MASK. Guilt is ever at a loss, and confusion waits upon it; when
innocence and bold truth are always ready for expression.

LADY TOUCH. Not in love: words are the weak support of cold
indifference; love has no language to be heard.

MASK. Excess of joy has made me stupid! Thus may my lips be ever
closed. [Kisses her.] And thus--O who would not lose his speech,
upon condition to have joys above it?

LADY TOUCH. Hold, let me lock the door first. [Goes to the door.]

MASK. [Aside.] That I believed; 'twas well I left the private
passage open.

LADY TOUCH. So, that's safe.

MASK. And so may all your pleasures be, and secret as this kiss -

MEL. And may all treachery be thus discovered. [Leaps out.]

LADY TOUCH. Ah! [Shrieks.]

MEL. Villain! [Offers to draw.]

MASK. Nay, then, there's but one way. [Runs out.]


SCENE XVIII.