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 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?
Frank. Why, you were not

A witness to it.

Sir Ar. I conceive; and then

His land confirm'd, thou wilt acquaint him thoroughly

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. 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.-

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? But come, wench, 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 sunshine!

Win. Can you name

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 you:*
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; may I be curs'd e'en in
My prayers, when I vouchsafe to see or hear you.

* i. e. assure you.

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
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 [c]old cloister: this is fine! Win. Good angels guide me! Sir, you'll give me leave

Το

weep and pray for your conversion?

Sir Ar. Yes;

Away to Waltham. Out upon your honesty!
Had you no other trick to fool me? well,

You may want money yet.

Το

Win. None that I'll send for

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.