Scene XII.

The Way of the World

by William Congreve

[To them] MINCING.

MINCING
The gentlemen stay but to comb, madam, and will wait
on you.

MILLAMANT
Desire Mrs.--that is in the next room, to sing the
song I would have learnt yesterday. You shall hear it, madam. Not
that there's any great matter in it--but 'tis agreeable to my
humour.

SONG.

Set by Mr. John Eccles.

I


Love's but the frailty of the mind
When 'tis not with
ambition joined;
A sickly flame, which if not fed expires,

And feeding, wastes in self-consuming fires.

II


'Tis not to wound a wanton boy
Or am'rous youth, that gives
the joy;
But 'tis the glory to have pierced a swain
For whom
inferior beauties sighed in vain.

III


Then I alone the conquest prize,
When I insult a rival's
eyes;
If there's delight in love, 'tis when I see
That heart,
which others bleed for, bleed for me.