Page:The maid's tragedy (IA maidstragedy00beau 0).pdf/28

16 Write on my brow my fortune; let my bier Be borne by virgins that shall sing, by course, The truth of maids, and perjuries of men.

Evad.Alas, I pity thee. [Exit Evadne.

Omnes.Madam, good-night.

1 Lady.Come, we'll let in the bridegroom.

Dula.Where's my lord?

1 Lady.Here, take this light.

Enter AMINTOR.

Dula.You'll find her in the dark.

1 Lady.Your lady's scarce a-bed yet; you must help her.

Asp.Go, and be happy in your lady's love. May all the wrongs, that you have done to me, Be utterly forgotten in my death! I'll trouble you no more; yet I will take A parting kiss, and will not be denied. You'll come, my lord, and see the virgins weep When I am laid in earth, though you yourself Can know no pity. Thus I wind myself Into this willow garland, and am prouder That I was once your love, though now refused, Than to have had another true to me. So with my prayers I leave you, and must try Some yet-unpractised way to grieve and die.

Dula.Come, ladies, will you go?

Om.Good-night, my lord.

Amin.Much happiness unto you all. I did that lady wrong: Methinks, I feel Her grief shoot suddenly through all my veins. Mine eyes run: This is strange at such a time. It was the king first moved me to't;—but he Has not my will in keeping.—Why do I Perplex myself thus? Something whispers me, “Go not to bed.” My guilt is not so great As mine own conscience, too sensible, Would make me think: I only break a promise, And 'twas the king that forced me.—Timorous flesh, Why shak'st thou so?—Away, my idle fears! Enter EVADNE. Yonder she is, the lustre of whose eye Can blot away the sad remembrance Of all these things.—Oh, my Evadne, spare That tender body; let it not take cold. The vapours of the night will not fall here: To bed, my love. Hymen will punish us For being slack performers of his rites. Cam'st thou to call me?

Evad.No. Amin.