_Mer._ Aye, aye, aye; that's all one: I understand your dumb Signs and your low Whispers, the French Mode all over, to smile and grin a Man in the Face, and at the same time privately cut his Throat. Therefore prithe be ruled by me, and don't fight him, for shou'd you kill him, my poor Girl wou'd break her Heart, quite break her Heart. [_Sobs and cries._] I grant that you are wrong'd, and so I dare swear is my dear Child: but he's her Husband, and must be born with, ods bobs he must. _Sum._ Heaven be my Witness, I ne're entertain'd a Thought like it! _Mer._ That's well, that's well, I am heartily glad on't, ods bobs I am heartily glad. [Enter _Friendly_. But here comes one that has made all this Mischief; and him I'll fight my self for all I'm a Justice of the Peace. Come, come, Sir, Draw, draw; you'll belie my Daughter again wil you? Come, draw, I say, Draw. [_Draws._ _Fri._ Sir, as I am a Gentleman, I scorn to deny my Words, but there's my Author, whether good or ill. _Mer._ Who, he? He, do ye mean him? _Fri._ Yes, Sir. _Sum._ True, Sir, I am; For, at his Return to Town from _Barn-Elms_, it was my Chance to meet him; and after a ceremonious Complement or two, I found him diving into my private Thoughts concerning the Bride your Daughter: I, not to be behind-hand with him, join'd Wit with Wit to sound his shallow Soul. I told him then, how her Jewels once were mine; but the manner of my obtaining them, I for my own sake did conceal from him; and now, if you're disposed, I'll here relate it. _Enter_ Bonvile _leading_ Arabella, Clara _and_ Spruce, _Mr._ Venter _and Mrs._ Venter. _Mer._ Let it be before all this Company then: What, and my Son and Daughter too so loving again? Nay then all's well, ods bobs it is, and they shall hear it, ods bobs they shall. _Bon._ I have heard the Story, Sir, already; and _Friendly_, you I pardon too, for Enemies in War take all Occasions to undo each other; yet tho I am your Enemy, I'll be generous still, and make you Master of your wish'd for Mistress. [_To_ Clara.] Come, Madam, receive this worthier Passion of your _Friendly_, whom I know you both admire and love. [_Gives her to_ Friendly. Next I must obtain your Pardon for my Rashness. _Sum._ Sir, 'tis what I first ought to have begg'd of you: And that the World may'nt tax this innocent Lady of a Crime to her purest Thoughts unknown, I'll here begin my Story from my first Acquaintance to this happy Hour. _Mer._ Prithy do. _Sum._ The first time that I e're beheld her Face, I wou'd have robb'd her. _Mer._ Ah Rogue! What, a Thief, a Thief, what wou'd you have robb'd her of? _Sum._ Not her Honour, I assure you, Sir, but only of those Jewels which she wears. _Mer._ Ods bobs, thou wert an honest Thief, for that I faith he was.