_Cur._ But, Sir, methinks ‘tis much that she should yield, With only a bare promise that you’d marry her.
_Fred._ Yes, there was something more--but--
_Cur._ But, what, Sir, you are not married.
_Fred._ Faith, yes, I’ve made a Vow, And that you know would go as far with any other Man.
_Cur._ But she it seems forgot you were the Prince?
_Fred._ No, she urg’d that too, And left no Arguments unus’d Might make me sensible of what I did; But I was fixt, and overcame them all, Repeating still my Vows and Passions for her, Till in the presence of her Maid and Heaven We solemnly contracted.
_Cur._ But, Sir, by your permission, was it well?
_Fred._ What wouldst thou have him do That’s all on fire, and dies for an Enjoyment?
_Cur._ But having gain’d it, do you love her still?
_Fred._ Yes, yes, extremely, And would be constant to the Vows I’ve made, Were I a Man, as thou art of thy self; But with the aid of Counsels I must chuse, And what my Soul adores I must refuse.
_Cur._ This Passion, Sir, Possession will destroy, And you’l love less, the more you do enjoy.
_Fred._ That’s all my hope of cure; I’ll ply that game, And slacken by degrees th’ unworthy flame.
_Cur._ Methinks, my Lord, it had more generous been To’ve check’d that flame when first it did begin, E’er you the slighted Victory had won, And a poor harmless Virgin quite undone: And what is worse, you’ve made her love you too.
_Fred._ Faith, that’s the greater mischief of the two; I know to such nice virtuous Souls as thine, My juster Inclination is a Crime: But I love Pleasures which thou canst not prize, Beyond dull gazing on thy Mistress Eyes, The lovely Object which enslaves my Heart, Must yet more certain Cures than Smiles impart: --And you on _Laura_ have the same design.
_Cur._ Yes, Sir, when justify’d by Laws Divine.
_Fred._ Divine! a pleasant Warrant for your Sin, Which being not made, we ne’er had guilty been. But now we speak of _Laura_, Prithee, when is’t that I shall see that Beauty?
_Cur._ Never, I hope. [Aside.] I know not, Sir, Her Father still is cruel, and denies me, What she and I have long made suit in vain for: But, Sir, your Interest might prevail with him, When he shall know I’m one whom you esteem; He will allow my flame, and my address, He whom you favour cannot doubt Success.