The Works of John Dryden, Volume 6 | Page 9

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, and cannot discover you: have any of the servants seen you?
_Wood._ None.
_Trick._ Then you shall pass for my Italian merchant of essences: here's a little box of them just ready.
_Wood._ But I speak no Italian; only a few broken scraps, which I picked from Scaramouch and Harlequin at Paris.
_Trick._ You must venture that: When we are rid of Limberham, 'tis but slipping into your chamber, throwing off your black perriwig, and riding suit, and you come out an Englishman. No more; he's here.
Enter LIMBERHAM.
_Limb._ Why, how now, Pug? Nay, I must lay you over the lips, to take hansel of them, for my welcome.
_Trick._ [_Putting him back._] Foh! how you smell of sweat, dear!
_Limb._ I have put myself into this same unsavoury heat, out of my violent affection to see thee, Pug. Before George, as father Aldo says, I could not live without thee; thou art the purest bed-fellow, though I say it, that I did nothing but dream of thee all night; and then I was so troublesome to father Aldo, (for you must know he and I were lodged together) that, in my conscience, I did so kiss him, and so hug him in my sleep!
_Trick._ I dare be sworn 'twas in your sleep; for, when you are waking, you are the most honest, quiet bed-fellow, that ever lay by woman.
_Limb._ Well, Pug, all shall be amended; I am come home on purpose