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/75

Rh I soonest could forgive you, if you should.

Ven.Most delicate advances! Woman! Woman! Dear damn'd, inconstant Sex!

Cleop.In the first place, I am to be forsaken; is't not so?

Dolla.I wish I could not answer to that question.

Cleop.Then pass it o'er, because it troubles you: I should have been more griev'd another time. Next, I'm to lose my Kingdom.Farewel, Egypt. Yet, is there any more?

Dolla.Madam, I fear Your too deep sense of grief has turn'd your reason.

Cleop.No, no, I'm not run mad; I can bear Fortune: And Love may be expell'd by other Love, As Poysons are by Poysons.

Dolla.—You o'erjoy me, Madam, To find your griefs so moderately born. You've heard the worst; all are not false, like him.

Cleop.No; Heav'n forbid they should.

Dolla.Some men are constant.

Cleop.And constancy deserves reward, that's certain.

Dolla.Deserves it not; but give it leave to hope.

Ven.I'll swear thou hast my leave. I have enough: But how to manage this! Well, I'll consider.

Dolla.I came prepar'd, To tell you heavy news; news, which I thought, Would fright the blood from your pale cheeks to hear: But you have met it with a cheerfulness That makes my task more easie; and my tongue, Which on anothers message was employ'd, Would gladly speak its own.

Cleop.Hold, Dollabella. First tell me, were you chosen by my Lord? Or sought you this employment?

Dolla.He pick'd me out; and, as his bosom-friend, He charg'd me with his words.

Cleop.The message then I know was tender, and each accent smooth, To mollifie that rugged word Depart. Dolla.