_Sir John._ [_Aside._] 'Tis well----'tis very well----In spite of that young Jade's matrimonial Intrigue, I am a downright stinking Cuckold----Here they are----Boo----[_Putting his hand to his Forehead._] Methinks, I could butt with a Bull. What the Plague did I marry her for? I knew she did not like me; if she had, she wou'd have lain with me; for I wou'd have done so, because I lik'd her; but that's past, and I have her. And now, what shall I do with her?----If I put my Horns into my Pocket, she'll grow insolent----if I don't, that Goat there, that Stallion, is ready to whip me thro' the Guts.--The Debate then is reduced to this: Shall I die a Hero, or live a Rascal?----Why, wiser Men than I have long since concluded, that a living Dog is better than a dead Lion.----[_To ~Const.~ and ~Heart.~_] Gentlemen, now my Wine and my Passion are governable, I must own, I have never observ'd any Thing in my Wife's Course of Life, to back me in my Jealousy of her: But Jealousy's a Mark of Love; so she need not trouble her Head about it, as long as I make no more Words on't. _Lady ~Fancyfull~ enters disguis'd, and addresses to ~Belinda~ apart._ _Const._ I'm glad to see your Reason rule at last. Give me your Hand: I hope you'll look upon me as you are wont. _Sir John._ Your humble Servant. [_Aside._] A wheedling Son of a Whore! _Heart._ And that I may be sure you are Friends with me, too, pray give me your Consent to wed your Niece. _Sir John._ Sir, you have it with all my Heart: Damn me if you han't. [_Aside._] 'Tis time to get rid of her: A young, pert Pimp; she'll make an incomparable Bawd in a little time. _Enter a Servant, who gives ~Heartfree~ a Letter._ _Bel._ _Heartfree_ your Husband, say you? 'Tis impossible. _Lady Fan._ Wou'd to kind Heaven it were! But 'tis too true; and in the World there lives not such a Wretch. I'm young; and either I have been flatter'd by my Friends, as well as Glass, or Nature has been kind and generous to me. I had a Fortune, too, was greater far than he could ever hope for; but with my Heart I am robb'd of all the rest. I am slighted and I'm beggar'd both at once: I have scarce a bare Subsistence from the Villain, yet dare complain to none; for he has sworn if e'er 'tis known I'm his Wife, he'll murder me. [_Weeping._ _Bel._ The Traitor! _Lady Fan._ I accidentally was told he courted you: Charity soon prevail'd upon me to prevent your Misery: And, as you see, I'm still so generous even to him, as not to suffer he should do a thing for which the Law might take away his Life. [_Weeping._ _Bel._ Poor Creature! how I pity her! [_They continue talking aside._