Page:The maid's tragedy (IA maidstragedy00beau 0).pdf/42

30 For reason to endure! But, fall I first Amongst my sorrows, ere my treacherous hand Touch holy things! But why (I know not what I have to say) why did you chuse out me To make thus wretched? There were thousand fools Easy to work on, and of state enough, Within the island.

Evad.I would not have a fool, it were no credit for me.

Amin.Worse and worse! Thou, that dar'st talk unto thy husband thus, Profess thyself a whore, and, more than so, Resolve to be so still——It is my fate To bear and bow beneath a thousand griefs, To keep that little credit with the world! But there were wise ones too; you might have ta'en Another.

King.No; for I believe thee honest, As thou wert valiant.

Amin.All the happiness Bestowed upon me turns into disgrace. Gods, take your honesty again, for I Am loaden with it!—Good my lord the king, Be private in it.

King.Thou may'st live, Amintor, Free as thy king, if thou wilt wink at this, And be a means that we may meet in secret.

Amin.A bawd! Hold, hold, my breast! A bitter curse Seize me, if I forget not all respects That are religious, on another word Sounded like that; and, through a sea of sins, Will wade to my revenge, though I should call Pains here, and after life, upon my soul!

King.Well, I am resolute you lay not with her; And so I leave you.

Evad.You must needs be prating; And see what follows.

Amin.Pr'ythee, vex me not! Leave me: I am afraid some sudden start Will pull a murder on me.

Evad.I am gone; I love my life well.

Amin.I hate mine as much. This 'tis to break a troth! I should be glad, If all this tide of grief would make me mad.

Mel.I'll know the Cause of all Amintor's Griefs, Or Friendship shall be idle.

Cal.O Melantius, my Daughter will die.

Mel.Trust me, I am sorry; would thou hadst ta'en her Room.

Cal.Thou art a Slave, a Cut-throat Slave, a bloody treacherous Slave.

Mel.Take heed old Man, thou wilt be heard to rave, And