To lend your conversation to a stranger. Chap. Sir, you're a soldier? Cham. Yes. Chap. I love a soldier; And had been one myself, but that my parents Would make me what you see me. Cham. Have you had long dependance on this family? Chap. I have not thought it so, because my time's Spent pleasantly. My lord's not haughty nor imperious, Nor I gravely whimsical; he has good nature. His sons too are civil to me, because I do not pretend to be wiser than they are; I meddle with no man's business but my own, So meet with respect, and am not the jest of the family. Cham. I'm glad you are so happy. A pleasant fellow this, and may be useful.[aside. Knew you my father, the old Chamont? Chap. I did; and was most sorry when we lost him. Cham. Why, didst thou love him? Chap. Ev'ry body lov'd him; besides, he was my patron's friend. Cham. I could embrace thee for that very notion: If thou didst love my father, I could think Thou wouldst not be an enemy to me. Chap. I can be no man's foe. Cham. Then pr'ythee, tell me; Think'st thou the lord Castalio loves my sister? Chap. Love your sister? Cham. Ay, love her. Chap. Either he loves her, or he much has wrong'd her. Cham. How wrong'd her? have a care; for this may lay A scene of mischief to undo us all. But tell me, wrong'd her, saidst thou? Chap. Ay, sir, wrong'd her. Cham. This is a secret worth a monarch's fortune: What shall I give thee for't? thou dear physician Of sickly wounds, unfold this riddle to me, And comfort mine—— Chap. I would hide nothing from you willingly. Cham. By the reverenc'd soul Of that great honest man that gave me being, Tell me but what thou know'st concerns my honour, And, if I e'er reveal it to thy wrong, May this good sword ne'er do me right in battle! May I ne'er know that blessed peace of mind, That dwells in good and pious men like thee! Chap. I see your temper's mov'd and I will trust you. Cham. Wilt thou? Chap. I will; but if it ever 'scape you—— Cham. It never shall. Chap. Then, this good day, when all the house was busy, When mirth and kind rejoicing fill'd each room, As I was walking in the grove I met them. Cham. What, met them in the grove together? Chap. I, by their own appointment, met them there, Receiv'd their marriage vows, and join'd their hands. Cham. How! married? Chap. Yes, sir. Cham. Then my soul's at peace: But why would you so long delay to give it? Chap. Not knowing what reception it may find With old Acasto; may be, I was too cautious To trust the secret from me. Cham. What's the cause I cannot guess, though 'tis my sister's honour, I do not like this marriage, Huddled i'the dark, and done at too much venture; The business looks with an unlucky face. Keep still the secret: for it ne'er shall 'scape me, Not e'en to them, the new-match'd pair. Farewel!