Trumpets, which you uncivilly and discourteously blow at their Grate and Gates.
1 Gent.
The cause is, that they will not permit us to come into their Company, but have barricadoed their Gats against us, and have incloystred themselves from us; besides, it is a dangerous example for all the rest of their Sex; for if all women should take a toy in their heads to incloyster themselves, there would be none left out to breed on.
Matron.
Surely it is very fit and proper that young Virgins should live a retired life, both for their Education and Reputation.
2 Gent.
As for their Education, it is but to learn to talk, and women can do that without teaching, for on my Conscience, a woman was the first in∣venter of Speech; and as for their Retirement, Nature did never make them for that purpose, but to associate themselves with men: and since men are the chief Head of their kind, it were a sign they had but very little Brain, if they would suffer the youngest and fairest women to incloyster themselves.
Matron.
Gentlemen pray give me leave to inform you, for I perceive you are in great Error of mistake, for these Ladies have not vowed Virginity, or are they incloystred; for an Academy is not a Cloyster, but a School, where∣in are taught how to be good Wives when they are married.
3 Gent.
But no man can come to woo them to be Wives.
Matron.
No, but if they can win their Parents, or those they are left in trust with, and get their good liking and consent, the young Ladies have learn'd so much Duty and Obedience, as to obey to what they shall think fit.
4 Gent.
But we desire the Ladies good liking, we care not for their Friends; for the approvment and good liking of their Friends, without the Love of the Ladies, will not make us happy, for there is no satisfaction in a secon∣dary Love, as to be beloved for anothers sake, and not for their own.
Matron.
If you be Worthy Gentlemen, as I believe you all are, their Love will be due to your Merits, and your Merits will perswade them to love you.
All the Gentlemen.
Well, if you will be our Mediator, we will surcease our Clamour, otherwise we will increase our noise.
Matron.
If you can get leave of their Parents, and Friends, I will endea∣vour to serve you, and shall be proud of the imployment that you shall be pleased to impose to my trust and management.
Gentlemen.
And we shall be your Servants, for your favours.
They all go out, with the Gentlemen wait∣ing on her, with their Hats in their hands, Scraping and Congying to her.