Page:CromwellHugo.djvu/243

Lady Frances [laughing.] …rates. The Euphrates?
Rochester. In the Euphrates. The Euphrates? Ay.
Or, better, carry out your purpose: take
This sword and plunge it in my breast!
[He puts his hand to his side as if to take his sword.
This sword and plunge it in… [Aside.]⁠No sword!—
Oh! how, in such a garb, to make believe
To kill one's self, as is the custom? How
Pursue an amorous tête-à-tête therein?
But, lacking my good sword, what of the quatrain?
'Tis well! Beshrew me if I move her not!
[Aloud.]⁠Divine Mandane, give ear to your slave!
[Handing her a roll of parchment tied with pink ribbon.
This scroll will faithfully depict my heart.
By fire or water 'twould have been destroyed,
Had not my ardent passion dried my tears,
And, in their turn, my tears put out my flame!
Take, read, and judge ye of my fervent love!
[He throws himself at Frances's feet.

Lady Frances [throwing the parchment on the floor, and stepping back with dignity.

I take you, sir! You are most insolent!
You dare intrude thus 'neath my father's roof!
Rochester [aside.
The little one's not easily seduced.
Lady Frances.⁠Rise, or I call.
Rochester [still on his knees.
Rise, or I call. Here at your feet stay I!
Lady Frances. Your insolence would be too well avenged,
If—