Scene VIII.

Love for Love

by William Congreve

SIR SAMPSON, VALENTINE, SCANDAL.

SCANDAL
That ever I should suspect such a heathen of any
remorse! [Aside.]

SIR SAMPSON LEGEND
Dost thou know this paper, Val? I know
thou'rt honest, and wilt perform articles. [Shows him the paper, but
holds it out of his reach.]

VALENTINE
Pray let me see it, sir. You hold it so far off
that I can't tell whether I know it or no.

SIR SAMPSON LEGEND
See it, boy? Ay, ay; why, thou dost see
it--'tis thy own hand, Vally. Why, let me see, I can read it as
plain as can be. Look you here. [Reads.] THE CONDITION OF THIS
OBLIGATION--Look you, as plain as can be, so it begins--and then at
the bottom--AS WITNESS MY HAND, VALENTINE LEGEND, in great letters.
Why, 'tis as plain as the nose in one's face. What, are my eyes
better than thine? I believe I can read it farther off yet; let me
see. [Stretches his arm as far as he can.]

VALENTINE
Will you please to let me hold it, sir?

SIR SAMPSON LEGEND
Let thee hold it, sayest thou? Ay, with
all my heart. What matter is it who holds it? What need anybody hold
it? I'll put it up in my pocket, Val, and then nobody need hold it.
[Puts the paper in his pocket.] There, Val; it's safe enough, boy.
But thou shalt have it as soon as thou hast set thy hand to another
paper, little Val.