[SCENE 2.]
Reading edition
Enter Ladie, Sir Francis, Dorothy.
La. It was strange neglect, sir.
Fra. I confesse it, And not deserve to live for't; yet if you But knew my sufferings—
La. Let her be Judge.
Fra. By no meanes, Madam.
La. You may trust her knowledge.
Fra. This is worse then a whipping now; these Ladies Have no mercy on a delinquent. I must stand toot. There is no tyrant to a chamberwoman Made judg in such a cause; Ide give a Limbe To be quit now, but, if she choose, I am A Criple for this world.
Do. Ist possible a man and such a beast?
Fra. So, I must to the shameles.
La. What punishment can be equall to the offence?
Do. He lookes with some compunction for his fault. Troth, Madam, choose an other night and trye Whether he will sleepe agen.
Fra. Mercifull wench! If we peece agen it shall be a good turne in thy way.
La. My husband is this day resolv'd for London; It is his humour, or els, worse, suspition. Ther's no pretence for him to stay behind.
Do. You have made ill use of your time, Sir Francis; I know not how to helpe you. Seaven yeare hence You may have such an other oportunitie.
La. Watch if my husband come not this way, Dorothy. —Well, sir, though your transgresse deserve no pardon, Yet I am charitable upon Condition—
Fra. Anything, Madam. This shewes exlent in you; No pennance shall displease so you absolve me. Bid me to clime some Rock or Pyramide, Upon whose narrow spire you have advanc'd My peace, and I will reach it or else fall, Lost to the world in my attempt.
La. You speake Gloriously; the condition that assures Your pardon, 's only this—that you conclude Here all your loose desires with a resolve Never to prosecute or hope to enjoy me.
Fra. Call you this Charity? let me rather loose Your pardon then for ever to be thus forfeited; Bind me never to see you (and yet that Were cruelty) then charme me to forgett That I am man or have a hart, and you A beauty, which your absence can as well Make nothing as devide from my adoring. It is not cure but killing to prescribe I never must enjoy you. If you have Resolv'd a Death upon me, let it bee When we like Lovers have embrac'd—
La. It is not possible.
Fra. Nothing in love Can be impossible to willing mindes. Ile tell you, Madam—(sure the Divell has Forsworne the flesh)—there may be a plot. I have it! An exelent rare devise, if you but favour it. Your husband is imediately for London, I must in modesty ride with him; you Are left behind.
La. How can that profitt you?
Do.—What a deale of submission these foolish men Trouble us women with, that are more forward To be friends agen then they are!
Fra. I will counterfeit a fall.
La. A fall?
Fra. I, from my horse; observe me, then—
Do.—My confederate, I hope, by this time is at gate Enquiring for Sir Richard very formally From the old knight, his Master, and good Ladie. The fellow has witt to manage it.
Fra. My footman shall pretend himselfe the Surgeon To attend me; is't not rare? Stand but to'th fate of this, and if it faile I will sitt downe a Convert and renounce All wanton hope hereafter. Deerest Madam, If you did meane before this honour to me, Let not your loving thoughts freeze in a Minuit. My genius is a prophet.
Do. Sir Richard, Madam, Is comeing this way.
Fra. Shall I hope agen?
La. I wo'not say you shall despaire.
Fra. You blesse me. [Exit.
Do. My busines is a foote; your Jewell, Madam, Will credit much the cause.
La. Wee will withdraw And let me know how you have cast the plott.
[Exeunt.