University of Virginia Library

SCENE VI.

The Countryman, the Wife, the Mother.
WIFE.
Then wilt thou stay Joe?

MOTHER.
Wilt thee, boy of mine?

COUNTRYMAN.
Wife give's the hand, and Mother give us thine.
Last night you dodg'd me to the ale-house, Jane;
I swore to be reveng'd—

WIFE.
I see it plain.

COUNTRYMAN.
I swore to be reveng'd, and vow'd, in short,
To list ma, to be even with thee for't.
But kiss me, now my plaguy anger's o'er.

WIFE.
And I'll ne'er dodge thee to the ale-house more.

DUET.
COUNTRYMAN.
From henceforth, wedded to my farm,
My thoughts shall never rove on harm;
I to the field perchance may go,
But it shall be to reap or sow.

WIFE.
Now blessings, on thy honest heart,
Thy wife shall bear an equal part;
Work thee without doors; she within,
Will keep the house, and card and spin.

COUNTRYMAN.
How foolish they in love with strife,
Who quit the peaceful country life;

WIFE.
Where wholesome labour is the best,
And surest guide to balmy rest!

A. 2.
That lot true happiness secures,
And, bless'd be prais'd, is mine and yours.
Content beneath the humble shed,
We'll toil to earn our babies bread;
With mutual kindness bear love's yoke,
And pity greater, finer folk.