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82 WILLIAM CONGREVE [ACT iv
late to dissemble.—[Aloud.] Tis plain then you have mistaken
the person. [Going.
Bell. [Aside.] If we part so I'm mistaken.—\Aloud.]
Hold, hold, madam! I confess I have run into an error: I
beg your pardon a thousand times.—What an eternal blockhead
am I! Can you forgive me the disorder I have put
you into?—But it is a mistake which anybody might have
made.
Læt. [Aside.] What can this mean? 'Tis impossible he
should be mistaken after all this.—A handsome fellow if
he had not surprised me: methinks now I look on him
again, I would not have him mistaken.— \Aloud.] We are
all liable to mistakes, sir; if you own it to be so, there needs
no further apology.
Bell. Nay, 'faith, madam, 'tis a pleasant one, and worth
your hearing. Expecting a friend, last night, at his lodgings,
till 'twas late, my intimacy with him gave me the freedom
of his bed; he not coming home all night, a letter was
delivered to me by a servant in the morning; upon the
perusal I found the contents so charming, that I could think
of nothing all day but putting 'em in practice—till just now,
(the first time I ever looked upon the superscription,) I am
the most surprised in the world to find it directed to Mr.
Vainlove. Gad, madam, I ask you a million of pardons,
and will make you any satisfaction.
Lcct. \Ajide.] I am discovered! and either Vainlove is
not guilty, or he has handsomely excused him.
Bell. You appear concerned, madam.
Ltrt. I hope you are a gentleman;—and since you are
privy to a weak woman's failing, won't turn it to the prejudice
of her reputation. You look as if you had more
honour—
Bell. And more love, or my face is a false witness, and
deserves to be pilloried. No, by Heaven I swear—
Lcet. Nay, don't swear if you'd have me believe you;
but promise—
Bell. Well, I promise.—A promise is so cold!—give me
leave to swear—by those eyes, those killing eyes; by those
healing lips.—Oh! press the soft charm close to mine—and
seal 'em up for ever.
Læt. Upon that condition. \He pisses her.
Bell. Eternity was in that moment I—One more upon
any condition.