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18 To try my faith, I shall not think thee false: I cannot find one blemish in thy face, Where falsehood should abide. Leave, and to bed. If you have sworn to any of the virgins, That were your old companions, to preserve Your maidenhead a night, it may be done Without this means.

Evad.A maidenhead, Amintor, At my years?

Amin.Sure, she raves!—This cannot be Thy natural temper. Shall I call thy maids? Either thy healthful sleep hath left thee long, Or else some fever rages in thy blood.

Evad.Neither, Amintor: Think you I am mad, Because I speak the truth?

Amin.Will you not lie with me to-night?

Evad.To-night! you talk as if I would hereafter.

Amin.Hereafter! yes, I do.

Evad.You are deceived. Put off amazement, and with patience mark What I shall utter; for the oracle Knows nothing truer: 'tis not for a night, Or two, that I forbear thy bed, but for ever.

Amin.I dream! Awake, Amintor!

Evad.You hear right. I sooner will find out the beds of snakes, And with my youthful blood warm their cold flesh, Letting them curl themselves about my limbs, Than sleep one night with thee. This is not feign'd, Nor sounds it like the coyness of a bride.

Amin.Is flesh so earthly to endure all this? Are these the joys of marriage? Hymen, keep This story (that will make succeeding youth Neglect thy ceremonies) from all ears; Let it not rise up, for thy shame and mine, To after-ages: We will scorn thy laws, If thou no better bless them. Touch the heart Of her that thou hast sent me, or the world Shall know, there's not an altar that will smoke In praise of thee; we will adopt us sons; Then virtue shall inherit, and not blood. If we do lust, we'll take the next we meet, Serving ourselves as other creatures do; And never take note of the female more, Nor of her issue.—I do rage in vain; She can but jest. O, pardon me, my love! So dear the thoughts are that I hold of thee, That I must break forth. Satisfy my fear; It is a pain, beyond the hand of death, To