VAL. Pardon me, sir. But I reflect that I very lately counterfeited madness; I don’t know but the frolic may go round. SIR SAMP. Come, chuck, satisfy him, answer him. Come, come, Mr. Buckram, the pen and ink. BUCK. Here it is, sir, with the deed; all is ready. [VALENTINE _goes to_ ANGELICA.] ANG. ’Tis true, you have a great while pretended love to me; nay, what if you were sincere? Still you must pardon me if I think my own inclinations have a better right to dispose of my person than yours. SIR SAMP. Are you answered now, sir? VAL. Yes, sir. SIR SAMP. Where’s your plot, sir? and your contrivance now, sir? Will you sign, sir? Come, will you sign and seal? VAL. With all my heart, sir. SCAN. ’Sdeath, you are not mad indeed, to ruin yourself? VAL. I have been disappointed of my only hope, and he that loses hope may part with anything. I never valued fortune but as it was subservient to my pleasure, and my only pleasure was to please this lady. I have made many vain attempts, and find at last that nothing but my ruin can effect it; which, for that reason, I will sign to—give me the paper. ANG. Generous Valentine! [_Aside_.] BUCK. Here is the deed, sir. VAL. But where is the bond by which I am obliged to sign this? BUCK. Sir Sampson, you have it. ANG. No, I have it, and I’ll use it as I would everything that is an enemy to Valentine. [_Tears the paper_.] SIR SAMP. How now? VAL. Ha! ANG. Had I the world to give you, it could not make me worthy of so generous and faithful a passion. Here’s my hand:—my heart was always yours, and struggled very hard to make this utmost trial of your virtue. [_To_ VALENTINE.] VAL. Between pleasure and amazement I am lost. But on my knees I take the blessing. SIR SAMP. Oons, what is the meaning of this? BEN. Mess, here’s the wind changed again. Father, you and I may make a voyage together now. ANG. Well, Sir Sampson, since I have played you a trick, I’ll advise you how you may avoid such another. Learn to be a good father, or you’ll never get a second wife. I always loved your son, and hated your unforgiving nature. I was resolved to try him to the utmost; I have tried you too, and know you both. You have not more faults than he has virtues, and ’tis hardly more pleasure to me that I can make him and myself happy than that I can punish you. VAL. If my happiness could receive addition, this kind surprise would make it double. SIR SAMP. Oons, you’re a crocodile. FORE. Really, Sir Sampson, this is a sudden eclipse. SIR SAMP. You’re an illiterate old fool, and I’m another. TATT. If the gentleman is in disorder for want of a wife, I can spare him mine.—Oh, are you there, sir? I’m indebted to you for my happiness. [_To_ JEREMY.] JERE. Sir, I ask you ten thousand pardons: ’twas an errant mistake. You see, sir, my master was never mad, nor anything like it. Then how could it be otherwise?