[The Works of Charles Lamb in Four Volumes, Volume 4 by Charles Lamb]@TWC D-Link bookThe Works of Charles Lamb in Four Volumes, Volume 4 PROLOGUE, SPOKEN BY MR 165/217
'Twas the quality Of a too grateful nature in my Katherine, That to the lame performance of some vows, And common courtesies of man to wife, Attributing too much, hath sometimes seem'd To esteem as favors, what in that blest union Are but reciprocal and trivial dues, As fairly yours as mine: 'twas this I thought Gently to reprehend. _Kath._ In friendship's barter The riches we exchange should hold some level, And corresponding worth.
Jewels for toys Demand some thanks thrown in.
You look me, sir, To that blest haven of my peace, your bosom, An orphan founder'd in the world's black storm. Poor, you have made me rich; from lonely maiden, Your cherish'd and your full-accompanied wife. _Selby._ But to divert the subject: Kate too fond, I would not wrest your meanings; else that word Accompanied, and full-accompanied too, Might raise a doubt in some men, that their wives Haply did think their company too long; And over-company, we know by proof, Is worse than no attendance. _Kath._ I must guess, You speak this of the Widow-- _Selby._ 'Twas a bolt At random shot; but if it hit, believe me, I am most sorry to have wounded you Through a friend's side.
I know not how we have swerved From our first talk.
I was to caution you Against this fault of a too grateful nature: Which, for some girlish obligations past, In that relenting season of the heart, When slightest favors pass for benefits Of endless binding, would entail upon you An iron slavery of obsequious duty To the proud will of an imperious woman. _Kath_.
<<Back Index Next>> D-Link book Top TWC mobile books
|