Page:The maid's tragedy (IA maidstragedy00beau 0).pdf/32

20 Undo this wicked oath, or on thy flesh I'll print a thousand wounds to let out life!

Evad.I fear thee not. Do what thou dar'st to me! Every ill-sounding word, or threatening look, Thou show'st to me, will be revenged at full.

Amin.It will not, sure, Evadne?

Evad.Do not you hazard that.

Amin.Have you your champions?

Evad.Alas, Amintor, think'st thou I forbear To sleep with thee, because I have put on A maiden's strictness? Look upon these cheeks, And thou shalt find the hot and rising blood Unapt for such a vow. No; in this heart There dwells as much desire, and as much will To put that wish'd act in practice, as ever yet Was known to woman; and they have been shown, Both. But it was the folly of thy youth To think this beauty, to what land soe'er It shall be call'd, shall stoop to any second. I do enjoy the best, and in that height Have sworn to stand or die: You guess the man.

Amin.No: let me know the man that wrongs me so, That I may cut his body into motes, And scatter it before the northern wind.

Evad.You dare not strike him.

Amin.Do not wrong me so. Yes, if his body were a poisonous plant, That it were death to touch, I have a soul Will throw me on him.

Evad.Why, it is the king.

Amin.The king!

Evad.What will you do now?

Amin.'Tis not the king!

Evad.What did he make this match for, dull Amintor?

Amin.Oh, thou hast named a word, that wipes away All thoughts revengeful! In that sacred name, “The king,” there lies a terror. What frail man Dares lift his hand against it? Let the gods Speak to him when they please: till when let us Suffer, and wait.

Evad.Why should you fill yourself so full of heat, And haste so to my bed? I am no virgin.

Amin.What devil put it in thy fancy, then! To marry me?

Evad.Alas, I must have one To father children, and to bear the name Of husband to me, that my sin may be More honourable.

Amin.What a strange thing am I!

Evad.A miserable one; one that myself Am sorry for. Amin.