Volume Iv Part 17 (1/2)

[Aside.

_Lod._ You must know, Gentlemen, I have a sort of a matrimonial Kindness for a very pretty Woman, she whom I tell you I disturb'd in the Garden, and last night she made me an a.s.signation in her Chamber: when I came to the Garden-door by which I was to have admittance, I found a kind of Necessary call'd a Baudy Waiting-Woman, whom I follow'd, and thought she wou'd have conducted me to the right Woman; but I was luckily and in the dark led into a Lady's Chamber, who took me for a Lover she expected: I found my happy mistake, and wou'd not undeceive her.

_Wit._ This could be none but _Lucia_. [Aside.

--Well, Sir, and what did you do there?

_Lod._ Do! why, what dost think? all that a Man inspir'd by Love cou'd do, I followed all the dictates of Nature, Youth, and Vigor.

_Wit._ Oh, hold, my Heart--or I shall kill the Traitor. [Aside.

Sir _Cred._ Follow'd all the dictates of Nature, Youth and Vigor!

prithee what's that?

_Lod._ I kiss'd a thousand times her balmy Lips, and greedily took in the nimble Sighs she breath'd into my Soul.

_Wit._ Oh, I can scarce contain my self. [Aside.

Sir _Cred._ Pshaw, is that all, Man?

_Lod._ I clasp'd her lovely Body in my Arms, And laid my Bosom to her panting Breast.

Trembling she seem'd all Love and soft Desire, And I all Burnings in a youthful Fire.

Sir _Cred._ Bless us, the Man's in a Rapture!

_Wit._ d.a.m.nation on them both.

Sir _Cred._ Well, to the point, Man: what didst do all this while?

_Lean._ Faith, I fancy he did not sleep, Sir _Credulous_.

_Lod._ No, Friend, she had too many Charms to keep me waking.

Sir _Cred._ Had she so? I shou'd have beg'd her Charms pardon, I tell her that though.

_Wit._ Curse on my Sloth, Oh, how shall I dissemble? [Aside.

_Lean._ Thy Adventure was pretty lucky--but, _Wittmore_, thou dost not relish it.

_Wit._ My Mind's upon my Marriage, Sir; if I thought he lov'd _Isabella_, I wou'd marry her to be reveng'd on him, at least I'll vex his Soul, as he has tortur'd mine.--Well, Gentlemen, you'll dine with me,--and give me your opinion of my Wife.

_Lod._ Where dost thou keep the Ceremony?

_Wit._ At Sir _Patient Fancy's_, my Father-in-law.

_Lod._ How! Sir _Patient Fancy_ to be your Father-in-law?

_Lean._ My Uncle?

_Wit._ He's fir'd,--'tis his Daughter, Sir, I am to marry.--

_Lod._ _Isabella!_ _Leander_, can it be? can she consent to this? and can she love you?