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MAURICE.

How placable and kind beyond belief!

Would I had fairly own'd to him my love,
Since he is thus inclined! But he appear'd
Hostile, and stern, and fretful at my stay,
Unreasonably prolong'd. I had not courage
To risk my happiness, which his caprice,
Stern sense of honour—call it as you please—
Might in a moment blast.

GUZMAN.

I blame thee not; had'st thou at first declared it,

Thou would'st have found him hostile.

MAURICE.

Then, pray, Don Guzman, what strange freak hath changed him?

GUZMAN.

That he is changed, is your good luck; improve it,

Without inquiring why you are so favour'd.

MAURICE.

And so we will, sweet Beatrice; we will

Delay our happiness, to make it surer.

BEATRICE.

Yes, Maurice; run no further risk; we'll both

Return again and bide within the castle.

GUZMAN.

No; be advised: (to Beatrice) do thou return alone;

Some foolish freak may yet disturb his mind.