Enter Friendlove.

Friend.  So, forward Sister!

Bel.  Ha, Friendlove!

Friend.  Was it so kindly done, to gain my Sister Without my knowledge?

Bel.  Ah, Friend!  ’Twas from her self alone That I wou’d take the Blessing which I ask.

Friend.  And I’ll assist her, Sir, to give it you.  Here, take him as an Honour, and be thankful.

Bel.  I as a Blessing sent from Heaven receive her, And e’er I sleep will justify my Claim, And make her mine.

Friend.  Be not so hasty, Friend:  Endeavour first to reconcile your Uncle to’t.

Bel.  By such Delays we’re lost:  Hast thou forgot?  To morrow she’s design’d another’s Bride!

Friend.  For that let me alone t’evade.

Bel.  If you must yet delay me,
Give me leave not to interest such Wealth without Security. 
And I, Celinda, will instruct you how to satisfy my Fears.
                           [Kneels, and takes her by the Hand. 
Bear witness to my Vows—­
May every Plague that Heaven inflicts on Sin,
Fall down in Thunder on my Head,
If e’er I marry any but Celinda
Or if I do not marry thee, fair Maid.

Nur.  Heartily sworn, as I vow.

Cel.  And here I wish as solemnly the same: 
—­May all arrive to me,
If e’er I marry any Man but Bellmour!

Nur.  We are Witnesses, as good as a thousand.

Friend.  But now, my Friend, I’d have you take your leave; the day comes on apace, and you’ve not seen your Uncle since your Arrival.

Bel.  ’Tis Death to part with thee, my fair Celinda; But our hard Fates impose this Separation:  —­Farewel—­Remember thou’rt all mine.

Cel.  What have I else of Joy to think upon?  —­Go—­go—­depart.

Bel.  I will—­but ’tis as Misers part with Gold, Or People full of Health depart from Life.

Friend.  Go, Sister, to your Bed, and dream of him.

[Ex.  Cel. and Nurse.

Bel.  Whilst I prepare to meet this Fop to fight him.

Friend.  Hang him, he’ll ne’er meet thee; to beat a Watch, or kick a Drawer, or batter Windows, is the highest pitch of Valour he e’er arriv’d to.

Bel.  However, I’ll expect him, lest he be fool-hardy enough to keep his Word.

Friend.  Shall I wait on thee?

Bel.  No, no, there’s no need of that—­Good-morrow, my best Friend.

Friend.  But e’er you go, my dearest Friend and Brother,
Now you are sure of all the Joys you wish
From Heaven, do not forgetful grow of that great Trust
I gave you of all mine; but, like a Friend,
Assist me in my great Concern of Love
With fair Diana, your lovely Cousin. 
You know how long I have ador’d that Maid;
But still her haughty Pride repell’d my Flame,
And all its fierce Efforts.