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

Scene 1.

Enter Monsieur Frere, and his Friend.

MOnsieur Frere.

Since we are come out of our own Country to travel, we will go into Turky, if you will, and see that Coun∣try.

Friend.

With all my heart; but now I think on't better, I will stay here a while longer for the Curtezans sake; for we shall never get such store, nor such choise of Mistrisses; there∣fore, though the sober and chaste women are kept up here in Italy, yet the wild and wanton are let loose to take their liberty: But in Turky, that barba∣rous Country, all are kept close, those that will, as well as those that will not; but if they had the custome of Italy, to keep up only their honest women, it were a Charity: for otherwise a man loses his time in Courting those wo∣men that will not accept of his love: for how should a man know whether women will, or will not, having all sober faces, and demure countenances, coy carriages, and denying words?

Frere.

But yet they consent at last: for Importunity and Opportunity, 'tis said, wins the chastest ••he.

Friend.

Faith all the flowry Rhetorick, and the most observing times, and fittest opportunities, and counterfeiting dyings, win nothing upon a cold Icy Constitution, or an obstinate Morality; 'tis true, it may work some good ef∣fect upon an Icy Conscience.

Enter a man to Monsieur Frere with a Letter.

Frere.

From whence comes that Letter?.

Man.

From France Sir I believe, from your Father.

Exit man.

He opens it, and reads it to himself.

Friend.

What News? Hath thy Father sent thee money?

Frere.

Yes, but it is to return home: for he hath sent me word my Sister is marry'd to a very rich, honest, and sweet-natur'd man; and that also he would have me come home to marry a rich Heir, one that is his Neighbors Daughter: for my Father says he desires to see me setled in the World be∣fore he dies, having but us two, my Sister and I.

Friend.

Why, is he sick, that he talks of dying?

Frere.

No, but he is old, and that is more certain of Deaths approach.

Friend.

But is your sister marry'd, say you?

Frere.

Yes.

Friend.

Faith I am sorry for't: for I thought to have marry'd her myself.

Frere.

Marry she would have had but a wilde Husband, if she had mar∣ry'd you.

Friend.

The thoughts of this Rich Heir, make thee speak most precisely, as if thou wert the most temperate man in the world, when there is none so deboist as thou art.

Frere.

Prethee hold thy tongue, for I am very discreet.

Friend.

Yes, to hide thy faults, to dissemble thy passions, and to compass thy desires; but not to abate any of them: Well, if thy sister had not been marry'd, I would have prais'd thee, but now I will rail against thee: for lo∣sers may have leave to talk.

Frere.

Why, what hopes could you have had to marry her?

Friend.

VVhy, I was thy Friend, and that was hope enough. But is thy sister so handsome as Fame reports her?

Frere.

I cannot tell; for I never saw her since I was a little boy, and she a very child, I being kept strictly at School, and from thence to the University: And when I was to travel, I went home, but then she was at an Ants house a hundred miles from my Fathers house, so as I saw her not; but I must leave off this discourse, unless you'l return into France with me.

Friend.

No faith, thou shalt return without me: for I will not goe so soon, unless my Friends had provided me a rich Heiress to welcom me home; but since they have not, I mean to stay and entertain my self and time with the plump Venetians.

Frere.

Fare thee well Friend, and take heed you entertain not a disease.

Friend.

Thou speakest as if thou wert a Convertito.

Exeunt.