University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Enter at a distance DORIPPA.
Dor.
(to herself)
There never was, never will be, a wife
More wretched than myself. Ah, what a husband!
Unhappy that I am! From this time forth
Be cautious, women, whom ye trust in marriage.
What, I! who brought a fortune of ten talents!
That I should see, and suffer such affronts!

Lys.
(behind)
Ha! I am lost: my wife is come to town,
And has found out this wench, I warrant you.
—But at this distance I can't hear.—I'll nearer.

Dor.
Ah, woe is me!

Lys.
And me.

Dor.
Undone!

Lys.
And I.
No doubt but she has seen her.—All the Gods
Confound you, Demipho!

Dor.
Ay, this it was
Prevented him from coming out of town.

Lys.
I'll go, and speak to her. (Goes up)
Good morrow, wife!
—Our town-folks grow mere rusticks.

Dor.
But they act
More modestly, than they who don't grow rusticks.

Lys.
What! have the rusticks been in fault?

Dor.
Much less
Than folks in town, and do themselves less mischief.

Lys.
Prithee, what mischief do the folks in town?

Dor.
What wench is that within?

Lys.
You've seen her then?

Dor.
I've seen her.

Lys.
And, “Who is she,” do you ask?

Dor.
Ay, to be sure; and I'll know too. You know.

Lys.
You'd have me tell you “who she is,” you say.
She—she—Confusion! what shall I reply?

(Aside.
Dor.
What! do you falter?

Lys.
I've not seen her.—

Dor.
Tell me!

Lys.
Give me but leave, I will.

Dor.
You should ere now.

Lys.
You press me so, it is impossible:
You question me, as if I were to blame.

Dor.
Oh, to be sure, you're not at all to blame!

(ironically.
Lys.
Say what you please.

Dor.
Speak you!

Lys.
I will.

Dor.
Then speak!

Lys.
She's—Would you have me tell her name?

Dor.
You trifle.
I've catch'd you. You're in fault.

Lys.
What fault? She is—

Dor.
Who is she?

Lys.
(hesitating)
She—

Dor.
See there!

Lys.
Plague take her name!
Did not I long to tell it, I should hit on't.

Dor.
You don't know who she is then?

Lys.
Very well.
I am her judge.

Dor.
Her judge? Oh! now I have it.
You've call'd her here to be you're counsellor.

(ironically.
Lys.
No; she is left with me, as arbiter.

Dor.
(ironically)
I understand.

Lys.
Nay, not as you imagine.

Dor.
You clear yourself too soon.

(ironically.
Lys.
This bitter business
Has prov'd too much for me. I'm quite aground.

(Aside.