Catharine monologue (Act 5) — The Merchant Prince of Cornville: A Comedy

Thou art a gallant gentleman. I’ll swift Unveil to thee a heart that’s worthier Than is the poor masked face thou pray’st to see. Oh, how can I portray to thee my joy When I was wife and mother! Think of it,-- For I am sure thou art a good, true man, And gallant gentleman.--In my full flush Of joy I was estranged from my dear husband, Whom I did love so well I would have pledged My soul upon his honor. Then I was wild With sudden doubt and frenzied jealousy. His goodness seemed but evil,--as by the quick Hot-bolted lightning blasted, or as poison Transforms the fairest ornaments. In this Mad frenzy, at this same hour of midnight, I fled from him. Since then I’ve been a restless Wanderer on the earth. But, oh! on me The blame harder doth rest than it doth rest-- On thee!