University of Virginia Library

The fourth Scœne.

George and Wife.
Wife.

Pray sir, forbeare. Is this a place to make ones
husband a Cuckold in?

Geor.
Let not such weake excuses rob my hopes
Of that delight, for whose enjoying
Danger and all that weaknesse can be frighted with—

Wife.

Pray sir, talke not to me of weaknesse. The servants
of the house will suspect us presently.

Geo.
Be expeditious then, we lose that time
Might make the pleasure fruitfull.

Wife.

Indeed sir I durst ee'n venture to make him cuchold,
might I be sure you would get a boy.

Geo.

That's doubtles, sweet.

Wife.

And shall he be like the father?

Geo.

As ever Citizens sonne was.

Wife.

I meane my husband.

Geo.

I am a Courtier.

Wife.

Kind sir, you even deserve it for your policie. But
I am so affraid.

Geo.
Mischiefe on these delayes.

Within.
Sweet-heart, Wife.

Wife.
Ay me.

Geo.
Vexation racks me.
Prevented at the point of such a happinesse!

Within.
Come Chuck and hold my head.

Wife.
Pray sir, hide your selfe:

Geo.
Where?

Wife.
Happily, here's an empty tub.

To them Stitch.
Stitch.
My head akes Wife; where art chicken?

Wife.

Here husband. You must presse upon womens
retirement.

Stitch.

Oh my stomacke; 'tis very sick.

Wife.

Emptie it in the fields then; let not the servants
take notice you are such a sloven.

Stitch.

Why not in that tub?

Wife.

Fie beast: defile a necessary implement of housewifry?
This 'tis to drink healths to Cuckolds. You might
have beene one your selfe, were not I the honester woman;
which is more then many of your neighbours can
say for themselves.