Scene 11.
Why are you angry with me? because my Brother is an enemy to the marriage, I was a Friend to it, and did my part, con∣senting to what you desired, and why are you angry with me? because the Laws have disanulled the marriage, I cannot alter the Laws.
But your Brothers power with the Arch-Prince, and the Arch-Princes power on the Judges and Lawyers, Divines and Church-men, hath corrupted the Laws, and caused Injustice.
That's none of my fault, I have not power to mend them; but let me have so much power with you, as to perswade you to be patient, in matters where your impatience will do you no good; also let me Counsel you to advise your Daughter to endeavour to forget my Nephew, at least not to love him as a Husband, but to place her affections upon some other man; for she being freed by the law, may marry again who she shall think best to chuse: And to draw her off from her Melancholy humour, you must perswade her to divert her self and thoughts with variety of Company, and to take delight in such things as other Ladyes use, as fine Dressing, rich Cloathing, sportfull Dancing, merry Meeting, and the like; and she being very handsome, since she is grown to womans years, will be admired, praised, and sued too, in which admirations and praises, women take glory, and are proud to be wooed; for it is the pleasure of their life, and the life of their pleasure.
But how if I cannot perswade her to associate her self with young Company like her self, or to wear fine Cloaths, or to take pleasure in sports and plays?
Command her to adorn her self bravely, and to go to Balls, Playes, and Masks, and those pleasures will steal on her unawares; and no question but a little time will make her take such delight therein, as she will be so fond of Company and Bravery, as you will find it difficult, if not impossible to perswade her from it.
I will take your Counsel, and follow your advice.