Page 193
Scene 10.
My Lord, you are too covetous to take a wife meerly for her riches.
Believe me Madam, I do esteem of such Riches as Money, as I do of Marriage, and in my nature I do hate them both; for a man is en∣slaved by either: wherefore I would shun them if I could, and turn them out of doors, but that some sorts of necessity and conveniency inforce me to en∣tertain them; the one for Posteritie sake, the other for subsistence of present life, besides convenient pleasures.
The Lady Ward, who is to be your wife, seems of a very dull disposition.
She is so, but I like her the better for that, for I would have a deadly dull Wife, and a lively Mistresse, such a sprightly Lady as you are.
In truth my Lord, I am of a melancholy Nature.
Certainly Madam, you onely know the Name, not the Nature, for your Nature is alwayes fresh, and sweet, and pleasant, as the Spring.
O no, my mind is like to VVinter, and my thoughts are numb and cold.
If your thoughts were so cold, your words would be as if they were frozen between your lips, all your discourse would melt by drops, not flow so smoothly and swiftly into mens eares, as they at all times do.
Tis true, I am merry when I am in your company, but in your absence I am as dull as a cloudy day, and as melancholy as dark night.
I cannot believe so well of my self, as that my company can be the light of your mirth, but I know that your company is the Sun of my life, nor could I live without it.