_Warn._ But what was it? _Sir Mart._ I feigned a letter as from an unknown friend to Moody, wherein I gave him to understand, that if his daughter went out this afternoon, she would infallibly be snapped by some young fellows that lay in wait for her. _Warn._ Very good. _Sir Mart._ That which follows is yet better; for he I sent assures me, that in that very nick of time my letter came, her father was just sending her abroad with a very foolish rascally fellow, that was with him. _Warn._ And did you perform all this, a'God's name? Could you do this wonderful miracle without giving your soul to the devil for his help? _Sir Mart._ I tell thee, man, I did it; and it was done by the help of no devil, but this familiar of my own brain; how long would it have been ere thou couldst have thought of such a project? Martin said to his man, _Who's the fool now?_ _Warn._ Who's the fool! why, who uses to be the fool? he that ever was since I knew him, and ever will be so. _Sir Mart._ What a pox! I think thou art grown envious; not one word in my commendation? _Warn._ Faith, sir, my skill is too little to praise you as you deserve; but if you would have it according to my poor ability, you are one that had a knock in your cradle, a conceited lack-wit, a designing ass, a hair-brained fop, a confounded busy-brain, with an eternal windmill in it; this, in short, sir, is the contents of your panegyric. _Sir Mart._ But what the devil have I done, to set you thus against me? _Warn._ Only this, sir: I was the foolish rascally fellow that was with Moody, and your worship was he to whom I was to bring his daughter. _Sir Mart._ But how could I know this? I am no witch. _Warn._ No, I'll be sworn for you, you are no conjurer. Will you go, sir? _Sir Mart._ Will you hear my justification? _Warn._ Shall I see the back of you? speak not a word in your defence. [_Shoves him._ _Sir Mart._ This is the strangest luck now---- [_Exit._ _Warn._ I'm resolved this devil of his shall never weary me; I will overcome him, I will invent something that shall stand good in spite of his folly. Let me see-- _Enter Lord._ _Lord._ Here he is--I must venture on him, for the tyranny of this old lady is unsupportable; since I have made her my confident, there passes not an hour, but she passes a pull at my purse-strings; I shall be ruined if I do not quit myself of her suddenly: I find, now, by sad experience, that a mistress is much more chargeable than a wife, and after a little time too, grows full as dull and insignificant.--Mr Warner! have you a mind to do yourself a courtesy, and me another? _Warn._ I think, my lord, the question need not be much disputed, for I have always had a great service for your lordship, and some little kindness for myself.