+Aur.+ A stolen wedding, sir! I was glad to apprehend any occasion, when I found her inclining. We'll celebrate the solemnities hereafter, when there shall be nothing wanting to make our Hymen happy and flourishing. +Leo.+ In good time, sir. Who is your spouse, I pray? +Aur.+ Marry, sir, a creature for whose sake I have endured many a heat and cold, before I could vanquish her. She has proved one of Hercules' labours to me; but time, that prefers all things, made my long toil and affection both successful: and, in brief, 'tis mistress Lucretia, as very a haggard as ever was brought to fist. +Duke.+ Indeed! I have often heard you much complain of her coyness and disdain; what auspicious charm has now reconciled you together? +Aur.+ There is, sir, a critical minute in every man's wooing, when his mistress may be won; which if he carelessly neglect to prosecute, he may wait long enough before he gain the like opportunity. +Leo.+ It seems, sir, you have lighted upon't. We wish you much joy in your fair choice. +Aur.+ Thank you, gentlemen; and I to either of you no worse fortune. But that my wife is not yet risen, I would intreat you take the pains come up and visit her. +Duke.+ No, sir, that would be uncivil; we'll wait some fitter occasion to gratulate your rites. Good-morrow to you. [_Exeunt._ +Aur.+ Your servant! Nay, lie you still, and dare not so much as proffer to mutter; for if you do, I vanish. Now, if you will revolt, you may. I have laid a stain upon your honour, which you shall wash off as well as you can. _Enter +Lucretia+._ +Luc.+ Was this done like a gentleman, or indeed like a true lover, to bring my name in question, and make me no less than your whore? Was I ever married to you? Speak. +Aur.+ No; but you may, when you please. +Luc.+ Why were you then so impudent to proclaim such a falsehood, and say I was your wife, and that you had lain with me, when 'twas no such matter? +Aur.+ Because I meant to make you so, and no man else should do it. +Luc.+ 'Slight, this is a device to over-reach a woman with! He has madded me, and I would give a hundred crowns I could scold out my anger. [_Aside._ +Aur.+ Come, there's no injury done to you but what lies in my power to make whole again. +Luc.+ Your power to make whole! I'll have no man command me so far. What can any lawful jury judge of my honesty, upon such proofs as these, when they shall see a gentleman making himself ready[349] so early, and saluting them out of the chamber, whither (like a false man) thou hast stolen in by the bribery of my servant? Is this no scandal? +Aur.+ 'Twas done on purpose, and I am glad my inventions thrive so; therefore do not stand talking, but resolve.