Playes written by the thrice noble, illustrious and excellent princess, the Lady Marchioness of Newcastle.

Scene 24.

Enter Lord Courtship, and the Lady VVard.

LOrd Courts.

Thou Celestial Creature, do not believe that I am so pre∣sumptuous to ask thy love, I only beg thy pardon, that when my body lies in the silent grave, you give my restless soul a pass, and leave to walk a∣mongst sad Lovers in dark and gloomy shades; and though I cannot weep to shew my penitence, yet I can bleed.

He offers her a Dagger.

Here, take this Instrument of Death, for only by your hands I wish to die.

Give me as many Wounds as Pores in skin, That I may bleed sufficient for my sin.

Lady VVard.

It seems strange to me, that you, a wise man, or at least ac∣counted so, should fall into such extreams, as one while to hate me to death, and now to profess to love me beyond life!

Lord Courts.

My Debaucheries blinded my Judgment, nor did I know thy worth, or my own errour, until thy wise wit gave the light to my dark understanding, and you have drawn my bad life, and all my unworthy acti∣ons therein, so naturally in your discourse, as now I view them, I do hate my self as much as you have cause to hate me.

Lady VVard.

I only hate your Crimes, but for those excellent Qualities, and true Virtues that dwell in your Soul, I love and honour; and if you think me worthy to make me your Wife, and will love me according as my honest life will deserve your affections, I shall be proud of the Honour, and thank Fortune or Heaven for the Gift.

Lord Courts.

Sure you cannot love me, and the World would condemn you if you should, and all your Sex will hate you.

Lady VVard.

The World many times condemns even Justice her self, and women, for the most part, hate that they should love and honour.

Lord Courts.

But can you love me?

Lady VVard.

I can, and do love you.

Lord Courts.

How happy am I, to enjoy a world of Beauty, Wit, Virtue, and sweet Graces.

Leads her forth.

Exeunt.