Chapter 9

_Enter_ Lovell _and_ Allworth.

_Lov._ Drive the carriage down the hill: something in private I must impart to Allworth.

_Allw._ O, my lord! What sacrifice of reverence, duty, watching; Although I could put off the use of sleep, And ever wait on your commands to serve 'em. What danger, tho' in ne'er so horrid shapes, Nay death itself, though I should run to meet it, Can I, and with a thankful willingness, suffer: But still the retribution will fall short Of your bounties shower'd upon me.

_Lov._ Loving youth, Till what I purpose be put into act, Do not o'erprize it: since you have trusted me With your soul's nearest, nay, her dearest secret, Rest confident, 'tis in a cabinet lock'd, Treachery shall never open. I have found you More zealous in your love and service to me Than I have been in my rewards.

_Allw._ Still great ones, Above my merit. You have been More like a father to me than a master. 'Pray you pardon the comparison.

_Lov._ I allow it; And give you assurance I'm pleas'd in't. My carriage and demeanour to your mistress. Fair Margaret shall truly witness for me, I can command my passion.

_Allw._ 'Tis a conquest Few lords can boast of when they are tempted--Oh!

_Lov._ So young, and jealous!

_Allw._ Were you to encounter with a single foe, The victory were certain: but to stand The charge of two such potent enemies, At once assaulting you, as wealth and beauty, And those two seconded with power, is odds Too great for Hurcules. Hippolitus himself would leave Diana, To follow such a Venus.

_Lov._ Love hath made you Poetical, Allworth. How far is it To Overreach's?

_Allw._ At the most, some half hour's riding; You'll soon be there.

_Lov._ And you the sooner freed From your jealous fears.

_Allw._ Oh that I durst but hope it! [_Exeunt._