Duke. We are not yet in terms of perfect peace;
Whene'er you please to seal the articles,
Your pledge shall be restored.
Luc. That were the way to keep us still at distance;
For what we fear, we cannot truly love.
Duke. But how can I be then secure, that, when
Your fear is o'er, your love will still continue?
Luc. Make trial of my gratitude; you'll find
I can acknowledge kindness.
Duke. But that were to forego the faster hold,
To take a loose, and weaker.
Would you not judge him mad, who held a lion
In chains of steel, and changed them for a twine?
Luc. But love is soft,
Not of the lion's nature, but the dove's;
An iron chain would hang too heavy on a tender neck.
Duke. Since on one side there must be confidence,
Why may not I expect, as well as you,
To have it plac'd in me? Repose your trust
Upon my royal word.
Luc. As 'tis the privilege of womankind,
That men should court our love,
And make the first advances; so it follows,
That you should first oblige; for 'tis our weakness
Gives us more cause of fear, and therefore you,
Who are the stronger sex, should first secure it.
Duke. But, madam, as you talk of fear from me,
I may as well suspect design from you.
Luc. Design! of giving you my love more freely;
Of making you a title to my heart,
Where you by force would reign.