brave; this sets Nation against Nation, and Family against Family; makes
Friends treacherous, and Lovers false; makes Guardians betray their Charge,
and Parents and Children rob each other. I will not rob thee, Boy; but
since it is so dangerous a thing, I must secure you from its Effects, by keeping
it my self.
[Puts it in his Pocket.
Cle.
Why, what do you mean? why sure you won't take it from me, will
you? Was the Devil in me, to shew it him!
[Aside.
Ava.
Take it: no, no; I'll only put it to Use for you, that's all.
Cle.
Ay, but look you, Sir; if it makes Parents rob their Children,
Adad, it may make Children quarrel with their Parents.
Ava.
Why Sirrah, why you Villain, you Unnatural Rogue, what you
won't Murder me, ha!
Cle.
No, no, I am no Killing Man; but I wou'd not be cheated of my Money.
Ava.
How cheated! What Sirrah, dare you call me Cheat? here's an Im∣pudent
Varlet. Hark ye, Angellina, now I think better of it, I do not care
for forcing your Inclinations. Tho' Desiderio has not so great an Estate as
Almachild, yet he is in great Favour with the King, and has good Employments;
and if I settle all my Fortune upon you, you may live pretty Comfortably.
Angel.
I make a freer Confession to you, than ever I have to him, by
owning I shou'd think my self happy in him, with your Consent.
Cle.
Hey brave! here's like to be fine doings.
[Aside.
Why sure, Sir, you are not in earnest, are you? tho' you are no Courtier,
yet by coming here, I hope you will be influenced so far, as not to mind
what you say. You will not be so singular as to keep your word at Court?
Ava.
Keep it; yes, so firmly, that no Entreaties, no Persuasions, no Sub∣mission
shall ever alter it.
Angel.
Heav'n continue him in that resolution.
[Aside.
Ava.
How much such another Purse may mollisie me, I can't tell.
Angel.
So I find 'tis who bids most, will have me. Hard Fate of Chil∣dren!
to be not only cruelly debarr'd, perhaps a worthy Choice, but in Obe∣dience
forced to throw themselves away on some inglorious Wretch.
[Aside.
Ava.
Let me see, who are those? a whole Cluster of my Debtors: here I
have their Names.
[Pulling out a long Roll.
Why, what a numerous Catalogue of gawdy, empty things, have I got here!
I'll accost them; what a Pox tho' a Man may not Arrest, he may civilly Dunn
in Court. D'ye hear
Clefi, do not leave your Sister; and remember, I have
hinted to you, how I may be pacified.
[Exit.
Cle.
Ay, ay, I am likely to obey you indeed, when you take my Money
from me. What will you give me now, and I'll leave you to your own
Management.
Angel.
You may stay, if you please, I have no private Business.
Cle.
No, I'll be gone however to look out Almachild, acquaint him with
your being here, and get somewhat for my Intelligence.
[Exit.
Enter Desiderio.
Desid.
Angellina here and alone! I am almost as much surprized as pleas'd,
to find you at Court.