Volume Iv Part 8 (1/2)

_Lod._ Any thing, so it be to little purpose.

Sir _Cred._ Nay, Sir, let me alone for that matter--but who are they, prithee?

_Lod._ Why, that's my Lady _Fancy_, and that's her Daughter-in-Law, salute 'em, Man.--

Sir _Cred._ Fair Lady,--I do protest and vow, you are the most beautiful of all Mothers-in-Law, and the World cannot produce your equal.

_Lod._ The Rogue has but one method for all Addresses. [They laugh.

L. _Kno._ Oh, absurd! this, Sir, is the beautiful Mother-in-Law.

[To L. _Fan._

Enter Sir _Patient_.

Sir _Cred._ Most n.o.ble Lady, I cry your mercy. Then, Madam, as the Sun amongst the Stars, or rather as the Moon not in conjunction with the Sun, but in her opposition, when one rises the other sets, or as the Vulgar call it, Full Moon--I say, as the Moon is the most beautiful of all the sparkling Lights, even so are you the most accomplish'd Lady under the Moon--and, Madam, I am extremely sensible of your Charms and celestial Graces.

[To _Isabella_.

Sir _Pat._ Why, this is abominable and insupportable.

_Lucr._ I find, Sir, you can talk to purpose when you begin once.

Sir _Cred._ You are pleased to say so, n.o.ble Lady: but I must needs say, I am not the worst bred Gentleman for a Country Gentleman that ever you saw; for you must know, incomparable Lady, that I was at the University three Years, and there I learnt my Logick and Rhetorick, whereby I became excellent at Repartee, sweet Lady. As for my Estate, my Father died since I came of Age, and left me a small younger Brother's Portion, dear Lady.

_Lucr._ A younger Brother's, Sir?

Sir _Cred._ Ha, ha, I know what you would infer from that now: but you must know, delicious Lady, that I am all the Children my Father had.

_Lucr._ Witty, I protest.

Sir _Cred._ Nay, Madam, when I set on't I can be witty.

_Lean._ Cruel _Lucretia_, leave 'em, and let us s.n.a.t.c.h this opportunity to talk of our own Affairs.

Sir _Cred._ For you must know, bright Lady, though I was pleas'd to railly my self, I have a pretty competent Estate of about 3000_l._ a Year, and am to marry Madam _Lucretia_.

L. _Fan._ You are a happy Man, Sir.

Sir _Cred._ Not so happy neither, inestimable Lady, for I lost the finest Mare yesterday,--but let that pa.s.s: were you never in _Devons.h.i.+re_, Madam?

L. _Fan._ Never, Sir.

Sir _Cred._ In troth, and that's pity, sweet Lady; for if you lov'd Hawking, Drinking, and Whoring,--oh, Lord, I mean Hunting; i'faith, there be good Fellows would keep you Company, Madam.

Sir _Pat._ This is a Plot upon me, a mere Plot.--My Lady _Fancy_, be tender of my Reputation, Foppery's catching, and I had as lieve be a Cuckold as Husband to a vain Woman.

Sir _Cred._ Zoz, and that may be as you say, n.o.ble Sir. Lady, pray what Gentleman's this?--n.o.ble Sir, I am your most humble Servant.

Sir _Pat._ Oh, cry your mercy, Sir. [Walks away.

Sir _Cred._ No Offence, dear Sir, I protest: 'slife, I believe 'tis the Master of the House, he look'd with such Authority;--why, who cares, let him look as big as the four Winds, East, West, North and South, I care not this,--therefore I beg your Pardon, n.o.ble Sir.