The amorous prince, or, The curious husband a comedy / by Mrs. A. Behn.

SCENE. I.

Enter Frederick and Laura.

Fred.

L Aura, Consider well my quality, And be not angry with your Fathers Confidence, Who left us here alone.

Lau.

He will repent that Freedom when he knows, What use you've made on't Sir.

Fred.

Fy, fy, Laura, a Lady bred at Court, and Yet want Complaisance enough to entertain A Gallant in private: this coy Humour Is not Ala mode. —Be not so peevish with a heart that dyes for you.

Lau.

Pray tell me Sir, what is't in me that can Encourage this?

Fred.

That which is in all Lovely Women, Laura; A thousand blushes play about your Cheeks, Which shows the briskness of the blood that warms them. —If I but tell you how I do adore you, You straight decline your Eyes, Which does declare you understand my meaning, And every smile or frown betrays your thoughts,

And yet you cry, you do not give me cause.

[Enter Maid.

Maid.

Curtius Madam waits without.

Fred.

I do not like his haste. —Tell him he cannot be admitted now.

Lau.

Sir, he is one that merits better treatment from you; How can you injure thus the Man you Love?

Fred.

Oh Madam ask your Eyes, Those powerful Attracts, And do not call their Forces so in question, As to believe they kindle feeble fires; Such as a Friendship can surmount. No Laura, They've done far greater miracles.

Lau.

Sir 'tis in vain you tell me of their power, Unless they could have made a nobler Conquest Then hearts that yield to every petty Victor. —Look on me well, Can nothing here inform you of my Soul, And how it scorns to treat on these conditions.

[Looks on him, he gazes with a half smile.

Fred.

Faith, no Laura. I see nothing there but wondrous Beauty, And a deal of needless Pride, and scorn; And such as may be humbl'd.

Lau.

Sir you mistake, that never can abate, But yet I know your power may do me injuries; But I believe your guilty of no sin, Save your inconstancy which is sufficient; And Sir I beg I may not be the first

[Kneels and weeps.

May find new Crimes about you.

Fred.

Rise Laura thou hast but too many Beautyes, Which pray be careful that you keep conceal'd.

[offers to go.

Lau.

I humbly thank you Sir.

Fred.

—But why should this interposing Virtue check me. —Stay Laura tell me; must you marry Curtius?

Lau.

Yes Sir, I must.

Fred.

Laura you must not.

Lau.

How Sir!

Fred.

I say you shall not marry him,

Unless you offer up a victim, That may appease the anger you have rais'd in me.

Lau.

Ile offer up a 1000. prayers and tears.

Fred.

That will not do. Since thou'st deny'd my just pretentions to thee, No less then what I tould you off shall satisfy me.

Lau.

Oh where is all your Honour, and your Virtue?

Fred.

Just where it was, there's no such real thing. I know that thou wert made to be possest, And he that does refuse it, loves thee least. —There's danger in my Love, and your delay, And you are most secure whilst you obey.

[He pulls her gently.

Lau.

Then this shall be my safety, hold off,

[She draws a Dagger.

Or I'l forget you are my Prince.

[He laughs.

Fred.

Pretty Virago, how you raise my Love? —I have a Dagger too; What will you do?

[Shows her a Dagger.

Enter Curtius.

Cur.

How! the Prince! arm'd against Lanra too!

[Draws.

Fred.

Traytor, dost draw upon thy Prince?

Cur.

Your Pardon Sir, I meant it on a Ravisher.

[Bows.

A foul misguided Villain. One that scarce merits the brave name of Man. One that betrays his friend, forsakes his Wife; And would commit a Rape upon my Mistress.

Fred.

Her presence is thy safety, be gone and leave me.

Cur.

By no means Sir; the Villain may return; To which fair Laura should not be expos'd.

Fred.

Slave darst thou disobey?

[Offers to fight.

Cur.

Hold Sir, and do not make me guilty of a sin, Greater then that of yours.

[Enter Salvator.

Salv.

Gods pitty me; here's fine doings.—Why how Came this ristring Youngster into my House? Sir, Who sent for you, Hah?

Cur.

Love.

Salv.

Love, with a witness to whom? my Daughter? —No Sir, she's otherwise dispos'd of I can assure You. Begone and leave my House and that quickly Too. And thank me that I do not secure

Thee for a Traytor.

Cur.

Will you not here me speak?

Salv.

Not a word Sir, go begone; unless your Highness will have him apprehended.

[To Fred.

Fred.

No Sir, it shall not need.—Curtius look To hear from me.—

[Comes up to him and tells him so in a me∣nacing tone, and go out severally.

Salv.

Go Mrs. Minks, get you in.

[Ex. Salv. and Laur.