Wal. Go dress you for the marriage ceremony.
Helen. But, Master Walter, what is it you mean?
[Enter MODUS.]
Wal. Here comes your cousin;--he shall be your bridesman!
The thought's a sudden one,--that will excuse Defect in your appointments. A plain dress, -So 'tis of white,--will do.
Helen. I'll dress in black.
I'll quit the castle.
Wal. That you shall not do.
Its doors are guarded by my lord's domestics, Its avenues--its grounds. What you must do, Do with a good grace! In an hour, or less, Your father will be here. Make up your mind To take with thankfulness the man he gives you.
Now, [Aside] if they find not out how beat their hearts, I have no skill, not I, in feeling pulses.
[Goes out.]
Helen. Why, cousin Modus! What! will you stand by And see me forced to marry? Cousin Modus!
Have you not got a tongue? Have you not eyes?
Do you not see I'm very--very ill, And not a chair in all the corridor?
Mod. I'll find one in the study.
Helen. Hang the study!
Mod. My room's at hand. I'll fetch one thence.
Helen. You shan't I'd faint ere you came back!
Mod. What shall I do?
Helen. Why don't you offer to support me? Well?
Give me your arm--be quick! [MODUS offers his arm.]
Is that the way To help a lady when she's like to faint?
I'll drop unless you catch me! [MODUS supports her.]
That will do.
I'm better now--[MODUS offers to leave her] don't leave me! Is one well Because one's better? Hold my hand. Keep so.
I'll soon recover so you move not. Loves he -[Aside.]
Which I'll be sworn he does, he'll own it now.
Well, cousin Modus?
Mod. Well, sweet cousin!
Helen. Well?
You heard what Master Walter said?
Mod. I did.
Helen. And would you have me marry? Can't you speak?
Say yes or no.
Mod. No, cousin!
Helen. Bravely said!
And why, my gallant cousin?
Mod. Why?
Helen. Ay, why? -
Women, you know, are fond of reasons--why Would you not have me marry? How you blush!
Is it because you do not know the reason?
You mind me of a story of a cousin Who once her cousin such a question asked.
He had not been to college, though--for books, Had passed his time in reading ladies' eyes.
Which he could construe marvellously well, Though writ in language all symbolical.
Thus stood they once together, on a day -
As we stand now--discoursed as we discourse, -But with this difference,--fifty gentle words He spoke to her, for one she spoke to him! -What a dear cousin! Well, as I did say, As now I questioned thee, she questioned him.
And what was his reply? To think of it Sets my heart beating--'twas so kind a one!
So like a cousin's answer--a dear cousin!
A gentle, honest, gallant, loving cousin!
What did he say?--A man might find it out, Though never read he Ovid's Art of Love -What did he say? He'd marry her himself!
How stupid are you, cousin! Let me go!
Mod. You are not well yet?
Helen. Yes.
Mod. I'm sure you're not.
Helen. I'm sure I am.
Mod. Nay, let me hold you, cousin! I like it.
Helen. Do you? I would wager you You could not tell me why you like it. Well?
You see how true I know you! How you stare!
What see you in my face to wonder at?
Mod. A pair of eyes!
Helen. At last he'll find his tongue--[Aside.]
And saw you ne'er a pair of eyes before?
Mod. Not such a pair.
Helen. And why?
Mod. They are so bright!
You have a Grecian nose.
Helen. Indeed.
Mod. Indeed!
Helen. What kind of mouth have I?
Mod. A handsome one. I never saw so sweet a pair of lips!
I ne'er saw lips at all till now, dear cousin!
Helen. Cousin, I'm well,--you need not hold me now.
Do you not hear? I tell you I am well!
I need your arm no longer--take 't away!
So tight it locks me, 'tis with pain I breathe!
Let me go, cousin! Wherefore do you hold Your face so close to mine? What do you mean?
Mod. You've questioned me, and now I'll question you.
Helen. What would you learn?
Mod. The use of lips.
Helen. To speak.
Mod. Naught else?
Helen. How bold my modest cousin grows!
Why, other use know you?
Mod. I do!
Helen. Indeed!
You're wondrous wise? And pray what is it?
Mod. This! [Attempts to kiss her.]
Helen. Soft! my hand thanks you, cousin--for my lips I keep them for a husband!--Nay, stand off!
I'll not be held in manacles again!
Why do you follow me?
Mod. I love you, cousin!
Helen. O cousin, say you so! That's passing strange!
Falls out most crossly--is a dire mishap -
A thing to sigh for, weep for, languish for, And die for!
Mod. Die for!
Helen, Yes, with laughter, cousin, For, cousin, I love you!
Mod. And you'll be mine?
Helen. I will.
Mod. Your hand upon it.
Helen. Hand and heart.
Hie to thy dressing-room, and I'll to mine -
Attire thee for the altar--so will I.
Whoe'er may claim me, thou'rt the man shall have me.
Away! Despatch! But hark you, ere you go, Ne'er brag of reading Ovid's Art of Love!
Mod. And cousin! stop--one little word with you!
[She returns, he snatches a kiss--They go out severally.]