[WIDOW GREEN discovered at her Toilet, attended by AMELIA, WALLER'SLetter to LYDIA in her hand.]
W. Green. Oh, bond of destiny!--Fair bond, that seal'st My fate in happiness! I'll read thee yet Again--although thou'rt written on my heart.
But here his hand, indicting thee, did lie!
And this the tracing of his fingers! So I read thee that could rhyme thee, as my prayers!
"At morn to-morrow I will make you mine.
Will you accept from me the name of wife - The name of husband give me in exchange?"
The traitress! to break ope my billet-doux, And take the envelope!--But I forgive her, Since she did leave the rich contents behind.
Amelia, give this feather more a slope, That it sit droopingly. I would look all Dissolvement, nought about me to bespeak Boldness! I would appear a timid bride, Trembling upon the verge of wifehood, as I ne'er before had stood there! That will do.
Oh dear!--How I am agitated--don't I look so? I have found a secret out, -Nothing in woman strikes a man so much As to look interesting! Hang this cheek Of mine! It is too saucy; what a pity To have a colour of one's own!--Amelia!
Could you contrive, dear girl, to bleach my cheek, How I would thank you! I could give it then What tint I chose, and that should be the hectic Bespeaks a heart in delicate commotion.
I am much too florid! Stick a rose in my hair, The brightest you can find, 'twill help, my girl, Subdue my rebel colour--Nay, the rose Doth lose complexion, not my cheek! Exchange it For a carnation. That's the flower, Amelia!
You see how it doth triumph o'er my cheek.
Are you content with me?
Amelia. I am, my lady.
W. Green. And whither think you has the hussy gone, Whose place you fill so well?--Into the country?
Or fancy you she stops in town?
Amelia. I can't Conjecture.
W. Green. Shame upon her!--Leave her place Without a moment's warning!--with a man, too!
Seemed he a gentleman that took her hence?
Amelia. He did.
W. Green. You never saw him hero before?
Amelia. Never.
W. Green. Not lounging on the other side Of the street, and reconnoitring the windows?
Amelia. Never.
W. Green. 'Twas planned by letter. Notes, you know, Have often come to her--But I forgive her, Since this advice she chanced to leave behind Of gentle Master Waller's wishes, which I bless myself in blessing!--Gods, a knock!
'Tis he! Show in those ladies are so kind To act my bridemaids for me on this brief And agitating notice.
[AMELIA goes out.]
Yes, I look A bride sufficiently! And this the hand That gives away my liberty again.
Upon my life it is a pretty hand, A delicate and sentimental hand!
No lotion equals gloves; no woman knows The use of them that does not sleep in them!
My neck hath kept its colour wondrously!
Well; after all it is no miracle That I should win the heart of a young man.
My bridemaids come!--Oh dear!
[Enter two Ladies.]
First Lady. How do you, love? A good morning to you--Poor dear, How much you are affected! Why we thought You ne'er would summon us.
W. Green. One takes, you know, When one is flurried, twice the time to dress.
My dears, has either of you salts? I thank you!
They are excellent; the virtue's gone from mine, Nor thought I of renewing them--Indeed, I'm unprovided, quite, for this affair.
First Lady. I think the bridegroom's come!
W. Green. Don't say so! How You've made my heart jump!
First Lady. As you sent for us, A new-launched carriage drove up to the door;The servants all in favours.
W. Green. 'Pon my life, I never shall get through it; lend me your hand.
[Half rises, and throws herself back on her chair again.]
I must sit down again! There came just now A feeling like to swooning over me.
I am sure before 'tis over I shall make A fool of myself! I vow I thought not half So much of my first wedding-day! I'll make An effort. Let me lean upon your arm, And give me yours, my dear. Amelia, mind Keep near me with the smelling-bottle.
Servant. [Entering.] Madam, The bridegroom's come.
[Goes out.]
W. Green. The brute has knocked me down!
To bolt it out so! I had started less If he had fired a cannon at my ear.
How shall I ever manage to hold up Till all is done! I'm tremor head to foot.
You can excuse me, can't you?--Pity me!
One may feel queer upon one's wedding-day.
[They go out.]
