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

What is this vaunted love that so doth set The world on edge? ’Tis but the kindled rapture Of selfishness, that joys to see its double, Its fond endearment, its sweet concord, and Reflection in another. While love is true, Two doubles come, both blent in one, in love’s Bright mirror; but when fails the endearing bond Of selfishness, the passions, then two natures Rudely clash therein, and love sees double, Like to an eye disordered. Wonderful Nature is solved as easily as a scholar Doth solve his problem on the wall, when lo! The master’s back is turned, and stealthily He peeps into the key. O Selfishness, Thou art the key to all the operations Of all this globe,--all men and animals, And all the garniture of fields and forests. Oft thou art hideous; then thou art distorted, As is a lovely body racked by torture; But in thy true and fair proportioned self Thou’rt beautiful as beauty, and as wise As wisdom. Thou art plentiful as color, Sound, motion; and without thee Nature would Eclipse herself in stark and blank oblivion. Learn early this misfortune: Envy and Hate Live on good fortune.... Not ready yet! I’ll knock upon the door [_knocking_]. Fair Violet, Make haste, or we’ll be late.