_Lis._ You may do what you will; but not here, whilst you are in our house. I do believe she's as impatient to see you, as you can be to see her; but---- _Er._ But why won't you give us that satisfaction then? _Lis._ Because I know the consequence; for when you once get together, the Devil himself is not able to part you; you will stay so long 'till you are surpriz'd, and what will become of us then? _Serv._ Why, then we shall be thrown out at the window, I suppose. _Lis._ No, but I shall be turn'd out of doors. _Er._ How unfortunate am I! these doors are open to all the world, and only shut to me. _Lis._ Because you come for a wife, and at our house we do not care for people that come for wives. _Serv._ What would you have us come for, child? _Lis._ Any thing but wives; because they cannot be put off without portions. _Serv._ Portions! No, no, never talk of portions; my Master nor I neither don't want portions; and if he'd follow my advice, a regiment of fathers shou'd not guard her. _Lis._ What say you? _Serv._ Why, if you'll contrive that my Master may run away with your Mistress, I don't much care, faith, if I run away with you. _Lis._ Don't you so, rogue's face? but I hope to be better provided for. _Er._ Hold your tongues. But where is _Mariamne_'s brother? He is my bosom friend, and would be willing to serve me. _Lis._ I told you before, that he has been abroad a hunting, and we han't seen him these three days; he seldom lies at home, to avoid his father's ill humour; so that it is not your Mistress only that our old covetous cuff teizes----there's nobody in the family but feels the effects of his ill humour----by his good will he would not suffer a creature to come within his doors, or eat at his table----and if there be but a rabbit extraordinary for dinner, he thinks himself ruin'd for ever. _Er._ Then I find you pass your time comfortably in this family. _Lis._ Not so bad as you imagine neither, perhaps; for, thank Heaven, we have a Mistress that's as bountiful as he is stingy, one that will let him say what he will, and yet does what she will. But hark, here's somebody coming; it is certainly he. _Er._ Can't you hide us somewhere? _Lis._ Here, here, get you in here as fast as you can. _Serv._ Thrust me in too. [_Puts 'em into the closet._ +SCENE+ II. _Enter ~Mariamne~._ _Lis._ O, is it you? _Mar._ So, _Lisetta_, where have you been? I've been looking for you all over the house: who are those people in the garden with my mother-in-law? I believe my father won't be very well pleas'd to see 'em there. _Lis._ And here's somebody else not afar off, that I believe your father won't be very well pleas'd with neither. Come, Sir, Sir. [_Calls._ [_Erastus and his servant come out._ _Mar._ O Heavens!