Friend. So, forward Sister!
Bel. Ha, Friendlove!
Friend. Was it so kindly done, to gain my Sister Without my knowledge?
Bel. Ah, Friend! ‘Twas from her self alone That I wou’d take the Blessing which I ask.
Friend. And I’ll assist her, Sir, to give it you. Here, take him as an Honour, and be thankful.
Bel. I as a Blessing sent from Heaven receive her, And e’er I sleep will justify my Claim, And make her mine.
Friend. Be not so hasty, Friend: Endeavour first to reconcile your Uncle to’t.
Bel. By such Delays we’re lost: Hast thou forgot? To morrow she’s design’d another’s Bride!
Friend. For that let me alone t’evade.
Bel. If you must yet delay me,
Give me leave not to interest such Wealth without Security.
And I, Celinda, will instruct you how to satisfy my Fears.
[Kneels, and takes her by the Hand.
Bear witness to my Vows—
May every Plague that Heaven inflicts on Sin,
Fall down in Thunder on my Head,
If e’er I marry any but Celinda
Or if I do not marry thee, fair Maid.