Act 3 — [Scene II.][3854]
Reading edition
[Scene II.][3854]
Enter Hoard and Niece [Joyce].
Hoa. Niece, sweet niece, prithee, have a care to my house; I leave all to thy discretion. Be content to dream awhile; I ’ll have a husband for thee shortly: put that care upon me, wench, for in choosing wives and husbands I am only5 fortunate; I have that gift given me.
Exit.
Joy. But ’t is not likely you should choose for me, Since nephew to your chiefest enemy Is he whom I affect: but, O, forgetful! Why dost thou flatter thy affections so,10 With name of him that for a widow’s bed Neglects thy purer love? Can it be so, Or does report dissemble? [Enter George.] How, now, sir?
Geo. A letter, with which came a private charge.
Joy. Therein I thank your care.
[Exit George.]
—I know this hand—15 (Reads.) Dearer than sight, what the world reports of me, yet believe not; rumour will alter shortly: be thou constant; I am still the same that I was in love, and I hope to be the same in fortunes.20
Theodorus Witgood.
I am resolv’d:[3855] no more shall fear or doubt
Raise their pale powers to keep affection out.
Exit.