This is contriv'd; a studied trick, to abuse My easy nature, and torment my mind. 6co "Sure now she's bound me fast, and means to lord it, "To rein me hard, and ride me at her will, "'Till by degrees she shape me into fool, "For all her future uses. Death and torment!" 'Tis impudence to think my soul will bear it. "Oh, I could grow ev'n wild, and tear my hair !” 'Tis well, Monimia, that thy empire's short; Let but to-morrow, but to-morrow come, And try if all thy arts appease my wrong; ’Till when, be this detested place my bed. [Lies down. Where I will ruminate on woman's ills; Laugh at myself, and curse th' inconstant sex : Enter ERNESTO. Ern. Either My sense has been deluded, or this way, I heard the sound of sorrow; 'tis late night, And none, whose mind's at peace, would wander now. Cast. Who's there? "Ern. A friend. "Cast. If thou'rt so, retire, 620 "And leave this place; for I would be alone." Rise, I beseech you. Cast. If thou art Ernesto, As by thy honesty thou seem'st to be, Ern. I can't leave you, And not the reason know of your disorders. Remember how, when young, I in my arms Have often borne you, pleas'd you in your pleasures, And sought an early share in your affection: Do not discard me now, but let me serve you. Cast. Thou canst not serve me. Ern. Why? Cast. Because my thoughts Are full of woman; thou, poor wretch, art past 'em. Ern. I hate the sex. Cast. Then I'm thy friend, Ernesto. [Rises. I'd leave the world for him that hates a woman. 641 Woman, the fountain of all human frailty! What mighty ills have not been done by woman ?. But quickly woman long'd to go astray; Some foolish, new adventure needs must prove, And the first devil she saw, she chang'd her love; To his temptations lewdly she inclin'd Her soul, and for an apple damn'd mankind. [Exeunt. ACT IV. SCENE 1. A Saloon. Acasto. BLEST be the morning that has brought me health; And I'll forget it, though my mind's not well; I droop and sigh, I know not why. Dark dreams, Sick fancy's children, have been over-busy, 'Twas odd, and for the present, shook my thoughts; Enter POLYDORE. Good-morning, Polydore. Pol. Heav'n keep your Lordship. Acast. Have you yet seen Castalio to-day? Pol. My Lord, 'tis early day; he's hardly risen. 20 Acast. Go, call him up, and meet me in the chapel. [Exit Polydore. I cannot think all has gone well to-night; Enter MONIMIA. Already up, Monimia! you rose Thus early, sure, to outshine the day: Or was there any thing that cross'd your rest? They were naughty thoughts that would not let you sleep. Mon. Whatever are my thoughts, my lord, I've learnt By your example to correct their ills, And morn and evening give up the account. Acast. Your pardon, sweet one, I upbraid you not; Or if I would, you are so good, I could not. "Though I'm deceived, or you're more fair to-day; "For beauty's heightened in your cheeks, and all 40 "Your charms seem up, and ready in your eyes. "Mon. The little share I have's so very mean "That it may easily admit addition; "Though you, my lord, should most of all beware "To give it too much praise, and make me proud. "Acast. Proud of an old man's praises; no, Monimia ! "But if my prayers can work thee any good, "Thou shalt not want the largest share of 'em." Heard you no noise to-night? Mon. Noise! my good lord ! Acast. About midnight. Mon. Indeed, my lord, I don't remember any. Acast. You must sure! went you early to your rest} Mon. About the wonted hour. Why this enquiry? Acast. And went your maid to bed, too! I've seldom known her disobey my orders. [Aside. Acast. Sure, goblins then, or fairies haunt the dwelling; I'll have enquiry made through all the house, [Exit Acastó. Mon. I'll but dispatch some orders to my woman, Enter FLORELLA. And wait upon your lordship there. I fear the priest has play'd us false; if so, I wonder though he made such haste to leave me He scarce afforded one kind parting word, Maid. Why? |