SGAN. Nothing can be so rude as not to listen to people who wish to
speak to us.
VAL. I obey you, then.
SGAN. You cannot do better. (_They make many compliments about putting
on their hats_). So much ceremony is hardly necessary. Will you
listen to me?
VAL. Undoubtedly, and most willingly.
SGAN. Tell me: do you know that I am guardian to a tolerably young and
passably handsome girl who lives in this neighbourhood, and whose name
is Isabella?
VAL. Yes.
SGAN. As you know it, I need not tell it to you. But do you know,
likewise, that as I find her charming, I care for her otherwise than as
a guardian, and that she is destined for the honour of being my wife?
VAL. No!
SGAN. I tell it you, then; and also that it is as well that your
passion, if you please, should leave her in peace.
VAL. Who?--I, sir?
SGAN. Yes, you. Let us have no dissembling.
VAL. Who has told you that my heart is smitten by her?
SGAN. Those who are worthy of belief.
VAL. Be more explicit.
SGAN. She herself.
VAL. She!
SGAN. She. Is not that enough? Like a virtuous young girl, who has loved
me from childhood, she told me all just now; moreover, she charged me to
tell you, that, since she has everywhere been followed by you, her
heart, which your pursuit greatly offends, has only too well understood
the language of your eyes; that your secret desires are well known to
her; and that to try more fully to explain a passion which is contrary
to the affection she entertains for me, is to give yourself needless
trouble.
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