I'm afraid my frailty leans that way. But I don't know
whether I can in honour discover 'em all.
MEL. All, all, man! What, you may in honour betray her as far as
she betrays herself. No tragical design upon my person, I hope.
MASK. No, but it's a comical design upon mine.
MEL. What dost thou mean?
MASK. Listen and be dumb; we have been bargaining about the rate of
your ruin -
MEL. Like any two guardians to an orphan heiress. Well?
MASK. And whereas pleasure is generally paid with mischief, what
mischief I do is to be paid with pleasure.
MEL. So when you've swallowed the potion you sweeten your mouth
with a plum.
MASK. You are merry, sir, but I shall probe your constitution. In
short, the price of your banishment is to be paid with the person of
-
MEL. Of Cynthia and her fortune. Why, you forget you told me this
before.
MASK. No, no. So far you are right; and I am, as an earnest of
that bargain, to have full and free possession of the person of--
your aunt.
MEL. Ha! Pho, you trifle.
MASK. By this light, I'm serious; all raillery apart. I knew
'twould stun you. This evening at eight she will receive me in her
bedchamber.
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