In simple phrase —
- Mary. I pray, sir, let me pass —
George. Not yet, my child — Mary. Sure 't is a madman.
George, True,
And therefore treat me soothing-ly and
kindly, For of all madmen, your mad lover's
maddest. Do you not fear me ? Mary. No.
George. Why, then you love me.
Come; I have seen such clouds before;
they tell Of coming sunshine — nay, you must not
go.— I will be monstrous kind to thee, and love
thee Most constantly — Mary. Release me.
George. Ay, and take thee
To England, child, and make thee there,
my dear, The envy of thy sex. Mary. If you 're a gentleman —
George. The conscious grove would blush its green leaves red, Should i give back. Mary. Do vou not fear the
laws? George. Nor law, nor gospel now — Come,
come, 't is folly — Mary. Heav'n: help, help!
{Enter Charles, and comes down to centre.)
Charles. Ruffian, unhand the lady !
George. So j)eremptory, boy*? Charles. Do you delay *?
{ Throws him of.) George. Curse on my haste : I have forgot
my sword. Mary. Charles!
Charles. My dearest Mary ; my belov'd ! (Mary retires up.) George. Hum; is it so? But s 'death ! I must n't bear it. Hark ye, Sir. Charles. Well, Sir.
G?:ORGE. I shall find a time. —
Charles. Best make it. George. When ?
Charles. Two hours lience, in the giovc
East of the village. George. I shall meet you there.
But look ye, sir, be punctual : I 've en- gagements. Charles. I shall not fail you.
George. 'Gad, a pretty fellow.
I '11 pink him first, and then I 'li patron- ize him. {Exit.) Mary. O Charles! what pass'd between you? surely, surely You will not honour him with further notice. Charles. Speak not of him — he is not worth a thought — We can employ our time to better pur- pose. Tell me, have yet the calumnies against
me, Found shelter here? Mary. You know they have not, Charles. But I have much to tell you — We must j
part! Heav'n ! is not that my father? Oh, it is ! He comes this way; but has not yet
descried ns — Ah ! fly, fly quickly ! Charles. Fly?
Mary. Yes, if you wish
That we should ever meet — Charles. But shall we meet !
Mary. That way — behind the trees — quickly, quickly !
(Charles goes up.) J Charles. {From the Grove.) But tell \ me, Mary, will you walk this way In the evening? Mary. It is impossible; my father
Forbids my walks — Charles. Why then, one place remains — One only — I will visit you to-night — You do not answer — Shall I? Mary. begone !
{Exit Charles, behind the trees.) Did I consent? I fear he'll think I
did. My father comes — should he have seen-
us part ! Am I the guilty creature that I feel? He 's here — I cannot look him in the face.
{Enter Ravensworth, looks at Mary sternly for some time.)
Rav. 'T is well; that air of shame becomes you well. Is this your duty? Did I not forbid These lonely walks? But get you home;
anon, I'll talk Willi you. Mary. {As she goes out.)
He did not see him ! Rav, Home.
{Exeunt.)
