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

Scene 12.

Enter Monsieur Frere alone.

FRere.

She is very handsom, extreme handsom, beyond all the women that ever Nature made. O that she were not my sister!

Enter Madam Soeur.

He starts.

Soeur.

I doubt, Brother, I have surpriz'd you with my sudden coming in, for you start.

Frere.

Your Beauty, Sister, will not only surprize, but astonish any man that looks thereon.

Soeur.

You have us'd your self so much to dissembling Courtships since you went into Italy, as you cannot forbear using them to your sister: But pray leave off that unnecessary civility to me, and let us talk familiarly, as brothers and sisters use to do.

Frere.

With all my heart, as familiarly as you please.

Soeur.

Pray Brother tell me; if the women in Italy be handsom, and what Fashions they have, and how they are behav'd.

Frere.

To tell you in short, they are so Artify'd, as a man cannot tell whe∣ther they are naturally handsom, or not: As for their Behaviour, they are very Modest, Grave, and Ceremonious, in publick and in private, confident, kind, and free, after an humble and insinuating manner: they are bred to all Virtues, especially to dance, sing, and play on Musical Instruments: they are

naturally crafty, deceitful, false, covetous, luxurious, and amorous; they love their pleasures better than Heaven: As for their fashion of garments, they change as most Nations do, as one while in one, and then in another: As for their Houses, they are furnish'd richly, and themselves adorned cost∣ly when they keep at home in their houses: for they dress themselves finest when they entertain strangers or acquaintance; but this Relation is only of the Curtezans: As for those that are kept honest, I can give little or no ac∣count: for they are so inclos'd with locks and bolts, and only look through a jealousie, so as a stranger cannot obtain a sight, much less an acquaintance.

Soeur.

Then they have not that liberty we French women have.

Frere.

O no.

Soeur.

Why, do they fear they would all turn Curtezans if they should be left to themselves?

Frere.

The men are jealous, and will not put it to the trial: for though they are all Merchants, even the Princes themselves, yet they will not ven∣ture their wives.

Soeur.

I would not live there for all the World, for to be so restrain'd: for it is said, that Italian men are so jealous of their wives, as they are jea∣lous of their Brothers, Fathers, and Sons.

Frere.

They are so: for they are wise, and know Nature made all in com∣mon, and to a general use: for particular Laws were made by Men, not by Nature.

Soeur.

They were made by the Gods, Brother.

Frere.

What Gods Sister, old men with long beards?

Soeur.

Fie, fie, Brother, you are grown so wild in Italy, as France, I doubt, will hardly reclaim you; but I hope when you are marry'd, you will be re∣form'd, and grow sober.

Frere.

Why Sister, are you become more sober or reform'd since you are marry'd?

Soeur.

No Brother, I never was wild nor wanton, but always modest and honest.

Frere.

Faith Sister, me thinks you might have been marry'd more to your advantage than you are, had not my Father been so hasty, in marrying you so young.

Soeur.

Why do you say so Brother, when the man I'm marry'd to is so worthy a person as I do not merit him? neither would I change him for all the World.

Frere.

Nay Sister, be not angry: for 'tis my extreme love, having no more sisters but you, that makes me speak.

Soeur.

Prethee Brother do not think I am angry: so I believe it proceeds from love, and that it is your affection that makes you so ambitious for me.

Frere.

Know Sister, I love you so well, and so much, as 'tis a torment to be out of your company.

Soeur.

Thank you Brother, and know I desire never to be in any other Company than my Husband, Father, and Brother, nay any other company is troublesome.

Exeunt.