_Lud._ Ah! by Heaven, an Angel----Oh! Madam, now blame yourself for my Neglect, for had you sent the Picture of her, in whom all those Beauties center, I had in this Place waited the Coming of my Goddess, or rather flown on the Wings of eager Love, to meet my Fair, tho' in the Arms of ten thousand Dangers----Say, my charming Angel, do you forgive me? But why do I ask? your Eyes assure me you do; at least I'll force a Pardon from these dear, soft, ruby Lips. [_Kisses her in Extasy._ L. _Piz._ Hold, hold! been't so lavish----a sparing Gamester is the likeliest to keep in Stock----whilst a profuse Hand at one Cast throws all he has away. _Lud._ To fear that, were to doubt your Charms, in which a Lover is sure to find constant Supplies----But we lose Time----Let's retire to my Lodgings, where I'll give thee the best Proofs of my Love I can? L. _Piz. aside._ Well! He's a charming Fellow----Oh! how happy are Wives in _France_ and _England_, where such as he swarm! _Lud._ Come, Madam, come----Why, what do you mean by this Delay? Consider I'm a Man, a mortal, wishing, amorous Man---- L. _Piz._ And consider I'm a Woman---- _Lud. aside._ Ay, ay: That I know: At least I hope to find you such----or I would not be in such Haste---- L. _Piz._ And have a Reputation to preserve. _Lud._ Oh! Lord, what a damn'd Turn's here? Reputation, say you? Egad, I find all Women make Pretence to that mysterious Word. [_Aside._] What! Are not you married, Madam? L. _Piz._ Yes, what then? _Lud._ Why then you have a Reputation to preserve--that's all. L. _Piz._ All, Sir, yes, and all in all to me----Do you consider what Country you're in, Sir? _Lud._ Yes, Faith, Madam; and what Constitution I am of too. I know Murder is as venial a Sin here, as Adultery is in some Countries; And I am too apprehensive of my mortal Part not to avoid Danger----Therefore, Madam, you have an infallible Security----if I should betray you, I bring myself into Jeopardy, and of all Pleasures, Self-Preservation is the dearest. L. _Piz._ A very open Speaker, I vow. _Lud._ Ay, Madam, that's best----Hang your creeping, cringing, whining, sighing, dying, lying Lovers----Pugh! Their Flames are not more durable than mine, tho' they make more Noise in the Blaze. Sings: _Hang the whining Way of Wooing,_ _Loving was design'd a sport._ L. _Piz. aside._ The Duce take me if this Fellow has not charm'd me strangely----Well, the Carnival is almost over, and then must I be shut up like a Nun again----Hey! Hoa! This Time will be so short---- _Lud._ Let's make the better Use on't then, my Dear. We will consider when we have nothing else to do, but at present there's a Matter of the greatest Moment, which I must impart to you----Therefore, come dear Rogue, come---- L. _Piz._ [_Looking on her Watch._] Hold----I have outstaid my Time, and must return Home instantly, to prevent Discoveries.