Lov.  If I be blasted, it must out.

Const.  Either tell me, or resolve to take your leave for ever.

Lov.  Then know, I have my means,—­I know not how.

Const.  This is a fine secret.

Lov.  Why, then, if you will needs know, ’tis from the devil; I have money from him, what, and when I please.

Const.  Have you sealed a covenant, and given away your soul for money?

Lov.  No such thing intended on my part.

Const.  How then?

Lov.  I know not yet what conditions he’ll propose.  I should have spoke with him last night, but that a cross chance hindered it.

Const.  Well, my opinion is, some great lady, that is in love with you, supplies you still; and you tell me an incredible tale of the devil, merely to shadow your infidelity.

Lov.  Devise some means to try me.

Const.  I take you at your word.  You shall swear freely to bestow on me whatever you shall gain this unknown way; and, for a proof, because you tell me you can have money, what, and when you please, bring me a hundred pounds ere night.—­If I do marry him for a wit, I’ll see what he can do; he shall have none from me. [Aside.

Lov.  You overjoy me, madam; you shall have it, an ’twere twice as much.

Const.  How’s this?

Lov.  The devil a cross that I have, or know where to get; but I must promise well, to save my credit.—­Now, devil, if thou dost forsake me!

[Aside.

Const.  I mistrust you; and, therefore, if you fail, I’ll have your hand to show against you; here’s ink and paper. [LOVEBY writes.

Enter BURR, and TIMOROUS.

Burr.  What makes Loveby yonder?  He’s writing somewhat.

Tim.  I’ll go see. [Looks over him.

Lov.  Have you no more manners than to overlook a man when he’s a writing?—­Oh! is’t you, Sir Timorous?  You may stand still; now I think on’t, you cannot read written hand.

Burr.  You are very familiar with Sir Timorous.

Lov.  So am I with his companions, sir.

Burr.  Then there’s hopes you and I may be better acquainted.  I am one of his companions.

Lov.  By what title? as you are an ass, sir?

Const.  No more, Loveby.

Lov.  I need not, madam.  Alas! this fellow is only the solicitor of a quarrel, ’till he has brought it to an head; and will leave the fighting part to the courteous pledger.  Do not I know these fellows?  You shall as soon persuade a mastiff to fasten on a lion, as one of those to engage with a courage above their own:  They know well enough whom they can beat, and who can beat them.

Enter FAILER at a distance.

Fail.  Yonder they are:  Now, would I compound for a reasonable sum, that I were friends with Burr.  If I am not, I shall lose Sir Timorous.