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I ne'er saw lips at all till now, dear cousin!
_Helen_. Cousin, I'm well,--you need not hold me now.
Do you not hear? I tell you I am well!
I need your arm no longer--take 't away!
So tight it locks me, 'tis with pain I breathe!
Let me go, cousin! Wherefore do you hold Your face so close to mine? What do you mean?
_Mod_. You've questioned me, and now I'll question you.
_Helen_. What would you learn?
_Mod_. The use of lips.
_Helen_. To speak.
_Mod_. Naught else?
_Helen_. How bold my modest cousin grows!
Why, other use know you?
_Mod_. I do!
_Helen_. Indeed!
You're wondrous wise? And pray what is it?
_Mod_. This! [Attempts to kiss her.]
_Helen_. Soft! my hand thanks you, cousin--for my lips I keep them for a husband!--Nay, stand off!
I'll not be held in manacles again!
Why do you follow me?
_Mod_. I love you, cousin!
_Helen_. O cousin, say you so! That's pa.s.sing strange!
Falls out most crossly--is a dire mishap-- A thing to sigh for, weep for, languish for, And die for!
_Mod_. Die for!
_Helen_, Yes, with laughter, cousin, For, cousin, I love you!
_Mod_. And you'll be mine?
_Helen_. I will.
_Mod_. Your hand upon it.
_Helen_. Hand and heart.
Hie to thy dressing-room, and I'll to mine-- Attire thee for the altar--so will I.
Whoe'er may claim me, thou'rt the man shall have me.
Away! Despatch! But hark you, ere you go, Ne'er brag of reading Ovid's Art of Love!
_Mod_. And cousin! stop--one little word with you!
[She returns, he s.n.a.t.c.hes a kiss--They go out severally.]
SCENE II.--Julia's Chamber.
[Enter JULIA.]
_Julia_. No word from him, and evening now set in!
He cannot play me false! His messenger Is dogged--or letter intercepted. I'm Beset with spies!--No rescue!--No escape!-- The hour at hand that brings my bridegroom home!
No relative to aid me! friend to counsel me.
[A knock at the door.]
Come in.
[Enter two Female Attendants.]
Your will?
_First Attendant_. Your toilet waits, my lady; 'Tis time you dress.
_Julia_. 'Tis time I die! [A peal of bells.] What's that?
_First Attendant_. Your wedding bells, my lady.
_Julia_. Merrily They ring my knell!
[Second Attendant presents an open case.]
And pray you what are these?
_Second Attendant_. Your wedding jewels.
_Julia_. Set them by.
_Second Attendant_. Indeed.
Was ne'er a braver set! A necklace, brooch, And earrings all of brilliants, with a hoop To guard your wedding ring.
_Julia_. 'Twould need a guard That lacks a heart to keep it!
_Second Attendant_. Here's a heart Suspended from the necklace--one huge diamond Imbedded in a host of smaller ones!
Oh! how it sparkles!
_Julia_. Show it me! Bright heart, Thy l.u.s.tre, should I wear thee, will be false,-- For thou the emblem art of love and truth,-- From her that wears thee unto him that gives thee.
Back to thy case! Better thou ne'er shouldst leave it-- Better thy gems a thousand fathoms deep In their native mine again, than grace my neck, And lend thy fair face to palm off a lie!
_First Attendant_. Will't please you dress?
