In this thou hast right honourable shown; Many are call'd by their honour, that have none; It is not in the power of words to taint thee. Mass, fitly here she comes! thanks, my disguise- Moth. Y'are welcome, sir. Vin. The next of Italy commends him to you, Our mighty expectation, the duke's son. Moth. I think myself much honour'd, that he pleases To rank me in his thoughts. Vin. So may you, lady : One that is like to be our sudden duke; The crown gapes for him every tide, and then Commander o'er us all, do but think on him, Moth. Ay, save their honour. Vin. Tut, one would let a little of that go too, Moth. Marry but I would not. Vin. Marry but I would, I hope; I know you would too, If you'd that blood now which you gave your daughter. To her indeed 'tis, this wheel comes about; That man that must be all this, perhaps e'er morning, (For his white father does but mould away) Has long desir'd your daughter. Moth. Desir'd? Vin. Nay, but hear me, He desires now, that will command hereafter : To you than him; madam, I know you're poor, And (lack the day!) there are too many poor ladies already; Why should you wax the number? 'tis despis'd. Live wealthy, rightly understand the world, And chide away that foolish country girl Keeps company with your daughter, chastity. Moth. O fie, fie! the riches of the world cannot hire a mother to such a most unnatural task. Vin. No, but a thousand angels can ; Men have no power, angels must work you to't: You took great pains for her, once when it was, Let her requite it now, tho' it be but some; You brought her forth, she may well bring you home. Vin. Not I hope already? [aside. Moth. It is too strong for me; men know, that know us, We are so weak their words can overthrow us: He touch'd me nearly, made my virtues bate, When his tongue struck upon my poor estate. Vin. I e'en quake to proceed, my spirit turns edge, I fear me she's unmother'd, yet I'll venture. What think you now, lady? speak, are you wiser? Vin. The comfort on't! I keep the best for last, can these persuade you To forget heaven-and Moth. Ay, these are they Vin. Oh! Moth. That enchant our sex : [aside. [gives her money. These are the means that govern our affections,--that woman Will not be troubled with the mother long, That sees the comfortable shine of you: I blush to think what for your sakes I'll do. Vin. O suffering heaven! with thy invisible finger, E'en at this instant turn the precious side Of both mine eye-balls inward, not to see myself. Moth. Look you, sir. Vin. Hollo. Moth. Let this thank your pains. Vin. O you're a kind madam. [aside. Moth. I'll see how I can move. Vin. Your words will sting. Moth. If she be still chaste, I'll ne'er call her mine. Vin. Spoke truer than you meant it. Moth. Daughter Castiza. Cast. Madam. Vin. O, she's yonder, [Castiza returns. Meet her troops of celestial soldiers guard her heart. Yon dam has devils enough to take her part. Cast. Madam, what makes evil-offic'd man In presence of you? Moth. Why? Cast. He lately brought yon Immodest writing sent from the duke's son, Moth. Dishonourable act?-good honourable fool, And 't has a good report, prettily commended, upon all maids, Whilst others clip the sun, they clasp the shades. Deny advancement! treasure! the duke's son! Vin. Prettily put by! Moth. Are you as proud to me, as coy to him? Do you not know me now? Cast. Why, are you she? The world's so chang'd, one shape into another, Vin. Most right, i'faith. my For that presumption now, but I'll forget it; What will you be a girl? Fortunes flow to you, If all fear'd drowning that spy waves ashore, Gold would grow rich, and all the merchants poor. Cast. It is a pretty saying of a wicked one, but methinks now It does not show so well out of your mouth, Better in his. Vin. Faith, bad enough in both, Were I in earnest, as I'll seem no less. [aside. I wonder, lady, your own mother's words Cannot be taken, nor stand in full force. 'Tis honesty you urge; what's honesty? 'Tis but heaven's beggar; and what woman is so foolish to keep honesty, And be not able to keep herself? no, Times are grown wiser, and will keep less charge. A maid that has small portion now intends To break up house, and live upon her friends; Sufficient in himself to make your forehead Dazzle the world with jewels; and petitionary people Start at your presence. Moth. Oh, if I were young, I should be rayish'd. Cast. Ay, to lose your Vin. 'Slid, how can you lose your honour, To deal with lord's grace? my He'll add more honour to it by his title; Your mother will tell you how. Moth. That I will. Vin. O think upon the pleasure of the palace! Secured ease and state! the stirring meats, Ready to move out of the dishes, that e'en now quicken when they're eaten ! Banquets abroad by torch-light! musick! sports! Vin. Ay, to the devil! to th' duke, by my faith. Moth. Ay, to the duke: daughter, you'd scorn to think o'the devil, and you were there once. Vin. True, for most there are as proud as he for his heart, i'faith. Who'd sit at home in a neglected room, Dealing her short-liv'd beauty to the pictures, Lands that were mete by the rod, that labour's spar'd, Are cut to maintain head-tires-much untold All thrives but chastity, she lies a-cold. Nay, shall I come nearer to you? mark but this: : [aside. Why are there so few honest women, but because 'tis the poorer profession that's accounted best, that's best follow'd; least in trade, least in fashion; and that's not honesty, believe it; and do but note the low and dejected price of it: Lose but a pearl, we search and cannot brook it: Moth. Troth he says true. Cast. False, I defy you both: I have endur'd you with an ear of fire; Your tongues have struck hot irons on my face. Cast. Do you not see her? she's too inward then : Moth. Peevish, coy, foolish!—but return this answer, Women with women can work best alone. Vin. Indeed I'll tell him so. O more uncivil, more unnatural, Than those base-titled creatures that look downward. [exit. [exit. |