Act 3 — SCENE II.
Reading edition
A Room in Hoard’s House.
Enter Hoard and 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 only fortunate; I have that gift given me.
[Exit.
Joy. But ’tis 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,
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—
[Reads] Dearer than sight, what the world reports of me, yet believe not; rumour will alter shortly: be 50thou constant; I am still the same that I was in love, and I hope to be the same in fortunes.
Theodorus Witgood.
I am resolv’d:[79] no more shall fear or doubt
Raise their pale powers to keep affection out. [Exit.