Luc. [giving her hand.] There, sir, ’tis a true one.

Fred. [kissing it.] This, then, is a seal to our perpetual friendship, and defiance to all love.

Luc. That seducer of virtue.

Fred. That disturber of quiet.

Luc. That madness of youth.

Fred. That dotage of old age.

Luc. That enemy to good humour.

Fred. And, to conclude all, that reason of all unreasonable actions.

Asca. This doctrine is abominable; do not believe it, sister.

Hip. No; if I do, brother, may I never have comfort from sweet youth at my extremity.

Luc. But remember one article of our friendship, that though we banish love, we do not mirth, nor gallantly; for I declare, I am for all extravagancies, but just loving.

Fred. Just my own humour; for I hate gravity and melancholy next to love.

Asca. Now it comes into my head, the duke of Mantua makes an entertainment to night in masquerade:  If you love extravagancy so well, madam, I’ll put you into the head of one; lay by your nunship for an hour or two, and come amongst us in disguise.

Fred. My boy is in the right, madam.  Will you venture?  I’ll furnish you with masking-habits.

Hip. O my dear sister, never refuse it; I keep the keys, you know:  I’ll warrant you we will return before we are missed.  I do so long to have one fling into the sweet world again, before I die.  Hang it, at worst, it is but one sin more, and then we will repent for all together.

Asca. But if I catch you in the world, sister, I’ll make you have a better opinion of the flesh and the devil for ever after.

Luc. If it were known, I were lost for ever.

Fred. How should it be known?  You have her on your side, there, that keeps the keys:  And, put the worst, that you are taken in the world, the world is a good world to stay in; and there are certain occasions of waking in a morning, that may be more pleasant to you than your matins.

Luc. Fye, friend, these extravagancies are a breach of articles in our friendship.  But well, for once, I’ll venture to go out:  Dancing and singing are but petty transgressions.

Asca. My lord, here is company approaching; we shall be discovered.

Fred. Adieu, then, jusqu’ a revoir; Ascanio shall be with you immediately, to conduct you.

Asca. How will you disguise, sister?  Will you be a man or a woman?

Hip. A woman, brother page, for life:  I should have the strangest thoughts if I once wore breeches.

Asca. A woman, say you?  Here is my hand, if I meet you in place convenient, I’ll do my best to make you one. [Exeunt.

  Enter AURELIAN and CAMILLO.