Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 1.pdf/113

Rh

Isab. 'Twas in the publick garden.

Vict.Even so; Perch'd in his nurse's arms, a roughsome quean, Ill suited to the lovely charge she bore. How steadfastly he fix'd his looks upon me, His dark eyes shining thro' forgotten tears! Then stretch'd his little arms, and call'd me mam! What could I do! I took the bantling home— I could not tell the imp he had no mam!

Alb. Ah! there my child, thou hast indeed no blame.

Vict. Ay, this is kindly said, thanks sweet Albini! Still call me child, and chide me as thou wilt. O! would that I were such as thou couldst love! Couldst dearly love! as thou didst love my mother.

I know not that she went so near my heart As thou, with all thy faults.

Vict. And sayst thou so? would I had sooner known! I had done any thing to give thee pleasure.

Alb. Then do so now, and put away thy faults.

Vict. No, say not faults; the freaks of thoughtless youth.

Alb. Nay, very faults they must indeed be call'd.

Vict. O! say but foibles! youthful foibles only!

Alb. Faults, faults, real faults you must confess they are.

Vict. In truth, I cannot do your sense the wrong To think so poorly of the one you love.