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SCENE II] LDVE FDR LOVE 283
me, if I think my own inclinations have a better right to
dispose of my person, than yours.
Sir Samp. Are you answered now, sir?
Vol. Yes, sir.
Sir Samp. Where's your plot, sir; and your contrivance
now, sir? Will you sign, sir? come, will you sign and seal?
Vol. With all my heart, sir.
Scan. 'Sdeath, you are not mad indeed, to ruin yourself?
Val. I have been disappointed of my only hope; and he
that loses hope may part with anything. I never valued
fortune, but as it was subservient to my pleasure; and my
only pleasure was to please this lady; I have made many
vain attempts, and find at last that nothing but my ruin can
effect it; which, for that reason I will sign to.—Give me
the paper.
Ang. [Aside.] Generous Valentine I
Buck. Here is the deed, sir.
Val. But where is the bond, by which I am obliged to
sign this?
Bucl^. Sir Sampson, you have it.
Ang. No, I have it; and I'll use it, as I would everything
that is an enemy to Valentine. [Tears the paper.
Sir Samp. How now I
Val. Ha!
Ang. [To VALENTINE.] Had I the world to give you, it
could not make me worthy of so generous and faithful
a passion; here's my hand, my heart was always yours,
and struggled very hard to make this utmost trial of your
virtue.
Val. Between pleasure and amazement, I am lost.—But
on my knees I take the blessing.
Sir Samp. Oons, what is the meaning of this?
Ben. Mess, here's the wind changed again! Father, you
and I may make a voyage together now.
Ang. Well, Sir Sampson, since I have played you a trick,
I'll advise you how you may avoid such another. Learn
to be a good father, or you'll never get a second wife. I
always loved your son, and hated your unforgiving nature.
I was resolved to try him to the utmost; I have tried you
too, and know you both. You have not more faults than he
has virtues; and 'tis hardly more pleasure to me, that I can
make him and myself happy, than that I can punish you.