For Lady Clifford all the city through,
And fifty miles the country round about.
Wife of Sir Thomas Clifford, baronet -
Not perishable knight--who, when he makes
A lady of me, doubtless must expect
To see me play the part of one.

Clif. [Coming forward.] Most true;
But not the part which you design to play.

Julia. A listener, sir!

Clif. By chance, and not intent,
Your speech was forced upon mine ear, that ne'er
More thankless duty to my heart discharged!
Would for that heart it ne'er had known the sense
Which tells it 'tis a bankrupt, there, where most
It coveted to be rich, and thought it was so!
O Julia, is it you? Could I have set
A coronet upon that stately brow,
Where partial nature hath already bound
A brighter circlet--radiant beauty's own -
I had been proud to see thee proud of it,
So for the donor thou hadst ta'en the gift,
Not for the gift ta'en him. Could I have poured
The wealth of richest Croesus in thy lap,
I had been blest to see thee scatter it,
So I was still thy riches paramount!

Julia. Know you me, sir!