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Pope, Alexander, 1688-1744

"A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 2"


The God of my father Abraham and of me
Hath promised, that our seed as the sand shall be.
He is a God of truth, and in his words just.
Therefore in my working shall be no fault, I trust.
Now, therefore, son Esau, get thee forth to hunt,
With thy bow and quiver, as erst thou hast been wont;
[And] bring me of thy venison that is good.
ESAU. Ye shall have of the best that runneth in the wood.
ISAAC. When thou comest home, to dress it it shall behove,
And to make for mine own tooth such meat as I love.
Thus do, mine own dear son, and then I shall thee kiss
With the kiss of peace, and thee for ever bless.
ESAU. Your will t'accomplish, most dear father Isaac,
With all good haste and speed I shall not be found slack.
ISAAC. Then help lead me home, in my tent that I were set,
And then go, when thou wilt.
ESAU. I shall withouten let.

ACTUS TERTIJ, SCAENA SECUNDA.
REBECCA.

REBECCA. This talk of Isaac in secret have I heard,
And what end it should come to, my heart is afeard,
Ne'er had I so much ado to forbear to speak.
But the Lord, I trust, will Isaac's purpose break.
[_Here she kneeleth down, and prayeth_.
O God of Abraham, make it of none effect:
Let Jacob have the blessing, whom thou hast elect.
I for my part shall work what may be wrought,
That it may to Jacob from Esau be brought,
And in will I go to see what I can devise,
That Isaac's intent may fail in any wise.


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