Chapter 21

_CHARINUS alone._

Is this to be believ'd, or to be told? Can then such inbred malice live in man, To joy in ill, and from another's woes To draw his own delight?--Ah, is't then so? --Yes, such there are, the meanest of mankind, Who, from a sneaking bashfulness, at first Dare not refuse; but when the time comes on To make their promise good, then force perforce Open themselves and fear: yet must deny. Then too, oh shameless impudence, they cry, "Who then are you? and what are you to me? Why should I render up my love to you? Faith, neighbor, charity begins at home." --Speak of their broken faith, they blush not, they, Now throwing off that shame they ought to wear, Which they before assum'd without a cause. --What shall I do? go to him? on my wrongs Expostulate, and throw reproaches on him? What will that profit, say you?----very much. I shall at least imbitter his delight, And gratify my anger.

[Changes:

To make their promise good, then force perforce _Harper edition has "per force"_]