And yet you had formed some grand scheme to get her into your
hands; but you must speak thus, as your stratagem has miscarried.
LEAND. Were I fool enough to be enamoured of her, I should laugh at all
your finesse.
LEL. What finesse, pray?
LEAND. Good Heavens! sir, we know all.
LEL. All what?
LEAND. All your actions, from beginning to end.
LEL. This is all Greek to me; I do not understand one word of it.
LEAND. Pretend, if you please, not to understand me; but believe me, do
not apprehend that I shall take a property which I should be sorry to
dispute with you. I adore a beauty who has not been sullied, and do not
wish to love a depraved woman.
LEL. Gently, gently, Leander.
LEAND. Oh! how credulous you are! I tell you once more, you may attend
on her now without suspecting anybody. You may call yourself a
lady-killer. It is true, her beauty is very uncommon, but, to make
amends for that, the rest is common enough.
LEL. Leander, no more of this provoking language. Strive against me as
much as you like in order to obtain her; but, above all things, do not
traduce her so vilely. I should consider myself a great coward if I
could tamely submit to hear my earthly deity slandered. I can much
better bear your rivalry than listen to any speech that touches her
character.
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