Wal. Good Master Trueworth, thank you. Finding you
From home, I e’en made bold to follow you,
For I esteem you as a man, and fain
Would benefit by your kind offices.
But let me tell you first, to your reproof,
I am indebted more than e’er I was
To praise of any other! I am come, sir,
To give you evidence I am not one
Who owns advice is right, and acts not on’t.
True. Pray you explain.
Wal. Will you the bearer be
Of this to one has cause to thank you, too,
Though I the larger debtor?—Read it, sir.
True. [Reading the letter.] “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?”
Wal. How say you, sir?
True. ’Tis boldly—nobly done!
Wal. If she consents—which affectation ’twere
To say I doubt—bid her prepare for church,
And you shall act the father, sir, to her
You did the brother by.
True. Right willingly,
Though matter of high moment I defer,
Mind, heart, and soul, are all enlisted in!
Wal. May I implore you, haste! A time is set!—
How light an act of duty makes the heart!
[They go out together.]