University of Virginia Library

Scena II.

Aurelio, Spruse.
Aur.
You much amaze me.

Spr.
Sir perhaps I might
With better judgement, and more thankes conceale
So great a wickednesse, but my true love to you
Could not withhold it, you have read some stories,
And these are things not unheard of in nature,
No newnesse at all, the selfe same lust and pride,
As well rules her that treads upon the flint,
As her that rides upon the necks of slaves.

Aur.
Stay let me pause awhile; she is a woman,
Whose age and forme might tempt me to distrust her,
But yet her manners forbid me to beleeve it.

Spr.
Beleev't? She is a close Adulteresse,
Of most strange exercise, a Fricatrice
Insatiable: and has she none but you,
That she can find to bayt with her allurements,
To cover her lewd projects? This moved me,
I'd not have medled else.

Aur.
O doe not wrong her,
Good sir doe not wrong her, it cannot be.

Spr.
You have bin still kept ignorant, for my part,
I never yet expected better from them
I count them but as ordinary chances,
Triviall, and drawne out from the lap of Fortune.
Beleeve me sir, there is no day so holy,
That ceases to betray a womans falsehood,
My medicine workes, I shall be even with her.

Aur.
I sought at first to make her mad in jest,
But now Ile make her mad in earnest: yet
Tis not good to be too credulous; a word sir.
I must have better proofes then your bare word,
To justify this accusation;
Her vertue must not stumble at a straw.

Spr.
Sir tis not threats that can extort from me,
More then I list to speake: I see you troubled,
And therefore will not leaue you in suspense;
Know that I made my selfe experiment.
He shewes the Ring.
For all let this confirme you: this she gaue me
Vpon the premises.

Aur.
O I shall burst:
Here is a sight to make the Sun run backeward;
Good sir forgiue me, that I prest you so,
Consider't as your owne case: were you bee,
That put your confidence, your happinesse,
All in a womans loue, and found her false?

Spr.
I must confesse I thinke it would afflict me:
Ile leaue you sir, I haue discharg'd my conscience,
But of more ill, then she has goodnesse in her.
Exit Spruse.