Scene IX.

The Way of the World

by William Congreve

LADY WISHFORT, MRS. MILLAMANT, SIR WILFULL, MIRABELL.

SIR WILFULL WITWOUD
Look up, man, I'll stand by you; 'sbud,
an she do frown, she can't kill you. Besides--harkee, she dare not
frown desperately, because her face is none of her own. 'Sheart, an
she should, her forehead would wrinkle like the coat of a cream
cheese; but mum for that, fellow-traveller.

MIRABELL
If a deep sense of the many injuries I have offered
to so good a lady, with a sincere remorse and a hearty contrition,
can but obtain the least glance of compassion. I am too happy. Ah,
madam, there was a time--but let it be forgotten. I confess I have
deservedly forfeited the high place I once held, of sighing at your
feet; nay, kill me not by turning from me in disdain, I come not to
plead for favour. Nay, not for pardon: I am a suppliant only for
pity:- I am going where I never shall behold you more.

SIR WILFULL WITWOUD
How, fellow-traveller? You shall go by
yourself then.

MIRABELL
Let me be pitied first, and afterwards forgotten.
I ask no more.

SIR WILFULL WITWOUD
By'r lady, a very reasonable request,
and will cost you nothing, aunt. Come, come, forgive and forget,
aunt. Why you must an you are a Christian.

MIRABELL
Consider, madam; in reality you could not receive
much prejudice: it was an innocent device, though I confess it had a
face of guiltiness--it was at most an artifice which love contrived-
-and errors which love produces have ever been accounted venial. At
least think it is punishment enough that I have lost what in my heart
I hold most dear, that to your cruel indignation I have offered up
this beauty, and with her my peace and quiet; nay, all my hopes of
future comfort.

SIR WILFULL WITWOUD
An he does not move me, would I may
never be o' the quorum. An it were not as good a deed as to drink,
to give her to him again, I would I might never take shipping. Aunt,
if you don't forgive quickly, I shall melt, I can tell you that. My
contract went no farther than a little mouth-glue, and that's hardly
dry; one doleful sigh more from my fellow-traveller and 'tis
dissolved.

LADY WISHFORT
Well, nephew, upon your account. Ah, he has a
false insinuating tongue. Well, sir, I will stifle my just
resentment at my nephew's request. I will endeavour what I can to
forget, but on proviso that you resign the contract with my niece
immediately.

MIRABELL
It is in writing and with papers of concern; but I
have sent my servant for it, and will deliver it to you, with all
acknowledgments for your transcendent goodness.

LADY WISHFORT
Oh, he has witchcraft in his eyes and tongue;
when I did not see him I could have bribed a villain to his
assassination; but his appearance rakes the embers which have so long
lain smothered in my breast. [Aside.]