University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Betty, Goosecap.
Goose.
So, mistress Betty, are you there?
I really wonder how you dare
Look in my face; have you forgot?
Say, were you mad, bewitch'd, or what,
That you behav'd so ill just now?
Answer me.

Betty.
Sir, I don't know how;
My silence may explain my terror;
I can but blush, and own my error.

Goose.
It really was a horrid shame.

Betty.
No doubt, Sir, I was much to blame;
But cannot you the cause unriddle?

Goose.
What cause?

Betty.
Love, jealousy.

Goose.
A fiddle!

Betty.
My conduct might be out of season;
But passion quite o'erpower'd my reason.

Goose.
You should have kept it more confin'd;
Howe'er, her ladyship's so kind,
She pard'ns the slights were thrown upon her;
And, shortly, I expect the honour,
To have her company within;
We quickly too shall be a-kin;
The happy words, to have and hold,
One flesh will make us.

Betty.
Sir, I'm told,
You're pleas'd that I should go away.

Goose.
No, Betty, you are free to stay
Till we are married.

Betty.
That's enough.

Goose.
She faints! here, take a pinch of snuff:
A glass of water!

Betty.
There's no need.
Your hand, Sir, pray.

Goose.
She's ill, indeed;
But, if she sees I'm touch'd, she'll make
Advantage of it.

Betty.
Thus, I take
My last farewell; a tear, a sigh,
You must permit.

Goose.
(Half crying.)
Betty, good bye.

Betty.