SCENE I. A Dining-Room. Enter Courtall and Freeman, and a Servant brushing Courtall. Court. SO, so, 'tis well: let the coach be made ready. Serv. It shall, Sir. Ex. Serv. Court. Well, Franck, what is to be done to day? Free. Faith, I think we must e'ne follow the old Trade; eat well, and prepare our selves with A Bottle or two of good Burgundy, that our Old acquaintance may look lovely in our Eyes; For, for ought as I see, there is no hopes of new. Court. Well! this is grown a wicked Town, it was Otherwise in my memory; a Gentleman Should not have gone out of his Chamber, But some civil Officer or other of the Game Wou'd have been with him, and have given him Notice where he might have had a course or Two in the Afternoon. Free. Truly a good motherly woman of my acquaintance T'other day, talking of the sins of the times, Told me, with tears in her Eyes, that there are a Company of higling Rascals, who partly For themselves, but more especially for some Secret friends, daily forestall the Markets; Nay, and that many Gentlemen who formerly had Been Persons of great worth and honour, are of late, For some private reasons, become their own Purveyors, to the utter decay and disencouragement Of Trade and Industry. Court. I know there are some wary Merchants, Who never trust their business to a Factor; But for my part, I hate the Fatigue, and had Rather be bound to back my own Colts, and man My own Hawks, than endure the impertinencies Of bringing a young Wench to the Lure. Ent. Serv. Serv. Sir, there is a Gentlewoman below desires to Speak with you. Court. Ha, Freeman, this may be some lucky Adventure. Serv. She ask'd me, if you were alone. Cour. And did not you say Ay? Serv. I told her, I would go see. Cour. Go, go down quickly, and tell her I am. Franck, prithee let me put thee into this Closet a while. Free. Why, may not I see her? Cour. On my life thou shalt have fair play, and Go halfs, if it be a purchase that may with Honour be divided; you may over-hear all: But for decency sake, in, in man. Free. Well, good Fortune attend thee. Enter Mrs. Sentry Cour. Mrs. Sentry, this is a happiness Beyond my expectation. Sent. Your humble Servant, Sir. Cour. I hope your Lady's come to Town? Sent. Sir Oliver, my Lady, and the whole Family: Well! we have had a sad time in the Country; My Lady's so glad she's come to enjoy the freedom Of this place again, and I dare say longs to have The happiness of your company. Cour. Did she send you hither? Sent. Oh no, if she should but know that I did such a Confident trick, she wou'd think me a good one. I faith; the zeal I have to serve you, made me Venture to call in my way to the Exchange, To tell you the good news, and to let you know our Lodgings are in Iames-street at the Black-Posts, Where we lay the last Summer. Cour. Indeed it is very obligingly done. Sent. But I must needs desire you to tell my Lady, That you came to the knowledge of this by some Lucky chance or other; for I would not be discovered For a world. Cour. Let me alone, I warrant thee. Enter Servant. Serv. Sir Oliver Cockwood, Sir, is come to wait on you. Sent. O Heaven! my Master! my Lady, and my self Are both undone, undone— Cour. 'Sdeath, why did you not tell him I was busie? Sent. For Heavens sake, Mr. Courtall, what shall I do? Cour. Leave, leave trembling, and creep into the Wood-hole here. she goes into the Wood-hole. Enter Sir Oliver. Cour. Sir Oliver Cockwood! Embraces him. Sir Oliv. Honest Ned Courtall, by my troth I think Thou tak'st me for a pretty Wench, thou Hug'st me so very close and heartily. Cour. Only my joy to see you, Sir Oliver, and to Welcome you to Town. Sir Oliv. Methinks, indeed, I have been an age absent, But I intend to redeem the time; and how, and how Stand Affairs, prithee now? is the Wine good? Are the Women kind? Well, faith, a man had better be a vagabond In this Town, than a Justice of Peace in the Country: I was e'ne grown a Sot for want Of Gentleman-like recreations; if a man Do but rap out an Oath, the people start As if a Gun went off; and if one chance But to couple himself with his Neighbours Daughter, without the help of the Parson of The Parish, and leave a little testimony of His kindness behind him, there is presently Such an uproar, that a poor man is fain to Fly his Country: as for drunkenness, 'tis true, It may be us'd without so and all, but the Drink Is so abominable, that a man would for bear it, For fear of being made out of love with the vice. Cour. I see, Sir Oliver, you continue still your old Humour, and are resolv'd to break your sweet Lady's heart. Sir Oliv. You do not think me sure so barbarously Unkind, to let her know all this; no, no, these Are secrets fit only to be trusted to such Honest Fellows as thou art. Cour. Well may I, poor Sinner, be excus'd, since A Woman of such rare beauty, such incomparable Parts, and of such an unblemished Reputation, is not able to reclaim you from These wild courses, Sir Oliver. Sir Oliv. To say the truth, she is a Wife that no man Need be asham'd of, Ned. Cour. I vow, Sir Oliver, I must needs blame you, Considering how tenderly she loves you. Sir Oliv. Ay, Ay, the more is her misfortune and mine Too Ned: I would willingly give thee a pai▪ Of the best Coach-Horses in my Stable, so Thou could'st but perswade her to love me Less. Cour. Her virtue and my friendship sufficiently Secure you against that, Sir Oliver. Sir Oliv. I know thou wert never married; but has it Never been thy misfortune to have a Mistress Love thee thus entirely? Cour. It never has been my good fortune, Sir Oliver▪ But why do you ask this question? Sir Oliv. Because then, perchance, thou might'st have Been a little sensible what a damn'd trouble it is. Cour. As how, Sir Oliver? Sir Oliv. Why look thee, thus: for a man cannot be Altogether ungrateful, sometimes one is oblig'd To kiss, and fawn, and toy, and lye fooling an hour Or two, when a man had rather, if it were not for The disgrace sake, stand all that while in the Pillory Paulted with rotten Eggs and Oranges. Cour. This is a very hard case indeed, Sir Oliver. Sir Oliv. And then the inconvenience of keeping Regular hours; but above all, that damn'd fiend Jealousie does so possess these passionate Lovers, That I protest, Ned, under the Rose be it spoken, If I chance to be a little prodigal in my expence On a private Friend or so, I am call'd to so strict An account at night, that for quietness sake I am Often forc'd to take a Dose of Cantharides to Make up the sum. Cour. Indeed, Sir Oliver, every thing consider'd, You are not so much to be envy'd as one may Rashly imagine. Sir Oliv. Well, a pox of this tying man and woman Together, for better, for worse! upon my conscience It was but a Trick that the Clergy might have A feeling in the Cause. Cour. I do not conceive it to be much for their Profit, Sir Oliver, for I dare lay a good wager, Let 'em but allow Christian Liberty, and they Shall get ten times more by Christnings, Than they are likely to lose by Marriages. Sir Oliv. Faith, thou hast hit it right, Ned; and now Thou talk'st of Christian Liberty, prethee let us Dine together to day, and be swingingly merry, But with all secrecy. Cour. I shall be glad of your good company, Sir Oliver. Sir Oliv. I am to call on a very honest Fellow, whom I left here hard by making a Visit, Sir Iossin, Iolly, A Kinsman of my Wifes, and my Neighbour in the Country; we call Brothers, he came up to Town With me, and lodgeth in the same house; he has Brought up a couple of the prettiest Kinswomen, Heiresses of a very good Fortune: would thou Hadst the instructing of 'em a little; Faith, if I am not very much mistaken, They are very prone to the study of the Mathematicks. Cour. I shall be beholding to you for so good an Acquaintance. Sir Oliv. This Sir Ioslin is in great favour with my Lady, one that she has an admirable good Opinion of, and will trust me with him Any where; but to say truth, he is as arrant A sinner as the best of us, and will boggle at Nothing that becomes a man of Honour. We will go and get leave of my Lady; For it is not fit I should break out so soon Without her approbation, Ned. Cour. By no means, Sir Oliver. Sir Oliv. Where shall we meet about an hour hence? Cour. At the French-house or the Bear. Sir Oliv. At the French-house by all means. Cour. Agreed, agreed. Sir Oliv. Would thou could'st bring a fourth man. Cour. What think you of Franck Freeman? Sir Oliv. There cannot be a better—well— Servant, Ned, Servant, Ned! Exit Sir Oliver. Cour. Your Servant, Sir Oliver. Mrs. Sentry! Sentry in the hole. Is he gone? Cour. Ay, Ay! you may venture to bolt now. Sentry crawling out. Oh Heavens! I would not Endure such another fright. Cour. Come, come, prethee be compos'd. Sent. I shall not be my self again this fortnight; I never was in such a taking days of my life. To have been found false, and to one who to Say truth, has been always very kind And civil to me; but above all, I was concern'd For my Lady's Honour— Cour. Come, come—there's no harm done. Sent. Ah! Mr. Courtall, you do not know Sir Oliver So well as I do, he has strange humours sometimes, And has it enough in's Nature to play the Tyrant, but that my Lady and my self awe him By our Policy. Cour. Well, well, all's well; did you not hear What a taring Blade Sir Oliver is? Sent. Ah! 'tis a vile dissembling man; how fairly He carries it to my Lady's face! but I dare not Discover him for fear of betraying my self. Cour. Well, Mrs. Sentry, I must dine with 'em, And after I have enter'd them with a Beer-glass Or two, if I can I will slip away, and pay my Respects to your Lady. Sent. You need not question your welcome, I assure you, Sir—your Servant, Sir. Cour. Your Servant, Mrs. Sentry, I am very sensible Of this Favour, I assure you. Sent. I am proud it was in my pow'r to oblige you, Sir. Exit Sentry. Cour. Freeman! come, come out of thy hole; how Hast thou been able to contain? Free. Faith much ado, the Scene was very pleasant; But above all, I admire thy impudence, I could never have had the face to have wheadl'd The poor Knight so. Cour. Pish, Pish, 'twas both necessary and honest; We ought to do all we can to confirm a Husband in the good opinion of his Wife. Free. Pray how long, if without offence a man may Ask you, have you been in good grace with this Person Of Honour? I never knew you had that Commendable quality of secrecy before. Cour. You are mistaken, Freeman, things go not As you wickedly imagine. Free. Why, hast thou lost all sense of modesty? Do'st thou think to pass these gross wheadles on Me too? come, come, this good news should make Thee a little merrier: faith, though she be an old Acquaintance, she has the advantage of four or five Months absence. 'Slid, I know not how proud You are, but I have thought my self very spruce E're now in an old Suit, that has been brush'd And laid up a while. Cour. Freeman, I know in cases of this nature thou Art an Infidel; but yet methinks the knowledge Thou hast of my sincere dealing with my Friends should make thee a little more confiding. Free. What devilish Oath could she invent to Fright thee from a discovery? Cour. Wilt thou believe me if I swear, the preservation Of her Honour has been my fault, and not hers? Free. This is something. Cour. Why then, know that I have still been as Careful to prevent all opportunities, as she has been to Contrive 'em; and still have carried it so like a Gentleman, that there has not had the least suspicion Of unkindness: she is the very spirit of impertinence, So foolishly fond and troublesom, that no man above Sixteen is able to endure her. Free. Why did you engage thus far then? Cour. Some conveniences which I had by my Acquaintance with the Sot her Husband, made Me extraordinary civil to her, which presently By her Ladiship was interpreted after the manner Of the most obliging women: this Wench came Hither by her Commission to day. Free. With what confidence she deny'd it! Cour. Nay, that's never wanting, I assure you; Now is it expected I should lay by all other Occasions, and watch every opportunity to wait Upon her; she would by her good will give her Lover no more iest, than a young Squire that Has newly set up a Coach, does his only pair of Horses. Free. Faith, if it be as thou say'st, I cannot much Blame the hardness of thy heart: but did Not the Oafe talk of two young Ladies? Cour. Well remembred, Frank, and now I think On't, 'twill be very necessary to carry on my business With the old one, that we may the better have An opportunity of being acquainted with them. Come, let us go and bespeak dinner, and by the Way consider of these weighty affairs. Free. Well, since there is but little ready money Stirring, rather then want entertainment, I shall be contented to play a while upon Tick. Cour. And I, provided they promise fair, and we find There's hopes of payment hereafter. Free. Come along, come along. Exeunt.

SCENE II. Sir Oliver Cockwood's Lodging. Enter Lady Cockwood. La. Cock. 'Tis too late to repent: I sent her, but yet I cannot but be troubled to think she stay's so long; Sure if she has so little gratitude to let him, he has More honour then to attempt any thing to the Prejudice of my affection—Oh—Sentry, are you come? Enter Sentry. Sent. Oh Madam! there has been such an accident! La. Cock. Prithee do not fright me, Wench— Sent. As I was discoursing with Mr. Courtal, in came Sir Oliver. La. Cock. Oh!—I'm ruin'd—undone for ever! Sent. You'l still be sending me on these desperate Errands. La. Cock. I am betray'd, betray'd—by this False—what shall I call thee? Sent. Nay, but Madam—have a little patience— La. Cock. I have lost all patience, and will never More have any— Sent. Do but hear me, all is well— La. Cock. Nothing can be well, unfortunate Woman. Sent. Mr. Courtall thrust me into the Wood-hole. La. Cock. And did not Sir Oliver see thee? Sent. He had not the least glimpse of me— La. Cock. Dear Sentry—and what good news? Sent. He intends to wait upon you in the Afternoon, Madam— La. Cock. I hope you did not let him know I sent you. Sent. No, no, Madam—I'le warrant you I did every Thing much to the advantage of your Honour. La. Cock. Ah Sentry! if we could but think of some Lucky plot now to get Sir Oliver out of the way. Sent. You need not trouble your self about that, Madam, he has engag'd to dine with Mr. Courtall at the French-house, and is bringing Sir Ioslin Iolly to get Your good Will; when Mr. Courtall has fix'd 'em With a Beer-glass or two, he intends to steal Away, and pay his Devotion to your Ladiship. La. Cock. Truly he is a Person of much Worth And Honour. Sent. Had you but been there, Madam, to have Over-heard Sir Oliver's Discourse, he would have Made you bless your self; there is not such another Wild man in the Town; all his talk was of Wenching, and swearing, and drinking, and tearing. La. Cock. Ay, Ay, Sentry, I know he'll talk of Strange matters behind my back; but if he be not An abominable Hypocrite at home, and I am not a Woman easily to be deceived, he is not able To play the Spark abroad thus, I assure you. Enter Sir Oliver, and Sir Joslin, Sir Joslin singing My dearest Dear, this is kindly done of thee To come home agen thus quickly. Sir Oliv. Nay, my Dear, thou shalt never have any Just cause to accuse me of unkindness. La. Cock. Sir Ioslin, now you are a good man, and I shal trust you with Sir Oliver agen. Sir Ios. Nay, if I ever break my word with a Lady, I will be deliver'd bound to Mrs. Sentry here, And she shall have leave to carve me for a Capon. Sent. Do you think I have a heart cruel enough For such a bloody execution? Sir Ios. Kindly spoke i'faith, Girl, I'le give thee A Buss for that. Kisses her. La. Cock. Fy, fy, Sir Ioslin, this is not seemly in my Presence. Sir Ios. We have all our failings, Lady, and this is Mine: a right bred Grey-hound can as well forbear Running after a Hare when he sees her, as I can Mumbling a pretty Wench when she comes in my way. La. Cock. I have heard indeed you are a parlous man, Sir Ioslin. Sir Ios. I seldom brag, Lady, but for a true Cock of The Game, little Ioslin dares match with the best of 'em▪ Sir Oliv. Sir Ioslin's merry, my Dear. La. Cock. Ay, Ay, if he should be wicked, I know Thou art too much a Gentleman to offer an injury To thine own dear Lady. Sir Ios. Faith, Madam, you must give my Brother Cockwood leave to dine abroad to day. La. Cock. I protest, Sir Ioslin, you begin to make Me hate you too; well, you are e'ne grown as bad As the worst of 'em, you are still robbing me of The sweet Society of Sir Oliver. Sir Ios. Come, come, your Discipline is too Severe, i'faith Lady. La. Cock. Sir Oliver may do what he pleases, Sir, He knows I have ever been his obedient Lady. Sir Oliv. Prithee, my Dear, be not angry, Sir Ioseph was so earnest in his invitation, that none But a Clown could have refus'd him. Sir Ios. Ay, Ay, we dine at my Uncle Sir Ioseph Iolly's, Lady. La. Cock. Will you be sure now to be a good Dear, and not drink, nor stay out late? Sir Ios. I'le engage for all, and if there be no Harm in a merry Catch or a waggish Story— Enter Ariana and Mrs. Gatty. Ha, ha! Sly-girl and Mad-cap, are you got up? I know what you have been meditating on; But never trouble your heads, let me Alone to bring you consolation. Gat. We have often been beholding to you, Sir; for every time he's drunk, he brings us Home a couple of fresh Servants. Sir Oliv. Well, farewel my Dear, prithee do not Sigh thus, but make thee ready, visit, and be merry▪ La. Cock. I shall receive most satisfaction In my Chamber. Sir Ios. Come, come along, Brother: farewel One and all, Lady and Sly-girl, Sly-girl and Mad-cap, Your Servant, your Servant— Ex. Sir Oliver and Sir Joslin singing▪ La. Cock. to Sentry aside. Sentry, is the new Point I Bought come home, and is every thing in a readiness? Sent. Every thing, Madam. La. Cock. Come, come up quickly then, Girl, and Dress me. Ex. La. Cock. and Sentry. Aria. Dost not thou wonder, Gatty, she should be So strangely fond of this Coxcomb? Gat. Well, if she does not dissemble, may I still Be discover'd when I do; didst thou not see how▪ Her Countenance chang'd, as soon as ever their Backs were turn'd, and how earnestly she whispered With her Woman? there is some weighty affair In hand, I warrant thee: my dear Ariana, how Glad am I we are in this Town agen. Aria. But we have left the benefit of the fresh Air, and the delight of wandring in the Pleasant Groves. Gat. Very pretty things for a young Gentlewoman To bemoan the loss of indeed, that's newly come to a Relish of the good things of this world. Aria. Very good, Sister! Gatty. Why, hast not thou promis'd me a thousand Times, to leave off this demureness? Aria. But you are so quick. Gatty. Why, wou'd it not make any one mad to hear Thee bewail the loss of the Country? speak But one grave word more, and it shall be my daily Prayers thou may'st have a jealous Husband, and then You'le have enough of it I warrant you. Aria. It may be, if your tongue be not altogether So nimble, I may be conformable; But I hope You do not intend we shall play such mad Reaks As we did last Summer? Gatty. 'Slife, do'st thou think we come here to be Mew'd up, and take only the liberty of going from our Chamber to the Dining-Room, and from the Dining-Room to our Chamber again? and like a Bird in a Cage, with two Perches only, to hop Up and down, up and down? Aria. Well, thou art a mad Wench. Gatty. Would'st thou never have us go to a Play But with our grave Relations, never take the air but With our grave Relations? to feed their pride, And make the world believe it is in their power To afford some Gallant or other a good bargain? Aria. But I am afraid we shall be known again. Gatty. Pish! the men were only acquainted with Our Vizards and our Petticoats, and they are wore Out long since: how I envy that Sex! well! we Cannot plague 'em enough when we have it in Our power for those priviledges which custom Has allow'd 'em above us. Aria. The truth is, they can run and ramble here, And there, and every where, and we poor Fools Rather think the better of 'em. Gatty. From one Play-house, to the other Play-house, And if they like neither the Play nor the Women, They seldom stay any longer than the combing Of their Perriwigs, or a whisper or two with a Friend; and then they cock their Caps, and out they Strut again. Aria. But whatsoever we do, prithee now let us Resolve to be mighty honest. Gatty. There I agree with thee. Aria. And if we find the Gallants like lawless Subjects, who the more their Princes grant, The more they impudently crave. Gatty. We'll become absolute Tyrants, and deprive 'Em of all the priviledges we gave 'em— Aria. Upon these conditions I am contented to trail A Pike under thee—march along Girl. Exeunt.

SCENE I. The Mulberry-Garden. Enter Courtal and Freeman. Court. WAs there ever a couple of Fops better match'd Than these two Knights are? Free. They are Harp and Violin, Nature has so Tun'd 'em, as if she intended they should Always play the Fool in Consort. Court. Now is Sir Oliver secure, for he dares not go Home 'till he's quite drunk, and then he grows Valiant, insults, and defies his sweet Lady; For which with Prayers and Tears he's forc'd To feign a bitter repentance the next morning. Free. What do we here idling in the Mulberry-Garden? Why do not we make this visit then? Court. Now art thou as mad upon this trail, as if We were upon a hot scent. Free. Since we know the bush, why do we not start The Game? Court. Gently, good Franck; first know that the laws Of Honour prescrib'd in such nice cases, will not Allow me to carry thee along with me; and next, Hast thou so little wit to think, that a discreet Lady that has had the experience of so much humane Frailty, can have so good an opinion of the constancy Of her Servant, as to lead him into temptation? Free. Then we must not hope her Ladiship shou'd Make us acquainted with these Gentlewomen. Cour. Thou may'st as reasonably expect, that an old Rook should bring a young Snap acquainted With his Bubble; but advantages may be Hereafter made, by my admission into the Family. Free. What is to be done then? Cour. Why, look you, thus I have contriv'd it: Sir Oliver, when I began to grow resty, that he Might incline me a little more to drunkenness, In my ear discover'd to me the humour of His dear friend Sir Ioslin: he assur'd me, that When he was in that good natur'd condition, To requite their courtesie, he always carried The good Company home with him, and Recommended them to his Kinswomen. Free. Very good! Court. Now after the fresh air has breath'd on us A while, and expel'd the vapours of the Wine We have drunk, thou shalt return to these Two Sots, whom we left at the French-house, According to our promise, and tell 'em, I am a Little stay'd by some unlucky bus'ness, and Will be with 'em presently; thou wilt find 'em Tir'd with long fight, weak and unable to observe Their Order; charge 'em briskly, and in a moment Thou shalt rout 'em, and with little or no damage To thy self gain an absolute Victory. Free. Very well! Court. In the mean time I will make my visit to the Longing Lady, and order my business so Handsomly, that I will be with thee again immediately, To make an Experiment of the good humour of Sir Ioslin. Free. Let's about it. Court. 'Tis yet too early, we must drill away a little Time here, that my excuses may be more probable, And my persecution more tolerable. Enter Ariana and Gatty with Vizards, and pass nimbly over the Stage. Free. Ha, ha—how wantonly they trip it! there is Temptation enough in their very gate, to Stir up the courage of an old Alderman: Prithee let us follow 'em. Cour. I have been so often balk'd with these Vizard- Masks, that I have at least a dozen times Forsworn 'em; they are a most certain sign Of an ill face, or what is worse, an old Acquaintance. Free. The truth is, nothing but some such weighty Reason, is able to make women deny themselves The pride they have to be seen. Cour. The Evening's fresh and pleasant, and yet There is but little company. Free. Our Course will be the better, these Deer ••• not herd: come, come man, let's follow. 〈…〉 I find it is a meer folly to forswear any 〈…〉 does but make the Devil the more 〈…〉 temptation. They go after the Women. Enter Women again, and cross the Stage. Aria. Now if these should prove two men of War That are crusing here, to watch for Prizes. Gatty. Would they had courage enough to set upon Us; I long to be engag'd. Aria. Look, look yonder, I protest they chase us. Gatty. Let us bear away then; if they be truly valiant They'le quickly make more Sail, and board us. The Women go out, and go about behind the Scenes to the other Door. Enter Courtall and Freeman. Free. 'Sdeath, how fleet they are! whatsoever faults They have, they cannot be broken-winded. Cour. Sure, by that little mincing step they Shou'd be Country Fillies that have been breath'd At Course a Park, and Barly-Break: we shall Never reach 'em. Free. I'le follow directly, do thou turn down the Cross-walk and meet 'em. Enter the Women, and after 'em Courtal at the lower Door, and Free, at the upper on the contrary side. Cour. By your leave, Ladies— Gatty. I perceive you can make bold enough Without it. Free. Your Servant, Ladies— Aria. Or any other Ladys that will give themselves The trouble to entertain you. Free. 'Slife, their tongues are as nimble as their heels. Cour. Can you have so little good nature to dash A couple of bashful young men out of countenance, Who came out of pure love to tender You their service? Gatty. 'Twere pity to baulk 'em, Sister. Aria. Indeed methinks they look as if they never Had been slip'd before. Free. Yes faith, we have had many a fair course In this Paddock, have been very well flesh'd, And dare boldly fasten. They kiss their hands with a little force. Aria. Well, I am not the first unfortunate woman That has been forc'd to give her hand, where She never intends to bestow her heart Gatty. Now, do you think 'tis a bargain already? Cour. Faith, would there were some lusty earnest Given, for fear we should unluckily break Off again. Free. Are you so wild that you must be hooded thus? Cour. Fy, fy, put off these scandals to all good Faces. Gatty. For your reputations sake we shall keep 'em On: 'slife we should be taken for your Relations, If we durst shew our Faces with you thus Publickly. Aria. And what a shame that would be to a couple Of young Gallants▪ methinks you should blush To think on't. Cour. These were pretty toys, invented, first, meerly For the good of us poor Lovers to deceive The jealous, and to blind the malicious; but The proper use is so wickedly perverted, That it makes all honest men hate the Fashion mortally. Free. A good Face is as seldom cover'd with a Vizard- Mask, as a good Hat with an oyl'd Case: And yet on my Conscience, you are both Handsome. Court. Do but remove 'em a little, to satisfie a foolish Scruple. Aria. This is a just punishment you have brought Upon your selves, by that unpardonable Sin of talking. Gatty. You can only brag now of your acquaintance With a Farendon Gown, and a piece Of black Velvet. Cour. The truth is, there are some vain fellows Whose loose behaviour of late has given Great discouragement to the honourable proceedings Of all vertuous Ladies. Free. But I hope you have more charity, than To believe us of the number of the wicked. Aria. There's not a man of you to be trusted. Gatty. What a shame is it to your whole Sex, That a Woman is more fit to be a Privy- Councellour, than a young Gallant a Lover? Cour. This is a pretty kind of fooling, Ladies, for Men that are idle; but you must bid a Little fairer, if you intend to keep us From our serious bus'ness. Gatty. Truly you seem to be men of great Imployment, that are every moment ratling from The Eating-Houses to the Play-Houses, from the Play-Houses to the Mulberry-Garden, that Live in a perpetual hurry, and have little Leisure for such an idle entertainment. Cour. Now would not I see thy face for the world; If it should but be half so good as thy humour, Thou would'st dangerously tempt me to doat Upon thee, and forgetting all shame, become Constant. Free. I perceive, by your fooling here, that wit and Good humour may make a man in love with A Blackamore. That the Devil should contrive It so, that we should have earnest bus'ness now. Cour. Wou'd they wou'd but be so kind to meet us Here again to morrow. Gatty. You are full of bus'ness, and 'twould but Take you off of your employments. Aria. And we are very unwilling to have the sin to Answer for, of ruining a couple of such Hopeful young men. Free. Must we then despair? Aria. The Ladys you are going to, will not be so Hard-hearted. Cour. to Free. On my Conscience, they love us, and Begin to grow jealous already. Free. Who knows but this may prove the luckier Adventure of the two? Cour. Come, come, we know you have a mind to Meet us: we cannot see you blush, speak it out Boldly. Gatty. Will you swear then, not to visit any other Women before that time? Aria. Not that we are jealous, but because we would Not have you tir'd with the impertinent Conversation of our Sex, and come to us dull And out of humour. Cour. Invent an Oath, and let it be so horrid 'Twould make an Atheist start to hear it. Free. And I will swear it readily, that I will not So much as speak to a woman, 'till I Speak to you again. Gatty. But are you troubl'd with that foolish Scruple of keeping an Oath? Free. O most religiously! Cour. And may we not enlarge our hopes upon a Little better acquaintance? Aria. You see all the freedom we allow. Gatty. It may be we may be intreated to hear a Fiddle, or mingle in a Country Dance, or so. Cour. Well! we are in too desperate a condition To stand upon Articles, and are resolv'd to Yield on any terms. Free. Be sure you be punctual now! Aria. Will you be sure? Cour. Or else may we become a couple of credulous Coxcombs, and be Jilted ever after. —Your Servants, Ladys. Ex. Men. Aria. I wonder what they think of us! Gat. You may easily imagine; for they are not of A humour so little in fashion, to believe the best: I assure you the most favourable opinion they can Have, is that we are still a little wild, and stand in Need of better manning. Aria. Prithee, dear Girl, what dost think of 'em? Gat. Faith so well, that I'm asham'd to tell thee. Aria. Wou'd I had never seen 'em! Gat. Ha! Is it come to that already? Aria. Prithee, let's walk a turn or two More, and talk of 'em. Gat. Let us take care then we are not too particular In their commendations, lest we should discover We intrench upon one anothers inclinations, And so grow quarrelsom. Exeunt.

SCENE II. Sir Oliver's Lodgings. Enter Lady Cockwood and Sentry. Sent. Dear Madam, do not afflict your self thus Unreasonably; I dare lay my life, it is not want Of devotion, but opportunity that stays him. La. Cock. Ingrateful man! to be so insensible Of a Ladies passion! Sent. If I thought he were so wicked, I should Hate him strangely—but, Madam. La. Cock. Do not speak one word in his behalf, I am resolv'd to forget him; perfidious Mortal, To abuse so sweet an opportunity! Sent. Hark, here is some body coming up stairs. La. Cock. Peace, he may yet redeem his Honour. Enter Courtall. Court. Your humble Servant, Madam. La. Cock. starting. Mr. Courtall, for Heav'n sake How came you hither? Court. Guided by my good Fortune, Madam— Your Servant, Mrs. Sentry. Sent. Your humble Servant, Sir; I protest you made Me start too, to see you come in thus unexpectedly. La. Cock. I did not imagine it could be known I was in Town yet. Court. Sir Oliver did me the favour to make me A Visit, and dine with me to day, which brought Me to the knowledge of this happiness, Madam; And as soon as I could possibly, I got the Freedom to come hither and enjoy it. La. Cock. You have ever been extream obliging, Sir. Sent. 'Tis a worthy Gentleman, how punctual He is to my directions! Aside. La. Cock. Will you be pleas'd to repose, Sir? Sentry, set some Chairs. Exit Sentry. Court. With much difficulty, Madam, I broke Out of my Company, and was forc'd by the Importunity of one Sir Ioslin Iolly, I think they Call him, to engage my Honour I would Return again immediately. La. Cock. You must not so soon rob me Of so sweet a satisfaction. Court. No consideration, Madam, could take Me from you, but that I know my stay at this Time must needs endanger your Honour; and how Often I have deny'd my self the greatest satisfaction In the world, to keep that unblemished, you Your self can witness. La. Cock. Indeed I have often had great tryals Of your Generosity, in those many misfortunes That have attended our innocent affections. Court. Sir Oliver, Madam, before I did perceive It, was got near that pitch of drunkenness, Which makes him come reeling home, and Unmanfully insult over your Ladiship; and how Subject he is then to injure you with an unjust Suspicion, you have often told me; which makes Me careful not to be surpris'd here. La. Cock. Repose your self a little, but a little, Dear Sir: these vertuous Principles make you worthy to be Trusted with a Ladies Honour: indeed Sir Oliver Has his failings; yet I protest, Mr. Courtall, I love Him dearly, but cannot be altogether unsensible Of your generous passion. Court. Ay, Ay, I am a very passionate Lover! Aside. Indeed this escape has only given me leisure To look upon my happiness. La. Cock. Is my Woman retir'd? Court. Most dutifully, Madam. La. Cock. Then let me tell you, Sir—yet we May make very good use of it. Court. Now am I going to be drawn in agen. Aside. La. Cock. If Sir Oliver be in that indecent condition You speak of, to morrow he will be very submissive, As it is meet for so great a misdemeanour; then Can I, feigning a desperate discontent, take My own freedom without the least suspicion. Court. This is very luckily and obligingly Thought on, Madam. La. Cock. Now if you will be pleas'd to Make an assignation, Sir. Court. To morrow about ten a clock in the Lower walk of the New Exchange, out of which We can quickly pop into my Coach. La. Cock. But I am still so pester'd with my Woman, I dare not go without her; on my conscience She's very sincere, but it is not good to trust our Reputations too much to the frailty of a Servant. Court. I will bring my Chariot, Madam, That will hold but two. La. Cock. O most ingeniously imagin'd, dear Sir! for By that means I shall have a just Excuse to give her Leave to see a Relation, and bid her stay There till I call her. Court. It grieves me much to leave you so soon, Madam; but I shall comfort my self with the Thoughts of the happiness you have made me hope for. La. Cock. I wish it were in my power eternally To oblige you, dear Sir. Court. Your humble Servant, Madam. La. Cock. Your humble Servant, sweet Sir. Exit Courtall. Sentry—why Sentry—where are you? Enter Sentry. Sent. Here, Madam. La. Cock. What a strange thing is this! will you Never take warning, but still be leaving me alone In these suspicious occasions? Sent. I was but in the next room, Madam. La. Cock. What may Mr. Courtall think of my Innocent intentions? I protest if you serve me So agen, I shall be strangely angry: you should Have more regard to your Lady's Honour. Sent. If I stay in the room, she will not speak Kindly to me in a week after; and if I go out, she Always chides me thus: this is a strange infirmity She has, but I must bear with it; for on my Conscience, custom has made it so natural, She cannot help it. La. Cock. Are my Cousins come home yet? Sent. Not yet, Madam. La. Cock. Do'st thou know whither they went This Evening? Sent. I heard them say they would go take The Air, Madam. La. Cock. Well, I see it is impossible with vertuous Counsel to reclaim them; truly they are so careless Of their own, I could wish Sir Ioslin would remove 'Em, for fear they should bring an unjust Imputation on my Honour. Enter Ariana and Gatty. Sent. Heavens forbid, Madam! La. Cock. Your Servant, Cousins. Amb. Your Servant, Madam. La. Cock. How have you spent the cool of the Evening? Gat. As the custom is, Madam, breathing the Fresh Air in the Park and Mulberry-Garden. La. Cock. Without the Company of a Relation, Or some discreet body to justifie your reputations To the world—you are young, and may be yet Insensible of it; but this is a strange censorious Age, I assure you. Noise of Musick without. Aria. Hark! what Musick's this? Gat. I'le lay my life my Uncle's drunk, and hath Pickt us up a couple of worthy Servants, And brought them home with him in Triumph. Enter the Musick playing, Sir Oliver strutting, and swaggering, Sir Joslin singing, and dancing with Mr. Courtall, and Mr. Freeman in each hand: Gatty and Ariana seeing Courtall and Freeman shrick and— Exeunt. Sir Ios. Hey-day! I told you they were a couple of Skittish Fillies, but I never knew 'em boggle At a man before; I'le fetch 'em agen I warrant You, Boys. Exit after them. Free. to Court. These are the very self-same Gowns And Petticoats. Court. Their surprize confirms us it must be them. Free. 'Slife, we have betray'd our selves Very pleasantly. Court. Now am I undone to all intents and purposes, For they will innocently discover all to my Lady, And she will have no mercy. Sir Oliv. Dan, Dan, Da ra, Dan, &c. Strutting. Avoid my presence, the very sight of that face Makes me more impotent then an Eunuch. La. Cock. Dear Sir Oliver! Offering to embrace him. Sir Oliv. Forbear your conjugal clippings, I will have a Wench, thou shalt fetch me a Wench, Sentry. Sent. Can you be so inhumane to my dear Lady? Sir Oliv. Peace, Envy, or I will have thee executed For petty Treason; thy skin flay'd off, stuff'd and Hung up in my Hall in the Country, as a Terrour to my whole Family. Court. What Crime can deserve this horrid Punishment? Sir Oliv. I'le tell thee, Ned: 'twas my Fortune T'other day to have an Intrigue with a Tinker's Wife in the Country, and this malitious Slut Betray'd the very Ditch where we us'd to Make our assignations, to my Lady. Free. She deserves your anger indeed, Sir Oliver: But be not so unkind to your vertuous Lady. Sir Oliv. Thou do'st not know her, Franck; I have Had a design to break her heart ever since the First month that I had her, and 'tis so tough, That I have not yet crack'd one string on't. Court. You are too unmerciful, Sir Oliver. Sir Oliv. Hang her, Ned, by wicked Policy she Would usurp my Empire, and in her heart is a Very Pharaoh; for every night she's a putting Me upon making Brick without straw. Court. I cannot see a vertuous Lady so afflicted, Without offering her some consolation: Dear Madam, is it not as I told you? Aside to her. La. Cock. The Fates could not have been more Propitious, and I shall not be wanting to the Furthering of our mutual happiness. To Court. aside. Enter Sir Joslin, with Ariana and Gatty in each hand, dancing and singing. CATCH. This is sly and pretty, And this is wild and witty; If either stay'd Till she dy'd a Maid, I faith 'twould be great pity. Sir Ios. Here they are, Boys, i'faith, and now little Ioslin's a man of his word. Heuk! Sly-girl and Mad-cap, to 'em, to 'em, to 'em, Boys, Alou! Flings 'em to Courtall and Freeman, who kiss their hands. What's yonder, your Lady in tears, Brother Cockwood? Come, come, I'le make up all breaches. He sings—And we'll all be merry and frolick. Fy, fy, though man and wife are seldom in good Humour alone, there are few want the discretion To dissemble it in Company. Sir Joslin, Sir Oliver, and Lady stand talking together. Free. I knew we should surprize you, Ladies. Court. Faith I thought this Conjuring to be but A meer Jest till now, and could not believe the Astrological Rascal had been so skilful. Free. How exactly he describ'd 'em, and how Punctual he was in his directions to apprehend 'em! Gat. Then you have been with a Conjurer, Gentlemen. Court. You cannot blame us, Ladies, the loss of Our hearts was so considerable, that it may well Excuse the indirect means we took to find out The pretty Thieves that stole 'em. Aria. Did not I tell you what men of business These were, Sister? Gat. I vow I innocently believ'd they had some Pre-engagement to a Scrivener or a Surgeon, And wish'd 'em so well, that I am sorry To find 'em so perfidious. Free. Why, we have kept our Oaths, Ladies. Aria. You are much beholding to Providence. Gat. But we are more, Sister; for had we once Been deluded into an opinion they had been Faithful, who knows into what inconveniences That errour might have drawn us? Court. Why should you be so unreasonable, Ladies, To expect that from us, we should scarce Have hop'd for from you? fy, fy, the keeping Of ones word is a thing below the honour Of a Gentleman. Free. A poor shift! fit only to uphold the Reputation of a paultry Citizen. Sir Ios. Come, come, all will be well agen, I warrant you, Lady. La. Cock. These are insupportable injuries, but I will Bear 'em with an invincible patience, and to morrow Make him dearly sensible how unworthy he has been. Sir Ios. To morrow my Brother Cockwood will Be another man—So, Boys, and how do you like The flesh and blood of the Jollies—Heuk, Sly- Girl—and Mad-cap, Hey—come, come, you have Heard them exercise their tongues a while; now You shall see them ply their feet a little: this is A clean Limb'd wench, and has neither spavin, Splinter, nor Wind-gall; tune her a Jig, and play't Roundly, you shall see her bounce it away like a Nimble Frigot before a fresh gale—Hey, methinks I See her under Sail already. Gat. dances a Iig. Sir Ios. Hey my little Mad-cap—here's a Girl of The true breed of the Jollies, i'faith—But hark you, Hark you, a Consultation, Gentlemen—Bear up, Brother Cockwood, a little: what think you, If we pack these idle Huswives to bed now, And retire into a room by our selves, and have A merry Catch, and a Bottle or two of the Best, and perfect the good work we have So unanimously carry'd on to day? Sir Oliv. A most admirable Intrigue—tan, dan, Da, ra, dan; come, come, march to your several Quarters: go, we have sent for a civil person or two, And are resolv'd to fornicate in private. La. Cock. This is a barbarous return of All my kindness. Free. Cour. Your humble Servant, Madam. Ex. La. Cock. and Sent. Cour. Hark you! hark you! Ladys do not harbour Too ill an opinion of us, for faith, when you have Had a little more experience of the world, you'le Find we are no such abominable Rascals. Gatty. We shall be so charitable to think no worse Of you, than we do of all Mankind for your Sakes, only that you are perjur'd, perfidious, Inconstant, ingrateful. Free. Nay, nay, that's enough in all conscience Ladys, And now you are sensible what a shameful thing It is to break ones word, I hope you 'le be more Careful to keep yours to morrow. Gatty. Invent an Oath, and let it be so horrid— Cour. Nay, nay, it is too late for raillery, i'faith, Ladys. Gatty. Aria. Well, your Servant then. Free. Cour. Your Servant, Ladys. Sir Oliv. Now the Enemy's march'd out— Sir Iosl. Then the Castle's our own Boys—Hey. And here and there I had her, And every where I had her, Her toy was such, that every touch Would make a Lover madder. Free. Cour. Hey brave Sir Ioslin! Sir Oliver. Ah my dear little witty Ioslin, let me Hug thee. Sir Ioslin. Strike up you obstreperous Rascals, and March along before us. Exeunt Singing and Dancing. The end of the Second Act.

SCENE I. Sir Oliver's Dining-Room. Enter Lady Cockwood, Table, and Carpet. La. Cock. I Did not think he had been so desperate in His Drink; if they had kill'd one another, I had then been reveng'd, and freed from all my Fears—Sentry, your carelessness and Enter Sentry. Forgetfulness some time or other will undo me; Had not Sir Oliver and Sir Ioslin came so luckily Into the Garden, the Letters had been discover'd, And my Honour left to the mercy of a false man, And two young fleering Girls: did you speak To Mr. Freeman unperceiv'd in the Hurry? Sent. I did, Madam, and he promis'd me to disengag Himself as soon as possibly he could, and wait Upon your Ladiship with all secrecy. La. Cock. I have some reason to believe him A man of Honour. Sent. Methinks indeed his very look, Madam, Speaks him to be much more a Gentleman Then Mr. Courtall; but I was unwilling before Now to let your Ladiship know my opinion, for Fear of offending your inclinations. La. Cock. I hope by his means to get these Letters Into my own hands, and so prevent the inconveniencies They may bring upon my Honour. Sent. I wonder, Madam, what should be Sir Oliver's Quarrel to Mr. Courtall. La. Cock. You know how apt he is to be suspicious In his Drink; 'tis very likely he thought Mr. Courtall Betray'd him at the Bear to day. Sent. Pray Heav'n he be not jealous of your Ladiship, finding you abroad so unexpectedly; if He be, we shall have a sad hand of him when he Comes home, Madam. La. Cock. I should have apprehended it much My self, Sentry, if his drunkenness had not unadvisedly Ingag'd him in his quarrel; as soon as he grows a Little sober, I am sure his fear will bring him Home, and make him apply himself to me with All humility and kindness; for he is ever under▪ Hand fain to use my interest and discretion to Make friends to compound these businesses, Or to get an order for the securing his Person and his Honour. Sent. I believe verily, Mr. Courtall wou'd have Been so rude to have kill'd him, if Mr. Freeman and The rest had not civilly interpos'd their Weapons. La. Cock. Heavens forbid! though he be a wicked Man, I am oblig'd in Duty to love him: whither Did my Cousins go after we came home, Sentry? Sent. They are at the next door, Madam, Laughing and playing at Lantre-lou, with my old Lady Love-youth and her Daughters. La. Cock. I hope they will not come home then To interrupt my affairs with Mr. Freeman: Knocking without. Hark! some body knocks, it may be him, Run down quickly. Sent. I fly, Madam. Exit Sentry. La. Cock. Now if he has a real inclination for my Person, I'le give him a handsome opportunity To reveal it. Enter Sentry and Freeman. Free. Your Servant, Madam. La. Cock. Oh Mr. Freeman! this unlucky accident Has rob'd me of all my quiet; I am almost distracted With thinking of the danger Sir Oliver's dear Life is in. Free. You need not fear, Madam, all things will Be reconcil'd again to morrow. Sent. You wou'd not blame my Lady's Apprehensions, did you but know the Tenderness of her affections. La. Cock. Mr. Courtall is a false and merciless man. Free. He has always own'd a great respect for Your Ladiship, and I never heard him mention You with the least dishonour. La. Cock. He cannot without injuring the Truth, Heaven knows my innocence: I hope you did Not let him know, Sir, of your coming hither. Free. I shou'd never merit the happiness to wait Upon you again, had I so abus'd this extraordinary Favour, Madam. La. Cock. If I have done any thing unbeseeming My Honour, I hope you will be just, Sir, and Impute it to my fear; I know no man so proper To compose this unfortunate difference as Your self, and if a Lady's tears and prayers Have power to move you to compassion, I Know you will imploy your utmost endeavour To preserve me, my dear Sir Oliver. Free. Do not, Madam, afflict your self so much, I dare ingage my life, his Life and Honour shall Be both secure. La. Cock. You are truly noble, Sir; I was so Distracted with my fears, that I cannot well Remember how we parted at the Spring-Garden. Free. We all divided, Madam: after your Ladiship And the young Ladies were gone together, Sir Oliver, Sir Ioslin, and the Company with them, Took one Boat, and Mr. Courtall and I another. La. Cock. Then I need not apprehend their Meeting again to night. Free. You need not, Madam; I left Mr. Courtall in His Chamber, wondring what shou'd make Sir Oliver draw upon him, and fretting and Fuming about the Trick that was put upon Us with the Letters to day. La. Cock. Oh! I had almost forgot my self; I Assure you, Sir, those Letters were sent by one That has no inclination to be an enemy of yours. Knocking below. Some body knocks. Exit Sentry. If it be Sir Oliver, I am undone, he will hate me Mortally, if he does but suspect I use any secret Means to hinder him from justifying his Reputation honourably to the World. Enter Sentry. Sent. Oh Madam! here is Mr. Courtall below in The Entry, discharging a Coach-man; I told Him your Ladiship was busie, but he wou'd Not hear me, and I find, do what I can, He will come up. La. Cock. I wou'd not willingly suspect you, Sir. Free. I have deceiv'd him, Madam, in my coming Hither, and am as unwilling he shou'd find me Here, as you can be. La. Cock. He will not believe my innocent business With you, but will raise a new Scandal on my Honour, and publish it to the whole Town. Sent. Let him step into the Closet, Madam. La. Cock. Quick, Sir, quick, I beseech you, I will Send him away again immediately. Enter Courtall. La. Cock. Mr. Courtall! have you no sense of▪ Honour nor modesty left? after so many injuries, To come into our House, and without my Approbation rudely press upon my Retirement thus? Court. Pray, Madam, hear my business. La. Cock. Thy business is maliciously to pursue My ruine; thou comest with a base design to have Sir Oliver catch thee here, and destroy the Only happiness I have. Court. I come, Madam, to beg your pardon for The fault I did unwillingly commit, and to know Of you the reason of Sir Oliver's Quarrel to me. La. Cock. Thy guilty conscience is able to tell Thee that, vain and ungrateful man! Court. I am innocent, Madam, of all things that May offend him; and I am sure, if you wou'd But hear me, I shou'd remove the Justice Of your Quarrel too. La. Cock. You are mistaken, Sir, if you think I am concern'd for your going to the Spring-Garden This Evening; My Quarrel is the same with Sir Oliver, and is so just, that thou deserv'st to Be poyson'd for what thou hast done. Court. Pray, Madam, let me know my fault. La. Cock. I blush to think upon't: Sir Oliver, since We came from the Bear, has heard something Thou hast said concerning me; but what it is, I cou'd not get him to discover: he told me 'twas Enough for me to know he was satisfi'd of My innocence. Court. This is meer passion, Madam. La. Cock. This is the usual revenge of such base Men as thou art, when they cannot compass Their ends, with their venomous tongues To blast the Honour of a Lady. Court. This is a sudden alteration, Madam; within These few hours you had a kinder opinion of me. La. Cock. 'Tis no wonder you brag of favours Behind my back, that have the impudence to Upbraid me with kindness to my face; dost Thou think I cou'd ever have a good thought of Thee, whom I have always found so treacherous In thy friendship to Sir Oliver? Knock at the door. Enter Sentry. Sent. Oh Madam! here is Sir Oliver come home. La. Cock. O Heavens! I shall be believ'd guilty Now, and he will kill us both. He draws. Court. I warrant you, Madam, I'le defend your life. La. Cock. Oh! there will be Murder, Murder; For Heavens sake, Sir, hide your self in some Corner or other. Court. I'le step into that Closet, Madam. Sent. Hold, hold, Sir, by no means; his Pipes And his Tobacco-box lye there, and he Always goes in to fetch 'em. La. Cock. Your malice will soon be at an end: Heaven knows what will be the fatal consequence Of your being found here. Sent. Madam, let him creep under the Table, The Carpet is long enough to hide him. La. Cock. Have you good Nature enough to Save the Life and Reputation of a Lady? Court. Any thing to oblige you, Madam. He goes under the Table. La. Cock. running to the Closet. Be sure you do not stir, Sir, Whatsoever happens. Court. Not unless he pulls me out by the Ears. Sent. Good! he thinks my Lady speaks to him. Enter Sir Oliver. La. Cock. My dear Sir Oliver— Sir Oliv. I am unworthy of this kindness, Madam. La. Cock. Nay, I intend to chide you for your▪ Naughtiness anon; but I cannot chuse but hug, Thee, and kiss thee a little first; I was afraid. I shou'd never have had thee alive within▪ These arms agen. Sir Oliv. Your goodness does so encrease my Shame, I know not what to say, Madam. La. Cock. Well, I am glad I have thee safe at Home, I will lock thee up above in my Chamber, And will not so much as trust thee down stairs, Till there be an end of this quarrel. Sir Oliv. I was so little my self, I knew not what I did, else I had not expos'd my person to so Much danger before thy face. Sent. 'Twas cruelly done, Sir, knowing the killing Concerns my Lady has for you. La. Cock. If Mr. Courtall had kill'd thee, I was Resolv'd not to survive thee; but before I had Dy'd, I wou'd have dearly reveng'd thy Murder. Sir Oliv. As soon as I had recollected my self a Little, I cou'd not rest till I came home to give thee This satisfaction, that I will do nothing without Thy advice and approbation, my Dear: I know Thy Love makes thy life depend upon mine, And it is unreasonable I shou'd upon my own Rash head hazard that, though it be for the Justification of thy Honour. U'ds me I have let fall a China-Orange that Was recommended to me for one of the best That came over this year; 'Slife light the Candle, Sentry, 'tis run under the Table. Knock. La. Cock. Oh, I am not well! Sentry takes up the Candle, there is a great knocking at the door, she runs away with the Candle. Sent. Oh Heaven! who's that that knocks So hastily? Sir Oliv. Why, Sentry! bring back the Candle; Are you mad to leave us in the dark, and your Lady not well? how is it, my Dear? La. Cock. For Heavens sake run after her, Sir Oliver, Snatch the Candle out of her hand, and teach Her more manners. Sir Oliv. I will, my Dear. La. Cock. What shall I do? was ever Woman So unfortunate in the management of affairs! Court. What will become of me now? La. Cock. It must be so, I had better trust my Honour to the mercy of them two, then be Betray'd to my Husband: Mr. Courtall, give Me your hand quickly, I beseech you. Court. Here, here, Madam, what's to be done now? La. Cock. I will put you into the Closet, Sir. Court. He'll be coming in for his Tobacco-box And Pipes. La. Cock. Never fear that, Sir. Freeman out of the Closet door. Now shall I be discover'd; pox On your honourable intrigue, Wou'd I were safe at Giffords. La. Cock. Here, here, Sir, this is the door, Whatsoever you feel, be not frighted; for Shou'd you make the least disturbance, You will destroy the life, and what is more, The Honour of an unfortunate Lady. Court. So, so, if you have occasion to remove Agen, make no Ceremony, Madam. Enter Sir Oliver, Sentry, Ariana, Gatty. Sir Oliv. Here is the Candle, how dost thou, My Dear? La. Cock. I cou'd not imagine, Sentry, you had Been so ill bred, to run away, and leave your Master and me in the dark. Sent. I thought there had been another Candle Upon the Table, Madam. La. Cock. Good! you thought! you are always Excusing of your carelessness; such another Misdemeanour— Sir Oliv. Prithee, my Dear, forgive her. La. Cock. The truth is, I ought not to be very Angry with her at present, 'tis a good natur'd Creature; she was so frighted, for fear of Thy being mischief'd in the Spring-Garden, That I verily believe she scarce knows What she does yet. Sir Oliv. Light the Candle, Sentry, that I May look for my Orange. La. Cock. You have been at my Lady Love-youths, Cousins, I hear. Aria. We have, Madam. Gat. She charg'd us to remember her Service to you. Sir Oliv. So, here it is, my Dear, I brought it Home on purpose for thee. La. Cock. 'Tis a lovely Orange indeed! thank you, My Dear; I am so discompos'd with the fright I have had, that I wou'd fain be at rest. Sir Oliv. Get a Candle, Sentry; will you go To bed, my Dear? La. Cock. With all my heart, Sir Oliver: 'tis late, Cousins, you had best retire to your Chamber too. Gat. We shall not stay long here, Madam. Sir Oliv. Come, my Dear. La. Cock. Good night, Cousins. Gat. and Aria. Your Servant, Madam. Exeunt Sir Oliver, Lady Cockwood, and Sentry. Aria. I cannot but think of those Letters, Sister. Gat. That is, you cannot but think of Mr. Freeman, Sister; I perceive he runs in thy head as much as A new Gown uses to do in the Country, the Night before 'tis expected from London. Aria. You need not talk, for I am sure the losses Of an unlucky Gamester are not more his Meditation, then Mr. Courtall is yours. Gat. He has made some slight impression on my Memory, I confess; but I hope a night will Wear him out agen, as it does the noise Of a Fiddle after Dancing. Aria. Love, like some stains, will wear out of it Self, I know, but not in such a little time as You talk of, Sister. Gat. It cannot last longer then the stain of a Mulberry at most; the next season out that goes, And my heart cannot be long unfruitful, sure. Aria. Well, I cannot believe they forg'd these Letters; what shou'd be their end? Gat. That you may easily guess at; but methinks They took a very improper way to compass it. Aria. It looks more like the malice or Jealousie Of a Woman, then the design of two witty men. Gat. If this shou'd prove a Fetch of her Ladiships Now, that is a playing the loving Hypocrite Above with her dear Sir Oliver. Aria. How unluckily we were interrupted, when They were going to show us the hand! Gat. That might have discover'd all: I have a Small suspicion, that there has been a little Familiarity between her Ladiship and Mr. Courtall. Aria. Our finding of 'em together in the Exchange, And several passages I observ'd at the Bear, have Almost made me of the same opinion. Gat. Yet I wou'd fain believe the countinuance Of it is more her desire, then his inclination: That which makes me mistrust him most, is her Knowing we made 'em an appointment. Aria. If she were jealous of Mr. Courtall, she Wou'd not be jealous of Mr. Freeman too; they Both pretend to have receiv'd Letters. Gat. There is something in it more then we are Able to imagine; time will make it out, I hope, To the advantage of the Gentlemen. Aria. I wou'd gladly have it so; for I believe, Shou'd they give us a just cause, we should find it A hard task to hate them. Gat. How I love the Song I learnt t'other day, Since I saw them in the Mulberry-Garden! She sings. To little or no purpose I spent many days, In ranging the Park, th' Exchange, and th' Plays; For ne' re in my rambles till now did I prove So luckie to meet with the man I cou'd love. Oh! how I am pleas'd when I think on this man, That I find I must love, let me do what I can! 2. How long I shall love him, I can no more tell, Then had I a Fever, when I shou'd be well. My passion shall kill me before I will show it, And yet I wou'd give all the world he did know it; But oh how I sigh, when I think shou'd he woo me, I cannot deny what I know wou'd undo me! Aria. Fy, Sister, thou art so wanton. Gat. I hate to dissemble when I need not; 'Twou'd look as affected in us to be reserv'd Now w'are alone, as for a Player to maintain The Character she acts in the Tyring-room. Aria. Prithee sing a good Song. Gat. Now art thou for a melancholy Madrigal, Compos'd by some amorous Coxcomb, who Swears in all Companies he loves his Mistress So well, that he wou'd not do her the injury, Were she willing to grant him the favour, And it may be is Sot enough to believe he Wou'd oblige her in keeping his Oath too. Aria. Well, I will reach thee thy Guitar out of The Closet, to take thee off of this subject. Gat. I'de rather be a Nun, then a Lover at Thy rate; devotion is not able to make Me half so serious as Love has made Thee already. Aria. opens the Closet, Court. and Free. come out. Court. Ha, Freeman! is this your bus'ness With a Lawyer? here's a new discovery, i'faith! They shriek and run out. Free. Peace, man, I will satisfie your Jealousie Hereafter; since we have made this lucky Discovery, let us mind the present bus'nesses. Court. and Free. catch the Ladies, and bring them back. Court. Nay, Ladies, now we have caught you, There is no escaping till w'are come to a right Understanding. Enter Lady Cock. and Sir Oliv. and Sentry. Free. Come, never blush, we are as loving as You can be for your hearts, I assure you. Court. Had it not been our good Fortunes to Have been conceal'd here, you wou'd have Had ill Nature enough to dissemble with Us at least a fortnight longer. La. Cock. What's the matter with you here? Are you mad, Cousins? bless me, Mr. Courtall And Mr. Freeman in our house at these Unseasonable hours? Sir Oliv. Fetch me down my long Sword, Sentry, I lay my life Courtall has been tempting the Honour of the young Ladies. La. Cock. Oh my Dear! She holds him. Gat. We are almost scared out of our wits; My Sister went to reach my Guitar out of the Closet, and found 'em both shut up there. La. Cock. Come, come, this will not serve your Turn; I am afraid you had a design secretly To convey 'em into your Chamber: well, I will have no more of these doings in my Family, my Dear; Sir Ioslin shall remove These Girls to morrow. Free. You injure the young Ladies, Madam; Their surprize shews their innocence. Court. If any body be to blame, it is Mrs. Sentry. Sent. What mean you, Sir? Heaven knows I know no more of their being here— Court. Nay▪ nay, Mrs. Sentry, you need not Be asham'd to owne the doing of a couple of Young Gentlemen such a good office. Sent. Do not think to put your tricks upon me, Sir. Court. Understanding by Mrs. Sentry, Madam, That these young Ladies wou'd very likely Sit and talk in the Dining-room an hour before They went to bed, of the accidents of the Day, and being impatient to know whether That unlucky bus'ness which happen'd in The Spring-Garden, about the Letters, had Quite destroy'd our hopes of gaining their Esteem; for a small sum of money Mr. Freeman And I obtain'd the favour of her to shut us Up where we might over-hear 'em. La. Cock. Is this the truth, Sentry? Sent. I humbly beg your pardon, Madam. La. Cock. A Lady's Honour is not safe, that keeps A Servant so subject to corruption; I will turn Her out of my Service for this. Aside. Sir Oliv. Good! I was suspicious their bus'nesses Had been with my Lady at first. La. Cock. Now will I be in Charity with him▪ Agen, for putting this off so handsomly. Sir Oliv. Hark you my Dear, shall I forbid Mr. Courtall my house? La. Cock. Oh! by no means, my Dear; I had Forgot to tell thee, since I acquainted thee with That bus'ness, I have been discoursing with my Lady Love-youth, and she blam'd me infinitely For letting thee know it, and laugh'd exceedingly At me, believing Mr. Courtall intended thee No injury, and told me 'twas only a harmless Gallantry, which his French breeding Has us'd him to. Sir Oliv. Faith, I am apt enough to believe it; For on my conscience, he is a very honest Fellow. Ned Courtall! how the Devil came it about That thee and I fell to Sa, Sa, in the Spring-Garden? Court. You are best able to resolve your Self that, Sir Oliver. Sir Oliv. Well, the Devil take me, if I had the Least unkindness for thee—prithee let us Embrace and kiss, and be as good Friends As ever we were, dear Rogue. Court. I am so reasonable, Sir Oliver, that I will Ask no other satisfaction for the injury you have Done me. Free. Here's the Letter, Madam. Aria. Sister, look here, do you know this hand? Gat. 'Tis Sentry's. La. Cock. Oh Heavens! I shall be ruin'd yet. Gat. She has been the Contriver of all this mischief. Court. Nay, now you lay too much to her charge In this; she was but my Lady's Secretary, I Assure you, she has discover'd the whole Plot to us. Sent. What does he mean? La. Cock. Will he betray me at last? Court. My Lady being in her Nature severely Vertuous, is, it seems, offended at the innocent Freedom you take in rambling up and down By your selves; which made her, out of a Tenderness to your Reputations, counterfeit These Letters, in hopes to fright you to that Reservedness which she approves of. La. Cock. This has almost redeem'd my opinion Of his Honour. Aside. Cousins, the little regard you had to the good Counsel I gave you, puts me upon this Business. Gat. Pray, Madam, what was it Mrs. Gazet Told you concerning us? La. Cock. Nothing, nothing, Cousins: what I told You of Mr. Courtall, was meer invention, the Better to carry on my design for your good. Court. Freeman! pray what brought you hither? Free. A kind Summons from her Ladiship. Court. Why did you conceal it from me? Free. I was afraid thy peevish Jealousie might Have destroy'd the design I had of getting an Opportunity to clear our selves to the Young Ladies. Court. Fortune has been our friend in that Beyond expectation. To the Ladies. I hope, Ladies, you are satisfi'd Of our innocence now. Gat. Well, had you been found guilty of the Letters, we were resolv'd to have counterfeited Two Contracts under your hands, and have Suborn'd Witnesses to swear 'em. Aria. That had been a full revenge; for I know You wou'd think it as great a Scandal to be Thought to have an inclination for Marriage, As we shou'd to be believ'd willing to take Our freedom without it. Court. The more probable thing, Ladies, had Been only to pretend a Promise; we have Now and then courage enough to venture so far For a valuable consideration. Gat. The truth is, such experienc'd Gentlemen As you are, seldom mortgage your persons Without it be to redeem your Estates. Court. 'Tis a mercy we have 'scap'd the mischief So long, and are like to do Penance only for Our own sins; most Families are a Wedding Behind hand in the World, which makes So many young men fool'd into Wives, to pay Their Fathers Debts: all the happiness a Gentleman can desire, is to live at liberty, Till he be forc'd that way to pay his own. Free. Ladies, you know we are not ignorant Of the good Intentions you have towards Us; pray let us treat a little. Gat. I hope you are not in so desperate a Condition, as to have a good opinion of Marriage, are you? Aria. 'Tis to as little purpose to treat with us Of any thing under that, as it is for those kind Ladies, that have oblig'd you with a valuable Consideration, to challenge the performance Of your promise. Sir Oliv. Well, and how, and how, my dear Ned, Goes the business between you and these Ladies? Are you like to drive a Bargain? Court. Faith, Sir Oliver, we are about it. Sir Oliv. And cannot agree, I warrant you; they Are for having you take a Lease for life, and you are For being Tenants at Will, Ned, is it not so? Gat. These Gentlemen have found it so convenient Lying in Lodgings, they'l hardly venture on the Trouble of taking a House of their own. Court. A pretty Country-seat, Madam, with a Handsom parcel of Land, and other necessaries Belonging to't, may tempt us; but for a Town▪ Tenement that has but one poor conveniency, We are resolv'd we'll never deal. A noise of Musick without. Sir Oliv. Hark! my Brother Iolly's come home. Aria. Now, Gentlemen, you had best look to Your selves, and come to an agreement with us Quickly; for I'le lay my life, my Uncle has Brought home a couple of fresh Chap-men, That will out-bid you. Enter Sir Joslin with Musick. Sir Ios. Hey Boys! Dance. Sings. A Catch and a Glass, A Fiddle and a Lass, What more wou'd an honest man have? Hang your temperate Sot, Who wou'd seem what he's not; 'Tis I am wise, he's but grave. Sir Ios. What's here? Mr. Courtall and Mr. Freeman! Sir Oliv. Oh man! here has been the prettiest, The luckiest discovery on all sides! we are All good Friends again. Sir Ios. Hark you Brother Cockwood, I have got Madam Rampant; Rake-hell and she are without. Sir Oliv. Oh Heavens! dear Brother Iolly, send Her away immediately, my Lady has such an aversion To a naughty Woman, that she will swound if She does but see her. Sir Ios. Faith, I was hard put to't, I wanted a Lover, and rather then I would break my old Wont, I dress'd up Rampant in a Suit I bought Enter Rake-hell. Of Rake-hell; but since this good Company's here, I'le send her away. My little Rake-hell, come Hither; you see here are two powerful Rivals; Therefore for fear of kicking, or a worse disaster, Take Rampant with you, and be going quickly. Rake. Your humble Servant, Sir. Ex. Rake-hell and Rampant. Court. You may hereafter spare your self this Labour, Sir Ioslin; Mr. Freeman and I have vow'd Our selves humble Servants to these Ladies. Free. I hope we shall have your approbation, Sir. Sir Ios. Nay, if you have a mind to commit Matrimony, I'le send for a Canonical Sir shall Dispatch you presently. Free. You cannot do better. Court. What think you of taking us in the humour? Consideration may be your Foe, Ladies. Aria. Come, Gentlemen, I'le make you a fair Proposition; since you have made a discovery Of our inclinations, my Sister and I will be content To admit you in the quality of Servants. Gat. And if after a months experience of your Good behaviour, upon serious thoughts, you have Courage enough to ingage further, we will accept Of the Challenge, and believe you men of Honour. Sir Ios. Well spoke i'faith, Girls; and is it A match, Boys? Court. If the heart of man be not very deceitful, 'Tis very likely it may be so. Free. A month is a tedious time, and will be a Dangerous tryal of our resolutions; but I Hope we shall not repent before Marriage, Whate're we do after. Sir Ios. How stand matters between you and Your Lady, Brother Cockwood? is there Peace on all sides? Sir Oliv. Perfect concord, man: I will tell Thee all that has happen'd since I parted from Thee, when we are alone, 'twill make thee laugh Heartily. Never man was so happy in a Vertuous and a loving Lady! Sir Ios. Though I have led Sir Oliver astray This day or two, I hope you will not exclude me The Act of Oblivion, Madam. La. Cock. The nigh Relation I have to you, And the Respect I know Sir Oliver has for you, Makes me forget all that has pass'd, Sir; but pray Be not the occasion of any new transgressions. Sent. I hope, Mr. Courtall, since my endeavours To serve you, have ruin'd me in the opinion of My Lady, you will intercede for a reconciliation. Court. Most willingly, Mrs. Sentry—faith, Madam, Since things have fallen out so luckily, you must Needs receive your Woman into favour agen. La. Cock. Her Crime is unpardonable, Sir. Sent. Upon solemn protestations, Madam, that The Gentlemens intentions were honourable, And having reason to believe the young Ladies Had no aversion to their inclinations, I was Of opinion I shou'd have been ill natur'd, if I Had not assisted 'em in the removing those Difficulties that delay'd their happiness. Sir Oliv. Come, come, Girl, confess how many Guinnys prevail'd upon your easie Nature. Sent. Ten, an't please you, Sir. Sir Oliv. 'Slife, a sum able to corrupt an honest Man in Office! faith you must forgive her, My Dear. La. Cock. If it be your pleasure, Sir Oliver, I cannot but be obedient. Sent. If Sir Oliver, Madam, shou'd ask me to See this Gold, all may be discover'd yet. La. Cock. If he does, I will give thee ten Guinnys out of my Cabinet. Sent. I shall take care to put him upon't; 'Tis fit, that I who have bore all the blame, Shou'd have some reasonable reward for't. Court. I hope, Madam, you will not envy me The happiness I am to enjoy with your Fair Relation La. Cock. Your ingenuity and goodness, Sir, Have made a perfect attonement for you. Court. Pray, Madam, what was your bus'ness With Mr. Freeman? La. Cock. Only to oblige him to endeavour a Reconciliation between you and Sir Oliver; For though I was resolv'd never to see your Face agen, it was death to me to think Your life was in danger. Sent. What a miraculous come off is this▪ Madam! La. Cock. It has made me so truly sensible of Those dangers to which an aspiring Lady Must daily expose her Honour, that I am Resolv'd to give over the great bus'ness of This Town, and hereafter modestly Confine my self to the humble Affairs Of my own Family. Court. 'Tis a very pious resolution, Madam, And the better to confirm you in it, pray Entertain an able Chaplain. La. Cock. Certainly Fortune was never before So unkind to the Ambition of a Lady. Sir Ios. Come, Boys, faith we will have a Dance before we go to bed—Sly-girl and Mad-cap, give me your hands, that I may Give 'em to these Gentlemen, a Parson shall Joyn you e're long, and then you will have Authority to dance to some purpose: Brother Cockwood, take out your Lady, I am for Mrs. Sentry. We'll foot it and side it, my pretty little Miss, And when we are aweary, we'll lye down and kiss. Play away, Boys. They dance. Court. to Gatty. Now shall I sleep as little Without you, as I shou'd do with you: Madam, expectation makes me almost As restless as Jealousie. Free. Faith, let us dispatch this bus'ness; Yet I never cou'd find the pleasure of waiting▪ For a Dish of Meat, when a man was heartily Hungry. Gat. Marrying in this heat wou'd look as ill As fighting in your Drink. Aria. And be no more a proof of Love, Then t'other is of Valour. Sir Ios. Never trouble your heads further; Since I perceive you are all agreed on the Matter, let me alone to hasten the Ceremony: Come, Gentlemen, lead 'em to their Chambers; Brother Cockwood, do you shew the way With your Lady. Ha Mrs. Sentry! Sings. I gave my Love a Green-gown I'th merry month of May, And down she fell as wantonly, As a Tumbler does at Play. Hey Boys, lead away Boys. Sir Oliv. Give me thy hand, my Vertuous, my Dear; Henceforwards may our mutual Loves increase, And when we are a bed, we'll sign the Peace. Exeunt omnes. FINIS.