MELLEFONT alone.

MEL. [After a pause.] So then, spite of my care and foresight, I
am caught, caught in my security. Yet this was but a shallow
artifice, unworthy of my Machiavellian aunt. There must be more
behind: this is but the first flash, the priming of her engine.
Destruction follows hard, if not most presently prevented.


SCENE VII.


[To him] MASKWELL.

MEL. Maskwell, welcome, thy presence is a view of land, appearing
to my shipwrecked hopes. The witch has raised the storm, and her
ministers have done their work: you see the vessels are parted.

MASK. I know it. I met Sir Paul towing away Cynthia. Come,
trouble not your head; I'll join you together ere to-morrow morning,
or drown between you in the attempt.

MEL. There's comfort in a hand stretched out to one that's sinking;
though ne'er so far off.

MASK. No sinking, nor no danger. Come, cheer up; why, you don't
know that while I plead for you, your aunt has given me a retaining
fee. Nay, I am your greatest enemy, and she does but journey-work
under me.