"Bir. Where will this end? "Isa. The rugged hand of fate has got between "Our meeting hearts, and thrusts them from their joys:" Since we must part Bir. Nothing shall ever part us. "Isa. Parting's the least that is set down for me: "Heav'n has decreed, and we must suffer all. "Bir. I know thee innocent: I know myself so: "Indeed we both have been unfortunate; "But sure misfortunes ne'er were faults in love." Isa. Oh there's a fatal story to be told; Be deaf to that, as heav'n has been to me! "And rot the tongue that shall reveal my shame:" When thou shalt hear how much thou hast been wrong'd, How wilt thou curse thy fond believing heart, Bir. Stay, my Isabella [Exit. What can she mean? These doubtings will dis tract me: Some hidden mischief soon will burst to light; I cannot bear it-I must be satisfied 'Tis she, my wife, must clear this darkness to me. She shall-if the sad tale at last must come! She is my fate, and best can speak my doom. [Exit. I KNOW enough: th' important question [Exit Nurse, Poor Isabella! now I know the cause, Of all ill stars combin'd, of heav'n and fate- Into despair; they have not urg'd my doom; My father and my brother are my fates, That drive me to my ruin. They knew well The treasure of her beauty to another; "Shall I not tell you that you have undone me?” I have but to accuse you of my wrongs, Sits heavy on me, and benumbs my pains: Works always sure, and best can close my eyes. [Exit Biron. Enter Nurse and SAMPSON. Nurse. Here's strange things towards, Sampson: what will be the end of 'em, do you think? but Samp. Nay, marry, Nurse, I cann't see so far; the law, I believe, is on Biron, the first husband's side. Nurse. Yes; no question, he has the law on his side. Samp. For I have heard, the law says, a woman must be a widow, all out seven years, before she can marry again, according to law. Nurse. Ay, so it does; and our lady has not been a widow all together seven years. Samp. Why then, Nurse, mark my words, and say I told you so the man must have his wife again, and all will do well. Nurse. But if our master, Villeroy, comes back again. Samp. Why, if he does, he is not the first man that has had his wife taken from him. Nurse. For fear of the worst, will you go to the old count, desire him to come as soon as he can; there may be mischief, and he is able to prevent it. Samp. Now you say something; now I take you, Nurse; that will do well, indeed: mischief should be prevented; a little thing will make a quarrel, when there's a woman in the way. I'll about it instantly. [Exeunt. SCENE II. Draws, shews BIRON asleep on a Couch. ISABELLA. Enter Isa. Asleep so soon! Oh, happy! happy thou, Who thus can sleep! I never shall sleep more- Who sleeps the longest, is the happiest ; [To Biron. If thou didst ever love thy Isabella, -The sight of him disarms ev'n death itself. -The starting transport of new quick'ning life [Throws herself upon the Floor; after a short Pause, What will this battle of the brain do with me! Famine, plagues, and flames, Wide waste and desolation, do your work Conflicting passions have at last unhing'd The great machine! the soul itself seems chang'd! "The reas'ning faculties are all depos'd; "Now I'm reveng'd upon my memory, "And stab a conscience thro' 'em! You are safe, |