_Const_. Well, Mr Failer, I did not think you, of all the rest, would have endeavoured a thing so much against my inclination, as this marriage: if you had been acquainted with my heart, I am sure you would not. _Fail_. What can the meaning of this be? you would not have me believe you love me; and yet how otherwise to understand you I vow to gad I cannot comprehend. _Const_. I did not say I loved you; but if I should take a fancy to your person and humour, I hope it is no crime to tell it you. Women are tied to hard unequal laws: The passion is the same in us, and yet we are debarred the freedom to express it. You make poor Grecian beggars of us ladies; our desires must have no language, but only be fastened to our breasts. _Fail_. Come, come; egad I know the whole sex of you: Your love's at best but a kind: of blind-man's-buff, catching at him that's next in your way. _Const_. Well, sir, I can take nothing ill from you; when 'tis too late you'll see how unjust you have been to me. I have said too much already.--[_Is going_. _Fail_. Nay stay, sweet madam! I vow to gad my fortune's better than I could imagine. _Const_. No, pray let me go, sir; perhaps I was in jest. _Fail_. Really, madam, I look upon you as a person of such worth, and all that, that I vow to gad I honour you of all persons in the world; and though I am a person that am inconsiderable in the world, and all that, madam, for a person of your worth and excellency I would-- _Const_. What would you, sir? _Fail_. Sacrifice my life and fortunes, I vow to gad, madam. _Enter_ ISABELLA, BURR, _and_ TIMOROUS, _at a distance from them_. _Isa_. There's Failer close in talk with my cousin; he's soliciting your suit, I warrant you, Sir Timorous: Do but observe with what passion he courts for you. _Burr_. I do not like that kneading of her hand though. _Isa_. Come, you are such a jealous coxcomb: I warrant you suspect there's some amour between 'em; there can be nothing in't, it is so open: Pray observe. _Burr_. But how come you so officious, madam? you, that ere now had a design upon Sir Timorous for yourself? _Isa_. I thought you had a better opinion of my wit, than to think I was in earnest. My cousin may do what she pleases, but he shall never pin himself upon me, assure him. _Const_. to _Fail_. Sir Timorous little knows how dangerous a person he has employed in making love.--[Aloud. _Burr_. How's this! Pray, my lady Constance, what's the meaning of that you say to Failer? _Fail_. What luck was this, that he should overhear you! Pax on't! _Const_. Mr Burr, I owe you not that satisfaction; what you have heard you may interpret as you please. _Tim_. The rascal has betrayed me. _Isa_. In earnest, sir, I do not like it. _Fail_. Dear Mr Burr, be pacified; you are a person I have an honour for; and this change of affairs shall not be the worse for you, egad, sir. _Const_. Bear up resolutely, Mr Failer; and maintain my favours, as becomes my servant.