_Mon._ Indeed, my lord, I own my sex's follies; I've them all, And, to avoid its faults, must fly from you. Therefore, believe me, could you raise me high As most fantastic woman's wish could reach, And lay all nature's riches at my feet, I'd rather run a savage in the woods Amongst brute beasts, grow wrinkled and deformed As wildness and most rude neglect could make me, So I might still enjoy my honour safe From the destroying wiles of faithless men. [_Exit._ _Pol._ Who'd be that sordid foolish thing called man, To cringe thus, fawn, and flatter for a pleasure, Which beasts enjoy so very much above him? The lusty bull ranges through all the field, And, from the herd singling his female out, Enjoys her, and abandons her at will. It shall be so; I'll yet possess my love, Wait on, and watch her loose unguarded hours; Then, when her roving thoughts have been abroad, And brought in wanton wishes to her heart, In the very minute when her virtue nods, I'll rush upon her in a storm of love, Beat down her guard of honour all before me, Surfeit on joys, till even desire grow sick; Then by long absence liberty regain, And quite forget the pleasure and the pain. [_Exeunt._ [Illustration] [Illustration] ACT THE SECOND. SCENE I.--_A Room in_ ACASTO'S _House_. _Enter_ ACASTO, CASTALIO, POLYDORE, _and_ Attendants. _Acast._ To-day has been a day of glorious sport. When you, Castalio, and your brother left me, Forth from the thickets rushed another boar, So large, he seemed the tyrant of the woods, With all his dreadful bristles raised up high, They seemed a grove of spears upon his back; Foaming he came at me, where I was posted, Best to observe which way he'd lead the chase, Whetting his huge long tusks, and gaping wide, As if he already had me for his prey; Till, brandishing my well-poised javelin high, With this bold executing arm, I struck The ugly brindled monster to the heart. _Cast._ The actions of your life were always wondrous. _Acast._ No flattery, boy! an honest man can't live by't: It is a little sneaking art, which knaves Use to cajole and soften fools withal; If thou hast flattery in thy nature, out with't, Or send it to a court; for there 'twill thrive. _Pol._ Why there?