University of Virginia Library

SCENE VII.

Goosecap, Betty, Simon, Old Lady
Betty.
Bless me, her ladyship comes back.

Goose.
No matter, 'tis some new attack.
Well, madam, your commands speak out.

O. Lady.
I hope I'm welcome.

Betty.
Without doubt.

O. Lady.
I'm reconcil'd to our miscarriage,
And came to laugh, Sir, at marriage.

Goose.
Laugh, ma'am!

Betty.
'Tis neither shame nor sin.

O. Lady.
No, no; and when you please begin.

Goose.
O mighty love, who can controul
Thy influence o'er the human soul
Thy power is felt from pole to pole,
By victims great and many.
You turn at will all people's wits,
And make them mad and fools by fit;
But still where'er thy arrow hits,
The old fool's worse than any.

O. Lady.
Love is, in youth, a pleasing fruit,
Does with the season aptly suit;
And where its fertile branches shoot,
With health and joy we're feasted:
But love with age will never chime,
'Tis a tree bearing out of time,
The fruit nor wholesome is nor prime,
But sickens where 'tis tasted.

Simon.
In ancient fable we are told,
Alcides of immortal mould,
Did for a wench a distaff hold,
And gravely sat to spinning.
Think when the fool a master plays,
And weds his maid, although he strays,
He is no worse than Hercules;
And pray, Sirs, spare your grinning.

Betty.
Folks may find fault with this and that,
Say love with youth comes only pat,
That youthful pairs give tit for tat,
And all goes fine and clever.
That age should prudent be and cold;
But if men love not e'er they are old,
Thus much to say, I will be bold,
'Tis better late than never.