The Duchess of Malfi by John Webster
page 68 of 172 (39%)
page 68 of 172 (39%)
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Alas, your shears do come untimely now
To clip the bird's wings that 's already flown! Will you see my husband? FERDINAND. Yes, if I could change Eyes with a basilisk. DUCHESS. Sure, you came hither By his confederacy. FERDINAND. The howling of a wolf Is music to thee, screech-owl: prithee, peace.-- Whate'er thou art that hast enjoy'd my sister, For I am sure thou hear'st me, for thine own sake Let me not know thee. I came hither prepar'd To work thy discovery; yet am now persuaded It would beget such violent effects As would damn us both. I would not for ten millions I had beheld thee: therefore use all means I never may have knowledge of thy name; Enjoy thy lust still, and a wretched life, On that condition.--And for thee, vile woman, If thou do wish thy lecher may grow old In thy embracements, I would have thee build Such a room for him as our anchorites To holier use inhabit. Let not the sun Shine on him till he 's dead; let dogs and monkeys Only converse with him, and such dumb things To whom nature denies use to sound his name; Do not keep a paraquito, lest she learn it; |
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