.

He'll use thee kindly; thou shalt want no plea

sures, Nor any other fit supplies whatever Thou canst in heart desire.

Win. All these are nothing Without your company.

Frank. Which thou shalt have Once every month at least.

Win. Once every month! ! Is this to have an husband ?

Frank. Perhaps oftener; That's as occasion serves.

Win. Ay, ay; in case No other beauty tempt your eye, whom you Like better, I may chance to be remember'd, And see you now, and then. Faith! I did hope You'd not have us’d me so: 'tis but

my

fortune. And yet, if not for my sake, have some pity Upon the child I go with; that's your own : And 'less you'll be a cruel-hearted father, You cannot but remember that. Heaven knows, how

Frank. To quit which fear at once, As by the ceremony late perform’d, I plighted thee a faith, as free from challenge, As any double thought; once more, in hearing Of Heaven and thee, I vow that never henceforth Disgrace, reproof, lawless affections, threats, Or what can be suggested ’gainst our marriage, Shall cause me falsify that bridal oath That binds me thine. And, Winnifrede, whenever

The wanton heats of youth, by subtle baits
Of beauty, or what woman's art can practise,
Draw me from only loving thee, let Heaven
Inflict upon my life some fearful ruin!
I hope thou dost believe me.

Win. Swear no more;
I am confirm'd, and will resolve to do
What you think most behoveful for us.

Frank. Thus then;
Make thyself ready; at the furthest house
Upon the green, without the town, your uncle
Expects you. For a little time, farewell!

Win. Sweet,
We shall meet again as soon as thou canst pos-

sibly?

Frank. We shall. One kiss—away!

[Exit Win.

Enter Sir ARTHUR CLARINGTON.

Sir Ar. Frank Thorney!
Frank. Here, sir.
Sir Ar. Alone ? then must I tell thee in plain

terms, Thou hast wrong'd thy master's house basely and

lewdly.
Frank. Your house, sir?

Sir Ar. Yes, sir: if the nimble devil
That wanton'd in your blood, rebelld against
All rules of honest duty, you might, sir,
Have found out some more fitting place than here,
To have built a stews in. All the country whispers
How shamefully thou hast undone a maid,
Approv'd for modest life, for civil carriage,
Till thy prevailing perjuries enticed her
To forfeit shame. Will you be honest yet,

, Make her amends and marry her?

Frank. So, sir, I might bring both myself and her to beggary; And that would be a shame worse than the other. Sir Ar. You should have thought on this before,

and then
Your reason would have oversway'd the passion
Of your unruly lust. But that you may
Be left without excuse, to salve the infamy
Of my disgraced house, and 'cause you are
A gentleman, and both of you my servants,
I'll make the maid a portion.

Frank. So you promised me
Before, in case I married her. I know
Sir Arthur Clarington deserves the credit
Report hath lent him; and presume you are
A debtor to your promise: but upon
What certainty shall I resolve? Excuse me,
For being somewhat rude.

Sir Ar. It is but reason.
Well, Frank, what think'st thou of two hundred

pounds, And a continual friend?

Frank. Though my poor fortunes Might happily prefer me to a choice Of a far greater portion; yet to right

a

VOL. II.

GG

A wronged maid, and to preserve your favour,
I am content to accept your proffer.

Sir Ar. Art thou ?
Frank. Sir, we shall every day have need to

employ
The use of what you please to give.

Sir Ar. Thou shalt have it.

Frank. Then I claim
Your promise.—We are man and wife.

Sir Ar. Already?
Frank. And more than so, [sir,] I have promis’d

her
Free entertainment in her uncle's house
Near Waltham-Abbey, where she may securely
Sojourn, till time and my endeavours work
My father's love and liking.

Sir Ar. Honest Frank!
Frank. I hope, sir, you will think I cannot keep

her,
Without a daily charge.

Sir Ar. As for the money, 'Tis all thine own; and though I cannot make

thee A present payment, yet thou shalt be sure I will not fail thee.

Frank. But our occasions

Sir Ar. Nay, nay, Talk not of your occasions; trust my bounty, It shall not sleep.--Hast married her i’faith,

Frank? 'Tis well, 'tis passing well!—then, Winnifrede,

Once more thou art an honest woman. Frank, Thou hast a jewel, love her; she'll deserve it. And when to Waltham?

Frank. She is making ready; Her uncle stays for her.

Sir Ar. Most provident speed. Frank, I will be [thy] friend, and such a friend ! Thou wilt bring her thither ?

Frank. Sir, I cannot; newly My father sent me word I should come to him.

Sir Ar. Marry, and do; I know thou hast a wit To handle him.

Frank. I have a suit to you.

Sir Ar. What is it?
Any thing, Frank; command it.

Frank. That you'll please
By letters to assure my father, that
I am not married.

Sir Ar. How?

Frank. Some one or other Hath certainly inform’d him, that I purposed To marry Winnifrede; on which he threaten'd To disinherit me:—to prevent it, Lowly I crave your letters, which he seeing Will credit; and I hope, ere I return, On such conditions as I'll frame, his lands Shall be assured.

Sir Ar. But what is there to quit? My knowledge of the marriage ?