Page:The maid's tragedy (IA maidstragedy00beau 0).pdf/56

44 Ill told and unbelieved, they pass away And go to dust forgotten! But, my lord, Those short days I shall number to my rest (As many must not see me) shall, though too late, Though in my evening, yet perceive a will; Since I can do no good, because a woman, Reach constantly at something that is near it: I will redeem one minute of my age, Or, like another Niobe, I'll weep Till I am water.

Amin.I am now dissolved: My frozen soul melts. May each sin thou hast Find a new mercy! Rise; I am at peace. Hadst thou been thus, thus excellently good, Before that devil king tempted thy frailty, Sure thou hadst made a star! Give me thy hand. From this time I will know thee; and, its far As Honour gives me leave, be thy Amintor. When we meet next, I will salute thee fairly, And pray the gods to give thee happy days. My charity shall go along with thee, Though my embraces must be far from thee. I should have kill'd thee, but this sweet repentance Locks up my vengeance; for which thus I kiss thee— The last kiss we must take! And 'would to Heaven The holy priest, that gave our hands together, Had given us equal virtues! Go, Evadne; The Gods thus part our bodies. Have a care My honour falls no farther: I am well then.

Evad.All the dear joys here, and, above, hereafter, Crown thy fair soul! Thus I take leave, my lord; And never shall you see the foul Evadne, Till she have tried all honour'd means, that may Set her in rest, and wash her stains away.

King.I cannot tell how I should credit this From you, that are his enemy.

Cal.I am sure he said it to me, and I'll justifie it What way he dares oppose; but with my Sword.

King.But did he break without all circumstance To you his Foe, that he wou'd have the Fort To kill me, and then escape?

Cal.If he deny it, I'll make him blush.

King.It sounds incredibly.

Cal.Ay, so does every thing I say of late.

King.Not so Calianax.

Cal.Yes, I shou'd sit mute Whilst