Ha! I saw him wink and smile. I fancy 'tis a trick--I'll
try.--I would disguise to all the world a failing which I must own
to you: I fear my happiness depends upon the recovery of Valentine.
Therefore I conjure you, as you are his friend, and as you have
compassion upon one fearful of affliction, to tell me what I am to
hope for--I cannot speak--but you may tell me, tell me, for you know
what I would ask?
SCAN. So, this is pretty plain. Be not too much concerned, madam;
I hope his condition is not desperate. An acknowledgment of love
from you, perhaps, may work a cure, as the fear of your aversion
occasioned his distemper.
ANG. [Aside.] Say you so; nay, then, I'm convinced. And if I
don't play trick for trick, may I never taste the pleasure of
revenge.--Acknowledgment of love! I find you have mistaken my
compassion, and think me guilty of a weakness I am a stranger to.
But I have too much sincerity to deceive you, and too much charity
to suffer him to be deluded with vain hopes. Good nature and
humanity oblige me to be concerned for him; but to love is neither
in my power nor inclination, and if he can't be cured without I suck
the poison from his wounds, I'm afraid he won't recover his senses
till I lose mine.
SCAN. Hey, brave woman, i'faith--won't you see him, then, if he
desire it?
ANG. What signify a madman's desires? Besides, 'twould make me
uneasy: --if I don't see him, perhaps my concern for him may lessen.
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