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48 WILLIAM CONGREVE [ACT i
Sharp. That's because he always sets out in foul weather,
loves to buffet with the winds, meet the tide, and sail in
the teeth of opposition.
Heart. What, has he not dropped anchor at Araminta?
Bell. Truth on't is, she fits his temper best, is a kind of
floating-island; sometimes seems in reach, then vanishes, and
keeps him busied in the search.
Sharp. She had need have a good share of sense to manage
so capricious a lover.
Bell. Faith, I don't know; he's of a temper the most easy
to himself in the world: he takes as much always of an
amour as he cares for, and quits it when it grows stale or
unpleasant.
Sharp. An argument of very little passion, very good
understanding, and very ill-nature.
Heart. And proves that Vainlove plays the fool with
discretion.
Sharp. You, Bellmour, are bound in gratitude to stickle
for him; you with pleasure reap that fruit which he takes
pains to sow; he does the drudgery in the mine, and you
stamp your image on the gold.
Bell. He's of another opinion, and says I do the drudgery
in the mine. Well, we have each our share of sport, and
each that which he likes best; 'tis his diversion to set, 'tis
mine to cover the partridge.
Heart. And it should be mine to let them go again.
Sharp. Not till you had mouthed a little, George. I think
that's all thou art fit for now.
Heart. Good Mr. Young-fellow, you're mistaken; as able
as yourself, and as nimble too, though I mayn't have so
much mercury in my limbs. 'Tis true, indeed, I don't force
appetite, but wait the natural call of my lust, and think it
time enough to be lewd, after I have had the temptation.
Bell. Time enough! ay too soon, I should rather have
expected, from a person of your gravity.
Heart. Yet it is oftentimes too late with some of you
young, termagant flashy sinners:, you have all the guilt of
the intention, and none of the pleasure of the practice. 'Tis
true you are so eager in pursuit of the temptation, that you
save the devil the trouble of leading you into it: nor is it out
of discretion that you don't swallow that very hook yourselves
have baited, but you are cloyed with the preparative,
and what you mean for a whet, turns the edge of your