_Sir John._ If that were all; but the man will come and claim her again. _Warn._ Examples have been frequent of those that have been wanton, and yet afterwards take up. _Sir John._ Ay, the same thing they took up before. _Warn._ The truth is, an honest simple girl, that's ignorant of all things, maketh the best matrimony: There is such pleasure in instructing her; the best is, there's not one dunce in all the sex; such a one with a good fortune---- _Sir John._ Ay, but where is she, Warner? _Warn._ Near enough, but that you are too far engaged. _Sir John._ Engaged to one, that hath given me the earnest of cuckoldom beforehand! _Warn._ What think you then of Mrs Christian here in the house? There's five thousand pounds, and a better penny. _Sir John._ Ay, but is she fool enough? _Warn._ She's none of the wise virgins, I can assure you. _Sir John._ Dear Warner, step into the next room, and inveigle her out this way, that I may speak to her. _Warn._ Remember, above all things, you keep this wooing secret; if it takes the least wind, old Moody will be sure to hinder it. _Sir John._ Dost thou think I shall get her aunt's consent? _Warn._ Leave that to me. [_Exit_ WARN. _Sir John._ How happy a man shall I be, if I can but compass this! and what a precipice have I avoided! then the revenge, too, is so sweet, to steal a wife under her father's nose, and leave 'em in the lurch, who have abused me; well, such a servant as this Warner is a jewel. _Enter_ WARNER _and Mrs_ CHRISTIAN _to him_. _Warn._ There she is, sir; now I'll go to prepare her aunt. [_Exit._ _Sir John._ Sweet mistress, I am come to wait upon you. _Chr._ Truly you are too good to wait on me. _Sir John._ And in the condition of a suitor. _Chr._ As how, forsooth? _Sir John._ To be so happy as to marry you. _Chr._ O Lord, I would not marry for any thing! _Sir John._ Why? 'tis the honest end of womankind. _Chr._ Twenty years hence, forsooth: I would not lie in bed with a man for a world, their beards will so prickle one. _Sir John._ Pah!--What an innocent girl it is, and very child! I like a colt that never yet was backed; for so I shall make her what I list, and mould her as I will. Lord! her innocence makes me laugh my cheeks all wet. [_Aside_.]--Sweet lady---- _Chr._ I'm but a gentlewoman, forsooth. _Sir John._ Well then, sweet mistress, if I get your friends' consent, shall I have yours? _Chr._ My old lady may do what she will, forsooth; but by my truly, I hope she will have more care of me, than to marry me yet. Lord bless me, what should I do with a husband? _Sir John._ Well, sweetheart, then instead of wooing you, I must woo my old lady. _Chr._ Indeed, gentleman, my old lady is married already: Cry you mercy, forsooth, I think you are a knight. _Sir John._ Happy in that title, only to make you a lady.