University of Virginia Library

The fourth Scœne.

Enter Sir Generovs Worthy with Svsan, by the middle Scœne.
Lady.

Nay, blush not Mr. Ierker, ours is no act of
shame, but to be gloried in; youth to youth. Sir Generous
are your hornes so lop-heavy they make you hang the
head. Never droop at it man. A Lord may bee a Cuckold
and never the wiser: you have gotten the knowledge
of what you did but suspect before.

Sir Gen.
Out of my warring thoughts discretion
Hath order'd a resolve, whose practise shall
Preserve my credit. Though I much wonder
A womans smooth hypocrisie should make
Even her secret'st actions to appeare
Most vertuous; yet in this to staine her whitenesse.

Lady.
I did it Sir to cure your jealousie
More then for satisfaction of desire,
Which I have often satiated, when
Your cold abilities were comforted
With downe and silence; when your dreames presented
The quiet of a grave.

Ierk.
I did it Sir,
In gratitude for your hospitality.
Please you to take my counsell. Be divorc't.
You need no proofes, since shees her owne accuser.
I'le then procure a dispensation
And wee'l be marryed.

Sir Gen.
'Tis assented to.
Nay more, I'le give you all her portion backe:
Nor shall the least disquiet in my thoughts
Make me remember it. Think not (young man) mine age
So weake, but I can conquer passion.
My act shall instantly have confirmation;
And be a president where such inequality
Of yeares are joyn'd.

Lady.
Pray good Sir Generous stay.
I have not yet consented; and I thinke
The Law cannot dispense whilst either live.
If you resolve divorce, you'l onely force me
To an unwilling widdow-hood; and how little
My innocence deserves, the least suspect,
Though I did faigne a guilt for better ends,
Iust heaven can witnesse. There was no necessity
To tempt my woman to discover us.
It was my first command.

Sir Gen.
I heare strange words
Which must be scann'd and construed.

Ierk.
Here my solicites cease. But I desire
I may remaine the servant of your vertues,
And weare your favours livery, whose example
Hath won on my resolves to reconcile
My wilder soule.

Lady.
Whilst you persever in't,
I shall preserve you in my purest thoughts;
But never to infect them.

Sir Gen.
The World reputes me
A man of full discretion; and mine age
Is not so rotten yet, to betwice childe.
Hence yee vaine jealousies, that in love diseas'd
Are peccant humours: therefore must be purg'd.
Come to my bosome patterne of true goodnesse.
Nere more those bug-beares to the minds blest quiet
Shall fright thee thence.

Lady.
Then will my joyes be setled.

Sir Gen.
Good Sir forgive
The rashnesse of my passion. I'le no more
Be jealous of your visits; but desire
The love I beare your person may be usefull
To all good ends.