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Just now, are we destitute of all Help, Succour and Defence; we can neither see hopes o' Relief, nor know which way to take, our Fears ha' brought us to such a miserable pass. What Outrage, and Injustice ha' we met with from our wicked Master within!
who shamefully beat down the good old Priestess, us'd her most barbarously, and dragg'd us both from the Statue.—Considering the sad condition we're in, we had better die; for when one's in Misery, Death's the best Remedy.
What's the matter? What Complaints are these? Why don't I comfort 'em up?—O, Pale∣stra!
Who's that?
And Ampelisca!
Prithee, who is't?
Who are ye, that names us?
Turn your Eyes, and you'll soon see.
Is't you, my hopes?
Peace, pluck up a good Heart, I say.
Then pray take care, if it be possible, there be no violence offer'd us; for that will force me t'use Vio∣lence upo' my self.
Prithee, you're too fearful.
Don't pretend to comfort us only with a few Words.
If you don't stand up, and defend us, we're both undone, for I'm resolv'd to perish sooner than be∣come a Prey to this old Rascal.—I confess I've but a Womans Heart, when the thoughts o' Death come upon me; for really, the fear o'that, makes me tremble all over.
Tho your condition's none o'the best, take Cou∣rage however.
Pray, where shall I find it?
Don't be dejected, I say, sit ye both down by this Altar.
Can this Altar be a better Sanctuary for us than Venus's Statue within, from whence he tore us with all the Violence imaginable?
Do but sit down, I'll secure ye both: This Altar shall be your Castle, and I'll guard th'Outworks; and under Venus's Banner, bid defiance to the Bawd and all his Works.
We'll observe your Orders.—
Their Petition's reasonable, and 'tis nothing but Justice to grant it, and to pardon their presumption; for 'twas fear alone caus'd it. They know that you were born out of a Lobster, and therefore can be no Enemy to Cherry Cheeks.—But here comes th' Old Gentleman, our Patron, very luckily.