University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

Before a Cottage.
Jasper, Kate, Cubbin.
Jas.
I tell thee, wife, no more—pray let them go.
Can we afford to keep two idle vagrants,
Who have nought wherewithal to recompence?
We scarce can help ourselves.

Kate.
But they are distress'd,
And kind, and good—pray, my good Jasper, shield them,
Though but a little while—heaven will reward it.

Jas.
I fear they are not better than behoves.
We know them not—But you're so newfangled!
Yes, all your sex are so—Well, keep them, Kate.
If I aught know of you, you shall the first
Urge their dismissal—Prithee, keep them, Kate,
Long as you will, you have my free consent.

Kate.
That's my kind husband—Now let's visit them.