Page:The maid's tragedy (IA maidstragedy00beau 0).pdf/33

21 Amin.Why, show it then in this: If thou hast pity, though thy love be none, Kill me; and all true lovers, that shall live In after-ages cross'd in their desires, Shall bless thy memory, and call thee good; Because such mercy in thy heart was found, To rid a ling'ring wretch.

Evad.I must have one To fill thy room again, if thou wert dead; Else, by this night, I would: I pity thee.

Amin.These strange and sudden injuries have fallen So thick upon me, that I lose all sense Of what they are. Methinks I am not wrong'd: Nor is it aught, if from the censuring world. I can but hide it. Reputation! Thou art a word, no more.—But thou hast shown An impudence so high, that to the world, I fear, thou wilt betray or shame thyself.

Evad.To cover shame, I took thee; never fear That I would blaze myself.

Amin.Nor let the king Know I conceive he wrongs me; then mine honour Will thrust me into action, though my flesh Could bear with patience. And it is some ease To me in these extremes, that I knew this Before I touch'd thee; else had all the sins Of mankind stood betwixt me and the king, I had gone through 'em to his heart and thine. I have left one desire: 'tis not his crown Shall buy me to thy bed, now I resolve, He has dishonoured thee. Give me thy hand; Be careful of thy credit, and sin close; 'Tis all I wish. Upon thy chamber-floor I'll rest to-night, that morning-visitors May think we did as married people use. And, pr'ythee, smile upon me when they come, And seem to toy, as if thou hadst been pleased With what we did.

Evad.Fear not; I will do this.

Amin.Come, let us practise: and as wantonly As ever loving bride and bridegroom met, Let's laugh and enter here.

Evad.I am content.

Amin.Down all the swellings of my troubled heart! When we walk thus intwined, let all eyes see If ever lovers better did agree.

Asp.Away, you are not sad; force it no further. Good Gods, how well you look! such a full colour Young