University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

Lady Pizalta's Lodgings.
L. Piz.

Well, Thou'rt an admirable Girl! What would half the Ladies
in Venice give for such a Servant?

Lucy
aside.

Truly, you have reason to say so, for 'tis not the first Intrigue
I have manag'd for you—Oh! dear Madam, your Ladyship
does me too much honour—But how do you like your new Servant,
Madam?

L. Piz.

Oh! above all men living, Lucy: He has the most bewitching
Conversation I ever met with—Say, is there no way to contrive
a second meeting? For I'm impatient till I see the dear man again—
The end of the Carnival draws near, which is indeed the end of Life to
me: for then must I be coopt up with age: condemn'd to an eternal
coughing, spitting, snoring and ill nature—Then let me make the
best of life—since Hell cannot have a worse plague in store than I
have felt already.

Luc.

Indeed, Madam, I pity you: and wish 'twere in my Power to
free you from this old, wither'd log, but tho that's impossible, yet I may
do you some little services to make life's tedious journey pleasant—Let
me see, I have it—What would you say now, Madam, if I should
contrive a way to have your Lover in your own Chamber?

L. Piz.

That were worth a King's Revenue—Speak, quickly,
how, how, good Lucy?

Luc.

Why, thus: He shall put on my Cloaths, and in my place attend
you.

L. Piz.

Rare contrivance; but my Husband, Lucy?

Luc.

Oh! let me alone, Madam, to manage him: He is defective in
sight, you know; and not mistrusting any thing, will not be over curious:
But if he should, I have a way to bring you off—My life on't—
This Plot may be of use to my design, I'll manage it with care.

Aside.
L. Piz.

Oh! The Pleasure of hearing my Husband lie coughing, and
calling me to Bed: and my answering him, I'm coming, Dear: and

while he imagines me in the next Room undressing, I'm happy in the
Arms of my Ludovico. Certainly there's as much satisfaction in deceiving
a dull jealous Husband, as in getting a new Gallant: Were it not
grown so common—Each Tradesman's Wife must have her Gallant
too—and sometimes makes a Journey man of the Apprentice e're his
Indentures be half out—'Tis an unsufferable Fault that Quality can have
no Pleasure above the Vulgar, except it be in paying their debts. Well,
dear Lucy, I admire thy contrivance—About it instantly—

Lucy
aside.

About it instantly! is that all? I must have my t'other Fee sir?
—I will, Madam; and you may expect your Lover instantly. But,
Madam, what's to be done with your Brocade Night Gown you tore
last night? it can ne're be mended handsomely.

L. Piz.

Nothing to be done without a Bribe I find, in Love as well
as Law—Well Lucy, if you manage this intrigue with care and secresie
the Gown is yours.

Enter Page.
Page.

Madam, my Lord desires to speak with you.

Lucy

Madam, I'll go about your business: Your Ladyship's very humble
servant.

Exit Lucy.

L. Piz.
Tell him I'm coming—
Exit Page.
Now by way of Mortification must I go entertain my old, jealous Husband
Exit Lady Pizalta.