Act 4 — SCENE VI.
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Enter Timothy unbuttoning himself; Aurelia, Plotwell, Dorcas, Footman.
Tim. By this hand, lady, you shall not deny me: Since we are coupled, I shall think the priest Has not done all, as long as I'm a virgin. Aur. Will you not stay till night, sir? Tim. Night! No, faith; I've sworn to get my first child by day: you may Be quick by night. Plot. Madam, your knight speaks reason. Tim. I will both speak and do it. Aur. Well, sir, since There is no remedy, your bed's prepar'd; By that time you are laid, I'll come. Meantime, I'll pray that gentleman to conduct you. There's My footman to pluck off your stockings. Plot. Come, sir. Tim. Sweet lady, stay not long. Plot. I'll promise for her.
[Exeunt Timothy, Plotwell, and Footman.
Dor. Faith, I admire your temperance, to let Your bridegroom go to bed, and you not follow. Were I in your case, I should ha' gone first, And warm'd his place. Aur. Well, wench; but that thou hast Reveal'd thyself unto me, I'd admire To hear a saint talk thus. To one that knows not The mystery of thy strange conversion, thou Wouldst seem a legend. Dor. Faith, I've told you all, Both why I left my schoolmistress, who taught me To confute curling-irons, and why I put Myself on this adventure. Aur. Well, wench, my brother Has had his plots on me, and I'll contribute My help to work thy honest ones on him: Do but perform thy task well, and thou winn'st him. Dor. Let me alone; never was man so fitted With a chaste bride, as I will fit his uncle.
Enter Footman.
Foot. Madam, your knight doth call most fiercely for you. [Exit. Aur. [to Dorc.] Prythee, go tell him some business keeps me yet, And bid him stay himself with this kiss.