_Mat._ Heaven bless us, madam, what a face you make him! If it be yellow, he must have the jaundice, And that's a bad disease. _Em._ Why then do lovers give a thing so bad As gold to women, whom so well they love? _Mat._ Because that bad thing, gold, buys all good things. _Em._ Yet I must know him better: Of all colours, Tell me which is the purest, and the softest. _Mat._ They say, 'tis black. _Em._ Why, then, since gold is hard, and yet is precious, His face must all be made of soft, black gold. _Mat._ But, madam,---- _Em._ No more; I have learned enough for once. _Mat._ Here are a crew of Kentish lads and lasses Would entertain ye, till your lord's return, With songs and dances, to divert your cares. _Em._ O bring them in; For, though I cannot see the songs, I love them; And love, they tell me, is a dance of hearts. _Enter Shepherds and Shepherdesses._ 1 Shepherd sings. _How blest are shepherds, how happy their lasses, While drums and trumpets are sounding alarms! Over our lowly sheds all the storm passes; And when we die, 'tis in each others arms. All the day on our herds and flocks employing; All the night on our flutes, and in enjoying._ Chor. _All the day_, &c. _Bright nymphs of Britain, with graces attended, Let not your days without pleasure expire; Honour's but empty, and, when youth is ended, All men will praise you, but none will desire; Let not youth fly away without contenting; Age will come time enough for your repenting._ Chor. _Let not youth_, &c. [Here the Men offer their Flutes to the Women, which they refuse. 2 Shepherdess. _Shepherd, shepherd, leave decoying, Pipes are sweet a summer's day; But a little after toying, Women have the shot to pay. Here are marriage-vows for signing, Set their marks that cannot write; After that, without repining, Play, and welcome, day and night._ [Here the Women give the Men Contracts, which they accept. Chor. } _Come, shepherds, lead up a lively measure;_ of all. } _The cares of wedlock are cares of pleasure: But whether marriage bring joy or sorrow, Make sure of this day, and hang to-morrow._ [The Dance after the Song, and _Exeunt_ Shepherds and Shepherdesses. _Enter, on the other side of the Stage_, OSWALD _and_ GUILLAMAR. _Osw._ The night has wildered us; and we are fallen Among their foremost tents. _Guil._ Ha! what are these? They seem of more than vulgar quality. _Em._ What sounds are those? they cannot far be distant. Where are we now, Matilda? _Mat._ Just before your tent. Fear not, they must be friends, and they approach. _Em._ My Arthur! speak, my love; are you returned To bless your Emmeline?