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

Scene 18.

Enter Monsieur Sensuality, and Monsieur Censure.

SEnsuality.

I hear that thou intend'st to be a marry'd man shortly.

Censure.

Yes faith, I am going to put my neck into the nooze.

Sensuality.

Nay, if you nooze it, hang it; for the nooze of mariage is ten times worse than the halter of death.

Censure.

I am not of your Opinion.

Sensuality.

Why then thou art not of a wise opinion: for in Death there is no trouble, and in Mariage no quiet.

Censure.

A single life is melancholy, being solitary.

Sensuality.

So I perceive rather than you'l want company, thou wilt asso∣ciate thy self with cares and vexations.

Censure.

No, I will associate my self with Wife and Children.

Sensuality.

Well, let me tell you, if that thou marriest, a hundred to one but thou wilt be a Cuckold.

Censure.

I hope not.

Sensuality.

How canst thou have hopes, when that the Gods are Cuck∣olds? wherefore 'tis impossible mortal men should escape.

Censure.

All the Gods are not so, it is but only limping Vulcan that is one.

Sensuality.

Pardon me: for if their divine Wives make them not Cuckolds, yet their humane Wives do.

Censure.

But the Gods marry not humane creatures.

Sensuality.

But humane creatures marry the Gods, and that is all one: for in all Religions there are Nuns are the Gods humane wives; and did not Cataline Cuckold the Gods, when he lay with a Vestal Nun? And many more are mentioned in Story, and you may well believe all are not Re∣corded.

Censure.

Well, if the Gods be Cuckolds, I may have the less cause to murmur, if I should be one: for it is an honour to be like the God.

Sensuality.

VVell, I wish as thy friend, that thou mayst flourish in that Honour.

Exeunt.