And my heart's secret won.

Enter MARIA.

MARIA. I disturb you.

JEFFERSON. Why to speak truly, I had just now sought
Some private intercourse with mine own heart.

MARIA. Of late, I think you use too much of that.
But if you knew from whom I am a messenger,
I also think, I should not be unwelcome.
But I'll withdraw.

JEFFERSON. No, speak your business quickly.

MARIA. Alas! my poor mistress!

JEFFERSON. What of her? speak------

MARIA. Fortune has been of late to adverse to her,
And she's become indebted to such numbers,
I fear she can no more appear in publick,
But must retire, unless your goodness serves her.
She often speaks with gratitude of Jefferson:
Did you but see in what distress she languishes,
You'd hazard worlds to minister relief.

JEFFERSON. Full well you know, how I'm inclin'd to serve her;
But her demands encrease with my compliance,