Page:All for love- or, The world well lost. A tragedy as it is acted at the Theatre-Royal; and written in imitation of Shakespeare's stile. By John Dryden, servant to His Majesty (IA allforloveorworl00indryd).pdf/65

Rh She cries, I'll tell my Brother.

Octav.My hard Fortune Subjects me still to your unkind mistakes. But the Conditions I have brought are such You need not blush to take: I love your Honour, Because 'tis mine; it never shall be said Octavia's Husband was her Brothers Slave. Sir, you are free; free, ev'n from her you loath; For, tho' my Brother bargains for your Love, Makes me the price and cement of your peace, I have a Soul like yours; I cannot take Your Love as alms, nor beg what I deserve. I'll tell my Brother we are reconcil'd; He shall draw back his Troops, and you shall march To rule the East: I may be dropt at Athens; No matter where, I never will complain, But only keep the barren Name of Wife, And rid you of the trouble.

Ven.Was ever such a strife of sullen Honour? Both scorn to be oblig'd.

Dolla.O, she has toucht him in the tender'st part; See how he reddens with despight and shame To be out-done in Generosity!

Ven.See how he winks! how he dries up a tear, That fain would fall!

Ant.Octavia, I have heard you, and must praise The greatness of your Soul; But cannot yield to what you have propos'd: For I can ne'er be conquer'd but by love; And you do all for duty. You would free me, And would be dropt at Athens; was't not so?

Octav.It was, my Lord.

Ant.Then I must be oblig'd To one who loves me not, who, to her self, May call me thankless and ungrateful Man: I'll not endure it, no.

Ven.I'm glad it pinches there.

Octav.Would you triumph o'er poor Octavia's Virtue? That