Antonio monologue (Act 1) — The Widow's Vow: A Farce, in Two Acts

Yes--Yes--she may go--(_Exit Flora and Jerome_) A young woman at the gate, now do I want to bid _her_ welcome to the castle--a maid of Donna Isabella, our neighbour--by the bye I must bring about an acquaintance with Donna Isabella and the Countess my niece, if I can, for I am told Isabella is a very beautiful lady--and I should like to bid _her_ welcome to the castle--but, notwithstanding all the pains I have taken, ever since she has arrived, to procure a sight of her, I have not been able--I would, however, force myself into the house, but it seems she has a young brother, the Marquis, come down on a visit to her within these three days, and he might take upon him to resent my gallantry--and I can't say I am fond of resentments, rage and hatred--no, no, the _softer_ passions possess me wholly. [_Exit._