Page:The Tragedy of the Duchesse of Malfy (1623).pdf/22

 Duch. I thanke you (gentle love) And 'cause you shall not come to me, in debt, (Being now my Steward) here upon your lippes I signe your Quietus est: This you should have beg'd now, I have seene children oft eate sweete-meates thus, As fearefull to devoure them too soone.

Ant. But for your Brothers?

Duch. Do not thinke of them, All discord, without this circumference, Is onely to be pittied, and not fear'd: Yet, should they know it, time will easily Scatter the tempest.

Ant. These words should be mine, And all the parts you have spoke, if some part of it Would not have savour'd flattery.

Duch. Kneele.

Ant. Hah?

Duch. Be not amaz'd, this woman's of my Councell, I have heard Lawyers say, a contract in a Chamber, (Per verba presenti) is absolute marriage: Blesse (Heaven) this sacred Gordian, which, let violence Never untwine.

Ant. And may our sweet affections, (like the Sphears) Be still in motion.

Duch. Quickning, and make The like soft Musique.

Ant. That we may imitate the loving Palmes (Best Embleme of a peacefull marriage) That nev'r bore fruite devided.

Duch. What can the Church force more?

Ant. That Fortune may not know an accident Either of joy, or sorrow, to devide Our fixed wishes.

Duch. How can the Church build faster? We now are man, and wife, and 'tis the Church That must but eccho this: Maid, stand a part, I now am blinde.