Anonymous

The Player's Tragedy. Or, Fatal Love, a New Novel

London

Randal Taylor

1693

"In short, Madam, you must be less Fair, or not banish Love from the severe and wise, for as long as you have those killing Eyes, those charming Lips, that graceful Person, all that you can say, will be no better defence, against the Darts they cast, than an Harangue against War, wou'd keep a Souldier alive, that was wounded to the Heart."

Ah, Madam, (said I, continu'd Montano) banish not the Thoughts of Love from any place where you abide, for there must still be Lovers. Besides, 'tis ingrateful to the little God to slight him, who was the cause of your Being. For my part (contina'd I) I shall cherish it, since my self, and all the rest of Mankind, as well as you, owe our Life and Being to it. I shall never grant that, (return'd she) unless you can prove, that ev'ry Man and Wife Love one another. Doubtless, Madam, (answer'd I) the most disagreeing Couple have their intervals of Dearness. Dearness, (said she) Madness you mean---but for Heaven's sake, Sir, no more of this Discourse, since 'tis very much my aversion. Ah, Madam, (reply'd I) what can be more proper to talk of to the most Charming of her Sex, than of Love. Love (answer'd she) ought not to be mention'd in sober Company, the very symptoms of it confess the Fool, and Mad-man, a thousand antick postures, extravagant sayings, and wishes, as well as preposterous ways, to gain what it pretends to; therefore no more of Love, as you value your Reputation. How, can you, Madam, (said I) of all Women condemn that, which at the very same minute you promote in all that see you; a Pretty Lady condemning Love, is like an Usurer railing at Extortion. In short, Madam, you must be less Fair, or not banish Love from the severe and wise, for as long as you have those killing Eyes, those charming Lips, that graceful Person, all that you can say, will be no better defence, against the Darts they cast, than an Harangue against War, wou'd keep a Souldier alive, that was wounded to the Heart.
(pp. 15-17)

Body::Wounds

C-H Lion

Anonymous, The Player's Tragedy. Or, Fatal Love, a New Novel (London: Printed, and Sold by Randal Taylor, 1693)

06/14/2013