EARTH. How dost thou like this music, Theodore? I mean, the hearty prayers of the poor, Whose curses pierce more than two-edged swords. What comfort like to this can riches give? What joy can be so great, as to be able To feed the hungry, clothe the naked man? THEO. Now, sir, you think aright; for to bestow Is greater pleasure far than to receive. EARTH. No vice, so much as avarice, deprives Our life of sweetest comforts, and debars So much the fair society of men. I taught thee once far otherwise, but now Study this last and better lesson, son. THEO. With more delight than e'er I did the former. You never yet knew scholar covetous. EARTH. And now I think on't, Theodore, I have A niece, the daughter of my only sister; Her mother died a widow two years since. How she has left her orphan daughter there, I do not know; if she have left her ill, I'll be a father to her. Prythee, go Inquire her out, and bring her to my house, How well soe'er the world may go with her Bounty's a spice of virtue. Whoso can, And won't, relieve the poor, he is no man. THEO. Where lives she, sir? EARTH. 'Tis not a mile from hence, In the next village. Thou ne'er saw'st her yet; But fame has spoke her for a virtuous maid. Young Scudmore, while he liv'd, and was possess'd Of his estate, thought to have married her, Whose death, they say, she takes most heavily, And with a wond'rous constant sorrow mourns. THEO. Sure, 'tis the same fair maid. [_Aside._ EARTH. Her name's Matilda. THEO. The very same! [_Aside._] I can inquire her out; And, if you please, will presently about it. EARTH. Do, while I my neighbours visit. He doth live Mighty that hath the pow'r and will to give. [_Exit._ THEO. This is the same fair nightingale that tun'd Her sweet sad accents lately to the woods, And did so far enthral my heart: but that Fond love is vanish'd. Like a kinsman now I'll comfort her, and love her virtuous soul. O, what a blessed change this day has wrought In my old father's heart! You pow'rs, that gave Those thoughts, continue them! This day will I Still celebrate as my nativity. [_Exit_. LADY COVET, FRUITFUL. LADY C. But is that lawful, to convey away All my estate, before I marry him? FRUIT. 'Tis more than lawful, madam: I must Tell you 'tis necessary; and your ladyship Is bound in conscience so to do; for else 'Twill be no longer yours, but all is his, When he has married you. You cannot then Dispose of anything to pious uses; You cannot show your charity at all, But must be govern'd by Sir Argent Scrape: And can you tell how he'll dispose of it?