Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 1.pdf/99

Rh

Ask all but what a soldier may not give.

Vict. 'Tis ever thus when favours are denied, All had been granted but the thing we beg; And still some great unlikely substitute, Your life, your soul, your all of earthly good, Is proffer'd in the room of one small boon. So keep your life-blood, gen'rous, valiant lord, And may it long your noble heart enrich, Until I wish it shed.

''Bas. (attempts to speak.)'' Nay, frame no new excuse; I will not hear it: Bas. Let this sweet hand indeed its threat perform. And make it heav'n to be for ever dumb! O! pardon me, I know not what I do. Frown not, reduce me not to wretchedness, But only grant—

Vict.What should I grant to him Who has so oft my earnest suit deny'd?

Bas. By heav'n I'll grant it! I'll do any thing, Say but thou art no more offended with me.

''Vict. (raising him.)'' Well Basil, this good promise is thy pardon. I will not wait your noble friend's return Since we shall meet again.— You will perform your word!