Aphra Behn

The Amorous Prince Aphra Behn

Set in Florence, and preoccupied with the collision of rampant sexuality and women's virtue, Behn's second play parodies the aristocratic attitudes of Charles II's court, comically exploring the effects of depravity and decadence in the highest echelons of society. The main plot concerns Prince Fredrick's erotic pursuits, chiefly with the sister (Cloris) and fiancée (Laura) of his best friend and courtier, Curtius. Enter Cloris drest in her Night Attire, with Frederick dressing himself. Clo. And will you leave me now to Fears, Which Love it self can hardly satisfy? But those, and that together sure will kill me, If you stay long away. Fred. My Dear, 'tis almost day, and we must part; Should those rude Eyes 'mongst whom thou dwell'st perceive us, 'Twould prove unhappy both to thee and me. Clo. And will you, Sir, be constant to your Vows?Fred. Ah Cloris! do not question what I've sworn; If thou would'st have it once again repeated, I'll do't. By all that's good, I'll marry thee; By that most Holy Altar, before which we kneel'd, When first I saw the brightest Saint that e'er ador'd it; I'll marry none but thee, my dearest Cloris. Clo. Sir, you have said enough to gain a credit With any Maid, though she had been deceiv'd By some such Flatteries as these before. I never knew the pains of Fear till now; [Sighs. And you must needs forgive the Faults you make, For had I still remain'd in Innocence, I should have still believ'd you. Fred. Why, dost thou not, my Love?Clo. Some doubts I have, but when I look on you, Though I must blush to do so, they all vanish; But I provide against your absence, Sir. Fred. Make no provision, Cloris, but of Hope, Prepare thy self against a Wedding day, When thou shalt be a little Deity on Earth. Clo. I know not what it is to dwell in Courts, But sure it must be fine, since you are there; Yet I could wish you were an humble Shepherd, And knew no other Palace than this Cottage; Where I would weave you Crowns, of Pinks and Daisies, And you should be a Monarch every May. Fred. And, Cloris, I could be content to sit With thee, upon some shady River's Bank, To hear thee sing, and tell a Tale of Love. For these, alas! I could do any thing; A Sheep-hook I could prize above a Sword; An Army I would quit to lead a Flock, And more esteem that Chaplet wreath'd by thee, Than the victorious Bays: All this I could, but, Dear, I have a Father, Whom for thy sake, to make thee great and glorious, I would not lose my Int'rest with. But, Cloris, see, the unkind day approaches, And we must kiss and part. Clo. Unkind it is indeed, may it prove so To all that wish its presence, And pass as soon away, That welcome Night may re-assume its place, And bring you quickly back. Fred. With great impatience I'll expect that Hour, That shall conduct me in its Shades to thee; Farewel. Clo. Farewel, Sir, if you must be gone. [Sighs. Fred. One Kiss, and then indeed I will be gone. [Kisses her. A new blown Rose kist by the Morning Dew, Has not more natural Sweetness. Ah Cloris! can you doubt that Heart, To whom such Blessings you impart? Unjustly you suspect that Prize, Won by such Touches and such Eyes. My Fairest, turn that Face away, Unless I could for ever stay; Turn but a little while I go.