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

Scene 25.

Enter the Lady Prudence, to give her Answer to her Suter the Stran∣ger: The Assembly standing about, the Lady and Suter take their places:

PRudence.

Noble Sir, the Wit wherewith Nature, Time, and Education hath endu'd my tender brains, is like new kindled fire, that sparkling flies about, the fuel being green, and newly laid to burn, there is more smoke than flame: But since the time I heard you speak, a newer fire is kindled in my Heart, which equally doth burn with your profess'd Affections; and though your Person is none of Natures exactest Peeces, yet your Mind doth seem to be compos'd with all her best Ingredients; and sure your Thoughts set notes of Honour, Honestly, and Love, by which your Tongue plays Harmony. 'Tis not the sattin Skin, that's painted white and red, nor near-carv'd Bodies, can win my Love, nor Wealth, Titles, Birth, nor crown'd Power; but Truth, Sincerity, Constancy, Justice, Prudence, Courage, and Temperance, by which, as Magistrates, your life seems to be governed, which life I wish the Gods may Crown with happy days, and in Fames Tower long live your praise. I will not ask you from whence you came, nor what you are: For though you seem but poor and mean, Your Soul appears to me sublime.

Stranger.

And will you chuse me for your Husband, Lady?

Prudence.

I shall be proud to be your Wife, Sir.

Stranger.

The Gods are just to my pure Love, rewarding it with your ac∣ceptance; but I must beg your leave for some short time of Absence, and then I shall return, and claim your Promise.

Prudence.

You have the liberty, Sir.

Exit Strange Wooer.

The Lady Gravity speaks to the Lady Prudence.

Gravity.

Lady, surely you are in a High Feaver.

Prudence.

Why, Madam?

Gravity.

As to do so extravagant an Action, as to marry a man you know not what he is, nor from whence he came, and may prove as deformed in Mind as in Body, as mean of Birth, as poor in Parse, as beggars that live on cold dry Charity.

Prudence.

If he be poor, my Estate will make him rich; if humbly born, his Merits make him Honourable; from whence he comes I do not care, and where he will have me go, I will wait upon him, never questioning to what place.

Exit Lady Prudence.

Gravity.

Her Courage is beyond her Wit.

Liberty.

For the Example of this Lady, I would have a Law made, that there should be no more Publick Wooing.

Parle.

She hath cast away her self.

Minion.

Who can help it?

The Assembly go out, holding up their hands as at a wonder.