No mask like open truth to cover lies,
As to go naked is the best disguise.
SCENE V.
[To him] MELLEFONT.
MEL. O Maskwell, what hopes? I am confounded in a maze of
thoughts, each leading into one another, and all ending in
perplexity. My uncle will not see nor hear me.
MASK. No matter, sir, don't trouble your head: all's in my power.
MEL. How? For heaven's sake?
MASK. Little do you think that your aunt has kept her word. How
the devil she wrought my lord into this dotage, I know not; but he's
gone to Sir Paul about my marriage with Cynthia, and has appointed
me his heir.
MEL. The devil he has! What's to be done?
MASK. I have it, it must be by stratagem; for it's in vain to make
application to him. I think I have that in my head that cannot
fail. Where's Cynthia?
MEL. In the garden.
MASK. Let us go and consult her: my life for yours, I cheat my
lord.
SCENE VI.
LORD TOUCHWOOD, LADY TOUCHWOOD.
LADY TOUCH. Maskwell your heir, and marry Cynthia!
LORD TOUCH. I cannot do too much for so much merit.
LADY TOUCH. But this is a thing of too great moment to be so
suddenly resolved. Why Cynthia? Why must he be married? Is there
not reward enough in raising his low fortune, but he must mix his
blood with mine, and wed my niece? How know you that my brother
will consent, or she? Nay, he himself perhaps may have affections
otherwhere.
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