The Female Gamester: A Tragedy Part 15

Lord WESTON. What do I hear? O! are we not united?

By sacred, mutual, faithful vows united?

Of which I now am come to claim performance.

CONSTANTIA. It is forbid--forbid, most sure, for ever!

I'm but the daughter of a bankrupt citizen, (Th' ungentle terms with which I am reproach'd,) Of whom, shou'd you think more--

Lord WESTON. What is't you mean?

CONSTANTIA. Lord Belmour would renounce you then for ever; And 'tis most fit, my lord, you should comply.

He is your uncle, and can much befriend you.

Lord WESTON. O my Constantia! cruel, dear Constantia!

Can'st thou conceive that any earthly views, Could for the loss of thee requite an heart, That cannot form a bliss from heav'n without thee?

By that chaste pa.s.sion, which no time can alter!

Not mines of wealth, nor all life's splendid pomp, Can weigh with me against that worth of soul, With which thou art enrich'd so far above All others of thy s.e.x I yet have seen, Far as thy beauteous form excels them all.

Do but p.r.o.nounce a peril, or a suffering To prove my constancy, save loss of thee.

CONSTANTIA. My lord, these honours far exceed my merit.

Lord WESTON. By heav'n! this coldness may to madness drive me.

Am I to suffer for another's rashness, Of which, the new-born babe is not more innocent?

Perhaps, some other hath usurp'd thine heart?

'Tis plain; too plain--You cannot doubt my truth!

CONSTANTIA. Do not distress me thus--you know my heart; As well you know, that on that truth alone I would repose my ev'ry hope in life.--

Lord WESTON. Then haste thee with me, and for ever bless me: A reverend priest attends to do the office, To which your father hath long since consented.

CONSTANTIA. Oh! oh! forbear,--I shudder at the thought.

I've told you all--You know a parent's right; Parent, not only of my life, but mind, Wherein he every wholesome seed implanted, And watch'd with never ceasing care their growth.

Lord WESTON. Nor hath the soil been faithless to its trust.

CONSTANTIA. Could you then hope from an unduteous daughter, To meet in wedded state, the due compliance Heav'n hath ordain'd, or I expect its blessings?

You would yourself on serious thoughts condemn me.

Lord WESTON. [He falls on his knees.] How far thou soar'st above all human excellence!

And how thy virtues raise those peerless charms!

I have transgress'd---but Oh! vouchsafe thy pity!

It was the zeal of fondness, and the fear Of losing thee, that urg'd me to the question, Which hath thy delicacy so offended.

CONSTANTIA. O! if you ever lov'd me--prize my peace!

Go, whilst my wav'ring heart can hold its purpose.

These tell-tale eyes proclaim an interest there, Which time or fortune never can erase.

But now this meeting might to both prove fatal.

Lord WESTON. Wipe, wipe away that tear! thy sovereign pow'r Needs not an aid to bid my heart obey.

Yet, O permit me, like the sentenc'd criminal, Who dreads the fatal stroke, awhile to parley!

But go where e'er I may, my heart will bear The dear impression of thy image on it, Nor time nor absence ever shall efface it. [He goes off.]

CONSTANTIA. How have I suffer'd by this forc'd behaviour, Gainst my soul's feelings, to this matchless youth!

But O! in what enchanting, phrase, he urg'd His love, his fears and never-failing constancy!

I cannot rest, till Lucia knows it all. [She goes off.]

SCENE IV.

Lord BELMOUR's house.

To Lady BELMOUR, enter a SERVANT.

SERVANT. Mrs. Andrews waits upon your ladys.h.i.+p.

Lady BELMOUR. Mrs. Andrews!--why did you admit her?

SERVANT. I had conceiv'd it was your general order.

Lady BELMOUR. I've chang'd my mind--I will not be at home; yet stay a little--tell her, I shall see her, At lady Meldmay's drawing-room to-night. [He goes off.]

'Tis like, she comes for what I got this morning: All which and more ill fortune swept away.

Enter Mrs. ANDREWS.

Mrs. ANDREWS. What! my good friend! my dearest lady Belmour!

Not see her Andrews! her most faithful Andrews!

'Tis some mistake? perhaps, the servant's fault?

Lady BELMOUR. He had my orders, though you thus intrude.

Mrs. ANDREWS. Such a behaviour!--I am all amazement.-- Whence is the cause? I pray explain yourself.

Lady BELMOUR. If, madam, you are bent on altercation, I speedily shall leave you to yourself.

So to your business, brief.--

Mrs. ANDREWS. As you could wish; Then, the five hundred you this morning borrow'd.

Lady BELMOUR. You surely dream, or are not in your senses!

Mrs. ANDREWS. If I retain them long, 'tis not your fault.

Lady Belmour! Honour!--

Lady BELMOUR. Ha! this from you!

When persons of my station condescend To such connexions, they most justly merit The treatment you have now presum'd to offer.

Mrs. ANDREWS. You cannot surely mean to rob me thus?

Lady BELMOUR. To rob you! you mistake; you owe me more Than will be ever in your pow'r to pay.