University of Virginia Library

Scene 4.

Enter women and man-scold.
Wom.
So, so,
Enough, enough, he will be quiet now.

Mansc.
How know you that, you divell ridden witch you?
How, quiet; why quiet? has not the law, past on me,
Over, and over me, and must I be quiet?

1 Wom.
Will you incurre the law the second time?

Mansc.
The lawes the river, ist? yes tis a river,
Through which great men, and cunning, wade, or swimme;
But meane and ignorant must drowne in't; no
You hagges and hel-hounds, witches, bitches, all,
That were the law, the Judge, and Executioners,
To my vexation, I hope to see
More flames about your cares, then all the water
You cast me in can quench.

3 Wom.
In with him againe, he calls us names.

2 Wom.
No, no: I charge yee no.

Mansc.
Was ever harmelesse creature so abus'd?
To be drench'd under water, to learne dumbnesse
Amongst the fishes, as I were forbidden
To use the naturall members I was borne with,
And of them all, the chiefe that man takes pleasure in;
The tongue; Oh me accursed wretch.

weepes.
Per.
Is this a man?
I aske not by his beard, but by his teares.

1 Wom.
This showre will spend the fury of his tongue,
And so the tempest's over.

2 Wom.
I am sorry for't,
I would have had him duck'd once more;
But some body will shortly raise the storme
In him againe I hope for us, to make
More holiday-sport of him.

Exit.
Per.
Sure these are dreames,
Nothing but dreames.

Doct.
No, doubtlesse we are awake sir.

Per.
Can men and women be so contrary
In all that we hold proper to each sex?

Doct.
I me glad he takes a taste of sence in that yet.

Per.
'Twill aske long time and study to reduce
Their manners to our government.

Doct.
these are
Low things and easie to be qualified—
But see sir, here come Courtiers, note their manners.