Isa.  I thought you had a better opinion of my wit, than to think I was in earnest.  My cousin may do what she pleases, but he shall never pin himself upon me, assure him.

Const. to Fail.  Sir Timorous little knows how dangerous a person he has employed in making love.—­[Aloud.

Burr.  How’s this!  Pray, my lady Constance, what’s the meaning of that you say to Failer?

Fail.  What luck was this, that he should overhear you!  Pax on’t!

Const.  Mr Burr, I owe you not that satisfaction; what you have heard you may interpret as you please.

Tim.  The rascal has betrayed me.

Isa.  In earnest, sir, I do not like it.

Fail.  Dear Mr Burr, be pacified; you are a person I have an honour for; and this change of affairs shall not be the worse for you, egad, sir.

Const.  Bear up resolutely, Mr Failer; and maintain my favours, as becomes my servant.

Burr.  He maintain ’em! go, you Judas; I’ll teach you what ’tis to play fast and loose with a man of war. [Kicks him.

Tim.  Lay it on, Burr.

Isa.  Spare him not, Burr.

Const.  Fear him not, servant.

Fail.  Oh, oh! would nobody were on my side! here I am praised, I vow to gad, into all the colours of the rainbow.

Const.  But remember ’tis for me.

Burr.  As you like this, proceed, sir; but, come not near me to-night, while I’m in wrath.

[Exeunt BURR and TIMOROUS.

Const.  Come, sir; how fare you after your sore trial?  You bore it with a most heroic patience.

Isa. Brave man at arms, but weak to Balthazar[A]!

[Footnote A:  Alluding to the old play of Hieronymo.]

Fail.  I hope to gad, madam, you’ll consider the merit of my sufferings.  I would not have been beaten thus, but to obey that person in the world—­

Const.  Heaven reward you for’t; I never shall.

Fail.  How, madam!

Isa.  Art thou such an ass, as not to perceive thou art abused?  This beating I contrived for you:  you know upon what account; and have yet another or two at your service.  Yield up the knight in time, ’tis your best course.

Fail.  Then does not your ladyship love me, madam?

Const.  Yes, yes, I love to see you beaten.

Isa.  Well, methinks now you have had a hard bargain on’t:  You have lost your cully, Sir Timorous, and your friend, Burr, and all to get a poor beating.  But I’ll see it mended against next time for you.

[Exeunt CONSTANCE and ISABELLA, laughing.

Fail.  I am so much amazed, I vow to gad, I do not understand my own condition. [Exit.

SCENE II.