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VOTARIUS

Now, by this light, then, wipe but off this score,

Since y'are so bent, and if I ever run

In debt again to falsehood and dissemblance

For want of better means, tear the remembrance of me

From your best thoughts.

ANSELMUS

For thy vow's sake, I pardon thee.

Thy oath is now sufficient watch itself

Over thy actions. I discharge my jealousy;

I ha' no more use for't now. To give thee way,

I'll have an absence made purposely for thee

And presently take horse. I'll leave behind me

An opportunity that shall fear no starting;

Let but thy pains deserve it.

VOTARIUS

I am bound to't.

ANSELMUS

For a small time, farewell, then. Hark thee--

VOTARIUS

Oh, good sir,

It will do wondrous well!

Exit Anselmus.

What a wild seed

Suspicion sows in him, and takes small ground for't!

How happy were this lord if he would leave

To tempt his fate and be resolved he were so;

He would be but too rich.

Man has some enemy still that keeps him back

In all his fortunes, and his mind is his,

And that's a mighty adversary. I had rather

Have twenty kings my enemies than that part,

For let me be at war with earth and hell

So that be friends with me. I ha' sworn to make

A trial of her faith; I must put on.

Enter Wife.

A courtier's face and do't; mine own will shame me.

WIFE

This is most strange of all. How one distraction

Seconds another!

VOTARIUS

What's the news, sweet madam?

WIFE

H'as took his horse, but left his leave untaken.

What should I think on't, sir? Did ever lord

Depart so rudely from his lady's presence?

VOTARIUS

Did he forget your lip?

WIFE

He forgot all

That nobleness remembers.

VOTARIUS

I'm ashamed on him.

Let me help, madam, to repair his manners

And mend that unkind faith.

[Attempts to kiss her.]

WIFE

Sir, pray forbear!

You forget worse than he.

VOTARIUS

[Aside] So virtue save me,

I have enough already.

WIFE

'Tis himself

Must make amends, good sir, for his own faults.

VOTARIUS

[Aside] I would he'd do't, then, and ne'er trouble me in't.--

But, madam, you perceive he takes the course

To be far off from that. He's rode from home;

But his unkindness stays, and keeps with you.

Let whose will please his wife, he rides his horse;

That's all the care he takes. I pity you, madam;

Y'ave an unpleasing lord: would 'twere not so.

I should rejoice with you.

You're young; the very spring's upon you now:

The roses on your cheeks are but new blown.

Take you together, y'are a pleasant garden

Where all the sweetness of man's comfort breathes.

But what is it to be a work of beauty

And want the heart that should delight in you?

You still retain your goodness in yourselves,

But then you lose your glory, which is all.

The grace of every benefit is the use,

And is't not pity you should want your grace?

Look you like one whose lord should walk in groves

About the peace of midnight? Alas, madam,

'Tis to me wondrous how you should spare the day

From amorous clips, much less the general season

When all the world's a gamester.

That face deserves a friend of heart and spirit,

Discourse, and motion, indeed such a one

That should observe you, madam, without ceasing,

And not a weary lord.

WIFE

Sure I was married, sir,

In a dear year of love, when scarcity

And famine of affection vexed poor ladies,

Which makes my heart so needy; it ne'er knew

Plenty of comfort yet.

VOTARIUS

Why, that's your folly,

To keep your mind so miserably, madam.

Change into better times; I'll lead you to 'em.

What bounty shall your friend expect for his!

Oh, you that can be hard to your own heart,

How would you use your friend's? If I thought kindly,

I'd be the man myself should serve your pleasure.

WIFE

How, sir!

VOTARIUS

Nay, and ne'er miss you too. I'd not come sneaking

Like a retainer once a week or so

To show myself before you for my livery.

I'd follow business like a household servant;

Carry my work before me, and dispatch

Before my lord be up, and make no words on't:

The sign of a good servant.

WIFE

'Tis