MEAN. O, do not blot that innocence with suspicion, Who never came so near a blemish yet, As to be accus'd. To quit you of such thoughts, I did receive a tempting letter from That strumpet that's gone out (as sin is bold To try, even where no hope is); I made promise, But to secure myself, and withal sound Th' affections of young Credulous unto Your virtuous daughter, told him he should meet her, Where I agreed to meet your chambermaid: The blame must all be mine. SIR T. 'Tis her deliverance. She hath escap'd two plagues, a lustful fool. MEAN. I dare not challenge her, I do confess, As a reward due to my service; and If you deny her me, assure yourself I'll never draw her from obedience. I will not love her to procure her ruin, And make m' affection prove her enemy. SIR T. You speak most honestly: I never did Think ill of your intents, but always gave A testimony to your life as large As were your merits. But your fortunes are Unequal; there's the want. MEAN. What's there defective Love shall supply. True, Master Credulous Is a rich man, but yet wants that which makes His riches useful, free discretion. He may be something in th' eye o' th' world; But let a knowing man, that can distinguish Between possessions and good parts, but view him, And prize impartially, he will be rated Only as chests and caskets, just according To what he holds. I value him as I Would an exchequer or a magazine. He is not virtuous, but well-stor'd: a thing Rather well-victuall'd than well-qualified; And if you please to cast your eye on me, Some moneys will call back my father's lands Out of his lime-twig fingers, and I shall Come forth as gay as he. SIR T. I'll strive no longer, For fear I seem t' oppose felicity. If she'll give her consent, y' are one. JANE. It is The voice of angels to me. I had thought Nothing in all the store of nature could Have added to that love wherewith I do Reverence that name, my father, till that you Spoke this. SIR T. I know your former loves: grow up Into an aged pair, yet still seem young. May you stand fresh, as in your pictures, still, And only have the reverence of the aged. I thank you for your pains, Master Constable: You may dismiss your watch now. SHAPE. [_Disguised as a Constable._] A pox on't! That, after all this, ne'er a man to carry To prison! Must poor tradesmen be brought out, And nobody clapp'd up? MEAN. That you mayn't want Employment, friends, take this, I pray, and drink it. SLICER. [_Disguised._] Sir, when y' are cheated next, we are your servants. [_Exeunt all but_ SHAPE, HEARSAY, _and_ SLICER. SCENE V. SHAPE, SLICER, HEARSAY.