Pon. Sir, truth to speak, I did not tell you, because, knowing the natural gentleness of your disposition, which I have so often admired, I was alarmed, lest the sudden shock should cause one of those irascible fits, which I have so often witnessed, and produce some of those shakes and buffets, which to my unspeakable astonishment, I have so often experienced.
Charles. And which, I can tell you, you have now so narrowly escaped.
Pon. True sir, I have escaped as narrowly as a felon who gets his reprieve five minutes after execution.
Charles. Something must be done. I am involved in a quarrel with Helen too! curse on my irritable temper.
Pon. So I say, sir—try and mend it; pray do.
Charles. I am resolved to have another interview with her;—to throw myself at her feet, and sue for pardon! Though fate should oppose our union, I may still preserve her from the arms of a villain, who is capable of deceiving the innocent he could not seduce: and of planting a dagger in the female heart, where nature has bestowed her softest attributes, and has only left it weak, that man might cherish, shelter, and protect it. [Exit.
Pon. So! now I’m a rogue both ways—If I escape punishment one way, I shall certainly meet it the other. But if my good luck saves me both ways I shall never more credit a fortune-teller: for one once predicted, that I was born to be hanged. [Exit.
[SCENE II.]—Sir Rowland’s.
Enter Sir Rowland and O’Dedimus.
Sir R. You have betrayed me then!—Did not I caution you to keep secret from my nephew this accursed loss.