_Lus._ Attend me. I am past my depth in lust, And I must swim or drown. All my desires Are levelled at a virgin not far from court, To whom I have conveyed by messenger Many waxed lines, full of my neatest spirit, And jewels that were able to ravish her Without the help of man; all which and more She (foolish chaste) sent back, the messengers Receiving frowns for answers. _Ven._ Possible! 'Tis a rare Phœnix, whoe'er she be. If your desires be such, she so repugnant, In troth, my lord, I'd be revenged and marry her. _Lus._ Pish! the dowry of her blood and of her fortunes Are both too mean--good enough to be bad withal. I'm one of that number can defend Marriage is good; yet rather keep a friend. Give me my bed by stealth--there's true delight; What breeds a loathing in't, but night by night! _Ven._ A very fine religion! _Lus._ Therefore thus I'll trust thee in the business of my heart; Because I see thee well-experienced In this luxurious day wherein we breathe. Go thou, and with a smooth enchanting tongue Bewitch her ears, and cosen her of all grace: Enter upon the portion[192] of her soul-- Her honour, which she calls her chastity, And bring it into expense; for honesty Is like a stock of money laid to sleep Which, ne'er so little broke, does never keep. _Ven._ You have gi'en't the tang,[193] i' faith, my lord: Make known the lady to me, and my brain Shall swell with strange invention: I will move it, Till I expire with speaking, and drop down Without a word to save me--but I'll work-- _Lus._ We thank thee, and will raise thee.-- Receive her name; it is the only daughter to Madam Gratiana, the late widow. _Ven._ O my sister, my sister! [_Aside._ _Lus._ Why dost walk aside? _Ven._ My lord, I was thinking how I might begin: As thus, O lady--or twenty hundred devices-- Her very bodkin will put a man in. _Lus._ Ay, or the wagging of her hair. _Ven._ No, that shall put you in, my lord. _Lus._ Shall't? why, content. Dost know the daughter then? _Ven._ O, excellent well by sight. _Lus._ That was her brother, That did prefer thee to us. _Ven._ My lord, I think so; I knew I had seen him somewhere-- _Lus._ And therefore, prythee, let thy heart to him Be as a virgin close. _Ven._ O my good lord. _Lus._ We may laugh at that simple age within him. _Ven._ Ha, ha, ha! _Lus._ Himself being made the subtle instrument, To wind up a good fellow.[194] _Ven._ That's I, my lord. _Lus._ That's thou, To entice and work his sister. _Ven._ A pure novice! _Lus._ 'Twas finely managed. _Ven._ Gallantly carried! A pretty perfumed villain! _Lus._ I've bethought me, If she prove chaste still and immovable, Venture upon the mother; and with gifts, As I will furnish thee, begin with her.