Scene 44.
Sir, I desire you would not think me undutiful to ask you a question: for I hope I am not so much in your disfavour, as not to re∣solve me, since it is in your power.
VVell, what is't that you would know?
VVhether you are maried, or not?
VVhat if I am? Mariage is lawful.
Yes Sir, but I doubt whether it be honourable or not: for 'tis said you are maried to my Chamber-maid Dol Subtilty.
Perchance I am.
Then I desire your Lordship will let me marry too.
VVith all my heart, and I shall do my part towards thy mari∣age; but to whom would you be maried?
Your Butler Sir.
Out upon thee base Girl, would you marry a Tapster?
Why Sir, a Tapster is as good as a piss-pot emptier; besides, they say you have done the fellow wrong: for she (they say) was his by pro∣mise, and if Conscience hath right, he ought to have her; and perhaps, did not Ambition come in the way, Affection might prevail: wherefore to gra∣tifie him, you ought in justice to bestow me upon him.
Well, because you shall not marry my Butler, I will not marry your Maid: for the truth is, I never had so low a thought. But let me tell you, it is in the way of disobedience to question a Fathers Actions, and a presumption for a Child to think their Father is not wise enough to govern himself; besides, Children were ingrateful to Parents, to desire that from them, which they cannot, or will not keep to themselves, as neither to suffer a Father to marry, or keep a Mistress: Do Children think a Father is bound to so many Children, and no more?
Sir, I dare answer for the part of Children, that they would be well content that their Father should have Mistrisses, but they would be un∣willing and griev'd that their Fathers should be their Mistrisses slave, where∣by they incaptivate their Children, or ruine their Estates.
Well then inquire no more after any Mistris I shall have, un∣til you are incaptivated.