La. Sir, in my
Opinion, 'twas an argument of love
To your Maria, for whose sake you could
Affect one that but carried her small likeness.
Ha. No more, you are too charitable, but
I know my guilt, and will from henceforth never
Change words with that strange maid, whose innocent face
Like your Maria's won so late upon me:
My passions are corrected, and I can
Look on her now, and woman-kind, without
Love in a thought; 'tis thus, I came to tell you,
If after this acknowledgement, you'll be
So kind to shew me in what silent grave
You have dispos'd your daughter, I will ask
Forgiveness of all her dust, and never leave,
Till with a loud confession of my shame,
I wake her ghost, and that pronounce my pardon:
Will you deny this favour? then farewel,
I'll never see you more: ha!
Enter Nurse, Maria in her own apparel, after some shew of wonder, he goes towards her.
La. Be not deluded, Sir, upon my life
This is the soul whom you but thought Maria
In my daughters habit; what did you mean Nurse?
I knew she would but cozen you, is she not like now?
One dew unto another is not nearer.
Nu. She thinks she is a gentlewoman;
And that imagination has so taken her,
S[h]e scorns to speak, how handsomly she carries it,
As if she were a well bred thing, her body!
And I warrant you, what looks!
La. Pray be not foolish.
Ha. I disturb no body, speak but half a word
And I am satisfied, but what needs that?
I'll swear 'tis she.
La. But do not, I beseech you,
For trust me, Sir, you know not what I know.
Ha. Peace then,
And let me pray, she holds up her hands with me.
La. This will betray all.