Psec. Madam, I know not; I have often seen
Both men and women court the looking-glass
With so much seeming contentation,
That I could think this true; nay, wear it about 'em,
As lovers do their mistress' counterfeit.[422]
Leu. That's not for love, but to correct their beauties,
And draw from others admiration;
For all the comfort that our faces give
Unto ourselves, is but reflection
Of that fair liking that another takes.
Cler. I would we were a little nearer 'em,
We might but hear what talk these wenches have,
When they are alone; I warrant, some good stuff.
Phil. 'Tis happiness enough for me to see
The motion of her lips.
Cler. I' faith, is't thereabouts?
Why, Philocles! what, lost already, man!
Struck dead with one poor glance! Look up, for shame,
And tell me how thou lik'st my judgment now—
Now thou dost see?
Phil. Ah, Clerimont! too well;
Too well I see what I shall never taste,
Yon lady's beauty: she must needs be cruel
(Though her fair shape deny it) to the son
Of him that is her father's enemy.
That, Clerimont, that fatal difference
Checks my desire, and sinks my rising hopes;
But love's a torrent violent, if stopp'd,
And I am desperately mad: I must—
I must be hers, or else I must not be.
Cler. Contain that passion, that will else o'erwhelm
All virtue in you, all that is call'd man,
And should be yours; take my advice, my heart,
My life, to second you: let us consult;
You may find time to speak to her and woo her.
Phil. Nay, nay, I will, in spite of destiny.
Let women and faint-hearted fools complain
In languishing despair; a manly love
Dares show itself, and press to his desires
Through thickest troops of horrid[423] opposites.
Were there a thousand waking dragons set
To keep that golden fruit, I would attempt
To pluck and taste it; 'tis the danger crowns
A brave achievement! What if I should go
And boldly woo her in her father's house
In spite of enmity, what could they say?
Cler. 'Twere madness that, not wisdom: rash attempts
Betray the means, but never work the end.
Phil. She would not hate a man for loving her;
Or if she did, better be once denied
Than live for ever hapless.