Beaumont & Fletcher's Works (1 of 10) - the Custom of the Country by John Fletcher;Francis Beaumont
page 12 of 155 (07%)
page 12 of 155 (07%)
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If you be a true Gentleman, you dare not,
The Brother to this man, and one that loves him; I'le marry the Devil first. _Rut_. A better choice And lay his horns by, a handsomer bed-fellow, A cooler o' my conscience. _Arn_. Pray let me ask you; And my dear Mistris, be not angry with me For what I shall propound, I am confident, No promise, nor no power, can force your love, I mean in way of marriage, never stir you, Nor to forget my faith, no state can wound you. But for this Custom, which this wretched country Hath wrought into a law, and must be satisfied; Where all the pleas of honour are but laught at, And modesty regarded as a may-game, What shall be here considered? power we have none, To make resistance, nor policie to cross it: 'Tis held Religion too, to pay this duty. _Zeno_. I'le dye an _Atheist_ then. _Arn_. My noblest Mistris, Not that I wish it so, but say it were so, Say you did render up part of your honour, For whilst your will is clear, all cannot perish; Say for one night you entertain'd this monster, Should I esteem you worse, forc'd to this render? |
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