Friar. What's this I hear? Ann. That man, that blessed friar, Who join'd in ceremonial knot my hand Hug their confusion, making Heaven unjust; Friar. Here's music to the soul! Ann. Forgive me, my good Genius, and this once Be helpful to my ends; let some good man Friar. Lady, Heaven hath heard you, turned to Ge Friar. Your brother's friend, the Friar; found More favour than I hoped; here, holy man [Throws down a letter. Commend me to my brother, give him that, Tell him that I, imprison'd in my chamber, To blush at what hath past; bid him be wise, Friar. Be sure I will, And fly with speed: -my blessing ever rest With thee, my daughter; live, to die more blest! [Exit. Ann. Thanks to the heavens, who have pro long'd my breath To this good use! now I can welcome death. [Withdraws from the window. SCENE II. Another Room in the same. Enter SORANZO and VASQUES. Vas. Am I to be believed now? first, marry a strumpet that cast herself away upon you but to laugh at your horns! to feast on your disgrace, riot in your vexations, cuckold you in your bridebed, waste your estate upon panders and bawds!Sor. No more, I say, no more. Vas. A cuckold is a goodly tame beast, my lord! Sor. I am resolv'd; urge not another word; Vas. Good sir, trouble not yourself about other business than your own resolution; remember that time lost cannot be recalled. Sor. With all the cunning words thou canst, invite The states of Parma to my birth-day's feast: Vas. Let not your pity betray you, till my coming back; think upon incest and cuckoldry. Sor. Revenge is all the ambition I aspire, To that I'll climb or fall; my blood's on fire. [Exeunt. SCENE III. A Room in FLORIO's House. Enter GIOVANNI. Gio. Busy opinion is an idle fool, That, as a school-rod keeps a child in awe, Frights th' unexperienced temper of the mind: So did it me; who, ere my precious sister Was married, thought all taste of love would die In such a contract; but I find no change I reap'd, when yet the privilege of youth Of two united hearts like hers and mine! Enter FRIAR. Father, you enter on the jubilee Of my retired delights; now I can tell you, And I could prove it too- Friar. Thy blindness slays thee: Look there, 'tis writ to thee. [Gives him the letter. Friar. Unrip the seals and see; The blood's yet seething hot, that will anon Gio. 'Fore heaven, you make Some petty devil factor 'twixt my love And your religion-masked sorceries. Friar. Thy conscience, youth, is sear'd, Gio. "Tis her hand, I know't; and 'tis all written in her blood. fear An armed thunderbolt aim'd at my heart. Enter VASQUES. Vas. My lord, according to his yearly custom, keeping this day a feast in honour of his birthday, by me invites you thither. Your worthy father, with the pope's reverend nuncio, and other magnificoes of Parma, have promised their presence; will't please you to be of the number? Gio. Yes, tell [him] I dare come. Vas. Dare come? Gio. So I said; and tell him more, I will come. Vas. These words are strange to me. Gio. Say, I will come. Vas. You will not miss? Gio. Yet more! I'll come, sir. Are you answered? Vas. So I'll say--my service to you. [Exit. Friar. You will not go, I trust. |