The Works of John Dryden, Volume 6 | Page 9

if she were a punk, she was good-natured, I warrant her.
_Wood._ [_Aside._] Well, if ever son was blest with a hopeful father, I
am.
_Trick._ Who is that gentleman with you?
_Aldo._ A young monsieur returned from travel; a lusty young rogue; a
true-milled whoremaster, with the right stamp. He is a fellow-lodger,
incorporate in our society: For whose sake he came hither, let him tell
you.
_Wood._ [_Aside._] Are you gloating already? then there's hopes,
i'faith.
_Trick._ You seem to know him, father.
_Aldo._ Know him! from his cradle--What's your name?

_Wood._ Woodall.
_Ald._ Woodall of Woodall; I knew his father; we were contemporaries,
and fellow-wenchers in our youth.
_Wood._ [_Aside._] My honest father stumbles into truth, in spite of
lying.
_Trick._ I was just coming down to the garden-house, before you came.
[TRICKSY _descends._
_Aldo._ I am sorry I cannot stay to present my son, Woodall, to you;
but I have set you together, that's enough for me. [_Exit._
_Wood._ [_Alone._] 'Twas my study to avoid my father, and I have run
full into his mouth: and yet I have a strong hank upon him too; for I am
privy to as many of his virtues, as he is of mine. After all, if I had an
ounce of discretion left, I should pursue this business no farther: but
two fine women in a house! well, it is resolved, come what will on it,
thou art answerable for all my sins, old Aldo--
Enter TRICKSY, _with a box of essences._
Here she comes, this heir-apparent of a sempstress, and a cobler! and
yet, as she's adorned, she looks like any princess of the blood. [_Salutes
her._
_Trick._ [_Aside._] What a difference there is between this gentleman,
and my feeble keeper, Mr Limberham! he's to my wish, if he would but
make the least advances to me.--Father Aldo tells me, sir, you are a
traveller: What adventures have you had in foreign countries?
_Wood._ I have no adventures of my own, can deserve your curiosity;
but, now I think on it, I can tell you one that happened to a French
cavalier, a friend of mine, at Tripoli.
_Trick._ No wars, I beseech you: I am so weary of father Aldo's
Loraine and Crequi.

_Wood._ Then this is as you would desire it, a love-adventure. This
French gentleman was made a slave to the Dey of Tripoli; by his good
qualities, gained his master's favour; and after, by corrupting an eunuch,
was brought into the seraglio privately, to see the Dey's mistress.
_Trick._ This is somewhat; proceed, sweet sir.
_Wood._ He was so much amazed, when he first beheld her leaning
over a balcony, that he scarcely dared to lift his eyes, or speak to her.
_Trick._ [_Aside._] I find him now.--But what followed of this dumb
interview?
_Wood._ The nymph was gracious, and came down to him; but with so
goddess-like a presence, that the poor gentleman was thunder-struck
again.
_Trick._ That savoured little of the monsieur's gallantry, especially
when the lady gave him encouragement.
Wood The gentleman was not so dull, but he understood the favour, and
was presuming enough to try if she were mortal. He advanced with
more assurance, and took her fair hands: was he not too bold, madam?
and would not you have drawn back yours, had you been in the
sultana's place?
_Trick._ If the sultana liked him well enough to come down into the
garden to him, I suppose she came not thither to gather nosegays.
_Wood._ Give me leave, madam, to thank you, in my friend's behalf,
for your favourable judgment. [_Kisses her hand._] He kissed her hand
with an exceeding transport; and finding that she prest his at the same
instant, he proceeded with a greater eagerness to her lips--but, madam,
the story would be without life, unless you give me leave to act the
circumstances. [_Kisses her._
_Trick._ Well, I'll swear you are the most natural historian!

_Wood._ But now, madam, my heart beats with joy, when I come to
tell you the sweetest part of his adventure: opportunity was favourable,
and love was on his side; he told her, the chamber was more private,
and a fitter scene for pleasure. Then, looking on her eyes, he found
them languishing; he saw her cheeks blushing, and heard her voice
faultering in a half-denial: he seized her hand with an amorous ecstacy,
and-- [_Takes her hand._
_Trick._ Hold, sir, you act your part too far. Your friend was
unconscionable, if he desired more favours at the first interview.
_Wood._ He both desired and obtained them, madam, and so will--
_Trick._ [_A noise within._] Heavens! I hear Mr Limberham's voice:
he's returned from Barnet.
_Wood._ I'll avoid him.
_Trick._ That's impossible; he'll meet you. Let me think a
moment:--Mrs Saintly is abroad,