CUPID'S REVENGE. A TRAGEDY. BY FRANCIS BEAUMONT AND JOHN FLETCHER. Leucippus, the King's Son, takes to mistress, Bacha, a Wi- Leu. My sin, Ismenus, has wrought all this ill: Will make that seed which thou hast sown of lies, Yield miseries a thousand fold Upon thine head, as they have done on mine. Leucippus and his wicked Mother-in-law, Bacha, are left alone together for the first time after her marriage with the King, his Father. Bach. He stands As if he grew there, with his eyes on earth. Leu. Leu. Madam, 'tis true, Heaven pardon it. Bach. Amen, sir: you may think That I have done you wrong in this strange marriage. Leu. 'Tis past now. Bach. But it was no fault of mine: The world had call'd me mad, had I refus'd The king: nor laid I any train to catch him, Leu. Tis a truth, That takes my sleep away; but would to heaven, With having you myself: but since 'tis thus, A son owes to a mother; more than this As unexpected means to ease my grief Bach. Grown so godly? This must not be, and I will be to you Leu. Bless me, I should urge you! Bach. Nay, but swear then, that I may be at peace, For For I do feel a weakness in myself That can deny you nothing; if you tempt me And run to meet it. Leu. If you knew how far It were from me, you would not urge an oath. Bach. Swear not. I cannot move him. This sad talk Of things past help, does not become us well. Shall I send one for my musicians, and we'll dance? Bach. Yes, a Lavolta. Leu. I cannot dance, madam. Bach. Then let's be merry. Leu. I am as my fortunes bid me. Do not you see me sour? Bach. Yes. And why think you I smile? Leu. I am so far from any joy myself, I cannot fancy a cause of mirth. Bach. I'll tell you. We are alone. Leu. Alone! Bach. Yes, Leu. 'Tis true: what then? Bach. What then? You make my smiling now break into laughter : What think you is to be done then? Το Leu. We should pray to heaven for mercy. pass the time. Leu. I dare not think I understand you. Bach. I must teach you then. Leu. Kiss you? Bach. Yes, be not asham'd: Come kiss me. You did it not yourself, I will forgive you. Leu. Keep, you displeased gods, the due respect As she is now my mother: haste within me, Bach. Bach. Leave these melancholy moods, That I may swear thee welcome on thy lips A thousand times. Leu. Pray leave this wicked talk ; You do not know to what my father's wrong Bach. I'm careless, and do weigh The world, my life, and all my after hopes, Bach. Pity me, behold a duchess Kneels for thy mercy. What answer will you give? Than I am now: you see my tears deliver My meaning to you. Bach. Shall I be contemn'd? Thou art a beast, worse than a savage beast, To let a lady kneel. Leu. 'Tis your will, heaven: but let me bear me Like myself, however she does. Bach. How fond was I To beg thy love! I'll force thee to my will. Leu. All you have nam'd, but making of me sin That is due from me to my father's wife. Bach. Lord, how full of wise formality you're grown Of late but you were telling me, You could have wish'd that I had married you; B b If If you will swear so yet, I'll make away The king. Leu. You are a strumpet. Bach. Nay I care not For all your railings: they will batter walls Leu. I appeal to you, Still, and for ever, that are and cannot be other.- To work your will on him and I desire you I know not whither; my heart break now, and ease me ever. THE |