ry your errand back again; she never pleases to see any bo dy at this time of night, that she does not know; and by your dress and appearance, I am sure you must be a stranger to her. Bir. But I have business; and you don't know how that may please her. Samp. Nay, if you have business, she is the best judge, whether your business will please her or no: therefore I will proceed in my office, and know of my lady, whether or no she is pleas'd to be at home, or no[Going. Enter Nurse to him. Nurse. Who's that you are so busy withal? Methinks you might have found out an answer in fewer words: but, Sampson, you love to hear yourself prate sometimes, as well as your betters, that I must say for you. Let me come to him. Who wou'd you speak with, stranger? Bir. With you, mistress, if you can help me to speak to your lady. Nurse. Yes, Sir, I can help you in a civil way: but can no body do your business but my lady? Bir. Not so well; but if you'll carry her this ring, she'll know my business better. Nurse. There's no love-letter in it, I hope : you look like a civil gentleman. In an honest way, I may bring you an answer. Bir. My old nurse, only a little older! they say the tongue grows always. Mercy on me! then here is seven years longer, since I left her. Yet there's something in these servant's folly pleases me: the cautious conduct of the family appears and speaks in their impertinence. Well, mis ress Nurse returns. Nurse. I have deliver'd your ring, sir; pray heav'n, you bring no bad news along with you. Bir. Quite the contrary, I hope. Nurse. Nay, I hope so too; but my lady was very much surpriz'd when I gave it her. Sir, I am but a servant as a body may say; but if you'll walk in, that I may shut the doors, for we keep very orderly hours, I can show you into the parlour, and help you to an answer, perhaps as soon as those that are wiser. [Exit. G 5 Bir. Bir. I'll follow you Now all my spirits hurry to my heart, [Exit into the house. SCENE, A Chamber. Enter ISABELla. Isa. I've heard of witches, magic spells, and charms, To the abuses of this under world: I'll call you when I want you. Enter Nurse. Nurse. Madam, the gentleman's below. [Servant goes out. Isa. I had forgot; pray let me speak with him. [Exit Nurse. This ring was the first present of my love To bring me back again; [Biron introduc'd-Nurse retires. My tears were woman's. I have view'd him all : And let me, let me say it to myself, I live again, and rise but from his tomb. Bir. Have you forgot me quite? Isa. Forgot you! Bir. Then farewel my disguise, and my misfortunes. My My Isabella! [He goes to ber; she shrieks, and falls in a swoon. Isa. Ha! Bir. O! come again : Thy Biron summons thee to life and love; Thy once lov'd, ever loving husband calls Isa. My husband! Biron? Bir. Excess of love and joy, for my return, Has overpower'd her To take thy sex's softness unprepar'd; But sinking thus, thus dying in my arms, Than words could say: words may be counterfeit Isa. Where have I been? why do you keep him from me? I know his voice; my life upon the wing, Hears the soft lure that brings me back again : Isa. But pardon me, Excuse the wild disorder of my soul; Isa. Answer me: What hand of goodness has brought you back Th' impatience of my heart: I long to know For every thought confounds me. Bir My best life; at leisure, all Isa. We thought you dead; kill'd at the siege of Candy. G 6 Bir. Bir. There I fell among the dead; But hopes of life reviving from my wounds, I often writ to my hard father, but never had Isa. What a world of woe Had been prevented, but in hearing from you! Bir. Alas! thou could'st not help me. Isa. You do not know how much I cou'd ha' done; At least, I'm sure I cou'd have suffer'd all: I wou'd have sold myself to slavery, Without redemption; giv'n up my child, Isa. My life, but to have heard You were alive-which now too late I find. [Aside. Bir. No more, my love; complaining of the past, We lose the present joy. 'Tis over price Of all my pains, that thus we meet again I have a thousand things to say to thee- [Aside. Bir. How does my child, my boy, my father too? I hear he's living still. Isa. Well both, both well; And may he prove a father to your hopes, Though we have found him none. Bir. Come, no more tears. Isa. Seven long years of sorrow for your loss, Have mourn'd with me Bir. And all my days behind Shall be employ'd in a kind recompence For thy afflictions-can't I see my boy? Isa. He's gone to bed; I'll have him brought to you. Bir. To-morrow I shall see him; I want rest Myself, after my weary pilgrimage. Isa. Alas! what shall I get for you? Bir. Nothing but rest, my love! to-night I would not Be known, if possible, to your family; I see my nurse is with you; her welcome Wou'd be tedious at this time; To-morrow will do better. Isa. I'll dispose of her, and order every thing As you wou'd have it. [Exit. Bir. Grant me but life, good heav'n, and give the means To make this wond'rous goodness some amends; And let me then forget her, if I can! O! she deserves of me much more, than I Can lose for her, though I again cou'd venture What has she, in my absence, undergone? ISABELLA returns. Isa. I have obey'd your pleasure; Every thing is ready for you. [Bursts into tears. Bir. I can want nothing here; possessing thee, Of happiness, there's no room for a wish, I know the way, my love, I shall sleep sound. Bir. By no means; I've been so long a slave to others pride, You'll make haste after Isa. I'll but say my prayers, and follow you [Going in. My prayers! no, I must never pray again, But I have nothing left to hope for more. What heav'n cou'd give, I have enjoy'd; but now And what's to come, is a long line of woe: Yet I may shorten it I promis'd him to follow. -him! Is he without a name? Biron, my husband! ha! I wou'd |