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17D WILLIAM CDNGREVE [ACT iv
after game to play that shall turn the tables; and here comes
the man that I must manage.
Enter Lord TOUCHWOOD.
Lord Touch. Maskwell, you are the man I wished to
meet.
Mas^. I am happy to be in the way of your lordship's
commands.
Lord Touch. I have always found you prudent and careful
in anything that has concerned me or my family.
Mas^. I were a villain else!—I am bound by duty and
gratitude, and my own inclination, to be ever your lordship's
servant.
Lord Touch. Enough—you are my friend; I know it.
Yet there has been a thing in your knowledge which has
concerned me nearly, that you have concealed from me.
Mas\. My lord!
Lord Touch. Nay, I excuse your friendship to my unnatural
nephew thus far;—but I know you have been privy
to his impious designs upon my wife. This evening she has
told me all; her good-nature concealed it as long as was possible;
but he perseveres so in villainy that she has told me
even you were weary of dissuading him, though you have
once actually hindered him from forcing her.
Masl(. I am sorry, my lord, I can't make you an answer;
this is an occasion in which I would willingly be silent.
Lord Touch. I know you would excuse him; and I know
as well that you can't.
Masl^. Indeed I was in hopes 't had been a youthful heat
that might have soon boiled over; but—
Lord Touch. Say on.
Mask. I have nothing more to say, my lord—but to
express my concern; for I think his frenzy increases daily.
Lord Touch. How! give me but proof of it, ocular proof,
that I may justify my dealing with him to the world, and
share my fortunes.
Mask. O my lord! consider that is hard; besides, time
may work upon him: then, for me to do it I I have professed
an everlasting friendship to him.
Lord Touch. He is your friend, and what am I?
Mask. I am answered.
Lord Touch. Fear not his displeasure; I will put you out
of his and Fortune's power; and for that thou art scrupu-