Part 52

MARLOWE.

The expression of my love.

CECILIA.

Tut! that's a trifle. Think'st thou I ne'er saw men in love before? Unto the summer of beauty they are common As grasshoppers.

MARLOWE.

And to its winter, lady?

CECILIA.

There is no winter in my thoughts--adieu!

Exit.

MARLOWE.

She's gone!--How leafless is my life!--My strength Seems melted--my breast vacant--and in my brain I hear the sound of a retiring sea.

Exit.

SCENE II.

Gravel Lane; Bankside.

Enter HEYWOOD and MIDDLETON.

MIDDLETON.

And yet it may end well, after his fit is over.

HEYWOOD.

But he is earnest in it.

MIDDLETON.

'Tis his habit; a little thunder clears the atmosphere. At present he is spell-bound, and smouldereth in a hot cloud of passion; but when he once makes his way, he will soon disperse his free spirit abroad over the inspired heavens.

HEYWOOD.

I fear me she will sow quick seed of feverish fancies in his mind that may go near to drive him mad.

MIDDLETON.

How so? He knoweth her for what she is, as well as for what she was;--the high-spirited and once virtuous wife of the drunkard Bengough. You remember him?

HEYWOOD.

I have seen him i' the mire. 'Twas his accustomed bed o' nights--and morning, too--many a time. He preferred that to the angel he left at home. Some men do. 'Tis a sorrow to think upon.

MIDDLETON.