The Works of Aphra Behn, Volume II

Qu. Ingrate! Have I for this abus'd the best of Men, My noble Husband? Depriving him of all the Joys of Love, To bring them all intirely to thy Bed; Neglected all my Vows, and sworn 'em here a-new, Here, on thy Lips-- Exhausted Treasures that wou'd purchase Crowns, To buy thy Smiles--to buy a gentle Look; And when thou didst repay me--blest the Giver? Oh, Abdelazer, more than this I've done-- This very Hour, the last the King can live, Urg'd by thy Witch-craft, I his Life betray'd; And is it thus my Bounties are repaid? Whate'er a Crime so great deserves from Heav'n, By Abdelazer might have been forgiven: [Weeps. But I will be reveng'd by penitence, And e'er the King dies, own my black Offence-- And yet that's not enough--Elvira-- [Pauses. Cry murder, murder, help, help.

[She and her Women cry aloud, he is surpriz'd, the