University of Virginia Library

SCENE 7.

Artemia. Menander.
Art.
Dear husband, meddle no more in this matter,
Lend not your Finger to Andronicus,
To help him hither.

Men.
Prethee wife, why so?

Art.
The man's extremely vitious. And he must
At last be woful, If the Heavens be just,

Men.
I hope you have but lately turn'd Statist.

Art.
I never medled with affaires of State?

Men.
Can you see further into things then I?

Art.
I can stand by whiles you do play the game.

Men.
Belike your Ladiship's a Prophetesse.

Art.
By present things I future can foresee,
And shrewdly too.

Men.
That all the World doth know,
Your tongue will be depos'd, you are too sharp.

Art.
I'm one which wish you well, Sharp natures prove
Ofttimes more wholesom then a luscious Love.
“Here I beseech you on my bended knees,
[She falls on her knees.
“Unseen of all, save him who all things sees,
“By those most sacred Matrimonial Bands
“Which first did tie our hearts, and then our hands.
“By all your sons, and by your only daughter,
“By what hath past 'twixt us, or may hereafter.

Men.
See how the tears do trickle down her cheeks.
Come spend them freely, you have a Mint of them.
These womens eyes are Springs.

Art.
Mens hearts are Rocks,

Men.
Go Madam, meddle with your own Preserves,

Art.
I would preserve your safetie if I might.

Men.
Then meddle with your Sweet-meats, see they be good
In taste and colour, Consult with your Sempstress
Strike into the newest fashion, first and best.
Out-Gorget all the Ladies in the Court,
But meddle not with things above your reach,
Your Sex was made to learn and not to teach.

Exit
Art.
Farewel, dear husband.
You jeer my Grief. And yet I wish you joy,
(But none can save those who destroy) themselves.
Towards my husband this I will averr,
M'affections shall not erre, my judgment may,
We wives unto our husbands may commend
Our best Advice with all Humility,
Our Parts to offer, but their Power to chuse;
Who if they do refuse their happinesse,
This will our conscience ease in all distresse,
We did our Duty, though deny'd successe.
But here's Monobius.