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PROVOST.

I do believe that is your hearty wish:

And having plainly told you what I think
Of this projected match, as it concerns
My daughter and myself,—I will proceed
To that which may concern my ancient friend.
Should any mortgage press on his estate,
Or any purchase of adjoining lands
Make money a desired object with him,
He need but speak the word; at easy int'rest
He shall receive what sums he may require.
And need not fear that I shall e'er distress him
With hard ill-timed demands. In faith, he need not!

MARIAN.

Dear Sir, he knows full well your gen'rous heart

Hath for its minister a liberal hand:
In truth, he would not fear to be your debtor.

PROVOST.

Not all the rum and sugar of Jamaica,

In one huge warehouse stored, should make me press him,

Though apt occasion offer'd e'er so temptingly.

Then why should Malcolm bend his youthful neck
To wedlock's yoke for sordid purposes?
The boy shall be my friend; and when his mind
Is free to think upon another love,
I'll guide him to a very comely lady—