The Works of Aphra Behn Volume I Part 82

_Alon._ Would to G.o.d 'twere come but to that, I was just upon the Point of it when you enter'd. But I know not what the Devil there is in that Face of yours, but it has debauch'd every sober Thought about me: Faith, do not let us marry yet.

_Euph._ If we had not proceeded too far to retreat, I should be content.

_Alon._ What shall I come to? all on the sudden to leave delicious whoring, drinking and fighting, and be condemn'd to a dull honest Wife.

Well, if it be my ill Fortune, may this Curse light on thee that has brought me to't: may I love thee even after we are married to that troublesome Degree, that I may grow most d.a.m.nable jealous of thee, and keep thee from the Sight of all Mankind, but thy own natural Husband, that so thou may'st be depriv'd of the greatest Pleasure of this Life, the Blessing of Change.

_Euph._ I am sorry to find so much ill Nature in you; would you have the Conscience to tie me to harder Conditions than I would you?

_Alon._ Nay, I do not think I shall be so wickedly loving; but I am resolv'd to marry thee and try.

_Euph._ My Father, Sir, on with your Disguise. [To them _Carlo_.

_Car._ Well, Sir, how do you like my Daughter?

_Alon._ So, so, she'll serve for a Wife.

_Car._ But do you find her willing to be so?

_Alon._ 'Tis not a half-penny matter for that, as long as my Father and you are agreed upon the matter,

_Car._ Well, _Euphemia_, setting all foolish Modesty aside, how do you like this Man?

_Euph._ As one, whom in Obedience to you, I am content to cast my self away upon.

_Car._ How seems his Humour to you?

_Euph._ Indifferent, Sir, he is not very courtly, something rough and hasty.

_Car._ I fear she has found his ill Quality of Valour too; and since 'tis certain 'tis so, why should it be said that I ruin'd a Child to satisfy my Appet.i.te of Riches?

[Aside.

Come, Daughter, can you love him, or can you not? For I'll make but short Work on't; you are my Daughter, and have a Fortune great enough to inrich any Man; and I'm resolv'd to put no Force upon your Inclinations.

_Euph._ How's this! nay, then 'tis time I left dissembling.

[Aside.] Sir, this Bounty in you has strangely overcome me, and makes me asham'd to have withstood your Will so long.

_Car._ Do not dissemble with me, I say do not; for I am resolv'd you shall be happy.

_Euph._ Sir, my Obedience shall--

_Car._ No more of your Obedience; I say again, do not dissemble, for I'm not pleas'd with your Obedience.

_Euph._ This Alteration is very strange and sudden; pray Heaven he have not found the Cheat.

[Aside.

Love, Sir, they say will come after Marriage; pray let me try it.

_Car._ Few have found it so; nor shall you experience it at so dear a Rate as your Ruin.

_Euph._ But, Sir, methinks I am grown to love him more since he spoke to me, than before.

_Car._ The Effects of your Obedience again.

_Euph._ This is a strange Alteration, Sir; not all my Tears and Prayers before I saw him, could prevail with you. I beseech you, Sir, believe me.

_Car._ Nor should now, had I not another Reason for't.

_Euph._ Oh, I fear-- But, Sir--

_Car._ Go to, I'll be better satisfy'd e'er I proceed farther-- both of your Inclinations, and his Courage.

[Aside.

_Euph._ Do you consider his Wealth, Sir?

_Car._ That shall not now befriend him.

_Alon._ Sir, I bar whispering; 'tis not in my Bargain, nor civil: I'll have fair Play for my Money.

_Car._ I am only knowing my Daughter's Pleasure; she is a little peevish, as Virgins use in such Cases; but wou'd that were all, and I'd endeavour to reconcile her.

_Alon._ I thank you, Sir; in the mean time I'll take a Walk for an Hour or two, to get me a better Stomach both to my Dinner and Mistress.

_Car._ Do so, Sir. Come, _Euphemia_, I will give you a Proof of my Indulgence, thou shalt marry no valiant Fools! valiant, quoth ye. Come, come-- had he been peaceable and rich-- Come, come-- [Ex. with _Euphemia_.

_Lov._ Well, now I'll go look after my _Dutchman_, lest he surprize us here, which must not be; where shall I find you?

_Alon._ I'll wait upon my Prince, and then on you here.

_Lov._ Do so, and carry on this Humour. Adieu.

SCENE II. _A flat Grove._

Enter _Haunce_ in a fantastical travelling Habit, with a Bottle of Brandy in his Hand, as sick: _Gload_ marches after.

_Hau._ Ah, ah, a pox of all Sea-Voyages. [Drinks.

Here, _Gload_, take thee t'other Sope, and then let's home.

[_Gload_ drinks.

Ah, ah, a pox of all Sea-Voyages.

_Gload._ Sir, if I may advise, take t'other turn in the Grove, for I find by my Nose you want more airing.

_Hau._ How, Sirrah! by your Nose? have a care, you know 'tis ill jesting with me when I'm angry.

_Gload._ Which is as often as you are drunk; I find it has the same Effects on me too: but truly, Sir, I meant no other than that you smell a little of the Vessel, a certain sour remains of a Storm about you.

_Hau._ Ah, ah, do not name a Storm to me, unless thou wilt have the Effects on't in thy Face.

[Drinks.

_Gload._ Sha, sha, bear up, Sir, bear up.