SIR REU. Be it so; I wish you would disclaim your alimony With that indiff'rent touch as you do love, You should not need a dispensation, madam; It should be granted unpetitioned! TIN. I'm confident it would; nor shall the coolness Of your affection bring me to an ebb Of favour with myself. Plant where you please, I'll henceforth scorn to hug my own disease. TIL. So, Sir Reuben's despatched, and, like a ranger, may tappis[138] where he likes. [_Aside._ SIR REU. But hark you, madam; what be these brave blades That thus accoutre you? Are they your Platonics, Hectors, or champion-haxters,[139] pimps or palliards, Or your choice cabinet-confidants? TIN. You may exact accompt from them. SIR REU. No, but I will not; Long since I've heard a proverb made me wise, And arm'd me cap-a-pie 'gainst such accounts: "Whos'e'er he be that tugs with dirty foes, He must be soil'd, admit he win or lose." TIN. Shall I acquaint them with your adage, sir? SIR REU. Do, if you please. TIN. No, sir, I am too tender Of your endanger'd honour. Should a baffle Engage your fame, and I the instrument, It would disgust me. SIR REU. You are wondrous kind; But, pray you, tell me, is this favourite, Or turnkey of your council, in the rank Of generous Hectors? I would be resolv'd, For it concerns me. TIN. Pray, good sir, as how? SIR REU. Since 'tis my fate, I would be branched nobly, Lest mine adulterate line degenerate, And raze the ancient splendour of mine house, As many noble families have done By mixing with inferior apple-squires, Grooms, pages, ushers, which in time begot Such middle wits in this our middle region, None could distinguish them from Corydons, Nor well discover whence they might derive Their prime descent, unless it were by th' crest Their footmen wore, or what their coach presented In its rear quarter. All your Sir Reuben begs Aims mainly at your honour's privilege, Which shielded, I'm secure; and it is this: "Let choice hands meddle with your tinder-box!" TIN. Make that your least of fears. We'll keep our fame, Amidst this freedom, still unblemished. KNIGHTS. So we have all receiv'd their final answers. SIR REU. Now[140] do I mean to draw up my rejoinder. "He who will lose his wits or break his heart For such a wench as will not take his part, And will not shun what he may safely fly, May he a Bedlam or a beggar die!" KNIGHTS. Farewell, inconstant ladies. LADIES. Adieu, constant Acteons. [_Exeunt omnes, the Ladies ushered in by their Confidants._ ACT III., SCENE 1. _Enter_ TWO CITIZENS. 1ST CIT. Is it for certain that the duke's voyage holds for Salamanca?