The Maids Tragedy | Page 9

no, in this
heart There dwels as much desire, and as much will To put that wisht
act in practice, as ever yet Was known to woman, and they have been
shown Both; but it was the folly of thy youth, To think this beauty (to
what Land soe're It shall be call'd) shall stoop to any second. I do enjoy
the best, and in that height Have sworn to stand or die: you guess the
man.
Amint. No, let me know the man that wrongs me so, That I may cut his
body into motes, And scatter it before the Northern wind.
Evad. You dare not strike him.
Amint. Do not wrong me so; Yes, if his body were a poysonous plant,
That it were death to touch, I have a soul Will throw me on him.
Evad. Why 'tis the King.
Amint. The King!
Evad. What will you do now?
Amint. 'Tis not the King.
Evad. What, did he make this match for dull _Amintor_?
Amint. Oh! thou hast nam'd a word that wipes away All thoughts
revengeful: in that sacred name, The King, there lies a terror: what frail
man Dares lift his hand against it? let the Gods Speak to him when they
please; Till then let us suffer and wait.
Evad. Why should you fill your self so full of heat, And haste so to my
bed? I am no Virgin.
Amint. What Devil put it in thy fancy then To marry me?

Evad. Alas, I must have one To Father Children, and to bear the name
Of Husband to me, that my sin may be more honourable.
Amint. What a strange thing am I!
Evad. A miserable one; one that my self am sorry for.
Amint. Why shew it then in this, If thou hast pity, though thy love be
none, Kill me, and all true Lovers that shall live In after ages crost in
their desires, Shall bless thy memory, and call thee good, Because such
mercy in thy heart was found, To rid a lingring Wretch.
Evad. I must have one To fill thy room again, if thou wert dead, Else by
this night I would: I pity thee.
Amint. These strange and sudden injuries have faln So thick upon me,
that I lose all sense Of what they are: methinks I am not wrong'd, Nor is
it ought, if from the censuring World I can but hide it--Reputation,
Thou art a word, no more; but thou hast shown An impudence so high,
that to the World I fear thou wilt betray or shame thy self.
Evad. To cover shame I took thee, never fear That I would blaze my
self.
Amint. Nor let the King Know I conceive he wrongs me, then mine
honour Will thrust me into action, that my flesh Could bear with
patience; and it is some ease To me in these extreams, that I knew this
Before I toucht thee; else had all the sins Of mankind stood betwixt me
and the King, I had gone through 'em to his heart and thine. I have lost
one desire, 'tis not his crown Shall buy me to thy bed: now I resolve He
has dishonour'd thee; give me thy hand, Be careful of thy credit, and sin
close, 'Tis all I wish; upon thy Chamber-floore I'le rest to night, that
morning visiters May think we did as married people use. And prethee
smile upon me when they come, And seem to toy, as if thou hadst been
pleas'd With what we did.
Evad. Fear not, I will do this.

Amint. Come let us practise, and as wantonly As ever loving Bride and
Bridegroom met, Lets laugh and enter here.
Evad. I am content.
Amint. Down all the swellings of my troubled heart. When we walk
thus intwin'd, let all eyes see If ever Lovers better did agree.
[Exit.
Enter Aspatia, Antiphila and Olympias.
Asp. Away, you are not sad, force it no further; Good Gods, how well
you look! such a full colour Young bashful Brides put on: sure you are
new married.
Ant. Yes Madam, to your grief.
Asp. Alas! poor Wenches. Go learn to love first, learn to lose your
selves, Learn to be flattered, and believe, and bless The double tongue
that did it; Make a Faith out of the miracles of Ancient Lovers. Did you
ne're love yet Wenches? speak Olympias, Such as speak truth and dy'd
in't, And like me believe all faithful, and be miserable; Thou hast an
easie temper, fit for stamp.
Olymp. Never.
Asp. Nor you _Antiphila_?
Ant. Nor I.
Asp. Then my good Girles, be more than Women, wise. At least be
more than I was; and be sure you credit any thing the light gives light
to, before a man;