Plays, written by Sir John Vanbrugh, volume the first

by John Vanbrugh

Heart. Madam, I'm at your Service.

Const. [To Heart. aside.] Don't make too much haste back; for, d'ye hear?——I may be busy.

Heart. Enough.

[Exeunt Belinda and Heartfree.

Lady Brute. Sure you think me scandalously free, Mr. Constant. I'm afraid I shall lose your good Opinion of me.

Const. My good Opinion, Madam, is like your Cruelty——ne'er to be remov'd.

Lady Brute. But if I should remove my Cruelty, then there's an end of your good Opinion.

Const. There is not so strict an Alliance between 'em, neither. 'Tis certain I shou'd love you then better (if that be possible) than I do now; and where I love, I always esteem.

Lady Brute. Indeed, I doubt you much. Why, suppose you had a Wife, and she should entertain a Gallant?

Const. If I gave her just Cause, how cou'd I justly condemn her?