The Works of Aphra Behn Volume Ii Part 31

_Ors_. But, Geron, still to live! still thus to live In expectation of that future Bliss, (Though I believ'd it) is a sort of Virtue I find the G.o.ds have not inspir'd me with.

_Ger_. Philosophy will teach you, Sir,--

_Ors_. Not to be wise, or happy-- I'll hear no more of your Philosophy.

--Leave me.--for I of late desire to be without thee.

_Ger_. This Disobedience, Sir, offends the G.o.ds--

_Ors_. Let 'em do their worst, For I am weary of the Life they gave.

_Ger_. He grows too wise to be impos'd upon, And I unable to withstand his Reasons.-- [Ger. _goes out_.

[Ors. _lies on the Ground_.

_Enter_ Urania, _and Keeper_.

_Keeper_. The Ring is sufficient Warrant, and your Path on the right Hand will lead you to the Lord _Amintas_-- but have a care you advance no further that way.-- [_Exit Keeper_.

_Ura_. What strange Disorder does possess my Soul!

And how my Blood runs s.h.i.+vering through my Veins, As if, alas, 't had need of all its Aid.

At this encounter with my dear _Amintas_.

_Ors_. Ha! what Noise is that? [_He rouzes_.

_Ura_. I heard a Voice that way--or else it was the fear This gloomy Place possesses all that enter it: --Stay, I was forbad that Walk.

--Heavens! I have forgot which 'twas I should have taken, I'll call my Love to guide me--_Amintas, Amintas_--

_Ors_. What Voice is that?

Methought it had more sweetness in't than _Geron's_-- [_Rises, gazes, then runs fiercely to her_.

--Ha--what charming thing art thou?

_Ura_. 'Tis not _Amintas_--yet I should not fear, He looks above the common rate of Men.

--Sir, can you direct my way To find a Prisoner out they call _Amintas_!

_Ors_.--Oh G.o.ds! it speaks, and smiles, and acts like me; It is a Man, a wondrous lovely Man!

Whom Nature made to please me.

--Fair thing, pray speak again: Thy Voice has Musick in't that does exceed All _Geron's_ Lutes, pray bless my Ears again.

_Ura_. Sir, as you're n.o.ble, as you are a Gentleman, Instruct me where to find my Lord _Amintas_.

_Ors_. Bright Creature! sure thou wert born i'th' upper World, Thy Language is not what we practise here; Speak on, thou Harmony to every Sense, Ravish my Ear as well as Sight and Touch.

_Ura_. Surely he's mad--nay, Sir, you must not touch me.

_Ors_. Perhaps thou art some G.o.d descended hither, [_Retires and bows_.

And cam'st to punish, not to bless thy Creatures?

Instruct me how to adore you so, As to retain you here my Houshold G.o.d, And I and Geron still will kneel and pray to you.

_Ura_. Alas, I am a Woman.

_Ors_. A Woman! what's that?

Something more powerful than a Deity; For sure that Word awes me no less than t'other.

_Ura_. What can he mean?--oh, I shall die with fear-- [_Aside_.

--Sir, I must leave you.

_Ors_. Leave me! oh no, not for my future Being!

You needs must live with me, and I will love you; I've many things that will invite you to't, I have a Garden compa.s.s'd round with Sea, Which every day shall send fresh Beauties forth, To make the Wreaths to crown thy softer Temples.

Geron shall deck his Altar up no more; The gaudy Flowers shall make a Bed for thee, Where we will wanton out the heat o'th' day-- What things are these, that rise and fall so often, [_Touches her b.r.e.a.s.t.s_.

Like Waves, blown gently up by swelling Winds?

Sure thou hast other Wonders yet unseen, Which these gay things maliciously do hide.

_Ura_. Alas, I am undone, what shall I do?-- [_Aside_.

_Ors_. Nature, thy Conduct's wise! nor could thy Favours Be giv'n to one more apprehensive of 'em?

--Say, lovely Woman! for I am all on fire, Impatient of delay, Can you instruct me what I am to do? [_Sighs_.

Undress, and let me lead thee to my Bed.

_Ura_. Alas, Sir, what to do? defend me, Heaven! [_Aside_.

_Ors_. Why, I will hold thee--thus, between my Arms, --I'll see thee sleep, and wonder at thy Form, --Then wake thee to be gazing on thy Eyes, --And something more--but yet I know not what.

_Ura_. His whole Discourse amazes me, And has more Ignorance than Madness in't: --But how shall I get free?

_Ors_. Thou grow'st impatient too, come, let us in--

[_Goes to take her in, she strives to get free, he struggles with her_.

_Ura_. Hold off, you are too rude.

_Ors_. This is the prettiest play I e'er was at, But I shall gain the better.-- [_Takes her in his Arms to carry her off_.

_Ura_. Help, help!

_Enter_ Amintas _in Fetters_.

_Amin_. A Woman's Voice!--Villain, unhand the Lady.

_Ors_. Ha! what new thing art thou?

_Amin. One sent from Heaven to punish Ravishers.-- [_s.n.a.t.c.hes_ Ura. _while_ Ors. _is gazing on him_.

_Ors_. Thou'st call'd up an unwonted Pa.s.sion in me, And these be the effects on't.

[Ors. _strikes him_; _they struggle and fall_.

_Enter_ Geron.

_Ger_. Hah! what's the matter here? a Woman too!

We are undone--Madam, I pray retire-- For here's no safety for your s.e.x.