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Behn, Aphra

"The Rover"

Giant. What, does the
Cavalier think I'll devour him? [To Shift. Feth. Something inclin'd to
such a Fear. Blunt. Go and salute her, or, Adsheartlikins, I'll leave
you to her Mercy. Feth. Oh, dear Ned, have pity on me- but as for
saluting her, you speak of more than may be done, dear Heart, without
a Scaling Ladder. [Exit Shift. Dwarf. Sure, Seignior Harlequin, these
Gentlemen are dumb. Blunt. No, my little diminutive Mistress, my small
Epitomy of Woman-kind, we can prattle when our Hands are in, but we
are raw and bashful, young Beginners; for this is the first time we
ever were in love: we are something aukard, or so, but we shall come
on in time, and mend upon Incouragement. Feth. Pox on him, what a
delicate Speech has he made now- 'Gad, I'd give a thousand Pounds a
Year for Ned's concise Wit, but not a Groat for his Judgment in
Womankind. Enter Shift with a Ladder, sets it against the Giant, and
bows to Fetherfool. Shift. Here, Seignior, Don, approach, mount, and
salute the Lady. Feth. Mount! why, 'twould turn my Brains to look down
from her Shoulders- But hang't, 'Gad, I will be brave and venture.
[Runs up the Ladder, salutes her, and runs down again. And Egad this
was an Adventure and a bold one- but since I am come off with a whole
Skin, I am flesht for the next onset- Madam- has your Greatness any
mind to marry? [Goes to her, speaks, and runs back; Blunt claps him on
the Back.


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