Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 1.pdf/97

Rh

And proves indeed our freedom is but small, Who are constrain'd, when such a lady sues, To say it cannot be.

Vict. It cannot be! Count Basil says not so.

Ros. For that I am his friend, to save him pain I take th'ungracious office on myself.

Vict. How ill thy face is suited to thine office!

Ros, smiling. Would I could suit mine office to my face, If that would please your highness.

Vict. No, you are obstinate and perverse all, And would not grant it if you had the pow'r. Albini I'll retire; come Isabella.

Bas, aside to Ros. Ah! Rosinberg, thou hast too far presum'd; She is offended with us.

Ros.No, she is not— What dost thou fear? be firm and let us go. These are apartments strangers love to see; Some famous paintings do their walls adorn. It leads you also to the palace court As quickly as the way by which you came.

[ Vict. led out by Ros. and followed by Isab.

I might as well as he, now by her side Have held her precious hand enclos'd in mine; As well as he, who cares not for it neither. O! damn it, but he does! that were impossible!