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ACT II. SCENE I.
Madam, I did; I found him in his study read∣ing the Lover's Watch, which he swears does not at all agree with his Constitution. He hates injunctions of Love, like those of Pen∣nance: For the one, says he, is no more pleasurable to the Body, than the other beneficial to the Soul.
What a fine Gallant I'm like to have with these Principles! Well, — what did he say to a Summons from a Woman of my Qua∣lity? Did it not make him wish the Time of Assignation were sooner than the appointment in the Letter?
He first hum'd over your Billet; and pausing a while, he de∣sir'd me to stay for an Answer in a next Room; Then coming to me, he ask'd me what Countrywoman you were? For, said he, if she should prove an old Acquaintance, I would use her damnably — But when I had assur'd him you never saw the outside of these Walls, he began to have that desire which all men have to a new Face.
He strait enquir'd whether you were black, brown, fair, old, young, maid, wife or widow? I told him you was a wretched Wife to an old, impotent, rich, covetous, noble Venetian; beautiful, young, generous, and of a fair Complexion. He hugg'd me at these words, seem'd transported with the News, and swore that in intriguss a Wife was most suitable to his Temper; for, said he, there's neither Chil∣dren to Father, nor Honour to repair: and where his Pocket and Liberty are safe, he is contented to venture his Body and Soul.
In short, Madam, he says he has had several Bills of this Na∣ture drawn upon him of late, and how much his stock may be exhausted he knows not; but however he'll meet you, and if he cannot answer your Expectation, he'll give you earnest.
You talk merrily, Girl, I hope you did not tell my name. I should be loath to trust a man of his Character with my Reputation at first dash.