E II.

Changes to another room in Mr. ANDREWS's house.

Enter Mr. ANDREWS, leaning on THOMAS and another person; CONSTANTIA
attending him.

THOMAS. This outward room is large, the air more free.

ANDREWS. Faint!--very faint!--support me to yon couch. [They seat
him on a couch.]
I hop'd at length heav'n's goodness had determin'd
To give my soul its so long wish'd-for peace.

CONSTANTIA. Of late, these fierce attacks give fresh alarm.
Preserve him, heav'n,--O sir! behold your daughter.--

ANDREWS. Tir'd nature hath got respite for a while,
Yet weaken'd much--my final rest is near.
[To the servants.] Withdraw awhile; but wait within a call.
Constantia! stay; come nearer to your father.
Give me your hand, I wish a private conference
On somewhat of much moment ere we part.

CONSTANTIA. You make your daughter happy; for of late,
I've thought, you did not see me with that pleasure
To which I had been us'd; I, therefore fear'd,
You some distress had met, or that Constantia,
Had witlessly, (when some ill fate presided,)
The best of parents and of friends offended.

ANDREWS. You never did; it is against your nature.
You've ever been affectionate as dutiful;
But the postponing thus a second time
(And on lord Weston's side) the purpos'd wedding,
Which all must say, our station weigh'd with his,
Besides his princely qualities of mind,
Would highly honour us, disturbs me much:
Yet, wou'd I hope, th' affections of your heart
Are not so fix'd upon this noble youth,
you cou'd not wean them thence, shou'd it be fit.

CONSTANTIA. What is't I hear! undone! be still, my heart! [Aside.]
Hath not a letter, sir, disclos'd the cause?

ANDREWS. Such letter I receiv'd, yet it is said,
His uncle, the lord Belmour, hath of late,
Spoken of this, to which he once consented,
In terms of discontent; which, if as told,
I would to the alliance of an emperour,
Prefer the badge of want.

CONSTANTIA. [She kneels] O most indulgent!
Ever-honour'd sir! let not a thought for me
Distress your tenderness. Heav'n be my judge!
That did my faithful heart approve him more
(If possible) than I have truly told you,
And that its choice was not with your assent,
My task should be, to tear it thence