 | The Fatal Marriage : or, the Innocent Adultery |  |
Scene 2.
Fernando's House.Enter Julia, and Victoria.
Jul.
Here's your Father behind us.
Vict.
I hope the Old Eves-dropper has not over-heard me.
Enter Fernando, with the Note pinn'd to his Coat.
Fern.
Who's that dares talk of Love in my House?
It shall be Treason to mention it.
Jul.
Your own jealous suspicion; here's nothing
Of Love in this House to be talkt of.
Fern.
My own jealous suspicion! it may be so; however,
I shall take an occasion to search my House, from the Garret
to the Cellar; and if I do find any Love in it, or any
thing towards, to encourage it—
Vict.
In the Cellar, Sir! what shou'd you find there?
Cold Meat, and small Beer, are no great Provocatives:
Won't you allow us to Eat and Drink, Father?
Fern.
To Eat and Drink, Father! thou art always cramming,
by thy good will: That Jade's Gut wou'd ruine a little
Fortune; wou'd any, but I, were oblig'd to provide for it.
Let me see, I don't know but, in my absence, you may have
let in some Rascal or another, and hid him—
Why don't you look under the Table?
Fern.
There's something going forward against me, I
know, Gentlewomen, by your always being together:
Come, come, what's the contrivance? let me know your
design, I'le tell you whether 'twill prosper, or no.
Jul.
In short, Husband, I must tell you, your Jealousie
has quite tir'd me, and I can live no longer under your Tyrannical
Government.
Fern.
Very well; mine is a Tyrannical Government:
And why, I pray? because it refuses you the priveledge of
making me a Cuckold:
A pretty Priviledge truly! and you will plead it as often as
you can, no doubt on't:
[Victoria spies the Letter.
Vict.
Hey day! what merry Company has my Father
been in?
Fern.
Why, do you find me in so merry an Humor,
Mistress?
Vict.
In a Humour to entertain us, I see, Sir.
Some body has play'd the Rogue with him.
[Aside.
I'le try to Read it—
Fern.
The Spirit of Rebellion has been among you in my
absence, to perswade you to resist my Lawful Authority:
but whether that Spirit appear'd in the simple shape of a
Letter only, or in the more lewd Limbs of a Lover, you
know best—
Jul.
I know nothing.
[Turning from him.
Fern.
Look you, Wife, if there is a necessity for doing it,
do it the cheapest way:
Your Expresses, your Letter-carriers, will cost Mony:
Ah! wou'd I cou'd light upon one of those Letter-carriers,
I wou'd so pay 'em.
Vict.
'Tis directed to me—
I had almost spoil'd all.
[Takes the Letter off.
Fern.
What is that Wench doing behind me there?
No good I warrant her.
Nothing, Sir, but some Fool or other has been chalking
you upon the back.
[Rubs him.
Fern.
O! 'twas that Rogue Frederick's Man:
I felt him indeed fumbling about me when his Master
whisper'd me: but I shall take an occasion to score him over
the Coxcomb, when I see him agen.
Vict.
Did he send it, Father?
Fern.
Send what, Daughter! wou'd you have had him
sent any thing? I cou'd do no more, than offer my Service.
He did not like the conveyance, I suppose; and so you
are disappointed.
Vict.
Not I indeed, Father, I'm not disappointed;
I have as much as I expected, or desir'd.
Fern.
As much as you expected, or desir'd!
Vict.
What have I to do with him?
Fern.
Ah! Gypsie! you don't know what you have to
do with him?
But if you are ignorant, here's a Woman of Experience:
Your Mother can inform you;
She has something to do with him, if you han't.
Get you gone to your several Chambers, go.
I'le bring you News from your Fellows:
Rely upon me for your Intelligence:
I'le do your business, I warrant you.
[Thrusts 'em in before him.
| The Fatal Marriage : or, the Innocent Adultery | |