In the end of the last Act, London. The whole Argument is this distich: Forced marriage, murder; murder blood requires ; THE WITCH OF EDMONTON. ACT I. SCENE I. The Neighbourhood of Edmonton.-A Room in the House of Sir ARTHUR CLARINGTON. Enter FRANK THORNEY and WINNIFrede. Frank. COME, wench; why, here's a business soon dispatch'd. Thy heart I know is now at ease: thou need'st not Fear what the tattling gossips in their cups Can speak against thy fame; thy child shall know Whom to call dad now. Win. You have [here] discharg'd The true part of an honest man; I cannot Request a fuller satisfaction Than you have freely granted yet methinks 'Tis an hard case, being lawful man and wife, We should not live together. Frank. Had I fail'd In promise of my truth to thee, we must Of our forbearing either's company, Is only but to gain a little time For our continuing thrift; that so, hereafter, The heir that shall be born may not have cause To curse his hour of birth, which made him feel The misery of beggary and want; Two devils that are occasions to enforce A shameful end. My plots aim but to keep Win. And that will be as difficult To be preserv'd, when he shall understand Frank. Fathers are Won by degrees, not bluntly, as our masters He can have notice of what's past, th' inheritance To cross the thriving of it. Win. You who had The conquest of my maiden-love, may easily Conquer the fears of my distrust. And whither Must I be hurried? Frank. Prithee do not use A word so much unsuitable to the constant Affections of thy husband: thou shalt live Near Waltham-Abbey, with thy uncle Selman; I have acquainted him with all at large: He'll use thee kindly; thou shalt want no plea sures, Nor any other fit supplies whatever Thou canst in heart desire. Win. All these are nothing Without your company. Frank. Which thou shalt have No other beauty tempt your eye, whom you Frank. To quit which fear at once, I plighted thee a faith, as free from challenge, That binds me thine. And, Winnifrede, whenever The wanton heats of youth, by subtle baits Win. Swear no more; I am confirm'd, and will resolve to do think most behoveful for us. What you Frank. Thus then; Make thyself ready; at the furthest house Win. Sweet, We shall meet again as soon as thou canst pos sibly? Frank. We shall. One kiss-away! [Exit WIN. Enter Sir ARTHUR CLARINGTON. Sir Ar. Frank Thorney! Frank. Here, sir. Sir Ar. Alone? then must I tell thee in plain terms, Thou hast wrong'd thy master's house basely and lewdly. Frank. Your house, sir? Sir, Ar. Yes, sir: if the nimble devil That wanton'd in your blood, rebell'd against Have found out some more fitting place than here, |