The Works of Aphra Behn Volume Iv Part 112

_Prince._ No, my _Mirtilla_, if it be thy Fate, I'll grasp thee, ev'n in Flames, and die with thee.

_Mir._ We die! we die! the Flame takes hold of us.

Enter _George_ with a Ladder, and puts it to the Window.

_Prince._ Ha! some pitying G.o.d takes care of us. Haste, haste, my Charmer; Heav'n has sent us Aid.

[Puts her on the Ladder, she descends into _George's_ Arms; after her, the _Prince_. _George_ puts her into _Manage's_ Arms, she faints; he runs up to receive the _Prince_.

_Prince._ _Lejere!_ dear Man of Luck--Some happy Star reign'd at thy glorious Birth; every thing is prosperous thou espousest.--How fares my Love, the Treasure of my Soul?

_Man._ Only fainting with the Fright, but she recovers.

_Prince._ My Chair there, quickly, that waits for me.--

Enter Chair; he puts her, and _Manage_ into it.

Enter _Olivia_.

Carry 'em to Mr. _Welborn's_, to my Lodgings there, and then return to me; for I am wondrous faint, and cannot walk.

_Oliv._ Ha! by my Life, my Man!

_Prince._ But if I might impose so much, _Lejere_, upon thy Friendship, I beg thou wouldst see her safely carry'd to my Lodgings at _Welborn's_.

_Geo._ You shall command me, Sir.

[Exeunt Chair, _George_ and _Britton_.

_Oliv._ You seem not well, Sir, pray repose upon my Arm a while.

_Prince._ I thank you, Sir, indeed I am not well.

_Oliv._ Methinks I find a Pleasure but in touching him--Wou'd I cou'd see his Face by all this fatal Light.

Enter _Constable_ and Watch.

_Const._ So, so, the Fire abates, the Engines play'd rarely, and we have Ten Guineas here, Neighbours, to watch about the House; for where there's Fire, there's Rogues--Hum, who have we here?--How now, Mr.--Hum, what have you got under your Arm there, ha? Take away this Box of Jewels.

[Sir _Morgan_, and Sir _Merlin_, creeping out of the Cellar Window.

Ha, who have we here creeping out of the Cellar-Window? more Rogues!

Sir _Mer._ Sirrah! you're a Baud, Sirrah! and for a Tester will wink at the Vices of the Nation, Sirrah! Call men of the best Quality Rogues!

that have stood for Knights of the Shire, and made the Mobile drunk, Sirrah!

_Const._ We cry you Mercy, Sir, we did not know your Worships.

Sir _Morg._ Lookye, de see, here's a Crown for you; carry us to the next Tavern, and we'll make thee, and all thy Mirmidons, as drunk as a Boat in a Storm.

_Oliv._ Sir, I find you have Interest with these arbitrary Tyrants of the Parish; pray will you bail me, and this Gentleman?

Sir _Mer._ What, _Endimion_! my Lady _Mirtilla's_ Page? He lent me Money to Night at the Ba.s.set-Table; I'll be bound Hand and Foot for him, Mr.

Constable, and, gad, we'll all to the Tavern, and drink up the Sun, Boys.

_Oliv._ Yonder Gentleman too has receiv'd some hurt by the Fire, and must go home, Sir; but you must restore him the Box, Mr. Constable.

Sir _Morg._ Ay, ay, lookye, de see, return the Gentleman all; they're Gentlemen, and our intimate Friends, d'ye see.

[Exeunt _Prince_, and _Olivia_.

Enter a _Servant_.

_Const._ Stand: Who goes there?

Sir _Morg._ _Philip_--Lookye, d'ye see, he shall along with us to the Tavern.

_Serv._ Sir _Morgan_, I came to seek you: your Lady Mother sent me back on purpose; she has spoil'd her Beauty with crying for you.

Sir _Morg._ And wash'd off all her Paint?--Or so, de see! Gad sa' me, _Philip_, this is ill Luck. Come, let us go drink down Sorrow.

_Serv._ Being sent of such an Errand, as your Safety, Sir, I dare not stay and drink now, before I've satisfy'd your Mother.

Sir _Mer._ Not drink! I charge you in the King's Name, Mr. Constable, bring him along.

[The _Constable_ and Watch seize him.

Sings.

_Wise c.o.xcombs be d.a.m.n'd, here's a Health to the Man, That since Life is but short, lives as long as he can._

[Exeunt.

ACT IV.

SCENE I. _The _Prince's_ Lodgings_.

Enter Page with Lights, sets 'em on the Table. [Ex.

Enter _Mirtilla_, led by Mrs. _Manage_.

_Mir._ Ha! where am I, _Manage_?

_Man._ Heav'n be thanked, Madam, at the Prince's Lodgings.

_Mir._ What happy Star conducted us, and sav'd us from the Fury of the Flames?