Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 1.pdf/354

352

Jane, archly. Knowing your prudence.—You are welcome, madam, So shall Count Freberg's lady ever be.

Freb. He is indeed a man, within whose breast, Firm rectitude and honour hold their seat, Tho' unadorned with that dignity Which were their fittest garb. Now, on my life! I know no truer heart than Rezenvelt.

De Mon. Well, Freberg, well, there needs not all this pains To garnish out his worth; let it suffice. I am resolv'd I will respect the man, As his fair station and repute demand. Methinks I see not at your jolly feasts The youthful knight, who sung so pleasantly.

Freb. A pleasant circumstance detains him hence; Pleasant to those who love high gen'rous deeds Above the middle pitch of common minds; And, tho' I have been sworn to secrecy, Yet must I tell it thee. This knight is near a kin to Rezenvelt To whom an old relation, short while dead, Bequeath'd a good estate, some leagues distant. But Rezenvelt, now rich in fortune's store, Disdain'd the sordid love of further gain, And gen'rously the rich bequest resign'd To this young man, blood of the same degree