The mistaken husband a comedie, as it is acted by His Majesties servants at the Theatre-Royall / by a person of quality.

SCEN. 1. A Prison.

Hazard and Manly Manacled.

Mr. Man.

Suppose I did believe, that on necessity This Usurpation of my name and bed Were to be pardon'd, that my Wife's untoucht yet. Yet comes it in the reach of possibility That to be dragg'd to the Goal, hither, to Newgate To be squeez'd down into the Dungeon Among ten thousand grey Confederates, But a degree beneath a Pick-pocket To be thus Manacled, next Goal-delivery To be turn'd o'er to Tyburn for my good.

Haz.

Have you but patience, and you'l grant it is; For your harsh usage here, 'twas you that pull'd it Upon your self, had not this trick been put on you, Y'had ruin'd both your self and me.

Mr. Man.

Yes, I believe, I had undone your hopes upon my Wife But thereby built my self a goodly Fabrick Seated full Lord of her estate.

Haz.

There's your mistake you think that she is Mistress of all Learcuts Wealth.

Mr. Manly.

Yes, Sure.

Haz.

She hath no interest in't at all.

Mr. Man.

Why have you chang'd the property, and sent it Beyond Seas?

Haz.

No indeed. Yet she hath no right in't.

Man.

Do not I know Learcut had none to give it to? Not so much as a Gingerbread Cozen To bestow a Ring with a Deaths-head on? is not she is Heir!

Haz.

No.

Man.

Who is then?

Haz.

No body.

Mr. Manly.

He was no felo de se.

Haz.

Very far from it.

Mr. Man.

The Man talks Riddles.

Haz.

You will find 'em truths. Because you saw the old man buried, You therefore do conclude him dead.

Mr. Man.

What if I do. That way of reasoning, once upon a time, Was not thought much incongruous, however now You Wits o'th' first rate disapprove it.

Haz.

'Tis but a Fallacy, and I'le resolve it Without the help of Logick, the old Usurer By my contrivance was conveyed away To a secure place; in the Interim Your Wife and I did celebrate his Funerals, Burying a weighty Coffin for his Worship, Thus we resolv'd to keep him in restraint Till we could either force him to be just, Or re-imburse us out of his estate. Now I have got's consent, hee'l pay you Sir, Eight thousand pounds with interest, and receive You into favour if you yield to this. I would advise you to't; I will release him, And in his liberty, you shall meet your own, If not, I'le drown your Father in Law in earnest. Transport away your Wife to the West-Indies. Keep all the estate, and the next Sessions.

I'le hang you for a High-way man, I have Money, And the City certainly can furnish me With witnesses for good considerations.

Mr. Man.

He talks unhappy. I must believe him,

Aside

For my own safety, this choak-pare must down. I do believe you, that my Wife's unstain'd, If I believe amiss, I pray forgive me. I thank you for your fine contrivances: If you have had any closer then ordinary With my dear Chicken thank, you for them too. I am not the first Gentleman hath borne A Horn in's Crest.

Haz.

To clear that Scruple, I Swear—

Mr. Man.

Nay, good Sir do not, for an Oath Will not make me believe a tittle more.

Haz.

Come then, we'l walk down and discharge you instantly. I have a Warrant here will do't, from thence, Home to your Father-in-Laws.

Mr. Man.

As speedy as you can, for I am Much out of Love with this fashion of ruffle Cuffs.

They go out.