Har. It is very kind of you to excuse him thus. Time will make him wiser, and you will see that his feelings will change.
Cle. No, father, they will never change; and I earnestly beg of you, Madam, to believe me.
Har. Did ever anybody see such folly? He is becoming worse and worse.
Cle. Would you have me false to my inmost feelings?
Har. Again! Change your manners, if you please.
Cle. Very well, since you wish me to speak differently. Allow me, Madam, to take for a moment my father's place; and forgive me if I tell you that I never saw in the world anybody more charming than you are; that I can understand no happiness to equal that of pleasing you, and that to be your husband is a glory, a felicity, I should prefer to the destinies of the greatest princes upon earth. Yes, Madam, to possess you is, in my mind, to possess the best of all treasures; to obtain you is all my ambition. There is nothing I would not do for so precious a conquest, and the most powerful obstacles …
Har. Gently, gently, my son, if you please.
Cle. These are complimentary words which I speak to her in your name.
Har. Bless me! I have a tongue of my own to explain my feelings, and I really don't care for such an advocate as you … Here, bring us some chairs.
Fro. No; I think it is better for us to go at once to the fair, in order to be back earlier, and have plenty of time for talking.