The Canterbury guests, or, A bargain broken a comedy : acted at the Theatre-Royal / written by Mr. Edward Ravenscroft.

SCENE IV.

Enter Alderman Furr.

Fur.

Well, have you done your Message according to order?

Tob.

I have said my say, and now I'll go acquaint my Master.

Fur.

The Bells ring to Prayers—Put your selves in order, and go to the Cathedral. By that time —your intended Husband, Sir Barnaby, will be here, at present he's busie with the

Toby Exit.

Attorney, to get the Writings drawn according to our agreement, that all things may be in readiness against to morrow Morning, the time prefixt for the Marriage.

Jac.

Sure, Sir, if you lov'd me, you'd not be so hasty to part with me.

Fur.

'Tis the great care and love I have for you, makes me solici∣tous to see you well disposed of: There ends a Father's care, for when he gives a Daughter in marriage, 'tis suppos'd he gives her to more than a Father; for such is a Husband. Husband and Wife are one.

Hil.

That Rule, Uncle, won't hold in Arithmetick, for according to the first Principle, one and one, make two.

Fur.

Mad-Cap Niece, meddle with your own matters— Let me see—

Hil.

Nay, Uncle, ne'r put on your Considering-Cap for an Answer; what I say is true, and I'll give you a farther demonstration that Man and Wife are not one: For in this Age they are seldom or never to∣gether, the Man's in one place and the Wife in another; as far asun∣der as ever they can get: And you know 'tis impossible for one and the same thing, to be at the same time in several places.

Fur.

She has a very unhappy Wit; I am glad, Daughter, that you are going from her, for she's enough to spoil all the young Women she meets with▪ But I hope she'll have a Husband will meet with her.

Hil.

Never of your choosing, Uncle.

Fur.

Likely so, for you're hair-brain'd enough to do things of your own head.

Hil.

Do you think, Uncle, I han't as much Wit to choose a Hus∣band as you?

Fur.

Well, well, follow your own course; but I hope you'll get a Husband one day will Cudgel your bones for you.

Hil.

But, Uncle, it is not now as it was in your young days; Wo∣men, then, were poor sneaking Sheepish Creatures, but in this Age we know our own strength, and have Wit enough to make use of our

Talents: If I meet with a Husband makes my Heart ake, I'll make his Head ake.

Fur.

I am apt enough to believe, one House will be too hot to hold you long: I doubt not but your Husband (whoever shall have the ill fortune to be so) will in a short time be as weary of you as I am.

Hil.

Shou'd he prove but half so ill natur'd as you are (which cer∣tainly no young man can) I'd swear my self a Virgin, and consequent∣ly sue out a Divorce against him for impotency.

Fur.

Come, Niece, leave your unluckiness, and now I have brought you down for company, don't employ your Wit to teach my Daugh∣ter disobedience.

Hil.

These old Fornicators keep such ado with Obedience—

Fur.

Go, get you gone to Church—

Hil.

To Church, or any where, to be rid of an old man.

Fur.

Go, go, I have other business than to mind your tittle tattle.

Hil.

Farewel, Nuncle —Teach my Grannam to—Spin.

Jac.

Thou art a mad Wench to talk so.

Fur Exit.

Hil.

Pish —I'd have Women say, and do what they list; Have not we rational Souls as well as men? What made Women mopes in for∣mer Ages, but being rul'd by a company of old Men and Women? Dotage then was counted Wisdom, and Formality call'd Gravity and good Behaviour.

Jac.

What would you advise me to in this extremity? I shall never love this Knight.

Hil.

Let him know your mind, and if he won't believe you he's an unmannerly Fool; And there's an end. Come Wench—

Exeunt.