LADY C. This hypocrite persuaded me to do't, And then discover'd all, as if on purposes He sought my ruin. FRUIT. No, not I, good madam: 'Twas for your soul's health; I have done you good, And eas'd you of a burden, and a great one. So much estate would have been still a cause Of cares unto you, and those cares have hinder'd Your quiet passage to a better life. EUPH. Excellent devil! how I love him now! Never did knavery play a juster part. FRUIT. And why should you, at such an age as this, Dream of a marriage? A thing so far Unfit, nay most unnatural and profane, To stain that holy ordinance, and make it But a mere bargain! For two clods of earth Might have been join'd as well in matrimony. Tis for your soul's health, madam, I do this. EUPH. How much was I mistaken in this chaplain! I see he has brains. FREE. Though't be dishonesty In him, yet justly was it plac'd on her: And I could even applaud it. LADY W. I protest I love this chaplain. DOT. So do I, sweet mistress, or I am an errant fool. LADY C. But yet I hope The feoffees may prove honest: I'll try them. FRUIT. I'll go and bring them to your ladyship. [_Exit_ FRUITFUL. SIR ARG. I'll stay no longer. Make my litter ready. Lady, farewell; and to you all. FREE. Nay, sir. Then let me interpose; let me entreat you, By all the rites of neighbourhood, Sir Argent, Make not so sudden a departure now. What, though the business has gone so cross, You may part fairly yet. Stay till to-morrow; Let not the country take too great a notice Of these proceedings and strange breach: 'twill be Nothing but a dishonour to you both. Pray, sir, consent: give me your hand, Sir Argent. SIR ARG. At your entreaty, sir, I'll stay till morning. FREE. Before that time, you may consider better. [_Exeunt._ FOOTNOTES: [18] [A MS. note in one of the former edits. says: "This sudden and total change, unnatural as it is, is one of the characteristics of the old plays."] ACT V. MATILDA, THEODORE. MAT. I'll not refuse my uncle's courtesy, But go and see his house. I should before Have done that duty to him, but I thought My visits were not welcome, since he liv'd So close and privately. THEO. Sweet cousin, you'll find A happy alteration in my father, And that there dwells a kind and honest soul Within his breast. Though wretched avarice, The usual fault of age, has heretofore Too much kept back the good expressions Of such-like thoughts, he now will make amends To all the world; and has begun already With his poor neighbours. MAT. Cousin, I shall be Too bad a guest at this sad time, and bring Nothing but sorrow to my uncle's house.