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

SCENE. I.

Enter Laura and Cloris like a Boy as before.

Laur.

FOrward dear Cloris.

Clor.

And, Madam, 'twas upon a Holy-day, It chanc'd Prince Frederick came unto our Village, On some reports were made him of my beauty, Attended only by the noble Curtius: They found me in the Church at my Devotion, Whom Frederick soon distinguish'd from the rest; He kneel'd down by me, and instead of Prayer, He fell to Praise; but 'twas my beauty only; —That I could tell you, of my strange surprise! My zeal was all disorder'd, and my eyes, Fed on the false, not real sacrifice; —I wanted Art my sentiments to hide, Which from my eyes and blushes soon he spy'd.

Lau.

And did you know him then?

Clor.

Not till he left me; —But to be short, Madam, we parted there, But e're he went, he whisper'd in my ear, And sigh'd, ah Cloris! e're you do depart, Tell me, where 'tis you will dispose my heart? —Pray give me leave to visit it again,

Your eyes that gave, can only ease my pain: I, only blushing gave him my consent; He paid his thanks in sighs, and from me went. That night, alas, I took but little rest; The new and strange disorder in my breast, Can, Madam, only by your self be guest.

Lau.

I'le not deny that, I'me a Lover too, And can imagine what was felt by you.

Clor.

No sooner did the welcom day appear, But Lucia brought me word the Prince was there; His very name disorder'd me much more, Then did his sight or touch the day before; So soon my rising Love grew up to power; So soon he did become my Conquerour: —How pale and trembling, when he did appear I grew, he too had marks of love and fear; —But I'le omit the many visits paid, The unvalued Presents, and the Oaths he made, My kind disputes on all his letters writ, How all my doubts were answer'd by his wit; How oft he vow'd to marry me, whilst I, Durst not believe the pleasing perjury; —And only tell you, that one night he came, Led by designs of an impatient flame; When all the house was silently asleep, Except my self, who loves sad watch did keep; Arm'd with his Ponyard, and his breast all bare; His face all pale with restless love and fear; So many wild and frantick things he said, And so much grief and passion too betray'd, So often vow'd hee'd finish there his life, If I refus'd him to become his Wife; That I half dying, said it should be so; Which though I fear'd, oh how I wisht it too! Both prostrate on the ground i'th' face of Heaven, His vows to me, and mine to him were given; —And then, oh then, what did I not resign!

With the assurance that the Prince was mine.

[Weeps.

Lau.

Poor Cloris, how I pity thee! Since fate has treated me with equal rigour; —Curtius•••• banish'd, Frederick still pursues me, And by a cruel Father I'me confin'd, And cannot go to serve my self or thee.

[One knocks.

Lor.

Without.]

Sister Laura, Sister.

Lau.

't it my brother, would he would be kind And set us free; he shall not see thee, And I'le perswade him.

[As she puts Cloris into her Closet, Enter Lor. with a Letter.

Clor.

Hah, locking her Closet! now were I a right Italian, should I grow jealous, and enrag'd at I know not what: hah Sister! What are you doing here? Open your Cabinet and let me see't.

Lau.

Sir, 'tis in disorder, and not worth your seeing now.

Lor.

'Tis so, I care not for that, I'le see't.

Lau.

Pray do not brother.

Lor.

Your denial makes me the more inquisitive.

Lau.

'Tis but my saying, he came from the Prince,

[Aside.

And he dares not take it ill— here Sir.

[Gives him the Key.

Lor.

And here's for you too: a Letter from Curtius, And therefore I would not open it; I took it up At the Post-house.

[She reads, and seems pleased.

Now if this should prove some surly Gallant of her's, And give me a slash o're the face for peeping, I were but rightly serv'd; And why the Devil should I expect my Sister should Have more vertue then my self; She's the same flesh and blood; or why, because She's the weaker Vessel; Should all the unreasonable burthen of the honour Of our house, as they call it, Be laid on her shoulders, whilst we may commit A thousand villanies; but 'tis so— Here open the door,

I'le put her before me however.

[She opens the door and brings out Cloris.

Lau.

Sir, 'tis Phillibert from the Prince.

Lor.

Why how now youngster, I see you intend To thrive by your many trades; So soon, so soon, ifaith; but sirrah, This is my Sister and your Princes Mistress, Take notice of that.

Clor.

I know not what you mean.

Lor.

Sir, you cannot deceive me so; And you were right serv'd, you would be made fit For nothing but the great Turks Seraglio.

Clor.

You mistake my business Sir.

Lor.

Your blushes give you the lye Sirrah; But for the Princes sake, and another reason I have, I will pardon you for once.

Lau.

He has not done a fault, and needs it not.

Lor.

Was he not alone with thee? And is not that enough: well I see I am no Italian In Punctilioes of honourable revenge; There is but one experiment left to prove my self so; And if that fail, I'le ev'n renounce my Country. —Boy, harkey—there is a certain kindness You may do me, and get your pardon for being found here▪

Clor.

You shall command me any thing.

Lor.

Prethee how long hast thou been set up for thy self, Hah?

Clor.

As how Sir?

Lor.

Poh, thou understand'st me.

Clor.

Indeed I do not Sir, what is't you mean?

Lor.

A smooth fac'd Boy, and ask such a question, Fie, fie, this ignorance was ill counterfeited To me that understand the world.

Clor.

Explain your self Sir.

Lor.

Look, ten or twenty Pistols will do you No hurt, will it?

Clor.

Not any Sir.

Lor.

Why so; 'tis well any thing will make thee Apprehend.

Clor.

I shall be glad to serve you, Sir, without that fee.

Lor.

That's kindly said— I see a man must not be too easie of belief: had I been so, This Boy would have been at what do ye mean Sir; And Lord I understand you not: Well Phillebert, here's earnest to bind the bargain; I am now in hast, when I see thee next,

[Loren. Whispers to Laura.

I'le tell thee more.

Clo.

This 'tis to be a Favourite now; I warrant you I must do him some good office to the Prince, Which I'le be sure to do.

Lor.

Nay it must be done, for she has us'd me basely, Oh 'tis a baggage.

Lau.

Let me alone to revenge you on Isabella, Get me but from this Imprisonment.

Lor.

I will; whilst I hold the old man in a dispute, Do you two get away; but be sure thou pay'st her home.

Lau.

I warrant you, Sir, this was happy; Now shall I see Curtius.

Lor.

Phillibert, I advise you to have a care of Wenching: 'twill spoil a good face, And mar your better market of the two.

[Ex. Lor.

Lau.

Come let us hast, and by the way, I'le tell thee Of a means that may make us all happy.

[Exeunt.