English drama (Comedy); English drama -- 17th century
_Man._ Whist!
_Fid._ 'Tis a strange revenge, indeed.
_Man._ If you make me stay, I shall keep my word, and begin with you.
No more. [_Exit at the same door_ OLIVIA _went out by._
_Fid._
O Heavens! is there not punishment enough
In loving well, if you will have't a crime,
But you must add fresh torments daily to't,
And punish us like peevish rivals still,
Because we fain would find a heaven here?
But did there never any love like me,
That untried tortures you must find me out?
Others at worst, you force to kill themselves;
But I must be self-murdress of my love,
Yet will not grant me power to end my life,
My cruel life; for when a lover's hopes
Are dead and gone, life is unmerciful.
[_Sits down and weeps._
_Re-enter_ MANLY.
_Man._ I have thought better on't: I must not discover myself now I am
without witnesses; for if I barely should publish it, she would deny
it with as much impudence, as she would act it again with this young
fellow here.--Where are you?
_Fid._ Here--oh--now I suppose we may be gone.
_Man._ I will; but not you. You must stay and act the second part of a
lover, that is, talk kindness to her.
_Fid._ Not I, sir.
_Man._ No disputing, sir, you must; 'tis necessary to my design of
coming again to-morrow night.
_Fid._ What, can you come again then hither?
_Man._ Yes; and you must make the appointment, and an apology for your
leaving her so soon; for I have said not a word to her; but have kept
your counsel, as I expect you should do mine. Do this faithfully, and
I promise you here, you shall run my fortune still, and we will never
part as long as we live; but if you do not do it, expect not to live.
_Fid._ 'Tis hard, sir; but such a consideration will make it easier.
You won't forget your promise, sir?
_Man._ No, by Heavens! But I hear her coming. [_Exit._
_Re-enter_ OLIVIA.
_Oliv._ Where is my life? Run from me already! You do not love me,
dearest; nay, you are angry with me, for you would not so much as speak
a kind word to me within: what was the reason?
_Fid._ I was transported too much.
_Oliv._ That's kind.--But come, my soul, what make you here? Let us go
in again; we may be surprised in this room, 'tis so near the stairs.
_Fid._ No, we shall hear the better here, if anybody should come up.
_Oliv._ Nay, I assure you, we shall be secure enough within: come,
come--
_Fid._ I am sick, and troubled with a sudden dizziness; and cannot stir
yet.
_Oliv._ Come, I have spirits within.
_Fid._ O! don't you hear a noise, madam?
_Oliv._ No, no; there is none: come, come. [_Pulls her._
_Fid._ Indeed there is; and I love you so much, I must have a care of
your honour, if you won't, and go; but to come to you to-morrow night,
if you please.
_Oliv._ With all my soul. But you must not go yet; come, prithee.
_Fid._ Oh!--I'm now sicker, and am afraid of one of my fits.
_Oliv._ What fits?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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