Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 1.pdf/352

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
350
DE MONFORT: A TRAGEDY.

E'en as a townsman, who would live at peace,
And pay him the respect his station claims,
I'll crave his pardon too for all offence
My dark and wayward temper may have done;
Nay more, I will confess myself his debtor
For the forbearance I have curs'd so oft.
Life spar'd by him, more horrid than the grave
With all its dark corruption! This I'll do.
Will it suffice thee? More than this I cannot.

Jane. No more than this do I require of thee
In outward act, tho' in thy heart, my friend,
I hop'd a better change, and still will hope.
I told thee Freberg had propos'd a meeting.

De Mon. I know it well.

Jane.And Rezenvelt consents.
He meets you here; so far he shews respect.

De Mon. Well, let it be; the sooner past the better.

Jane. I'm glad to hear you say so, for, in truth,
He has propos'd it for an early hour.
'Tis almost near his time; I came to tell you.

De Mon. What, comes he here so soon? shame on his speed!
It is not decent thus to rush upon me.
He loves the secret pleasure he will feel
To see me thus subdued.

Jane. O say not so! he comes with heart sincere.

De Mon. Could we not meet elsewhere? from home—i' the fields,
Where other men—must I alone receive him?
Where is your agent, Freberg, and his friends,