Page:Works of Sir John Suckling.djvu/271

] Fran. A peace will come, and then you must be gone;

And whether, when you once are got upon the wing,

You will not stoop to what shall rise, before ye

Fly to some lure with more temptation garnish'd,

Is a sad question.

Iph. Can you have doubts, and I not fears? By this

The readiest and the sweetest oath [kisses her], I swear

I cannot so secure myself of you,

But in my absence I shall be in pain.

I have cast up what it will be to stand

The governor's anger, and, which is more hard,

The love of Almerin. I hold thee now

But by thy own free grant—a slight security!

Alas! it may fall out, giving thyself,

Not knowing thine own worth or want of mine;

Thou mayst, like kings deceiv'd, resume the gift

On better knowledge back.

Fran. If I so easily change,

I was not worth your love; and by the loss

You'll gain.

Iph. But, when y'are irrecoverably gone,

'Twill be slight comfort to persuade myself

You had a fault, when all that fault must be

But want of love to me; and that again

Find in my much defect so much excuse,

That it will have no worse name than discretion,

If unconcern'd [you] do cast it up—I must

Have more assurance.

Fran. You have too much already;

And sure, my lord, you wonder, while I blush,

At such a growth in young affections.

Iph. Why should I wonder, madam?

Love, that from two breasts sucks, must of a child

Quickly become a giant.

Dunces in love stay at the alphabet:

The inspir'd know all before, and do begin

Still higher.

Wom. Madam,

Almerin return'd has sent to kiss your hands.

I told him you were busy.