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I fain would make amends to you.
Rochester [placing his hand on his heart.] Ah me!
Lady Frances.Indeed it is a duty.
Rochester. Indeed it is a duty. What do I hear?
Upon my passion you will deign to smile?
Princess adorable, my heart o'erflows!
[He tries to take Frances's hand; she draws back.
Lady Frances.No princess I.—God only is adored.
You frighten me!
[She starts to leave him.
Rochester [detaining her by holding her dress.
You frighten me! Frances, I conjure thee,
Do not bid me adieu!
Lady Frances. Do not bid me adieu! He calls me "thee"!
[Approaching Rochester with a sympathetic expression.
I wonder, is his head a little touched?
Rochester.Nay, but his heart.
Lady Frances. Nay, but his heart. Poor man!
Rochester [aside.] …his heart. Poor man! 'Tis time to try
The escalade. She seems to pity me,
And love's not far.
[Aloud.] Oh! give me back my life!
Lady Frances. Yes, you should have a doctor. On my word,
He's burning up with fever!
Rochester. He's burning up with fever! Soon 'twill be
Four years that I have haunted your abode.
[Aside.
Sometimes a lie's of use.
Lady Frances. Sometimes a lie's of use. What is your wish?
Rochester. To die! Your eyes alone, which made the wound,
Can cure it.