University of Virginia Library

SCEN. V.

Dypsas, Tyndarus, Asotus, Ballio.
Tyn.
Here is an argument, Tyndarus, to incite
And tempt thy free neck to the yoke of Love.
Are these the joyes we reap i'th' nuptiall bed?
First in thy bosome warm the snake, and call
The viper to thy arms—O gentle death,
There is no sleep blest and secure but thine.
Wives are but fair afflictions: sure this woman
Was woo'd with protestations, oaths, and vows
As well as my Evadne, thought as fair,
As wise and vertuous as my soul speaks her:
And may not she or play the hypocrite now?
Or after turn Apostate?—Guilty thoughts
Disturb me not. For were the sex a sinne,
Her goodnesse were sufficient to redeem
And ransome all from slander.

Dyp.
Gentle Sir,
I pity the unripenesse of your age.
That cast your love upon a dangerous rock.
My daughter!—But I blush to owne the birth,
And curse the wombe so fruitfull to my shame.
You may be wise and happy—or repent.

Exit Dypsas.