The Old Bachelor: a Comedy by William Congreve
page 45 of 134 (33%)
page 45 of 134 (33%)
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BELIN. Ay, on my conscience, and the most impertinent and troublesome of duns--a dun for money will be quiet, when he sees his debtor has not wherewithal. But a dun for love is an eternal torment that never rests - BELL. Until he has created love where there was none, and then gets it for his pains. For importunity in love, like importunity at Court, first creates its own interest and then pursues it for the favour. ARAM. Favours that are got by impudence and importunity, are like discoveries from the rack, when the afflicted person, for his ease, sometimes confesses secrets his heart knows nothing of. VAIN. I should rather think favours, so gained, to be due rewards to indefatigable devotion. For as love is a deity, he must be served by prayer. BELIN. O Gad, would you would all pray to love, then, and let us alone. VAIN. You are the temples of love, and 'tis through you, our devotion must be conveyed. ARAM. Rather poor silly idols of your own making, which upon the least displeasure you forsake and set up new. Every man now changes his mistress and his religion as his humour varies, or his interest. |
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