3 he and I am : if a bowl of blood rawn from this arm of mine would poison thee, draught of his would cure thee. Interest in Virtue. Why, my lord, are you so moved at this? When any falls from virtue, I am distract, have an interest in't. When I am gone, dream me some happiness; Nor praise, nor dispraise me, nor bless, nor curse, Assail'd, fight, taken, stabb'd, bleed, fall, and die. CUPID'S CUPID'S REVENGE. A TRAGEDY. BY FRANCIS BEAUMONT AND JOHN FLETCHER. Leucippus, the King's Son, takes to mistress, Bacha, a Widow; but being questioned by his Father, to preserve her honour, swears that she is chaste. The old King admires her, and on the credit of that Oath, while his Son is absent, ʼmarries her. Leucippus, when he discovers the dreadful consequences of the deceit which he had used to his Father, counsels his friend Ismenus never to speak a falsehood in any case. Leu. My sin, Ismenus, has wrought all this ill: And do not lie, if any man should ask thee Be sure thou do not lie, make no excuse Will make that seed which thou hast sown of lies, Yield miseries a thousand fold Upon thine head, as they have done on mine. Leucippus and his wicked Mother-in-law, Bacha, are left alone together for the first time after her marriage with the King, his Father. Bach. He stands As if he grew there, with his eyes on earth. Leu. Leu. Madam, 'tis true, Heaven pardon it. Bach. Amen, sir: you may think That I have done you wrong in this strange marriage. Leu. 'Tis past now. Bach. But it was no fault of mine: The world had call'd me mad, had I refus'd Leu. Tis a truth, That takes my sleep away; but would to heaven, With having you myself: but since 'tis thus, A son owes to a mother; more than this Is not in me, but I must leave the rest When they have given me punishment enough As unexpected means to ease my grief Bach. Grown so godly? This must not be, and I will be to you Leu. Bless me, I should urge you! may be at peace, For For I do feel a weakness in myself That can deny you nothing; if you tempt me And run to meet it. Leu. If you knew how far It were from me, you would not urge an oath. Bach. Swear not. I cannot move him. This sad talk Of things past help, does not become us well. Shall I send one for my musicians, and we'll dance? Leu. Dance, madam? Bach. Yes, a Lavolta. Leu. I cannot dance, madam. Bach. Then let's be merry. Leu. I am as my fortunes bid me. Do not you see me sour? Bach. Yes. And why think you I smile? Leu. I am so far from any joy myself, I cannot fancy a cause of mirth. Bach. Yes, Leu. 'Tis true: what then? Bach. What then? You make my smiling now break into laughter: What think you is to be done then? To Leu. We should pray to heaven for mercy. Bach. Pray! that were a way indeed pass the time. Leu. I dare not think I understand you. Bach. I must teach you then. Come kiss me. Bach. Yes, be not asham'd: You did it not yourself, I will forgive you. Leu. Keep, you displeased gods, the due respect I ought to bear unto this wicked woman, As she is now my mother: haste within me, Bach Bach. Leave these melancholy moods, That I may swear thee welcome on thy lips A thousand times. Leu. Pray leave this wicked talk; You do not know to what my father's wrong Bach. I'm careless, and do weigh The world, my life, and all my after hopes, Bach. Pity me, behold a duchess Kneels for thy mercy. What answer will you give? My meaning to you. Bach. Shall I be contemn'd? Thou art a beast, worse than a savage beast, To let a lady kneel. Leu. 'Tis your will, heaven: but let me bear me Like myself, however she does. Bach. How fond was I To beg thy love! I'll force thee to my will. Leu. All you have nam'd, but making of me sin That is due from me to my father's wife. Bach. Lord, how full of wise formality you're grown Of late but you were telling me, You could have wish'd that I had married you; |