University of Virginia Library

SCEN. III.

Scene, the Widows House.
Enter Sir Frederick, leading the Widow, follow'd by her Maid.
Sir Fred.
Little did I think I shou'd ever have been brought
To this pass: Love never had the power to rob me
Of my rest before.

Wid.
Alas, poor Gentleman! he has not been us'd to
These late hours.

Sir Fred.
Widow, do not you be peevish now; 'tis dangerous
Jesting with my affection; 'tis in its infancy, and
Must be humour'd.

Wid.
Pray teach me how, Sir.

Sir Fred.
Why, with kisses, and such pretty little dalliances;
Thus, thus.

[Kisses her.
Wid.
Hold, hold, Sir; if it be so froward, put it out
To Nurse; I am not so fond of it as you imagine;
Pray how have you dispos'd of your brave Camerades?
Have you left them to the mercy of the Beadle?

Sir Fred.
No, you must be acquainted with their Virtues.
Enter, Gentlemen.

Enter the Fidlers, and a Masque of the Link-boys, who are Dancing-masters, disguis'd for the Frollick.
Wid.
These are men of skill.

[After the Masque.
Sir Fred.
I disguis'd 'em for your entertainment.

Wid.
Well, Sir, now I hope you'l leave me to my
Rest.

Sir Fred.
Can you in conscience turn a young man
Out of doors at this time o'th'night, Widow?
Fie, fie, the very thought on't will keep you
Waking.

Wid.
So pretty, so well-favour'd a young man;
One that loves me.

Sir Fred.
Ay, one that loves you.

Wid.
Truly 'tis a very hard-hearted thing.

[She sighs.
Sir Fr.
Come, come, be mollifi'd. You may go, Gentlemen,
And leave me here; you may go.

[To the Masquers.
Wid.
You may stay, Gentlemen; you may stay,
And take your Captain along with you:
You'l find good Quarters in some warm Hay-loft.

S. Fr.
Merciless Woman! Do but lend me thy Maid; faith I'le
Use her very tenderly and lovingly, even as I'd use
Thy self, dear Widow, if thou wou'dst but make proof
Of my affection.

Wid.
If the Constable carry your suspicious person to the
Compter, pray let me have notice of it; I'le send my
Taylor to be your Bail.

Sir Fr.
Go, go to bed, and be idle, Widow; that's worse then
Any misfortune I can meet with. Strike up, and give
Notice of our coming. Farewell, Widow;
I pity thy solitary condition.

[Exeunt Fidlers playing.