Old Geraldine. Not to do’t I should forget myself.--If I find him false To such a friend, be sure he forfeits me; In which to be more punctually resolved, I have a project how to sift his soul, How ’tis inclined,--whether to yonder place, [_Re-enter_ Young Geraldine.] The clear bright palace, or black dungeon. See, They are onward on the way, and he returned. Young Geraldine. I now attend your pleasure. Old Geraldine. You are grown perfect man, and now you float, Like to a well-built vessel, ’tween two currents, Virtue and vice: take this, you steer to harbour; Take that, to imminent shipwreck. Young Geraldine. Pray, your meaning? Old Geraldine. What fathers’ cares are, you shall never know, Till you yourself have children. Now my study Is how to make you such, that you in them May have a feeling of my love to you. Young Geraldine. Pray, sir, expound yourself; for I protest, Of all the languages I yet have learned, This is to me most foreign. Old Geraldine. Then I shall; I have lived to see you in your prime of youth And height of fortune, so you will but take Occasion by the forehead; to be brief, And cut off all superfluous circumstance, All the ambition that I aim at now Is but to see you married. Young Geraldine. Married, sir! Old Geraldine. And, to that purpose, I have found out one Whose youth and beauty may not only please A curious eye, but her immediate means Able to strengthen a state competent, Or raise a ruined fortune. Young Geraldine. Of all which I have, believe me, neither need nor use; My competence best pleasing as it is, And this my singularity[3.31] of life Most to my mind contenting. Old Geraldine. I suspect, But yet must prove him further.-- [_Aside_. Say to my care I add a father’s charge, And couple with my counsel my command-- To that how can you answer? Young Geraldine. That I hope My duty and obedience, still unblamed, Did never merit such austerity, And from a father never yet displeased. Old Geraldine. Nay, then, to come more near unto the point: Either you must resolve for present marriage, Or forfeit all your interest in my love. Young Geraldine. Unsay that language, I entreat you, sir, And do not so oppress me; or, if needs Your heavy imposition stand in force, Resolve me by your counsel. With more safety May I infringe a sacred vow to Heaven, Or to oppose me to your strict command?-- Since one of these I must. Old Geraldine. Now, Delavil, I find thy words too true. [_Aside_. Young Geraldine. For marry, sir, I neither may nor can.