Enter RHODOPHIL.

But here comes Rhodophil.  It is pretty odd that my mistress should so much resemble his:  The same newsmonger, the same passionate lover of a court, the same—­But, Basta, since I must marry her.  I’ll say nothing, because he shall not laugh at my misfortune.

Rho. Well, Palamede, how go the affairs of love?  You have seen your mistress?

Pala. I have so.

Rho. And how, and how? has the old Cupid, your father, chosen well for you? is he a good woodman?

Pala. She’s much handsomer than I could have imagined:  In short, I love her, and will marry her.

Rho. Then you are quite off from your other mistress?

Pala. You are mistaken; I intend to love them both, as a reasonable man ought to do:  For, since all women have their faults and imperfections, it is fit that one of them should help out the other.

Rho. This were a blessed doctrine, indeed, if our wives would hear it; but they are their own enemies:  If they would suffer us but now and then to make excursions, the benefit of our variety would be theirs; instead of one continued, lazy, tired love, they would, in their turns, have twenty vigorous, fresh, and active lovers.

Pala. And I would ask any of them, whether a poor narrow brook, half dry the best part of the year, and running ever one way, be to be compared to a lusty stream, that has ebbs and flows?

Rho. Ay, or is half so profitable for navigation?

  Enter DORALICE, walking by, and reading.

Pala. Ods my life, Rhodophil, will you keep my counsel?

Rho. Yes:  Where’s the secret?

Pala. There it is:  [Shewing DOR.] I may tell you, as my friend, sub sigillo, &c. this is that very lady, with whom I am in love.

Rho. By all that’s virtuous, my wife! [Aside.

Pala. You look strangely:  How do you like her?  Is she not very handsome?

Rho. Sure he abuses me. [Aside.]—­Why the devil do you ask my judgment?

Pala. You are so dogged now, you think no man’s mistress handsome but your own.  Come, you shall hear her talk too; she has wit, I assure you.

Rho. This is too much, Palamede. [Going back.

Pala. Pr’ythee do not hang back so:  Of an old tried lover, thou art the most bashful fellow! [Pulling him forward.

Dor. Were you so near, and would not speak, dear husband?
          
                                              [Looking up.

Pala. Husband, quoth a!  I have cut out a fine piece of work for myself. [Aside.

Rho. Pray, spouse, how long have you been acquainted with this gentleman?