Playes written by the thrice noble, illustrious and excellent princess, the Lady Marchioness of Newcastle.

Scene 17.

Enter the Lady Bashfull, and Reformer her woman.

Enter Page.

PAge.

Madam, there was a Gentleman gave me this Letter, to deliver to your Ladyships hands.

Lady Bashfull.

A Letter I pray Reformer open it, and read it, for I will not receive Letters privately.

Page Exit.

Reformer.

The superscription is for the Right Honourable, the Lady Bash∣full; these present.

The Letter.

MADAM,

Since I have had the honour to see you, I have had the unhappiness to think my self miserable, by reason I am deprived of speech, that should plead my suit, but if an affectionate soul, chasle thoughts, lawfull desires, and a fervent heart can plead with∣out speech, let me beg your favour to accept of me for your servant; and what I want in Language, my industrious observance, and diligent service shall supply; I am a Gentleman, my breeding hath been according to my birth, and my Estate is suffi∣cient to maintain me according to both; As for your Estate, I consider it not, for were you so poor of fortunes goods, as you had nothing to maintain you, but what your merit might challenge out of every purse; yet if you were mine, I should esteem you richer than the whole World, and I should love you, as Saints love Heaven, and adore you equal to a Dietie; for I saw so much sweetness of nature, nobleness of soul, purity of thoughts, and innocency of life, thorough your Bashfull countenance, as my soul is wedded thereunto, and my mind so restless; therefore, that unless I may have hopes to injoy you for my Wife; I shall dye,

Your distracted Servant, SERIOUS DUMB.

Lady Bashfull.

Now Reformer, what say you to this Letter?

Reformer.

I say it is a good honest, hearty affectionate Letter, and upon my life, it is the Gentleman I commended so; he that looked so seriously on you; and your Ladyship may remember, I said he viewed you, as if he would have looked you thorough, and you made answer, that you wished he could, that he might see you were not so simple, as your behaviour made you appear, and now your wish is absolved.

Lady Bashfull.

VVhat counsel will you give me in this cause?

Reformer.

VVhy? write him a civil answer.

Lady Bashfull.

VVhy should I hold corespondence with any man, either by Letter, or any other way, since I do not intend to marry.

Reformer.

Not marry?

Lady Bashfull.

No, not marry.

Reformer.

VVhy so?

Lady Bashfull.

Because I am now Mistriss of my self, and fortunes, and have a free liberty; and who that is free, if they be wise, will make themselves slaves, subjecting themselves to anothers humour, unless they were fools, or mad, and knew not how to chose the best and happiest life.

Reformer.

You will change this opinion, and marry, I dare swear.

Lady Bashfull.

Indeed I will not swear, but I think I shall not, for I love an easie, peaceable and solitary life, which none injoys but single persons; for in marriage, the life is disturbed with noise and company, troublesome imploy∣ments, vex'd with crosses, and restless with cares; Besides, I could not indure to have Parteners to share of him, whom my affections had set a price upon, or my merit, or beauty, or wealth, or vertue had bought.

Reformer.

So, I perceive you would be jealouse, if you were married.

Lady Bashfull.

Perchance I might have reason, but to prevent all inconve∣niences, and discontents, I will live a single life.

Reformer.

Do what likes you best, for I dare not perswade you any way, for fear my advice should not prove to the best.

Exeunt.