Page:The maid's tragedy (IA maidstragedy00beau 0).pdf/26

14 You're best to practise.

Evad.Sure, this wench is mad.

Dula.No, 'faith, this is a trick that I have had Since I was fourteen.

Evad.'Tis high time to leave it.

Dula.Nay, now I'll keep it, till the trick leave me. A dozen wanton words, put in your head, Will make you livelier in your husband's bed.

Evad.Nay, 'faith, then take it.

Dula.Take it, madam? where? We all, I hope, will take it, that are here.

Evad.Nay, then, I'll give you o'er.

Dula.So will I make The ablest man in Rhodes, or his heart ache.

Evad.Wilt take my place to-night?

Dula.I'll hold your cards 'gainst any two I know.

Evad.What wilt thou do?

Dula.Madam, we'll do't, and make 'em leave play too.

Evad.Aspatia, take her part.

Dula.I will refuse it. She will pluck down a side; she does not use it.

Evad.Why, do.

Dula.You will find the play Quickly, because your head lies well that way.

Evad.I thank thee, Dula. 'Would thou could'st instil Some of thy mirth into Aspatia! Nothing but sad thoughts in her breast do dwell: Methinks, a mean betwixt you would do well.

Dula.She is in love: Hang me, if I were so, But I could run my country. I love, too, To do those things that people in love do.

Aspatia.It were a timeless smile should prove my cheek: It were a fitter hour for me to laugh, When at the altar the religious priest Were pacifying the offended powers With sacrifice, than now. This should have been My night; and all your hands have been employed In giving me a spotless offering To young Amintor's bed, as we are now For you. Pardon, Evadne; 'would my worth Were great as yours, or that the king, or he, Or both, thought so! Perhaps he found me worthless: But, till he did so, in these ears of mine, These credulous ears, he pour'd the sweetest words That art or love could frame. If he were false, Pardon it, Heaven! and if I did want Virtue, you safely may forgive that too; For I have lost none that I had from you.

Evad.Nay, leave this sad talk, madam.

Aspatia.Would I could, then should I leave the Cause.

Evad.See if you have not spoil'd all Dula's Mirth. Asp.