Scene 16.
The more ground is troden on, the easier the path to walk in.
It seems so, that you visit me so often.
Why, thou art such sweet company, and behav'st thy self so prettily, as I cannot choose but visit thee.
I would, if I could, behave my self so to the world, as my indiscretion might not defame me.
Why do you think of a Fame?
VVhy not? since fame many times arises from poor Cottages, as well as from great Palaces; witness the Country labouring-man, that was taken from the plough, and made an Emperour, as being thought sittest to rule, both for Justice and VVisedome, and he was more famous than those that were born of an Heroick Line, and were of Royal dignity; and David a shepherd, became a King. 'Tis Merit that deserves a fame, not Birth; and sometimes Merit hath its desert, though but seldome.
Thy discourse would tempt any man.
Mistake not my discourse, it hath no such devilish design; for to tempt, is to pervert: 'Tis true, my Nature takes delight to delight and please others, and not to crosse or displease any, yet not to tempt, or to de∣lude with counterfeit demeanors, or fair insinuating words, smooth speech, or oiled tongue, to draw from Virtues side, but to perswade and plead in Virtues cause.
Thy very looks would gain a cause, before thy tongue could plead.
Alas! mans countenance is like the Sea, which ebbs and flows as passion moves the minde.
I am sure Love moves my minde, and makes it in a fiery heat.