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Congreve, William, 1670-1729

"Love for Love: a Comedy"


FORE. How! Not mad! Mr Scandal -
SCAN. No, really, sir. I'm his witness; it was all counterfeit.
VAL. I thought I had reasons--but it was a poor contrivance, the
effect has shown it such.
SIR SAMP. Contrivance! What, to cheat me? to cheat your father?
Sirrah, could you hope to prosper?
VAL. Indeed, I thought, sir, when the father endeavoured to undo
the son, it was a reasonable return of nature.
SIR SAMP. Very good, sir. Mr Buckram, are you ready? Come, sir,
will you sign and seal?
VAL. If you please, sir; but first I would ask this lady one
question.
SIR SAMP. Sir, you must ask me leave first. That lady? No, sir,
you shall ask that lady no questions till you have asked her
blessing, sir: that lady is to be my wife.
VAL. I have heard as much, sir; but I would have it from her own
mouth.
SIR SAMP. That's as much as to say I lie, sir, and you don't
believe what I say.
VAL. Pardon me, sir. But I reflect that I very lately
counterfeited madness; I don't know but the frolic may go round.
SIR SAMP. Come, chuck, satisfy him, answer him. Come, come, Mr
Buckram, the pen and ink.
BUCK. Here it is, sir, with the deed; all is ready. [VALENTINE
goes to ANGELICA.]
ANG. 'Tis true, you have a great while pretended love to me; nay,
what if you were sincere? Still you must pardon me if I think my
own inclinations have a better right to dispose of my person than
yours.
SIR SAMP. Are you answered now, sir?
VAL.


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