The Works of John Dryden | Page 8

a proof sufficient of my constancy.
Har. Jun. I heard him say he never had returned, but that his masters of the East India company preferred him large conditions.
Isab. You do bely him basely.
Har. Jun. As much as I do you, in saying you are fair; or as I do myself, when I declare I die for you.
Isab. If this be earnest, you have done a most unmanly and ungrateful part, to court the intended wife of him, to whom you are most obliged.
Har. Jun. Leave me to answer that: Assure yourself I love you violently, and, if you are wise, you will make some difference betwixt Towerson and me.
Isab. Yes, I shall make a difference, but not to your advantage.
Har. Jun. You must, or falsify your knowledge; an Englishman, part captain, and part merchant; his nation of declining interest here: Consider this, and weigh against that fellow, not me, but any, the least and meanest Dutchman in this isle.
Isab. I do not weigh by bulk: I know your countrymen have the advantage there.
Har. Jun. Hold back your hand, from firming of your faith; you will thank me in a little time, for staying you so kindly from embarking in his ruin.
Isab. His fortune is not so contemptible as you would make it seem.
Har. Jun. Wait but one month for the event.
Isab. I will not wait one day, though I were sure to sink with him the next: So well I love my Towerson, I will not lose another sun, for fear he should not rise to-morrow. For yourself, pray rest assured, of all mankind, you should not be my choice, after an act of such ingratitude.
Har. Jun. You may repent your scorn at leisure.
Isab. Never, unless I married you.
Enter TOWERSON.
Tow. Now, my dear Isabinda, I dare pronounce myself most happy: Since I have gained your kindred, all difficulties cease.
Isab. I wish we find it so.
Tow. Why, is aught happened since I saw you last? Methinks a sadness dwells upon your brow, like that I saw before my last long absence. You do not speak: My friend dumb too? Nay then, I fear some more than ordinary cause produces this.
Har. Jun. You have no reason, Towerson, to be sad; you are the happy man.
Tow. If I have any, you must needs have some.
Har. Jun. No, you are loved, and I am bid despair.
Tow. Time and your services will perhaps make you as happy, as I am in my Isabinda's love.
Har. Jun. I thought I spoke so plain, I might be understood; but since I did not, I must tell you, Towerson, I wear the title of your friend no longer, because I am your rival.
Tow. Is this true, Isabinda?
Isab. I should not, I confess, have told you first, because I would not give you that disquiet; but since he has, it is too sad a truth.
Tow. Leave us, my dear, a little to ourselves.
Isab. I fear you will quarrel, for he seemed incensed, and threatened you with ruin. [To him aside.
Tow. 'Tis to prevent an ill, which may be fatal to us both, that I would speak with him.
Isab. Swear to me, by your love, you will not fight.
Tow. Fear not, my Isabinda; things are not grown to that extremity.
Isab. I leave you, but I doubt the consequence. [Exit ISAB.
Tow. I want a name to call you by; friend, you declare you are not, and to rival, I am not yet enough accustomed.
Har. Jun. Now I consider on it, it shall be yet in your free choice, to call me one or other; for, Towerson, I do not decline your friendship, but then yield Isabinda to me.
Tow. Yield Isabinda to you?
Har. Jun. Yes, and preserve the blessing of my friendship; I'll make my father yours; your factories shall be no more oppressed, but thrive in all advantages with ours; your gain shall be beyond what you could hope for from the treaty: In all the traffic of these eastern parts, ye shall--
Tow. Hold! you mistake me, Harman, I never gave you just occasion to think I would make merchandize of love; Isabinda, you know, is mine, contracted to me ere I went for England, and must be so till death.
Har. Jun. She must not, Towerson; you know you are not strongest in these parts, and it will be ill contesting with your masters.
Tow. Our masters? Harman, you durst not once have named that word, in any part of Europe.
Har. Jun. Here I both dare and will; you have no castles in Amboyna.
Tow. Though we have not, we yet have English hearts, and courages not to endure affronts.
Har. Jun. They may be tried.
Tow. Your father sure will not maintain you in this insolence; I know he is too honest.
Har. Jun. Assure yourself he will espouse my quarrel.
Tow. We would complain to England.
Har.