The Works of John Dryden | Page 8

another parting from thee, nor promise thee to live three
other years, if thou again goest hence.
Tow. I never will without you.
Har. Sen. I said before, we should but trouble ye.
Tow. You make me blush; but if you ever were a lover, sir, you will
forgive a folly, which is sweet, though, I confess, 'ts much extravagant.
Har. Jun. He has but too much cause for this excess of joy; oh happy,
happy Englishman! but I unfortunate! [Aside.
Tow. Now, when you please, lead on.
Har. Sen. This day you shall be feasted at the castle,
Where our great
guns shall loudly speak your welcome.
All signs of joy shall through
the isle be shewn,
Whilst in full rummers we our friendship crown.
[Exeunt.
ACT II. SCENE I.
Enter_ ISABINDA, _and_ HARMAN _Junior.
Isab. This to me, from you, against your friend!
Har. Jun. Have I not eyes? are you not fair? Why does it seem so
strange?
Isab. Come, it is a plot betwixt you: My Englishman is jealous, and has
sent you to try my faith: he might have spared the experiment, after a
three years absence; that was 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