_Friend._ This is a Day of Mirth and Jollity my _Clara_. _Clara._ 'Tis so, for such as can be merry, Mr. _Friendly_. _Friend._ Why not for us my Love, we have a Noble President, and methinks shou'd Imitate (thro Envy) this their happiness. _Clara._ I am not of your Opinion. _Friend._ Why not my Fair? _Clara._ I'll tell you, because I purpose not to Marry. _Fri._ Prithee be serious, and reform that Thought: Think of my past Service, and judge by that my future; weigh all the respect I have paid you long, and ever lov'd you beyond my self. _Cla._ I know your Weakness, and will reward it too. _Fri._ I am sure you will, you must be kind; And can you think an Answer of this killing Nature, a just return for all my faithful Love? _Cla._ As to that I have already said. _Fri._ Oh speak, from whence this Coldness doth arise! Be at least so kind as to tell me that; Is it some late Disgust you have conceived of my Person; or rather your desire, (I fear) of some unworthier, happy Creature, base in the Attempt, as you unkind in thinking of a Change; if neither. _I must impute it to your Woman's Will, Still pleased with what it fancies, Good or Ill._ _Cla._ Be't what it will, thus it is, and with this Answer pray rest satisfied; there is but one way ever to win me and draw me unto Marriage, which whosoever finds, 'tis like he may have me, if not, I am still my own. _Fri._ Oh name it then! Thou dearest Treasure of my Life! my Soul! my All! I am in a maze of Extasie, to think there's any means to gain you, and hope you'l be so kind to tell me how I may be happy. _Cla._ I'll retire a while; and with my self resolve what must be done, and in the end send you my Resolution. [_Exit_ Clara. _Fri._ I'll here expect it: What more can I desire, than now be satisfied and know my Dooom. _Suspence is the worst Torment we endure, 'Tis Knowledge make the Wound both safe and sure._ _Enter_ Spruce _and_ _Mr._ Venter. _Spru._ How now _Jack_! What all alone Man? _Fri._ No, for I have heard some say, Men are ne're less alone, then when alone. The reason I suppose is this, because they have Crowds of Thoughts, that still perplex the Mind; which wou'd be, like the Soul retired and free, thereby to enjoy that sweet repose, which nought but that can Grant. _Spru._ Pshaw! Pox of this Morality and dull Stuff; Prithee let us be Merry, and Entertain the Bride and Bridegroom. Ods fish there a parcel of rare Creatures within! But of all Mrs. _Clara_ for my Money. _Mr. Ven._ And truly, I am of your Opinion Mr. _Spruce_; for setting aside her present Melancholly and Discontent, I think she is beyond Comparison with any other. _Spr._ Od's nigs, I know the Cause of her Disorder. _Ven._ What I pray? _Spr._ Why, I'll tell ye; In all Conditions of Estates, Professions, and Degrees, in Arts or Sciences, yee know there's a kind of Envious Emulation. _Mr. Ven._ Right.