The Works of Aphra Behn Volume Ii Part 31

_Ors_. But, Geron, still to live! still thus to live In expectation of that future Bliss, (Though I believ'd it) is a sort of Virtue I find the G.o.ds have not inspir'd me with.

_Ger_. Philosophy will teach you, Sir,--

_Ors_. Not to be wise, or happy-- I'll hear no more of your Philosophy.

--Leave me.--for I of late desire to be without thee.

_Ger_. This Disobedience, Sir, offends the G.o.ds--

_Ors_. Let 'em do their worst, For I am weary of the Life they gave.

_Ger_. He grows too wise to be impos'd upon, And I unable to withstand his Reasons.-- [Ger. _goes out_.

[Ors. _lies on the Ground_.

_Enter_ Urania, _and Keeper_.

_Keeper_. The Ring is sufficient Warrant, and your Path on the right Hand will lead you to the Lord _Amintas_-- but have a care you advance no further that way.-- [_Exit Keeper_.

_Ura_. What strange Disorder does possess my Soul!

And how my Blood runs shivering through my Veins, As if, alas, 't had need of all its Aid.

At this encounter with my dear _Amintas_.

_Ors_. Ha! what Noise is that? [_He rouzes_.

_Ura_. I heard a Voice that way--or else it was the fear This gloomy Place possesses all that enter it: --Stay, I was forbad that Walk.

--Heavens! I have forgot which 'twas I should have taken, I'll call my Love to guide me--_Amintas, Amintas_--

_Ors_. What Voice is that?

Methought it had more sweetness in't than _Geron's_-- [_Rises, gazes, then runs fiercely to her_.

--Ha--what charming thing art thou?

_Ura_. 'Tis not _Amintas_--yet I should not fear, He looks above the common rate of Men.

--Sir, can you direct my way To find a Prisoner out they call _Amintas_!

_Ors_.--Oh G.o.ds! it speaks, and smiles, and acts like me; It is a Man, a wondrous lovely Man!

Whom Nature made to please me.

--Fair thing, pray speak again: Thy Voice has Musick in't that does exceed All _Geron's_ Lutes, pray bless my Ears again.

_Ura_. Sir, as you're n.o.ble, as you are a Gentleman, Instruct me where to find my Lord _Amintas_.

_Ors_. Bright Creature! sure thou wert born i'th' upper World, Thy Language is not what we practise here; Speak on, thou Harmony to every Sense, Ravish my Ear as well as Sight and Touch.

_Ura_. Surely he's mad--nay, Sir, you must not touch me.

_Ors_. Perhaps thou art some G.o.d descended hither, [_Retires and bows_.

And cam'st to punish, not to bless thy Creatures?

Instruct me how to adore you so, As to retain you here my Houshold G.o.d, And I and Geron still will kneel and pray to you.

_Ura_. Alas, I am a Woman.

_Ors_. A Woman! what's that?

Something more powerful than a Deity; For sure that Word awes me no less than t'other.

_Ura_. What can he mean?--oh, I shall die with fear-- [_Aside_.

--Sir, I must leave you.

_Ors_. Leave me! oh no, not for my future Being!

You needs must live with me, and I will love you; I've many things that will invite you to't, I have a Garden compa.s.s'd round with Sea, Which every day shall send fresh Beauties forth, To make the Wreaths to crown thy softer Temples.

Geron shall deck his Altar up no more; The gaudy Flowers shall make a Bed for thee, Where we will wanton out the heat o'th' day-- What things are these, that rise and fall so often, [_Touches her b.r.e.a.s.t.s_.

Like Waves, blown gently up by swelling Winds?

Sure thou hast other Wonders yet unseen, Which these gay things maliciously do hide.

_Ura_. Alas, I am undone, what shall I do?-- [_Aside_.

_Ors_. Nature, thy Conduct's wise! nor could thy Favours Be giv'n to one more apprehensive of 'em?

--Say, lovely Woman! for I am all on fire, Impatient of delay, Can you instruct me what I am to do? [_Sighs_.

Undress, and let me lead thee to my Bed.

_Ura_. Alas, Sir, what to do? defend me, Heaven! [_Aside_.

_Ors_. Why, I will hold thee--thus, between my Arms, --I'll see thee sleep, and wonder at thy Form, --Then wake thee to be gazing on thy Eyes, --And something more--but yet I know not what.

_Ura_. His whole Discourse amazes me, And has more Ignorance than Madness in't: --But how shall I get free?

_Ors_. Thou grow'st impatient too, come, let us in--

[_Goes to take her in, she strives to get free, he struggles with her_.

_Ura_. Hold off, you are too rude.

_Ors_. This is the prettiest play I e'er was at, But I shall gain the better.-- [_Takes her in his Arms to carry her off_.

_Ura_. Help, help!

_Enter_ Amintas _in Fetters_.

_Amin_. A Woman's Voice!--Villain, unhand the Lady.

_Ors_. Ha! what new thing art thou?

_Amin. One sent from Heaven to punish Ravishers.-- [_s.n.a.t.c.hes_ Ura. _while_ Ors. _is gazing on him_.

_Ors_. Thou'st call'd up an unwonted Pa.s.sion in me, And these be the effects on't.

[Ors. _strikes him_; _they struggle and fall_.

_Enter_ Geron.

_Ger_. Hah! what's the matter here? a Woman too!

We are undone--Madam, I pray retire-- For here's no safety for your s.e.x.