_Wild_. How shall I find it out?

_True_. Affect to love Another. Say your pa.s.sion thrives; the day Is fixed; and pray her undertake the part Of bridemaid to your bride. 'Twill bring her out.

_Wild_. You think she'll own her pa.s.sion?

_True_. If she loves.

_Wild_. I thank thee! I will try it! Master Trueworth, What shall I say to thee, to give her up, And love her so?

_True_. Say nothing.

_Wild_. n.o.ble friend!

Kind friend! Instruct another man the way To win thy mistress! Thou'lt not break my heart?

Take my advice, thou shalt not be in love A month! Frequent the playhouse!--walk the Park!

I'll think of fifty ladies that I know, Yet can't remember now--enchanting ones!

And then there's Lancashire!--and I have friends In Berkshire and in Wiltshire, that have swarms Of daughters! Then my shooting-lodge and stud!

I'll cure thee in a fortnight of thy love!

And now to neighbour Constance--yet almost I fear accosting her--a hundred times Have I essayed to break my mind to her, But still she stops my mouth with restless scorn!

Howe'er, thy scheme I'll try, and may it thrive!

For I am sick for love of neighbour Constance.

Farewell, dear Master Trueworth! Take my counsel-- Conquer thy pa.s.sion! Do so! Be a man!

[Goes out.]

_True_. Feat easy done that does not tax ourselves!

[Enter Phoebe.]

_Phoebe_. A letter, sir.

[Goes out.]

_True_. Good sooth, a roaming one, And yet slow traveller. This should have reached me In Lombardy.--The hand! Give way, weak seal, Thy feeble let too strong for my impatience!

Ha! Wronged!--Let me contain myself!--Compelled To fly the roof that gave her birth!--My sister!

No partner in her flight but her pure honour!

I am again a brother. Pillow, board, I know not till I find her.

[Enter WALLER.]

_Wal_. Master Trueworth!

_True_. Ha! Master Waller! Welcome, Master Waller.

_Wal_. Good Master Trueworth, thank you. Finding you From home, I e'en made bold to follow you, For I esteem you as a man, and fain Would benefit by your kind offices.

But let me tell you first, to your reproof, I am indebted more than e'er I was To praise of any other! I am come, sir, To give you evidence I am not one Who owns advice is right, and acts not on't.

_True_. Pray you explain.

_Wal_. Will you the bearer be Of this to one has cause to thank you, too, Though I the larger debtor?--Read it, sir.

_True_. [Reading the letter.] "At morn to-morrow I will make you mine; Will you accept from me the name of wife-- The name of husband give me in exchange?"

_Wal_. How say you, sir?

_True_. 'Tis boldly--n.o.bly done!

_Wal_. If she consents--which affectation 'twere To say I doubt--bid her prepare for church, And you shall act the father, sir, to her You did the brother by.

_True_. Right willingly, Though matter of high moment I defer, Mind, heart, and soul, are all enlisted in!

_Wal_. May I implore you, haste! A time is set!-- How light an act of duty makes the heart!

[They go out together.]

SCENE III.--Another Chamber in Sir William's house.

[CONSTANCE discovered.]

_Con_. I'll pine to death for no man! Wise it were, Indeed, to die for neighbour Wildrake--No!-- I know the duty of a woman, better-- What fits a maid of spirit! I am out Of patience with myself, to cast a thought Away upon him. Hang him! Lovers cost Nought but the pains of luring. I'll get fifty, And break the heart of every one of them!

I will! I'll be the champion of my s.e.x, And take revenge on shallow, fickle man, Who gives his heart to fools, and slights the worth Of proper women! I suppose she's handsome!

My face 'gainst hers, at hazard of mine eyes!

A maid of mind! I'll talk her to a stand, Or tie my tongue for life! A maid of soul!

An artful, managing, dissembling one!

Or she had never caught. Him!--he's no man To fall in love himself, or long ago I warrant he had fall'n in love with me!

I hate the fool--I do! Ha, here he comes.

What brings him hither? Let me dry my eyes; He must not see I have been crying. Hang him, I have much to do, indeed, to cry for him!

[Enter WILDRAKE]

_Wild_. Your servant, neighbour Constance.

_Con_. Servant, sir!

Now what, I wonder, comes the fool to say, Makes him look so important?

_Wild_. Neighbour Constance, I am a happy man.

_Con_. What makes you so?

_Wild_. A thriving suit.

_Con_. In Chancery?

_Wild_. Oh, no!

In love.

_Con_. Oh, true! You are in love! Go on!