Page:Passions 2.pdf/98

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Mrs. B. None that I will not most cheerfully fulfil.

Balt. Ah! thou art a fair flower planted on an ungracious soil, and I have nursed thee rudely.

Mrs. B. O, no! you were most kind and gentle once.

Balt. And I will be so again, Isabella: for this viper gnaw'd at my heart, and I could be gentle to nothing; not even to thee. But my heart feels lighter now: I will be rough to thee no more.

Ha! my friend! good morning to you! Nay, nay: (taking his hand frankly.) don't be afraid to look at me: I wear no desponding face upon it. (pointing to the bare walls of his prison.) You see what a happy thing it is to have a liberal, generous, magnificent rival to contend with. Have you seen any of my good noisy friends on your way?

True. Yes, crowds of them; and I really believe this arrest will gain you your election. There is something in man that always inclines him to the side of the oppressed.

Balt. Ay, by God! and the savage feels it more strongly than the philosopher.

True. He was always a ridiculous ostentatious fellow; but if Freeman has thought to ruin your cause by the unworthy means you hint at, he is the greatest fool as well as the greatest knave in the community.

Balt. (ironically.) Don't be too severe upon him! he has been bred to turn his money to good account,