now you.
ARAM. We thought to have been private. But we find fools have the same
advantage over a face in a mask that a coward has while the sword is in
the scabbard, so were forced to draw in our own defence.
BLUFF. My blood rises at that fellow: I can't stay where he is; and I
must not draw in the park. [_To_ SIR JOSEPH.]
SIR JO. I wish I durst stay to let her know my lodging.
SCENE XI.
ARAMINTA, BELINDA, VAINLOVE, SHARPER.
SHARP. There is in true beauty, as in courage, somewhat which narrow
souls cannot dare to admire. And see, the owls are fled, as at the break
of day.
BELIN. Very courtly. I believe Mr. Vainlove has not rubbed his eyes
since break of day neither, he looks as if he durst not approach. Nay,
come, cousin, be friends with him. I swear he looks so very simply--ha,
ha, ha. Well, a lover in the state of separation from his mistress is
like a body without a soul. Mr. Vainlove, shall I be bound for your good
behaviour for the future?
VAIN. Now must I pretend ignorance equal to hers, of what she knows as
well as I. [_Aside_.] Men are apt to offend ('tis true) where they find
most goodness to forgive. But, madam, I hope I shall prove of a temper
not to abuse mercy by committing new offences.
ARAM. So cold! [_Aside_.]
BELIN. I have broke the ice for you, Mr. Vainlove, and so I leave you.
Come, Mr. Sharper, you and I will take a turn, and laugh at the
vulgar--both the great vulgar and the small. O Gad! I have a great
passion for Cowley. Don't you admire him?
SHARP. Oh, madam! he was our English Horace.
BELIN. Ah so fine! so extremely fine! So everything in the world that I
like--O Lord, walk this way--I see a couple; I'll give you their history.
SCENE XII.
ARAMINTA, VAINLOVE.
VAIN. I find, madam, the formality of the law must be observed, though
the penalty of it be dispensed with, and an offender must plead to his
arraignment, though he has his pardon in his pocket.
ARAM. I'm amazed! This insolence exceeds t'other; whoever has
encouraged you to this assurance, presuming upon the easiness of my
temper, has much deceived you, and so you shall find.
VAIN. Hey day! Which way now? Here's fine doubling. [_Aside_.]
ARAM. Base man! Was it not enough to affront me with your saucy
passion?
VAIN. You have given that passion a much kinder epithet than saucy, in
another place.
ARAM. Another place! Some villainous design to blast m
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