Frank. Why, you were not A witness to it.

Sir Ar. I conceive; and thenHis land confirm'd, thou wilt acquaint him tho

roughly With all that's past.

Frank. I mean no less.
Sir Ar. Provided
I never was made privy to't.

Frank. Alas, sir,
Am I a talker ?

. Sir Ar. Draw thyself the letter, I'll put my hand to’t.

hand to't. I commend thy policy, Thou’rt witty, witty, Frank; nay, nay, 'tis fit: Dispatch it.

Frank. I shall write effectually. [Exit. Sir Ar. Go thy way, cuckoo !-have I caught

the young man ? One trouble then is freed. He that will feast At other's cost, must be a bold-faced guest.-

a

Enter WINNIFREDE in a riding-suit.

Win, I have heard the news, all now is safe; The worst is past: thy lip, wench! (kisses her.)

I must bid Farewell, for fashion's sake; but I will visit

thee Suddenly, girl. This was cleanly carried ; Ha! was't not, Win?

Win. Then were my happiness, That I in heart repent I did not bring him The dower of a virginity. Sir, forgive me; I have been much to blame: had not my laun

dress Given way to your immoderate waste of virtue, You had not with such eagerness pursued The error of your goodness.

Sir Ar. Dear, dear Win,
I hug this art of thine; it shows how cleanly
Thou canst beguile, in case occasion serve
To practise; it becomes thee: now we share
Free scope enough, without controul or fear,
To interchange our pleasures; we will surfeit
In our embraces, wench. Come, tell me, when
Wilt thou appoint a meeting?

Win. What to do?
Sir Ar. Good, good! to con the lesson of our

loves, Our secret game.

Win. Oh, blush to speak it further.
As you are a noble gentleman, forget
A sin so monstrous; 'tis not gently done,
To open a cured wound: I know you speak
For trial; 'troth, you need not.

Sir Ar. I for trial?
Not I, by this good sun-shine!

Win. Can you name

a

you :S

а

That syllable of good, and yet not tremble
To think to what a foul and black intent
You use it for an oath ? Let me resolve
If
you appear

in

any visitation, That brings not with it pity for the wrongs Done to abused Thorney, my kind husband; If you infect mine ear with any breath That is not thoroughly perfumed with sighs For former deeds of lust; may I be curs’d Even in my prayers, when I vouchsafe To see or hear you! I will change my life, From a loose whore to a repentant wife. Sir Ar. Wilt thou turn monster now? art not

asham’d After so many months to be honest at last? Away, away ! fie on't!

Win. My resolution Is built upon a rock. This very day Young Thorney vow'd, with oaths not to be

doubted, That never any change of love should cancel The bonds in which we are to either bound, Of lasting truth : and shall I then for my part Unfile the sacred oath set on record In Heaven's book ?" Sir Arthur, do not study

6

s Let me resolve you :] i.e. assure you : the word occurs in a similar sense, p. 459.

Unfile the sacred oath set on record

In Heaven's book.] This expression smacks a little too much of the writer's profession ; yet this must be termed a beautiful scene, and a very happy opening of the plot, and some of the chief characters.

To add to your lascivious lust, the sin
Of sacrilege; for if you but endeavour
By any unchaste word to tempt my constancy,
You strive as much as in you lies to ruin
A temple hallow'd to the purity
Of holy marriage. I have said enough;
You
may

believe me.
Sir Ar. Get you to your nunnery,
There freeze in your old cloister: this is fine!
Win. Good angels guide me! Sir, you'll give

me leave To weep and pray

for your conversion?
Sir Ar. Yes;
Away to Waltham. Pox upon your honesty!
Had you no other trick to fool me? well,
You may want money yet.

Win. None that I'll send for
To you, for hire of a damnation.
When I am gone, think on my just complaint;
I was your devil; oh, be you my saint! [Exit.
Sir Ar. Go thy ways; as changeable a bag-

gage As ever cozen'd knight; I'm glad I am rid of her. Honest! marry hang her! Thorney is my debtor; I thought to have paid him too; but fools have fortune.

[Exit.

; SCENE II.-- Edmonton. A Room in CARTER'S

House.

Enter Old THORNEY and CARTER.

Thor. You offer, master Carter, like a gentleman; I cannot find fault with it, 'tis so fair.

Car. No gentleman I, master Thorney; spare the mastership, call me by my name, John Carter. Master is a title my father, nor his before him, were acquainted with; honest Hertfordshire yeomen; such an one am I; my word and my deed shall be proved one at all times. I mean to give you no security for the marriage-money.

Thor. How! no security ? although it need not so long as you live; yet who is he has surety of his life one hour? Men, the proverb says, are mortal; else, for my part, I distrust you not, were the sum double. Car. Double, treble, more or less, I tell

you, master Thorney, I'll give no security. Bonds and

. bills are but terriers to catch fools, and keep lazy knaves busy; my security shall be present payment. And we here, about Edmonton, hold

present payment as sure as an alderman's bond in London, master Thorney.