The Gamester (1753) by Edward Moore
page 79 of 132 (59%)
page 79 of 132 (59%)
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_Stu._ A friend to the unfortunate; a bold one too; who while the storm is bursting on your brow, and lightening flashing from your eyes, dares tell you that he loves you. _Mrs. Bev._ Would that these eyes had heaven's own lightening! that with a look, thus I might blast thee! Am I then fallen so low? Has poverty so humbled me, that I should listen to a hellish offer, and sell my soul for bread? O, villain! villain!--But now I know thee, and thank thee for the knowledge. _Stu._ If you are wife, you shall have cause to thank me. _Mrs. Bev._ An injured husband too shall thank thee. _Stu._ Yet know, proud woman, I have a heart as stubborn as your own; as haughty and imperious: and as it loves, so can it hate. _Mrs. Bev._ Mean, despicable villain! I scorn thee, and thy threats. Was it for this that Beverley was false? That his too credulous wife should in despair and vengeance give up her honour to a wretch? But he shall know it, and vengeance shall be his. _Stu._ Why send him for defiance then. Tell him I love his wife; but that a worthless husband forbids our union. I'll make a widow of you, and court you honourably. _Mrs. Bev._ O, coward! coward! thy soul will shrink at him. Yet in the thought of what may happen, I feel a woman's fears. Keep thy own secret, and begone. Who's there? |
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