Chapter 10

[Enter WILDRAKE and TRUEWORTH.]

_Wild_. You are not angry?

_True_. No; I knew the service I sent you on was one of danger.

_Wild_. Thank you. Most kind you are--And you believe she loves me: And your own hopes give up to favour mine. Was ever known such kindness! Much I fear 'Twill cost you.

_True_. Never mind! I'll try and bear it.

_Wild_. That's right. No use in yielding to a thing. Resolve does wonders! Shun the sight of her-- See other women!--Fifty to be found As fair as she.

_True_. I doubt it.

_Wild_. Doubt it not. Doubt nothing that gives promise of a care. Right handsome dames there are in Lancashire, Whence called their women, witches!--witching things! I know a dozen families in which You'd meet a courtesy worthy of a bow. I'll give you letters to them.

_True_. Will you?

_Wild_. Yes.

_True_. The worth of a disinterested friend!

_Wild_. O Master Trueworth, deeply I'm your debtor! I own I die for love of neighbour Constance! And thou to give her up for me! Kind friend! What won't I do for thee?--Don't pine to death; I'll find thee fifty ways to cure thy passion, And make thee heart-whole, if thou'rt so resolved. Thou shalt be master of my sporting stud, And go a hunting. If that likes thee not, Take up thy quarters at my shooting-lodge; There is a cellar to 't--make free with it. I'll thank thee if thou emptiest it. The song Gives out that wine feeds love--It drowns it, man! If thou wilt neither hunt nor shoot, try games; Play at loggats, bowls, fives, dominoes, draughts, cribbage, Backgammon--special recipes for love! And you believe, for all the hate she shows, That neighbour Constance loves me?

_True_. 'Tis my thought.

_Wild_. How shall I find it out?

_True_. Affect to love Another. Say your passion thrives; the day Is fixed; and pray her undertake the part Of bridemaid to your bride. 'Twill bring her out.

_Wild_. You think she'll own her passion?

_True_. If she loves.

_Wild_. I thank thee! I will try it! Master Trueworth, What shall I say to thee, to give her up, And love her so?

_True_. Say nothing.

_Wild_. Noble friend! Kind friend! Instruct another man the way To win thy mistress! Thou'lt not break my heart? Take my advice, thou shalt not be in love A month! Frequent the playhouse!--walk the Park! I'll think of fifty ladies that I know, Yet can't remember now--enchanting ones! And then there's Lancashire!--and I have friends In Berkshire and in Wiltshire, that have swarms Of daughters! Then my shooting-lodge and stud! I'll cure thee in a fortnight of thy love! And now to neighbour Constance--yet almost I fear accosting her--a hundred times Have I essayed to break my mind to her, But still she stops my mouth with restless scorn! Howe'er, thy scheme I'll try, and may it thrive! For I am sick for love of neighbour Constance. Farewell, dear Master Trueworth! Take my counsel-- Conquer thy passion! Do so! Be a man!

[Goes out.]

_True_. Feat easy done that does not tax ourselves!

[Enter Phoebe.]

_Phoebe_. A letter, sir.

[Goes out.]

_True_. Good sooth, a roaming one, And yet slow traveller. This should have reached me In Lombardy.--The hand! Give way, weak seal, Thy feeble let too strong for my impatience! Ha! Wronged!--Let me contain myself!--Compelled To fly the roof that gave her birth!--My sister! No partner in her flight but her pure honour! I am again a brother. Pillow, board, I know not till I find her.

[Enter WALLER.]

_Wal_. Master Trueworth!

_True_. Ha! Master Waller! Welcome, Master Waller.

_Wal_. Good Master Trueworth, thank you. Finding you From home, I e'en made bold to follow you, For I esteem you as a man, and fain Would benefit by your kind offices. But let me tell you first, to your reproof, I am indebted more than e'er I was To praise of any other! I am come, sir, To give you evidence I am not one Who owns advice is right, and acts not on't.

_True_. Pray you explain.

_Wal_. Will you the bearer be Of this to one has cause to thank you, too, Though I the larger debtor?--Read it, sir.

_True_. [Reading the letter.] "At morn to-morrow I will make you mine; Will you accept from me the name of wife-- The name of husband give me in exchange?"

_Wal_. How say you, sir?

_True_. 'Tis boldly--nobly done!

_Wal_. If she consents--which affectation 'twere To say I doubt--bid her prepare for church, And you shall act the father, sir, to her You did the brother by.

_True_. Right willingly, Though matter of high moment I defer, Mind, heart, and soul, are all enlisted in!

_Wal_. May I implore you, haste! A time is set!-- How light an act of duty makes the heart!

[They go out together.]