Well, Fatima, is he returned?

Fat. He has no feelings but those of hunger; when that pinches him he'll return to be fed, like other animals.

Urg. Indeed, Fatima, his insensibility and ingratitude astonish and distract me. Yet am I only a greater slave to my weakness, and more incapable of relief.

Fat. Why, then, I may as well hold my tongue; but before I would waste all the prime of my womanhood in playing such a losing game, I would but I see you don't mind me, madam; and, therefore, I'll say no more. I know the consequence, and must submit.

Urg. What can I do in my situation? But see where Cymon approaches! he seems transported. Look, look, Fatima! he is kissing and embracing my nosegay; it has had the desired effect, and I am happy: we'll be invisible, that I may observe his transports.

[Waves her wand, and retires with FATIMA. Enter CYMON, hugging a nosegay. Cymon. Oh! my dear, sweet, charming nosegay! To see thee, to smell thee, and to taste thee, [kisses it] will make Urganda and her garden delightful to

me.

[Kisses it. [Apart.

Fat. What does he say? Urg. Hush, hush! all transport, and about me. What a change is this!

Apart. Cymon. With this I can want for nothing. I possess everything with this. Oh! the dear, dear nosegay and the dear, dear giver of it!

Urg. The dear, dear giver! Mind that, Fatima! What heavenly eloquence! Here's a change of heart and mind! Heigho! [Apart.

Fat. I'm all amazement! in a dream! But is that your nosegay?

[Apart.

Urg. Mine! How can you doubt it? [Apart. Fat. Nay, I'm near-sighted.

Apart.

Cymon. She has not a beauty that is not brought to mind by these flowers. Oh! I shall lose my wits with pleasure!

Fat. 'Tis pity to lose them the moment you have found them. [Apart. Urg. Oh! Fatima, I never was proud of my power till this transporting moment! [Apart. Cymon. Where shall I put it? Where shall I conceal it from everybody? I'll keep it in my bosom, next my heart, all the day; and at night, I will put it upon my pillow, and talk to it, and sigh to it, and swear to it, and sleep by it, and kiss it for ever and ever.

again?

Urg. I would not take it away for the world. Cymon. Nor would I give it you for a hundred

worlds.

reasons.

Fat. See it, by all means, madam. I have my [Aside to URGANDA. Urg. I must see it, Cymon; and, therefore, no delay. I will see it, or shut you up for ever. Cymon. What a stir is here about nothing! Now are you satisfied?

[Holds the nosegay at a distance. URGANDA and FATIMA look at one another with surprise.

Fat. I was right.

Urg. And I am miserable!

Cymon. Have you seen it enough?

Urg. That is not mine, Cymon.
Cymon. No; 'tis mine.

Urg. Who gave it you?
Cymon. A person.

Urg. What person-male or female?
Cymon. La! how can I tell?

Fat. Finely improved, indeed! a genius! [Aside. Urg. I must dissemble. [Aside.] Lookye! Cymon, I did but sport with you; the nosegay was your own, and you had a right to give it away, or throw it away.

Cymon. Indeed, but I did not, I only gave it for this; which, as it is so much finer and sweeter, I thought would not vex you. Urg. Heigho!

Fat. Vex her! Oh! not in the least.

[Aside. But you

should not have given away her present to a vulgar

creature.

Cymon. How dare you talk to me so? I would have you to know she is neither ugly nor vulgar. No, she is

Fat. Oh! she! your humble servant, young Simplicity! La! how can you tell whether it is male or female? [CYMON appears confused.

Urg. Don't mind her impertinence, Cymon: I give you leave to follow your own inclinations. I'll have him watched; this office be your's, my faithful Fatima. Apart to FATIMA.-Erit FATIMA,

16

Cymon. Then I am happy, indeed.

Urg. Cymon, I would that you could love with constancy like mine; but this you never can. Cymon. Oh! yes, I can love.

SCENE III.-Dorcas's Cottage.

[Exeunt.

SYLVIA at the door, with CYMON's nosegay in ner

hand.

Syl. The more I look upon this nosegay, the more I feel Cymon in my heart and mind. Ever since I have seen him, I wander without knowing where, I speak without knowing to whom, and I look without knowing at what. Now I dread to lose him, and now again I think him mine for ever!

AIR.-SYLVIA.

Oh! why should we sorrow, who never knew sin?
Let smiles of content shew our rapture within:
This love has so rais'd I
me, now tread in air!
He's sure sent from heav'n to lighten my care!
Each shepherdess views me with scorn and disdain ;
Each shepherd pursues me, but all is in vain :
No more will I sorrow, no longer despair,
He's sure sent from heav'n to lighten my care!
[LINCO is seen listening.
Enter LINCO.

Linco. If you were as wicked, shepherdess, as you are innocent, that voice of your's would corrupt justice herself, unless she were deaf, as well as blind.

Syl. I hope you did not overhear me, Linco? Linco. Oh! but I did though; and, notwithstanding I come as the deputy of a deputy-governor, to bring you before my principal, for some complaints made against you by a certain shepherdess, I will stand your friend, though I lose my place for it: there are not many such friends, shepherdess.

Syl. What have I done to the shepherdesses, that they persecute me so?

Linco. You are much too handsome, which is a crime the best of 'em can't forgive you.

Syl. I'll trust myself with you, and face my enemies.

As they are going, DORCAS calls from the cottage. Dor. Where are you going, child? Who is that with you, Sylvia?

Linco. Now shall we be stopped by this good old woman, who will know all, and can scarce hear anything.

Dor. I'll see who you have with you.

Enter DORCASs, from the house.

Linco. 'Tis I, dame; your kinsman Linco.

[Speaks loud in her ear. Dor. Oh! is it you, honest Linco? [Takes his hand.] Well, what's to do now?

Linco. The governor desires to speak with Sylvia; a friendly inquiry, that's all. Loud. Dor. For what? for what? Tell me that. I have nothing to do with his desires, nor she neither. He is grown very inquisitive of late about shepherdesses. Fine doings, indeed! No such doings when I was young. If he wants to examine anybody, why don't he examine me! I'll give him an answer, for him to be as inquisitive as he pleases.

Linco. But I am your kinsman, dame; and you dare trust me, sure. [Speaks loud in her ear. Dor. Thou art the best of 'em, that I'll say for thee; but the best of you are bad when a young woman is in the case. I have gone through great difficulties myself, I can assure you, in better times than these. Why must not I go too?

Linco. She says you may trust me with her in

Dor. Before what?

Linco. We will be with you before you can make the pot boil.

[Speaks very loud, and goes off with SYLVIA. Dor. Heaven shield thee, for the sweetest, bes creature that ever blessed old age! What a comfort she is to me! All I have to wish for in this world, is to know who thou art, who brought thee to me, and then to see thee as happy as thou hast made pocr Dorcas. What can the governor want with her? I wish I had gone too. I'd have talked to him, and to the purpose. We had no such doings when I was a young woman; they never made such a fuss with me.

Dorus. This way, this way, damsel. Now we are alone, I can hear your grievances; and will redress them, that I will. You have my good liking, damsel, and favour follows of course.

Daph. I want words, your honour and worsky, to thank you fitly.

Dorus. Smile upon me, damsel; smile and emand me. Your hand is whiter than ever, I protest. You must indulge me with a chaste salute. | Kisses her hand.

Daph. La! your honour. [Courtnes Dorus. You have charmed me, damsel, and I can deny you nothing. Another chaste salute; "ta perfect cordial. Kisses her hand.] Well, what shall I do with this Sylvia, this stranger, this bagrige, that has affronted thee? I'll send her where she | shall never vex thee again-an impudent wicked

Kisses her hand.] I'll send her packing this very lay; this hand, this lily hand, has signed her fate. [Kisses it.

Enter LINCO.

Linco. No bribery and corruption, I beg of your

aonour.

Dorus. You are too bold, Linco. Do your duty, and know your distance. Where is this vagrant, this Sylvia?

Linco. In the justice-chamber, waiting for your honour's commands.

Dorus. Why did not you tell me so? Linco. I thought your honour better engaged, and that it was too much for you to try two female causes at one time.

seeing each other.

[Going. Dorus. No more impertinence, but bring the culprit hither.

Linco. In the twinkling of your honour's eye.

[Exit. Daph. I leave my griefs in your worship's hands. Dorus. You leave 'em in my heart, damsel; they soon shall be changed into pleasures. Wait for me in the next room. Smile, damsel, smile upon me and edge the sword of justice.

Re-enter LINCO, with SYLVIA.

Daph. Here she comes. See how like an innocent she looks-But I'll begone. I trust in your worship. I hate the sight of her; I could tear her eyes out. [Aside, and exit. Dorus, [Gazes at SYLVIA.] Hem, hem! I am told, young woman-hem, hem! that-She does not look so mischievous as I expected.

Aside, and turning from her. Linco. Bear up, sweet shepherdess! your beauty and innocence will put injustice out of countenance. [Apart to SYLVIA. Syl. The shame of being suspected confounds me, and I can't speak. [Apart. Dorus. Where is the old woman, Dorcas, they told me of? Did not I order you to bring her before

me?

Linco. The good old woman is so deaf, and your reverence a little thick of hearing, I thought the business would be sooner and better done by the young woman.

Dorus. What, at your thinking again! Young shepherdess, I hear-I hear-hem! Her modesty pleases me. [Asile.] What is the reason, I sayhem! that-that I hear-She has very fine features. I protest she disarms my auger. (Aside, and turning from her. Linco. Now is your time; speak to his reverence. [Apart to SYLVIA.

Dorus. Don't whisper the pr.soner. Syl. Prisoner! Am I a prisoner, then? Dorus. No, not absolutely a prisoner; but you are charged, damsel-hem, hem! charged, damsel-I don't know what to say to her. Aside.

Syl. With what, your honour?

Linco. If he begins to damsel us, we have him [Aside.

sure.

Syl. What is my crime?

Linco. A little too handsome, that's all. Dorus. Hold your peace. Why don't you look up in my face, if you are innocent? [SYLVIA looks a DORUS with great modesty.] I can't stand it; she

Daph. Is your reverence taking leave of her before you drive her out of the country?

Dorus. How now! What presumption is this, to break in upon us so, and interrupt the course of justice?

Daph. May I be permitted

Dorus. No, you may not be permitted. I'll come to you presently.

Daph. I knew the wheedling slut would spoil all. [Aside, and exit. Dorus. I'm glad she's gone. Linco, you must send her away; I won't see her now.

Linco. And shall I take Sylvia to prison? Dorus. No, no, no; to prison! inercy forbid! What a sin should I have committed to please that envious, jealous-pated shepherdess! Linco, comfort the damsel. Dry your eyes, Sylvia. I will call upon you myself, and examine Dorcas myself, and protect you myself, and do everything myself. I profess she has bewitched me I am all agitation. Aside.] I'll call upon you to-morrow, perhaps tonight, perhaps in half-an-hour. Take care of her, Linco. She has bewitched me; and I shall lose my wits, if I look on her any longer. Oh! the sweet, lovely, delightful creature! Aside, and exit.

Linco. Don't whimper now, my sweet Sylvia. Justice has taken up the sword and scales again, and your rivals shall cry their eyes out. The day's our own, so come along.

ACT III.

SCENE I.-Another part of the country.

Enter FATIMA.

Fat. Truly, a very pretty mischievous errand I am sent upon. I am to follow this foolish young fellow all about to find out his haunts: not so foolish neither, for he is so much improved of late, we shrewdly suspect that he must have some female to sharpen his intellects; for love, among many other strange things, can make fools of wits, and wits of fools. I saw our young partridge run before me, and take cover hereabouts; I must make no noise, for fear of alarming him; besides, I hate to disturb the poor things in pairing time.

[Looks through the bushes. Enter MERLIN, unperceived. Mer. I shall spoil your peeping, thou evil counsellor of a faithless mistress. I must torment her a little for her good.

[Aside,

718

Fat. There they are; our fool has made no bad choice. Upon my word, a very pretty couple, and will make my poor lady's heart ache. Mer. I shall twinge your's a little before we part. [Aside. Fat. Well said, Cymon! upon your knees to her! Now for my pocket-book, that I may exactly describe this rival of ours; she is much too handsome to live long; she will be either burnt alive, thrown to wild beasts, or shut up in the black tower; the greatest mercy she can have will be to let her take her choice. [Takes out a pocket-book. Mer. May be so; but we will prevent the prophecy if we can. [Aside. Fat. [Writes.] "She is of a good height, about my size, a fine shape, delicate features, charming hair, heavenly eyes, not unlike my own; with such a sweet smile! She must be burnt alive! yes, yes, she must be burnt alive. [MERLIN taps her upon the shoulder with his wand. Who's there? Bless me! nobody. I protest it startled me. I must finish my picture. [Writes, and MERLIN waves his wand over her hand.] Now let me see what I have written. Bless me, what's here? all the letters are as red as blood-my eyes fail me! sure I am bewitched. [Reads and trembles." Urganda has a shameful passion for Cyfor mon; Cymon a most virtuous one for Sylvia: as Fatima, wild beasts, the black tower, and burning alive, are too good for her." [Drops the book.] I have not power to stir a step. I knew what would come of affronting that devil, Merlin.

MERLIN becomes visible to her. Mer. True, Fatima, and I am here at your call. Fat. Oh, most magnanimous Merlin! don't set your wit to a poor, foolish, weak woman.

Mer. Why then will a foolish weak woman set her wit to me? but we will be better friends for the future. Mark me, Fatima- [Holds up his wand. Fat. No conjuration, I beseech your worship, and shall do anything with me. you

Mer. I want nothing of you but to hold your tongue.

Fat. Will nothing else content your fury?
Mer. Silence, babbler!

Fat. [Finds great difficulty in speaking at first. I am your own for ever, most merciful Merlin! am your own for ever. Oh! my poor tongue, I thought I never should have wagged thee again. What a dreadful thing it would be to be dumb.

Mer. You see it is not in the power of Urganda to protect you, or to injure Cymon and Sylvia. I will be their protector against all her arts, though she has leagued herself with the demons of revenge; we have no power but what results from our virtue. Fat. I had rather lose anything than my speech. Mer. As you profess yourself my friend (for, with all my art, I cannot see into a woman's mind,) I will shew my gratitude, and my power, by giving your tongue an additional accomplishment.

Fat. What, shall I talk more than ever? Mer. [Smiles.] That would be no accomplishment, Fatima: no, I mean that you should talk less. When you return to Urganda, she will be very inquisitive, and you very ready to tell her all you know,

Fat. And may I, without offence to your worship? Mer. Silence, and mark me well-observe me truly and punctually. Every answer you give to Urganda's questions must be confined to two words, yes and no. I have done you a great favour, and you don't perceive it.

Fat. Not very clearly indeed.

[Aside.

SCENE II.

Enter CYMON.

Cymon. Shall I rejoice or grieve at the change my heart feels? thou hast given me eyes, ears, and understanding; and till they forsake me, I must be Sylvia's. Are the new pains, or the strange delights that agitate me, the greater? Oh! love, it is thy work.

Enter SYLVIA.

She is here; but pensive! Oh! my Sylvia, why this drooping mien? Has not Merlin discovered all that was unknown to us? Has he not promised us his protection? What can Sylvia want, when Cymon is completely blessed?

Syl. Thy wishes are fulfilled then; take my hand, and with it a heart which, till you had touched, never knew, nor could even imagine, what was bore. Cymon. Transporting maid! [Kisses her hand AIR.-SYLVIA.

This cold flinty heart it is you who have were'd;
You waken'd my passions, my senses have charm'd ;
In vain against merit and Cymon 1 stroce;
What's life without passion-sweet passion of love?
The spring should be warm, the young season be gay,
Her birds and her flowrets make blithaome rzeet May;
Love blesses the cottage, and sings through the grote

What's life without passion-sweet passion of love?

Cymon. Thus then I seize my treasure, will pro tect it with my life, and will never resign it but to heaven, who gave it to me. (Embraces her.

Enter DAMON and DORILAS on one side, and Dorts
and his followers on the other, who start at seeing
CYMON and SYLVIA.
Damon. Here they are!
Syl. Ha! bless me !

Dorus. Fine doings, indeed!

*Starts.

[CYMON and SYLVIA stand amated and ashand Doril. Your humble servant, modest ma Sylvia!

Damon. You are much improved by your new

Cymon. That damsel is not to be spoken with. Dorus. Here's impudence in perfection! Do you know who I am, stripling?

Cymon. I know you to be one stationed by the laws to cherish innocence; but having passions that disgrace both your age and place, you neither observe the one, nor protect the other.

Dorus. I am astonished! What, are you the foolish young fellow I have heard so much of?

Cymon. As sure as you are the wicked old fellow I have heard so much of.

Dorus. Seize them both this instant. Cymon. That is sooner said than done, governor. [As they approach on both sides to separate them, he snatches a staff from one of the Shepherds, and beats them back. Dorus. Fall on him, but don't kill him; for I must make an example of him.

Cymon. In this cause I am myself an army; see how the wretches stare, and cannot stir.

To death they shall bear me,

To pieces shall tear me,

Before I'll forsake her!

Though fast bound in a spell,
By Urganda and hell,

I'll burst through their charms,
Seize my fair in my arms;
Then my valour shall prove,
No magic like virtue, like virtue and love!

SCENE III-A Palace. Enter URGANDA and FATIMA. Urg. Yes! No! Forbear this mockery.

Urg. I shall go distracted! Fat. Yes. [Courtsies, and erit. Urg. She has a spell upon her, or she could not do thus. Merlin's power has prevailed-he has enchanted her, and my love and my revenge are equally disappointed. This is the completion of my misery! Bravura, Urganda! Despair and shame confound me.

Enter DORUS.

Dorus. May I presume to intrude upon my sovereign's contemplations?

Urg. Dare not to approach my misery, or thou shalt share it.

Dorus. I am gone: and Sylvia shall go too.

[Going.

Urg. Sylvia, said you? where is she? where is she? Speak, speak; and give me life or death. Dorus. She is without, and attends your mighty will.

Urg. Then I am a queen again! Forgive me, Dorus, I knew not what I said; but now I am raised again! Sylvia is safe?

Dorus. Yes, and I am safe too; which is no small comfort to me, considering where I have been. Urg. And Cymon-has he escaped?

Dorus. Yes, he has escaped from us; and, what is better, we have escaped from him. Urg. Where is he?

Dorus. Breaking the bones of every shepherd he

meets.