_Cesar._ Part not with Your modesty in this violent heat; the truth is, (For you shall be my Confessor) I love her, But virtuously; report that gives her out Only for fair, and adds not she is chaste, Detracts much from her: for indeed she is, Though of a low condition; compos'd Of all those graces, dames of highest birth, Though rich in natures bounties, should be proud of; But leave her, and to you my nearest care, My dearest best _Clarissa_. Do not think (For then you wrong me) I wish you should live A barren Virgin life; I rather aim at A noble Husband, that may make you mother Of many children, one that when I know him Worth your embraces, I may serve, and sue [to]: And therefore scorn not to acquaint me with That man, that happy man; you please to favour. _Claris._ I ever purpos'd it, for I will like With your allowance: _Cesa._ As a pawn of this; Receive this Ring, but e'r you part with it On any terms, be certain of your choice; And make it known to me. _Enter Servants with Lights_, Alberto, Baptista, Mariana, Mentivole. _Claris._ You have my hand for't. _Cesar._ Which were it not my Sisters, I should kiss: With too much heat. _Claris._ My Father and his guests, Sir. _Alber._ Oh my old friend, my tri'd friend, my _Baptista_: These days of rest and feasting, sute not with Our tougher natures, those were golden ones, Which were enjoy'd at Sea; that's our true Mother: The Land's to us a step-dame; there we sought Honor, and wealth through dangers: yet those dangers Delighted more than their rewards, though great ones, And worth the undertakers: here we study The Kitchin Arts, to sharpen appetite, Dull'd with abundance; and dispute with Heaven; If that the least puff of the rough North-wind, Blast our times burthen, rendring to our Palats The charming juice less pleasing; whereas there If we had Bisket, powder'd flesh, fresh water, We thought them _Persian_ delicates, and for Musick If a strong gale but made the main yard crack, We danc'd to the loud Minstrel. _Bapt._ And fear'd less, (So far we were in love with noble action) A tempest than a calm. _Alber._ 'Tis true _Baptista_; There, there, from mutual aids lent to each other, And virtuous emulation to exceed In manly daring, the true School of friendship, We learnt those principles, which confirm'd us friends Never to be forgot. _Baptist._ Never I hope. _Alber._ We were married there, for bells the roaring Canon, Aloud proclaim'd it lawful, and a prize Then newly ta'en, and equally divided, Serv'd as a dowry to you, then stil'd my wife; And did enable me to be a Husband, Fit to encounter so much wealth, though got With bloud and horror.