The Works of Aphra Behn Volume Iv Part 112

_Prince._ No, my _Mirtilla_, if it be thy Fate, I'll grasp thee, ev'n in Flames, and die with thee.

_Mir._ We die! we die! the Flame takes hold of us.

Enter _George_ with a Ladder, and puts it to the Window.

_Prince._ Ha! some pitying G.o.d takes care of us. Haste, haste, my Charmer; Heav'n has sent us Aid.

[Puts her on the Ladder, she descends into _George's_ Arms; after her, the _Prince_. _George_ puts her into _Manage's_ Arms, she faints; he runs up to receive the _Prince_.

_Prince._ _Lejere!_ dear Man of Luck--Some happy Star reign'd at thy glorious Birth; every thing is prosperous thou espousest.--How fares my Love, the Treasure of my Soul?

_Man._ Only fainting with the Fright, but she recovers.

_Prince._ My Chair there, quickly, that waits for me.--

Enter Chair; he puts her, and _Manage_ into it.

Enter _Olivia_.

Carry 'em to Mr. _Welborn's_, to my Lodgings there, and then return to me; for I am wondrous faint, and cannot walk.

_Oliv._ Ha! by my Life, my Man!

_Prince._ But if I might impose so much, _Lejere_, upon thy Friends.h.i.+p, I beg thou wouldst see her safely carry'd to my Lodgings at _Welborn's_.

_Geo._ You shall command me, Sir.

[Exeunt Chair, _George_ and _Britton_.

_Oliv._ You seem not well, Sir, pray repose upon my Arm a while.

_Prince._ I thank you, Sir, indeed I am not well.

_Oliv._ Methinks I find a Pleasure but in touching him--Wou'd I cou'd see his Face by all this fatal Light.

Enter _Constable_ and Watch.

_Const._ So, so, the Fire abates, the Engines play'd rarely, and we have Ten Guineas here, Neighbours, to watch about the House; for where there's Fire, there's Rogues--Hum, who have we here?--How now, Mr.--Hum, what have you got under your Arm there, ha? Take away this Box of Jewels.

[Sir _Morgan_, and Sir _Merlin_, creeping out of the Cellar Window.

Ha, who have we here creeping out of the Cellar-Window? more Rogues!

Sir _Mer._ Sirrah! you're a Baud, Sirrah! and for a Tester will wink at the Vices of the Nation, Sirrah! Call men of the best Quality Rogues!

that have stood for Knights of the s.h.i.+re, and made the Mobile drunk, Sirrah!

_Const._ We cry you Mercy, Sir, we did not know your Wors.h.i.+ps.

Sir _Morg._ Lookye, de see, here's a Crown for you; carry us to the next Tavern, and we'll make thee, and all thy Mirmidons, as drunk as a Boat in a Storm.

_Oliv._ Sir, I find you have Interest with these arbitrary Tyrants of the Parish; pray will you bail me, and this Gentleman?

Sir _Mer._ What, _Endimion_! my Lady _Mirtilla's_ Page? He lent me Money to Night at the Ba.s.set-Table; I'll be bound Hand and Foot for him, Mr.

Constable, and, gad, we'll all to the Tavern, and drink up the Sun, Boys.

_Oliv._ Yonder Gentleman too has receiv'd some hurt by the Fire, and must go home, Sir; but you must restore him the Box, Mr. Constable.

Sir _Morg._ Ay, ay, lookye, de see, return the Gentleman all; they're Gentlemen, and our intimate Friends, d'ye see.

[Exeunt _Prince_, and _Olivia_.

Enter a _Servant_.

_Const._ Stand: Who goes there?

Sir _Morg._ _Philip_--Lookye, d'ye see, he shall along with us to the Tavern.

_Serv._ Sir _Morgan_, I came to seek you: your Lady Mother sent me back on purpose; she has spoil'd her Beauty with crying for you.

Sir _Morg._ And wash'd off all her Paint?--Or so, de see! Gad sa' me, _Philip_, this is ill Luck. Come, let us go drink down Sorrow.

_Serv._ Being sent of such an Errand, as your Safety, Sir, I dare not stay and drink now, before I've satisfy'd your Mother.

Sir _Mer._ Not drink! I charge you in the King's Name, Mr. Constable, bring him along.

[The _Constable_ and Watch seize him.

Sings.

_Wise c.o.xcombs be d.a.m.n'd, here's a Health to the Man, That since Life is but short, lives as long as he can._

[Exeunt.

ACT IV.

SCENE I. _The _Prince's_ Lodgings_.

Enter Page with Lights, sets 'em on the Table. [Ex.

Enter _Mirtilla_, led by Mrs. _Manage_.

_Mir._ Ha! where am I, _Manage_?

_Man._ Heav'n be thanked, Madam, at the Prince's Lodgings.

_Mir._ What happy Star conducted us, and sav'd us from the Fury of the Flames?