THE DOUBLE DEALER

A monologue from Act II, Scene i

by: William Congreve

LADY PLYANT: How can you talk of Heaven! and have so much wickedness in your heart? May be you don't think it a sin,-----they say some of you Gentlemen don't think it a sin,-----may be it is no sin to them that don't think it so;-----indeed, if I did not think it a sin,-----but still my honour, if it were no sin,-----but then, to Marry my Daughter, for the convenience of frequent opportunities,-----I'll never consent to that, as sure as can be, I'll break the Match. I know Love is powerful, and no body can help his passion: 'Tis not your fault; nor I swear it is not mine,--how can I help it, if I have Charms? And how can you help it, if you are made a Captive? I swear it's a pity it should be a fault,-----but my honour-----well, but your honour too-----but the sin!-----well but the necessity-----O Lord, here's some body coming, I dare not stay. Well, you must consider of your Crime; and strive as much as can be against it,--strive be sure-----but don't be melancholy, don't despair,-----but never think that I'll grant you any thing; O Lord, no,-----but be sure you lay aside all thoughts of the Marriage, for tho' I know you don't love Cynthia, only as a blind for your Passion to me; yet it will make me jealous,--O Lord, what did I say? Jealous! no, no, I can't be jealous, for I must not Love you,--therefore don't hope,--but don't despair neither,--O, they're coming, I must fly.

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