To proceed. Hermione complains against Andromache because she was entertain'd by her HusbandAndrom. p. 303.
Iphig. in Aulid. p. 51.
Helen. 277, 278.
Mourning Bride. p. 36.[58]: For this Andromache tells her she talk'd too much for a Young Woman, and discover'd her Opinion too far. Achilles at the first Sight of Clytemnestra, lets her understand he was as much taken with the Sobriety of her Air,[59] as with the rest of her fine Face and Person. She receives the Complement kindly, and commends him for commending Modesty. Menelaus and Helen after a long Absence manage the surprize of their good Fortune handsomly.[60] The Most tender Expression stands clear of ill Meaning. Had Osmin parted with Almeria as civilly as these Two met,[61] it had been much better. That Rant of smut and profainness might have been spared. The Reader shall have some of it.
O my Almeria;
What do that Damn'd endure but to despair,
But knowing Heaven, to know it lost for ever.
Were it not for the Creed, these Poets would be crampt in their Courtship, and Mightily at a loss for a Simile! But Osmin is in a wonderful Passion. And truly I think his Wits, are in some danger, as well as his Patience. You shall hear.
What are Wracks, and, Whips, and Wheels to this;
Are they not soothing softness, sinking Ease,
And wasting Air to this?
Sinking Ease, and Wasting Air, I confess are strange comforts; This Comparison is somewhat oddly equip'd, but Lovers like sick People may say what they please! Almeria takes this Speech for a Pattern, and suits it exactly in her return.
O I am struck, thy words are Bolts of Ice?