Page:She-Gallants.djvu/78

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.

( 68 )

it by showing me your Face: it is certain your Eyes cannot be employ'd in vain: You have too many Charms to be hid by a Mask; and those that do discover themselves, in spight of the care you take to conceal 'em, have in a moment, begun what you wish. Behold—I am ready for Execution, unmask and give the blow.

Ang. Why then prepare for your Doom. And may you be a true Prophet, I beseech Heaven.

Are you prepar'd!

Bell. Yes, Madam, and prepar'd to see somewhat that's very surprizing.

Ang. Surprizing indeed. (Unmasks.) You start:

Bell. Angelica!

Ang. Yes, perjur'd Bellamour, it is Angelica, the Credulous Angelica; whom you so basely, and so ungratefully have betray'd: And who in a disguise; unworthy her Quality, or the modesty of her Sex, has been a Witness to all your Perjuries. 'Tis that Angelica whose heart ye came hither to pierce. Behold that heart, and with a Resolution worthy the rest of your Treacheries, Pierce, Perfidious Man, Pierce it boldly: see 'tis unguarded for the blow. Alas! but a little longer, and it had broke with the weight of the injuries that opprest it. Why stand you mute? Where is your Courage fled? Why is not your Sword employ'd, that you have held twice to my Brest, with a Rage so generous? Behold, here is the Enemy you expected.

Bell. O, raise not my Confusion with Reproaches, so tender and so just: Alas! if you could look into my Breast, you would find your self, if it be possible, enough reveng'd by the shame and remorse that over-whelms me. Kneeling. Thus prostrate, the Vilest Criminals have leave, in token of Repentance, to approach the Heaven they have offended; if I may yet expect any thing from a bounty so abus'd. Oh! forgive your Kneeling Penitent. For 'tis resolv'd, and irrevocably fixt in this Perjur'd heart, either you must forgive, or with this Sword that was brought hither to be employ'd against you, I will wash away my Guilt, and Pardon'd be, or Pity'd! (She turns from him.) Ah! turn not so

disdain-