Volume Iv Part 2 (1/2)

L. _Kno._ Oh, how I hate the impertinence of Women, who for the generality have no other knowledge than that of dressing; I am uneasy with the unthinking Creatures.

_Lucr._ Indeed 'tis much better to be entertaining a young Lover alone; but I'll prevent her, if possible.

[Aside.

L. _Kno._ No, I am for the substantial pleasure of an Author.

_Philosophemur!_ is my Motto,--I'm strangely fond of you, Mr. _Fancy_, for being a Scholar.

_Lean._ Who, Madam, I a Scholar? the greatest Dunce in Nature--Malicious Creatures, will you leave me to her mercy?

[To them aside.

_Lucr._ Prithee a.s.sist him in his misery, for I am Mudd, and can do nothing towards it.

[Aside.

_Isab._ Who, my Cousin _Leander_ a Scholar, Madam?

_Lucr._ Sure he's too much a Gentleman to be a Scholar.

_Isab._ I vow, Madam, he spells worse than a Country Farrier when he prescribes a Drench.

_Lean._ Then, Madam, I write the leudest hand.

_Isab._ Worse than a Politician or a States-man.

_Lucr._ He cannot read it himself when he has done.

_Lean._ Not a word on't, Madam.

_L. Kno._ This agreement to abuse him, I understand-- [Aside.

--Well, then, Mr. _Fancy_, let's to my Cabinet--your hand.

_Lean._ Now shall I be teas'd unmercifully,--I'll wait on you, Madam.

[Exit Lady.

--Find some means to redeem me, or I shall be mad.

[Exit _Lean._

Enter _Lodwick_.

_Lod._ Hah, my dear Isabella here, and without a Spy! what a blessed opportunity must I be forc'd to lose, for there is just now arriv'd my Sister's Lover, whom I am oblig'd to receive: but if you have a mind to laugh a little--

_Isab._ Laugh! why, are you turn'd Buffoon, Tumbler, or Presbyterian Preacher?

_Lod._ No, but there's a Creature below more ridiculous than either of these.

_Lucr._ For love's sake, what sort of Beast is that?

_Lod._ Sir _Credulous Easy_, your new Lover just come to town Bag and Baggage, and I was going to acquaint my Mother with it.

_Isab._ You'll find her well employ'd with my Cousin _Leander_.