Van Rough Monologue from The Contrast

From The Contrast by Royall Tyler

male · defiant · 1:15 min

The man of her choice! And pray, Mary, an't you going to marry the man of your choice--what trumpery notion is this? It is these vile books (Throwing them away.). I'd have you to know, Mary, if you won't make young Van Dumpling the man of your choice, you shall marry him as the man of my choice. (MARIA: You terrify me, sir. Indeed, sir, I am all submission. My will is yours.) Why, that is the way your mother us'd to talk. "My will is yours, my dear Mr. Van Rough, my will is yours;" but she took special care to have her own way, though, for all that. (MARIA: Do not reflect upon my mother's memory, sir--) Why not, Mary, why not? She kept me from speaking my mind all her life, and do you think she shall henpeck me now she is dead too? Come, come; don't go to sniveling; be a good girl, and mind the main chance. I'll see you well settled in the world.

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