My lord Randulpho, brother to your father, that time That his own son might look for, had he one; Viol. Gentle, gentle Gerrard, Be cheer'd and hope the best. My mother, father, Being the only branch of all their stocks: But neither they, nor he thou would'st not grieve I'll rather silent die, that thou may'st live To see thy little offspring grow and thrive. Violanta is attended in Childbed by her mother Angelina Viol. Mother, I'd not offend you; might not Gerrard Steal in and see me in the evening? Angel. Well, Bid him do so. Viol. Heaven's blessing on your heart. Do ye not call child-bearing travel, mother? Angel. Yes. Viol. It well may be. The bare-foot traveller That's born a prince, and walks his pilgrimage, Whose tender feet kiss the remorseless stones Only, ne'er felt a travel like to it. Alas, dear mother, you groan'd thus for me, And yet how disobedient have I been! Angel. Peace, Violanta: thou hast always been Gentle and good. Viol. Gerrard is better, mother: O if you knew the implicit innocency Dwells in his breast, you'd love him like your prayers. I see no reason but my father might Be told the truth, being pleas'd for Ferdinand To woo himself: and Gerrard ever was His full comparative; my uncle loves him, Angel. No, not for the world, Since his intent is cross'd: lov'd Ferdinand Viol. As you please, mother. I am now, methinks, Angel. Draw in Violanta describes how her love for Gerrard began. Viol. Gerrard's and my affection began In infancy: my uncle brought him oft In long coats hither. The little boy would kiss me, being a child, He wooed so prettily in innocence, That then he warm'd my fancy. * Violanta's prattle is very pretty and so natural in her situation, that I could not resist giving it a place. Juno Lucina was never invoked with more elegance. Pope has been praised for giving dignity to a game of cards. It required at least as much address to ennoble a lying-in. THE MAID'S TRAGEDY. BY FRANCIS BEAUMONT, AND JOHN FLETCHER. Amintor, a noble Gentleman, promises marriage to Aspatia, and forsakes her by the King's command to wed Evadne.-The grief of Aspatia at being forsaken, described. This lady Walks discontented, with her watry eyes The marriage-night of Amintor and Evadne. EVADNE. ASPATIA. DULA, and other Ladies. Evad. Would thou could'st instill Some of thy mirth into Aspatia. [TO DULA. Asp. It were a timeless smile should prove my cheek; It were a fitter hour for me to laugh, When at the altar the religious priest With sacrifice, than now. This should have been To young Amintor's bed, as we are now Or both thought so; perhaps he found me worthless, (These credulous ears) he pour'd the sweetest words Evad. Nay, leave this sad talk, madam. Asp. Would I could, then should I leave the cause. Asp. Lay a garland on my hearse of the dismal yew; My love was false, but I was firm from my hour of birth; Madam, good night ;-may no discontent Grow 'twixt your love and you; but if there do, To keep your sorrow waking. Love your lord Come all and watch one night about my hearse ; With flattering ivy clasp my coffin round, Evad. Alas, I pity thee. [AMINTOR enters, Asp. Go and be happy in your lady's love; [To AMINTOR. May all the wrongs that you have done to me, Be utterly forgotten in my death. I'll trouble you no more, yet I will take A parting kiss, and will not be denied. You'll come, my lord, and see the virgins weep That I was once your love (though now refus'd) Than to have had another true to me. Aspatia wills her Maidens to be sorrowful, because she is so Asp. Come, let's be sad, my girls, Asp. Yes, that piece. This should be Theseus, h' as a cozening face; You meant him for a man? Ant. He was so, madam, Asp. Why then 'tis well enough. Never look back, You have a full wind, and a false heart, Theseus. Does not the story say, his keel was split, Or his masts spent, or some kind rock or other Met with his vessel? Ant. Not as I remember. Asp. It should ha' been so could the gods know this, And not of all their number raise a storm? |