University of Virginia Library

Scen. II.

To them Meanwell.
Mean.
Good health unto you Sir.

Sr Tho.
I have the more
By reason of the care you took in sending
A Confessor unto me.

Mean.
I? a Confessor?
Sure there is some design, some trick or other
Put on you by those men, who never sleep
Unless they've cheated on that Day.

Sir Tho.
I hope
You do mean your Partners my good friends?

Mean.
They ne'r deserve the name of friends, they do
Covet, not love. If any came from them,
It was some Vulture in a holy habit,
Who did intend your Carkasse, nor your safety;
Indeed I know not of't, I've all this while
Appear'd another to you than I am.
Discloseth himself.
Perhaps you know me now. I'm he whom you
Pleas'd to forbid your house, whom Mr Credulous
Takes leave to stile lost man, and Vagabond.

Sr Tho.
That I forbad you Sir my house was only
In care to my Daughter, not in hate to you.

Mean.
That I frequented it without your leave,
Was both in love to you, and to your Daughter;
That I have all this while liv'd thus disguis'd,
Was only to avert the snare from you,
Not to intrap you; that you might not be
Blinded by those, who like to venemous Beasts,
Have only sight to poyson; that you might not
Ruine your Daughter in a complement.

Sir Tho.
This may b'your plot, and this discoverie
Feign'd only to secure your own designs:
For 't cannot sink into me that they durst
Make mirth of my repentance, and abuse
My last devotion with a Scene of Laughter.

Mean.
They dare beyond your thought. When parted this
Your Confessor?

Sr Tho.
You could not chuse but meet him,
He is scarce yet at home.

Mean.
If that you dare
But venture with me home, I'l almost promise
I'l make it plain they've put a trick upon you.

Sr Tho.
Though every step were so much toward my grave
I'd tread them o'r with comfort that I might
Discover this religious villany.

Exeunt.