_Wild_. Noble friend! Kind friend! Instruct another man the way To win thy mistress! Thou'lt not break my heart? Take my advice, thou shalt not be in love A month! Frequent the playhouse!--walk the Park! I'll think of fifty ladies that I know, Yet can't remember now--enchanting ones! And then there's Lancashire!--and I have friends In Berkshire and in Wiltshire, that have swarms Of daughters! Then my shooting-lodge and stud! I'll cure thee in a fortnight of thy love! And now to neighbour Constance--yet almost I fear accosting her--a hundred times Have I essayed to break my mind to her, But still she stops my mouth with restless scorn! Howe'er, thy scheme I'll try, and may it thrive! For I am sick for love of neighbour Constance. Farewell, dear Master Trueworth! Take my counsel-- Conquer thy passion! Do so! Be a man! [Goes out.] _True_. Feat easy done that does not tax ourselves! [Enter Phoebe.] _Phoebe_. A letter, sir. [Goes out.] _True_. Good sooth, a roaming one, And yet slow traveller. This should have reached me In Lombardy.--The hand! Give way, weak seal, Thy feeble let too strong for my impatience! Ha! Wronged!--Let me contain myself!--Compelled To fly the roof that gave her birth!--My sister! No partner in her flight but her pure honour! I am again a brother. Pillow, board, I know not till I find her. [Enter WALLER.] _Wal_. Master Trueworth! _True_. Ha! Master Waller! Welcome, Master Waller. _Wal_. Good Master Trueworth, thank you. Finding you From home, I e'en made bold to follow you, For I esteem you as a man, and fain Would benefit by your kind offices. But let me tell you first, to your reproof, I am indebted more than e'er I was To praise of any other! I am come, sir, To give you evidence I am not one Who owns advice is right, and acts not on't. _True_. Pray you explain. _Wal_. Will you the bearer be Of this to one has cause to thank you, too, Though I the larger debtor?--Read it, sir. _True_. [Reading the letter.] "At morn to-morrow I will make you mine; Will you accept from me the name of wife-- The name of husband give me in exchange?" _Wal_. How say you, sir? _True_. 'Tis boldly--nobly done! _Wal_. If she consents--which affectation 'twere To say I doubt--bid her prepare for church, And you shall act the father, sir, to her You did the brother by. _True_. Right willingly, Though matter of high moment I defer, Mind, heart, and soul, are all enlisted in! _Wal_. May I implore you, haste! A time is set!-- How light an act of duty makes the heart! [They go out together.] SCENE III.--Another Chamber in Sir William's house. [CONSTANCE discovered.]