"[B]e assured I throw the original from my heart as easily!"
— Sheridan, Richard Brinsley (1751-1816)
Work Title
Place of Publication
London
Publisher
John Wilkie
Date
1775
Metaphor
"[B]e assured I throw the original from my heart as easily!"
Metaphor in Context
ABS.
Nay, but hear me--
LYD.
No, Sir, you could not think that such paltry artifices could please me, when the mask was thrown off!--But I suppose since your tricks have made you secure of my fortune , you are little solicitous about my affections .--But here, Sir, here is the picture--Beverley's picture!
(taking a miniature from her bosom)
which I have worn, night and day, in spite of threats and entreaties!-- There, Sir,
(flings it to him)
and be assured I throw the original from my heart as easily!
Abs.
Nay, nay, Ma'am, we will not differ as to that.--Here,
(taking out a picture)
here is Miss Lydia Languish.--What a difference!--aye, there is the heav'nly assenting smile, that first gave soul and spirit to my hopes!--those are the lips which seal'd a vow, as yet scarce dry in Cupid's calendar! --and there the half resentful blush, that would have check'd the ardour of my thanks--Well, all that's past!--all over indeed!--There, Madam-- in beauty , that copy is not equal to you, but in my mind it's merit over the original, in being still the same, is suc. --that--I cannot find in my heart to part with it.
[Puts it up again.
(Act IV, scene ii)
Nay, but hear me--
LYD.
No, Sir, you could not think that such paltry artifices could please me, when the mask was thrown off!--But I suppose since your tricks have made you secure of my fortune , you are little solicitous about my affections .--But here, Sir, here is the picture--Beverley's picture!
(taking a miniature from her bosom)
which I have worn, night and day, in spite of threats and entreaties!-- There, Sir,
(flings it to him)
and be assured I throw the original from my heart as easily!
Abs.
Nay, nay, Ma'am, we will not differ as to that.--Here,
(taking out a picture)
here is Miss Lydia Languish.--What a difference!--aye, there is the heav'nly assenting smile, that first gave soul and spirit to my hopes!--those are the lips which seal'd a vow, as yet scarce dry in Cupid's calendar! --and there the half resentful blush, that would have check'd the ardour of my thanks--Well, all that's past!--all over indeed!--There, Madam-- in beauty , that copy is not equal to you, but in my mind it's merit over the original, in being still the same, is suc. --that--I cannot find in my heart to part with it.
[Puts it up again.
(Act IV, scene ii)
Categories
Provenance
Reading, but passage copied from HDIS
Citation
First performed January 17th, 1775. 14 entries in ESTC (1775, 1776, 1785, 1788, 1791, 1793, 1797, 1798).
Sheridan, R. B. The Rivals, a Comedy. As it is Acted at the Theatre-Royal in Covent-Garden (London: John Wilkie, 1775). <Link to ECCO-TCP>
Sheridan, R. B. The Rivals, a Comedy. As it is Acted at the Theatre-Royal in Covent-Garden (London: John Wilkie, 1775). <Link to ECCO-TCP>
Date of Entry
11/02/2003
