The Works of Aphra Behn Volume I Part 44

_Hunt._ I never saw his Worship on foot before.

_Car._ Sirrah, none of your Jests, this must be by diabolical Art, and shall cost the Seignior dear-- Men of my Garb affronted-- my Jennet vanisht-- most miraculous-- by St. _Jago_ I'll be revenged-- hah, what's here-- _La Nuche_-- [Surveys her at a distance.

Enter _La Nuche_, _Aurelia_, _Sancho_.

_La Nu._ We are pursu'd by _Beaumond_, who will certainly hinder our speaking to _Willmore_, should we have the good fortune to see him in this Crowd-- and yet there's no avoiding him.

_Beau._ 'Tis she, how carefully she shuns me!

_Aur._ I'm satisfied he knows us by the jealous Concern which appears in that prying Countenance of his.

_Beau._ Stay, Cruel, is it Love or Curiosity, that wings those nimble Feet?

[Holds her.

[_Lucia_ above and _Ariadne_.]

_Aria._ _Beaumond_ with a Woman!

_Beau._ Have you forgot this is the glorious Day that ushers in the Night shall make you mine? the happiest Night that ever favour'd Love!

_La Nu._ Or if I have, I find you'll take care to remember me.

_Beau._ Sooner I could forget the Aids of Life, sooner forget how first that Beauty charm'd me.

_La Nu._ Well, since your Memory's so good, I need not doubt your coming.

_Beau._ Still cold and unconcern'd! How have I doated, and how sacrific'd, regardless of my Fame, lain idling here, when all the Youth of _Spain_ were gaining Honour, valuing one Smile of thine above their Laurels!

_La Nu._ And in return, I do submit to yield, preferring you above those fighting Fools, who safe in Mult.i.tudes reap Honour cheaper.

_Beau._ Yet there is one-- one of those fighting Fools which should'st thou see, I fear I were undone; brave, handsome, gay, and all that Women doat on, unfortunate in every good of Life, but that one Blessing of obtaining Women: Be wise, for if thou seest him thou art lost-- Why dost thou blush?

_La Nu._ Because you doubt my Heart-- 'tis _Willmore_ that he means.

[Aside.] We've Eyes upon us, Don _Carlo_ may grow jealous, and he's a powerful Rival-- at night. I shall expect ye.

_Beau._ Whilst I prepare my self for such a Blessing. [Ex. _Beau._

_Car._ Hah! a Cavalier in conference with _La Nuche_! and entertain'd without my knowledge! I must prevent this Lover, for he's young-- and this Night will surprise her.

[Aside.

_Will._ And you would be restor'd? [To _Petro._

_Pet._ Yes, if there be that Divinity in your Baths of Reformation.

_Will._ There are.

_New Flames shall sparkle in those Eyes; And these grey Hairs flowing and bright shall rise: These Cheeks fresh Buds of Roses wear, And all your withered Limbs so smooth and clear, As shall a general Wonder move, And wound a thousand Hearts with Love._

_Pet._ A Blessing on you, Sir, there's fifty Pistoles for you, and as I earn it you shall have more.

[They lift her down.

[Exit _Willmore_ bowing.

_Shift._ Messieurs, 'tis late, and the Seignior's Patients stay for him at his Laboratory, to morrow you shall see the conclusion of this Experiment, and so I humbly take my leave at this time.

Enter _Willmore_, below sees _La Nuche_, makes up to her, whilst the last part of the Dance is dancing.

_La Nu._ What makes you follow me, Sir?

[She goes from him, he pursues.

_Will._ Madam, I see something in that lovely Face of yours, which if not timely prevented will be your ruin: I'm now in haste, but I have more to say-- [Goes off.

_La Nu._ Stay, Sir-- he's gone-- and fill'd me with a curiosity that will not let me rest till it be satisfied: Follow me, _Aurelia_, for I must know my Destiny.

[Goes out.

[The Dance ended, the Bank removes, the People go off.

_Feth._ Come, _Ned_, now for our amorous Visit to the two Lady Monsters.

[Ex. _Feth._ and _Blunt_.

SCENE II. _Changes to a fine Chamber._

Enter _Ariadne_ and _Lucia_.

_Aria._ I'm thoughtful: Prithee, Cousin, sing some foolish Song--

SONG.

_Phillis_, whose Heart was unconfin'd And free as Flowers on Meads and Plains, None boasted of her being kind, 'Mongst all the languishing and amorous Swains: _No Sighs nor Tears the Nymph could move_ [bis.

_To pity or return their Love._

Till on a time, the hapless Maid Retired to shun the heat o'th' Day, Into a Grove, beneath whose Shade _Strephon_, the careless Shepherd, sleeping lay: _But oh such Charms the Youth adorn,_ [bis.

_Love is revenged for all her Scorn._

Her Cheeks with Blushes covered were, And tender Sighs her Bosom warm; A softness in her Eyes appear, Unusual Pains she feels from every Charm: _To Woods and Echoes now she cries,_ [bis.

_For Modesty to speak denies._

_Aria._ Come, help to undress me, for I'll to this Mountebank, to know what success I shall have with my Cavalier.

[Unpins her things before a great Gla.s.s that is fasten'd.

_Luc._ You are resolv'd then to give him admittance?

_Aria._ Where's the danger of a handsom young Fellow?

_Luc._ But you don't know him, Madam.

_Aria._ But I desire to do, and time may bring it about without Miracle.