Page:The maid's tragedy (IA maidstragedy00beau 0).pdf/27

15 Asp.Thou think'st thy heart hard; but if thou bee'st caught, remember me; thou shalt perceive a Fire shot suddenly into thee.

Dula.That's not so good; let 'em shoot anything But fire, I fear 'em not.

Asp.Well, wench, thou may'st be taken.

Evad.Ladies good night: I'll do the rest myself.

Dula.Nay, let your lord do some.

Asp.[Sings.] Lay a garland on my hearse, Of the dismal yew.

Evad.That's one of your sad songs, madam.

Asp.Believe me, 'tis a very pretty one.

Evad.How is it, madam?

Aspatia. Lay a garland on my hearse, Of the dismal yew; Maidens, willow branches bear; Say I died true: My love was false, but I was firm From my hour of birth. Upon my buried body lie Lightly, gentle earth!

Evad.Fie on't, Madam! The words are so strange, they are able to make one dream of hobgoblins. “I could never have the power:” Sing that, Dula.

Dula.I could never have the power To love one above an hour, But my heart would prompt mine eye On some other man to fly; Venus, fix mine eyes fast, Or if not, give me all that I shall see at last.

Evad.So, leave me now.

Dula.Nay, we must see you laid.

Asp. Madam, good-night. May all the marriage joys That longing maids imagine in their beds, Prove so unto you! May no discontent Grow 'twixt your love and you! But, if there do, Inquire of me, and I will guide your moan; Teach you an artificial way to grieve, To keep your sorrow waking. Love your lord No worse than I: but if you love so well, Alas, you may displease him; so did I. This is the last time you shall look on me.— Ladies, farewell. As soon as I am dead, Come all, and watch one night about my hearse; Bring each a mournful story, and a tear, To offer at it when I go to earth. With flatt'ring ivy clasp my coffin round; Write