The hectors, or, The false challenge a comedy written in the year MDCLV, the scene, London.

SCENE I.

Enter Welbred, and Crisis, Welbred his arm in a Scarf.

Welb.

—BUt surely you were not alwayes of this mind.

Cris.

I needs must say, I was not; for it is not long since I did look on you, as one with whom rather by the Decree of Heaven, then my own desires, I was ordained to live as wife. Al∣though (I must confesse) I never saw any thing so unpleasing in you, but that (if such a thing had been) I could have afforded you whate∣ver love and duty you could have expected from one of that relation; yet this is more then I am sure you could promise to your self from any thing I ever shewed to you; But the various accidents of this day hath so fully represented to me a man with whom my soul would more a∣gree, that in him I am resolved to rest as to these kind of thoughts.

Wel.

Nay, Lady, if you be in earnest, e'en as you please; for I would this wound would but admit as easie cure as any you have given me. And I cannot tell what out of the height of Courtship I may have said, but I believe you do not think I was born to dy of love.

Yet I know not, for the story that you have told me of your Cozen, hath raised some kind of thoughts in me that I never had before. And if this that she hath done be out of love to me (as it cannot but deserve, so) it must needs cause in me an answerable affecti∣on.

Cris.

Well, Sir, the Gentleman is by this time before the Justice; it is more then time that I went and enformed them of the truth.—

But I had almost forgot: Here is a ring Sir, you gave me to day, which I desire you would take back.

Wel.

Excuse me, Lady,— It is not of that value.

Cris.

Believe me, Sir, I will not keep it.

Wel.

Well, then I will tel you what you shall do; e'en present it to your Cozen in my name as an earnest of my love.— I hope it will not be long, before I may be in that condition, as to wait upon her my self, for I do feel my self much amended now my wound is stop∣ped, my illnesse only proceeding from some loss of blood.

Cris.

Well, Sir, I wish you a speedy recovery.

Wel.

Nay, Lady, I may wait upon you to the door.

Exeunt.