Page:CromwellHugo.djvu/257

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ACT THIRD. THE JESTERS
245

Rochester.O thou old Jezebel, were Satan dead,
Thou 'ldst be his widow.
Dame Guggligoy. Thou 'ldst be his widow. For a blessed saint,
What language!
Rochester [aside.] …guage! 'Tis too true; I quite forgot!
[Aloud.]O woman, I a vow have ta'en
O woman, I a [Aside.] vow have ta'en I must
Assume my stupid air.
[Aloud.] Assume my stupid air. Of chastity.
Dame Guggligoy.What's that?
Rochester [lowering his eyes.
What's that? In vain you say: "Come, lie with me! "
No cursed carnal joys!
Dame Guggligoy. No cursed carnal joys! What! drive me forth
All pitilessly from the marriage bed!
Rochester.Nay, madam, stay, for I care not a fig.
'Tis I myself alone whom I drive forth.
Dame Guggligoy [in a rage.
Oh! what an outrage! monster! traitor! snake!
Look you, beware my wrath!
Rochester [recoiling.] …ware my wrath! Touch not my eyes!
The fairy hath hooked nails, upon my word!
Dame Guggligoy [weeping.
Since to thy share a husband's rights did fall—
Rochester.Great God!
Dame Guggligoy. Great God! What icy coldness hath replaced
Thy ardent flame? Why dost thou shun me so?
What demon doth beset thee?
Rochester. What demon doth beset thee? Ask me not!
Dame Guggligoy.Come, sit beside me. I am mad for thee!
Rochester [flying from her.
O God in Heav'n! what shall I do to-night? [Exit.
Dame Guggligoy [running after him.
Ingrate! [Exit.