im_. Ay, Sir, I that am a Knight--a Man of Parts and Wit, and one
that is to be your Brother, and design'd to be the Glory of marrying
_Celinda_.
_Bel_. I can endure no more--How, Sir--You marry fair _Celinda!_
Sir _Tim_. Ay, _Frank_, ay--is she not a pretty little plump white
Rogue, hah?
_Bel_. Yes.
Sir _Tim_. Oh, I had forgot thou art a modest Rogue, and to thy eternal
Shame, hadst never the Reputation of a Mistress--Lord, Lord, that I
could see thee address thy self to a Lady--I fancy thee a very ridiculous
Figure in that Posture, by Fortune.
_Bel_. Why, Sir, I can court a Lady--
Sir _Tim_. No, no, thou'rt modest; that is to say, a Country Gentleman;
that is to say, ill-bred; that is to say, a Fool, by Fortune, as the
World goes.
_Bel_. Neither, Sir--I can love--and tell it too--and that you may
believe me--look on this Lady, Sir.
Sir _Tim_. Look on this Lady, Sir--Ha, ha, ha,--Well, Sir--Well, Sir--
And what then?
_Bel_. Nay, view her well, Sir--
Sir. _Tim_. Pleasant this--Well, _Frank_, I do--And what then?
_Bel_. Is she not charming fair--fair to a wonder!
Sir _Tim_. Well, Sir, 'tis granted--
_Bel_. And canst thou think this Beauty meant for thee, for thee, dull
common Man?
Sir _Tim_. Very well, what will he say next?
_Bel_. I say, let me no more see thee approach this Lady.
Sir _Tim_. How, Sir, how?
_Bel_. Not speak to her, not look on her--by Heaven--not think of her.
Sir _Tim_. How, _Frank_, art in earnest?
_Bel_. Try, if thou dar'st.
Sir _Tim_. Not think of her!--
_Bel_. No, not so much as in a Dream, could I divine it.
Sir _Tim_. Is he in earnest, Mr. _Friendlove_?
_Friend_. I doubt so, Sir _Timothy_.
Sir _Tim_. What, does he then pretend to your Sister?
_Bel_. Yes, and no Man else shall dare do so.
Sir _Tim_. Take notice I am affronted in your Lodgings--for you,
_Bellmour_--You take me for an Ass--therefore meet me to morrow Morning
about five, with your Sword in your Hand, behind _Southampton_ House.
_Bel_. 'Tis well--there we will dispute our Title to _Celinda_.
[_Exit Sir_ Tim.
_Dull Animal! The Gods cou'd ne'er decree
So bright a Maid shou'd be possest by thee_.
[Exeunt.
ACT II.
SCENE I. _A Palace_.
_Enter_ Nurse _with a Light_.
_Nur_. Well, 'tis an endless trouble to have the Tuition of a Maid in
love, here is such Wishing and
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