limb._ I thought what would come of your devil's _pater nosters_!
_Brain._ Restore it to him for pity, Woodall.
_Trick._ I make him my trustee; he shall not restore it.
_Limb._ Here are jewels, that cost me above two thousand pounds; a
queen might wear them. Behold this orient necklace, Pug! 'tis pity any
neck should touch it, after thine, that pretty neck! but oh, 'tis the
falsest neck that e'er was hanged in pearl.
_Wood._ 'Twould become your bounty to give it her at parting.
_Limb._ Never the sooner for your asking. But oh, that word parting!
can I bear it? if she could find in her heart but so much grace, as to
acknowledge what a traitress she has been, I think, in my conscience I
could forgive her.
_Trick._ I'll not wrong my innocence so much, nor this gentleman's;
but, since you have accused us falsely, four hundred a-year betwixt us
two will make us some part of reparation.
_Wood._ I answer you not, but with my leg, madam.
_Pleas._ [_Aside._] This mads me; but I cannot help it.
_Limb._ What, wilt thou kill me, Pug, with thy unkindness, when thou
knowest I cannot live without thee? It goes to my heart, that this
wicked fellow--
_Wood._ How's that, sir?
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