_Jud._ O Lord, madam, what shall I say? _Mrs Brain._ How should I know what you should say? Mr Brainsick has heard a man's voice within; if you know what he makes there, confess the truth; I am almost dead with fear, and he stands shaking. _Brain._ Terror, I! 'tis indignation shakes me. With this sabre I'll slice him as small as atoms; he shall be doomed by the judge, and damned upon the gibbet. _Jud._ [_Kneeling._] My master's so outrageous! sweet madam, do you intercede for me, and I'll tell you all in private. [_Whispers._ If I say it is a thief, he'll call up help; I know not what of the sudden to invent. _Mrs Brain._ Let me alone.--And is this all? Why would you not confess it before, Judith? when you know I am an indulgent mistress. [_Laughs._ _Brain._ What has she confessed? _Mrs Brain._ A venial love-trespass, dear: 'tis a sweetheart of hers; one that is to marry her; and she was unwilling I should know it, so she hid him in her chamber. _Enter_ ALDO. _Aldo._ What's the matter trow? what, in martial posture, son Brainsick? _Jud._ Pray, father Aldo, do you beg my pardon of my master. I have committed a fault; I have hidden a gentleman in my chamber, who is to marry me without his friends' consent, and therefore came in private to me. _Aldo._ That thou should'st think to keep this secret! why, I know it as well as he that made thee. _Mrs Brain._ [_Aside._] Heaven be praised, for this knower of all things! Now will he lie three or four rapping volunteers, rather than be thought ignorant in any thing. _Brain._ Do you know his friends, father Aldo? _Aldo._ Know them! I think I do. His mother was an arch-deacon's daughter; as honest a woman as ever broke bread: she and I have been cater-cousins in our youth; we have tumbled together between a pair of sheets, i'faith. _Brain._ An honest woman, and yet you two have tumbled together! those are inconsistent. _Aldo._ No matter for that. _Mrs Brain._ He blunders; I must help him. [_Aside._] I warrant 'twas before marriage, that you were so great. _Aldo._ Before George, and so it was: for she had the prettiest black mole upon her left ancle, it does me good to think on't! His father was squire What-d'ye-call-him, of what-d'ye-call-em shire. What think you, little Judith? do I know him now? _Jud._ I suppose you may be mistaken: my servant's father is a knight of Hampshire. _Aldo._ I meant of Hampshire. But that I should forget he was a knight, when I got him knighted, at the king's coming in! Two fat bucks, I am sure he sent me. _Brain._ And what's his name? _Aldo._ Nay, for that, you must excuse me; I must not disclose little Judith's secrets. _Mrs Brain._ All this while the poor gentleman is left in pain: we must let him out in secret; for I believe the young fellow is so bashful, he would not willingly be seen.