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lessons in wisdom — in the matrimonial contract to avoid everything
in the shape of dupHcity and mental reservation — most especially
before the fulfilment of it. This passage in Fenton's courtship is
the only one which gives him an interest with us as a lover, because
it raises him in our esteem ; and with the confession, it is natural
that Anne should promote his suit. In answer to his report of her
father's objection to him, that * 't is impossible he should love her
but as a property,' like a sensible girl, she candidly replies, ' May be
he tells you true ; ' and he as candidly and fervently rephes : —
' No, heaven so speed me in my time to come !
Albeit, I will confess, thy father's wealth
Was the first motive that I woo 'd thee, Anne,
Yet, wooing thee, I found thee of more value
Than stamps in gold or sums in sealed bags ;
And 't is the very riches of thyself
That now I aim at.'
The consummation of his good sense and steadiness of character
appears at the close of the play ; and Shakespeare's own matri-
monial morality is displayed, where Fenton succeeds in carrying off
Anne, in the teeth of Page and his wife, who each wanted to force
her into a money-match. Fenton's rebuke is excellent ; and the
father and mother's reconciliation perfectly harmonizes with their
frank and generous dispositions. Fenton says : —
' Hear the truth of it.
You would have married her most shamefully,
Where there was no proportion held in love.
*******
The offence is holy that she hath committed ;
And this deceit loses the name of craft,
Of disobedience, or unduteous title ;
Since therein she doth evitate and shun
A thousand irreligious cursed hours.
Which forced marriage would have brought upon her.'
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