_Saint._ That must be amended; but, to remedy the inconvenience, I will myself sit up for you. I hope, you would not offer violence to me? _Wood._ I think I should not, if I were sober. _Saint._ Then, if you were overtaken, and should offer violence, and I consent not, you may do your filthy part, and I am blameless. _Wood._ [_Aside._] I think the devil's in her; she has given me the hint again.--Well, it shall go hard, but I will offer violence sometimes; will that content you? _Saint._ I have a cup of cordial water in my closet, which will help to strengthen nature, and to carry off a debauch: I do not invite you thither; but the house will be safe a-bed, and scandal will be avoided. _Wood._ Hang scandal; I am above it at those times. _Saint._ But scandal is the greatest part of the offence; you must be secret. And I must warn you of another thing; there are, besides myself, two more young women in my house. _Wood._ [_Aside._] That, besides herself, is a cooling card.--Pray, how young are they? _Saint._ About my age: some eighteen, or twenty, or thereabouts. _Wood._ Oh, very good! Two more young women besides yourself, and both handsome? _Saint._ No, verily, they are painted outsides; you must not cast your eyes upon them, nor listen to their conversation: You are already chosen for a better work. _Wood._ I warrant you, let me alone: I am chosen, I. _Saint._ They are a couple of alluring wanton minxes. _Wood._ Are they very alluring, say you? very wanton? _Saint._ You appear exalted, when I mention those pit-falls of iniquity. _Wood._ Who, I exalted? Good faith, I am as sober, a melancholy poor soul!-- _Saint._ I see this abominable sin of swearing is rooted in you. Tear it out; oh, tear it out! it will destroy your precious soul. _Wood._ I find we two shall scarce agree: I must not come to your closet when I have got a bottle; for, at such a time, I am horribly given to it. _Saint._ Verily, a little swearing may be then allowable: You may swear you love me, it is a lawful oath; but then, you must not look on harlots. _Wood._ I must wheedle her, and whet my courage first on her; as a good musician always preludes before a tune. Come, here is my first oath. [_Embracing her._ _Enter_ ALDO. _Aldo._ How now, Mrs Saintly! what work have we here towards? _Wood._ [_Aside._] Aldo, my own natural father, as I live! I remember the lines of that hide-bound face: Does he lodge here? If he should know me, I am ruined. _Saint._ Curse on his coming! he has disturbed us. [_Aside._] Well, young gentleman, I shall take a time to instruct you better. _Wood._ You shall find me an apt scholar. _Saint._ I must go abroad upon some business; but remember your promise, to carry yourself soberly, and without scandal in my family; and so I leave you to this gentleman, who is a member of it. [_Exit_ SAINT.