_True_. I took her hence, But not by guile, nor yet enforcement, sir; But of her free will, knowing what she did. That, as I found, I cannot give her back, I own her state is changed, but in her place This maid I offer you, her image far As feature, form, complexion, nature go! Resemblance halting, only there, where thou Thyself didst pause, condition, for this maid Is gently born and generously bred. Lo! for your fair loss, fair equivalent! _Wal_. Show me another sun, another earth I can inherit, as this Sun and Earth; As thou didst take the maid, the maid herself Give back! herself, her sole equivalent! _True_. Her sole equivalent I offer you! My sister, sir, long counted lost, now found, Who fled her home unwelcome bands to 'scape, Which a half-father would have forced upon her, Taking advantage of her brother's absence Away on travel in a distant land! Returned, I missed her; of the cause received Invention, coward, false and criminating! And gave her up for lost; but happily Did find her yesterday--Behold her, sir! [Removes veil.] _Wal_. Lydia! _W. Green_. My waiting-maid! _Wal_. Thy sister, Trueworth! Art thou fit brother to this virtuous maid? _True_. [Giving LYDIA to WALLER.] Let this assure thee. _Lydia_. [To WIDOW GREEN.] Madam, pardon me My double character, for honesty, No other end assumed--and my concealment Of Master Waller's love. In all things else I trust I may believe you hold me blameless; At least, I'll say for you, I should be so, For it was pastime, madam, not a task, To wait upon you! Little you exacted, And ever made the most of what I did In mere obedience to you! _W. Green_. Give me your hand; No love without a little roguery. If you do play the mistress well as maid, You will bear off the bell! There never was A better girl!--I have made myself a fool. I am undone, if goes the news abroad. My wedding dress I donned for no effect Except to put it off! I must be married. I'm a lost woman, if another day I go without a husband!--What a sight He looks by Master Waller!--Yet he is physic I die without, so needs must gulp it down. I'll swallow him with what good grace I can. Sir William Fondlove! _Sir Wil_. Widow Green! _W. Green_. I own I have been rude to you. Thou dost not look So old by thirty, forty, years as I Did say. Thou'rt far from ugly--very far! And as I said, Sir William, once before, Thou art a kind and right good-humoured man: I was but angry with you! Why, I'll tell you At more convenient season--and you know An angry woman heeds not what she says, And will say anything! _Sir Wil_. I were unworthy The name of man, if an apology So gracious came off profitless, and from A lady! Will you take me, Widow Green? _W. Green_. Hem! [Curtsies.] _True_. [To WILDRAKE.] Master Wildrake dressed to go to church! She has acknowledged, then, she loves thee?--No? Give me thy hand, I'll lead thee up to her. _Wild_. 'Sdeath! what are you about? You know her not. She'll brain thee!